Lorna Murray had an early start to show at Lanark for Coatbridge, Airdre & District Canine Club Open Show. Judge Mr Peter Keenan who awarded 1st in AV Veteran Stakes to Lorna’s dog Takoda Nathan. Lorna also won two other awards in different stakes classes.
The much anticipated and pre Crufts AKC Premier Show Westminster will always draw a full entry. However numbers are restricted. The qualification to enter will go to the top winning dogs in that breed. Entry numbers in Chesapeakes are around 35 each year. This is a show I have never attended and cannot justify all the time and expense to watch this amount of dogs when one can attend an American Chesapeake Club National Specialty which may easily draw an entry of over 400 dogs. I wish all those competing at Westminster this year the very best of good fortune.
I recently received a depressing comment from an exhibitor who at a championship show was standing in front of her bench, which was behind a mentor mentoring a want-to-be judge. She was shocked and very disappointed to hear the mentor point out one exhibit saying how amazing the dog was. What really alarmed this exhibitor was that sometime in the not too distant future both the mentor and the candidate are highly likely that said dog will show under them. The exhibitor said “well there’s no point to show under them”. This comment will result, yet again, in a drop of entries. Mentors must know the breed and breed standard and preferably the working ability of the breed inside out. They help to describe all of this to the potential judge. They should never judge any dog in the ring that day – only the breed.
I am delighted to hear from Beverly Mathias USA that she has booked her flights to come and visit Crufts. She said she hopes to watch the breed and shop for one day and watch the championship obedience on the Sunday. If anyone has a spare ticket for the Sunday please let me know.
Speaking of Crufts, the entry of 52 is good but I must admit I had hoped it may have been bigger. The general drop in people showing shows a lack of interest all round and for different reasons. In advance I wish everyone the best of luck and a happy enjoyable day. An all benched show there is little room for crates which seem to be ever more popular. I very rarely crate my dogs, preferring to keep them with me at all times fearing for their safety, especially after receiving an email a few years ago from someone wanting to accuse my dog of trying to bite her, the silly woman even described how she tried to frighten, intimidate and provoke my dog. I am glad to say he not bite or attempt to bite anyone. The woman said all she wanted was for me to write an apology. So please please take care, there are aggressive bullies out there who will do anything to win.
The CBRC AGM on the 30th of March will now be held on Zoom. Only CBRC members may apply to participate. Stepping down from the committee last year was Molly Barker – secretary, also James Newton – Club BEC, Joy Middleton, show sec and co Chat editor. Although Molly Barker continued as secretary for most of 2024. Lisa Mirch has also gone as treasurer. Retiring this year is Cathy Bloomfield, Dave Thompson, Sue Worrall – Chat editor, Dave Rigby – working test secretary and Maddie Mahon-Hunns – membership secretary. Dave Thompson and Sue Worrall are willing to be re-elected, as are acting secretary Tracy Boyles and Lorna Murray – acting treasurer.
Janet Morris
01873 880271
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com