|
I started
showing dogs as an 11 year old in 1966, and worked for the famous
Miss Norah Woodifield (Pathfinder Irish Terrier) kennel at the
weekends. I handled mainly Dachshunds for my headmistress at local
open shows, and did have the pleasure of handling a friend’s
Afghan hounds at one open show in 1971. Children were not taken
very seriously in those days, and I didn’t win anything much
either.
As a child I competed with my dogs in
obedience (I wasn’t allowed a pedigree dog of my own). With my
Tervueren I have also competed in obedience, agility and herding
trials.
I worked as a dog groomer from 1971,
and still do some to this day. I had much experience in those days
with the Afghan hound, but sadly for all the wrong reasons! Lots
and lots of sad matted messes to deal with.
Whilst
living in Germany in the mid 70s I became involved with a local
breeder’s Leonbergers, and handled at several shows in that
country, including the big Dortmund show.
Back in
Britain I purchased my first pedigree dog, a Rough Collie, in 1977
and started showing dogs once more. |
|
|
I acquired my first Tervueren in March
1979 (before they gained CC status in 1984). We had much success,
breeding 7 champions (including Britain’s 1st champion and 3 Ch
show group winners) and importing and making up another 3
champions (including Britain’s first grey). In all nearly 200 CCs
have been won by dogs we’ve bred or are out of our breeding. The 9
Tervueren I exported abroad also gained their titles with many
winning groups and SBIS awards.
I have
exhibited Tervueren for almost 27 years. Roger and I have honorary
life memberships of the BSDA of GB and I was a founder member of
the NBSDC. We are editors of the BSDA of GB year-book and I wrote
Tervueren breed notes for both dog papers for 17 years. I have
served as a committee member of the BSDA twice, and was awarded
‘the medal of merit’ for my work with BSD rescue. I’m an approved
temperament tester for the BSDA and have attended several breed
judging seminars.
My other
main love has always been the sight hounds, and after losing the
last of our Tervueren through old age, we decided to look at
becoming more involved in this group of dogs. |
|
|
In 2000 I purchased my first Afghan Hound,
and have owned, shown, raced and lure-coursed this breed
exclusively ever since. Our first girl ‘Araki Shaggie Maggie at
Belamba’ gained a CC at Belfast Ch Show aged 15 months.
I have visited Afghan Hound breeders
in Scandinavia (and attended their breed specialty) and in The
Netherlands.
I also
help where possible, to foster the ‘difficult to adopt’ Afghan
Hounds for Afghan Hound Rescue until the right home comes along.
Although
I didn’t need to, I took the KC Conformation and Movement Seminar
and passed with 100%. I also attended the KC Stewarding Seminar.
I have
attended 3 Afghan Hound breed seminars and in October 2006 I
passed the MAHC judging exam.
Other
breeds that I have been involved with are Schipperkes, Borzois,
Chow Chows, Pomeranians, Greyhounds and Rough Collies. |
|
