32 Breed Notes – Leeds 2024

From the comments I’ve rec’d about my notes of last week, there seems to be only a very small number of exhibitors (4) who think a ramp is a good idea; with everyone else (over 30 and counting) and all of the NoEKC committee being totally against it. Many members were unaware a ballot had been held and the announcement of the KC’s acceptance of its use is the first they have heard of this. I have to say that I thought that it was a ‘consultation’ questionnaire to see if there would be any support for the idea, with a view to the outcome being an AGM agenda item.

Despite requests from individuals and the NoEKC Secretary to The Keeshond Club, the result of this ballot has yet to be revealed, with Club Officers stating they don’t know. Surely the results of the ballot would be documented in the minutes of the committee meeting when the decision was made? Riding roughshod over the membership and then ignoring them when concerns are raised really isn’t acceptable.

At Leeds the Keeshond judge was Hazel Fitzgibbon (who last judged us at Darlington in 2022) and she had drawn an entry of 16 dogs with 4 absentees. There were no entries in both the Junior classes, Veteran Dog, Special Beginners Dog or Bitch and the Veteran Bitch was absent. Keesies were 2nd in the ring after 29 Löwchens and judging started about 11.00am and was done just over an hour later at 12.15pm.

Winning his second CC, this time with Best of Breed was Jane Ring’s Neradmik Shine On Harvey Moon (Imp Can)((Ikon’s Shine In The Spotlight x Neradmik Norma Jean) and the RDCC went to second in Open, Andy & Jean Fitches Nl Ch Samoykees Harbour Lights

The BCC went to Andy and Jean’s Ch Sofia Loren Della Ginevrina (Imp Ita) (Carpe Diem Della Ginevrina x You Are My Everything Della Ginevrina) with the RBCC going to the Limit winner, Michelle, Tom & Caroline Gate’s Winklestar Alsephina via Lacetrom (Vivids Majestic Prince of Winklestar (imp USA) x Winklestar Serendipity) from Yearling, handled as usual by Michelle Wright.

Best Puppy was Joan Miles, daughter Sarah Dean and the Cullen’s Skyline’s Outlander at Lekkerbek (imp USA)(Am Ch Windrift’s Dirty Hairy x Am Ch Skyline’s Mine Eyes Have Seen); who was also shortlisted in the Puppy Group.

I wrote about Ch shows and value for money in my notes for Blackpool the other month. Leeds is another of the General Ch shows charging for car parking £5 in advance and £10 on the day. I did want to do some shopping, but refuse to pay £10 car parking and a whopping £10 per spectator dog; so I’ve saved my money and will spend it at a more ‘user friendly’ show.

It isn’t surprising that entries are plummeting and I wouldn’t be surprised if the latest edict about the use of a ramp, is one of the ‘final nails’ for showing. Whilst on the subject of dwindling show entries, those few people who still show need to be very careful that they enter their dog in the correct class; as it is the responsibility of each individual exhibitor – not the printer offering online entries.

The relevant information can be found as follows in all schedules under the heading Definition of Classes.

In estimating the number of awards won, all wins up to and including the seventh day before the first closing date shall be counted when entering for any class i.e. 15th June 2024

POST GRADUATE—For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or five or more First Prizes at Championship Shows in Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit and Open classes, whether restricted or not, where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed.
LIMIT—For dogs which have not become Show Champions under Royal Kennel Club Regulations or under the rules of any governing body recognised by The Royal Kennel Club or won 3 or more CC/CACIB/CAC/Green Stars or won seven or more First Prizes in all, at Championship Shows in Limit or Open Classes, confined to the Breed, whether restricted or not, at Shows where Challenge Certificates were offered for the Breed

With such low numbers being entered, dogs are now standing alone in a class, but these wins still count in progressing up to the next class (age classes excepted) If you discover that you have entered the incorrect class, then you have to inform the Secretary or Show Manager on the day of the show and before judging has started. Your dog will then be moved up into the Open class.

Anji Marfleet