13 May 2025 Papillon Breed Notes

Finally the Crufts experience had arrived and along with it many excited exhibitors. As always the halls were set out clearly with easy navigation to their respective rings. The Papillons are fortunate to have a ring that is close to all the amenities required at the back left hand corner of hall five. Plenty of space for the trolleys whether it was on the benching or in the spacious designated grooming area.
Many exhibitors had travelled from abroad, some whom perhaps we only see at Crufts every year. So my goodness there was a lot of catching up to do!

The commitment from the Crufts team under the leadership of Tom Mather was outstanding. Each and every person involved achieved in bucket loads, putting on the world best dog show.
There has to be a shout out of congratulations also to the Royal Canin crew for the amazing collecting area for BOB’s. The thought that had gone in to making everyone comfortable and at ease was outstanding. All the Kennel Club personnel on BIS day couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. Nothing could be faulted. Thank you.

What a special day for our well respected breed specialist Mr Sean Carroll of the Denemore affix with so many years of experience, awards and knowledge of the breed under his belt. The judge had travelled a considerable distance from Southern Ireland so not exactly on the No 34 bus route and he must have been very pleased with his entry.
The preparation, training and grooming all now completed, the ring was show ready, folks were comfortably seated around the ring, now it was curtain up for the show to commence for a spectacular day of watching our beloved butterflies and moths. It was the moment for our four paws to take centre stage strutting proudly with their handlers in tow.
The judging went smoothly along, with the help of our two experienced stewards. Not any easy task for them and they did the job admirably. Congratulations to you both.
Mr Carroll went over the dogs beautifully making sure each dog was happy on the table and gave every exhibitor an equal opportunity to showcase their charges. He always gave polite, clear instructions to every exhibitor of what he required for each of his class exhibits. When there are larger classes this is so important and it keeps everything moving fluently.

Personally for Glenn and me it was a day that one only dares to dream of. Thank you to everyone for your fabulous support and good wishes on the day from within our breed and other breeds, we are so grateful to each and every one of you.
For all your complimentary social media responses and the congratulations cards and gifts received for Sophia’s amazing show it has made us both very humbled and grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
To receive BCC/ BOB and then to go on to be awarded Toy Group 1 in such an array of quality toy breeds is magical. The honour of representing the Toys for BIS is just on another level.
We weren’t sure how for a youngster Sophia would react to the deafening applause, the full on lighting, the astro turf and a huge ring for little legs, was she going to be daunted by the whole thing. We needed have worried, Sophia was absolutely in girl power mode and transformed into a cheeky little Crufts show diva. She loved every minute. Most people have either seen the TV coverage or social media videos, our little butterfly was on a mission and fully expected Glenn to follow on behind, as minions are expected to do!
It was certainly a show to remember and treasure always.
Our thanks to the breed judge Mr Sean Carroll, Toy Group judge Mr Tony Allcock OBE (Sleepyhollow) for thinking so highly of our Sophia also to the BIS judge Mrs Patsy Hollings.
I must say Tony Allcock gave a masterclass on how to go over a toy breed correctly, take a look at the Crufts coverage it is there for you all to see and perhaps learn.

Let’s now give a thunderous round of applause to all the exhibitors. If you were placed in the cards or achieved what you first set out to do that day congratulations, now that is something to be very proud of. Remember the saying….‘You have to believe to achieve’.

UK Toy Dog held at Stafford is always a show that everyone enjoys and this year was no exception. The atmosphere in the halls was bustling with activity and once again the committee put on such a good show that each year runs like clockwork. For this show judging Papillons was breed specialist Kirsty Ryan (Feorlig).
It is always a show that a lot of the puppies make their entrance to the show world, wasn’t it lovely to see them strut their paws even though a few skips were included along the way. But that’s what it is all about having fun. The dreams for the exhibitor is exciting after watching them grow, handling a little one for maybe the first time in the ring is very special. I know they always make me smile.
The principal winners were; DCC/BOB Dee Olof’s Ch Tarnock Wiggle Giggle JW, Best Puppy/ TPGP4 ((TPGP judge Kevan Berry) Sue Stanbury’s Inixia Glamorous Guy, Best Veteran Aidan Foyne’s Lafay Grand Prix, Special Beginners Julie Kerison and Mrs J Williams’s Lastayla Caramel Shortcake. BCC Sue Morrell’s ) Ch. Athene Vom Schwabenhof For Temelora (imp Deu),
RDCC Mandy Keowyn’s Keomandi Fly Me To The Moon JW and RDCC Angela Pinder’s Afterglow Barbette With Starmarla JW. Well done everyone.

The next championship Show on the calendar is the West of England Ladies’ Kennel Society held at Malvern Showground. Malvern in the sunshine is beautiful with such a backdrop of countryside. This year we experienced a day of wall to wall sunshine which made it just magical. The committee work so hard to make sure that everything is running smoothly and the showground just looked first class. There was plenty of room for grooming areas and everyone settled down to enjoy the day.
For this show Papillons were second in the ring after the Saluki’s. The initial ring was moved to a larger ring giving more space for the Saluki’s and Papillons had that benefit too.
For the day our judge was experienced all rounder Mr Jeff Horswell and the day went smoothly along with the help of his experienced stewards. Stewards throughout the year give up their time at many the shows and very often they do not receive the recognition that they justly deserve. It certainly can’t be easy keeping everyone happy.
So, please give a round of applause and show gratitude for all our stewards who always do such a sterling job.

Mr Horswell found his principal winners to be: BCC/ BOB/ TGP2 (Toy Group judge Philip Lovel ). Kirsty Ryan, Kathleen Roosens and Jen Goessen’s Ch/multi Ch Uppercut Daydream Believers with Feorlig (Imp Bel) JW Ww’24 , Best Puppy was a delighted Chris and Tony Headley’s with Yeldaeh’s Miss Havisham, Best Veteran was awarded to Gill Geary’s Taliesyn Wild Tansey. DCC Caroline Lee Slaters’s Graycaz Etienne, RDCC Jane Thompson, Sandra Austin and Sue Stanbury’s Elendil San Miguel and lastly RBCC Irene and Glenn Robb’s Ch Gleniren Miracle Starmaker. Sophia also went on to win the day’s heat for The CH Eukanuba Stakes, Liz Millward was the judge.

The show scene is in full swing once again, please take care on the roads and just enjoy what we all love to do…..show dogs.

IRENE ROBB