Flame

Tribute provided by Nick Gouzos
'Boarbadger Miniature Smooth Dachshunds'
Adelaide, South Australia

(Flame is shown here with mother on the left and daughter on the right)

If I was asked to name the Dachshund who epitomises everything the breed is known for,then my answer would have to be Ch. Lohengrin Flame.  In my eyes “Flame” will always be the most beautiful Dachshund in the world.  I know there are many people who would argue with me but then every great dog has their detractors.  It is the truly great dogs that can rise above their critics and prove that they are truly special.  As you will read below, “Flame” certainly proved that she was very special. 

“Flame” was bred by the great dog breeder, Rhonda Berge-Phillips, and was owned by Eric Soti and Wolfgang Schnitzer.  She formed the foundation of Keaton Longhairs and helped make the kennel internationally well known.  Her sire was the prolific stud dog and character, Ch. Swansford Mancini of Murrumbidgee and her dam was the beautiful producer, Ch. Lohengrin Xmas Carol. 

“Flame’s” show career was particularly successful, even more so when you consider she wasn't the greatest show dog!  She was one of the laziest dogs around and would show only when she felt like it.  It was a common occurrence to see “Flame” in the ring in a perfect show stance only to watch her slowly sink into her hindquarters until she was actually sitting down.  Despite her sometimes bored attitude to showing, “Flame” amassed some impressive wins. 

“Flame” was a multiple All breeds BIS winner and had countless Hound groups to her credit.  She was the South Australian Hound of the Year in 1990 and won many high awards at Dachshund Specialties.  She won her first Hound group as a puppy and was also bitch CC and best “Puppy in Group” at the Adelaide Royal in 1989.  But it was “Flame’s” great win of BIS at the First Australian Dachshund National that she really wrote her name in the record books.  From an entry of 448  “Flame” really showed her heart out and with her great hound femininity charmed the judge, Hazel Fielding, an English Specialist of “Delphik” Miniature Long fame, to win on this most auspicious occasion.  

As it can be seen “Flame's” excellent show career would be enough to put her in the record books but she also excelled as a great producer.  When mated to the influential import, American and Australian Ch. Boondox Jumping Jack Flash (Imp USA), she produced 5 Champions.  The lone male puppy was to become the famous Grand Ch. Keaton Jaks who has an unequalled show and stud career with his domination of the National Specialties classing him as something extraordinary.  Of her four champion daughters, it was to be Ch Keaton Flamboyant who would repeat her Mother’s National BIS win. 

As you can see “Flame” was a very special Dachshund and one that I will never forget.  I thank Eric and Wolfgang for allowing me the privilege to know her and to be able to handle her children and grandchildren to many BIS wins.  It will be a long time till another Dachshund comes along who will beguile me with her long ear furnishings and her "mascara" lined eyes and that melting expression that only “Flame” could give.