South Wales Kennel Association Champ Show

Gundog day was today - a Friday so my willing handlers were at school and I was on my own with two dogs.  Had decided to only enter the Tollers as this enabled me to spend some time ringside chatting and catching up with friends.  This is so much nicer than rushing between two breed rings on my own, well when I say on my own, it's not completely true.  Dog exhibitors on the whole are a friendly and helpful group, Sam, Dawn, Gerald, Jane and Denise were great and their help was very much appreciated. 

Tollers were 2nd in the ring after the Brittany's, there wasn't a huge entry for them so we knew that we wouldn't be long after the 9.30 start.  Only three classes were scheduled for the breed and no CCs on offer, but it was Hazel Strevens first time judging here and as a breed specialist attracted a good entry of 27 dogs making an entry of 35.

Sadly there was no puppy class, only junior which was scheduled for both dogs and bitches with an entry of 9 dogs.  Bron was entered and looked great in the ring, so much more relaxed and settled then last time we saw her.  Well done Jane your work with her is really paying off!  Sadly she wasn't placed - no puppies were placed at all in this class, which was a shame.  Puppy classed really are needed.

Next was Cooper in Open Dog, with another big entry.  Cooper looked great and the squeaky toy worked it magic - I think that one of these might have to go on his Christmas list!  Cooper was placed 3rd - what a good boy.

I had entered Tilly and Eve in the Open Bitch class -  I didn't want to have Bron and Eve competing against each other so Eve was entered in the only other class available for her.  Dawn kindly handled Tilly for me in the class and I handled Eve.  They have been to shows together on a number of occasions and Tilly has been handled by Dawn before (they got 1st at Crufts, so we know Tilly can cope!).  However Tilly wouldn't settled for Dawn, so she stacked and I moved her for the judge and then moved on to Eve.  Eve was much more relaxed and really enjoyed her time in the ring, we really want her to enjoy the experience.  Tilly won the class and Eve was 4th I was overjoyed to say the least!

Tilly then had to go back in to contest for the Best Bitch award, which she won and then on to Best of Breed.  Sadly she didn't get BOB but we're all delighted with todays results especially as Tilly won BB her last year as well.

Thank you all for a fab day, good company, help and pictures courteously from Gerald.

Eve, Bron and Cooper in the Breeders Competition where we were 2nd.