CH Down DaTrail Hunting Thrills, CD, CGC, AOM

Thriller was very much a "dog specific" acquisition. I was actually supposed to get his litterbrother, but due to an illness in my family, I was unable to respond to breeder, Dennis Akins, in a timely manner. So, Links, was sold to a wonderful family in Canada. When Dennis approached me later about co-owning Thriller, I jumped at the chance. Knowing that he was the better of the two boys in the litter, and watching him at shows as a puppy, I saw tremendous potential in him as a showdog.

Thrills is from Dennis' first litter, and since we were to co-own him, I opted to leave him with Dennis, so he could be finished from the Bred By class, then I would take him as a Special. Never could either of us have guessed how important that decision would be.

When Thrills FINALLY finished in Perry, GA (never realizing how hard it is to find Majors in Curlies), we were just elated! Thrills is the first Champion son of BISS CH Pizzazz Topped With Desire, who has won back to back AKC/Euk Invitational Best of Breeds, as well as the 2007 CCRCA National Specialty Best of Breed. Not only did he finish will all points from Bred By Exhibitor classes, but earned a 2 year qualification for the AKC/Euk Invitational Bred By Competition. It also marked his time to come home.

Breed wins were slow in coming for our young boy...as he still looked and acted like the youngster he was. However, since I was Specialing a Shiba, it was only natural to take Thriller along for the ride. I had become used to being the only Curly entered at the shows, having racked up 10 Breed wins...and only defeated 3 other Curlies in the process.

In September 2007, we made the move from Tennessee back to our native New York State, settling in a little town in Western NY, and it seemed to signal a turning point in Thriller's show career. At our first show, barely 3 weeks following the move, Thrills won his first of 3 Best of Breed wins, defeating 40 Curlies over the course of the 4 day Wine Country weekend. He also picked up his first Sporting Group 1, under Canadian judge, Max Magder!

We sent Thrills back to TN in November so that he could make the trip to Long Beach for the AKC/Euk Invitational, and the Bred By Exhibitor Competition. I was very happy to be able to send him, additionally, as a Top 25 Competitor. He gave a wonderful showing with Dennis, and was not only Best Bred By Exhibitor, but also Best of Opposite Sex to his dam, Desi!! The rest of December held only the Crown Classic (and a horrible snow storm) in Cleveland, and another 3 Best of Breed weekend. Thrills finished 2007 as the #9 Breed and #12 AllBreed Curly Coated Retriever. And he still lacked the maturity to be truly competitive.

Thrills was undefeated in January 2008, winning all 6 of his shows. He also picked up his SECOND Group 1, at Kennel Club of Buffalo, under judge Mr Arley Hussin! He won his THIRD Group 1 at the conclusion of Nationals week in Lebanon, PA under judge Ms Charlotte Clem McGowan! Watch for him in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and occasional Southern shows.

Following a slow start in Obedience in May 2008, Thrills came out with all pistons firing, and completed his CD in Waynesburg, PA. I guess next we try Rally and Agility!

Thriller is OFA Good, Hips & Elbows, CERF Certified, Cardiac Normal and DNA normal for GSDIIIa. His first litter, out of CH Nyehyrst Nemesis, is on the ground and should be hitting the showrings after April. Thriller is available on private contract to approved bitches.

For more information on Thriller, please contact us. For information on Thrill's dam, Desi, contact Dennis Akins.

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