My niece took on her first role as "official puppy namer" with this litter - and we think she did a fine job!  Little Nemo's name came from an obvious source (Nemo being the hit movie that summer); the others, well, to be honest we're not quite sure! but we are impressed she was able to come up with such fine names for these handsome boys.

This is the first of our two foundation breedings ... and we have so much to be thankful for.  This breeding was nothing short of astounding, and we could not be prouder of the kids - or more grateful to those who helped support us in getting started.  Luna, my special girl, was such a good momma - and, most importantly, threw the incredible temperament she is so well known for.  Luna and Titan complimented each other beautifully, both exhibiting exceptional conformation as well as honest, proven working drive, and matching each other very well in almost every respect. 
We are very proud of our kids! and cannot thank Twila (Quinault kennels, Luna's breeder & co-owner) or Jocelynn & Tom (SnoShire kennels) enough for this tremendous start to our program.

Luna & Titan gave us three titled kids (Mac is just happily spoiled!):  Hooch (Am/Can Ch. Gryphon's Moonshine, WTDX) here at Gryphon; Kobo (BIS Jap/Am Ch. Gryphon's Moon Over Sea GH) at G&H Kennels in Japan (Yasuko Nojima); and Ranger (Gryphon's Moon Ranger WTD), living with the Scharers. 

The two dogs that went on to represent our program, Hooch and Kobo, have both done us tremendously proud.

Hooch finished his Championship out of the Bred By Exhibitor class at the CAMEO specialty, one of those "we'll just enter him one day to keep in practice" entries as he was in a haitus (after taking several points as a pup, including two BOBs) to run 250 miles a week for two winters on Twila Baker's team training for Alaska.  Quite a finish!  as well as his ongoing role as our stalwart wheel dog (and couch warmer between runs).  Hooch has contributed some extraordinary children to our program, and his teddy bear nature makes him a joy as a companion. 

Kobo made his mark overseas, sweeping Japan as a puppy and going undefeated in all but his very first and very last shows.  In just two years of showing, Kobo earned a BIS at a year old, went on to take 2 Reserves to BIS (including Reserve King at the largest show in Asia), won the 2005 and 2006 Purina Award Japan, and finished as one of the top 6 all-breed dogs in Japan - earning him an invitation to the Eukanuba invitational.  Kobo came to the US for a short stint, and won his Am. Ch. in just 7 show weekends over a single summer, finishing with two 5-point majors on a specialty weekend.  In his sole outing as a special before flying back home, Kobo took BOB over some of the top malamutes in the country.  Kobo is also a working dog, participating in spring races and earning top honors for all-breed competition. 

You can read more about the boys and their accomplishments on their individual pages.