Breed Notes October 2026

Having heard the news that Scottish Utility Breeds are losing their CC status from 2029, I think that it’s worth repeating what I wrote in my April breed notes: Whilst it is generally agreed that we have too many CC’s on offer, which shows are ‘surplus to requirements’ is a trickier question; so, as many of you know, I did a quick survey.

Forms listing all Ch shows where Keesies currently have CC’s asked exhibitors which were their favourite shows (assuming decent judge etc.) they could enter up to a maximum of 12. A couple used up their quota, while unsurprisingly perhaps, the majority voted for just a few shows.

These were handed to exhibitors at two recent Ch shows which had both attracted a good entry, the Keeshond Club held in Roade (51 dogs) and at Scottish Utility Breeds in Edinburgh (23 dogs). A total of 34 exhibitors had entered these shows and 25 people completed a form – leading to some interesting results!!

The number of votes for each show are as follows:
17 – North of England, Darlington
15 – North of England (Nov), Border Union, Southern Counties
13 – Crufts
12 – Keeshond Club, Birmingham City, BUBA, Windsor
11 – Keeshond Club (April), SKC
10 – SUBC, Bath, WKC
8 – Blackpool
7 – WELKS, Paignton
5 – Richmond, Midland Counties, Birmingham National, Leeds
4 – Manchester, SWKA, LKA

Currently in the South of the country, we have 13 exhibitors and 7 Ch shows, in the Midlands 8 exhibitors and 10 Ch shows and, in the North, (inc Scotland) 13 exhibitors and 8 Ch shows. Of exhibitors least favourite shows, three were in the South – leaving 5, five in the Midlands – leaving 4 and two in the North leaving 6.

What does need to be mentioned at this point is that for the last 2 years fewer than 60 puppies have been born annually and with only 3 litters so far this year meaning that the number of dogs (& exhibitors) being shown is only going to decrease. Of the current 34 exhibitors, fewer than half show on a regular basis with the majority of these not prepared to drive hours and/or stopping overnight for a show.

The RKC have asked if breed clubs to submit any recommendations they may have regarding the allocation. I would like to think that they would take heed of any recommendations put forward by breed clubs, but am not holding my breath. Breed Club’s opinions on judges are invariably ignored by the RKC, so really, it’s academic asking – and they wonder why entries in general are plummeting??

Anji Marfleet