Now the hype of Crufts is upon us I really hope everyone will not only arrive safely but will arrive in plenty of time for our 9:30 judging on Sunday. In years gone by we have seen those that have become stuck behind traffic due to accidents or roadworks, delayed flights or bad weather. Hopefully we will not have snow or ice which we had a number of years ago that not only caused delays but one friend/exhibitor slid off the road in her car. It is devastating to plan your trip especially when coming from overseas only to miss the judging. Do not think it cannot happen, it can. I can think of several who have fallen foul of travel and missed all or most of the judging.
Another show to move venue, Richmond Dog Show Society has carefully revued the long-term sustainability of the championship show. Less entries, parking conditions, unpredictable weather in September etc have decided that in 2027 on the 12th, 13th and 14th of November they will move venue to hold their championship show at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. How right Terry Thorn was when telling that show venues were be coming more difficult to find and most of the bigger shows would end up at agricultural centres and exhibition venues.
Many years ago at one of the American Chesapeake Club National Specialties I sat and watched 2 days of dogs, from sweepstakes all the way through to BOB. One could not notice how many professional handlers there were, every year the numbers would increase. If you ever watch groups being shown in America at All Breed shows almost every handler is a professional. Seeing several of the country’s top handlers I asked one of the judges I was mentoring that it seemed obvious that professional handlers seemed to tip the balance, her reply was “these are the tops, they cost a lot of bucks, but they always do well, plus if a judge is using these handlers themselves they need them to be seen to do well” Boy, was I disappointed at this reply. Professional handlers are good, they get the most out of any dog, this is the profession they have decided on, I wish them all well but where does this leave the owners who do not have the thousands it can cost and are the right dogs winning?
For many years the amount of professional handlers has been increasing in the UK, most notable are the YKC handlers who have the outfit and appearance of semipro handlers. Most can handle any dog and do a good job. Should the KC stop pro handlers or have separate classes for them or do we all need to up our game by attending show dog training classes. Are pro handlers another reason entries are dropping.
We have sheep back on our land, anyone wishing to introduce their dog to seeing sheep please let me know.
I hope everyone has a nice day(s) at Crufts. Don’t forget ring 36 at 9:30.
Janet Morris,
07739 592323,
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com