Vittra presentation

This is what my new Mistress wrote about us, (after the test she did on each puppy)..

Vacation report from the residence of Snouts

I had the great pleasure to visit the Snouts Residence for ten days in April/May 2002, to get to know Brandy and Pinto a little and to see if there was a puppy girl that was "made for me" in their litter of nine. It was a wonderful vacation, thank you so much Arja, Arvo and Jerry for your kind hospitality and generosity! I had a really great time with lots of laughs and serious talks (in an English language that probably would give most native speakers spooky chills all over, as we talk more happy than well;-)) But nevertheless, what would we do without this language, which gives us the opportunity to communicate all over the world?! I would have been totally "lost" in Finland without it, and I'm most grateful to my hosts, that can bear with my peculiar expressions and are always willing to help so much.

I must say I'm very impressed by the harmony in the house of Snouts. All the dogs, 3 adult Whippets (FFM) and 3 adult Ibizan Hounds (FMM), gets along very well. They eat and sleep together with no problem, despite the fact that the house is temporarily over-crowded. At the moment there was one litter of five Whippet puppies, and one litter of nine Ibizans in about same age, around 6-8 weeks. Of course some of adults has a little bit more patience and tolerance to the puppies, and some prefer a little more time of privacy. But they all are very nice, friendly and happy dogs.

I'd like to present to you all, some of my personal views of the Ibizan part of this lovely pack...

First there is the grandfather Punkku (Keony's Punalero). He is almost eleven and the very best granny and teacher that any puppy could ask for. With a never ending patience he let all the children climb and play all over him. Even when he's sleeping very hard on the sofa, with his all legs in the air, he just opens one eye and twinkles it fatherly if a puppy comes running and jumps on top of him. Rarely he seems to get tired of his noisy and lively grandchildren, but if it happens he shows about two front teeth and growls softly - or he just raise and walks away with great dignity. Although he is pretty persistent when he want something from us humans (mostly food, to be scrubbed or let in or out -and don't we dare to forget his evening chew), he most certainly is the kindest and most peaceful diplomat. Also with mama Brandy, because if she wants the particular chair where he's actually sleeping, he just sighs and generously steps down from it.

Mama Brandy (Gryphon's Beltane Brandy) rarely bother to be as polite as her father in law. Especially not to strangers which she rather avoid as careful as possible. Not that she's mean or anything, on the contrary she's very peaceful and sweet. She just has no need for us intruders. In every other way she's happy and playful dog, that take really good care of her puppies. She's watching everything that is happening, in- or outside the huge fenced yard, and whenever there is something that appears suspicious she'll set the "alarm" loudly. During my visit she's busy with weaning puppies off. Which she does with great seriousity and dignity, still very careful and kind. She loves to play with her puppies and sometimes she gets so eager that she forget to check if the chosen one wants to join or not, but she's always soft mouthed and cute to them. When the time and situations allows, she get a possibility to rest and clear her head with an off leash walk in the woods nearby together with mom Arja. Anyone can see how much she enjoy those walks.

Papa Pinto (Snout Michel Platini) is still young, and not so experienced. He hasn't decided yet how to feel about his offspring. Mostly he think they are interesting, although pretty disgusting, and he most certainly prefer them to be a little less "crowdy". I'm sure he could consider to play with one or two puppies, but because he is very clumsy and jumps so much, he hasn't been allowed yet. Pintos main duty is to keep all birds and other wild animals away from the yard, a job that he perform with great devotion 17/24 and 7/7. So his master Arvo think he's is a very professional hound. Pinto is very kind, happy and easy going guy who always run to meet every visitor in hope to get a hug and some scrubbing. His voice and size can look scary to a new visitor, but Pinto really are a sweet guy with a heart of gold like his father.

And now about the children…
One girl, "Tuisku", I didn't have the chance to get to know. She moved to her new owners a little early because of special circumstances. But here are some of my personal reflections about the rest of the gang.

UKKI - the engineer
She is the problem solver that never seem to run out of new ideas. She's smart and fast learner, flexible rather than persistent. Impatiently she tries another way, rather than keep banging her head. If her first solution doesn't work, she'll figure out something else to try. Ukki likes to be where the things are happening, but doesn't hesitate to start some action by herself. She's attentive and likes to socialize with other dogs. Her curiosity might bring her into some troubles now and then, but her intelligence will probably help her out again. This lovely girl need a very special home to be able to fully bloom, and she's worth it.

TUPLA - the lapdog
She is a little sensitive girl that loves to make friend with people, and like to look at new things from a safe distance. Preferably a little from above. On second place of her favorites (after humans) there is food and other more or less eatable things. She doesn't run into any unknown situation without doing some good thinking first, but can be pretty persistent when she want something. This is the girl who waits for someone to cherish, guide, teach and protect her. She will pay it all back with tons of love.

MISS NIILO - the secretary
She is the most serious girl, that is most comfortable if things stays the ways they use to. She takes notice about every small changes, and trust herself rather than ask for assistance. Miss Niilo also likes very much to eat, and seems to think that nothing feels half as bad, when stomach is pleased. Her self confidence is not very high at this moment. But she is eager to learn and develop. Miss Niilo is moving to the Netherlands.

NIINA - the flower picker
She is the curious explorer that like to make things happen. Sometimes she is so busy, that she forgets to eat, but she is happy survivor with high self-esteem and trust her own ability. Nina is very social character, and bound easily with both humans and dogs. She like to co-operate, rather to be on her own and if something is too troublesome she just moves on to the next flower. She is adorable, and she knows it. No wonder my heart was stolen! Nina is moving to Sweden.

KERMIT - the space traveler
He's one of a kind and has all the time been somehow outstanding. He is happy on his own, often seen sitting, playing and sleeping a little bit from the others. A "thinker" who sometimes seems to wonder if he's on the right planet. Kermit is rarely in hurry, except for in food times. He has pretty good self confidence but isn't very curious. More the "what goes around comes around" kind of guy. When things aren't going his way he might very well loose his temper for a while. But usually he finds it again rather quickly. Kermit is a cute and funny guy, who probably would do best with an experienced and engaged owner.

HEIKKI - the scientist
He is the on who take most things very seriously, also himself. Everything he does, he does very careful and pedantic. Whether it is eating, exploring or chewing. He's a little cautious, takes his time and doesn't jump to fast conclusions. Heikki easily gets carried away, with some new interesting thing to explore. Not the most flexible guy, nor the one who make things happen, but attentive, nice and friendly. Heikki is the one who sometimes is forgotten, or not notified, just because he's "just the one in between". This little guy could probably become a good tracker or rescue dog.

FINNI -the diplomat
He's the one who easily socialize both with humans and with dogs. Always ready for some interaction whether it is cuddling or playing. Whenever some things is happening he's one of the first at the scene. Filled with self-confidence and self-esteem he takes part in every acting. with a big smile in his open and friendly face. He don't actually look for trouble, but doesn't avoid them if he stumbles into it. Finni is the guy who enjoy life, and happily let you join him in it. Actually Finni is my personal favorite guy, because he's very much like Niina.

NEIL - the flirter
He's always the first one to greet new humans. Whenever there is a possibility to get attention he makes sure to be noticed. He's a sweet guy, and the biggest teaser to his siblings. This is the one who never wait for something to happen, but are perfectly happy to push the buttons himself. Nevertheless Neil is quite sensitive and prefer some time and distance to get used to new situations. Neil is very social, when he's not occupied with his own adventures...

These are all very lovely puppies with great personalities. Thanks to their devoted breeder they also get a lot of experiences and training. I wish for them all to find homes where they are allowed to be beloved family members, they are all worth it. And if You are searching for an Ibizan Hound friend, I recommend You to check up these puppies more closely.

I'm happy and proud to be allowed to be a Snout puppy buyer. Niina (Tindra) is everything I could ever ask for, and Arja and Arvo is very devoted, serious and loving breeders that spare no effort to care for every individual in their pack.
Thank You both for letting me into the "Snout family"!

Kristina, Niinas mistress-to-be