£5
Pointing the way Pointer This most stylish and athletic of gundogs, with its supreme scenting ability, is also devoted, fun-loving and intelligent
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
JANUARY 2024
HERE ARE FIVE FANTASTIC REASONS TO TRY SOMETHING NEW IN 2024. Breeders only
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THE KENNEL CLUB, CLARGES STREET, LONDON W1J 8AB thekennelclub.org.uk /The Kennel Club UK @thekennelclubuk @TheKennelClubUK CHAIRMAN: Tony Allcock OBE VICE CHAIRMAN: Paul Eardley CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Mark Beazley CUSTOMER SERVICES: 01296 318540 PETLOG MAIN NUMBER: 01296 336579 PETLOG LOST & FOUND: 01296 737600 INSURANCE ENQUIRIES: 0333 030 5030 EDITOR: Carrie Thomas HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Sara Wilde EDITORIAL PANEL: Bill Moores (Chair), Stuart Band, Terrie Cousins-Brown, Dr Ian Gabriel, Philippa Gilbert, Del Richards, Gay Robertson EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: kennel.gazette@thekennelclub.org.uk The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB SUBSCRIPTIONS: 020 7518 1016 publications.mailbox@thekennelclub.org.uk Designed and produced for The Kennel Club by:
Highlights from The Kennel Club’s 48th Working Trials Championships, hosted by Surrey Dog Training Society, last October. Pictured is the Tracking Dog Stake and control round. Barry Gilbert has left WT Ch Glenalpine Makar TDEx, walked through the gate and stands in front of judge Len Newman. Barry faces the dog and instructs the dog to speak. He then returns to the dog in the same way, without the dog moving. See page 12. John Turtill©
Contents January 2024 Opinion
04 Kennel Club news
A special gift from the Maltese National Canine Federation, a look back at one young guest’s ancestry across 11 generations of the Shirley family, art gallery news, a reward for the dedicated team at Beagle Welfare, the latest political updates and more
38 Viewpoint
Bill Moores celebrates an exceptional year just gone and looks forward to the one ahead
Features NEWHALL PUBLISHING LTD New Hall Lane, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4BQ 0151 632 3232/newhallpublishing.com
06 Lights, cameras, action!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN THE KENNEL GAZETTE? Call Gary Turner on 07702 881109 or email gary.turner@newhallpublishing.com
12 Staying on track
COVER IMAGE: Four-year-old Pointer Fowington Hurricane Fly, bred and owned by Geraldine O’Driscoll. Fly was born just before Covid, so missed out on puppy and junior in the show ring, but has been placed at championship shows in 2023. He has been grouse counting for two years and last summer gained his Show Gundog Working Certificate and entered his first field trial. This photo was part of a series taken on the Scottish Borders in March 2023, where Peter O’Driscoll works his dogs during the grouse counting season. Susan Stone©
Stuart McCabe-Bell’s first year on The Kennel Club Board
Top dogs are put to the ultimate test in the Working Trials Championships
Health matters
10 Fighting the fear with facts
A record-breaking health webinar explores a much-feared disease
Judges’ Choice 16 Pointer
Discover the origins of this elegant and athletic gundog breed, as well as the latest on breed health, rescue, artefacts from The Kennel Club Art Gallery and other activities the breed enjoys doing. Plus eight judges choose their three favourite Pointers they have judged in the show ring Closing 19 January: Readers last chance to see the special 150 years exhibition at The Kennel Club Art Gallery. See page 4. Eleanor Riley/The Kennel Club©
The paper used for this publication is a recyclable and renewable product. It has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and elemental or total chlorine-free bleached pulp. This magazine can be recycled either through your kerbside collection, or at a local recycling point. Log on to recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find the nearest sites. Kennel Gazette is the monthly publication of The Kennel Club. Views and opinions expressed within the Kennel Gazette are the personal opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Kennel Club. The contents of this magazine are owned by The Kennel Club and may not be reproduced without permission. ©The Kennel Club 2024.
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
NEWS
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Kennel Club News
The latest developments to help make the most of owning a dog.
A strong future Last November, Frank Borg, Chairman of the Maltese National Canine Federation, presented Tony Allcock OBE, Chairman of The Kennel Club, with a traditional silver Maltese boat to commemorate The Kennel Club’s 150th anniversary. During the presentation, Frank Borg said that the Maltese boat, known locally as the dghajsa tal-latini, was used extensively in the late 19th century up to the early 20th century to ferry people and goods between the Maltese islands. Therefore, he thought it was appropriate for this occasion, as apart from being purely a Maltese souvenir, the boat is a symbol of a journey, and today we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of The Kennel Club: a never-ending journey that shall see the greatest kennel club in the world keep on sailing into the future and safeguarding the future of pedigree dogs. This occasion also confirms the strong and special relationship between the two organisations, which he hopes will keep its strength in the years to come.
Eleanor Riley/The Kennel Club©
Shirley returns to the Club
Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©
What’s coming up in The Kennel Club Art Gallery in 2024 The year begins with Dogs in Advertising that will open on 28 February. Featuring a historical survey of how dogs and their associated qualities such as trust, loyalty and protection have been used to advertise products as varied as banking, paint, clothing and toys. The exhibits correspond with the growth of interest in the dog fancy across the 19th century and towards the
The Kennel Club welcomed one of its youngest guests to the dining room last November. Six-month-old Arthur Charles Sewallis Shirley, aka ‘Archie’, was born on 5 April 2023, 150 years and one day after his ancestor, Sewallis Evelyn Shirley MP, founded The Kennel Club. Archie can trace his ancestry back to the early 1700s across 11 generations of the Shirley family. He was accompanied by his parents, Maxim and Katharine Coles, who brought him into the Club with their family for lunch. Pictured in The Kennel Club Boardroom with Tony Allcock OBE in front of the portrait of Sewallis Evelyn Shirley MP.
1980s. Promotional products such as badges, water bowls, postcards and toys will be on display alongside original artworks and glorious trophies. In the latter part of the year, from September, there will be an exhibition of drawings of dogs in the collection. Since the early 2000s the perception of drawing has moved from preparatory tool to standalone medium in its own right. In tandem with this, the gallery has been growing its collection and the exhibition will include works by artists such as Marjorie Cox, Julie Brenan and Gifford Ambler, many being exhibited for the first time. Expect delicate pencil, exuberant pastel, elegant lines and, of course, many champion dogs.
The gallery is open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm. To book your visit, please email artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 020 7518 1064. For more information about The Kennel Club Art Gallery, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/gallery or follow the gallery’s Instagram at instagram.com/thekennelclubukcollections
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Kennel Gazette | January 2024
NEWS
READ ALL ABOUT IT
DIARY DATES JANUARY 5-6
The Kennel Club Cocker Spaniel Championship
15-17
The Kennel Club AV Spaniel (except Spaniel [Cocker]) Championship
18-21
Manchester Dog Show Society 18 Working and Utility 19 Hound and Pastoral 20 Toy and Terrier 21 Gundog
Political Progress by Danielle Knight
Electric shock collars
by law to renew their dog control Public Spaces
As part of our continued campaign to ensure
Protection Orders every three years. We ensure
that the ban on electric shock collars for dogs
that local authorities seek the least restrictive
passes through parliament, we have written to
approach to achieve their desired outcome. In
supportive MPs encouraging them to write to the
2023, we responded to many local authority
Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Penny
consultations on these orders. We’ve recently
Mordaunt MP, to urge the government to find
made submissions to North Northamptonshire
parliamentary time to pass the ban without delay.
Borough Council, Halton Borough Council, Conwy
We have also written to the Leader of the House
Borough Council and Dover District Council, to
of Commons on behalf of the electric shock
name a few.
collars coalition group, which includes The Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea, BVA
American XL Bully ban
24
and the RSPCA. We continue to encourage
In response to the government’s decision to
members of the public to write to their local MPs
ban the American XL Bully, we have been
Rhodesian Ridgeback
on this issue. A template letter can be found
working together with partner organisations to
at: thekennelclub.org.uk/banshockcollars
help shape the policy. The Kennel Club is against
Breed celebration lunch
this ban, as we believe it is not a solution to the
Dog control Public Spaces Protection Orders
issue, and we are actively working to minimise the unintended consequences that can arise
We are continuing to campaign for and advocate on behalf of dogs and their owners to protect
Beagle Welfare©
Star rescuers
In November 2023, Beagle Welfare was awarded Animal Rescue/Rehoming Organisation of the Year, organised by the Animal Star Awards, created in 2016 by Mary Burgess. It recognises achievements in the field of animal care and welfare. Beagle Welfare works tirelessly to rehome the Beagles in their care, to prevent maltreatment and cruelty to Beagles, to encourage responsible ownership throughout the UK and to provide advice to owners about the breed. This award was even more poignant as Beagle Welfare celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. For details, see beaglewelfare.org.uk
as a result of breed-specific legislation. Readers can find more information at:
their right to the UK’s open spaces. Local
thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/
authorities across England and Wales are required
dangerous-dogs-deed-not-breed/
Last chance to nominate Nominations for the 2024 International Canine Health Awards, run by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust and supported by the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation, are due to close shortly on 31 January. Nominations can be made across five different award categories, with prize money totalling over $180,000 – they are one of the largest international veterinary awards in the world. Further information can be found at: kennelclubcharitabletrust.org/ dog-health/icha
Courtesy of Lindsey Anderson
New beginnings Congratulations to the North West Toy & Utility Society committee, who successfully held their inaugural open show on 8 October 2023. The society was registered on 10 May 2023 and was set up to promote the general interest of toy and utility breeds in the northwest of England. We wish them well for the future.
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
PERSONALITY PROFILE
Lights, cameras, action! Stuart McCabe-Bell’s first year on The Kennel Club Board. BY TERRIE COUSINS-BROWN
The Crufts commentary team 2023. From left to right: Graham Hill, Ann Hill, Kim Sillito-Beale, Stuart McCabe-Bell, Jenny Shorer-Wheeler and Marina White. Courtesy of Stuart McCabe-Bell
From singing on the stage to commentating on the Crufts main arena, Stuart McCabe-Bell is a man used to keeping calm under pressure. He’s
completed his first year on The Kennel Club Board and I caught up with him to find out how it has been and how he sees his future role. Congratulations on your election to the Board last year. Why were you interested in being nominated?
I was elected as a member in 2005 and have always had a keen interest in the running of the organisation. My professional background is in local government. I’ve worked at director, board and cabinet administration level, and was often involved with complex negotiations on joint projects, project management and contract procurement, so I was fairly comfortable with the idea of being nominated when 6
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
first asked to consider it. I have enjoyed being involved in the dog showing side of our hobby since 2000 and I have gained much experience, particularly in show administration, so I truly felt that I was in a position to give something back. I wonder if you could tell me a little about your early life and how dogs played a part in it?
I was born in Hertfordshire in 1960 and grew up in Potters Bar, before relocating to Cambridgeshire in my early twenties. Dogs always played a part in my childhood, as my parents owned a Cairn Terrier cross when I was a very small boy. She was followed by a Manchester Terrier cross, who was with us right through my teenage years. My maternal grandfather owned racing Greyhounds before the Second World War and my parents had a particular love of the breed, so when we moved to St Albans in
1976, our first retired racing Greyhound arrived. I still remember ‘Eva’s’ first night with us at the age of four, having never been in a house before, padding around for hours until she found somewhere to settle. We had ten wonderful years with her and she was followed by two more, who also lived to a grand age. Thinking about the dog world and its many personalities, who has been your greatest influence and why?
To be honest, there have been many, but undoubtedly, the name that immediately springs to mind has to be that of Irene Terry, who passed away last year. She was instrumental in my becoming Secretary of the Basenji Club of Great Britain, and having been a past secretary of the club herself, she really took me under her wing and always gave such sound guidance and advice. She was very supportive following my election to
FEATURE
PERSONALITY PROFILE
Far Left: At home in Devon with Cocker Spaniels Hallie, Archie and Coira. Left: Stuart with his retirement gift from the Basenji Club of Great Britain in March 2020. Photos courtesy of Bryan McCabe-Bell Below: Starring as Wild Bill Hickok in Calamity Jane for The Over Players in 1999. Courtesy of The Over Players
the Board and was delighted when I joined the Disciplinary Committee, of which she had previously been chair. She really was a wonderful friend and I cannot even begin to express how much I miss her. Likewise, Patricia Sutton has been another real influence who I first met through working at Richmond Championship Dog Show. Time spent with Patricia is a real education and simply listening to her talking about her life with horses and dogs is utterly absorbing and fascinating. What other skills and interests do you bring to the Board?
I’ve previously worked closely in staff relations, helping colleagues through a whole range of work-related issues from reorganisation, pay structure negotiations, staff and job appraisals, redundancy and disciplinary matters, as well as supporting those in need of counselling. I am a great
“It requires a professional team for an event of this scale to run smoothly – a huge ‘team Crufts’ all working towards the same goal” believer in treating everyone fairly and equitably, and with the skills learnt through a long career in public service, I believe I can bring my wide-ranging experience to good use. With Crufts on the horizon, what are the challenges of commentating there? Can you give us an ‘inside’ view?
Over the years, I have been fortunate to see certain backroom aspects of Crufts, but last year was the first time that I really saw parts of the ‘beating heart’ of the show. It requires
a dedicated, experienced and professional team of people for an event of this scale to run smoothly – a huge ‘team Crufts’ all working towards the same goal. I have commentated for both the Manchester and Paignton championship shows, but Crufts really does take the task to a whole new level. The obvious pressure is commentating to a vast live audience and fitting that into the TV filming. As a commentary team, we join a daily morning briefing with the wider events section to go through the running order for the day, and 7
January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
PERSONALITY PROFILE
Above: Playing Motel the tailor in Fiddler on the Roof for The Over Players in 1997. Courtesy of The Over Players Left: At the family home in Hertfordshire with Tasha and Scampi. Courtesy of Stuart McCabe-Bell
then later, a further briefing with the group stewards and group judges. We are then responsible for collating all the Best of Breed numbers during the afternoon, and in advance of the show itself, scripts are prepared for each breed. When it comes to the live commentary, the script has to be adapted to the running order of the group judging and the speed of the judge, so it is very much about ‘thinking on your feet’ and selecting what to say and not to say, while at the same time watching the judging itself and fitting it all in to the time available for each dog being exhibited. Besides all things canine-related, is there anything else of particular interest to you?
During my childhood, I took part in amateur dramatics, encouraged by my mother, who was an extremely talented singer. I was relatively shy, so that undoubtedly helped my confidence and I returned to it during my thirties and again in my early fifties. I have been fortunate to have played some wonderful roles and acted and sung in some of my favourite shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Calamity Jane and Anything Goes, among others, as well as pantomime – I forget just how many times I have taken on the role of ‘panto baddie’! 8
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
“The camaraderie in amateur dramatics is very much the same as that in the dog world – people coming together and truly enjoying the social side of their hobby” Not surprisingly, that led me on to direct and produce a range of shows, and in many ways, the camaraderie in amateur dramatics is very much the same as that in the dog world – people coming together and truly enjoying the social side of their hobby. I retired from directing and producing in 2017, and these days, I am more likely to be found gardening at home in north Devon, where we have lived since late 2020. My father handed me a lawn mower when I was 11 years of age, and since then, I have never looked back. There’s just a simple joy in spending a day gardening in the summer months. What do you see as the future challenges for The Kennel Club and the broader dog world?
We have to make both The Kennel Club and the dog world, across all its disciplines,
sustainable for future generations, and the younger generation and those who follow us are absolutely key to that. Society and interests have changed and that clearly applies to many sports and hobbies. Therefore, we have to adapt and change and that is something that both The Kennel Club and many dog societies and disciplines are grappling with. While I am someone who welcomes and enjoys change and challenge, we must all recognise that not everyone feels the same and some, very understandably, are resistant to any change at all. An immense amount of work has been undertaken by many people with the strategy review and I am looking forward to seeing how it is received by the membership and the wider dog fraternity going forward. Thank you for talking to me Stuart, and I wish you a very successful Crufts 2024.
HEALTH MATTERS IVDD
Fighting the fear with facts BY GAY ROBERTSON
Record-breaking webinar sheds light on a dreaded disease. In August 2023, The Kennel Club free health webinar presented by Professor Paul Freeman MA VetMB CertSAO DipECVN MRCVS, Principal Clinical Neurologist at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, on intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), was over-subscribed well in advance and has since been viewed by over 4,000 people (audiences are typically in the hundreds).
Cocker Spaniels are one of the breeds most frequently afflicted by IVDD. Diane Pearce Collection/ The Kennel Club©
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Kennel Gazette | January 2024
Like many, I had thought that IVDD was just a ‘Dachshund thing’. Wrong. It can attack any breed, although principally short-legged ones, with French Bulldogs, all varieties of Dachshund and Cocker Spaniels the most numerous. Also wrong is the idea that this condition always demands expensive surgery and long rehabilitation. New trials by Professor Freeman and his team have shown that it can often be managed conservatively, without surgery, and that patients can make a full recovery. To be clear, this is so-called type 1 IVDD, the most common disc disease in dogs and not to be confused with type 2,
a slower-developing form more commonly found in older, bigger dogs. Professor Freeman shows the physical make up of the disc (which is firmly fixed between each vertebra so ‘slipped disc’ is a misnomer) likening it to a jam doughnut. It contains a soft centre, which is the shock absorber enabling the animal to move: the ‘disease’ is when this centre begins to age prematurely and calcify. The centre then breaks through the surrounding disc – known as extrusion – and leaks on to the spinal cord above. Why this happens is not yet fully understood, but it is known to have a genetic predisposition and biomechanical alterations are also thought to play a part. An excellent section on recognising different kinds of pain and its symptoms should be part of every dog owner’s general knowledge: the hunched posture of a dog with severe back pain is often misdiagnosed as pain in the abdomen. Neck pain can be even worse. Any dog exhibiting these kinds of symptoms is in urgent need not just of TLC but of immediate cage rest until a veterinary appointment can be secured. Dogs can be amazingly stoic about pain, just trying to get on with their lives as best they can, so it is up to us to recognise the signs and do something about it in a timely fashion. Once recognised and the dog has been confined to a cage for two to four weeks, the extrusion is unlikely to worsen, so the fear that the condition will progress to complete paralysis and euthanasia if surgery is not performed rapidly is largely unfounded. Only in Grade 5 of IVDD, where the dog is completely paralysed and has no deep pain perception, do the chances of recovery go down to around 50%, from 80%-90% in all other cases. Sadly, recurrence is a big problem across the board, with a 50% chance of recurrence in French Bulldogs, but a second disc extrusion can be treated or managed like the first – it is not a death sentence. A small proportion of dogs with Grade 5 develop a progressive
HEALTH MATTERS
IVDD
cell death of the spinal cord, which is fatal, so that does call for euthanasia. More good news is that surgery is a choice. Professor Freeman’s study found that every grade can recover with medical management, although the consensus veers towards surgery for Grades 3, 4 and 5 cases. This is where costs begin to rocket because a CT scan or preferably an MRI will be needed to ascertain exactly which disc is extruded. The section of the webinar dealing with surgery is extremely detailed and shows clearly what is involved and, although a bit gory in places, should be seen by anyone dealing with an affected dog. Professor Freeman commented that while some surgeons are persuaded that recovery will be quicker and more complete after surgery, there is little conclusive evidence that this is the case. To manage any risk around veterinary information and content, The Kennel Club makes it clear that it is unable to offer veterinary advice, but if you’re worried about any of the issues raised during the webinar or this article, please contact your local vet for further information. Anticipating the questions that many with potentially affected dogs would ask, Professor Freeman admitted frequently, “We don’t know,” and it is evident that a huge amount of research is going into this disease.
So when finance is an issue, reassuringly, the option to manage conservatively, with cage rest rather than remortgage the house to pay for surgery, should always be considered. When it comes to evaluating risk and prevention, Dachshund owners should make use of The Kennel Club/Dachshund Health UK IVDD Scheme for Dachshunds between two and four years old, involving sedation for an X-ray from which the health of their dog’s discs can be evaluated and their likely risk of developing the disease graded – also an essential tool for making breeding decisions. Genetic testing is not currently recommended for UK Dachshund breeders. Clearly, this is an important subject for many dog owners and essential viewing for owners of shortlegged breeds, with many more topics than mentioned here, but I would recommend looking at Professor Freeman’s presentation on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel, whatever your breed. I learnt a lot about my dog’s spinal system, there is a helpful section on bladder management for paralysed dogs, and it is always good to be reminded about recognising pain. There is a tendency to develop tunnel vision when it comes to health, concentrating on issues known to affect our own breeds, whereas the experience and knowledge of others can be hugely beneficial.
Left: Jake, an eight-year-old Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund with severe back pain as a result of IVDD. Above: Fourteen-year-old Jake still going strong after three episodes of IVDD. Photos: Claire Murphy©
Kennel Club health webinars Last year, The Kennel Club’s health-focused webinar series explored conditions such as canine epilepsy, colour dilution alopecia and osteosarcoma, as well as the science of DNA testing for health, with experts, researchers, owners and breeders. Past webinars can be watched on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel, bit.ly/3GcTrVy. Coming up: Cardiology.
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
FEATURE
WORKING TRIALS
Staying on track Top working dogs are put to the ultimate test despite turbulent weather conditions. BY STAN FORD, PATROL DOG JUDGE
The sport of working trials is just short of 100 years old and The Kennel Club Working Trials Championships brings together the dogs that have won a Championship Tracking Dog (TD) Stake and/or a Patrol Dog (PD) Stake during the past year.
Surrey Dog Training Society hosted the 48th Working Trials Championships last October. Tracking Dog Stake was judged by Len Newman and the Patrol Dog Stake by myself. The Working Trial Manager was Christine Brooks, ably assisted by Elizabeth Stapleton in the base and Lauren Marlow in the field. Surrey Dog Training Society (SDTS) is indebted to local landowner Charles Calvert from Ockley Court for all the nosework land at Oakwood Hill; and to Clare and Chris Mathias for the control and agility and patrol field adjoining the De Vere Hotel, Horsley Towers, in East Horsley, normally the home of polo ponies. The nosework was on grass with good growth that had been silaged in August and was awaiting the arrival of keeper sheep in November. My tracklayer was Mark Lewindon – if there is a better tracklayer in our sport, I am yet to meet them. My search steward was Tess Shoolbred, another most capable helper. Jo Quick tracked first with German Shepherd Dog, Floyd (WT Ch Falkenwald High Places TDEx PDEx), and completed the track well, but unfortunately missed the end article – a large piece of carpet. They recovered all four search articles, losing just 16 nosework marks overall. 12
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
Jo Quick with Floyd (WT Ch Falkenwald High Places TDEx PDEx) doing the long jump. Winner of the PD Stake. John Turtill©
David Clark tracked second with Border Collie, Blade (WT Ch Blade of The Glade TDEx PDEx), encountering some difficulty early on but managing to complete the track and recover both articles. In the search, only two were recovered, resulting in the loss of 25 marks overall. The control and agility rounds were completed the following morning in a large grass field adjoining the base at the De Vere Hotel. Sue Atkin was my control and agility steward, and special thanks to Sue’s husband, Graham, the scorer, for having the scores and results readily available without delay. Jo and Floyd scored 28.5 in control and full marks in agility; David and Blade scored 30 in control and 19 in agility, meaning both dogs entered the afternoon patrol work in a qualifying position.
Storm Babet soon joined us and it rained steadily throughout the majority of the day. Later in the afternoon, we were blessed with the end of a rainbow falling in the field.
ABOUT WORKING TRIALS Working trials is open to any breed of dog if it is registered on The Kennel Club’s Breed or Activity Register. Dogs must be over 18 months to compete or over six months to compete in Special Stakes, which do not include any jumps or the scale. For more details on getting started in working trials, please visit: thekennelclub.org.uk/eventsand-activities/working-trials/
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FEATURE
WORKING TRIALS
Before the patrol round could commence, we had to await the arrival of a helicopter landing in an adjoining paddock with the groom for his wedding! My patrol steward was Mick Tustain, who provided equipment and sleeves. Mick’s grandson, Jack, was the chase and test of courage protected steward, joined by Rob Murrell, who did the recall. Les Theobald and Mark Lewindon were hidden persons and my scribe was Lauren Marlow – meaning there were five persons present who were qualified to judge the Stake. Setting up, I was most grateful for Mick, who did a run through with his German Shepherd Dog, Dennis. It made me realise I had got carried away with a big field and had to reduce the quartering area in size.
My patrol round commenced with the quarter, including hides and natural surroundings. The handler moved up a central walkway, working the dog first right and then left to six pre-determined points. Les and Mark were hidden in a wooded area and accessible to the dog. Once the dog had located both hidden persons standing together, searched them both and the surrounding area for any possible hidden weapons, they were escorted out together before they separated - one left and one right running off in opposite directions. Then the dog detained person one and upon release was sent to detain person two who attempted to overpower the handler. Upon being detained by the dog both protected stewards became compliant. Next exercise was the chase to detain. Jack (the chase) walked out
Test of courage exercise. David Clark’s Blade (WT Ch Blade of The Glade TDEx PDEx) with Mark Lewindon (left), Jack Durling holding the water bottles and Les Theobald, both protected stewards. Pictured right is David Clark and behind him is Mick Tustain, patrol steward. John Turtill©
from behind some hay bales then turned and ran. The dog was sent, and Jack, the protected steward, upon detention, had to wait for the handler, before being released.
Tracking Dog, judged by Len Newman
The tracking fields were excellent and were the same area for all competitors. Lush level grass. Even with all the rain, none of the ground was waterlogged. The weather was against us and the rain was terrible. It was so bad that Le (my wife) had three sets of waterproofs on the go. The tracklayers were Les Theobald and Mark Lewindon. To help them, in advance
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Kennel Gazette | January 2024
I videoed the start and end of the track with the track pattern to help them understand my thoughts. I could not have had any better commitment from them, even working around poles and thistles. Le was the search steward and all dogs qualified the search. She also scribed the control round. On looking back, I may have changed two exercises, but I was pleased with the articles and pattern. I believe that the articles should be evenly distributed because I feel it gives the dog a reward, rather than rewarding on the last few legs of a TD track. I set a tracking test to demonstrate the performance of the best dogs of the year. These dogs had already proved they are outstanding from winning previous trials in the year. The articles were varied in size, shape, texture, washed,
cleaned and packaged in bags for each competitor, with no plastic! I invited my local vet to check and get his thoughts on the safety, to ensure there was no harm to the dogs. It was an open track of 22 legs with 30 yards between each leg. I had a half circle on the second leg and most dogs did not find it very hard with Jo Quick and WT Ch Falkenwald High Places TDEx PDEx (German Shepherd Dog), David Marchant and Lookylooky Life of Riley TDEx Nov Ex (Working Sheepdog), Sandra Haim and WT Ch Bricklehampton Bess TDEx (Working Sheepdog), and Jackie Dykes and Jummly Jooh TDEx (crossbreed) not losing a mark. The tracking was a highlight; seeing very good dogs tracking was a real pleasure. My plan for the search was to check the pick-up, carry and present of the articles. At this
level, I feel dogs should not be grabbing the articles. All dogs performed well. I could not separate Barry Gilbert and WT Ch Glenalpine Makar TDEx (Border Collie) and Andy Baker and WT Ch Bryn Some Lose Some TDEx (Working Sheepdog). Both completed the track and search with outstanding work, earning 160.5 marks each. I gave my marks after each exercise to the competitor and the spectators, which I feel is very important on an event such as this. A total of ten qualified for this year’s championship – Jayne Lewis withdrew before the trial, and Gary and Sandra Haim withdrew after the nosework, leaving only seven to complete the control sections. All seven qualified the control and agility rounds. These sections started with a speak, where the dog was left on one side of the gate
FEATURE
WORKING TRIALS
This was followed by a chase and recall in the opposite direction. The final exercise was the test of courage. The dog was sent to detain Jack running through a tunnel of red plastic security fencing and jumping over a single bale in the middle of a wall of hay bales. The wall of bales was toppled over by the hidden Mark and Les, just prior to the dog reaching Jack on the other side. In the patrol round, Jo worked first, quartered well, but missed one hide, despite its excellent location, good escort if reluctant to ‘out’ in defence of the handler. Excellent detention on chase to detain and again reluctant to ‘out’ until the dog received the second command. A very good recall.
Floyd was already turning when he got a second shout due to Jo’s obscured vision. Good in test of courage, but again needed second shout to ‘out’. Total patrol round 124/150. David worked second and carried out a good quarter, but the dog initially ran past the hidden persons before turning back. On escort, David allowed himself to be handled by one helper, while Blade detained the other in defence of the handler. On the chase, Blade missed the initial ‘bite’, but received full marks for an excellent recall. Good courage displayed in test of courage exercise. Total patrol round 127/150. First place went to Jo Quick with
WT Ch Falkenwald High Places TDEx PDEx 271.5 qualifying PDEx. Worthy winner on the day. Second place went to David Clark with WT Ch Blade of The Glade TDEx PDEx 266 qualifying PDEx. (David and Blade won the PD Stake at The Kennel Club Working Trials Championships in 2022). Thank you to my scribe Lauren Marlow. It is imperative that one watches the action 100% of the time while judging. For this reason the scribe’s role is extremely important. And finally, please remember: “Take nothing but memories Leave nothing but footprints.”
All the results from the championships can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/workingtrialschampionships
and the handler went through the gate to join the judge. The dog was instructed to speak and then the handler returned to the dog in the same way. I was grateful to Rex Norris who made the gate, which has been donated to Banbury Dog Training Club for their Good Citizen Dog training. The heelwork had one change of pace on the move and that was working towards a temporary gate. At this point
the dog and handler opened and walked through the gate, closing it on completion. This did not cause any problems. The sendaway was 70 paces to an area of chippings with four inches of pole showing above the middle; redirection was 70 paces to the left in the area of a grey bag. This was not what I had planned, but it was due to the weather conditions. Next was the hurdle, long jump and scale. Four dogs
moved before the exercise was completed in the agility section, and the stays at the end were all clear. It was a pleasure to judge these dogs and I hope the handlers found the tests interesting. Congratulations to Andy Baker and WT Ch Bryn Some Lose Some TDEx 212.5 qualifying TDEx who won overall. Second place was Barry Gilbert and WT Ch Glenalpine Makar TDEx 211.5 qualifying TDEx.
Each handler was presented with a framed photograph upon qualifying as a small memento of the event and my thanks go to photographer John Turtill for his help with this. I would also like to thank the Surrey Dog Training Society committee and members for running a very successful Kennel Club Working Trials Championships 2023.
Opposite page: Winner of the Tracking Dog Stake was Andy Baker with WT Ch Bryn Some Lose Some TDEx. John Turtill© Above: Tracking Dog group, from left: Caroline Martin with Firetouch Second Time TDEx, Andy Baker with WT Ch Bryn Some Lose Some TDEx, Gary Atkins with WT Ch Glenalpine Ken TDEx, Len Newman, David Marchant with Lookylooky Life of Riley TDEx Nov EX, Le Newman, Jo Quick with WT Ch Falkenwald High Places TDEx PDEx, Barry Gilbert with WT Ch Glenalpine Makar TDEx and Jackie Dykes with Jummly Jooh TDEx. John Turtill© Left:Track articles and pattern used in Len’s open track of 22 legs. The tracklayer walks the pattern and places three articles at the designated positions on the track plan. Three hours later the handler and the dog (harnessed) begin – not knowing where the track goes. Marks are lost by missing articles and deviating from the track. Len Newman©
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED STANDARD
Pointer Athletic, stylish dog with great scenting powers. The supreme scenting machine, the Pointer is a wonderful example of a breed fit for its original function: to range on large expanses of land to detect the scent of game and then halting, frozen in a ‘point’ in the direction of sitting game.
The Pointer is an athlete, a series of flowing curves, with a slightly concave muzzle to lift his nose and aid the scenting powers. His hunting style is with head held high, lashing his bee-sting tail. No wonder then, that the Pointer was much in demand by the gentry of the 18th and 19th centuries as the most stylish of gundogs. Right: Bitch Challenge Certificate (CC) record holder, Sh Ch Sharnphilly Juici Cuture JW, ‘Juicy’, winner of 40 CCs, 30 with Best of Breed and 11 Reserve CCs. Juicy was number three top dog all-breeds and top Gundog in 2015. She was top Pointer in 2016 and 2015. Reserve Best in Show (BIS) winner at Scottish Kennel Club in 2014, BIS at Southern Counties Canine Association in 2015, Reserve BIS at Birmingham National Dog Show in 2015 and BIS at Gundog Society of Wales and National Gundog Association in 2016. Winner of 11 Gundog group 1s and multiple group places. BIS at two breed club shows, twice at the Setter & Pointer Club Championship Show and a Eukanuba Champion Stakes finalist. Bred and owned by Sharron Dyer and Sam Oddie and handled by Sam. Lisa Croft-Elliott©
BREED STANDARD GENERAL APPEARANCE Symmetrical and well built all over, general outline a series of graceful curves. A strong but lissom appearance.
CHARACTERISTICS Aristocratic. Alert with appearance of strength, endurance and speed.
TEMPERAMENT Kind, even disposition.
HEAD AND SKULL Skull of medium breadth, in proportion to length of foreface, stop well defined, pronounced
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Kennel Gazette | January 2024
occipital bone. Nose and eye rims dark, but may be lighter in the case of a lemon and white coloured dog. Nostrils wide, soft and moist. Muzzle somewhat concave, ending on level with nostrils, giving a slightly dish-faced appearance. Slight depression under eyes, cheek bones not prominent, well developed soft lip.
EYES Same distance from occiput as from nostrils, bright and kindly in expression. Either hazel or brown according to colour of
coat. Neither bold nor staring, not looking down the nose.
EARS Leathers thin, set on fairly high, lying close to head, of medium length, slightly pointed at tips.
MOUTH Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK Long, muscular, slightly arched, springing cleanly from shoulders and free from throatiness.
FOREQUARTERS Shoulders long, sloping and well laid back. Chest just wide enough for plenty of heart room. Brisket well let down, to level with elbows. Forelegs straight and firm, with good oval bone, with back sinews strong and visible. Knee joint flat with front leg and protruding very little on inside. Pasterns lengthy, strong and resilient. Slightly sloping.
THIS MONTH
BREED STANDARD
Left: Breed and dog CC record holder, Sh Ch Chesterhope Thrill of T Chase (Imp NZ), ‘Noah’, winner of 45 CCs, 32 with Best of Breed and 16 Reserve CCs. Noah won his first CC as a junior at National Gundog Association in 2017 under Doreen Smillie, and gained his title the same year from junior at Richmond Dog Show Society under Richard Bott. His last CC was at Belfast Dog Show Society in 2021 under Irene Glen and he went on to win the group under Frank Whyte. He won three Reserve Best in Shows at general championship shows, multiple group wins and group placings. He was shown at Crufts five times, winning Best Puppy in Breed on the first occasion, the CC on his second visit and the remaining three times he won the Reserve CC – the last being in 2022. He was top Gundog in 2019 and top Pointer sire in 2022 and 2023. Bred and owned by Diane and Jordyn O’Neill from New Zealand. Noah arrived in the UK at five months old and lives with John Thirlwell, who handled him in the ring. At seven years old Noah has retired from showing. Will Harris©
BODY
TAIL
COAT
FAULTS
Well sprung ribs carried well back gradually falling away at strong muscular and slightly arched loins. Short coupled. Haunch bones well spaced and prominent, not above level of back.
Medium length, thick at root, tapering gradually to a point. Well covered with close hair, carried on a level with back, with no upward curl. In movement, tail should lash from side to side.
Fine, short, hard and evenly distributed, perfectly smooth and straight with decided sheen.
HINDQUARTERS
GAIT/MOVEMENT
Very muscular. Well-turned stifles. Good expanse of first and second thigh. Hocks well let down.
Smooth, covering plenty of ground. Driving hind action, elbows neither in nor out. Definitely not a hackney action.
Usual colours are lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white, and black and white. Self colours and tricolours are also correct.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
SIZE
NOTE
Desirable heights at withers: dogs: 63-69 cms (25-27 ins); bitches: 61-66 cms (24-26 ins).
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
FEET Oval, well-knit, arched toes, well cushioned.
COLOUR
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED ORIGINS
A Pointer in time Where it all began for this stylish gundog breed. BY RIA NELIS, THE POINTER CLUB ARCHIVIST
Pointers are a very old breed, generally assumed to have developed in Europe as hunting dogs because of their superior scenting abilities. It is thought that army officers returning to England brought dogs home from Spain in the early 1700s.
These early Spanish Pointers were slow but accurate workers, locating birds and suitable for working with flintlock guns, which were slow to load. They were mostly liver and white, occasionally black and white. There were also hunting dogs in France who were more active and recorded as being better formed. By 1800, Pointers in England looked different from the imported Spanish Pointers, possibly as a result of being bred to the lighter-built French Pointer, or selecting the smallest of the Spanish dogs. A cross between a Pointer and a Foxhound by Colonel Thornton (1757-1825) was an effort to add speed and stamina, producing ‘Dash’, a good worker but who never produced anything of worth. Greyhounds are also thought to have been
crossed with these early Pointers, and Herr Marr in his book, Pointers and Setters, and Cicely Robertshaw in her book, Pointers Past & Present, both note: “It can be fairly taken for granted that the black Pointers, which the late Mr Arkwright took up had their origin from Greyhound crosses.” It is not known whether solid orange and lemons came from these Greyhound crosses or from the French hunting dogs. Pointer genes have continued to spread around the world. For further reading about the history of the breed, the most famous book is The Pointer and His Predecessors published in 1902 by William Arkwright. Pointers were one of the first breeds to benefit from the introduction of The Kennel Club’s registration system. Without it, some pedigrees would have been impossible to trace owing to the number of dogs with similar names – for example, ‘Belle’, was popular, so to distinguish each dog, the name of the owner was added, e.g. Price’s Belle. The first dog show, held in 1859 in
Above: FT Ch Fascally Bragg by Maud Earl from 1901, titled: A Pointer on a moor. Right: Arthur Egglestone’s Pennine Prima Donna, Crufts 1935 Best in Show winner. Oil on canvas, English School c1935. Courtesy of The Kennel Club Arts Foundation
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Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was exclusively for Pointers and Setters. There were 23 Pointers and 37 Setters entered, with two valuable guns as prizes. These gentlemen exhibitors wished to show off their working Pointers. The first field trial was held in Bedfordshire in 1865. This was a success and the original Pointer club was formed as a field trial society in 1869, with the current Pointer Club being formed in 1960. Many of the great early dogs came from the kennel of Thomas Webb Edge of Strelley Hall. His dogs were sold at public auction after his death in 1884, and his kennel therefore had a broader influence. ‘Sensation’ who features on the Westminster Dog Show (USA) catalogue, goes back to Edge of Strelley. The first Field Trial Champion in the breed was Garth’s Drake, born in 1867, owned by Sir Richard Garth QC. Many of today’s Pointers can be traced back to Garth’s Drake. We are fortunate in the breed to have an extensive pedigree database on the Ledgands website.
THIS MONTH
BREED ORIGINS
Pointer screen by George Earl (1827-1908) This beautiful threefold screen is modern and is from the David Linley workshop. It is made of ash and contains three paintings by George Earl. The three Pointers depicted here are well-known champions, and in the case of the portraits of Ch Hamlet and Ch Drake, were at one point part of William Arkwright’s own art collection. Far left: Ch Hamlet, oil on canvas, signed and dated 1868 A plate of this painting appears in William Arkwright’s The Pointer and His Predecessors. It shows Mr J H Whitehouse’s Ch Hamlet, whose head study features on page 36. Centre: Ch Bang, oil on canvas, signed and dated 1876 Ch Bang was bred and owned by Sam Price. His sire was Coham’s Bang who was Ch Hamlet’s son and his dam was Vesta, by Brockton’s Bounce. Ch Bang was born in Bow, Devon, a county renowned for its fine Pointers. Bang weighed 68 lbs and was considered to be one of the most handsome dogs in the country. He gained his title at Crystal Palace and was only beaten in the ring once. In the field, he had no equal. As a stud dog, he was sire to some noteworthy Pointers, including Croxteth, who was exported to America in 1879 and became one of the earliest American field trial Pointers. Left: Ch Drake, signed and dated 1875 A plate of this painting along with the following thoughts on George Earl’s work also appears in Arkwright’s The Pointer and His Predecessors: “This is a portrait of Champion Drake. He was bred and owned by Sir Richard Garth QC and was one of the most sensational winners of Trials that has ever lived.” Arkwright continued, “Drake’s legs and feet are here made too wooden, but his head, despite an injury to the picture spoiling one ear, is nice, though both skull and stop are rather lacking. I fancy that the artist must have tried to idealise the dog, as I am told that he possessed an ample head, but that it was not famous for beauty.” Courtesy of The Kennel Club Arts Foundation
Four Pointers were considered by Arkwright to be the pillars of the breed: Hamlet, Drake, Brockton’s Bounce and Major. Hamlet was more lithe and graceful than Bounce and Major. Ben of Bobbing (born in 1920, a grandson of FT Ch Fascally Bragg and whose dam had dogs from Isaac Sharpe’s famous ‘Stylish’ kennel behind her) was the first Pointer to be both a Field Trial Champion and Show Champion. However, it was not until 1995 that the breed had another UK Dual Champion and was recognised by The Kennel Club as such, this being Fowington Slezak owned by Peter and Geraldine O’Driscoll. Bill Parkinson’s Ch Chiming Bells won Best in Show at Crufts in 1958, Arthur Egglestone’s Pennine Prima Donna had won Best in Show in 1935 and in 2018, Sh Ch Kanix Chilli won Reserve Best in Show. So many influential kennels are behind the dogs of today, many being working kennels such as the Stylish kennels, Lady Jean Fforde’s
Isle of Arran Pointers, Herr Marr’s Blackfield kennels, Arthur Egglestone’s Pennine kennel, the dual-purpose Crookrise kennels of Kitty Edmondson and Cicely Robertshaw, Eppie Buist’s Fearn Pointers and Terry Harris’ Sparkfield. Other kennels who have been of great influence on show dogs are Malcolm Leslie’s Stonebridgelees, Thomas and Parsons’ Pipeaway and, more recently, Diane O’Neill’s Chesterhope kennels in New Zealand. Diane O’Neill bred the current UK breed record holder, Sh Ch Chesterhope Thrill of T Chase (Imp NZ), and retained ownership, though ‘Noah’ has always lived with John Thirlwell. Noah won a total of 45 Challenge Certificates (CCs) and might possibly have won more had his show career not been interrupted by the pandemic. The bitch breed record holder is Sharron Dyer and Sam Oddie’s Sh Ch Sharnphilly Juici Cuture JW, who won 40 CCs. Prior to these dogs, the previous breed record holder was Malcolm Leslie’s Sh Ch Stonebridgelees
Sultana, whelped in 1983, who held the record for many years with 30 CCs. There have been many influential stud dogs in the breed, some of whom held that title for several years. Those who have sired six or more UK show champions or champions, highlighted in brackets after the dog’s name, are Sh Ch Blenmar Caius Lucius (6), Sh Ch Daviam Titus Lartius (7), Ch Crookrise Flint (7), Sh Ch Peakdale Badger (6), Ch Wyndsmoor Rio Gold (6), Ch Brett of Hazelbarrow Robippa (6), Hurwyn Black Jack of Shanandi (14) and Sh Ch Millpoint Top Hat N’Tails JW ShCM (7). Recommended reading on the breed in addition to Arkwright would be Pointers and Setters by Herr W Marr, The Pointer by Kitty Edmondson and Cicely Robertshaw, The Pointer as a Showdog by Lola Macdonald Daly and Pointers Past & Present, also by Cicely Robertshaw. Ledgands have also produced Pointers 2010 and 2015 of Pointers with pedigrees’ pictorial records. 19
January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
JUDGES’ CHOICE
Judges’ Choice We asked a number of breed-specialist and all-rounder judges to pick their three favourite Pointers from those they have judged in the show ring and field.
William Marsh©
GLYNIS MARSH RATCHDA
My first love was horses and we had a family Labrador, so a gundog was always my choice. Pointers stole my heart and I got a puppy of Daviam/Pennine lines in 1973. I have tried to maintain those lines, using the occasional outcross. My highs have included Pup of the Year finalist (423 entries), Veteran Stakes finalist, Crufts BOB (260 entries) and making up three full champions. My dogs have won 50 CCs and a similar number of RCCs. I don’t dwell on the lows!
William Marsh©
Lynne Hinton©
Dave Freeman/Pointer Club Year Book 1993/1994©
1 SH CH SHARNPHILLY JUICI CUTURE JW I judged her at the Pointer Club in 2016 and gave her the RCC and RBIS. A stunning example of the breed. She was a picture of balance and symmetry, had substance without coarseness and fitted the breed standard as closely as is possible. Her movement was true in both directions, but viewed from the side she floated, showing the reach and drive that can only come from correct construction.
2 SH CH FLEURFIELDS JAMES JAMES I gave this dog the Challenge Certificate at Bournemouth in 1994. He was a total show dog, happy and alert, a true Pointer character. Well-balanced with correct angulation front and rear. Scored in head and expression and, on the move, excelled in reach and drive finished off with the lashing tail Pointers should have. A consistent winner of the time with 16 CCs.
3 SH CH ADSTOCK TRAFALGAR My CC and BOB winner at Paignton in 1993. A young dog with substance and style, masculine with the aristocratic air of the Pointer. He stood over plenty of ground with the width and depth required and correct front and rear angulation. Always shown in exceptional muscular condition, evident in his ground covering movement while maintaining a level topline and finished with a lashing tail.
Richard MacNicol©
David Hudson©
John Naylor©
1 FT CH WHISPERING BREEZE I judged her on Shap Fell in 1995. It was the most exciting trial I have ever judged. Three rounds of high-class dogs competing in testing ground and conditions. Whispering Breeze came out on top with her impressive stamina and pace, also her cleverness around game. In her early years, she won The Kennel Club Puppy Derby Stake at the young age of ten months, in July 1991.
2 FT CH KORAM GEMMA SPARKFIELD (IKC) I judged her at the autumn trials in Norfolk in 2018. This stylish bitch put on a flawless display of quartering, covering the ground with such ease. It was wonderful to watch – to me, ground work is so important and this was top class. She went on to win the Champion Stake on Bollihope Moor in 2019.
3 FT CH GODDRIB BARI OF BITTERNBOOM I have judged this dog a few times, including East Anglia in 2018. He is very much a competitor who is often in the awards. A strongly made dog with power and speed. Equally at home with partridge and grouse. He is very consistent and can put up a good show with fine quartering.
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Kennel Gazette | January 2024
Pauline Withy©
JULIE ORGAN FERNGLEN
My love of the breed started when my first Pointer arrived from Scotland by train. Field trials took over and with my husband, Colin, we found a training base with a grouse moor. We had some great dogs in our kennel, including FT Ch Max Sparkfield of Dorvalstan, a prolific winner. He won the Champion Stake in 1983. His daughter, FT Ch Dorvalstan Dana of Fernglen, won ten Open Stakes. I was proud to own her. I have judged here and abroad, including Crufts in 2008.
THIS MONTH
Laura Kolbach©
JUDGES’ CHOICE
My first connection with Pointers was in the early 1970s meeting Fran Barr (Byzan). I would listen and learn from my peers about the different breeds and then having the opportunity to handle. Due to work commitments, I only bred a few litters in the early years. When breeding, I was going to do it my way, and this worked creating a strong bitch line, producing show champions in dogs and bitches into double fingers. Our biggest thrill is having bred two BOB winners at Crufts (in 2008 and in 2022) and seeing others winning with our breeding.
I started in the breed in 1978, and although not breeding many litters, we have produced show champions, CC and RCC winners, for ourselves and others. Four of our most notable winners were: Sh Ch Woodglade Bright Orchid at Ridanflight, Sh Ch Ridanflight Right Said Fred, Sh Ch Ridanflight Rangiora and Sh Ch/Aust Grand Ch/NZ Grand Ch Robwyn Dreams Are Free at Ridanflight (Imp NZ), the only Pointer in the history of the breed to carry these three prestigious titles. These four all took CCs and/or BOBs at Crufts and numerous group placings at championship shows.
JOHN EVANS JONEVA
STEVE ROSE RIDANFLIGHT
Chris Wilson© 1 SH CH WILCHRIMANE ICE MAIDEN JW I awarded this bitch the CC at Crufts in 2012 from the graduate class. This beautiful orange and white youngster just stood out and said, “Look at me”. She was so feminine and of nice size, beautiful balanced head, with everything flowing from head to tail. Just owning the ring on the move. She was just so full of Pointer type and went on to win 31 CCs and top Pointer in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Russell Fine Arts/Pointers 2010©
SH CH LOWSMOOR LADY KALUKI JW I judged at SKC in 1995 awarding 2
her the CC and BOB, where she went on to win the Gundog group that day. I was so excited to find this young classic girl. She was a lovely black and white, with a classic head having a lovely eye and expression, a balanced body with correct angulation, with the lovely oval bone. Moving around the ring with style and with true Pointer lashing tail and going on to win 15 CCs.
Pointer Club Year Book 1987/1988©
SH CH PEAKDALE BADGER I judged this upstanding boy when he was a puppy at an open show, when he was owned by Vicky Everington. When circumstances changed, he went to live at the Hazelbarrow kennel. I found it a great pleasure to get my hands on this young dog. He was so balanced throughout, with a pleasing head and eye, having the correct shoulder placement, good body proportions, finding his movement effortless. Not surprisingly, he went on to great successes. 3
Sigurd Wilberg© 1 SH CH KANIX CHILLI I judged this bitch at Crufts in 2018 as a veteran. Having previously awarded her a CC and BOB, she came back in superb form to take another CC, BOB, the group and RBIS. She is elegant, athletic, oozes quality and type in her head, body shape and movement, which was light-footed and true. Her footfall was perfect, giving effortless ground coverage. She showed the world she was fully capable of keeping it up all day doing the breed proud.
Don Meyer photography© 2 AUST CH/AM GCHG CH ASPYRE CAT GOT UR TONGUE
I judged this bitch at the Pointer Club of America National Specialty in 2023, where she was BIS. She oozes Pointer type and everything is so correct. From her lovely, well-shaped head, she flows through her neck and everything fits together. She is balanced and stands over her ground perfectly. In fit, hard condition, enabling her to move with a fluid, ground-covering action, with correct reach and drive giving her great purpose and style.
Will Harris© 3 SH CH CHESTERHOPE THRILL OF T CHASE (IMP NZ) I judged this dog at Crufts in 2018 and awarded him the CC from yearling. I first saw this impressive dog as a young puppy and I said at the time he would take the breed record, which he did, gaining 45 CCs. He possesses a most appealing well-worked head, he has balanced front and rear angles giving him the correct overall make and shape, which enabled him to move with a free, easy-going gait and style.
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
Paul Newell©
JUDGES’ CHOICE
My first Pointer in 1976 was from the Marfords kennel. Her son, Kenstaff Moonraker, introduced me to the working side of the breed. I restarted my show line after admiring, but never having the chance to judge, Ch Crookrise Flint, and the dogs I have today are mostly of Crookrise descent. They have given me enormous pleasure in the ring and in the field and I remain indebted to Cicely Robertshaw. I first awarded CCs in 2008, judged the BASC Gamekeepers’ Classes in 2009 and the breed at Crufts in 2023. I’ve bred champions, field trial and show champions and our very special Dual Ch Fowington Slezak.
We had our first Pointer in 1977. We then purchased our foundation dog in 1979 and our foundation bitch in 1981 from the Cumbrian kennel of the late George Holliday. They are behind all present-day Bonnygate Pointers. We have always strived to breed dogs that could win in the ring and give a good account of themselves in the field. From 13 litters we have bred two show champions, a history-making American Grand Champion, two field trial winners and a dual CC winner. I have awarded CCs in the breed on 13 occasions and have also judged in Hungary.
GERALDINE O’DRISCOLL FOWINGTON
LINDA WILSON BONNYGATE
Debbie Fuller© 1 SH CH WILCHRIMANE ICE MAIDEN JW I judged her at Gundog Society of Wales in 2014, where she took BOB and RBIS. Fills the eye, from her beautiful chiselled head through her flowing lines to her strong, muscled hindquarters. Her smooth, driving action never falters and she exudes feminine grace. Top Pointer for three years, with 31 CCs, 12 group wins and producing quality stock for this prestigious kennel. No hesitation in awarding her my top spot.
Julia Pataki© 2
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PAWPRINT DREAM OF SNOW
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
I judged this bitch at the Hungarian Pointer Club in 2009, my junior winner and BIS. What a melting expression with her chiselled head and dark eyes, soft leathers well set and bright as a button. She, her sister, Hun Ch Pawprint Dancing Paws, and half-sister, Hun Ch Pawprint Cool White Victory, made a lasting impression for their breed type and classic looks. Progeny of the Saregresi kennels that I admire for maintaining the working side.
Linda Westron© 3 SH CH FREEBREEZE OVER THE TOP AT SPINRAY I judged this male at WELKS in 2018, where he gained his title, having previously awarded him an RCC. He screams breed type, masculine with no coarseness. Not exaggerated in any way, he commands attention, a true Pointer head with intelligent, dark eye and a high head carriage. He moves with precision, driving from rear, has sloping pasterns and tight feet, everything he needs to do the job he was bred for.
Tycarreg© 1 SH CH TYCARREG STRANGELY FAMILYR JW ShCM I awarded this stunning black and white dog the CC and BOB at East of England in 2014 where he went on to group 2. He had a lovely well-moulded head, gorgeous expressive eye, neat, fine leathers set on high. Shapely body with the desired flowing lines and angles all in the right places. Loved his carriage on the move and his easy action with reach and drive, and correct tail carriage, which is hard to find nowadays.
Natalija Jentkiene© 2 CH/IR SH CH RAIGMORE LET IT SHINE JW
I awarded this ultra-feminine orange and white bitch the CC and BOB at Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland in 2009. As with my other choices, she exuded Pointer type, from her beautifully chiselled head through her shapely body with desired flowing lines. Her head carriage on the move was exemplary. I was so pleased to see she went on to gain her SGWC.
Ian Raper© 3 SH CH FYDAL AVA This bitch has produced a show champion, two champions in Europe, several CC winners in the UK and a SGWC winner. A lovely, feminine orange and white bitch who won the CC when I judged East of England in 2014. Another who flows through from head to tail with a slightly sloping topline and correct tail and head carriage. Pointers should not be built like Retrievers, as they are bred to air scent, and all of my choices excelled in breed type and were fit for function.
THIS MONTH
JUDGES’ CHOICE
RUI OLIVEIRA VALE CARVOEIRO
I started showing my father’s Pointers in 1974, have been a breeder since 1975 and have made up many champions under the Vale Carvoeiro prefix. I became a judge in 1983 and am approved to judge the breed by the FCI, The Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. I judged Pointers at Crufts in 2016. I am approved to award CCs in 27 breeds across six groups. I was a former member of the FCI standards committee.
Ria Nelis©
Ria Nelis©
David Dalton©
1 SH CH CRANKROSS CANDY GIRL I judged her at Leeds in 1998 and awarded her the Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed. A very nice Pointer with beautiful flowing lines and shape. Very hard to fault her. Correct bone and feet, feminine head, nice bee-sting tail, nice tail action and a super moving bitch. Among the many Pointers I have judged, I consider her the best one.
2 CH CALDERSIDE LOVE IN A MIST AT WHERATHY She won the Reserve Challenge Certificate at Leeds in 1998. I liked both her and Candy Girl very much, so I consider these two the best Pointers I have judged. On the day, Candy Girl moved better and it was the reason for my first choice. This bitch was full of Pointer quality, her head was a masterpiece, beautiful silhouette and flowing lines. Nice tail, tail carriage and tail action. Truly a top-class Pointer. She went on to win the group at Crufts in 2001.
3 SH CH VOSSMEAD ADAM OF CROOKRISE I consider this dog to be the best Pointer male I have judged. He had a short show career in the UK, where he won three Challenge Certificates while young, before being exported to Spain. I judged him in Spain and in Portugal. A lovely headed dog without any exaggeration. Nice size and body shape, nice tail and tail carriage and very moderate in his construction. Very nice bone and feet and great movement. True Pointer type.
DR RON JAMES JASMORNE
The Kennel Club©
Dave Freeman/Pointers 2010©
Hot Dog Magazine©
1 SH CH STONEBRIDGELEES SULTANA I awarded her the Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed at Paignton in 1986. Bred by Malcolm Leslie, whose Stonebridgelees kennel ranked as one of the most successful of its time. She excelled in type and quality with the desired symmetry of outline, had the best of heads, a super eye and expression, and always gave her best. During her illustrious career she amassed a total of 30 Challenge Certificates, several Gundog groups, including Crufts in 1986.
2 SH CH BRACENDOWN CRAFTSMASTER Owned and bred by Mr and Mrs Twyman, I awarded him his first Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed at National Gundog in 1991. He was of excellent type and quality with a masculine build and demeanour while retaining the flowing symmetry of outline that the breed standard requires. He moved with the much-prized, low-to-ground daisy-cutting action that, although required of the breed standard, is rarely evident in the show ring. A multiple CC winner, including two at Crufts.
3 SH CH WILCHRIMANE ICE MAIDEN JW I judged her several times, awarding her Best Puppy at Birmingham National in 2011, the Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed at SKC in 2013, and at Southern Counties in 2014, I awarded her the group and Reserve Best in Show. She possessed type and quality in abundance, being completely feminine yet strong, lithesome and athletic in appearance. She always impressed greatly on the move with the required ‘scenting of the air carriage’ and the desired lashing tail action.
My interest in Pointers was triggered when I started attending shows in the early 1960s. I purchased my first Pointer (Nidum Vanessa) in 1978, who was the foundation dam for the Jasmorne kennel. Our first big winner, Sh Ch Jasmorne Democrat, was one of the best-known and successful males of his era. The best of our females was Sh Ch Jasmorne Isabella, who won 11 CCs, two Gundog groups and took group 3 on her final appearance at Crufts in 1995. I have judged the breed 17 times at CC level since 1986, including Crufts 2004, and have judged the breed overseas.
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED SERVICES
Best of the Best POINTER CRUFTS BEST OF BREED WINNERS
CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW JUDGES POINTER Start date
Show
Judge
Sex
18/01/2024
Manchester Dog Show Society
Irene Glen
Both
07/03/2024
Crufts
Glynis Marsh
Both
25/04/2024
West of England Ladies Kennel Society
Ann Moss
Both
09/05/2024
Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd
Ruth Martin
Both
1985
BONGAZAAN GUINNESS
16/05/2024
Scottish Kennel Club
Colin MacKay
Both
1986
SH CH STONEBRIDGELEES SULTANA
16/05/2024
Scottish Kennel Club
Jacqueline Ann Ward
Both
1987
SH CH ABIDAN KELLY'S SURPRISE
24/05/2024
Bath Canine Society
Jussi Liimatainen
Both
1988
CH TRENDMERE SKYTRACKER
30/05/2024
Both
SH CH PIPEAWAY SCRITTI POLLITTI
Southern Counties Canine Association
David Alcorn
1989 1990
SH CH JAKEWAY DRIVER
06/06/2024
Three Counties Agricultural Society
Richard Morris
Both
1991
SH CH WOODGLADE BRIGHT ORCHID AT RIDANFLIGHT
16/06/2024
Both
SH CH CHRISDEN MORNING STAR
Pointer Club of Scotland
Barbara Critchley
1992 1993
SH CH BRACENDOWN CRAFTSMASTER
21/06/2024
Gordon Haran
Both
1994
SH CH SWANDANCE SIGNET
Blackpool & District Canine Society
1995
SH CH JASMORNE ISABELLA
27/06/2024
Windsor Dog Show Society
Lesley Trow
Both
1996
SH CH/IR SH CH/INT CH HOOKWOOD STARLIGHT EXPRESS
04/07/2024
Both
SH CH SHANANDI CHARADE
Boston & District Canine Society
Christine Schofield
1997 1998
SH CH ADSTOCK JACOBITE
21/07/2024
Southern Pointer Club
Carolyn Jane O’Neill
Dog
1999
SH CH ADSTOCK JACOBITE
J Huxley
Bitch
02/08/2024
Paignton & District Fanciers' Association
Marlyn Hinton
Both
04/08/2024
National Gundog Association
Rosemary Mason
Both
2000
SH CH CRANKROSS CANDY GIRL
2001
CH CALDERSIDE LOVE IN A MIST AT WHERATHY
2002
SH CH PIPEAWAY PEARLIE MAE
2003
SH CH HURWYN CREPE SUZETTE
2004
SH CH SCOBEC LOOKINDAPPER
2005
CH CALDERSIDE LOVE IN A MIST AT WHERATHY
2006
CH JILONY WHITE DIAMOND
2007
SH CH/NZ/AUST CH CHESTERHOPE LETS BE SERIOUS AT KANIX (IMP NZ)
2008
SH CH JONEVA WAITING IN THE WINGS JW
2009
SH CH JILONY BELIEVE IN SUNHOUSE ShCM
2010
SH CH TOMLOW NIGHT AND DAY
2011
CH FOWINGTON FIVE BOB NOTE JW
2012
SH CH/NZ CH ROBWYN DREAMS ARE FREE AT RIDANFLIGHT (IMP NZ)
2013
CH SHARNPHILLY REDSHANK FOR RATCHDA
2014
SH CH KISWAHILI MARTIN AT KANIX
2015
SH CH WILCHRIMANE ICE MAIDEN JW
2016
SH CH TENSHILLING MAKIN WHOOPEE AT AURICHALCUM
2017
SH CH SHARNPHILLY JUICI CUTURE JW
2018
SH CH KANIX CHILLI
2019
SH CH MILLPOINT HOPES N'DREAMS JW ShCM
2020
CH ANSONA CINDERELLA JW
2022
SH CH JONEVA BORN TO THRILL
2023
SH CH TENSHILLING THE WANDERER
24
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
This information is correct at the time of going to print. However, appointments may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Crufts 2023 Best of Breed winner, Sh Ch Tenshilling The Wanderer, owned and handled by Julie Webb, bred by Carolyn Jane O’Neill. Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©
THIS MONTH
WINNING POINTERS
Headliners Since 1928, the Pointer has won Best in Show at Crufts twice, Reserve Best in Show five times and the Gundog group six times – a total of nine Gundog group wins.
1986 Gundog
group winner Sh Ch Stonebridgeless Sultana, bred and owned by Malcolm Leslie. The Kennel Club©
1928 Reserve Best in Show winner Ch Stainton Spruce bred and owned by Tom Moorby. Courtesy of Pointers Past & Present by Cicely Robertshaw
1958 Best in Show winner Ch Chiming Bells, bred by Mrs M Bowman and owned by Marian Parkinson, handled by Bill Parkinson. The Kennel Club©
2001 Gundog group winner Ch Calderside Love In A Mist at Wherathy, bred by Dawn and Graham Ingham, owned by Helga Edmondson. Alan V Walker©
1931 Reserve Best in Show winner Ch Nancolleth Markable,
bred and owned by Nancy Rowe. Courtesy of Pointers Past & Present by Cicely Robertshaw/Fall
1935 Best in Show winner Pennine Prima Donna, bred by David Steadman and owned by Arthur Egglestone. The Kennel Club©
1966 Reserve Best in Show winner Sh Ch Blakeshay Avant Tout, bred by Michael Blake and owned by Wilfred Baxter. The Kennel Club©
1973 Reserve Best in Show winner Sh Ch Daviam Titus
Lartius, bred and owned by Bill and Hilda Parkinson, handled by Bill. Anne Roslin-Williams©
2018 Reserve Best in Show winner Sh Ch Kanix Chilli, bred by John and Joanne Blackburn-Bennett (pictured) and Sigurd Wilberg, owned by Heather Blackburn-Bennett, and with Best in Show judge Jill Peak, Matthias Schiller, MD of Spectrum Europe, and Gerald King, then Crufts Chairman. Flick.digital/The Kennel Club© 25
January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
Getting to the point The breed’s extraordinary prowess in field trials. BY CAROLE BROWN, THE POINTER CLUB FIELD TRIAL SECRETARY
Susan Stone©
A supreme scenting machine, the Pointer is a wonderful example of a breed fit for its original function. The Pointer gallops on
large expanses of land to detect the scent of game and then freezes in a ‘point’ in the direction of sitting game. The popular belief is that the Pointer descends from the Old Spanish Pointer, brought to England from Spain by returning soldiers at the beginning of the 18th century. They were considered to be the most stylish of gundogs. William Arkwright’s book The Pointer and His Predecessors, states: “The chief glory of the sport is to shoot over a brace of raking pointers, matched with speed and style, sweeping over the rough places like swallows, and passing each other as if they were fine ladies not introduced. Let one of them get a point and the other will, as if connected by invisible wire, instantly point at him (i.e. back at him). And as the pointing 26
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
dog advances to make sure of the birds, the backer will do the same – often with an absolute mimicry of his leader’s movements.” Pointer and Setter clubs have been running field trials for many years following the first trial held in Bedfordshire in 1865. The aim of each trial is to run it as close as possible to a day’s shooting. The dogs are required to
The Spanish Pointer. Courtesy of The Pointer and His Predecessors by William Arkwright
systematically quarter the ground with pace and style, showing natural hunting ability, point game birds, and when asked, work out the point freely and drop to flush and shot. Enthusiasm and interest in this fabulous breed remained strong and in 1960 the Pointer Club was founded, the club’s main aim being to maintain and promote the breed as ‘fit for function’. It held its first Open Field Trial at Threshfield, near Skipton in 1963. Since that date, the club has continued to run many events including eight field trials a year on fabulous ground across the country from County Durham to Norfolk. It also holds field trial training days to help provide education and encourage newcomers, and over the past 30 years, has been very privileged to hold three international events at Balmoral to showcase this wonderful breed by kind permission of Queen Elizabeth II.
THIS MONTH
WORKING POINTERS
NOTABLE POINTERS IN THE FIELD TRIAL WORLD FIELD TRIAL CHAMPION SPARKFIELD TWIST BORN 20 FEBRUARY 2001
particularly in FT Ch Sparkfield Warrior (FT Ch Sparkfield Wasp ex FT Ch Sparkfield Twist). During his field trialling career, Warrior won an impressive 45 awards, 18 of which were first prizes in Open and All Aged Stakes. He was placed second on two occasions in the International
By Terry Harris
Gundog League Champion Stake and the Partridge Challenge.
I bred, handled and trained FT Ch Sparkfield Twist. She was the very talented daughter of FT Ch Sparkfield Swank and FT Ch Traigmhor Top Gear. Swank and Top Gear produced a remarkable litter of nine puppies, four of which went on to achieve Field Trial Champion status.
Two further repeat matings produced FT Ch Sparkfield Breeze and FT Ch Sparkfield Flame, together achieving 45 field trial awards. The Sparkfield line of Pointers is one that reproduces ‘true to type’ generation after generation, possessing a quality to not only win field
From this successful pairing FT Ch Sparkfield Talent and, of course,
trials but also are pleasing to the eye and are outstanding gundogs.
FT Ch Sparkfield Twist were winners of the prestigious International
Twist was all this and more.
Gundog League Champion Stake. Twist had a sweet, easy-going temperament, a great willingness to please and was a pleasure to be around. From an early age, she showed maturity and athleticism beyond her years. As her training progressed, her natural instincts became evident, displaying a consistent quartering pattern, outstanding pace, range and tremendous game-finding ability. Twist achieved a record that is likely to stand for many years, winning 21 Field Trial Stakes, including the International Gundog League Champion Stake in 2005. She gained 19 first prizes in Open and All Aged Stakes, winning on both partridge and grouse. Twist’s contribution to the breed is not only in the number of trials won, but the attributes and qualities she has passed on to her offspring,
Terry Harris©
DUAL CHAMPION FOWINGTON SLEZAK BORN 25 MARCH 1991 By Peter O’Driscoll Sired by FT Ch Gero von Hohenstaufen (Imp Ger) ex Fleetstalk Illusive of Fowington, Slezak was bred by Geraldine O’Driscoll. His sire was of mainly Del Vento breeding and imported by the falconer Stephen Frank of Embercombe fame. His dam was of mainly Crookrise breeding, bred by Sharon and Steve Lound. Geraldine handled him in the show ring, gaining his first Challenge Certificate at 15 months and his Show Champion title the following year.
Nick Prior Photography/Amelia Siddle©
I trained and handled him in the field and he gained his first award in 1993 and his Field Trial
Slezak had two sisters, FT Ch Fowington
Ben of Bobbing was the last Pointer Field
Champion title at the Pointer Club Open Stake,
Elektra of Fleetstalk and Fowington Santuzza,
Trial and Show Champion in 1923, but his dual
Reeth, in 1995. He won in partridge and grouse
who also had champion show and field trial
achievements were not recognised at that
trials and was a valued shooting dog, working
awards. He lived a long, happy and healthy life
time. It is thanks to Wilson Young that The
the Scottish Moors for guns from all over the
as a treasured family member and died a week
Kennel Club did eventually recognise Slezak’s
world. He was also a remarkable retriever.
short of his 15th birthday.
Dual Champion status.
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
WORKING POINTERS
NOTABLE POINTERS IN THE FIELD TRIAL WORLD FIELD TRIAL CHAMPION FROSTED ELFIN AT FLEETSTALK BORN 19 NOVEMBER 2012 By Sharon Lound Sired by Goddrib Judd ex Papermill
A biddable dog, always keen to
Femme Fatale, ‘Frosty’ was a
please his handler, Steve Lound.
Pointer who attained a unique
He was a pleasure to live with,
achievement. He was the only dog
loyal with a kind temperament – a
to have won the Puppy Derby, the
very special dog for Steve and I.
Pointer and Setter Champion Stake
We also owned his sire. Frosty
and the Partridge Challenge.
was a pleasure for guns to shoot
A consistently reliable dog,
over, as he had an excellent nose
Courtesy of David Hudson
Frosty was not heavily campaigned
and was admired for producing
annually, but showed great
the grouse in a manner that gave
these was competing in the Bettie
the highest score awarded to
endurance from his field trial
the gun maximum opportunity,
Town Glen Prosen Challenge in
a Pointer, was the Gun’s Choice
debut in 2014 to his retirement
with time to reload in between
2016 – a one-off event, arranged
Pointer and the overall Keeper’s
from competition early in 2023.
birds lifting within a large covey.
as an actual shooting day, entailing
Choice. More recently in 2021, at
Winner of several Puppy Stakes,
He was also a valuable member
a points system competition
the Pointer Club Diamond Jubilee
a Novice Stake and multiple Open
of the grouse counting team.
between a team of Pointers,
International event held on the
English Setters, Irish Setters and
Balmoral Estate, he was a member
Gordon Setters. Frosty received
of the winning England team.
Stakes. He gained his Field Trial Champion title in 2017.
Frosty produced many memorable moments and included among
FIELD TRIAL CHAMPION GODDRIB BARI OF BITTERNBOOM BORN 15 JUNE 2013
his group with an Excellent and came sixth overall in the World Championship British Pointing Breeds. In France in 2017, John and Deano were part of Team GB, who took second place
By Meryl Asbury
in the World Championships of Practical
Sired by Lucaniae Charro ex Goddrib Pepper
Hunting for Pointing Breeds. In Spain in 2018,
Pig, ‘Deano’ was bred by falconer, Lee P
he successfully fulfilled the requirements
Cooper, and trained and handled by John
of the World St Hubert Championships,
Naylor. He is a Pointer who has excelled in
John Naylor©
the UK and in Europe. He is a true Pointer –
a competition where handlers shoot over their own dogs competing against all other
powerful, fast and stylish with remarkable
He won eight Open Stakes, five on partridge
Pointers, including the continental versatile
game finding abilities. On his day, he can
and three on grouse. His first was on partridge
breeds. He was part of Team GB who came
make the hairs stand up on the back of your
on 19 April 2016 and his second, also on
fourth overall.
neck, with his immaculate quartering and,
partridge, on 7 September 2016, which made
while galloping at full speed, coming to an
him up to a Field Trial Champion. His last open
immediate stop to point game. His intense
win after three rounds of running was on
focus on finding and producing game
grouse, 21 July 2022.
is outstanding. He won four Puppy Stakes, the first on grouse on 14 July 2014, at just over a year old.
In 2019, John and Deano came first in Austria in four Open Field Trials, all with an Excellent. Deano is a superb retriever and regularly goes picking up on shoots. He has outstanding
Deano also won the BASC Tower Bird Trophy
drive, which could, at times, get him into
for Pointers and Setters in 2014/15 and again in
trouble during field trials, but John doesn’t
2017. In Denmark in 2016, Deano, came third in
believe anyone ever fell asleep watching him!
For more information on the working side of the breed, visit thepointerclub.co.uk/working-scene.html
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Kennel Gazette | January 2024
THIS MONTH
WORKING POINTERS
Ensuring breed fitness for purpose The achievements of the Pointer Club of Scotland. BY JON KEAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE POINTER CLUB OF SCOTLAND
Since its formation in 1978, the Pointer Club of Scotland has been heavily involved with the working abilities of the breed. The club
has staged field trials throughout Scotland – stretching from the Borders to the vast dogging moors in Caithness and Sutherland. The very first events were held on Leadhills Estate in the Lowther Hills of South Lanarkshire. Indeed, the first trial was won by Rene Goutorbe’s black and white Pointer, Stour Pepper. Today, the club holds Novice and Open Stakes in the spring at Cawdor Estate, Nairnshire. In the summer, we stage Puppy, Novice and Open Stakes at Cawdor, located between the Cairngorm mountains and the Moray Firth. There have been many famous working Pointer kennels in Scotland. Isaac Sharpe had one of the largest kennels of Pointers and Setters in the world. He bought an empty Speyside distillery at Keith in Banffshire. A great sportsman and excellent shot, Isaac Sharpe won the country’s premier event, the Pointer and Setter Champion Stake, with his Pointer Stylish Touchstone in 1921, 1922 and 1923. Other prominent names include Eppie Buist’s Fearn Pointers. Lady Auckland’s Cromlix Pointers in Perthshire featured three times on the Champion Stake Roll of Honour. Patience Badenoch Nicholson’s beautiful Pointer bitch, FT Ch Blackfield Gem, won the premier event in 1968 and Lady Jean Fforde’s Isle of Arran Pointers were a dominant force too. Other famous prefixes include Spinningloch, owned by Patricia Wood, and Embercombe, owned by Stephen Frank. The above bloodlines are in many of the working Pointers today. Over the last 30 years, the Gerensary Pointers,
Above: Richard MacNicol with FT Ch Sutherland Sadie. Richard owned, trained and handled Sadie. Jon Kean© Above left: Wilson Young with FT Ch Traigmhor Top Gear. Glyn Satterley© Left: FT Ch Gerensary Minerva. Richard MacNicol©
piloted by former Head Gamekeeper and Senior Lecturer in Gamekeeping at North Highland College, Richard MacNicol, have achieved unparallelled success in the field trial world. His record is unsurpassed, winning ten championships in the process. In the last 25 years, Pointer dog, FT Ch Traigmhor Top Gear, handled by Wilson Young, won multiple field trials on grouse and partridge. This dog has had a major influence in the gene pool for Pointers. Eppie Buist used Top Gear at stud. Eppie told me: “I wanted to use him at stud because he doesn’t have any skeletons in the cupboard.”
Top Gear was mated to FT Ch Gerensary Clover in 2003. There were four pups in the litter – three of the pups went on to become field trial champions. Over the last ten years, one Scottish Pointer stands out for achievement. Step forward FT Ch Gerensary Minerva. Minerva won the Champion Stake at Byrecleugh Estate, Scottish Borders, in 2014. During that season, the Pointer bitch won five of the ten Open Stakes held on the circuit. The following year, she won the Irish Championship. Two other Scottish Pointers, FT Ch Sutherland Sadie and FT Ch Langwell Kerry of Morness, won the UK and Irish Championships. 29
January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED SERVICES
BREED SERVICES Breed clubs take the welfare of their breeds very seriously and work tirelessly to provide help, support and homes for dogs in need.
The four Pointer clubs work hard to serve their members and work harmoniously and inclusively on all aspects of the breed. They offer a range of events, including field trials, shows, training days and educational seminars. They also help in providing advice to the public on locating breeders who have puppies or rehoming an older Pointer and to anyone interested in working their Pointer.
In addition to field trials, some clubs hold training days specifically for Pointers and Setters. The aim of these days is to help educate and encourage newcomers. They are designed to help owners and their dogs to gain an insight into the background and basic training of a working Pointer or Setter and also understand more about the quarry and management of the ground that the dogs work on. All breed clubs have a well-established link with The Kennel Club on matters of health and welfare. Please contact a club secretary for more information.
Northern Ireland Pointer Club
Pointer Club of Scotland
Breed Health Co-ordinator
Miss Carol Calvert
Field Trial Secretary
Ms Linda Westron
Tel: 02881 662821
Mr John Tibbs
Tel: 07734 706112
cecalvert82@hotmail.com
Tel: 07393 375405
aurichalcum99@hotmail.co.uk
nipointerclub.wordpress.com
jdtibbs@btinternet.com
Pointer Club
Southern Pointer Club
(Registered Charity No 1196922)
Mr Andy Swannell
Mrs Cindy Stangroom
Miss Claire Gouzoulis
Tel: 07795 278056
Tel: 07525 492548
Tel: 07754 945710
andyswannell1@gmail.com
stangroomcindy0@gmail.com
info@pointersinneed.org.uk
thepointerclub.co.uk
southernpointerclub.co.uk
pointersinneed.org.uk
Pointers In Need
The Pointer Club
The Southern Pointer Club UK
Pointers In Need
Pointer Club Field Trial Secretary
Southern Pointer Club
Pointer Rescue Service
Mrs Carole Brown
Field Trial Secretary
(Registered Charity No 273168)
Tel: 07812 218067
Mrs Anne Maddison
Mrs Carol Goodliffe
crahanpointers@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 01473 736607
Tel: 01202 894422
annemaddison82@gmail.com
secretary@theprs.org
Pointer Club of Scotland
englishpointerrescue.co.uk
Mrs Elizabeth Rigby
Breed Education Co-ordinator
Tel: 01581 600211
Mrs Glynis Marsh
ejrigby@aol.com
Tel: 07931 800795
pointerclubofscotland.co.uk
ratchda@btinternet.com
Pointer Club of Scotland
The Pointer Rescue Service
For information on rescuing a dog and a list of breed rescue contacts in your area, please visit thekennelclub.org.uk/findarescuedog
ASSURED BREEDERS SCHEME Breed-specific requirements and recommendations including health screening for the Pointer under the Assured Breeders scheme. Breed
Requirements for health screening of breeding stock
Recommendations for health screening of breeding stock
Pointer
None
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating
Further information can be obtained from The Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme department via email: abs@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 01296 318540.
30
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
Jackie Smart©
NEXT MONTH STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
If you would like to advertise in the February edition of the Kennel Gazette, please contact Gary Turner on 07702 881109 or email gary.turner@newhallpublishing.com
THIS MONTH
BREED HEALTH
Staying on point BY LINDA WESTRON, POINTER BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR
The Pointer is very fortunate in as much as it is generally considered to be a healthy breed. Being naturally very active, they are easy to keep fit.
The five-year median hip score for Pointers is currently nine, according to The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association (BVA). There is plenty of information easily located on The Kennel Club and BVA website for anyone needing to find out more about the scoring schemes prior to breeding from their Pointer. The Pointer Club, in collaboration with the Pointer Club of Scotland and the Northern Ireland Pointer Club, has completed two extensive health surveys (2012 and 2022). In the latest survey, we saw responses reporting on the health of 1,178 dogs. There is a link to an overview of the results on the website of the Pointer Club via the breed health tab, showing statistics of health conditions reported upon. The latest breed health and conservation plan can also be found in the breed health tab on the Pointer Club website, where we established the main priority at this time to be maintaining genetic diversity. There is also a link to the new ‘Report a Health Condition’ initiative, so it will be possible to continually monitor any possible trends for
Linda Westron©
We are not currently required by The Kennel Club to have any health tests in place prior to breeding, and there are no recommendations in that respect from the Assured Breeders scheme. That said, a number of breeders (myself included) choose to always hip score prior to breeding, and a few also elbow score.
health conditions within the breed and not wait for periodic surveys to be made aware of any potential issues. Information supplied is always anonymised, and it is only the conditions and issues that are recorded, not the specific dogs or owners. The Pointer Club website also includes details to assist potential owners and breeders to access services available through The Kennel Club – links for the Health Test Results Finder (all you need is The Kennel Club registered name for a dog to check for
any listed health test results held for that dog), Inbreeding Coefficient lookup, regarding maintaining genetic diversity that The Kennel Club recommends, and also information about estimated breeding values. All these things are tools that can be used when considering choosing to breed Pointers, but also this goes hand in hand with knowing the dogs, the lines behind particular animals, and assessing temperament, type and soundness to ensure the future longevity of this historical breed.
Readers can contact Linda Westron with any queries on Pointer health at aurichalcum99@hotmail.co.uk
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January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
BREED RESCUE
Finding a forever home Run by dedicated volunteers that give up their time freely to help Pointers find a home in the UK and around the world. BY CLAIRE GOUZOULIS, CEO OF POINTERS IN NEED
We take pride in our procedures, which include providing a full health check for our overseas dogs – they are all tested for Mediterranean diseases including brucellosis and, if old enough, they are neutered prior to being imported. We
have an excellent relationship with rescuers abroad, especially in Spain and Greece, where we have also developed good relations with vets who provide the health certificates legally required for transporting dogs to the UK. Throughout the Covid 19 pandemic, our enquiries doubled, mainly from people wanting to adopt a dog. We were very mindful of this situation and were well aware of the problems that may come to light when the pandemic was over, i.e. dogs potentially being left alone for many hours when adopters went back into work. Our pre-assessment forms and stringent home checks were very well adhered to and we only rehomed to those we were sure would be experienced enough to take on a Pointer – and who, post Covid 19, could work from home or only go into the office for a few hours daily. This resulted in very few of our Pointers coming back into our care due to changes in adopters’ personal circumstances. We pride ourselves on finding the right home for the right dog. We offer full rescue backup for the life of the Pointer, are on call at all times for any help or information that our adopters require and remain the owners of the Pointer for life – the ultimate backup. 32
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
Scruffy’s story A Pointer rescued from Lebanon, told by his rescuer Sarah Abbas “In August of 2021, someone reported Scruffy to me via Instagram on @rescuing_in_lebanon. When I saw the photo, I wasn’t sure if he was still alive or if we would make it in time to save his life. He was so weak, barely able to move, but when he saw us, he knew we were here to rescue him. He got up slowly and managed to wag his tail. We learnt that for years Scruffy lived in a small dark and filthy cage. His owners would starve him so that he would ‘hunt’ better, but eventually they got rid of him to get another younger dog. “Scruffy was full of ticks and worms and needed to be hospitalised for several days. Once he moved to the boarding facility we discovered he is one of the sweetest and most loving dogs we’ve ever met. All he wanted to do was have cuddles and love from people. I am so grateful for the
Pointers In Need team as they understood Scruffy’s personality and worked on finding him the best family. Scruffy’s new mum and dad love him. He goes to the park daily with his siblings and he is finally living the life he deserves.” “Pointers In Need covered all the costs for Scruffy, i.e. veterinary fees, flight arrangements and so on. He travelled back with another Pointer, ‘Mozart’, who we also rehomed. The costs were around $4,000 – covered by our own fundraising. We also received an adoption donation from our adopters. “Scruffy lives with George, whom Pointers In Need rescued from Turkey’s streets. Now they both live in harmony and will never ever have to fend for themselves but just receive unconditional love.”
Left: Scruffy when he was found. Sarah Abbas© Right: In his new home. A healthy Scruffy in the caring paws of George. Andrew Mullen©
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THIS MONTH
BREED ACTIVITIES
Other pointing abilities Two Pointer owners share stories of what their dogs can do.
The Power of the nose
By Linda Wilson
Pointers are great at scentwork because of their excellent scenting abilities. The training is based on the way detection dogs are trained. The first scent they are trained to detect is cloves, then they graduate to gun oil, and the final scent is truffle oil. Trials are held all over the country and range from Level 1 to 15. I started training Ghillie (Bonnygate Master Ghillie) before Covid and we had a long gap before we could continue. We are now working towards Level 4. Level 1 is based on six scents and the dog needs to find four out of the six to pass. The scent is on small pieces of cloth that are hidden on various objects, such as tables, chairs, boxes, luggage, vehicles and assorted articles outside. The dog is allowed three
minutes per search. Once the dog locates the scent, the handler must tell the judge, which is normally a raised arm (as in the picture). Level 1 is fairly easy, but obviously, as the dog progresses up the levels, it gets harder. The outside exercises can be challenging for Pointers if there are other scents around, such as birds. They can be easily distracted, so it is up to the handler to find the best way to keep the Pointer’s mind on the job in hand. I reward Ghillie with a treat once he finds the scent. However, at his level there are also distraction scents that he must ignore. It’s very challenging, as the article the scent is on is very small and hidden from view. Dogs can be on or off lead for the trials, but I find with wayward Pointers they are best on a lead. It is a fun activity to get involved in and wonderfully rewarding for both of us. To get started in scentwork, visit scentworkuk.com for more information and where you can find a class in your area.
Ghillie has stopped and has his nose on where the scent (either cloves or gun oil) is. This exercise was held on a farm where there were lots of distracting scents. Maz Jones©
Ready, scent, go! By Elaine Sherwin I competed in agility with my Pointers for 15 years. Their athletic build and eagerness to learn makes them an ideal breed to do agility with. I trained up five Pointers, my best result being with Gavin (Penwest Phoebus at Tarnwalk AW(G)), winning the 2015 Crufts Large Novice ABC (Anything but a Collie) title in the main arena. I now compete in harness sports, including canicross, bikejor and scooter. My working-bred Pointers have a desire to run hard and fast, which makes them excellent dogs for this type of activity. I have numerous national canicross titles and four European medals (including one gold) with my working-bred Pointer, Daphne (Raigmore Whirlwind at Tarnwalk). Doc, a rescue Pointer, is the current national bikejor champion with his handler, James Lucus. Doc was rescued from Greece, where he was found abandoned and malnourished. After being rehabilitated and trained, his desire to run has led to a winning partnership with James.
Above: James Lucus with Doc doing bikejoring. Horses for Courses Photography© Above left: Elaine with Daphne enjoying canicross. Horses for Courses Photography© Left: Gavin at Crufts in 2015. Yulia Titovets/The Kennel Club©
35
January 2024 | Kennel Gazette
THIS MONTH
ART TREASURES
Pointers in art A selection of commemorations to the breed.
BY LUISA FOSTER AND MARIANNE WALKER, THE KENNEL CLUB ART COLLECTION CURATORS
The Kennel Club’s art collection contains over 50 artefacts relating specifically to the Pointer, the majority of which date to the late 19th and early 20th century. This was an era of significant
breeders, such as William Arkwright, known as the ‘Father of the Pointer’, a member of The Kennel Club in 1876, and Mr J H Whitehouse, one of the founding members of The Kennel Club, both of whom commemorated their successful dogs in painted form. To this day the Pointer continues to inspire artistic excellence and The Kennel Club collection contains a number of contemporary works that represent this illustrious breed.
Above: Ch Hamlet, oil on canvas by George Earl, c1865. Ch Hamlet was bred by Mr J H Whitehouse who described him as being “equally remarkable in the field and at stud.” Ch Hamlet’s sire was Mr Bird’s Bob and his dam was Juno. Ch Hamlet won second prize at the 1862 Birmingham Show, first prize at the 1863 Birmingham Show and first prize at the Islington International Dog Show of 1865. Ch Hamlet features in the famous painting The Field Trial by George Earl that commemorates the 1867 Rhiwlas Bala Stakes at Bala in North Wales, at which Ch Hamlet took first prize. He was noted as having a wonderful pace and range despite his six-and-a-half years of age. Courtesy of The Kennel Club Arts Foundation
Left: Ch Seabreeze by Reuben Ward Binks (1880-1950). Gouache. Signed. Ch Seabreeze was bred and owned by William Arkwright. She was born on 4 July 1896. Her sire was Brodick Castle Sandy who was bred by Lord Hamilton, and her dam was Mermaid. Courtesy of The Kennel Club Arts Foundation Below: Crufts anniversary trophy. Silver, hallmarked 2016. Signed and date marked, edition 1 of 1. This trophy was presented to The Kennel Club by the Crufts Committee to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Crufts in 2016. It features the sculpture of a Pointer modelled by artist and former Young Kennel Club member Amelia Siddle. Amelia Siddle©
This medal was awarded to Mr R Stawell Bryan’s Ch Banker at the first Cruft’s show in 1891 for Best Pointer Dog in the challenge class. Banker was born on 20 June 1885 and was sired by Molton Baron ex Juno. He was bred by the Hon L Fortescue. The Kennel Club©
For more information about The Kennel Club Art Gallery, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/gallery or follow the gallery’s Instagram at instagram.com/thekennelclubukcollections
36
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
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BILL MOORES VIEWPOINT
New year, new look! Bill Moores celebrates The Kennel Club’s Royal Prefix, granted in what was a remarkable year. Last year was an extremely memorable and busy one. The Kennel Club celebrated a milestone in its history looking back at 150 years of being one of the largest organisations in the UK devoted to dog health and welfare, and was made more poignant by being granted a Royal Prefix.
In July, we welcomed a warm but occasionally wet Windsor, and in the same month, we said goodbye to the de-registered East of England Agricultural Society Championship Show, whose date in the calendar will be taken by Boston moving forward into July this year. But what of this brand-new year? As I write, the Crufts 2024 schedule has gone online, and The surprise announcement as this appears in print, the first back in April 2023 was postal entries’ closing date is emulated only by invitations Monday 8 January. This year, less than one month later there will be one person to all members to attend watching from the sidelines a Garden Party in the grounds instead of enjoying the ‘cut and of Buckingham Palace to thrust’ of show management. celebrate The Kennel Club’s In June, Crufts Show Manager 150th anniversary. Vanessa McAlpine retired after Few members could have 48 years’ service with The imagined that would have ever Kennel Club in many senior happened, let alone that even roles, the latest of which the weather was kind on that she held for many years. She particular Wednesday in May had the honour of presenting to the delight of all who Above: The Kennel Club Library and Gallery team that curated the special 150 years exhibition, from the Best in Show trophy to the travelled to London. left to right: Luisa Foster, Heidi Hudson with Bob, Paul Macbeth, Ciara Farrell and Marianne Walker. winning Lagotto Romagnolo, Your Kennel Gazette team, Eleanor Riley/The Kennel Club© Top: The Kennel Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations on 4 April 2023, from left to right: Sir John ‘Orca’, last March, a fitting its contributors and Kennel Spurling, Marcela Rodrigues, Tony Allcock OBE, Mark Beazley and Paul Eardley. tribute to her after years Club staff also joined forces to Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club© devoted to making Crufts the put together a commemorative biggest and the best dog show in the world. 150th anniversary issue. This also doubled forward that we felt it worthwhile to Another lady who has been waiting in the as an appropriate narrative to the specially feature these throughout the rest of 2023. wings for three years is the 2024 Crufts Best curated exhibition in The Kennel Club Our sincere thanks must go to all who in Show judge Ann Ingram, whose Art Gallery, which opened early last responded so positively! appointment was postponed in 2021 because spring, closing after a very successful run Last year had some of the hottest months of the pandemic. Again, we will feature a full later this month. on record, despite it managing to rain interview with her in advance of the show. When we co-ordinated the anniversary heavily on the King’s Coronation in early Lastly, on behalf of the team that brings edition, it was suggested we ask members May. Enthusiastic exhibitors will no doubt you the Kennel Gazette each month, we wish about the many and varied paths that recall the great run of fine weather for you all a Happy New Year and an enjoyable led them to joining the Club, and such was outdoor shows from late May until the Crufts and 2024 show season. the enthusiasm shared by all who came end of June. 38
Kennel Gazette | January 2024
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