Breed Notes
21st April 2023

The last sets of CC’s (or lack of) were due to be awarded at Working & Pastoral Breeds of Wales, as in 2024, the allocation for Roughs has been suspended.
Held at Builth, the entry for Judge Robin Searle was made up of 17 Males and 29 Bitches.  In past years, like many of the shows, these figures have decreased from 201 in 1993; 113 in 2003 and 83 in 2013 to a total of just 46.
Of the 17 males entered, there were 2 absent, leaving just 15 in the ring!
The first class of the day was  Veteran, won by Ch Tiganlea Tinkerbelle at Revdvicki, bred by John & Caroline Tipper, (thanks so much for the phone call), Handled by John and owned by Rev V Burrows and won over the other entrant, Aniesh Forever Blue with Whatacoo
No entries in MP, and only 1 in Puppy and that was Gataj Turn Back Time for Melissa Lockyear who also won Novice.
John Congdon won Junior with Aaronwell Ain’t He A Saint whilst the next class winner was Camanna Career Changing for Maqueeba, owned by Tina May and handled by Lisa Petit and he won PG. Limit was Alfsden He Lives In You for Jan Milligan and taking Open was Val Geddes and Ingledene Fantasy of Blu.
After consideration, Robin called all the class winners to the centre of the ring and informed them that he would be with-holding both the CC and RCC.
I will only comment on this, as it is the decision of the Judge on the day against all exhibits, but possibly, the change in the opening paragraph of all Breed Standards has been taken on-board!
On checking records it would appear that in our breed, with holding is a rare occurrence, this is just the 3rd time in recent years a CC has not been awarded and all in males. 1981 saw Nan Kirk withhold at Belfast, followed by Gwen Beadon at LKA in, if memory serves me, 2007.
Perhaps we should be looking at the quality of our dogs against the breed standard or do we accept that every dog is “perfect” as on reading critiques, not many appear to have any issues, or maybe it is the issue of educating judges needs to be improved!
Now to the ladies, with slightly better filled classes, and with only 1 marked absent from the Fosse Data site, started with Puppy winner, Tiganlea That’s The One. Michelle Mitchell piloted Avonfair A Million Lovesong to win Junior. John Congdon stood alone in Graduate with Riverside Song Nebraska at Aaronwell (Imp Rom). John & Caroline won PG with Revdvicki Ruby Tuesday at Tiganlea whilst Melissa won Limit with Gataj Good Time Girl. Vanessa Cronk won Open with Chelborn Wish List.
The CC, her 3rd, went to now, Ch Chelborn Wish List. Her other CC’s were won at Lancs & Cheshire from Tony Iley in 2021, her 2nd from Dermott Timmins at SKC last October. She is sired by Chelborn Decision out of Chelborn Kiss n Desire.
At this point, I would draw your attention to the Breed’s latest Champion, as how many can now say they have bred 5 tail female Ch bitches? These stem from Ch Chelborn Wish, Ch Chelborn Desire, Ch Chelborn Desirable and Ch Chelborn Kiss n Desire.
Calling in 2nd in Open, Lene Newman annexed the RCC with her tricolour, Phreelancer Phaith Hill, who took the CC here last year. Sired by Ch Beldones Black Illusion out of Phreelancer Phond Memories
BOB went to Vanessa and her new Champion, whilst Best Veteran went to Ch Tinks and BPIB to Gataj Turn Back Time.
Thanks to Melissa, who kept me up to date, although both she and Vanessa stayed for the Groups, neither featured under judge Celia Vines and Richard Kinsey, such a pity, as John Ritchie (Dykebar) has always had an interest in our breed and was appointed BIS judge.
Finally some stop press news concerning Brooke, or as she is known in the show ring, Camgbrogan Blowin A Hoolie, after attending the show, they travelled back home and owner, Stacy Steven just messaged to say that she will be getting extra treats tonight, as this morning, she has won over the points needed to progress up a grade in agility. She will now be competing at grade 3 from May with  3 clears today. A good speed in the jumping rounds which surprised Stacy  given we were on holiday last week and away to Wales fri/sat, getting home at 1015pm last night. A lovely 4th place in a combined jumping class of 52 dogs. I know many others who also compete in Agility, so let me know and I will gladly write you up.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)