44 Breed Notes – Mid C’ties 2023

At Midland Counties it was a very leisurely start for Keesies as not only had the clocks gone back, which gave us all an extra hour’s kip; but we were also second in the ring with a ‘not before’ start of 11.00am after 65 Boston Terriers (which is what I incorrectly put down in my notes the other week for South Wales!)

We were tucked away in one of the side halls, with the benching in a long line away from our ring; not ideal as it wasn’t that easy getting in and out if you were benched in the middle. But it was a lovely warm and sunny day (probably the last nice day of the year) and judging was over in time for us get home and enjoy it.

Our Judge, well known ‘allrounder’ Albert Wight (who last judged us at SKC in 2019) had drawn an entry of 42 Keesies with 11 absentees and for once there were more boys entered than girls. There were no entries in Puppy Dog, both Special Beginners classes and all 4 girls entered in Open were absent.

Albert went over all the dogs thoroughly and gave specific instructions to each handler on what he wanted to see – ie a triangle, an ‘up and down’ then round the ring to the back of the line-up. It will be interesting to see if he mentions handling in his critique, as several exhibitors ignored his request and were told to move their dog more than once – much to his obvious despair. Ringcraft classes are not just for young dogs – people need practice too!!

Winning her first big green card from Limit, was Tyra Church with Shelderon Stemmig Sage with Tykees (Venway Blow Then Away x Eastkees Foxy Lady at Shelderon) the RDCC went to the 2nd in Limit, Jane Ring’s Neradmik Shine on Harvey Moon (Imp Can) (Ikon’s Shine In The Spotlight x Neradmik Norma Jean)

Also winning her first CC with Best of Breed was Andy & Jean Fitches’ Sofia Loren Della Ginevrina (Imp Ita) (Carpe Diem Della Ginevrina x You Are My Everything Della Ginevrina) from Junior. The RBCC went to the winner of Limit, Jean Sharp Bale’s Neradmik Shimmer N’ Shine (Ikon’s Shine In The Spotlight x Neradmik Norma Jean)
Best Puppy was Sue Pattison’s Eastkees Black Orchid (Serenaubach Full of Wonder x Eastkees Sparkling Diamond)

Midland Counties has a reputation as being one of the less greedy general championship show societies, entry fees (relatively) cheaper than the others, free car parking and much to my pleasant surprise only charging a suggested donation to charity of £1 per spectator dog. This was one of the main reasons why I turned up with all 4 of mine in tow; as I wanted to do some shopping too. So different from one of my local Ch shows which wanted to charge £10 on the day car parking plus £10 per spectator dog – which needless to say I didn’t go to, despite it being ‘on my doorstep’. £50 to a greedy society’s coffers doesn’t leave much spending money, so it’s the poor trade stand holders who ultimately lose out and they are often one of the reasons why people go to a show.

Anji Marfleet