About Us

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=80 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="09300500dvldtc.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Bradley Hand ITC" ><B>Vanderbilt Samoyeds </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Bradley Hand ITC" >-</FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Bradley Hand ITC" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Bradley Hand ITC" >striving for global breed type</FONT><B>   |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanderbilt Samoyeds"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="mailto:samoyeds@gmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:samoyeds@gmail.com"><U><B>e-mail</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id169.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Samoyeds"><U>Samoyeds</U></A>   |   <B>About Us</B>   |   <A HREF="id326.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News"><U>News</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nursery"><U>Nursery</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Boys"><U>Boys</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Girls"><U>Girls</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id139.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stud Service"><U>Stud Service</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Titlists"><U>Titlists</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Imports"><U>Imports</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dedication"><U>Dedication</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id107.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id241.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact"><U>Contact</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="094d2c00dvldtc.png"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="174" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 715 WIDTH="168"><div> <IMG SRC="118acb20.jpg" border=0 width="172" height="178" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Judi, Blair, and Sams</div> <div> "on The Rock"</div> <div> <IMG SRC="2a44c4d0.jpg" border=0 width="76" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Titlists"><U>View our titlests</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward." </B></div> <div> <B>Margaret Fairless Barber</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=400 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> About Us</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="745" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 4509 WIDTH="739"><bR> <div> <IMG SRC="29b2c1a0.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="282" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Courier New" ><B>"The Way We Were"</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blair & Judi Elford,</FONT> that's us, were born and raised on the quiet and remote eastern Canadian Island of Newfoundland.  There, deprived of the "fast-paced" dog show world, we were to make the best of the small, but enthusiastic and well spirited dog community.  We learned early on that nothing worth having comes easy, and that old adage "if not you, who?" applies when it comes to progress in any endeavor, and that the Dog Fancy was no exception.  Keeping the few annual dog shows, maintaining the availability of an eye clinic, and having a place to train puppies - not to mention the relative availability of a quality breed gene pool - are all things most fanciers take for granted.  In NFLD, if you wanted it to happen - you usually had to <I>make</I> it happen!  Well, you and the handful of other grassroots dog people that live there too.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2962c220.gif" border=0 width="300" height="34" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Sojourns off the island were expensive and infrequent (2-3 times/year), and often involved pilgrimages to the <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Arial" >Samoyed Club of America's Annual National Specialty</FONT> show which rotates around the United States.  We actually honeymooned at the National in Denver in 1984, and returned there in 1990 for another National - this time driving from NFLD.  Now THAT was a trek and then some, but for those for whom the bell tolls, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Arial" >Samoyed Mecca</FONT> is where we all meet!</div> <bR> <div> But we believe this isolation was all for the best in the long run, as it taught us much about taking responsibility for making things happen ourselves, the true value of hard work, the necessity of sacrifice, being leaders when necessary, and the reality of the commitment.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="2943a670.png" border=0 width="58" height="103" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Courier New" ><B>"Talkin' The Talk, Walkin' The Walk"</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Throughout the years we have imported genes from all over North America and beyond, and we've yet to find the perfect stud dog down the street, or at the local dog show.  We don't base our efforts on "economy" or proximity. That is not to imply that our funds are in any way unlimited, but simple logic would dictate that to breed the best,  only the best can be used.  We rarely do "deals", and take personal responsibility for carrying the Vanderbilt name to any heights it might rise to.  This is not accomplished by forcing puppy purchasers into furthering our goals of augmenting the gene pool, whether via competitive events or breeding.  If they want to, that's great - and if they are responsible and demonstrate a modicum of intelligence, desire, and common sense we may mentor them in the finer points of the breed but they have to really want it, have respect and desire for success, and show initiative and accountability in the process.  We have zero tolerance for people who "bite the hand that feeds them."</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2992c030.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="259" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Courier New" ><B>"Doing It Our Way"</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> With a couple of notable exceptions, we rarely work with other kennels in our breeding program - preferring instead to remain autonomous and not modify our evolving goals based on others desires and vision.  That should not be interpreted to imply that we do not find other kennels worthy as nothing could be further from the truth, and a quick look at our pedigrees will reveal that despite an abundance of available Vanderbilt studs, many of our girls are sent out for breeding to exceptional males at other notable kennels.  And it has been this way from the beginning.  We travel regularly within North America and beyond to compete, study, and sometimes judge the breed.  We have learned that "quality is where you find it", and do not hesitate to incorporate the blood of exceptional Samoyed families with our own when research reveals them to be sound in health, temperament, and quality.  We respect, admire, and often utilize the homozygosity of other bloodlines, but for ourselves are still assessing the breed's profuse riches offered via the hard work of many breeders who can rightfully claim to have developed "a bloodline", before we embark upon concentrating the best of these genes with confidence. We remain fully cognizant that the breed only exists for us in such fine condition today because a rare handful of other caring breeders saw their dreams through by "following their own drummer" through thick and thin.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="29c99910.jpg" border=0 width="153" height="145" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Courier New" ><B>"The Passion"</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Breeding dogs is not easy.  This is life we are dealing with, and hence it's falibility is omnipotent.  There are genetic diseases and losses; undesirable humans that masquerade as loving owners; huge financial drains; 24/7 hours, and few rewards.  It IS being able to 'talk the talk' and 'walk the walk'. It involves riding the occasional wave of victory with your feet on the ground, surviving the valleys, and rolling with the punches - and STILL landing on your feet.  It's about working a 'real' job to pay the bills, and balancing family time with the time you give to your passion.  It's about sifting through the masses to find the tiny handful of others that hear the call, and are commited to answering it.  It's about leaving behind some people who couldn't keep up, and couldn't cope with your success.  It's about the thrill of seeing real promise in an upcoming dog fancier, and being respected by the respected. And most of all it's about understanding your commitment to the breed and the public - over the <B>long-term. </B> What it's NOT about is making money, or having free time.  It's not about who's smarter than who, or who can win more ribbons than who - it's about, hopefully, leaving the breed a little better than you found it.....</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>"The Critics"</B></div> <bR> <div> Constructive criticism from ones peers in any sport is welcomed and actively sought.  "Peers" however, are people who have also achieved a high level of success in the field, and this therefore qualifies their opinion as meaningful.  Most definitely not every opinion is backed by credibility or right to pass judgement, and each must be taken in the context of the history of the individual proffering it.  When rewards 'do' come along for the dedicated breeder, such as deserved show ring successes on a beautiful dog from many generations of planned breeding, sadly in addition to the valid accolades and uninhibited praise from some, also comes the inevitable feeding frenzy of raucous under-achieving critics.  Be aware that these are usually the ones that couldn't cut it as breeders/exhibitors themselves, or are merely going through the motions of being involved in the dog fancy, albeit up to their necks in mediocrity, failure, and bitterness.  These pathetic souls, often nothing more than Cyber-Squatters that do little else but sit at their computers criticizing those that are out there actually in the arena, are really more to be pitied.  If they were to apply a fraction of the effort towards improving their lot in life (or the dog world) as they do in attempting to unravel the good reputations of serious fanciers, there might be some hope for them to earn the respect and admiration they crave.  Unfortunately today anyone can jump online and claim to be an expert by inventing and/or inflating a character for themselves, and even more unfortunately perhaps, is that there will always be an abundance of their ilk with which they can dance.  Successful people spot these naysayers instantly, and understanding the petty jealousy that incites their actions, afford their claims no validity.  Here is what we feel is an exceptional quote taken from an English Setter book that puts this unpleasant aspect of any sport into 20/20 perspective:</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> *"In creative work, that which is first must survive the spotlight of criticism and so becomes a target for the malicious tongues of the envious. The charlatan, the mountebank, the phony, unable to equal or better the best, tries to depreciate and destroy, thereby confirming the superiority of that which he degrades.</div> <div> The best is advertised by the clamor of envy by the jackals."</div> <bR> <div> *excerpt from the New Complete English Setter by Davis H. Tuck and revised by</div> <div> Elsworth Howell and Judy Graef (page 199, Chapter 10)</div> <bR> <div> And another:</div> <bR> <div> "The thermometer of success is merely</div> <div> the jealousy of the malcontents."</div> <bR> <div> Salvadore Dali</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Titlists"><U>View our list of Titlests</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Imports"><U>View our list of Imports</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>"Showdogs and Pets - deserve the BEST!"</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="297bb9f0.jpg" border=0 width="187" height="159" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8">We are active breeders <I>and</I> exhibitors, but the heart answers the Breeder's Trumpet call stronger than any other.  We know that not every decision we make will work out as hoped, but very often <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >the victory is in the "trying"</FONT>, for TRUE experience and knowledge are garnered no other way.  The science, the art, the loving and nurturing are far more fulfilling than any day at the dog show.  Although we aim to produce the best Samoyeds possible, this does not mean they are exclusively showdogs.  On the contrary, most of our puppies are sold to loving homes to be family companions, but we see no reason why this should cause us to aim lower as breeders - for the family has sought out this purebred expecting it to be typical in looks and nature to it's breed description.  As one breeder we respect has put it, "the state of the pet <I>IS </I>the state of the breed". All of our puppies are welcomed back should a families circumstances change, and people are unable to care for their dog any longer - we call it our AHA (A Home Always) policy.  Likewise if the unthinkable should happen, and a Vanderbilt dog end up abandoned or in a shelter - we would immediately reclaim the dog where it would live out it's natural life as part of our family, or be placed into another caring home.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="2a0c7bb0.jpg" border=0 width="199" height="187" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF9900" FACE="Courier New" ><B>"Pounding The Pavement"</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> In any worthwhile and measurable pursuit it is necessary to bring the fruits of ones labours before unbiased award distributors, the judges, via competitve shows and events.  It has been our experience that the public often view dog shows as meaningless candy-coated affairs that have little or nothing to do with the quality of the dogs they purchase from breeders.  Of course this is absolutely false, as without some form of obtaining independent opinion the consumer would have only the claims of the breeder himself that his kennel contained meritorious and sound breeding stock.  How would the breeder know if he did not attend shows to let his stock measure up against other breeders stock, and in turn to even 'see' other dogs at all?  Rest assured that while any sport can be taken to extreme, dog shows serve their purpose quite well, and that while a Champion-filled pedigree is no absolute assurance that the bloodline is great, it remains that some arbitors other than the breeder has acknowledged an adherance to breed type and over all quality and that the breeder wasn't too afraid or frugal  to seek that opinion in order to credit his stock's value to the gene pool.  <I>Just because a purchaser doesn't wish to show their own dog, is not a reason to buy from a breeder that does not - for if the breeder's dogs are not involved in some competitive or performance sphere, 9 chances to 10 they're in it for the money.</I> </div> <bR> <div> <B>"Glory & Humility"</B></div> <bR> <div> Of great pride to any kennel serious about producing dogs that meet the Breed Standard are its Champions. Other titles are also significant in illustrating a dog's trainability, intelligence, working aptitude, and heart. While the greatest achievement is <I>always</I> a typey, healthy, and sound Samoyed of superior temperament that is well loved by his family - some owners do enjoy the milieu of competition, getting together with other owners, and the pride of having their dog's attributes confirmed and recognized by authorities in the sport. For our own part, we show our Samoyeds to their Championship titles, not because we necessarily still need judges to tell us we have quality dogs, but rather to credit, by way of public record, their bloodline, ancestors, and offspring - and as just one more quality assurance for those who purchase Vanderbilt Samoyeds. So, while the Dog Show Game has it's place, it must be acknowledged as only a miniscule part of living with dogs - especially a breed as unselfishly loyal and socially needy as the Samoyed. Before we list our titlests, we'd like you to read the following words of A. P. Terhune writing of his beloved Sunnybank Collies - the humbling creed of a man with dogs:</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Quoted from BUFF:</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>A swirl of gold-and-white and gray and black, -</B></div> <div> <B>Rackety, vibrant, glad with life's hot zest, -</B></div> <div> <B>Sunnybank collies, gaily surging pack, -</B></div> <div> <B>These are my chums; the chums that love me best.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Not chums alone, but courtiers, zealots, too -</B></div> <div> <B>Clean-white of soul, too wise for fraud or sham;</B></div> <div> <B>Yet senseless in their worship ever new.</B></div> <div> <B>These are the friendly folk whose god I am.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A blatant, foolish, stumbling, purblind god, -</B></div> <div> <B>A pinchbeck idol, clogged with feet of clay!</B></div> <div> <B>Yet, eager at my lightest word or nod,</B></div> <div> <B>They crave but leave to follow and obey.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We humans are slow to understand!</B></div> <div> <B>Swift in our wrath, deaf to the justice-plea,</B></div> <div> <B>Meting out punishment with lavish hand!</B></div> <div> <B>What, but a dog, would serve such gods as we?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Heaven gave them souls, I'm sure; but dulled the brain,</B></div> <div> <B>Lest they should sadden at so brief a span</B></div> <div> <B>Of heedless, honest life they sustain;</B></div> <div> <B>Or doubt the godhead of their master, Man.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Today a pup; tomorrow at life's prime;</B></div> <div> <B>Then old and fragile; - dead at fourteen years.</B></div> <div> <B>At best a meager little inch of time.</B></div> <div> <B>Oblivion then, sans mourners, memories, tears!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Service that asks no price; forgiveness free</B></div> <div> <B>For injury or for injustice hard.</B></div> <div> <B>Stanch friendship, wanting neither thanks nor fee</B></div> <div> <B>Save privilege to worship and to guard: -</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>That is their creed. They know no shrewder way</B></div> <div> <B>To travel through their hour of lifetime here.</B></div> <div> <B>Would Man but deign to serve his god as they,</B></div> <div> <B>Millennium must dawn within the year.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A.P. Terhune 1921</B></div> <bR> <div>  <IMG SRC="2a22c0a0.gif" border=0 width="300" height="10" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="29ec62c0.jpg" border=0 width="198" height="300" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>   </div> <div> <B>"Us, Today"</B></div> <bR> <div> In 1997 a job transfer for Blair brought us to the booming Toronto area where dog shows, eye clinics, veterinary specialists, and everything else 'doggy' one could possibly desire ABOUND!  Here we neighbour 2 American states within easy access, and regularly enjoy dog shows there.  Blair is in management with the financial institution Bank of Montreal, and Judi works part time as a Labour and Delivery RN when she's not playing with the Sams or doing volunteer work for one of several dog clubs that we are members of.  We are multiple x Top Breeder of Samoyed in Canada, and are charter members of the new Samoyed Club of Ontario.  We are blessed to have a beautiful 16 year old daughter Casey Beth - puppy-snuggler, ultimate RPG gamer, and visual arts major.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="23b6b670.jpg" border=0 width="107" height="103" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Judi is a CKC judge of <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >WORKING, HERDING & some SPORTING DOGS</FONT> (Groups 1, 3 & 7 in Canada).  In addition to domestic assignments, Judi has judged in England, Denmark and the USA.  She also occasionally lectures on breeding and neonatal care, and offers Judges Education seminars on Samoyeds. Both Blair and Judi judge Sanction Matches and Sweepstakes.  Both have also finished Obedience titlests, and taught conformation handling and obedience trialing classes.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="23a00da0.jpg" border=0 width="256" height="218" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="8"></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Vanderbilt kennel</FONT> is situated on 6 rural acres in Millbrook, Ontario (one hour east of Toronto).  Our gang enjoy the comfort and convenience of a home and kennel <I><B>built</B></I> <I><B>for</B></I> dogs, and enjoy copious house time, secure kennel time, as well as frequent free running excursions in our 2 acre fenced play yard.  Here we raise our child and our dogs in a healthful and serene environment.  It is a passionate and fulfilling life, and we could not wish for more.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2a3f9910.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="145" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2912c0a0.gif" border=0 width="300" height="10" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Titlists"><U>Our Record</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dedication"><U>Our Gratitude</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div>   <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript">var site="s10vanderbilt"</script> <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript1.2" src="http://s10.sitemeter.com/js/counter.js?site=s10vanderbilt"> </script> <noscript> <a href="http://s10.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s10vanderbilt" target="_top"> <img src="http://s10.sitemeter.com/meter.asp?site=s10vanderbilt" alt="Site Meter" border=0></a> </noscript>    </div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>