Fia × Rua, born 9 September 2024

Seven puppies, all healthy at eight weeks, all clear at the litter eye screen, all in working, sport or active family homes. Six have now been hip- and elbow-scored. Four are where we want them (hips 9 to 12, elbows 0). Two are not.

Lark's hips scored 12:9, a total of 21. That is above anything we would breed from, though she is sound and her family say she has never been lame. Finch has a grade 1 left elbow — mild, but not normal. He is on joint supplements and walks the hills of Galway with his family. We have offered both families what our guarantee says and kept in touch with their vets.

Robin came back to us at eleven months, when his family emigrated. That is what the take-back clause is for. He went to a farm in Co. Carlow three weeks later, and his new owner sends us a photo every month.

We will not repeat this pairing. Rua's own parents and littermates have all scored elbows 0 and low hips; Fia's side has shown elbow grade 1 twice, so Fia's next mate will be chosen for joints first.