11 Breed Notes – Crufts 2022

As expected, it ended up being a very long day for Keesie exhibitors at Crufts, as we were second in the ring after an entry of 49 Schnauzers who had been given a late start of 10.30am. It meant everyone hanging around all morning until our judging eventually began at 1.30pm, finishing around 4.00pm.

Although the ring was in the same dark, draughty corner as in previous years, it somehow felt empty and tucked away. It certainly wasn’t helped by the dreadful layout for the Keesie benching – whosever bright idea that was needs their heads examining. Half the exhibitors shared a row of benches with the Schnauzers, whilst the rest of the Keesies were separated and far away on the other side of the 2 large rings, a lonely little row of benches all on their own. The ring was surrounded as usual by a double row of chairs, which towards the end of judging where almost all empty.

Our judge, Stuart Mallard (who last judged us at Welsh Kennel Club in 2015) had drawn an entry of 49 Keesies with just 4 absentees. Not unsurprisingly there were only 5 exhibitors from abroad this year; 2 from France, 2 from Germany and one from Italy. Most classes had just 1 or 2 dogs entered with the best filled classes being Open Dog with 7 and both Veteran & Open Bitch having 8 entries. What I was surprised to see from sitting ringside, was the number of dogs who refused to allow their teeth to be shown – by Stuart or the handlers, some of whom had no idea how to show their dogs teeth. Methinks that there needs to be some practice and ring craft training done by some.

The DCC with BOB went to Lucia Menicori’s It Ch Carpe Diem Della Ginevrina (Int Ch Repeta’s Easy Rider to La Ginevrina x It Ch Howling Mountain Moonshine Della Ginevrina) handled by Gabriele Stafuzza. I wonder if that set a record as Yoko’s sire Peter (It Ch Repeta’s Easy Rider To La Ginevrina) was Crufts BOB in 2020 and his grandfather, Hugo, (Int Ch Dungeon Nice Guy) Crufts BOB in 2015; certainly keeping it in the family!! The RDCC went to the winner of Limit, Gill Brunt’s Divnyi Drug Dar (Imp Rus) (Cinerus Arctic Prince of Star x Divnyi Drug Gusja Lebed)

Winning her first big green card in style from the Junior class was Val Tew’s Art Pride Bomb Explosive Beauty (Imp Rus) ((Cinerus Arctic Prince of Star x Rus Ch Divnyi Drug Gutedal Weiser) with the RBCC going to the open winner, Cheri & Trevor Rogers’ Can Am Ch Cedarhills-Shamrock Foreign Exchange at Keez (Imp Can) (Ikon’s Cha Ching x Cedarhills Shamrock Sabrina).

Best Puppy was David Peck’s Keitakees To Love Somebody at Byquy (Ch Neradmik Family Affair with Lekkerbek x Byquy Kinky Boots at Keitakees) who was determined to have a good time regardless and it was a second consecutive Crufts Best Veteran for Gill Brunt’s Ch Vanstrand Quantum of Solace (Ednaaron Hawkweed of Vanstrand x Leazehond Starshine Galaxy for Vanstrand)

The North of England Keeshond Club organises the Discover Dogs stand and a big thanks to the 2 legged workers helping me again this year – Sarah & David Murray, Sue Pattison along with some of her family and Sue & Steve Jardine. Although as usual, the real stars of the long four days though were of the 4 legged variety and ‘being discovered’ for the first time were siblings Amber & Fletcher (aged 6 months) with mum Pupkin, with Brody a rescue, Joey & Zach, Keisha, Ennis & Maia and Olympia, Fiver and Tooin completing the team.

It was quiet on all 4 days; Saturday was the busiest but even then, nothing like as busy as it has been in previous years. There was the usual mix of people interested in the breed; a few current & ex owners who dropped by to say hallo, but again, not many non-dog owners who were trying to decide if a keesie was the right breed for them with enquiries about keesie puppies. The people who were enquiring were all aware that they would have to wait for one (hopefully not for too long), but I wonder if our dismal puppy numbers are having an effect on enquiries – it all boils down to supply and demand.

There weren’t as many trade stands, with quite a few ‘familiar faces’ missing and some empty spaces where the traders hadn’t turned up. Coupled with fewer benches (as entries were down), it made for even more space. Despite all the extra space and the NEC’s new ventilation, it is appearing that Crufts was a ‘super spreader’. I have heard of so many exhibitors and visitors who have since tested positive for Covid; either that or have come down with a stinking cold like me!

Don’t forget that it’s the Geordie Keesie walk being held up in the North East this Sunday – 20th March at Herrington Country Park DH4 7EL; with everyone meeting in the main car park at 11.30. Further details can be found on the Club’s FB page or you can contact Allison Stephenson directly.

Anji Marfleet