Amadeus and Ulla, Minka’s Polish dam and sire.  

Photo courtesy of Katarzyna Bujko, Cardinalis Kennels, PL.  

On November 18th 2006 the puppies were born and Kate in Poland emailed me photos immediately. I had 2nd pick and with only 3(?) bitches to chose from it wasn't too difficult. She was one of 11.
 

Kate kept me up to date with photos and kind words of reassurance about Minka's progress. Often it was hard to pick her out from her brothers and sisters but as they grew their markings became more and more recognisable.
 

Kate was marvellous in organising the pet passport, and all the work and trips to the vet that go with that. Because of anti-rabies legislation any dog entering the UK from the EU must be vaccinated for rabies, have a blood sample taken to prove that the vaccination was succesful and then abide by a 6 month waiting period to ensure that rabies wasn't already contracted prior to the vaccination. Given that a pup cannot be vaccinated until 10 weeks of age, the youngest a dog will be when entering the UK is 9 months. I knew all of this, Kate was willing, I kept on paying the vet and food bills and we waited.
 

I know... what a sweetheart! Her posh name is Comtesse Le Bleu Cardinalis. However, we had the opportunity to name her early on and from a selection of Polish girls names we chose Minka. Kate and her husband used it throughout, which was some consolation during those long 9 months!
 

Of the 11, some went to the USA, others all around Europe and just one, Minka, to the UK. Kate has never exported to the UK before and therefore never had to adhere to such strict aniti-rabies rules. To this day we have still not found another Braque d'auverge in the UK.

Comtesse Le Bleu Cardinalis

Photo of Minka while still in Poland, July 2007.

Is it a dog or is it a bat?

You've just gotta love those ears!

The Braque is a versatile HPR and the breeder in Poland is an avid game hunter. Pheasant shooting over these is a rather more formal affair.

Ears still working.

After a couple of false starts we found Minka a suitable match in France. Allan was ready and waiting near Soissons.

Allan and his wonderful owner, Cedric

Allan also has ears.

After an unsuccessful mating in France in March, we returned to visit Allan again in September 2009. Having experienced some pretty dire accommodation the first time round I decided to upgrade somewhat, to a beautiful hotel in Droizy. http://www.relais-heritage.fr/

Mink took her own bedding, but approved of the luxurious surroundings

Andrew knew if I made this trip alone I'd come back with expensive things I shouldn't... so I took my sister Steph. Don't think for one moment she's checking the variety of box in that hedge, she's actually sussing out the stone wall behind it just incase we got locked out, couldn't manage the intercom system and needed to climb over the wall one evening..... <whistles and looks innocent>.

Minka doing what she does best on the amazing stubble fields around the village of Droizy.

Minka in Droizy, September 2009.

Jeremie (our translator), Allan, Minka and Cedric.... doing... ermmm.. their Thing

Dogs in the UK turn tail to tail when they tie during mating. Of course the French are far more stylish and discreet and do their doggy differently!