Well, it finally happened. NZ Champion Eldivino Senor Mexico is now officially a "pet". He can still enter specialty shows as a Neutered Dog, but his All Breeds showing days are over.

We originally got Mexico as companion for his sister, Nikita. Despite a fabulous personality, he was a truly ugly puppy with no show potential at all (or so it seemed). At about 5 months, he miraculously blossomed into an actual Chihuahua and started to develop some very nice breed type, despite his crazy (almost) curly coat and signature "side tongue". We changed him to the show register when he was 6 months old in 2015 and decided to show him, just for fun, although there was nothing "fun" about grooming that coat into submission before each show...LOL.

Mexico took Puppy of Group in his first 2 shows. He went on to take a Best Puppy in Show at the 2015 Wanganuui Toy Show in Wellington, racked up several other Group wins, a Best NZ Bred in Show in 2016, collected 27 CC's along the way and got refused twice because of that damned (and adorable) side tongue.

He has been handled by so many nervous child handlers trying out dog showing for the first time, because of his sweet, reliable nature and won over scores of skeptics to the delights of owning a Chihuahua. We have a list of about 12 people who'd like me to "re-home" him at their place, right now.

Never gonna happen. Love this little guy to pieces. He is truly the best ambassador of the breed you could ask for. He is what a Chihuahua should be. Fortunately, his lines live on in his niece, Kyrie.

Just waiting now to get our application processed for him to become a Canine Companion animal so he can start visiting retirement homes in the new year where he can continue to bring joy and unconditional love to everyone he meets for many years to come.

We have been waiting with great excitement for the arrival of Niki& Narci’sfirst litter, and, as all responsible breeders do, had an excellent plan in place to manage the birth and the two puppies we knew she was carrying.

One of the pups was breach, but both had strong heartbeats (things easily checked when you have your own ultrasound machine at home). We x-rayed on Day 55, determined she would struggle to deliver the pups naturally, and scheduled a c-section for Monday morning (Day 61).

Niki, who we all assumed would be “way too posh to push”, decided otherwise. She woke TJ at about 3:00am on Saturday morning (Day 59 - just) with the breach puppy half delivered and firmly stuck at the shoulders. She had given us no warning the night before she was in the first, or indeed the second stage of labour, but here she was, doing it by herself, and now in dire trouble.

The breech pup was wedged firmly in the birth canal and too far out for surgical intervention. It took nearly twenty minutes to free her, by which time, poor Niki was exhausted. The little breach puppy – an absolutely perfect, beautiful white bitch – didn’t make it.

Shattered as we were, there was no time to dwell on the loss. We still had another pup to deliver. A scan showed her unborn pup with an increasing heartbeat – hardly surprising given the last few hours her mother had been through. Niki by this time had given up on the whole idea of natural birth. After a half an hour so, her contractions stopped and the second pup was no longer moving.

TJ had been consulting by phone with Meredith Barth, our “actual” vet all through the night, ever since the pup appeared. They made the call at 5:45 to deliver the remaining pup by Caesar while it was still viable. An early morning dash to the clinic and we opened her up around 6:30 am.

Meredith was able to get the pup out safely, but she was blue, flaccid, no heartbeat and not breathing. I was heartbroken. Meredith was gutted and sadly declared the pup dead.

TJ, however, was not prepared to lose another puppy. As soon as Meredith handed her the dead puppy, another perfect little white bitch, she went to work.

I have heard from some of her old clients, about TJ’s skill as a vet, particularly when it comes to reviving puppies, but this is the first time I have seen it in action. I am in awe. She literally sucked the fluid out of the pup with her mouth and began stimulating its heart and breathing for it. Within 20 or 30 seconds, TJ called, “I got a gasp”. Meredith (who was still in the surgery closing up Niki) warned her sadly that it was probably just a dying agonal gasp, but then TJ, still sucking, rubbing and breathing for the pup, yelled. “Got another one! She’s turning pink!”.

Finally, we all heard the most wonderful sound we have ever heard – a tiny squeak. TJ had snatched this little girl back from death with sheer determination and skill. You can’t imagine the joy we all felt, after such a long and harrowing night.

Within a few minutes our pup was squawking loudly, a strong, beautiful little bitch with a perfect head and great proportions who looks like she might be a peach parti-colour. She weighed in at 118 grams (her sister was 123g). Nikita, it turns out, is an exceptional mother. After a few tube feeds overnight to help her along, our puppy is feeding on her own and has already gained 5 grams.

Sorry for the long post, but I know there were many people anxiously awaiting this litter, and this is easier than repeating the story over and over. I would also like to thank the wonderful Meredith Barth and her exceptional surgical skills for keeping Nikita safe, as well as the many experienced breeders both in NZ and Europe, who have been there for us over the past 24 hours with both material and moral support. Special thanks to Tracy, who loaned us an additional heat disk, Helen, who gave us some of the goat’s milk she had on hand for her Clumber litter, as well as Susanne, Susan, Gloria, Savi and many others, all of whom have given us much welcome moral support by sharing their similar stories.

In keeping with her father’s name, Narcissus, we have stayed with the ancient mythology theme and named our little fighter “Kitaco’s Valkyrie Warrior”, after the Valkyrie who faced down Hela, the Norse Goddess of Death. Her pet name will be “Kyrie”.

The name is, of course, subject to Dogs NZ approval, but we feel than shouldn’t be a problem considering our alternatives are Kitaco’s Fuck That Was Close (TJ's fave) or Kitaco’s Hypoxic Nightmare.

We will post progress reports on Kyrie as she grows and flourishes. And, in case you were wondering: No, she is not for sale.

The Dogzonline.co.nz final ranking for 2017 is out and we are thrilled that four of the NZ top eight Long Coats in 2017 are Kitaco dogs - that's our entire show team now Mexico has retired.

Best of all, Number 1 is the Mighty Lilly, grandmother to all our girls.

See the full results are here.

In March this year, our precious Narci travelled 17,331 klm from Athens to join our family. Already a Greek Champion and a Junior in Show winner in Europe, we were thrilled when George and Tony from the prestigious Mystic Legion Kennels in Greece, entrusted us with their precious boy.

We fell in love with Narci the moment we laid eyes on him and have delighted in learning about him, and him learning about being a part of our pack and our family, ever since. He has never failed to enchant us, made NZ Champion in a few short months, and given many judges head-scratching moments, over his starkly different type (we know this, ‘cause they’ve told us that, time and again).

But you know, it wouldn’t matter if he never showed again. He is a delightful boy and a member of our family and will be that for a lot longer than the brief time a dog is in the show ring (except the Mighty Lilly, of course!).

Narci finished the year off in grand style, taking the Open of Group in the last big All Breeds show of the year. Both the BIS and Reserve were from the Open class, so unfortunately, we never got to walk him out to see if he could go all the way. Never mind, there is always next year.

In the meantime, we look forward to the first of his and Niki’s babies due in December and hope that we will eventually convince “Narpissus” to stop cocking his leg on every vertical surface he encounters in his attempts to mark out the entire South Island of New Zealand as his territory.

Although this is by no means a complete list, the following are some of the highlights of Narci’s first show season in New Zealand.

Best of Breed, Dog CC, Intermediate of Breed at the Otago Kennel Association Show in Dunedin (4 days after he arrived in NZ)Best of Breed, Dog CC, Intermediate in Group at the Geraldine County Kennel Association Champ ShowReserve Best of Breed, Dog CC, Intermediate in Group at the Nelson Ladies Kennel Association Champ Show 1Dog CC, Intermediate in Group at the Nelson Ladies Kennel Association Champ Show 2Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open of Breed at Ellsmere A & P Society Champ Show 2Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open of Breed at the Canterbury Kennel Association Champ ShowBest of Breed, Dog CC, Open of Breed at the Forrester Park Management Committee (SHOW 2) Champ Show 2Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open of Breed at the Forrester Park Management Committee Champ Show 1Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open of Breed at the Forrester Park Management Committee Champ Show 3Reserve Best in Show and Best Dog at the Dominion Chihuahua Club Open ShowReserve Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open Dog at the Waimakariri Kennel Association Champ Show 1Reserve Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open Dog Canterbury Kennel Association Champ ShowBest of Breed, 2 Dog CCs and Open in Group at the Canterbury Junior Kennel Society ShowsReserve Best of Breed, Dog CC, Open in Show at the Dominion Chihuahua Club Inc Specialty Show

We are delighted to announce that our beloved Loki has just taken the Dominion Chihuahua Club Inc "Pet of the Year" title for the 3rd time.

This is the guy who started it all for us. Our gorgeous, "criminal-mastermind-level-smart" first Chihuahua.

7 year old Loki was sold to us as a pet puppy because he was a chryptorchid (only one descended testicle) and could not be bred from, Such a shame as his litter-mate, NZ Champion Eldivino Seville (Winkles), went on to win over 100 Championship points and a specialty Best in Show. We also have his brother, Freddie, his nephew Mexico, and of course, his niece, Nikita, who is currently expecting the next generation of adorable Loki neices and nephews.

Loki is the leader of our pack, the most amazing, confident little dog and an absolute delight. We love him to bits and are so proud of him taking this title for the 3rd time.

On hand to accept the award from judge, Nicole Adams, were his handlers, Charly and Jaxyn Houstos, who have shown him so well in the Ribbon Parades over the past year.

Look forward to even more fun with our pets and our show guys in 2o18.

It is with great delight that we are happy to announce that Eldivino Phoenix Rising at Kitaco is now (pending Dogs NZ approval) a New Zealand Champion, having received her 8th Championship Certificate this weekend in the North Island.

Fifi is the first of the X-Girls litter to reach Champion at just 1 year and 2 weeks old. She has had a spectacular career so far, having also taken 2 Baby Puppy in Show titles, 3 Baby Puppy of Group titles, among other wins, and was the winner of the Puppy Bitch lineup at Nationals in October.

We are so very proud of our girl, and her wonderful owner, Kathleen Lilleby, who has given her such a fabulous home and is showing her so well. The Kitaco Team Tiara definitely goes to Kathleen this week:!

Kitaco Kennels are delighted to announce the joining in temporary matrimony of Greek & New Zealand Champion Mystic Legion Narcissus to New Zealand Champion Eldivino Senorita Nikita.

Father of the Bride, NZ Champion Eldivino Seville, gave the bride away. The Maid of Honor was Nikita's little sister, Eldivino Misty Karma at Kitaco. The Best Man was the bride's uncle, Loki.

The nasty rumors are sure to start soon, so let me assure you that the Maid of Honor, while she did growl at the Best Man a couple of times, only tried to bite him once. The Bride's brother, Mexico, was not in attendance as he on holiday in Nelson and has not, as Narci insists on telling everyone, been run out of town,

It is true, however, that the bride's other uncle, Freddie, was in no state to be photographed after stealing the treats and gorging himself on ,cream cheese and popcorn.

Also in attendance were Tracey and Jenny and Junior Handler extraordinaire, Charly Houtos.. Dace, our sometimes Security guard and favourite dog carer was in his room with the Labrador with his head phones on, pretending he wasn't related to anyone in this family.

We hope they have a long and happy marriage which we expect to last right up until Narci gets a whiff of Niki's sister in a month or so, after which, expect things to go downhill rapidly.

Finally checked our mail box and this arrived. NZ Ch Eldivino Senorita Nikita has managed best bitch at the national dog show 2 years in a row, qualifying twice for Crufts, as both a junior and an adult.

To say that I'm proud of my wee princess would be an understatement. I'm very excited to see what she will produce in her progeny. I'm sure she will continue to amaze and impress me as always.

Last weekend saw some great results for Duchess and Fifi.

In the North Island, Fifi earned 2 Bitch CC's and a Best in Breed against some stiff competition from Boris, while on the West Coast of the South Island, Duchess took on Boris's sister Daisy and also took a Best of Breed and a Bitch CC.

Great handling work by Amba and Kathleen. Very proud of our girls.

This came while we were away at Nationals, so I'm thrilled to announce that our darling Narci is also now officially a NZ champion in addition to being a Greek Champion and a Greek Junior Champion.

Having been here only just over 6 months, this wee man has adjusted so well to a new country, a new family and a new pack. While his European type still throws a lot of local judges in the show ring, his pedigree, fabulous temperament and beautiful construction are a welcome addition to our lines and we are looking forward to seeing what he will produce for us.

Thanks again to his breeder George Apostolos from the prestigious Mystic Legion Kennelsin Greece for entrusting me with such a beautiful dog. I'm sure he has lots to come as he matures.

Congratulations Greek Ch & NZ Ch Mystic Legion Narcissus

A week of shows and some very tired puppies, but we did amazing things and got some great results.

The Outstanding performers were our girls. Niki scored her second National Best Bitch title and qualified for Crufts yet again, and our puppy girls battled it out all week between them with Fifi taking the Best Puppy Bitch at Nationals, Duchess taking a Puppy of Breed and Misty surprising us all by taking not only a Puppy in Show title, but coming first in the Day 1 Puppy Stakes heat at Nationals!

Blackhawk National Dog Show

Best Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Challenge Bitch (Crufts Qualifier)

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Intermediate of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Open of Breed

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Puppy Bitch - First

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Third

ELDIVINO ROGUE TRADER AT KITACO

Puppy Stakes Day 1 - First

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Auckland Chihuahua Club Specialty Shows

Show 1

Best Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Challenge Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Intermediate of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Open of Breed

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Puppy of Breed

ELDIVINO ROGUE TRADER AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - First

ELDIVINO ROGUE TRADER AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Second

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Third

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Show 2

Best Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Challenge Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Intermediate of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Open of Breed

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Puppy of Breed

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - First

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Second

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Third

ELDIVINO ROGUE TRADER AT KITACO

AEC BENEFIT SHOW

Reserve of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Best Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Challenge Bitch

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Intermediate of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Open of Breed

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Puppy of Breed

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - First

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Second

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Third

ELDIVINO ROGUE TRADER AT KITACO

AUCKLAND TOY DOG CLUB SHOWS

SHOW 1

Reserve of Breed

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Best Bitch

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Challenge Bitch

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Reserve Bitch

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Intermediate of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Reserve Dog

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Open of Breed

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Puppy of Breed

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - First

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Second

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

SHOW 2

Reserve of Breed

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Best Bitch

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Challenge Bitch

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Reserve Bitch

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Intermediate of Breed

CH ELDIVINO SENORITA NIKITA

Reserve Dog

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Open of Breed

GREEK GR CH & NZ CH MYSTIC LEGION NARCISSUS (IMP-GREECE)

Puppy of Breed

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - First

ELDIVINO MISTY KARMA AT KITACO

Puppy Bitch - Second

ELDIVINO PHOENIX RISING AT KITACO

Nikita and Mexico made a special school visit to Mairehau Primary School yesterday to visit their favourite handlers, Charly and Jaxyn Houtos.

They visited a number of classrooms and the rehearsal of the school's production of The Lion King, winning a huge number of fans.

On the receiving end of about 10,000 enthusiastic cuddles, the Kitaco kids did us proud, proving they are outstanding ambassadors of the Chihuahua breed.

Great day at the Dominion Chihuahua Club In Open Show.

Narci- Reserve in Show, Best Open in Show, Best Dog, Reserve of Breed

Niki - Best Intermediate in Show, Reserve Bitch

Misty, Fifi, Mexico and Winkles all did really well, and won so many ribbons with their Junior Handlers, Charly, Jaxyn, Caden, Sophie, Taylor and other little friends that we actually lost count!

Bringing a Labrador into the pack was a conscious choice to help our Chihuahua puppies learn to be more relaxed around big dogs.