(Multi Ch Lecibsin Macce x Elbereth Kyky)
5/3/2009 to 19/4/23
Where does one start to try and do justice to truly special dog, yes, he was the breed’s first champion, yes, he was the breed record holder from 2011 to 2022, yes he was Crufts BOB and sire of two bitch BOBs at Crufts and yes he won titles all over Europe including Finland and the RCAC at THAT WW14 show.
But most of all Matka was our precious boy, who was just such an angel to live with, kind and gentle to all people, all dogs, and puppies, rarely barking and certainly never growling. He had the gentlest, kindest character, loving cuddles and spending a lot of time upside down, to collect as many tummy rubs as possible.
Matka was 7 years old when a 14 month old Uka joined us, as an entire stud dog, Matka simply accepted the new upstart. It was a testament to both their characters that they never ever had a crossed word, even with a marrow bone on the floor or a bitch in season, truth of it was in all honesty Uka adored Matka, he had good taste.
Matka was the most obedient of lapphunds, with his gold good citizen award, and many a show saw him doing a down stay whilst we packed up. He loved camping and the long woodland walks and was always off lead, he excelled as a role model to the younger dogs, am sure Huntu is well behaved because she followed him on the walks as a baby pup.
Matkamies was named for the crazy trip that enabled his conception – but he lived up to the name with all the travelling he did, he loved it – and won over so many hearts around the world with his cuddles and kisses, and I am so grateful to all the lovely friends he brought to our lives. I lost count of the number of hotels he visited around the world; he would happily stay in each on his own or visit friends/family in their homes and just accept the surroundings and the resident dogs.
When meeting Matka – many people have said – I’d love one just like him – his great looks and character never failing to impress, but he was one in a million never to be repeated.
Matka is named for the mammoth journey I undertook to fetch Lecibsin Macce to the UK to mate with Elbereth Kyky, Matkamies meaning “Traveling man/wayfarer”. When the litter of four were born, I was planning to keep the bitch- who we now know as Kia, but Phillip insisted we kept the wolf sable male….. the rest they say is history.
He is the Uk’s first Champion, winning all his CCs in 2011 – At Richmond Championship show in September 2011, breed history was made, when Matkamies won the single Challenge Certificate on offer under judge Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews to become the first UK Champion Finnish Lapphund. Matka won his first CC at Birmingham National under Sue Dunger, the second at SKC under Julie Vaughan. Matka was the #1 winning lapphund of all time in UK until 2022.
He has four UK litters, plus one in Finland and one in Holland. His progeny are proven in the ring winning CC s/res CCs and best puppy awards plus numerous BOB/BB awards. In fact his daughter Pelinainen is the bitch breed recorder holder and #2 Lapphund
Matka is a delight to live with, the softest, gentlest dog you could wish for. He has no male on male aggression, runs free in the park having a very good recall and has attained his KC Gold Good Citizen award. He is a very special boy indeed, if you meet him you cannot help but love him.
Critique from Mr Lekhonen at Southern Counties 2015 for Matka, OD (5) 1 CC & BOB, Jackson’s Ch/Fin/Int/Lux/Bel/Dutch Ch Elbereth Matkamies, tall handsome dog of excellent type. Beautiful masculine head. Excellent angulation. Correct proportions in strong body. Very well carried tail. Beautiful coat. Excellent temperament & movements. He carries himself so well when standing & moving. I can now see from his titles that I am not the only one who has appreciated his beauty. Congratulations to the breeder.
