Although this is not a strictly accurate title, the next most significant
influence on our breeding came from our efforts to obtain bloodline
from Tony Huyskens' Brabantpark Rottweilers in Holland, specifically
to add to our combined Bulli/Castor decendants.
Throughout the 1980's we developed a strong association with Clara
Hurley of Powderhorns Rottweilers and Michael Grossman of Wencrest
Rottweilers, both in California. John corresponded frequently and
at length with Clara and was in regular telephone contact. Clara
assisted with much information and many publications. In 1984, 1986
and 1988 John spent several weeks with Clara and other Rottweiler
breeders from the US and Europe while travelling in the US.
Ch Donar vd Hoeve Cor Unum CD
A significant contribution to Powderhorns/Wencrest
Rottweilers have been the Dutch bloodlines provided in a large
part by Oscar vh Brabantpark, Quanto vh Brabantpark, Hans vh
Brabantpark, Nelson vh Brabantpark and a Brabantpark offspring,
Donar vd Hoeve Cor Unum. With the exception of Oscar, John has
had the great privilege of living with all of these dogs in
their own home and experiencing them all first hand.
In 1984 John was also able to spend time with Sue Rademacher's
Wasach vh Brabantpark and George Chamberlin's Disco vh Brabantpark.
Without exception, all of these Rottweilers left a profound
impression. All were also very successful show Champions and
made lasting contributions to the breeding programs of their
respective owners.
Simba vh Brabantpark
Odessa vh Brabantpark
Also in 1984, John had the good
fortune to be able to spend time with Tony Huyskens, who was
also visiting the US, and discuss with her many ideas relating
to the breeding and raising of Rottweilers. Due to Australia's
quarantine laws of the time, Tony was not prepared to export
any of her Rottweilers here. Many photos were also obtained
from Tony and such Rottweilers as Odessa vh Brabantpark and
Simba vh Brabantpark now feature in our own breeding.
In 1986 John had the joy of spending time with
Berit v Alemannenhof, a German bitch owned by Clara and Michael.
Berit was, in John's opinion, one of the most beautiful Rottweiler
bitches and was just the most delightful character. As fate
would have it John was introduced to a young Rottweiler male
at an obedience training night, and although he was not available,
he was so striking that video film was taken of him for record
purposes. He was a son of Donar vd Hoeve Cor Unum and Berit
v Alemannenhof.
Ch Berit v Alemannenhof
Powderhorns Graf of Wencrest
The rest is, as they say, history. Some 6 months
later this very same youngster was available and with the passage
of time Powderhorns Graf of Wencrest took his place in the Allerhochst
household in late 1987.
Graf was an instant hit with us. Like Auslese Bacchus and Vanglen
Aspen (Prince), Graf possessed the most warm and sensible character.
He was so open that there was never a hint of any hidden character
flaws and he had such a sense of joy with life. He also demonstrated
typical Rottweiler strength when it was called for. Graf has
strongly influenced our Rottweilers of today, passing on many
good qualities from his breeding with very few problems.
There was great sadness in our house when at
Christmas in 1993 Graf was diagnosed with cancer and had to
be put to sleep. A son from his last litter, Allerzeit Arras,
also lived with us at the time and the final photos we have
of Graf are with the young Arras playing games as rock climbers.
As with Bacchus and Prince, memories of Graf always bring a
lump to the throat and a tear to the eye while at the same time
joy to the heart.
Graf and Arras
Allerzeit Arras
Allerhochst Artus (10 years)
Even with our very limited interest
in showing over the past decade or more, Graf produced Ch Allerhochst
Arras and Ch Allerhochst Bea and his son Allerhochst Artus has
produced Ch Allerhochst Elke, Ch Allerhochst Elle and the incomparable
Allerhochst Elliot, our greatly missed friend and always a place
getter in specialties when shown and twice V rated in very limitedshowing.
