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PCCI All Breeds Back to
Back Championship Dog Shows held on 18th & 19th of August 2007. Held at
Tiendesitas, FronteraVerde, Ortigas, PasigCity, Manila
It was an
invitation I was waiting for, the PCCI Show in Manila. The parent club
holds 2 back-to-back All Breeds Championship shows every month and
overseas judges usually judge them. Throughout the year there are dog
shows practically every weekend in the Philippines and particularly more
so in Manila. For the PCCI shows they have a rule that only judges who
have not judged in Manila for 3 years can be invited to officiate at a
their show. I had been frequenting the Philippines so often from 1997
that the only way I could go back to do a PCCI Show was to give it a
break for 3 years. This time it was possibly for me and I went back the
10th time to judge in that beautiful country and also say Hello to my
many friends there.
It was for me also
a very special occasion to judge alongside Col. Kenneth Manmohan Roy
from Pakistan who is also the Secretary of the Pakistan Kennel Club.
This was a perfect example of how our love for dogs can encourage
camaraderie and promote peace even between countries whose beliefs and
ideals have been in conflict for more than half a century.
Philippines always
had some beautiful dogs at their shows as you can see from the
accompanying pictures of the SHOW. I shall give below the list of
winners and their names to find out who is who in the DOGS in the
PHILIPPINES.
Best in Show:
Exhibit 301. PHIL. Hall of Fame / AM. CH. Sandcastles Arctic Poppy
(Siberian husky Bitch. Imp. USA.)
2nd. BIS: Exhibit
No. 339. PHIL. HOF. Asawoods Award of Merit (Dobermann Dog).
Group winners:
Best in Pointing
Dogs : Exhibit No. 4 Alveros Pride Vita (German Shorthaired Pointer ,
Bitch )
Runner up: Exhibit
No. 2 Karina Karol of Save Coburg (= Do =)
Best in Terriers :
Exhibit No. 22 , Phil.HOF. Ragus Quirt Riot( Norwich Terrier, Dog , Imp
U.K.)
Runner up : Exhibit
No. 26 Phil. Gr. CH. Hotspice’s Age of Reason ( Sealyham Terrier, Dog ,
Imp Thailand )
Best in Dachshunds:
Exhibit No. 42 Phil./Mal. CH. Hacienda Rum Revolution ( Standard Smooth
, Dog, Imp. Malaysia)
Runner up : Exhibit
No. 34 Phil. Gr. CH. Foursqaure’s Mini Austin ( Miniature Smooth, Bitch
)
Best in
Retrievers–Flushing dogs–Water dogs: Exhibit No.79 Phil. (. CH.
Eastbrook Goodness Gracious ( Labrador Retriever, Dog )
Runner up: Exhibit
No. 57 Phil. CH. Flair Cbear Pathfinder (Golden Retriever, Dog, Imp. )
Best in Sight
hounds: Exhibit No. 94 Phil. Gr. CH. Villavicencio’s Iniang (Whippet,
Dog)
Runner up: Exhibit
No. 89 Kawana’s Bostrom ( Whippet , Dog )
Best in Companion &
Toy Dogs : Exhibit No. 163 Phil.HOF/Asian CH./Sin Gr. CH.. Rarity’s Idle
Whispers (Pekingese, Dog, Imp. Singapore)
Runner up: Exhibit
No. 194 Phil. HOF/ AM/CAN. CH. Symarun’s Good to Go (Shih Tzu, Dog,
Imp.) Canada )
Bes in Scent Hounds
and related breeds: Exhibit No. 224 (Phil. HOF/Aust. CH. Orobay Back to
reality (Beagle, Dog, Imp. Australia)
Runner up: Exhibit
No. 225 Phil. HOF Barcken Chosen one (Beagle, Dog)
Best in Sheep Dogs
& Cattle Dogs: Exhibit No. 242 Phil HOF. Unko of Hok (GSD, Dog)
Runner up: Exhibit
No: 237 Titus vom Hutberg (GSD, Dog, Imp. Germany)
Best in Spitz &
Primitive Types: 301 Phil. HOF. / AM. CH. Sandcastle’s Arctic Poppy
(Siberian Husky, Bitch, Imp. USA)
Runner Up: Exhibit
No. 281 Phil. HOF / AM CH. Jan Le’s Don’t make me laugh (Pomeranian,
Dog, Imported USA)
Best in Pinschers &
Schnauzer : Exhibit No. 339 Phil. HOF. Asawood’s Award of Merit (
Dobermann , Dog)
Runner up: Exhibit
No. 390 (Miniature Pinscher, Dog)
I had lot a of very
outstanding dogs to judge throughout the 2 days of the dog show which is
evidenced in the pictures of the show I have included. Talking about the
show I must not forget to mention about the handler’s who are mainly
professionals and they make judging a pleasurable experience. There is a
great deal of professionalism in the manner in which such a show is
organized where every detail is planned and every job is executed with
perfection.
Right from start
everything moves with clockwork precision, from handling of the PA
system, ring stewarding, cataloguing and the whole works.
Finally I take this
opportunity to thank the PCCI, President & Chairman Mr. Augusto
Benedicto Santos III and his committee and all staff members of the PCCI
for extending to me a very warm welcome and the famous FILIPINO
hospitality for which they are so well known the world over.
Partha Sekhar Chatterjee
92, Garpar Road,
Kolkata – 700009
India
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Judging Here and There!
In
1974 I enjoyed judging overseas for the first time. A ribbon parade for
the Canterbury Combined Terrier Association in Christchurch New Zealand.
Indeed that was the first time either Trish or I had travelled out of
Australia. The first time I judged in the USA was also a Match for the
Chesapeake Bay Kennel Club where Trish also judged. And my first time in
Hawaii was to judge a Match. My joy of judging is no less doing a match
or parade than when the event is as prestigious as was the Centenary of
the Swedish Kennel Club, The 50th show for Melbourne Dog Club or just
recently the Centenary Celebrations of the Hawaiian Kennel Club. Somehow
judging does mean more when returning to do a prestigious show. For
example, twice for the Hawaiian Kennel Club and Swedish Kennel Club or
three times for the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills. There is also the
delight, as well as boost to the ego, of being returned to exotic places
like Argentina, Romania, Hungary or Finland to judge their beautiful
dogs. My claim to have judged for every Airedale Terrier Club in the
Southern Hemisphere is a bit of a boast but to have judged a significant
number of Terrier shows and groups in the USA is indeed an honour
especially when, twice, that has included appointments of Terrier breeds
over the great Montgomery County weekend in USA. Never the less life is
not perfect, I have not judged in England.
As
requested by the canine media giants of this world I am putting pen to
paper in regard to my recent appointments in Sweden, Norway and Hawaii.
Although Hawaii was the celebration of a century the Scandinavian shows
were actually National Shows and not FCI Internationals which I would
normally expect to warrant an overseas judge.
Leaving Melbourne is becoming more different and more difficult as years
go by. Once any number of great international Airlines left our
beautiful city and flew directly to most great international
destinations. Not so any more. Indeed even Sydney has lost many of the
great national airlines. Seems Qantas, Singapore, Thai, JAL, Cathay, NZ
and United remain relatively strong and emerging airlines like Hawaiian,
Korean, Chinese are making a dent. Emmerites is the big mover as are a
few middle eastern airlines. However stalwart Austrian is now looking to
move the same way as did KLM, Lufthansa, Continental and many more. The
great hubs of Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok seem to be benefiting
greatly however as are their national Airlines. (Thailand even opening
another modern international airport on the coast south of Bangkok) We
had to fly to Sydney to transfer from one Qantas flight to another to
leave Australia and although we flew in to Melbourne direct from
Singapore my flight to and from Hawaii had to be through Sydney as did
my Manilla flight earlier in the year. Flights seem to carry much
greater occupancy today and a Qantas flight might also carry American
Airlines and British Airlines flight numbers. Being able to access the
lounges is almost an essential for us these days as is a stopover in
each direction.
We
always try to break our trip in Asia having chosen Hong Kong, Tokyo and
Singapore over the years but my favourite is Bangkok where excellent
accommodation can be very affordable, shopping excellent and eating
absolutely fabulous. However Asia is hot and there is still too much
smoking and too crowded in the best visiting places. Hawaii on the other
hand has such beautiful heat, is so clean, has excellent shopping (and
bargains if you look), great accommodation deals and the food covering
all styles with its large Asian community and the native Polynesian
tastes. Hawaiian people are so lovely sharing the spirit of aloha at
every opportunity.
We
arrived in Stockholm a few days before my first judging and once again
enjoyed this wonderful city on the water. The old town is in my humble
opinion a wonder of this great world. It is uniquely Scandinavian,
ancient in structure and full of history. We met up with terrier friends
(Airedale and Welsh) and enjoyed a day boating on the archipelago with
more than enough wining and dining helped along by our duty free
purchases which visitors to Sweden must bring. Alcohol in Sweden is
expensive and much loved. The 100% no alcohol when driving rule however
is totally obeyed and one can always be sure of one’s driver. After a
few days we took the Express train four hours to the west where at
Karlstad station (a town the size of Bendigo) we were met and driven to
the dog show which would start the following morning.
The
Ransater show was held about an hour from the nearest town. The venue a
large picnic, camping, fair ground on a beautiful river bank. The judges
were accommodated on the fair ground in traditional log cabins with
earth roofs clad in growing grasses and small shrubs. Each cabin had two
bedrooms and a kitchen/living area. The bedrooms were bunk rooms
accommodation four people. However although we shared the cabin we had
four bunks between just Trish and I. A co judge in the other bedroom by
himself was great company. The committee and workers also stayed in
cabins. It was great to meet so many judges, who I had worked with
before and whose company so enjoyable. Many are well known in Australia.
Arne Foss, Harry Tast, Hans Lehtinen ( who is recovering serious illness
and very bravely honoured this appointment), Ingela Nilsson, Carl-Gunnar
Stafberg and my very good friend Cristian Vantu (from Romania) and Dan
Ericsson. It was not an FCI International show but a Swedish Kennel Club
National Show. Nevertheless we still had over two and a half thousand
dogs. Despite the isolation from a town a large public gallery paid to
attend. Exhibiters were in party mode 100%. They camped on site in all
varieties of accommodation and after the judging seemed to flock to the
river and remove considerable of their clothing. Actually there wasn’t
much to start with. Swedish people know how to enjoy the short summer
and exhibiters and spectators leave little to the imagination. I
approve. The quality of dogs was quite outstanding despite it being
acknowledged that many of the best in the area had travelled to Denmark
for a big International show. A stunning Black Standard Poodle was
chosen by Dan Ericksonn as best in show.
After
the farewells Trish and I, with Cristian Vantu and a couple of the Brits
spent one more night in Karlstad. It is important to me to see something
of the scenery and local culture whenever I travel to new places. We
stayed at a hotel in the Clarion Collection Chain. This is a very good
choice in Scandinavia as they often include an evening meal as well as
breakfast and by joining their club, free nights accommodation can be
earned. Trish and I have a free night coming on our next trip. This
beautiful town had a lovely river meandering through and swimming
beaches on the bay of a large lake. It was summer time but on our one
day there we missed the beaches because it rained. The rain was most
welcome as like here even Sweden was in drought having had an amazingly
hot summer. With all the water, inland lakes and rivers it is hard to
believe they could ever run out but they were concerned.
Back
on the express train and on to Oslo. Crossing the border went unnoticed
despite Sweden being an EU country while Norway is not. Norwegians value
their independence which is backed by huge oil reserves in the North
Sea. This great wealth hasn’t brought prices down however as Norway must
be about the most expensive country I have been. (Japan being the
challenger). A few days in Oslo preceded my judging and we enjoyed the
many tourist delights. As food in Norway is not as much to the
Australian taste and cost of restaurants not to the Australian pocket we
found our preference to be the Indian restaurant near our hotel.
However, our senses demanded we eat in street cafés and enjoy the
amazing throng of tourists and locals that invade Oslo in the summer. At
the Viking Museum we were astounded to hear that Vikings never wore
horned helmets. I do not believe it. I have never seen more horned
helmets and Trolls being sold to tourists anywhere, even Sweden. The Con
Tiki Museum was another wonderful place to visit and be reminded of
events not far from our shores.
The
shows I had been contracted to judge in Norway were at a small village
deeply surrounded by mountains and said to be one of the hottest places
to be in summer as the air just couldn’t move or escape. It is about
four hours from Oslo and we chose to travel by train again. Trains are
safe and comfortable and reasonably priced for dog clubs. The scenic
trip was wonderful but no where near as dramatic and delightful as the
trip on to Bergan after the judging. We were met at the station by the
show chairman who as it turned out met us with her Airedale. Until this
point I had no idea why I was chosen for this appointment but now I had
to ask. It seems the president has an Airedale bred by Ann and Ron
Sorraghan in Australia. Now retired but loving life and in constant
companionship with her doting owners, Bjorn and Inger Kristiansen, Rusty
led us to the hotel. Inger needed a judge with some groups, wanted an
Airedale (or at least Terrier) specialist and liked the idea of it being
Australian but above all the fact that I had never been to Norway
helped. It was just luck that the Swedish club came on board and split
the quite considerable costs of bringing a judge from Australia.
Promptly at 6pm on the day we arrived at Nesbyan the Puppy Show
commenced. This show was for dogs under nine months and they were all
ineligible for the National Championship Shows to come on Saturday and
Sunday. The atmosphere was one of holiday and celebration. I think the
celebration was for the summer and suggest partying lasts all summer.
Everybody either camped or stayed in the one hotel in the town. I was
surprised to be judging mostly breeds I had no licence for but this
seemed to be the way of Puppy Shows. There were a number of young
Norwegian judges gaining experience and well known expert judges like
England’s Andrew Brace on this panel. While the other judges for the
rest of the weekend enjoyed dinner at the hotel those of us doing the
match had to wait until quite late and then walk to a wonderful little
Chinese restaurant. Again being so far North the daylight just went on
and on enabling late judging without artificial light.
The
next two days of judging were interesting but unremarkable. The interest
comes from judging dogs never before seen or heard about and people who
all were complete strangers. I saw some really great dogs and many of
average quality. I was most impressed by three terriers in particular. A
Cairn that I gave group to and who went on to Best in Show under Andrew
Brace, a Wire Fox Terrier and a Welsh Terrier group second and third
respectively. I could as easily have put all three in any order but when
push comes to shove we find reasons to acknowledge some and relegate
others. I would however happily have brought home the Wire or the Welsh.
Although these shows were not FCI International Shows they commanded a
huge entry, especially when you consider we were four hours into the
mountains out of Oslo. I judged about thirty Soft Coated Wheaten
Terriers and found this a really great experience. Airedales were a
challenge as like so many of the breeds the grooming and handling wasn’t
great. When you like a poorly groomed and handled dog best, especially
in your own breed, it does present a challenge. Some of the judges on
the panel that may be known in Australia included Andrew Brace and Terry
Nethercole from England, Rui Oliveira from Portugal, Michael Leonard
from Ireland, Arne Foss Norway, Hermann Burk Germany, Christine Rosssier
Switzerland and Christine Broeker Luxemburg.
The
club hosted a remarkable judges dinner on Saturday night. In an historic
aged log building within the grounds of an outdoor museum the table was
several hundred years old. The feast was 100% local native food. Deer,
Reindeer, Moose each prepared in a number of ways including smoked as
was several local river fish. The feast, and it was every bit a feast,
was accompanied by fine wines including one red from Australia.
It
was almost sad to part as we felt that we had become friends for life
with the Kristiansens and Rusty as well as Lilliba Larsen the Welsh
Terrier breeder. We did stay one extra night and so did our friends but
there was a problem at the bar as the hotel had sold all of its beer,
wine and spirits the night before. No more deliveries until Monday. Dog
people can really drink when they do not need to drive. Anyway it is
company not “booze” that keeps a party going.
Trish
and I went on to Bergan where we stayed a few days and did the
remarkable Norway in a Nutshell tour. Mountains, snow, tunnels, fjiords,
ferries, funicular railways as well as mountain trains dropping some 866
metres in a few minutes through remote villages and scenery so
spectacular books have been written about it so I will pass on to the
next phase of our experience.
Oslo
hosted an International Show the next weekend but on the Friday morning
Trish and I flew to Italy for our daughter’s wedding. We had a week up
our sleeve and I mention it here only to show that the attraction of
such a great dogs show was not so strong as to interfere with family
plans even when we were so suitably placed to change plans. Dog people
who go back far enough will remember 1974 when my twin daughters Belinda
and Louise were born. It was the same day as we won at the Melbourne
Royal with our Airedale. Now Louise in an Engineer and has a son while
Belinda, a Scientist married her lover in Turin Italy. That was a
wonderful experience for Trish and I. They now live in Canberra. It was
no coincidence that this wedding combined so well with our judging trip.
When Belinda knew that we would be in Europe she and Lucas rushed the
plans through so that it would happen for them in the romantic manner
they dreamed about. They then honeymooned on Santorini in the house of
Airedalers Ann and Alan Wise from Hobart. www.santorini.net.au .
Home
just four nights I flew through Sydney again this time without Trish. In
contrast to the above I now have the island paradise of Hawaii awaiting.
The centenary year of the Hawaiian Kennel Club and I got a guernsey.
This was my third time judging for the Hawaiin Kennel Club and certainly
the most prestigious because of the centenary. Two shows in two days for
the celebration. The president, Mrs. Gerri Cadiz is the editor of Ilio
the Hawaiian dog magazine. Ilio means dog in Hawaiian. On this occasion
I was particularly honoured as I was given the Best in Show to judge. On
checking the list published in the catalogue, I follow Len De Groen,
Graham Head (who did it three times) and Sandra Mashford in having this
honour with the Hawaiian Kennel Club. What a fine trio to join. I feel
very proud. Graham is still much loved in Hawaii and always part of
table conversation. One of my co judges, Elaine Young, from Seattle is
one who remembers Graham with much respect. Elaine also spoke of Bob
Bell and Joan (and the late Ern) Drinkwater and Tony and Merylin Syme
with fondness. Judging in indoor air-conditioned convention centre is
quite a contrast to Norway and Sweden. The four star hotel a contrast to
the grass roofed huts in Sweden and just four judges instead of about
twenty four, critiques and no critiques made these events so many miles
apart so different but in many ways dog judging is the same the world
over. The most wonderful similarity is the friendliness of people.
Language and culture is no barrier when we have dogs in common. The
Hawaiians call it Aloha and are so proud of their kindness. As well as
the contractual arrangements by the clubs, in Scandinavia or Hawaii
beautiful gifts were also presented. In Hawaii however these also came
from exhibiters who I could not identify and who did not give names.
Just simple niceness sharing Aloha. I was disappointed with the Terriers
mostly but loved a couple of Norwich Terriers and was quite attracted to
an Australian bred wheaten Scottie. I gave groups to a Chow a Cocker
Spaniel and a Siberian. My best in show winner was a stunning Basenji
who I now know has 14 best in shows so far.
Judging here and there is such a joy. People who show dogs are
wonderful, committees and workers are amazing volunteers, they work
selflessly for their dog worlds, judges from all countries share good
will and comradeship and dogs whatever their nationality provide the joy
to all of the above. Before, between and after the shows the judge
becomes a tourist and has a fairdinkum good time.
Keith Lovell
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Staffordshire
Bull Terriers in Finland 2002-08-16
Keith Lovell reporting from
Down Under.
After a week holidaying in Thailand breaking the long
trip from Australia, the space, air quality and minimal crowding at
Helsinki Airport was a stunning contrast. I was delighted to be met by
Paula Heikenan-Lekkonen and driven to Laahti. Laahti is indeed a
beautiful rural town of enough size to keep a visitor like me very
happily occupied. The stunning feature to me was the massive ski jump.
We have little snow in Australia and I have never seen a ski jump
before.
It is always exciting to be mixing with such an
eclectic group of judges from so many backgrounds and languages. I feel
so inadequate when I hear people speaking more than one language let
alone several. There is always so much to learn from people like Paula
who is one of the most respected judges to have come to Australia.
Others who were so friendly and helpful included Hans Lhetinan, Mareth
Kipp (USA), Pirio Helm (The Big Lady of my own breed –Airedales) and in
fact everyone who I met and had time to discuss dogs with. It was a
great group of Dog Judges and dog people.
I have been asked to write about the Staffordshire
Bull Terriers which I judged. I have given individual critiques and so
individual comment is not necessary. Interesting that the judge doesn’t
end up with a copy of his (her) comments for further reference. I would
love to read my critiques later when I have the catalogue and breeding
in front of me.
I was overall impressed by the best you showed me and
somewhat surprised at a few actually being shown. Congratulations
however to those people who support the breed by showing even when they
must expect minimal success. It was an interesting mix of “type” with
some quite excessive in size and bulk with the corresponding coarseness
while others were very typical and what I would expect to judge in good
classes in Australia and indeed England.
There was an equally diverse ability in handling and
fortunately for the judge the best dogs were well handled and presented.
This is a breed that has had some bad press which in the most part is
undeserved. They have such a love for the families they live with, are
great with kids and generally safe to greet whether in their own home or
at a show. However it is essential for them to be well controlled as
they will get the worst of any story of misbehaviour and I say this
because I noted a couple of dogs which seemed too strong for their
handlers. Although all went well and there was no undue behaviour I felt
I needed to assist in ensuring this through my ring management.
I judged Staffordshire Bull Terriers in Melbourne
last week and enjoyed placing a beautiful dog group second. I am so
impressed by the breed here having a possible best dog in each of the
adult classes and a couple of bitches too which were so good I had tough
decisions for best of breed even though the dog went so far on the day.
It is difficult when not seeing the dogs side by side but I do not
recollect being so excited about the breed in Finland as I was on
Saturday in Melbourne. One possible reason for this is that the show in
Melbourne was judged on grass in the sun (although it was so cold and
windy) and the dogs were able to move so freely. Having compared Staffs
in a number of countries I am pretty confident in saying that in
Australia we stack up well with the best in the world. While you had a
few of comparable quality the bulk in Australia are well ahead of the
majority that I judged for your exhibiters. This is interesting to me
because I think in many breeds you are so far ahead of the world in
Finland. Even your Australian Terriers in numbers and depth of quality
are superior by far to what we get in Australia. This provides you a
challenge (if some of you agree with me) and that makes for interesting
breeding programs and lots of lovely dog shows.
When I judge a Staffs I am looking for a powerful
balanced dog which has great strength without being course. I want it to
move very freely with reach and drive. A typical short deep and broad
skull with strong cheek muscles short foreface and correct rose ears is
essential. The correct front is significant in defining type as is the
tail carriage. (I have been known to be forgiving on a really good one
when a dog is excited) I particularly like to look down on the dog from
above and see the shape of broad front, strong neck, well sprung ribs,
waist and powerful hind. This with a level top line (particularly when
moving) provides me the basics. After that the many other points of the
standard provide the key to placings among the best of them.
I am hoping to attach a photo of the dog I made group
two last week and if not in time for this issue of the magazine it will
follow for a later occasion.
It was a thrill to return to Finland to judge. This
year was my fourth visit. It was especially pleasing to get a good entry
of Staffs as I have an affection for the breed. Sometimes it is of mixed
emotion however as an exhibiter in the group I am often beaten in group
by a Staffy. I wish you all the very best of success with your breeding
programs and good luck in the show ring.
(If anybody would send me copies of my critiques on
your dogs (and other judges critiques on the same dogs) it will assist
me in my development as a judge of your breed- many thank in
anticipation.)
Keith Lovell
Post Office Box 33
Darnum, Victoria,
Australia 3822 |
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Bedlington Terrier Club of The West
SPECIALTY SHOW
Great Western Terrier Association of
Southern California, INC.
June 1996
In
prefacing my remarks about the Bedlingtons I wish to offer a very
special thankyou to the officers of the club who were efficient and very
helpful with the international arrangements that were required by the
American Kennel Club and my ground arrangements in California.
For
me it was a great thrill to return to judge at Great Western after more
than ten years. I believe you are so lucky to be able to participate in
so great a show with such international prominence. Short of
Montgomery, Great Western is the best known all Terrier Show in the
world.
Bedlingtons are relatively rare at shows these days and I consider
myself very lucky to have seen and judged as many as I have. Australia
has had few but such good ones. As well as judging the breed on the
East Coast of USA, I have had the privilege of judging a Bedlington
Specialty in Sweden, also judging the breed at the Centenary of the
Swedish Kennel Club Show and at supported shows in Sweden and Finland
where Bedlingtons are very strong indeed.
Your
show presented me a very enjoyable challenge as overall the dogs were
very good but the presentation was generally not of the high standard
that is required to show this magnificent breed at its true best. I
acknowledge that some of the best dogs, I believe my winners, had
excellent coats and therefore perhaps not able to be so artistically
moulded.
While
twenty bedlingtons at Great Western may have disappointed some of you, I
was very pleased indeed with such an entry. I was especially pleased
when in almost every class I was able to find a worthy winner and able
to find a type I liked. My winners were typical of the good bedlingtons
I have seen in England, Australia, Finland and Sweden. Some years ago I
was pleased to have judged a spectacular bedlington by the name of
Centurion in Massachusetts. While his presentation and ring presence
left the winners at this show on a different tram I had quality and
movement at Long Beach that was equally pleasing.
I
attended a breed seminar on the last occasion I was at Great Western and
I recall Grace Brewin, one of the really wonderful people who judge
dogs, say that the bedlington is “the most unique terrier, possibly the
hardest to judge”. I made it a responsibility of mine to know the breed
so that I would not find it hard to judge. At Long Beach I found it
great to judge but some decisions did not come easily. Some otherwise
good exhibits didn’t have the correct topline under the coat and a
couple of others had mouths that had to be taken into consideration.
Mostly the movement was excellent and heads were very good.
I did
not take notes in the ring and fear being specific about individual
exhibits at so small a show. Let me say however that I came away
pleased with what had presented for the show. Thrilled by the good
spirits of exhibiters and very happy for my winners and about the
winning dogs. There were a few placed dogs about which I was
disappointed not to be able to give a first as choosing at times was
difficult. There were a couple of exhibits that may have been there to
boost the entry. I saw qualities in them and sincerely thank the
exhibiters for the privilege of judging them.
In
summary let me say that when making the more difficult decisions I was
looking for a bedlington that comes closest to the following pen picture
I hold in my minds eye.
A
graceful, well balanced exhibit just over or under ( depending on sex )
16 inches with a deep chest, flattish ribs, with an arch over the loin
and a clear tuck under. I need to see the low tail set and long neck.
All of that and the dogs profile movement if first assessed as the
exhibits come into the ring and move around. I then pay particular
attention to the front assembly to observe the straight legs that are
wider at the chest than feet. The feet too are unique in that they are
long hare feet which must have thick tight pads. Angulation is best
assessed while the dogs move but I feel for it as well and I feel for
muscle tone. Two features of considerable importance to me in the
bedlington are the coat qualities which must have that mixture of hard
and soft hair which stands of from the body. I expect to feel the
crispiness and did on my winners but not on all exhibits. The other is
head. The standard is very explicit and I look for the described head
which must be felt for.
Other
important features are teeth, eyes, ears, length of hind legs, pigment,
body condition and of course movement.
I
moved the dogs quite considerably. Most of the time I was assessing the
overall dog which I believe we see more honestly on the move than
stacked. I do however expect sound and purposeful movement.
I now
have a catalogue and can name exhibits. My best of breed , exhibit No.
20, Ch. Valgo’s Rae of NXS was challenged by the best of winners , No 6,
Valgo’s Stargazer. I appreciated both exhibits for their conformation
and being very typical of my ideal. The presentation on the winners
bitch, No. 11, Black Sheep’s Duckling Sudor, was superior and she
certainly was a lovely and sound bedlington. I was also very impressed
by exhibit No 12, Ch. Carillon Boulevardier, who I see is the father of
the winners bitch.
In
conclusion, I sincerely thank all those involved in bringing me to
California. I especially congratulate the liaison between Kennel Club Of
Beverly Hills and The Bedlington Club.
Keith Lovell
Post Office Box 33
Darnum, Victoria,
Australia 3822 |
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Airedale
Our October!
When I see a really
great Airedale it can give me an amazing feeling. I’ve had it before. In
1979 I competed against Turith Adonis a wonderful dog being shown in
America by Peter Green. That dog gave me goose bumps. In the early
1980’s I had the pleasure of awarding a best in group to Finlair True
Grit (he went on to Best in Show that day) who was a dog to die for. A
few years later I had the same joy with Tiger of Finlair when he also
went best in show after I awarded him the breed. Finlair were turning
out something very special as when I judged Montgomery County in 1986 I
was stricken by the quality and type of Finlair Isis and had great
pleasure awarding her Best of Breed. Of them all I think Isis may well
be the best.
On other occasions
when in America I have been impressed by other damn good Airedales. In
no special order springing to mind is Tartans Scottshire Cowboy,
Terrydale Adorable Lady, Tartans Oil Patch Star, Finlair Starbuck,
Blackjacks Mighty Samson, Tartans Scottshire Ultraglide and I guess I
could go on.
In October 2005 I was
blown away by Evermays High Performance and awarded him Best of Breed
from an entry of over 90 Airedales. He was sensational. A real stunner
and one who I would love to see beside Isis to help me decide which I
prefer. After all we must always do this….or do we? Can I not just say
these are the best dog and best bitch I have seen? The Evermays dog went
on and won both the group and Best in Show as had several of my best of
breed Airedales in the past. But this was Hatboro on the Montgomery
weekend. This was a very special win by a very special Airedale.
Our trip to the
Montgomery weekend was once again memorable with the real joy being the
quality of the male Airedales. Some very nice bitches are coming up
through the classes but for me the real strength was in the male
champions and open dogs. Maripi has a really nice young bitch that I am
sure we will hear much about as she becomes more ring wise but the best
bitch was (for the second year in a row) Ann’s and Ron’s bred Old Iron
Margaret River who looks very likely to become the most best in show
winning Airedale of all time in the USA. She looked stunning in the
ring and performed to perfection. At Montgomery under the much respected
International All rounder judge Ed Bivin she took Best of Breed and went
on to a group third placing.
Many of the Airedale
people we met again this year kindly asked to be remembered to their
Australian friends. People like Bonnie Gilbert, Virginia Latham-Smith,
Georgia McRae, Sarah Macklin, Dennis Barnes, Rhonda Davis and others
asked how you all were and to be remembered to you. President Charlie
Foley invited me to speak to the club at the Annual dinner as the judge
of Hatboro which was that day. It was such a thrill when Samantha
Current and Dick Berg (the owners of my Best of Breed who had won Best
in Show) walked into the dinner, late as they had to stay at the show
until the end, where every one stood with a resounding and genuine
ovation. It was a most popular win with so many of the people regarding
the dog so highly.
Trish and I had two
particular friendships in the year we lived in the US. One was Luther
and (the late) Vee Swafford. Lou was there and it was great to be able
to catch up. Lou is still much involved in the Metropolitan Airedale
Club and particularly with rescue. Our other dear friend who never
misses the Montgomery breakfast is Ben McCarthy. We missed Ben this year
and do hope he is well. Ben motivated our collecting and introduced us
to the wonderful art of Margarite Kirmsey and Fritz Hug both of whom in
different ways have captured Airedales in their art.
I guess one cannot
report on a trip like this without mentioning the weather. Well this
year it almost won. Over several past years Montgomery has suffered
dreadful wet and mud. This time it almost took over. Six inches of rain
in the 24 hours before Montgomery saw Devon show cancelled. What a
tragedy! All those great terriers having made such an effort thwarted by
weather and the possibility the Montgomery may also be cancelled. One of
the big disappointments was to not see the great terrier man, Clay Cody,
judge best in show at Devon. Clay is reported to be pretty devastated
himself. For a terrier person to do best in Show over this week of
terrier specialties must be one of life’s great joys. Montgomery went
ahead and on the new venue handled adverse ground conditions very well.
Airedale ring was hardly affected and the car parks were all sealed.
We had a few other
great moments on this trip. We enjoyed two weeks in Greece, mostly
Santorini Island (see the link on the Airedale Club web site
www.dogs.net.au/airedaleterrierclubvictoria and think about your
next holiday). With the company of Sue Wilson we relaxed, ate, coffeed,
walked, toured, ate, coffeed and then on to Athens and saw the great
historic Greek ruins in real life.
Trish and I also had
a week in New York and I judged three large shows on Long Island at
Oyster Bay. We visited with our Welsh Terrier friend Sue Weiss and
enjoyed a very nice party at the home of Matt and Jean the owners of Dog
News the main US dog weekly. Their hospitality was wonderful and the
environment something very special. Their very lovely Skye Terriers were
living in the nicest home imaginable and their main room was the kitchen
where they were clearly most loved.
We finished with a
few days on Lantou Island, Hong Kong for rest and relaxation after a
pretty hectic few weeks beyond Greece. Now we are once again grooming
and boarding Airedales.
Keith Lovell
Post Office Box 33
Darnum, Victoria,
Australia 3822 |
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Keith Lovell’s
report on judging Canberra Royal Show
It must always be a great honour to judge a Capital
City Royal Show and I looked forward to this appointment for almost
three years during which time I was not permitted to judge the Utility
Group in Australia’s East Coast states. I enjoyed many outstanding dogs
and was thrilled with the quality in my best of breed line up. However
it was incredibly disappointing to miss seeing David Tidswell
judge Best in Show because of the club’s flight booking necessitating me
leaving the show exactly at the scheduled time for Show Specials to
begin. In a last ditch effort to support my wonderful in group winners I
tried to alter the time but the ticket was one of those special price
ones that just couldn’t be changed. I apologise to the exhibiters and my
fellow judges as this is the first time in over thirty years of judging
that I have not stayed until the end.
In preface to making some comments about the dogs I
judged I would like to express my appreciation to the wonderful workers
who were very friendly and obviously committed to ensuring a successful
show. Andrew, our driver for three days, was amazing in his
attentiveness, his driving skills, his conversation and his willingness
to ensure all of the judges were cared for over the duration of the
show. I was also impressed by my stewards and that which I observed in
the other rings when I had a few minutes. The few organisational hick
ups in no way spoiled a very successful show. I was most appreciative of
the excellent company of my fellow judges. Their conversation, company,
high spirits and good nature was a real highlight. Watching them judge
was a pleasure and discussion of dogs and dog shows past and present
most enjoyable over three days.
As I write about the dogs I am unable to report on
any show success as I have not heard the results.
My best exhibit in the Utility group was the Akita,
Ch Redwitch Strike Force (imp UK).
I was bowled over by the quality of this
dog in a line up of quality exhibits many of which would be worthy best
in show winners. The Akita’s balance and soundness enabled him to
exhibit himself to perfection whether standing or moving. This typical
powerful dog was alive with enthusiasm from his first moment in his
class through to taking the major award. It was a pleasure to allow him
to represent me and the group at Best in Show level. However he was well
pushed not just by the runner up, the beautiful Doberman bitch, Ch
Cabochon Kamikazi or the five or six others I short listed but also
one or two who were excused so that I could see these favoured few more
freely. The Siberian, Ch. Sibelk Striding Edge and the runner up
BOB Siberian Ch Suthanlites Law Enforcer had my attention from
the time they entered the ring in the same class. How do you separate
such great dogs and then not see one go all the way? But there is more!
The Alaskan Malamute, Champion Bordalaska Braveheart (who won
Open in Group) was also very unlucky to not represent this group in Best
in Show. I was very impressed by this breed. Although many were out of
coat (I would expect that in Australia in February) the breed was really
strong. My puppy of breed and puppy of group, Chimo Coalition Force,
was just magnificent. For his sake it is a pity this breed, perhaps more
than any other in the group, shows youthfulness and as a major
requirement of the standard is their work ability it is fair to say
maturity is a necessity when the competition is so strong.
The Samoyed, Ch Alveka Royal Experience and
the Mini Schnauzer, Kyushu Armed and Dangerous, (winner of Junior
in Group) and Rottweiler Ch Zandisha Our Bosco were also
excellent specimens of their breeds. But the Dogue De Bordeaux, Ch
Laruscades Tazz (Imp UK)
and Boxer, Thasright Bikini Briefs were two not retained that
impressed me. While I mention the Dogue De Bordeaux I must thank the
exhibiters for the wonderful entry and the quality. I was also impressed
by the Junior dog, Moloscyg Obadiah, and see considerable promise
in him.
It was a pleasure to judge the Italian Corso Dog
for the first time. Maybe had I not been on a (almost) three year
embargo I would have had more experience with this relatively new breed
to Australia. However despite my joy to have them I must suggest there
is some skilled breeding ahead to make the breed more competitive.
In summary allow me to repeat that I had many great
dogs and decisions didn’t come easy. The sportsmanship was unblemished
and I congratulate my fellow canine enthusiasts for the wonderful spirit
that surrounded my ring and the show in general. Best wishes to the
people of Canberra and thank you for the opportunity to judge a Royal
Show in Australia.
Keith Lovell
Post Office Box 33
Darnum, Victoria,
Australia 3822 |
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AIREDALE 2000
--WHAT A CELEBRATION!
Keith and I have been in Airedales for
over 30 fascinating years, but this one June weekend in Bingley along
the Aire River valley Yorkshire in England is certainly one of the
highlights. But there had been some apprehension on my part. “Bingley,
you’re not going to Bingley?” scoffed an incredulous friend of my
daughter while we were eating lunch some months before. This young
English lady was staying with my daughter in Melbourne, Australia while
undertaking research at my daughter’s university. She assured me that
no-one would willingly go to Bingley for work, much less a celebration –
“It’s only an old mill town” she informed me, adding “My brother was
there a few weeks ago on business – it’s dreadful”!
Desperately trying to regain some
credibility as a discerning, traveller, I was able to reassure the young
lady that all we Airedale people need for a good party, is to have a
number of us together with a few drinks and some food. There was no way
a non-believer would ever understand the romance associated with Bingley.
We left the conversation there, but a parting remark – “ Enjoy Bingley”
delivered with distinct irony, left me wondering if indeed this person
may have been right.
Oh ye of little faith. I was right, and
she was wrong. Bingley was GREAT. Indeed, towns such as Bradford on
the way were looking the worse for wear. Their manufacturing past
leaving them with deserted skeletons of old mills and factories. But as
we got close to Bingley the surroundings became quite lovely, with rows
of quaint workers’ cottages arranged in terraces, charming shops and of
course the River Aire. We saw several streets and buildings sporting
Airedale as its name. Our breed and these places shared a common name
drawn from the area – Airedale – the valley where the river runs
through.
But why Bingley you ask? Bingley Terrier
was the original name given to the Airedale, also called the Waterside
Terrier. Bingley, where the Aire River flows is the very area where the
mill workers developed our breed from a mix of locally available breeds
such as the Otter Hound, Old English Black and Tan Terrier and others.
This was over 130 years ago. Sadly, the only Airedales to be found there
that weekend were the ones brought along to show or by other
enthusiasts. I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like way back
then. I tried to visualise these old breeders and their dogs – would I
recognise my dogs’ ancestors if I could go back in time and see them
working along the banks of the river, hunting for water rats or in the
woods and fields doing a little poaching for their canny masters. Like
most breeds, the Airedale has become more stylish. Fortunately it has
retained all these essential hunting instincts and still offers an all
round companion with hunting and guard abilities in a manageable, robust
good looking dog. But then, I’m biased.
The weekend began with a welcome reception
on Friday night. How exciting it was to mingle and chat with Airedalers
from every corner of the world – Scandinavia, U.S.A., South America, New
Zealand, Japan and Australia. Many of these people Keith and I have
known through judging or visits – both ways. Many we count as friends.
With some such as the Japanese, Keith had been e mailing and so it was
delightful to meet them. It was a reunion and a meeting of new people at
the same time. We went to bed late that night with our welcome packs
generously supplied by the Airedale Terrier Millennium Committee U.K.
What a feat these people had accomplished. We had booked out two entire
hotels in Bingley – they had managed their entire operation on a
voluntary level with a vast array of overseas negotiations done via fax,
e-mail, snail-mail, telephone – you name it. There were hundreds of us
there on that first night – a testament to the success of their
operation. And it was all carried off with warmth, good humour and
surprising calm.
The Saturday inter-club supermatch was
judged by Diana Dozier (Safari Airedales) of the U.S.A. All U.K,
Airedale Terrier Clubs were represented. Six dogs from each Club
competed for Best in Match, Best Puppy in Match and overall Best Team in
Match. There was no catalogue for this event, so one had to enjoy the
spectacle without the advantage of knowing which dogs were which. Diana
chose a lovely bitch for her Best in Match – I believe it was a Beacytan
bitch.The North of England Club won overall.
Next came the Overseas Handling
Competition judged by Mr. Earnest Sharpe. Overseas visitors were
invited to borrow a dog and enter. This was very hotly contested with
many wonderful professional and breeder handlers from every country. It
was a great honour and enormous thrill therefore when my husband Keith
won first place. This did require us to cart home a rather large and
very breakable crystal trophy. It is now sitting in pride of place in
our lounge room.
During the day, there were two escorted
walks along the banks of the River Aire. What a sight that was; a long
line of international Airedale enthusiasts and assorted Airedales
traipsing along Bingley streets then down into the river valley. On my
trip, one delightful Airedale puppy obliged by launching herself into
the river for a good swim. We were all delighted.
The afternoon saw a series of fun events:
fastest this and that, best this and that – lots of fun for everyone.
The “most beautiful eyes” award didn’t necessarily go to the Airedale
with the smallest darkest eyes of course; after all it was a fun event.
This was followed by an obedience demonstration by the Airedale Terrier
Training Club of Rushmoor. It’s always good to see Airedales showing
their brains and good manners and this was an excellent demonstration of
both qualities.
Following immediately on the heels of
these events, was an Airedale Terrier Forum with that doyen of the
breed, Stig Ahlberg (Sweden) as guest speaker along with Earnest Sharp
(UK) and Juha Smolander (Finland). One interesting outcome from this
forum, was the decision to pursue the planning of an international breed
convention. The president of The Airedale Terrier Club of America Ms.
Suzanne Hampton is representing U.S.A. in this regard. How exciting
this would be for the breed.
Then, because we had all been so inactive
all day, and so we didn’t become bored, there was a pre-banquet cocktail
party at 7.00 PM. We were all there, and were we dressed to kill! It
was hard to recognise some people - evening gowns, tuxedos, make-up,
high heels – what glamour. The formal Japanese kimonos were gorgeous.
We had transformed ourselves into “ the beautiful people”. Every bit as
versatile as our dogs it seems. People were chatting like old friends by
now – sharing wisdom and anecdotes. Jay DeTurk from Colorado Springs
managed to educate the entire bar staff on how to make a Manhattan.
Then the BANQUET! Can you imagine two
adjacent ballrooms decked out in Airedale coloured balloons and
streamers? Each diner received an individually hand carved napkin ring
sporting an Airedale head study. One only had the head facing the other
way, and one lucky person won the door prize of a full set of the napkin
rings. Boy, was I envious.
Of course we had the Mayor of Bingley in
full mayoral regalia officially open the banquet and welcome us to his
town – nothing was overlooked. The president of the Airedale Club Mr.
Michael Sarjeant spoke and paid tribute to the organising committee: the
Emma Trophy for the Top Airedale Terrier for 1999 and the results of the
silent auction were announced. I think we drank a toast, or was it
several? Everyone was having such fun. We ate such Yorkshire delicacies
as Yorkshire Pudding and Roast Beef – well I did.
Just when we thought we could never move
again – so full were we, the disco started. If any of you think ABBA
has disbanded, you’re wrong. The Swedish contingent did such a
realistic impersonation of these 70s pop icons; I was truly in awe. At
one stage Australian and Japanese relations were being cemented by some
sort of group dancing. It all went on till 1.00 am. The less energetic,
or those exhibiting dogs the next day, disappeared much earlier.
It’s an amazing fact that at any large
gathering of this sort, the level of breakfast participation and degree
of calorific consumption each morning is in direct relationship to the
energy levels expended the night before multiplied by the hour at which
each person retired for the night. And so, on the morning of Sunday
25th June, almost everyone came to breakfast and feasted on kippers,
bacon, eggs, fried bread, hash browns, baked beans, black pudding,
tomatoes and lots more. The stoicism of some was inspirational. But of
course, this was the day of the Championship Show. No one was going to
miss it. There were a few unhealthy looking people on deck that morning
however.
The clever ones had saved seats in the
tent well before the event. Keith and I were not particularly clever in
this regard, though we did manage to get seats. The crowd was four or
five deep around the ring to watch Mrs. Pamela Cross-Stern judge this 18
class Championship Dog Show. There were 146 entries, with the veteran
dog Ch. Jockyl Just As Smart winning Dog C.C. and Best in Show, Bitch
C.C. and Reserve Best In Show to the Open Bitch Cibrenin Bonaroba. Best
Puppy was a bitch, Branded Just So.
By the next morning, people didn’t want to
go home. Some of us didn’t have one to go to – not for a while yet. We
milled around chatting, promising to keep in touch, exchanging contact
points, taking those last photos. We didn’t want it to finish. What
fun it had all been. Friendly people, marvellous memories and those
wonderful Airedale Terriers, the reason for it all. Even Bingley had
exceeded my expectations. There is one young English lady I’d like to
dine with again, but perhaps I’ll just send her a copy of this article.
Trish Lovell
Tjuringa Airedales
Box 33, Darnum
AUSTRALIA 3825 |
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