© Xanguard 2006

Aust Ch Avantguard Light My Fire

AKA “Xander”

Xander was whelped on 6 March 2005 being one of 11 puppies, the first litter for Avantguard Kennels. Weighing in at 630 grams he was the 3rd heaviest. Marked with an army green string for identification the initial notes by his breeder stated “thick tail, very dark mask, dark fawn”.

One week prior to bringing home our bundle of joy we had the opportunity to go and have a look at the puppies. Xander was so laid back, quite happy to have a cuddle and was very outgoing. We had a look at him, his sister Cleo and his brother Lefty. Upon putting Xander down to have a look at Lefty - Xander made it very clear that I was only to look at him and no other pup by walking from the back of the puppy pen where he was resting (his favourite past time) and putting himself between myself and Lefty, promptly giving me a look of “Hey you belong to me!” I have heard of puppies choosing their owners but never really saw it actually happen till that day. Xander came home with us the next week. 

Xander’s show career started off with a BANG! He and his litter mates, at the age of 14 weeks, were the youngest entrants at the 3rd National Bullmastiff Specialty (Hosted by the South Australian Bullmastiff Club) in June 2005. - Xander beat 9 other entrants up to 3 months older than himself to take first place in Baby Puppy Dog Class and gaining the place of Opposite Baby in Show.

Xander achieved the title of Australian Champion at just 16 months of age. This was accomplished in 5 1/2 months from his first Challenge points being a Best of Breed on 22 January 2006 to the final few points required in July 2006. We couldn’t be more proud of this boy’s achievements.