Important dogs in Knightcastle's history
Can/Am Ch Knightcastle Hallo Spaceboy CD JH WC CGN / Am CD JH
What can I say more about my Baxter? I've always thought of him that he was a great ambassador for my kennel and also for the breed. So following this logic, he has been the one responsible about this idea of creating the title of Ambassador for Knightcastle dogs.
He was my first 'home bred' Canadian and American Champion. Baxter was also my first 'All round retriever' in two countries, Canada and USA, earning titles in show (CH), obedience (CD) and field (JH).
He was a very happy and goofy dog, always ready to play. He also inherited an astonishing characteristic from his father; he was always wagging his tail!
Baxter had only one speed: Go, making me laugh every day! A great dog to have around in the house.
Am Ch Knightcastle Modi D'Avignon MH RN WCX CGC HOF
A couple of years ago, I met Louise and Philip Dewey from NY. They came to me as a great surprise since they've owned flatcoats since 1969 and they were interested to have a puppy from Knightcastle's second litter, the 'Great European Castles' litter in 2007. I did not know what to expect at first but to my surprise, Philip started to train Modi at a very young age.
Modi got his first title, a 'Rally Novice' one, but he surely told Philip that this was not his cup of tea. Field training was.
So Modi made his way up to the top earning his American Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter and he obtained his MASTER HUNTER title on August 12th 2013 and in 2015 he became the first Knightcastle dog to be invited to the National Master!
In October 2015, Modi qualified at the Master National in SC. Modi was the only flat-coated that passed. Modi is a member of the Hall of Fame.
On top of everything, Modi managed to be a great show dog earning his American Championship in 2012. Well done Philip! Modi passed away in February 2018.
Can Ch & MOTCh Knightcastle Dagonet Does Jest JH WCX / Am CDX
I met long time golden retriever owner and CKC obedience/hunt test judge Jack McKissock in 2003 trialing Darwin for his CDX. In 2008, I received an email from him, he was asking me about a flatcoat puppy from Knightcastle. When the 'King Arthur' litter was born, him, his daughter Linda and Jill MacLaurin were at my place almost every week end to see the evolution of these puppies. The red collar boy seemed to have the best abilities for work. He became 'Jester' and Jack's best friend!
Jester easily made his way to 'Master Obedience trial Champion', finishing in fourth place in obedience (behind his mother Céleste) in 2010 (Canada) and in first place in 2011. I spent one week end with them in Sudbury in an obedience trial. At one point, I catched a very tired Jack sitting on a chair, alone with Jester. From far, I was able to see what he was telling to his buddy: I love you!
Jester was also a great hunter, earning his Junior Hunter title as puppy and later his Canadian WC, WCI and WCX.
A dream team!
UKC CH URO1 U-AGI SHR MACH CH Knightcastle Camelot Nevermore CD RA JH MX MXJ NAP NJP NF WC VFCR1 CGC CL2-S CL2-H CL3-R CL3-F HOF
Back in 2008 with the 'King Arthur' litter (the first litter by Céleste) I was not sure about which girl I was going to keep: green or yellow girl. Raven was the green one!
Jill Griffet is doing such a fantastic job with her, I just can't believe it! Raven is the Knightcastle dog with the most titles, making me a very proud breeder! Jill continues to send me new emails telling me that Raven added a new one to her name. She is a super agility dog and has a great personnality.
On December 15 2012 in Cleveland (Ohio), she defeated 23 flatcoats and took Best of Breed to get the final major and earned her American Championship. She is Céleste's first American Champion.
On March 1st 2015, Raven earned her MACH title and is in the American Flat-coated retriever Hall of Fame (HOF). She will be the first Knightcastle dogs to achieve this.
The only other thing I can say about that team is 'Thank You' and keep the good work!
