Figaro was a much anticipated blue male puppy, born in our very first litter out of Tina, our first IG. He was by one of the top IG stud dogs at the time: Top Producer Ch. Lyonhill's Mack The Knife. Ruth Bloore, Mack's owner, suggested the breeding when we acquired Tina with her assistance. Mack was bred by Kathy Lyons of Lyonhil, and his pedigree features several dogs from the famous Aira Vana's kennel, which was not active any more by that time. In Figaro's litter there were three blue males, Enzo, a Figaro sibling, lived with Don's mother until he died at almost 18.

The picture above shows Figaro in his biggest triumph: Best of Winners at the IGCA Specialty in 1968. 5 points under Judge Alva Rosenberg. The handler is June Hunt. You can learn more about June in Lilian's memoir, My Mother Never Taught Me Songs.

After Figaro finished his championship, he won two group placements. Besides being a conformation champion, he also won a CD obedicence title. Below is a color photo of Figaro and his "board". This was taken in 1968, and it shows a very young Lilian as well.