01 Breed Notes – January 2019

Our intrepid Northern exhibitors have been busy flying the Keesie flag over the Christmas period. At Carluke & DCS on Saturday 22nd, Boxer judge Lynn Mair (Glenauld) gave BOB and a fourth in the group to Ronnie & Karen Shepherd’s Lyntova I am Legend ShCM, whilst Caron Bell’s Foxifayre Keep The Faith with Allforus won BP and the Utility Puppy group. Winning the Utility Veteran group was Tom & Caroline Gate’s Lacetrom Cruivie ShCM handled by Michelle Wright and Shelagh Craig’s Flatmeer Florisel got a third place in the AV Puppy Stakes from BIS judge Dave Killilea (Redwitch) winning £6 cash.

Sunday saw Caron and young River going one better winning BOB, G3 & Utility Puppy G1 at Cambuslang CC from judge Ian Millar (Turnlaw) whilst Michelle and Kimi got a second in Utility Veteran group. The day after Boxing Day at Livingston CS Michelle rounded off the year in style by going Reserve Best in Show with Lacetrom Shuna under judge Bruce Watson (Lynruce).

As I write this, 2018 failed dismally to reach the 100 mark with just 80 puppies being born; 11 less than last year and the 2nd lowest number of puppies born in the past 15 years. They were evenly divided with 40 dogs and 40 bitches from 19 litters. There were 13 fatalities that I know of; but more worryingly, at least 13 ‘misses’ which is over 40% – meaning that nearly half of all the matings which took place were unsuccessful.

Of these 19 litters born; five dogs’ sired two litters apiece, two were repeat matings and the rest just one each with six lucky boys siring their first litter. Six girls were also maiden bitches and 11 litters comprised of five or fewer puppies.

Although there having been a fairly even number of dogs & bitches being born over the past few years, we have seen the dog classes getting sparser with fewer males being shown; whilst the bitch classes have remained fairly well filled. Yet out of the twenty sets of CC’s keesies have a year, in 2018 only 2 BOB’s have been won by the girls. So what does that have to say about the state of affairs I wonder??

Pat King lost Venway Angel Delight just before Christmas aged 13½ years. Skerry was from the last litter bred by the late Bill and Judy Crawford, sired by Venway Yachtsman x Venway Zara she was the last surviving Venway – truly the end of an era.

Anji Marfleet