12 Breed Notes – March 2022

At BUBA’s open show last weekend, the Keesie judge Jan Mason found her BOB in Matthews & Lee’s Winklestar Aurora at Valindale (Vivids Majestic Prince of Winklestar (IMP USA) x Winklestar Serendipity) who was handled by her owner Tracy Lee. It ended up being a long day, but worth it as young Rita then went on to go Best in Show under judge Barbara Cherry, handled by David Matthews.

The same weekend was also the first Geordie Keesie walk, organised by Allison Stephenson, which by all accounts was a great success, with the next already being planned!! Enjoying the lovely weather, 16 Keesies and their owners turned up; Allison & Tony with Maycie, Ellie and Mr D’Arcy, Debbie Palmer and Enya and Layla, Nicky Potts and Obie, Daphne and Polo, Wendy Grindlay and Heidi & Layla, Jill and John Hardy with Willow & Mable, Nichola Kerr with Adrie, Eric, Kismet and Vigo and Ryan and Hercules

In a couple of weeks’ time, the first eye testing session will be at the Keeshond Club Ch Show on Saturday 9th April 2022 by Professor Peter Bedford BVetMed PhD DVOphthal FRCVS DipECVO; at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh CV8 2LZ. All Keeshonds from bouncy puppies to Golden Oldies are encouraged to participate; it doesn’t matter if it’s a much-loved companion or a glamorous show dog. Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to enter the show – just come along

Older dogs eyes in particular should be examined regularly for a number of reasons as several inherited eye problems may only be detected later in life. So even if your Keesie has had their eyes tested when younger, it is important to have them retested when over the age of eight, especially if they have been bred from. This is why the cost for the oldies is much reduced

The cost for Keeshonds will be just £25 per dog and £15 for a Golden Oldie (aged 8 & over) thanks to a generous subsidy from the Keeshond Health Matters Fund. Payment will be taken on the day, either by cheque or cash please. Standard BVA charges for a routine eye examination are 1st dog £60 and dogs over 8 years £38 – so you can see what a bargain offer this is!!

Just remember to bring your dog’s KC registration certificate with you. To book an appointment – email: health@keeshondhealthmatters.co.uk. there may well be ‘unbooked places’ available on the day, but please let me know so that we have an idea of numbers attending. Further information can be found www.bva.co.uk

Anji Marfleet