TRENDSETTER LUSITU		TRENDSETTER LUSITU

 

AN AFTERNOON WITH PETER & LIZ NICHOLSON

At Crufts this year the winning Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch was “TRENDSETTER LUSITU”.

“LUSITU” was bred by Peter & Liz Nicholson of “TRENDSETTER RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS” and handled by Peter. Peter’s love for the Rhodesian Ridgebacks commenced when he visited a desolate farm close to the Norfolk coast to meet Rose Bailey of the famous Rhodesian Ridgeback affix “Footpath”. In 1961 Peter then waited for a male puppy from the next available litter.

The next Ridgeback to follow was his first bitch “Mona”. She was a rescue dog after having had two tragic former homes.These two dogs epitomised all the special qualities Peter required, both as companions, protectors and showing an awesome loyalty towards the family.

On the death of “Mona” at 14 years, the next arrival was “GAMBO” who was purchased from Julie Bates owner of the famous “Gunthwaite” kennels.GAMBO was primarily purchased as a family companion but also proved to be a powerful learning curve for Peter in the show world. Thanks to the dogs ability and success he became the youngest Rhodesian Ridgeback to win Best of Breed at Crufts 1985.

Next to join Peter’s family was a young bitch called “SHABU”. She was a wonderful character with great quality and superb movement. This was recognised by one of the great all-round judges Mr. Joe Braddon, who awarded her first Challenge Certificate in a junior class, this was quickly followed by two further C.C.’s.

Champion “BURNCOTE SHABU JW” was the first champion bearing the “BURNCOTE” affix name. Peter’s first home bred champion was “CH TRENDSETTER TROJAN” from SHABU’s first litter.

The next new bloodline to appear was “GLENAHOLM CHISPAS OF TRENDSETTER”. CHISPAS was imported from South Africa from one of the oldest Ridgeback kennels in the world. CHISPAS had two small litters, one of which produced “CH/IR CH TRENDSETTER MOTOKO JW”. MOTOKO won best of breed in 1994 at Crufts. He won top sire award and several of his progeny became well established champions. MOTOKO was the first champion Ridgeback to win both British and Irish Champion titles. One of MOTOKO’s sons became the first Ridgeback to win Best in Show at an All Breeds Championship show in Britian. Ironically, “MOTOK, GAMBO and LUSITU” all won their first C.C’s at Crufts. Peter and Liz have been searching for a suitable outcross and had considered lines worldwide. It wasn’t until Crufts 2010 that they set eyes on their solution the Russian born “ARESVUMA ZULU ZUKA” known as “ZORRO”.

“ZORRO” was currently the winning Rhodesian Ridgeback at the World Dog Show in Bratislava 2009 and also European winner. At Crufts 2010 ”ZORRO” beat intense competition to win Best of Breed and followed it with a Group 4 win in the hound group.Peter and Liz felt ZORRO’s strengths would compliment their bloodline and would be a benefit to the breed.

“LUSITU” an exciting young bitch was chosen to be mated to “ZORRO”. A.I. was not a possible alternative, so the decision was made to overcome the political, physical and language barrier and drive into the depth of the ex Soviet Europe. The journey was over some of the fastest and most perilous roads. Problems occurred on some minor roads including a pothole which destroyed two tyres simultaneously. Unfortunately it was also a bank holiday and on the edge of a very small town. Finally the destination was reached, and two good matings then ensued, followed by the trek home; a total trip of 12 days. Peter gives great thanks to all the help given by his European Ridgeback friends.

“LUSITU’s” puppies were born on the 3rd June 2010. They were the first to be born to this remarkable champion in Western Europe. Peter and Liz have kept a dog and a bitch from this mating. The bitch having been shown recently at the Manchester Championship Show, together with her sister; having been sold to Yorkshire owners, Mr and Mrs A. Barker.

“TRENDSETTER CZARINA” won Best Minor Puppy Bitch followed by Best Puppy Bitch and Mr and Mrs Barker’s bitch “TRENDSETTER RUSSIAN STAR” came third in her class and it was their first ever show! Both CZARINA and her brother CZAR will be competing throughout most of the coming year.

A lifetime’s achievement was recognised by Peter at the moment he saw and held “LUSITU” at birth. He knew she was to be kept and that she had great potential. “LUSITU” was a relative newcomer when it was decided to mate her to such a sought after partner, who had himself rarely been used. The result being to strengthen not only the “TRENDSETTER” bloodline but to enhance the Ridgeback breed.

For several years, Peter and Liz have been using SALTER’S FOODS and have been delighted with the results and are very happy to recommend it.

“Lizzy recommends the taste of Salters as Lusitu so enjoys eating it!”