WELCOME TO BEOWULF!
Ted Swedalla, Class of 1964
We
are a small show kennel located in
Central Virginia
. The origins of Beowulf date back to 1985 in
Marlborough
,
Massachusetts
and started with the Beagle bloodlines of Bridal Vale, Chrisette, Buglair and
White Acres.
Over the many years since my first dog, "Dawn", many a fine Beagle has
entered our lives. These hounds have
all been registered with the "Beowulf Kennel" name and many have had
very successful careers in the conformation ring.
The most important job for these little guys however, is to be a family
member which improves the quality of life for all involved.
In addition to activities relating to having a show kennel, I've been
given the job of Supporting Membership Director of the National Beagle Club of
America. The NBC Supporting
Membership consists of those Beaglers who primary focus involves conformation,
obedience, agility, and tracking. My
wife, Terri and I have been members of the National Beagle Club since 1985.
We strive to produce a pretty little hound that demonstrates
elegant breed type. Most importantly these dogs must have the qualities of
temperament that allow them to be an excellent companion animal. Like
most, our Beagles are comedians and engage in mischief on a regular basis. Our
German Shepherd Dogs are also exhibited at conformation shows but take life a
bit more seriously and thus have a full time job trying to keep the Beagles in
line.
Over the last 10 years we have seen a renaissance in the Beagle conformation
ring. The use of the internet is bringing changes to breeding practices by
expanding breeding options and thus expanding the gene pool of the Beagle's that
are now being exhibited. The
National Beagle Club of America Specialty has taken on an international flavor.
We now see Beagles from many parts of the world competing at our annual
Specialty Show. This has resulted in
better moving dogs and bitches, both in side gate and coming and going.
The Kennel from afar...
The kennel up close showing
the dog runs...
The latest litter of five Beagles...
A closer look at the litter...
Somebody, please send me a get out of jail card...
One of Ted & Terri's neighbor's boys enjoying the puppies...
Duke, our Clumber Spaniel
A look inside the grooming room...
More of the grooming room...
One of the boys, Benicio...
Ted's Beagle van and a shot of the porch on the house...
Terri showing one of their show beagles
Flashback
Below are photos of the Kennel under construction
"He is your friend, your
partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his
heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." --
Unknown
It
often feels like the blink of an eye
from the time you hold a seconds-old newborn pup
until you reflect back warmly on all the memories that pup brought you through
the years. The foundation of Beowulf Kennel and those dogs who followed
shortly after can be found here. They taught us so much about this
wonderful hobby and sport, as their great-great, etc grandchildren continue to
do so. These dogs not only provided us with opportunities to learn but
have brought together many cherished friendships over time.
Mozart Clapton
Tommy
Spice Chablis
Sonata
Living with GSDs is
a completely different experience than that with Hounds. The
Germans--as we affectionately refer to them--are vigilant and move with an
elegant stealth. They typically respond quickly to correction and rarely
laugh at you as our beloved Beagles are known to do during training. Our
Germans can be rather comical in their own way.......there is nothing sillier
than watching a big male German Shepherd Dog running around the house with his
little stuffed lobster toy!
Ludwig
Twist
Swing
|