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The Gangsters


Da Boyz

Da Boyz at 4 weeks old. Are these baby Gangsters or what?!


BASQUELAINE-MONTAGE GANGSTER LITTER: 04/29/06 5 males

Thrym
Thrym
Marissa
Marissa


SIRE: Hexen House Thrym (Sweden)
03/22/04-02/02/15  CERF BT-3237 (03/05)  Hips & Elbows Non-passing*  
Scissors bite, full dentition  Height 25 3/4 inches
DAM: Mahagonny's Rites of Passage HIC "Marissa" (Sweden)
DOB 03/15/98  CERF Clear 4/05  OFA Hips BT-3336G24F-T  Elbows BT-EL818F24-T  MSU Thyroid Clear 04/00
Scissors bite, missing 3 PMs  Height 21 inches

The Gangsters were co-bred with Kelley Hoffman BasqueLaine. Their sire Thrym was a son of the incredible Grimm van de Hoge Laer, via long saved frozen semen, out of a Grimm grandaughter. Grimm was perhaps the most famous, exceptional dog in the history of the Belgian Shepherd. Bred by Jean Louis Vandenbemden, and owned by Firmin and Paula Aertgeerts, he was born May 25, 1982, and went to the Rainbow Bridge on February 28, 1995. He was a Champion International, Champion of Belgium, France, Holland & Luxembourg, and a Reproducer Elite (RE), siring many outstanding Belgians who went on themselves to become RE's. His type and character were hugely influential in breeding programs worldwide. Marissa was the foundation of the BasqueLaine Tervuren breeding program, with some of the top dogs in Europe in her lines. She produced puppies with working ability and beauty combined. The Gangsters carry a lot of history in their genes! Full of humor and determination, they are Da Boyz.

Mr. Big

Mr. Big
BasqueLaine-Montage Capone PT, TD "Big" had a wonderful life with Kate Sreenan in Alabama. He was goofy and sweet and and loving as could be. Hee always did his very best to please. His favorite activity to do with Kate was tracking. He had a natural, deep nose and loved to work. At his first tracking test on Nov. 2, 2014, he showed what a good working Terv can do, taking Kate all the way to the glove in very challenging, blustery conditions to earn his TD. They were the only team to pass. Big also enjoyed an occasional session herding sheep and easily earned his PT title. At age 11, he contracted an infection in his spinal chord and Kate had to let him go. He enjoyed life with Kate to the fullest, spending many happy hours tracking in fields and urban environments. He was well along the way to his tracking championship. Although he passed on without that title, he surely deserved it and I will always think of him as a champion.

BasqueLaine-Montage Mafioso CD, BN, RN, NW1, HIC, CAX, FDC, RATO, CD-C, PSD-ADVANCED, PSD-ED, PSD-EE, CGC, TDI (retired), TT, TC, CSAU "Vinnie" is owned by Patty Naimo in Manchester NH. He is Patty's first Belgian and she has been having a grand time trying many new activities with him. He earned his CGC at just 8 months old and went on to pass the Therapy Dogs International Test (TDI) at 13 months old to become a valued member of Caring Paws Therapy Dogs of New Hampshire, working mainly with war veterans and senior citizens. At age 4, Vinnie took therapy dog work to another level, passing a lengthy screening and application process for the Catholic Medical Center Hospital in Manchester NH in order to visit cancer patients. For this kind of work, the dog must be not only well behaved and well trained but also stable, reliable and sensitive. Vinnie is definitely a gangster with a heart of gold! Vinnie retired from therapy work in 2012. I am so very proud of Vinnie and Patty for all the help and love they have brought to people in need. Vinnie also enjoyed sheep herding, rally-o, obedience, lure coursing (25 Qs!!), barn hunts and nosework, in which he reached advanced level. He earned his 3rd leg in Advanced Buildings search with a 2nd place to complete his overall Advanced Scent Dog title. Besides working drive and great versatility, Vinnie had plenty of courage, as shown when he passed the ATTS Temperament Test in 2010 and yet another very difficult temperament test with 22 gunshots, given by the German Shepherd Club of America in May, 2013 for his TC certificate. At age 11, Vinnie was still enjoying lure coursing and picked up his 25th leg! He also earned his AKC obedience CD. He passed on to the bridge at age 14, leaving a legacy of much love behind. Vinnie

Vinnie

Louie

Louie
BasqueLaine-Montage Wise Guy CGC "Louie" was owned by Susan & Burton Dodd in Atlanta GA. At the extremely young age of 6 months, this puppy proved that even a wise guy can be a Canine Good Citizen. Louie was the Dodd's first Tervuren and was a much loved pet-companion. In spite of his CGC, Louie seemed destined for a life of crime as he loved to steal wallets out of bags and pockets and then carefully take out the money and shred it. He was a real character! He lived to old age as a much loved member of the Dodd family, traveling everywhere with them.

BasqueLaine-Montage Goodfella "Lefty" was owned by John Faier in Chicago IL, or it could be the other way around and John was Lefty's pet-companion. John is a professional photographer so there are some amazing photos of Lefty. While Lefty got off to a slow start in crime activities, he finally caught up to his bad boy littermates Mr. Big and Louie by specializing in electronics theft. He once swallowed (and safely passed) a remote control. There must be easier ways to get this stuff across the border. Lefty was an integrel part of John's life for many years until his passing. He left a huge hole behind him but I know he will always stay safe in John's heart. Lefty

Lefty

Tough Guy

Tough Guy
BasqueLaine-Montage The Enforcer "Tough Guy" was owned by Selene and David Whalen in Belleville, MI, and their children Devin and Elise. Tough Guy TG was a soft-hearted gangster with a very sweet and affectionate nature. He passed on at age 9 years from cancer. He was a much loved companion and is dearly missed by his family.

View the Gangsters Pedigree with links to photos

Kathy Madden
Montage Tervuren
New York, NY USA

madterv@yahoo.com