14 Breed Notes – April 2024

The other weekend the NoEKC hosted a Breed Appreciation Day at Thorpe Willoughby Village Hall, with myself giving the breed talk. There were four candidates who passed the multiple choice exam and the committee would like to thank all those members (some of whom travelled a fair distance) and dogs who helped to make the day a success.

Melanie Reed-Peck has issued the following statement reminding the clubs of their responsibilities re the education of Judges.
As Breed Education Co-ordinator, I will remind members/committee members of both Keeshond Clubs that we have a duty to the Royal Kennel Club to run one education day at least every two years. As a breed we do not get enough interest to run more that this and therefore, as a joint venture, the Keeshond Club and the North of England Keeshond Club are running this every other year together, hosted alternately. This year being the turn of the North of England Keeshond Club with the help of both club committees and members and their lovely dogs. When the date is put out via the clubs, we should all remember to put this date in our diary for attendance; as educating judges for our breed can only help.

Still on the subject of Judges, if there is anyone who would like to go onto the Judging list, a CV form can be downloaded off the Club’s website – the same goes for anyone who hasn’t sent an updated CV recently!! Looking through general open show schedules, there seem to be a few Keesie classes on offer; the majority being judged by people who are on neither club’s lists, with a few having judged the breed repeatedly. Some of these judges do a reasonable job, whilst others obviously haven’t a clue about the breed– so why aren’t they interested in attending a BAD or being on a judging list??

Some good news from Cathryn Mellersh saying that nearly 70 breed clubs and societies have pledged funds, alongside a large number of individuals who have also pledged or donated; and the great news is that they have now secured sufficient funds to keep the Canine Genetics Centre operational until at least the end of August 2024. Hopefully this means that they are able to continue their research for the foreseeable future.

Andy Fitches has nothing for next issue of Walkee Talkees, as unfortunately he had major IT problems a couple of months ago, resulting in him losing everything stored on his laptop. So please can you resend him any articles you have by the end of April.

Anji Marfleet