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All of the top dog newsand gossip about dog

shows across the county

Around 1,500 dogs made their way to the 109thannual National Terrier championship show inApril.

The show, held at Stafford County Showground on Sat-urday 7th April, attracted visitors from all over Europe,some from as far as Spain.A total of 26 breeds went head to head to battle for themain Best in Show title, an accolade that each terrier en-thusiast dreams of achieving. At a championship show, eligible breeds can compete tobe awarded the bitch challenge certificate (BCC) and thedog challenge certificate (DCC), both of whom will thencompete for best of breed.The Best in Show title is awarded to the specimen out ofall the best of breed winners that is deemed the most fittingto their breed standard.This year’s winner was the Irish Terrier, Ch/Am Ch FleetSt Fenway Fan owned by Tony Barker and Victor Malzoni,who was handled by John Averis, from Uttoxeter.Elated at his win with ‘Fynn’, John described the placingas ‘outstanding’.He said: “I can’t believe it. He’s such a successful dog inAmerica, I just didn’t know how well he’d really do overhere.”Fynn currently has 15 CC’s, 18 American Best in Showsand also won the Top Terrier of the Year title.The success continued for John and his mother JudithAveris after a dog under their kennel ‘Saredon’ won the re-serve spot.The Lakeland Terrier, Am Ch Saredon Midnight In Blue,is owned by Ricky Cartwright from Pontypridd, SouthWales.‘Meg’ won her first CC at the most famous dog show inthe world, Crufts, this year, with this win bringing her onestep closer to her UK champion title.Handler Warren Bradley told Staffordshire Dog Life: “Toget her second ticket, then to get the reserve placing isamazing.“Meg is such a character, she loves doing this and I lovebeing part of her team.”The other two spots in the group were awarded to theManchester Terrier and Border Terrier.After judging the adults, Best in Show judge FerelithSomerfield had the chance to select a puppy winner. After much deliberation she chose the Kerry Blue Terrier,Nymiah Poetry In Motion Arkama as the best puppy withthe Westie, Parson Russell Terrier and Cairn Terrier follow-ing for the last three places.

Fynn has the luck ofthe Irish at Terrier show

Show InformationSmallest entry: Skye Terrier (18)

Largest entry: Border Terrier (251)

TriviaWhat part of ‘Staffordshire’ (as it was then

known) did the Staffie originate from?

Smallest entry: Australian Silky Terrier (8)

Largest entry: Cavalier King Charles (247)

BOB info: The Pug winners refused to chal-lenge for BOB due to the introduction of health

checks for fifteen high profile breeds.

TriviaWhere did the Maltese dog originate from?

Show information

Over 2,000 exhibitors braved the suspected fuelcrisis and travelled to the 40th annual UK Toy-dog show held in Stafford.

The specialist dog show, hosted at Stafford CountyShowground on Saturday 31st March, attracted 2,222 en-tries to its ruby anniversary show.Competing for the Best in Show title were a total of 23breeds, including the rare Bolognese and the familyfavourite, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.The event show secretary, Tom Mather, was more thanpleased with the turnout.He said: “With the threat of a fuel crisis we are aston-ished at the turnout and can’t thank everyone enough fortheir support at this special anniversary show.”To celebrate the 40th year of the committee, the showcommissioned a special piece of artwork that was printedon the prize cards and schedules designed by canine

artist, Deirdre Ashdown.Mr Mather said: “This special piece of artwork show-cases the various breeds that can exhibit at the show andis a true ode to everything toy dog.”Ultimately, the event led up to the prestigious Best inShow that was judged by avid small breed enthusiast,Alan Bendelow.He selected the Maltese, Ch Benatone Gold Boots,owned and handled by Sarah Jackson from Northampton-shire, to win the coveted title.Sarah was overjoyed with her win with ‘Boots’ as it washis first ever group win.She said: “I can’t believe he has gone and won Best inShow and followed in his father’s and grandfather’s pawprints.“He’s won nine group seconds, but never a prize as bigas this and what a show to win it at.”Sarah has won Best in Show twice before at the UK Toy-dog show with two of Boots’ ancestors.Following the little dog for reserve was the Italian Grey-hound, Ch Dalinset Sarastro, owned by Russell, Davidand Linda Hodges also from Northamptonshire.Alongside the adult group, Mr Bendelow judged theyoungsters in the puppy group, choosing the Bichon Frise,Pamplona Bring It On as the winner, followed by the Eng-lish Toy Terrier, Pug and Pekingese.

Gold Boots gets hisfirst BIS at UK Toydog

Dog worldAround the

The National Terrier dog show is dedicated toall things Terrier.This group of dogs were originally bred tohunt vermin, especially mice, rats and rabbits.Breeds like the Wire Fox Terrier were bred togo underground into dens to flush out thevermin.

All photographs kindly supplied byAlan Seymour

The UK Toydog show is perfect for peoplewho enjoy the little things in life.One of the more famous dog showing groups,the breeds in this category are the smallest ofall pedigree dogs and were mainly bred forcompanionship.The Maltese pictured below originates from abreed that started over 28 centuries ago,earning them the local name "Ye AncientDogge of Malta”.

A: Cradley Heath

A: Malta

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