Cuba has 4 CC's & 4 RCC's
15th September 1999 - 9th November 2008

Epithelium Nostromo at Hollutrix (Imp) x Sh Ch Montecani Peaches

Cuba, full of character, very naughty and was definitely Top Dog at Montecani. Her favourite pastime was scavenging and running off! Sh Ch Montecani Cuba

Eva has 3 CC's & 2 RCC's
15th September 1994 - 4th December 2009
Hip Score 4:3

Wynsett Jumpin’ Jack Flash x Gaesten Pinot Rosa Del Montecani

Nando has 3 CC's & 1 RCC
2nd September 1997 - 12th February 2011
Hip Score 2:4

Sh Ch Brody Dal Podere Antico at Wynsett x Sh Ch Montecani Peaches
Sh Ch Montecani Millenium Gold
On 12th February 2011 I had to say Goodbye to Nando, aged 13. He was a true Dog in a Million. Never put a paw wrong thoughout his whole life. He was the sweetest boy you could ever meet and everyone who met him fell instantly in love. Not only a Show Champion and excellent Gundog, he was my 'Big Man' and was so very special to me.

If it should be that I grow weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
don't let your grief then stay your hand,
for this day more than all the rest,
your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come must hold no fears,
you'd not want me to suffer so,
the time has come please let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
and please stay with me to the end,
hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

Please do not grieve it must be you,
who has this painful thing to do,
we've been so close, we two these years,
don't let your heart hold back the tears.

"A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near. His head is within our hand in his old way."
~Mary Carolyn Davies

Gaesten Pinot Rosa del Montecani - Montecani Mystique - Sh Ch Montecani Peaches - Montecani Mighty Ap

 

Ava has 1 CC
6th March 2003 - 23rd October 2011
Hip Score 5:8

Sh Ch Brody Dal Podere Antico at Wynsett (Imp) x Montecani It’s a Love Thing
Montecani Moon River

Ava knew she was beautiful and loved to have her picture taken!
In Feb 2008 Ava produced a lovely litter with Babio, see ‘Previous litters’

Semi Retired from the ring, but appeared at Crufts 2011 in Veteran winning a second place.

We lost Ava at 8 years old due to vet negligence, after a routine operation to spay her and remove mammary tumours. The tribunal went to stage 4 of 5 and the vet was put on report for 2 years, narrowly avoiding being struck off. It broke my heart and is something I will never come to terms with.

I wrote these poems for her.

A Year On...
I often sit and wonder why
A dog so beautiful had to die
A heart so strong
Those eyes so bright
You should not have died, that awful night
Every day I cry and see your face
You should be here, not in that place
Hunting woods and fields with Riv
And the visitors we have, your love to give
There is no sense, I should have saved ya...
I love you so much,
My beautiful Ava…x

On long Summer nights
She still sees your face
In the golden, swaying field
Your hunting place...
The dive of the Swallow.
The rise of the Lark
She would wait forever for you, as it grows dark
At the end of the walk, an empty lead..
She knows you won't come home..
Your hunting has greater need...
Her face crumples as she remembers those years
When you would come home
And there would be no tears...

hrodite - Sh Ch Montecani Millenium Gold - Sh Ch Montecani Cuba -Armando Nannina - Montecani Tremelo

This gorgeous boy had the sweetest, most sensitive temperament. I just loved him.
His first pups looked very promising.

Nemo went missing and died a tragic death whilst in the care of his foster home. It touched everyones heart and I recieved hundreds of messages after he was found dead. It made me rethink my policy on putting my beautiful boys in family homes and any future imports will stay with me. He was a beautiful gentle boy, gone far too soon.

 

Nova has 1 RCC
Born: 15th September 1999
Hip Score 4:3

Epithelium Nostromo at Hollutrix (Imp) x Sh Ch Montecani Peaches

Montecani It's A Love Thing

We said Goodbye to dear old aloof Nova at 14 years of age.

Nova was one of those dogs that never put a paw wrong. She reared two beautiful litters and had much success with her show career.
After a great return to the ring in 2007, being highly placed in all her Open classes, Nova was also campaigned during 2008.
1st Veteran Bitch Crufts 2008
Nova retired and has took over her mother Eva's favourite place by the Aga.

 

Born: 17th August 2002

Epithelium Nostromo at Hollutrix (imp) x Epithelium Odessa at Hollutrix (imp)
Breeder: Gaynor Berry

We lost Quiva at 11 years old.
Best Puppy In Show ISCGB Ch Show 2003, Best in Show ISCGB Open show 2004, both under Italian judges.

Quiva was lovely, a great show girl and produced two lovely litters.
Hollutrix Caianella del Montecani

Born: 20th January 2009
Hip Score 2:2

Montecani Giannini x Sh Ch Montecani Uma

Rubra, another gone too soon. Operated on for a pyometra, the vet found an inoperable pyloric tumour and we had to say Goodbye when she was only 6 years old. It was a terrible shock. If I ever want to remember her I listen to The Stylistics ..You are Beautiful....because she was.Best Puppy Leeds Championship Show

Best Puppy Bitch National Gundog Championship Show
Best Puppy Bitch Bournemouth Championship Show
Best Puppy Bitch Richmond Championship Show
Best Puppy Bitch Driffield Championship Show

Gorgeous girl and the sweetest nature.

Babio has 3 CC's & 5 RCC's
Born: 11th June 2005
Hip Score 3:2

Ferentum Pirro x Nausicaa dei Siccardi
Breeder: Irma Bovolo
Resides with Jackie Davies

Now retired from Stud and the Show Ring

TOP BROWN ROAN DOG 2009

Sh Ch Babiot Del Mongioie at Montecani (Imp Ita)
We drove to Italy in August 2005 to collect Babio, he spent 6 months in Quarantine and we brought him home in February. He has settled in well and has a lovely temperament. Babio has exceeded our expectations in the show ring and has either won or been placed 2nd in all his PG classes of 2007.
At his first show of 2008, Manchester Champ Show he won 1st Post Grad dog.
He is also siring lovely puppies with great characters.
A great start to 2009, Babio won his first CC at Manchester Champ show in January and then continued his winning ways by taking the CC at the world's greatest dog show, CRUFTS in March!
The all important 3rd CC came in June 2009 at Border Union.

Sh Ch Babiot Del Mongioie at Montecani 11th June 2005 to 1st October 2017... Very sadly we had to say Goodbye to our lovely gentle boy, Babio this morning. He lived a long, happy and healthy life, which I am so very grateful for, but it does not stop the sadness and tears as we said Farewell to him... I drove to Irma's house in Italy to collect him and his sister, Della when they were 10 weeks old. There was still quarantine in place then so the pair of them spent 6 months there, with Mum and I visiting every week. Babio went on to have a fantastic show career and sired some beautiful pups, so he lives on in his children and grandchildren, both here and abroad. After his show career he went to live with Mum returning to us earlier this year when Mum became ill. It's rather poignant that we should lose him 2 days before Mums funeral. I expect they missed each other...

 

 

 

Uma has 4 CC's & 1 RCC
Born: 10th October 2004
Hip Score 4:3

Sh Ch Fernando Laerzio by Inostricani x Montecani It’s a Love Thing

Res Best Puppy ISCGB Ch show 2005. Best Puppy in Show ISCGB Open show 2005.
Uma has had a great start to 2008, 2nd in her first Limit class at Manchester Champ show and also considered for the RCC. She then went on to gain her stud book number at WELKS Champ Show in April & then won her first RCC at Bath Champ Show on the 24th May.
Continuing her winning ways, Uma won the BCC & then went on to BEST OF BREED at WKC Champ show in August.Sh Ch Montecani Uma
Uma wins her 2nd CC & then BEST OF BREED at SKC Champ show in May 2010.
Just a week later Uma wins her 3rd CC at Bath Champ show on the 29th May 2010.
Uma wins her 4th CC & BOB at Border Union Champ show on the 20th June 2010.
Uma is also the noisiest and greediest Spinone I have ever met!

Sh Ch Montecani Uma ‘Uma’ 2004 to 2018
It was time to say goodbye to our beautiful matriarch this morning….Feeling heartbroken. Its always the hardest decision to make, but sometimes we just cant make our beloved dogs live any longer..
When you were born, the vets tried to convince me I had a cross breed litter as they handed me the box of pups after your Mum, Nova’s C Section. You and your colourful brothers, Oscar and Nando were very striking!
You grew into a wonderful Spinone, both in the show ring and as a Mum. You leave behind a whole legacy that will continue on…
But..Who will keep the youngsters in order?
Who is going to eat the carrot peelings as I peel veg for Sunday roast? You loved food so much and these last few days we shared bags of crisps and lay by the fire together.
I will miss those wise dark eyes, that gentle face, your firm but fair way of chastising the errant youngsters.
You were always with me in the garden, always watching , with that gaze that your Mum and Grandmother both had.. We became very close in the last few years as you grew older..
I wish I could tell my Mum, Uma… It makes it even harder as we always sat and held paws and talked about memories when we had to say good bye. I hope she was waiting for you.

 

Born: 23rd January 2005

Sh Ch Fernando Laerzio by Inostricani x Hollutrix Caianella del Montecani

At her first Champ show of 2006, WELKS, 2nd Junior bitch 16 entries!! Judge Breed Specialist Rod Allison (Mantegna).

Havana has a lovely character and is a wonderful companion.

'Beautiful Italian Head' Judge Maria Grazi Poli (Italian specialist)
Produced a lovely litter with Nemo in 2010. ani Havana Nights

Havana (Montecani Havana Nights) 23rd January 2005 to 20th November 2018.. Tears flowing here tonight. A time for reflection of a wonderful old girl who was so loved. My olden, my Han..Almost 14 years together, but time just caught up with us.
It was always you and me against the world, Havana..That was our motto. Now it's just me. But we did so much together. You had great show potential, but you didnt care much for men (except John), or the show ring, so you were retired early.
The highlight of your life was your 4 puppies, but the shock for me that day I caught you in a compromising position with Nemo was unbelievable. A 6 year old bitch with bad hips having a litter, not ideal, but we weathered it as it was my mistake and how you loved those puppies. It was the best decision I made and those pups were beautiful.
You were my upstairs dog when I lived alone for a while, that gentle snoring you were famous for, was somehow comforting.
These last two years your rear legs became weaker, our bond became stronger, we treated falling over as a good thing and you looked for a biscuit if your rear end ever failed you. It made you happy in a strange way! One day you stopped dead on our walk and let me know your legs just couldnt go that far anymore, so we stuck to the garden and you were happy with that. Your routine was out twice a day for a potter, a sniff around then back in and gawd were you determined if you wanted to go in, you would take off like a rocket..with me shouting 'slow down, wait for me'
I was happy to lift you up the steps here in Somerset when your legs wouldnt go and we came down the steps together, you would wait for me at the top, me holding your tail to steady you.. I would have done anything for you and at that time, despite the legs, you were happy with your life.
These last few days, you grew more tired, your legs more wobbly, the food you loved so much seemed an effort to get down. You didnt get up for mealtimes anymore. Usually you were on your feet like a shot, ate your dinner and then waited for the bowl of tripe blood that you drank voraciously, bouncing if it didnt arrive quickly enough!! I fed you whatever you wanted to eat on your bed these last days but it was a struggle to find something you wanted to eat. I have packets and packets of fish treats, ham, meat, anything tasty!
It was so hard to let you go and I changed my mind several times. I cuddled you on your bed so much these last few days and stroked that old dog soft fur and you would respond with a paw and a gentle groan, looking up at me with cloudy, tired eyes. I willed you to turn a corner, get up, eat properly, prove me and the vets wrong, but life had become a chore and you were just so tired.
I will miss you already, Havana :'( Your raised bed at my feet that was yours and yours alone is now being kept warm by another old dog.

1 CC
Born: 11th Dec 2009 - 15th January 2019
Hip Score 3:7

Montecani Giannini x Montecani Just Peachy

Best Puppy National Gundog Championship Show

Looking fabulous and part of the 2012 show team. She is also doing great in her Gundog work, so willing to please and very biddable.

(Little) Eva (Montecani Eva So Peachy) 2009-2019... More heartbreak and tears. Had to say goodbye to my beautiful big Girl this afternoon, after a brave, month long battle I knew she could not win. Eva was a beautiful, big, gentle girl. She never put a paw wrong and she had the biggest paws, just like her Grandad, Nando.
Eva was a gazer. One lovely memory is her sitting in the dark at the top of the garden, just star gazing. I can picture it now, just the back of her, sitting quietly. I sat alongside her and she turned her head to look into my eyes and we just sat there, a perfect moment in time, forever etched on my mind.
Eva, you made John and I laugh with your battering down of the dog gate into the living room and then you would burst in at 100mph and flop down to sleep instantly, warm and happy by the log burner.
This morning I could tell you were tired. I felt we had reached the end and those big beautiful eyes of yours said the same. We sat and held paws and everytime I moved away, those eyes were on me. You loved Mum, Eva..I hope she was there waiting for you and you can both dance together like no one's watching.....

 

Born: 5th January 2008

Bill X Ambra
Breeder: Marchioro Claudio

Ras was imported from Italy in 2016, aged 9 years. A beautiful placid dog of very old breedlines and breed type. Unfortunately he escaped from the courier enroute to the UK and spent a week living wild before being caught! A very fraught time for all involved! He has been used at stud and produced a lovely litter to Malcolm Bevan's Stowledge Allora, of which a male pup has been retained for the future. It is hoped his breed type will improve the breed.

After my Mum died, Ras went to live with my friend Barbara Hill. He had a lovely year with her before we sadly lost him aged 11.

Born: 22nd April 2006
Hip Score 9:9

Sh Ch Montecani Millenium Gold X Hollutrix Caianella Del Montecani

Fresca shows great promise as a working dog.
Still being shown, but is now my main working dog. She took part in her first Gundog Working Test during 2010 amassing a respectable amount of points. We also attended a 'Shot Over' day and Field Trial and she worked on our Local Shoot. We will be entering more Gundog tests in the future.

Montecani Fran Ccesca

Friday brought us more sadness with the loss of Fresca..Our Freddie. April 2006-April 2019.
After a lovely sunny Thursday, a good day, it was clear at the end of our walk that something was not right with Fresca and sadly after vets and tests, we had to let her go Friday afternoon. We were with her at the end, that tail was still wagging but her body had failed :'(
Losing 5 dogs in 2 years is pretty much soul destroying and the moral of the story is if you keep a puppy from every litter, one day you will end up with a lot of very old dogs!! Babio was 12.5 years, Uma, 13.5, Havana almost 14 years and Fresca, 13.
Dogs just dont live long enough as we all know but we just can't make them live much more than their lifespan :(
Fresca was fit right up to the end. Never an illness her whole life. More like a 2 year old in her demeanour. The only visual aging process was her greying eyebrows. Every day she was out with me around the small holding. She loved to try and catch a chicken or two as they came out of the coop and constantly banged the nest box with her nose until somone shouted 'Freddie get away from there!!!!
She was the messiest drinker ever, flooding the floor with every drink..the towel under the kitchen waterbowl has stayed dry since Friday.. :'( She would bark for water.. I miss that bark!
She would bark if she was on a raised bed and there was a dog laying in front. She was a polite, non pushy dog with impeccable manners.
She was a heavy breather though..bit much sometimes as she followed you about the garden!!! :-D
Fresca did quite well in the show ring but her favourite pastime was working and we went on numerous Hertfordshire shoots in her lifetime. Her first shoot in Somerset, she was rather rusty though and managed to clear a whole drive after following two errant spaniels!
We attempted one working test as I had got her near perfect in training, but on the day she decided she she could not remember any of it. First time nerves perhaps! :)
She was a kind and special dog. She liked to stick her cold nose in your eye socket and offer you one of her enormous paws to hold. We often quoted the line from the film I Am Legend to her 'What the Hell You Doin Out Here Fred!' She loved that, it made her bounce about!
I have cried buckets since we said goodbye, I couldnt face anything for a couple of days, but after a text from Olwen to see if I was alive and talking with Helen and Pat on the phone, I felt a bit better put things in perspective. Fresca has gone, but she had the best life, living well into old age for a dog and was so loved right up until her final breath..

 

Born: 6th December 2012

Punto Dei Morenici x Bianca
Breeder: Simone Tinti
Resides with Tracy Coxhead

Buch arrived in the UK in April 2013

 

1 RCC
Stud Book Number
Born: 21st June 2011
Hip Score 3:3

Siro (Imp Ita) X Montecani Just Jazz

Breeder: Lou Baines

A very sad day at Montecani HQ yesterday. We said goodbye to Asca after a progressive degenerative disease of which we never found the cause, despite various tests. We noticed a stiffness in her rear legs a few months ago and occasional left rear leg drag. Otherwise perfectly normal in herself and I put it down to age.
The last week was the downturn and it was clear that Asca was starting to struggle, losing sight in her left eye and her balance.She stayed very close to me and I made sure she always knew where I was.
Her appetite remained and that was the hardest part of letting her go. She was all there, still stalking chickens abeit wobbly and barking at a dog that came in for grooming, tail lashing like a wild animal! The old Asca I knew so well! It was our bone of contention. Asca was a noisy sod and would also answer me back if I told her off! I will miss that feisty character.
The last morning I fed her breakfast, then we sat quietly in the living room, she knew I was there and with me by her side she went peacefully to sleep. Its a memory I treasure as for a moment, I could imagine she was still well. She looked so perfect and I snapped a last photo which I will treasure forever.
We then made that journey to the vets and she slipped peacefully away, in the back of the car with me by her side.
The end of an era, another connection to my Mum. Asca loved Mum. The other person she always loved and remembered was Helen Thomas.
Asca was my stud puppy from my Italian import Siro out of a bitch I had bred (Siena's sister)
I travelled to Shropshire those 10 years ago to pick my puppy and when I arrived, I was drawn to this beautiful pretty face, the first born pup. That was Asca. She slept all the way home to Hertfordshire in the front well.
She was a successful show dog. Perhaps if I hadnt been winding down my showing career at the time, I may have made her up to a Champion. She was a beautiful Spinone with one of the best heads, from her Mucrone ancestry.
She loved to chase and fetch a ball.
Asca had two beautiful litters and lives on through her beautiful sons and daughters and also through their progeny.
We will so miss Asca, she was truly a beautiful Spinone....except perhaps for the barking!
I hope Mum was there waiting on Asca's last journey

12th April

Born: 8th February 2008
Hip Score 3:6
CA Tested: Clear

Sh Ch Babiot Del Mongioie At Montecani (Imp Ita) X Montecani Moon River

Produced a lovely litter with Nemo during 2010 of which one pup Montecani Lucio, owned by Helen Thomas is doing fantastico in his Gundog work! With her sire being Babio who is from strong Italian working lines and her mum Ava's 'full on' hunting instinct, Rivana is the best dog for hunting that we have here, real drive!

The field across the lane is calling me again.
On bright frosty mornings and hazy Summer evenings, I remember the draw of the field beyond, where I wasn't suppose to go. But oh the joy!
My ears go up and my pace quickens.
Across the lane I can see a little lady I know well. I haven't seen her for a while..Beside her is a white dog, tail wagging furiously.
I know you don't want to let go, but I'm so tired..I'm not coming back this time.
Please don't cry. I can see your heart is broken. Let me go with a glad heart and remember all our good times.
We had the best 14 years a dog could wish for. I wish I could have stayed longer..
I will always be your heart in mouth dog with my love for hunting
Now safely tucked up your heart and memories forever.

Rivana 8th February 2008 - 4th February 2022.

Born: 9th April 2009
MoHip Score 5:3ntecani Twister

Ciro Del Mongioie At Montecani (Imp Ita) x Montecani Fran Ccesca

Twista...by far the naughtiest, funniest Spinone I had ever known. Always up to something, but did it all with a cheeky grin, so there is no way you could ever get cross with her. Never a day went by without Twista making me laugh On a more serious side, she showed a great aptitude for working, fabulous drive and accurate retrieving, just needed reining in a little and I think we had something really special!