International / National -CH, UKC-CH, AKC-CH Isi Kaffisukkolathi
"Kaffi"
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Kaffi came to us in October 2006 from Germany. He was
one of the first Chocolate Icelandic Sheepdogs in the U.S.
Although I wasn't ready to have a stud dog, after receiving
several adorable photos such as this one, and
encouragement from officers of the ISAA, I couldn't
continue to refuse.
Kaffi has matured into an incredible dog. His name, Isi
Kaffisukkolathi, meaning Iced Coffee and Chocolate in
Icelandic, is an accurate reflection of his personality. You
cannot find a sweeter dog than him, he is cool and calm in
stressful situations, he is ready to go anytime, and just
plain irresistible. He has a very gentle and soft disposition
without being submissive. He is very cuddly, is calm
around other dogs. He is always willing to try whatever I
ask him to do, trusting that I will never put him in harms
way. We have had some great adventures together. I
couldn't have asked for a better partner in competition
He was Chosen Best 12 to 18 month year old at the
Atlantshaf Icelandic Sheepdog Chapter Conformation event
2007 under judge Karin Ashe, judge Ashe said of Kaffi "he
just makes you go mush!" In 2008, he was chosen Best of
Breed at the Atlantshaf Icelandic Sheepdog Chapter
Conformation event under judge Mark Kennedy over 28
dogs. Mark Kennedy said of Kaffi " He has nice movement,
has very good type and is not in the least bit shy" In 2009
AKC judge Jay Hyman placed him as Best of Breed over
32 dogs.
Kaffi also earned in 2008 his United Kennel Club
Championship title and enough competition points to earn a
tied for the ranking of fifth overall in the breed. The judge
who finished Kaffi approached us as we were leaving to
state "He is such a Showman, he really likes being in the
ring. I really really liked him" Kaffi has earned an
International and National Championship through the
IABCA and earned a Group 1 in herding group. He also
earned multiple Best of AKC Miscellaneous class awards in
2008, 2009 and early 2010.
In Bremen, Germany April 4, 2009 FCI Judge Caspelherr
stated "he is a very beautiful dog" and gave him an
"Excellent" evaluation. She also commented that he had
very calm and good temperament.
On July 2, 2010 Kaffi became the very first Icelandic
Sheepdog to earn a Best of Breed as a fully accepted
Breed in AKC as well as the first Icelandic Sheepdog to
enter the herding group. On July 9, Kaffi and Valhalla's
Heart O' Gold became the very first AKC Champions in just
one weeks time. Kaffi earned all of his Championship
points by being placed Best of Breed and from all majors.
Kaffi has gone on to be placed Best of Breed at the
prestigious Morris and Essex Kennel Club show on
10/7/2010 and was the first Icelandic Sheepdog to compete
in group there. He also went Best of Breed at the Kennel
Club of Philadelphia's National Dog show, the USA's
second oldest Dog Show where he made the Icelandic
Sheepdog's National Network Debut during NBC's
broadcast on Thanksgiving day.
Kaffi has received invitations to the AKC Eukanuba
National Championship in 2010 and is one of 4 dogs to
receive an invitation to the Westminster Kennel Clubs 2011
Dog Show, where he was awarded Best of Opposite sex
Kaffi is a special dog, not just because he is handsome but
because of his Character. I do not think I will ever find
another quite like him. He has led the way for Icelandic
Sheepdogs in the AKC here in the USA in many ways, and
has always been a wonderful ambassador for the breed.
He was the very first AKC Best of Breed as a Fully
accepted breed in the AKC, the first to go to Herding
Group, the First Male AKC Champion, the first Icelandic
Sheepdog to be seen in a televised AKC Conformation
event, the ONLY Icelandic Sheepdog to earn his
Championship by earning points with all Best of Breed
Major and the #3 Icelandic Sheepdog in the USA in 2010,
the #1 male. This was achieved with a very limited
showing.
Kaffi was also honored by the Editors of Time and Sports
Illustrated magazine to represent all 6 on the new breeds at
the Westminster Dog show in 2011. Even in photos this
guy is a total charmer.
Never did I think when this fuzzy little Teddy Bear arrived
that we would create so many wonderful memories
together. He has made such a difference in my life
because he enjoyed new adventures. His enthusiasm for
new challenges has gotten me to do things I would never
thought I would ever do and before I could talk myself out
of it; we did, just because I wanted to go along with him.
We have met so many wonderful people along the way and
created so many good friendships. I can never put into
words how much this dog means to me.
He truly is a Champion in Spirit and Character and an
absolute Treasure.


"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." - Gene Hill
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Kaffi outside of Frankfurt, Germany
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera
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Kaffi and I in Herding Group at the prestigious Morris and Essex show in 2010. I hope I have a dog who is just as much fun to take along for the Next Morris And Essex Show.
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Kaffi being his regular Goofy Self - you can dress us up but you can't make us behave!. He decided he wanted to show off and get Belly Rubs while we were waiting for all the other dogs to be examined. He always makes sure we have a good time everywhere we go. You can see how seriously we take all of this show stuff, it really is supposed to be fun!
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Kaffi in Dortmund, Germany
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Kaffi aka "The Wolfman" after a swim in the creek at Catoctin Park
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Kaffi's trip to
The Westminster Dog Show
was sponsored in part by:
Viking Icelandic Sheepdogs Robert and Elisabet Stacy-Hurley Hagerstown, MD
American Carting Company Richard Morrow and Joan Andrews 2053 Long Hill Rd. Guilford, Ct. 203-457-0322
Clantyre Shetland Sheepdogs Rachael Toren Baltimore, MD
Home Sight and Sound Dave and Jennifer Whitescarver Fox Meadow Hausti Solstafir Bel Air, MD
McEremon Icelandics Tim and Penny Kelley Fox Meadow Hausta Tindra Hela Sandusky, Ohio
Karen Riggin Astvinur Imaldur Torrington, CT
Encore Shetland Sheepdogs Ann Silverman Union Bridge, MD
Shawn Phillips and Family Westminster, MD
Thank you to everyone for all your help and support!
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Kaffi in Herding Group at the National Dog Show we were both "Floating on air to be there.
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Kaffi, during the week, just another normal dog in the backyard. On the weekends - a jet setting celebrity
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Kaffi and I in the square of Frankfurt am Main, Germany he looks like he had one too many already!
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Ah the paparazzi that he must
accommodate! The taking of the famous
belly shot seen around the world at the AKC
press conference in Manhattan
Kaffi making sure Steve Santagati' from "Extra"ears
are clean. In Times Square, NYC
Kaffi and I doing our thing on "Extra" with Steve
Santagati
Closing Bell ceremonies at NASDAQ in NYC with
David Frei, "the voice of the Westminster Dog Show"
One of the nicest Gentleman Kaffi and I have ever
met. David introducing Kaffi to the TV cameras
Sigh, OK one more photo before I go
to have my photo shoot for Time
Magazine. The photo this gal took has
been widely circulated of him as well.
Kaffi, always the canine Ambassador and
Mike the Blue Tick Coon hound discussing
Canine Politics at a round table meeting at
NASDAQ. His owner Susan LLoyd and I
became pretty chummy as well. Kaffi and
I thought Mike was an awesome dog!
Kaffi and I can't thank everyone enough
for all the support and encouragement
that has been given to us. Friends such
as fellow ISD owner Katelyn Baker and
her mom, professional dog trainer Tricia
Baker, Elaine Mozur and sister Dolores
Porrino of Runestone Icelandics and
Kathy Birnie helped Kaffi and I answer
the events spectators questions about the
breed. Kaffi spent nearly 12 hours
greeting the public at the the Westminster
Dog Show, the USA's second oldest
Sporting event, in between going into the
ring. He could have cared less about the
time he was going to spend in the ring, (
and he acted like it) he wanted to meet the
crowds.


Kaffi's Best of Opposite Sex Ribbon. The first ever
awarded to an Icelandic Sheepdog at the Westminster
Kennel Clubs 135th Dog Show. It was a fabulous
experience. I am so happy Kaffi and I could make that
memory together with so many good friends there and
with so much support from friends around the USA and
abroad. We almost didn't make it as I'd been so sick for
the weeks before it and still was feeling not so great while
we were there but it was an experience that I am so
grateful for having. Thank you all for cheering on my best
pal Kaffi.
We were flattered to learn that Martha Stewart
and the Staff of Martha Stewart Living chose or
beloved boy Kaffi - completely out of coat - to
be their inset photo for their June 2012 issue's
article "When Fur Flies"
His Celebrity Status still hasn't gone to his head