08 March 2019 Breed Notes

It’s Crufts week, with all your preparations done and dusted you are at the starting gate for an exciting week of activities. For those of you exhibiting on your respective breed days I wish you joy, gratitude and happiness. For the trade stands a busy time lies ahead but a wealth of new purchasers awaits you each day. Just enjoy the moment of attending the highlight show of the year.

For those of you sitting ringside at Crufts reading these notes your Papillon judge today will be a Scottish highland delight. Mr Ted Whitehill of the Amicae affix will be holding the helm and doing what he loves best, being surrounded by his beloved breed the Papillon.

A shortened summary from the CV that was included in the breed notes last week, for those that may not have read last weeks notes. As a family Ted’s wife Mary and their son Mark have either owned or bred nineteen Champions, including one international Ch and one Am GrCh, under Mary’s Affix of Amicae, Mark’s Affix Martika, Frasermar in which they had a separate interest and Ibstock, Rozamie, Paparottsie and Daneview. Over the years they have won Top Brood Bitch, Top Dog, Top Bitch, Top Puppy on several occasions.

Ted joined the Committee of the Papillon (Butterfly) Dog Club Of Scotland in 1982 and have served continuously since in a variety of roles being Secretary for 22 years and currently in the position of Chair. In addition he has been the Secretary of the Breed Council for some twenty or so years.

I am sure both the judge and exhibitors will all have a fabulous day and I look forward immensely to hearing all the snippets from Toy day. This year we are not there on breed day but we are at Crufts on the Friday for the Eukanuba Champion Stakes Final with Travis. This is Travis’s forth consecutive year in the finals, I am sure this must be a record in its own right. It will be a special day as this will be Travis’s retirement show. We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to finalise Travis’s illustrious career including Top Dog All Breeds 2015 in the Crufts BIS ring. Travis will love every minute. I am sure there will be a few tears but an immense feeling of pride too.

At the Open Shows exhibitors have been flying the Papillon flag high. Hazel Malcolm had a glorious day at Newton Abbott & South Devon CS, the judge was Josephine Pinfold. Hazels little one Feorlig It Must Have Been Love took TGP1. Sue Stanbury also had a good day taking RBOB with Inixia Fine Fella and BPIB and TPGP4 with Inixia Trademark.

Down south again, at Oakhampton & DCS Sue Stanbury had a first class show taking BOB, BPIB, G4, PG1 & BPIS: with Inixia Trademark. Breed & Group Judge: Chris Briggs (Bellpins) and BIS Judge: Gareth Lawler (Roqfolly). Oakhamton & District Show Committee gave £10.00 prize money and beautiful rosettes. The sponsors CSJ K9 Foods gave a huge bag of dog food, so that sorts Sue’s mealtimes out for the next week!

Ilfracombe & DCS saw Susie and Margaret Orchard taking TGP3 with Ringlands Yoko’s Solo at Panspayon shCm and Sue Stanbury with BPIB with Inixia Hot Soxs. The breed & Group Judge was Gillian Taylor (Royella).

Sue Morrell had a good day at Cheltenham Show with Tricianbri Wispa for Temelora winning BOB and TGP4 and TPGP3 at only 8 months of age. The breed judge was Helen Broadhurst (Thistlemist) and group judge Angela Aylett (Angcherish).

Valarie Lockhart enjoyed her day with her daughter Trudy handling at Blackpool & Fylde Toy Dog Open Show where Rozamie Dream Chaser with Chetruda shCM took BOB.

Enjoy your Crufts green carpet experience whether you are exhibiting for the first time or an old hand. Each time will always put shivers down your spine. Spare shoes at the ready, flask close to hand and you are all ready for a glorious day.

Good luck to both the breed judge Mr Ted Whitehill and also a special mention to someone that is going to have an extra special day judging the Toy Group Mrs Julie Sparrow (Casarow). The boys and Carl are all going to be bursting with pride. Enjoy every minute, holding the memories of the day tightly in your heart.

Please remember to message me your snippets from Crufts, I cannot wait to hear everything.

IRENE ROBB