At Blizzard's Huntmore, there are no "brood matrons,"  pampered princesses proven only on paper.  We train and hunt our females, seeking individuals with the best possible performance traits, as well as disposition.  We consider the selection of top-shelf females critical to our program, as the female passes on so much to her puppies, not only genetically, but through her disposition with the long contact with her offspring in the whelping bin.  In our mind, "nature" and "nurture" are one and the same.

In the field, the foremost trait we want to see in our prospective bloodstock is signs of precocious development.  We're looking for young females that take on the country with a fast, bold, high-headed push, tempered with the kind of tractability that has them innately interested in keeping track of us in the field.  To be part of our program, candidates have to have a great deal of point, as this translates not only to performance on game, but a natural predilection for backing one of their kennel mates.  For us, "stylish" is as "stylish" does;  we love the natural high tails of the females in our kennel, but what we're most interested in is intensity, a smoldering stop that fairly crackles with electricity on game or standing another dog's point.

Finally, there's the intangible we'll call "bottom," a insatiable desire to make game that translates into tenacity and endurance.  Our dogs have the athletic conformation, tight feet, and light-footed gait that makes them breathtaking on the move as they take on the toughest terrain our Appalachian coverts can pose.

The three young dogs we've introduced to our breeding program continue to impress at all of the above.  Bella, a robust 45lb athlete is hard going yet tractable, tenacious on the hunt, with the nose and brains to excel. When she slams into points, she dead solid stays put , period!   So much point - Check out the photo of her in our "Females" section.  There's Bella locked down on a small setter garden statue in our yard; the littermate of our stud dog, Parker, swung in and locked up and "backed" that little Llewellin likeness! Her 12 o'clock tail is rooted high on the back, insuring plenty of "rear wheel drive," a hallmark of all our bloodstock.  With the beautifully tri-colored Bella, it was all natural from puppyhood on.  Her classic Blizzard Llewellin head with a proper stop and square muzzle makes this strapping female breathtakingly beautiful. Bella is quiet minded, sweet and loving, the total package.

Mia is a half-sister through her sire to Bella and Parker, half-sister to Laurel on her mother's side.  A class act and naturally precocious, this 35 lb. dynamo impresses each and every time out as an exceptional bird finder. Mia is short-coupled and handy in the cover, blessed with an uncanny nose, drive, and desperation to please.  No wonder this black-eared beauty is Anna's favorite.

Laurel is Llewellin refinement personified with her high style on point and a beautifully masked tri-color head. Weighing 38 lbs., her build and body are exceedingly well-balanced with a square head and muzzle. Naturally staunch early on with a good nose and high tail on point, Laurel has plenty of desire to find game and to hunt to the gun. Her smooth, light-footed gait makes her an all-day goer. 

Mild weather in the early half of winter saw Laurel and Bella getting some late afternoon work.  Beneath a sunset painted up to remind us of the blessings of every day, the girls strutted their stuff, pushing to find birds, locking up high and tight, as soul stirring as God's own sky show.  Along with sweet Mia, Laurel and Bella are cornerstones of our 2019 breeding plans, the next chapter in the Blizzard's Huntmore Appalachian grouse dog story.