Branbern Bernese

Branbern in 2009

Ch Branbern Royal Nigel finished 2009 as the Number 1 Bernese Mountain Dog in Australia (DOL pointscore) and the Number 5 Utility dog in New South Wales.

22 November 2009.
At the Dogs NSW Spring Fair, Ch Branbern Royal Nigel was awarded Best Exhibit in Group under Mr I. Selmovic from Croatia, capping off a great year. 

October 2009.
Ch Branbern Royal Nigel finished October on a real high being awarded RUBIS two weekends in a row.
On the 24th October Nigel was awarded RuBIS by Mrs G Lesh (NSW) at the Blaxland and Glenbrook RSL Kennel Club Show and then the following weekend, 31st of October, Mr C Francis from Canada awarded Nigel RuBIS at the Liverpool & District All Breeds Kennel Club Show.

Nigel- Runner Up Best Exhibit in Show, Liverpool & District ABKC under Mr C Francis Canada (Handler Sam Stein)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



13 August 2009.
Branbern was represented at the Brisbane Royal Show by Branbern Baracca, Ch Branbern Dark Windsor and Ch Branbern Dark N Sassy in a total entry of 12 BMD. Under Mrs B.Banbury (UK) Dark N Sassy was awarded BCC, Dark Windsor was awarded 1st in the Open Dog class and Baracca topped it all being awarded DCC and then BOB from the Junior Class!

Branbern Baracca - Best of Breed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5th July 2009
Ch Branbern Royal Nigel takes out Best In Show at the Hawkesbury Kennel Club champ show under Mrs H Beasley and Mr T. Valli. Its a great result to follow up his litter brother Wilbur's (Royal Garter) title attainment in the UK!

Lyn and Nigel celebrate being awarded Best in Show

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 2009
The BMD club of Victoria held their Specialty over the June long weekend with
about 85 entries for judge Mr A Burt (Vic). Ch Branbern Royal Nigel had a great
result, winning the DCC & R/U Best in Show. Ch Branbern Saturns Moon also
won Best Opposite Aust Bred in Show. Photos will hopefully come soon!

Congratulations to Steve & Carol Eastley for their BISS win with Ch Cloudforest
Kallistemon (Mimi).

The best news to come this month has come all the way from the UK where Ch
Branbern Royal Garter (Wilbur) has followed on from his DCC win at CRUFTS
with a Best of Breed win at the Border Union Champ Show under judge Marion
Spavin, which is not only a great result in itself but it gives him his third CC needed
to qualify as an English Champion!! As you can imagine we are thrilled with the
result & are eternally grateful to the team at MeadowPark for all they have done
for Branbern!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April & May 2009
The last couple of months have been relatively quiet, although there have still
been a few noteable wins. Branbern Baracca (Ch Swisskiss Southern Land x
Branbern Royal Passion) has made quite a name for himself in a short period
of time down in Canberra, opening his account with a Best in Group from the
junior class at the Dogs ACT Amenities Champ Show under Mr J Birch. He also
snagged a couple of Junior in Group sashes in the following few weeks as well.
He hasn't had it all his way down in Canberra though, with Ch Branbern Dark
Windsor winning Best in Group at the Orange Society Show under Mrs T
Comerford (NSW), and also no less than 3 Australian Bred in Group awards
in May!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sydney Royal 2009
The Royal proved to a great day in the ring for Branbern! Ch Branbern Royal
Nigel took out Open Dog & Best of Breed which tops off an awesome start for
the year after winning no less than four Runner Up in Group awards in the last
5 weeks. His father Ch Branbern Royal Salute was awarded Reserve Dog &
R/U Best of Breed. Spencer's daughter Ch Kraigoaks Aurilia won the BCC &
Ch Branbern Royal Spy HT was Res BCC.
We also won many other classes, with Branbern Diva Doll (Spencer x Hayley)
winning Puppy Bitch, Branbern Sugar Ray winning Junior Dog, Branbern Rebel
Raiser winning Junior Bitch, Branbern Dark N Sassy winning Intermediate Bitch,
and Ch Branbern Saturns Moon winning Australian Bred Bitch. So its safe to
say we left no stone unturned! Nigel has now won Best of Breed at Sydney
Royal 3 years running!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Late in 2008 Branbern lost 2 of our greatest ambassadors.

Ch Elmira's Colorado High, 4/12/1997 - 5/7/2008

Mel entered the Branbern home at the age of 9 months, after having flown
over from the USA with his sister Hanna (Ch Elmiras Miss Specialty).

Mel was very special in his love for all people and children and would quiver
with excitement in the backyard to meet, greet and slobber over everyone
who came to visit. Not only a great personality but also a lovely specimen
of the breed winning many BOB at Royals and making Group 4th at Melbourne
Royal. His last public appearance was at Sydney Royal 2007 winning the
veterans class, and gushing all over the hundreds of spectators who visited the
Dog Pavilion, to be greeted with a very large dog walking along the seat barriers
and sticking his tail and head thru the rails to be patted.

Sadly Mel was put to sleep in September 2008 aged 10.6 years. My 28 yr old son
wept with me as we buried him beneath a newly planted Magnolia tree.

Grand Champion Branbern Abbeys Echo 10/10/1997 - 12/2008

A few months after this sad day, my over the top much loved Derby Dog Grand
Champion Branbern Abbey's Echo was sadly put to sleep with spinal spurs, at
the age of 11.2 yrs. Well what can one say about this Grand Dog, he was old
in age but never old in mind or body, he was the dog jumping over our gate
and fences on our property, he was never too easy with his masculine peers,
but loved people, puppies and life to the fullest.
His incredible soundness in every limb has been passed on to many offspring
with so much attitude that it makes the average Berner look boring.

Ever in my mind at Branbern, he was the sire of the Crufts BOB breed winning
dog 2004 Eng/Aust Ch. Branbern Special Knight.

Derby himself was a Multi Best in Show Winner All Breeds, attaining results such
as Group 4th at Melbourne Royal, Best in Group at Perth Royal in 2000, Best in
Show in the BMD club of Victoria's 2004 Specialty along with at least 15 other Best
in Group wins.

He lives on in heart and soul now in many of the top winning lines in Australia and
now in the UK.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January - March 2009

The first few months of 2009 have been busy indeed, with the usual suspects
getting some great results as well a few new young ones. Branbern Dark Windsor
has been busy in the General Specials ring, winning a Runner Up in Group at the
Crookwell A P & H Society Champ Show under Mr W M Gunter (NSW), and also
winning three Intermediate in Group awards, with one being awarded at the Canberra
Royal Show under Mr E Filippini (Argentina). Despite Dark Windsor winning his
class in group, it was actually Branbern Black Ice who took out Best of Breed in
Canberra, with Branbern Dark n Sassy winning BCC & Branbern U Wanna Piece
of Me taking out Puppy of Breed.

Branbern Black Ice also had a great start to the year, aside from his Royal win
he also took out Best in Group at the Dogs NSW Fundraising Commitee's Champ
Show, the word on the ringside is that he's looking stunning at the moment so
hopefully the results keep coming in!

Team Branbern took to the ring over the weekend at the Blacktown Kennel &
Obedience Club Champ Shows, firstly on Saturday with Branbern winning both
CC's, Ch Royal Nigel took out the breed and also notching up a R/U Best in Group
under Mrs C Butler (NSW). Sunday's showing proved just as successful, winning
both challenges again and with Branbern Royal Nigel winning the breed, Branbern
Royal Spy winning Best Australian Bred in Group and also young gun Branbern
Top Gun winning Puppy in Group. Keep an eye out for this youngster, he's showing
a lot of promise....
Another couple of young ones doing well are Branbern Diva Doll (Branbern Royal
Salute x Branbern Darbie Doll), and Branbern Bullseye (Ch Swisskiss Southern
Land x Branbern Austrienne), both have won a couple of Best Puppy in Group
this year.

But by far the GREATEST news has come from halfway around the world in the
UK, where Branbern Royal Garter (aka Willybur!) has achieved the stunning
honour of receiving the DCC at CRUFTS, and won BOS of Breed. The full results
for Bernese can be seen here. An incredible result for Branbern, first with a BOB
from Branbern Special Knight in 2004 and now 5 years later with Branbern Royal
Garter winning a second CC, a result which this small kennel from Australia could
barely ever dream of! Everyone at Branbern wishes to thank Meadowpark Kennels
and their support team so VERY MUCH for all they have done for our boy! And the
money's on Ben & Ruth Taylor from Malicloy Kennels (who Wilbur lived with while
he was in Australia) for being quite proud of their Willy-bur!

Ch Branbern Royal Garter winning DCC under judge Mr A Brace (UK)
Superbly handled by Bobbie Kinley-Blewett (Adesa BMD's)

So there has been much cause for celebration so far in 2009.....lets hope the
stellar runs continues!

On the 21st of March we had another great day out, with Ch Branbern Royal
Nigel winning Runner Up in Group, and also Branbern Sugar Ray winning Best
Junior in Group under Mr J Palmer.

The last weekend for March topped off a great month for Branbern, with Ch
Branbern Royal Nigel winning Best of Breed & Runner Up in Group and Branbern
Bold n Beautiful winning Best Intermediate in Group at the Lithgow District KC
under Mr I Hinde (Vic), and also Ch Branbern Black Ice won Best In Group under
 Mrs C Clarke (Qld) at the Fairfield and District KC.

On the same weekend down in the ACT Ch Branbern Dark Windsor had a good
day out winning Best of Breed and also Best Aust Bred in Group under Mrs J Kirin
at the Yass Society Show.


Branbern in 2008

8/11/2008
 Branbern Dark and Sassy wins Best Junior in Group at the Holbrook PA & H
Society champ show under Mr T Valli (NSW)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3/11/2008
Ch Branbern Dark Windsor wins Runner Up in Group under Mr R Scoggins
(Mexico) at the ACTCA November Cup Champ Show.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21/9/2008
Ch Branbern Dark Windsor wins Runner Up in Show at the Hunter Valley
Non-Sporting & Utility Dog Clubs champ show, under Miss K Harrison (NZ).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10/9/2008 - ADELAIDE ROYAL SHOW
Branbern scoops the pool at another Royal, with Ch Branbern Darbie Doll
winning BCC & Best of Breed, Ch Branbern Micahs Pride winning DCC &
R/U Best of Breed, and also Ch Branbern Saturns Moon winning Res BCC
& also the Res DCC awarded to Ch Kraigoaks Buster (from Kraigoaks Kennels,
by Ch Branbern Royal Salute from Ch Branbern Special Reason).
 The judge was Mr Sean Delmar, who is currently President of the Irish Kennel
Club.



Pictured above - Ch Branbern Micahs Pride

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30 & 31/8/2008
 Another great weekend for Branbern at the two Dalwood Kennel Club Champ
Shows with Branbern Royal Murphy winning BOB & also Best Junior in Group
under Mrs W. Slayter on the Saturday, and on the Sunday Branbern Bold n
Beautiful won BOB, and also Best Intermediate in Group under Ms N. Lane.
Ch Branbern Dark Windsor also had some success at the Grenfell PAH&I
Association Ch Show, winning Runner Up in Group & Best Intermediate in 
Show under Mr J. Birch & Mr K Hodge (both from NSW).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23/8/2008
Branbern has a great day at the Norwest Kennel Club Champ Show in Sydney,
with Ch Branbern Royal Nigel winning Runner Up in Group, and also Branbern
Bold n Beautiful winning Intermediate in Show under Mrs A Spanswick (NSW).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


2/8/2008
 Branbern Bold n Beautiful starts off August with a bang, winning Best Intermediate
in Group under judge Mr L Yuen (Malaysia) at the Junior Kennel Club
Championship Show.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


27/7/2008
 Windsor finished off a cracking month winning Best Intermediate in Group at
the Harden Murrumburrah & District Kennel Club champ show under Mrs S
Lane (NSW)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


There has been a lot happening in the Branbern camp in July.
Unfortunately its not all been good news, with our favourite son Mel (Aust Ch
Elmiras Colorado High (imp USA) being euthanaised on the 5th, at the age of 10.5.
His character was second to none, he was the babysitter of all the branbern puppies
during their stay, and he brought soundness, great temperaments & much more to
Branbern Kennels. 

On a happier note, Ch Branbern Black Ice (Douglas) has followed up on his
RUBIS effory in Victoria with a BEST IN GROUP win under Mrs P.H.J Young
(NSW).
 
Ch Branbern Dark Windsor continues to impress, winning Runner up In Group
under Mrs E. Gunter at the Bungendore Champ Show on the 12th, followed by
BEST IN GROUP on the 13th under Mr B. Riddell!

And at the North of the Harbour Kennel Clubs International Weekend, Branbern Rebel Raiser won Best Puppy in Show under Mr P. Machen (Can), while Branbern Bold n Beautiful (Brigette) won BOB over her father Ch Branbern Royal Salute (who was
DCC). The best was yet to come on Sunday however, where Brigette won RU/BOB
& Intermediate in Group under Ms D Janssen (Columbia), finishing off a wonderful
weekend for Branbern.

More news from the UK, where Wilbur (Ch Branbern Royal Garter) has been
showing up a storm, firstly at the SKC Championship Show on May 17th where
he won Best of Breed under Mary Fallas who thought of him: "This male dog came
into the ring with style & commanded full attention. Excellent head held high on a
brilliant reach of neck falling into good shoulder placement. Level topline on a good
body, super stifle and strong hindquarters, had no hesitation in giving him the CC &
Best of Breed. I watched the group and he was pulled out in the final six. He must
have a great future ahead of him."
 And on June 10 at the Three Counties Championship Show he won Open & Reserve
Dog under Gwen Mogford, making this impression: "Super Import. Big, strong boned
male, grand head and expression, well marked. Handsome, lovely neck, good
spring/depth of rib, strong back, level topline, good bend of stifle, strong hocks,
covers the ground well. Reserve CC can only really improve with maturity"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28/6/2008
Windsor's stellar run continues with him winning Best Aust Bred in Show at the 
Lake Macquarie ABKC Champ Show under Mrs L Rowles (NSW) & Mr J Rowles
(NSW). The weekend also starred a young newcomer to the ring with Branbern
Bullseye winning Best Baby Puppy in Group & also 3rd in the Baby Puppy
sweepstakes under Mr D Strachan (NSW). Branbern Bullseye (Chase) is owned
by Michele Kearney from the Darshiva kennels, better known for their Siberian
Huskies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14/6/2008
 Great results from the Yass District Kennel & Training Club, with Ch Branbern
Dark Windsor winning Best Intermediate in Group, and also Branbern Dark and Sassy winning Best Minor Puppy in Group under Judge Mrs K Nicholls (QLD). 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


8/6/2008 *** BMD Club of Victoria Specialty ***

 WHAT A DAY FOR BRANBERN!

BEST IN SHOW & Best Open in Show:  Ch Branbern Royal Salute (right)
Runner Up Best In Show & Aust Bred in Show: Ch Branbern Black Ice (left)


Best Opposite Sex in Show: Ch Branbern Saturns Moon


Not forgetting the class winners......
Best Opposite Aust Bred in Show: Ch Branbern Darbie Doll


Best Intermediate in Show: Ch Branbern Dark Windsor


Best Minor Puppy In Show: Branbern Dark and Sassy


Not only has Spencer won all 3 Specialties in the last 2 years, his progeny also took out RUBIS & Best Intermediate so the future is looking good!
(photos coming soon....)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17 & 18/5/2008
 Ch Branbern Dark Winsdor wins Best in Group at the Temora & District Kennel
Club under Mrs V Knopke (Qld) on the Saturday, then follows it up on Sunday
winning Intermediate in Group under Mr A. McQuire (Qld)!! 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

***News from abroad***
It seems that Wilbur (Ch Branbern Royal Garter), who was sent to Meadowpark
kennels over summer, has turned some heads over in the UK! 
 Wilbur has won Open Dog & RBD at the BMD Club of Scotland's 2008 Alva Open
Show under Mrs S Lawrence, who is from Desulyn Kennels.
 Full results & photos can be found here, including a photo of our winning boy!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25/4/2008
 Ch Branbern Royal Nigel has another great day, winning Runner Up in Group
at the County of Cumberland Kennel Association Champ Show under Mrs L
Black (Vic)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30/3/2008
 Branbern Micahs Pride won best of breed at the Le Fevre Kennel of S.A, to give
him his last points to attain is Australian Championship, topping off a wonderful
weekend for Branbern.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


29/3/2008 - Sydney Royal Show
 Branbern goes to town winning Best of Breed and much more, adding to Branbern's
 stellar history at the Sydney Royal Show!

Ch Branbern Royal Nigel - Open dog, DCC & Best of Breed

Ch Branbern Black Ice - Intermediate Dog
Branbern Royal Murphy - Puppy of Breed & Puppy of the Day
Branbern Bold n Beautiful - Junior Bitch & Reserve BCC

Judge: Mr S. Sinko (Slovenia)

Nigel went on to be placed in the top 7 dogs in Group!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24/2/2008
 Aust Ch Branbern Royal Nigel's first big result for the year is no less than a Best
In Show at the Sofala & District A & H Champ Show under Mr T Valli (NSW)!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21/2/2008
 Aust Ch Branbern Black Ice wins Best of Breed and was also shortlisted for group
at the Canberra Royal Show under Mrs P Nemirovsky Alsina (Argentina).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10/2/2008
  Windsor continues his stellar streak with a Best of Breed/ Best Intermediate in
Group at the Bega Valley Kennel & Obedience Club Champ show under Ms S
Bendixen (Qld).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


27/1/2008
Aust Ch Branbern Dark Windsor wins Intermediate in Group at the Bungendore
P A & H Society champ show under Mrs T Comerford (NSW). 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


12/1/2008
In her first show out of puppy, Branbern Bold n Beautiful starts off the new year in
style winning Best Junior in Show at the Penrith Kennel & Obedience Club Champ
show under Mr A Poulton (NSW) Mr R Marshall (NSW). 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Branbern in 2007

22/12/2007
 Branbern Black Ice finishes the year off in style, winning Runner-up in Group at
the NSW Christmas Show, under Mrs M Hanley (NSW).
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



9/12/2007
 Nigel is on fire with a Best In Show (all breeds) win at the Ladies Kennel
Association of NSW under judges Ms. Montford (NSW) and Mr. Nordstrom (NSW)!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



8/12/2007
 Following last week, Branbern Royal Nigel today won Runner Up in Group &
Australian Bred in Show at the St George District Kennel Club under Mrs V
Zavattaro (NSW) and Mr T Valli (NSW). 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


2/12/2007
 The good times are still rolling, with Branbern Royal Nigel winning Best in Group
 at the Fairfield & District All Breeds K.C., under Mr Wheeler (NSW)! 
 The results over the last few weeks has also given enough challenge points for
Branbern Royal Nigel, Branbern Black Ice and Branbern Austrienne to achieve
their title of Australian Champion! 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


24/11/2007
 Huge weekend for Branbern with Aust Ch Branbern Dark Windsor winning
Best in Group under Ms G. Apted (Vic) in a large entry at the Cooma & District
Kennel & Obedience Club Champ show. 


This followed Friday nights big result when Branbern Black Ice won Best in
Group and Intermediate in Show under Ms Carmon Haller (Can) at the Dogs
NSW Spring Fair Champ show! Considering there was an entry of over 1400
dogs this is an awesome result Branbern & Bernese in Australia!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



11/11/2007
 Branbern Micahs Pride wins Runner Up in Group at the Ladies Kennel Club of SA
Parade under Ms T. Edwards (SA), then backs it up in the afterneen show, winning
Runner Up in Group again, this time under Mr. B. Luxton (SA). 
 Aust Ch Branbern Saturns Moon also won Best Australian Bred in Group under
Mr Luxton.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


4/11/2007
 Branbern Black Ice wins Intermediate in Show at the County of Cumberland
Show under 
judges Miss K. Martin (NZ) and Mr R Tolsen (Ire) (General Specials)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



3/11/2007
 Aust Ch Branbern Saturns Moon (Pheobe) won Best Australian Bred in Group
at the 
Millicent Kennel Club Championship Show under Mrs R. Tassie (SA).
 Pheobe is a litter sister to Hayley and is in the header photo on the 'Bitches'
page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


29/10/2007 
 Branbern Micahs Pride wins Runner Up in Group at the Callington A&H Society's Sanction Show under Ms J. Harris (SA).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



28/10/2007
 Aust Ch. Branbern Darbie Doll wins Best in Group at the Riverland Obedience
& Kennel Club Championship Show under Mr. A Jones.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



26/9/2007 - Melbourne Royal
 Another strong showing by Branbern, achiveing the following results:
 Branbern Royal Sapphire - Best Junior Bitch
 Branbern Austrienne - Best Aust. Bred of Breed/ Best Of Breed & Placed in
Final 6 in Group!



Branbern Black Ice - Best Intermediate Dog/ Reserve Challenge Dog


Branbern Bold n Beautiful - Best Puppy of Breed & in Final 4 in Group!


To date Branbern has won Best Of Breed at Sydney, Adelaide & Melbourne Royal
Shows 
in 2007!
Photos by 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



16/9/2007
 Douglas (Branbern Black Ice) awarded Best Intermediate in Show at the Utility
Dog Club of NSW under Mr F. McEvoy(SA), and Mr W Hudson (USA).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8/9/2007
At the Adelaide Royal Show under Mr. Adrian Landarte (Uruguay), Branbern dogs
took
out the following:
 Aust Ch Branbern Darbie Doll -  Best of Breed/ Bitch Challenge
 Aust Ch Branbern Royal Garter - Runner-up Best of Breed/ Dog Challenge
 Branbern Micahs Pride - Junior Dog of Breed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



23/6/2007 - BMDCV Specialty
 Branbern performs strongly, winning the following:
Aust Ch Branbern Royal Salute - Best in Show/ Dog Challenge
Branbern Bold n Beautiful - Best Minor Puppy in Show
Branbern Micahs Pride - Best Puppy in Show
Branbern Royal Sapphire - Opposite Puppy in Show
Aust Ch Branbern Darbie Doll - Reserve Bitch/ Best Aust. Bred in Show

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


15/4/2007
Nigel (Branbern Royal Nigel) wins Runner Up in Show/ Intermediate in Show at
the Utility 
Dog Club of NSW under Judge  Mrs L. Lee (NSW). 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



12/4/2007
 Branbern Royal Nigel wins Best of Breed at Sydney Royal under E. Yerusalimsky
(Rus). 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10/3/2007 - BMDCSA Specialty

Aust Ch Branbern Royal Salute - Best In Show/ Dog Challenge (pictured)
Branbern Micahs Pride - Best Minor Puppy in Show
Branbern Black Ice - Opposite Junior in Show
Aust Ch Branbern Special Thoughts - Opposite Neuter in Show
Judge was Jens Ramsing (Den).