11 Breed Notes – Crufts 2024

As expected, it ended up being a very long day for Keesie exhibitors at Crufts, being second in the ring after an entry of 54 Schnauzers who had been given a late start of 10.00am. It meant hanging around all morning until our judging eventually began at 12.30pm, finishing around 4.00pm. By the time everyone had packed up and got back to their vehicles, a lot of us then had to queue for over 1½ hours to actually get out of the carpark only to find the motorway was almost at a standstill – just what you need after an early start.

Our judge was Joan Miles (Lekkerbek) (she last judged Keesies at Bath in 2017) who had drawn an entry of 67 dogs with 9 absentees, the majority of which (6) were bitches. There were 10 dogs entered from abroad this year, with exhibitors coming from Switzerland, Norway, France and Italy.

Although there were a few familiar faces around the ring, there were quite a few empty seats ringside. As our ring was again right next to the food areas in the corner of the hall, the empty seats were quickly taken up by members of the public to sit & eat their food, which must have been a distraction for some of the dogs.

The Dog CC with Best of Breed went to Carol Bardsley’s Teddy, Ch Skathki Just Got Wicked (Ch Samkees With Love to Neradmik (imp Malt) x Ch Neradmik Ruby Slipper for Skathki) the RDCC went to second in Open, Mel Harris’ Ch Kichigai Boy Is Back In Town for Watchkees (Ch Neradmik All About The Boy for Watchkees x Kichigai Lilac Wine)

The BCC also came from the Open class, Mark Redler & David Wheatley’s Ch Keitakees You Are My World (Ch Neradmik Family Affair with Lekkerbek x Byquy Kinky Boots at Keitakees) with the RBCC going to second, Bellesoeur and Fedeli’s Int Ch Ostara Vita de La Lumiere d’Hemera (Int Ch Iron Man Del Monte Dragnone x Int Ch Laicka) handled by Christopher Fedeli from France.

Best Puppy was Sean and Vikki Marshall’s Devonia’s Hakuna Matata (Serenaubach Lleuad Titan x Devonia Black Pearl)

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 and Kitty Thanki with mum Dipti. Although as usual the real stars of the long four days were of the 4 legged variety; Joey & Zach, Olympia, Fiver and Tooin, with Henry and young Dallas being ‘discovered’ for the first time, completing the team.

It was surprisingly busy on all 4 days with Friday and Saturday being the worst – apparently those days had been a sell-out. There were certainly far more than the 150,000 visitors who turned up for last year’s event. There also didn’t seem to be much space anywhere, everything seemed to be crowded together, especially in Hall 3. Trying to get the dogs outside for a ‘comfort’ break was a nightmare at times, as there was only 1 door for the dogs which everyone had to use, including people wanting a ‘fag break’.

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.

What did (pleasantly) surprise me though was the number of people asking about the health of the breed & what tests we did. They were all guided to look on the Health Matters website where all test results and a current list of breeders is listed. The people who were enquiring were all aware that they would have to wait for a puppy (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.

March is one of those months were everything seems to be happening at once. This coming weekend sees on Saturday the NoEKC holding their AGM via zoom (if you’re a paid-up member and haven’t rec’d details, please contact Secretary Allison Stevenson) which unfortunately clashes with BUBA’s open show at Stoneleigh. On Sunday is the Keeshond Club’s AGM being held at Roade Village Hall, again, only paid-up members are eligible to attend.

The following Sunday 24th is the Breeds Appreciation Day, hosted by the NoEKC (and run by both clubs) at Thorpe Willoughby Village Hall. Whether you’re just curious about the breed, want to judge or maybe feel you need a refresher on some of the breeds finer points, anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.

Anji Marfleet