Kennel Gazette June 2025

High spirited

Irish Terrier An active, varminty character with a racy outline which also has a sensitive side and likes to please

THE KENNEL CLUB, CLARGES STREET, LONDON W1J 8AB

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COVER IMAGE: Ch/Ger/Lux Ch Napoletano von der Emsmühle, ‘Mick’. He has only been shown four times in the UK and his first show was at the Irish Terrier Association in 2011 where he won the Reserve Challenge Certificate. He won Best of Breed at Windsor and LKA in 2012 and was made up in 2013 at WELKS. He competed at the World Dog Show in Budapest in 2013 and won Best of Breed under Sean Dalmar. Mick has won all the main titles in Germany. He is a family dog and lives with his owner Sabine Meister, and was bred by Hans and Karina Grüttner, who handle him in the ring. Ulrich Neddens©

Contents June 2025

Opinion

04 Kennel Club news

We celebrate some stars of the future as well as important breed club anniversaries. Must see exhibitions in The Kennel Club Art Gallery and dates for your diary

Features

06 Chiefly ourselves!

We chart the success and development of this important members’ magazine over the last ten years

16 Simply the best

Highlights from the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring at Crufts

18 Peace of mind

We explore further the question of who looks after your dog when you’ve gone

20 Ruffie - How one dog’s story came to life

The Kennel Club Library investigates an intriguing mystery

Health matters

12 Juvenile Canine Renal Dysplasia

A look at a kidney issue affecting dogs

Judges’ Choice

24 Irish Terrier

Learn more about the history of this tenacious breed, its success in the show ring and how best to groom an Irish Terrier. The latest on breed health and how it keeps on top of rescue. Discover other activities the breed enjoys, a selection of eye-catching artworks, a popular walk for breed enthusiasts, plus six judges choose their three favourite Irish Terriers they have judged in the show ring

EXCITING NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS!

In addition to receiving the physical copy of the Kennel Gazette, readers can also enjoy early access to the digital version. Head over to the Members’ Zone on The Kennel Club’s website (https://bit.ly/3BPXhFt) to read the latest issue before anyone else. We hope you enjoy the convenience of digital reading.

As we celebrate ten years of the Kennel Gazette’s revival we also pay tribute to Gay Robertson, one of the original editorial panel members. Seen here last October, only six weeks after her hip operation at her favourite overseas coursing venue – a holiday park in the Netherlands. She is with her friend Sapphira Parker and Flirty (Moonlake Medium Blonde) who is also a UK Lure Coursing Champion. This was Gay’s final trip overseas. See page 10. Elles Dijkman©

Kennel Club News

The latest developments to help make the most of owning a dog.

Pride of Selkirk

This year marks the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club’s 150th anniversary, and on Friday 6 to Monday 9 June celebrations begin with the Dandie Derby. Breed enthusiasts will meet on Friday at Bowhill House, the Selkirk seat of the Duke of Buccleuch whose daughter Lady Louisa is the Patron of the club. A walk along the Old Pepper trail will follow before returning to the courtyard room, where the Duke has kindly allowed for a selection of Dandie historical paintings to be displayed. The day finishes with a trip to Selkirk town for the launch of a specially commissioned gin made by Selkirk Distillers. Saturday begins with a meet up at Old Ginger’s kennel at The Haining, which provides a glimpse into the working history of the breed and its connection to the estate. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the handsome bronze statue of Old Ginger, the foundation of the breed, by Scottish sculptor

Platinum celebrations!

Alexander ‘Sandy’ Stoddart; look up their dog’s pedigree on the Dandie database, thanks to its creator Simon Rishton, in the Discovery Centre; and take a short walk to the volunteer halls, where on 17 November 1875 the very first Dandie Dinmont show was held. Here, renowned Dandie expert Mike Macbeth will present an informative talk explaining the history of the building. After this, a piper will lead a procession to The Fleece, where the very first club committee meeting took place. Here, a special commemorative plaque heralding the 150th anniversary will be unveiled before heading back to The Haining for the main event: The Derby, which consists of four age categories that race in four lanes. It is an event not to be missed and truly celebrates the agile character of this vulnerable breed.

On Sunday, there will be a companion dog show at Abbotsford, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott; and on Monday, the fifth Dandie plaque unveiling at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel by Paul Eardley, Chairman of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club and Vice Chairman of The Kennel Club.

For more information about the event please visit the Facebook pages: Dandie Derby 2025 and The Haining Dandie Derby and Dandie Dinmont Heritage Trail.

This year the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain celebrates its 70th anniversary. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the UK’s vulnerable breeds. There has been a decline in births over the years, with only 130 puppies registered in 2024. Anniversary celebrations will take place throughout the year including a Platinum Party in the Park on 8 June in Polesworth, Warwickshire. To find out more about this and other events throughout the year please visit wheaten.org.uk or their Facebook page Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of GB.

Promoting lesserknown breeds

Currently open in The Kennel Club Art Gallery is a capsule exhibition entitled Minority Spaniels, a photographic showcase by photographer Melody Fisher. Former Young Kennel Club member Melody gained hands-on experience handling a variety of breeds. Alongside her love for dogs, she nurtured a passion for photography, which led her to study a degree in the subject and build a career capturing canine subjects.

Melody has developed a deep appreciation for minority spaniel breeds, and in the past year she has travelled across the UK to document the Clumber Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel and Welsh Springer Spaniel, breeds that The Kennel Club classifies as vulnerable. Melody said, “I hope this exhibition highlights their remarkable attributes and encourages more people to discover these wonderful breeds.” Also on display are photographs of the Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed that has recently gained notability after HM King Charles III welcomed a Lagotto puppy into the Royal Household.

On 6 June, Melody will present a talk on the exhibition’s inspiration at The Kennel Club, combined with a breed celebration lunch.

The exhibition runs until 27 June and the gallery is open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm. To book your visit, please email art.gallery@thekennelclub.org.uk or call 020 7518 1064.

‘Royalty Awaits’. Melody Fisher©

Prizes on display

The Kennel Club Art Gallery is due to open a spectacular exhibition showcasing the varied prizes given at dog events from the 1850s to the present day. The exhibition will include awards presented at The Kennel Club’s activities, from obedience to field trials as well as shows and will also include items kindly lent by registered clubs and societies, some of which have not been in exhibition before. Famous cups such as the Keddell Memorial Trophy, and its history as it celebrates 100 years, will be on display.

Celebrating our stars of the future

Continuing the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Young Kennel Club (YKC), a special capsule exhibition is running in The Kennel Club Art Gallery. The exhibition will feature a wide array of items from when it was known as The Kennel Club Junior Organisation (KCJO) to its growth into the organisation we know today. Visitors can enjoy displays of images, posters, and KCJO medals, as well as artwork created by former YKC members, who have since become accomplished artists. Additionally, a collection of YKC trophies awarded at events over the years are on display to view. The exhibition runs until 31 October 2025.

John MacDougall Quaich.

A perpetual trophy given to The Kennel Club by Sir John Spurling for The Kennel Club Junior Organisation in memory of John Arnott MacDougall, Chairman of The Kennel Club 1981-1996. It was first presented at Crufts in 1997 for the Regional Triathlon and was won for the first time by Nicola Venable, aged 15, from Nantwich. She received a small replica, which was also presented by Sir John Spurling.

In addition to the Club’s renowned collection of trophies will be practical items given as prizes that speak to the aspirations of yesteryear. These will include beautifully engraved card cases, napkin rings, and even items from a silver tea service that Charles Cruft offered as prizes. Also included in the exhibition will be prizes of a personal scale such as silver engraved matchbox cases, medals, and even a silver cigarette case.

The exhibition opens on 11 June and runs until 20 March 2026. For more information about The Kennel Club Art Gallery, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/gallery or follow the gallery on Instagram at instagram.com/ thekennelclubukcollections

Correction

In the April 2025 Kennel Gazette that featured the Brittany, the Crufts 2024 Best of Breed winner was incorrectly named. The dog’s full name is: Sh Ch Highclare Only One Avec Tailliside (AI) JW, bred by the late Gill Tully and owned by Fiona Cook. We apologise for this error.

The Royal Kennel Club©

Chiefly, ourselves!

We chart the success and development of this important members’ magazine over the last ten years.

Ten years ago this month the Kennel Gazette was revived after being discontinued in December 2013 by the then General Committee in a sustained effort to save money. It had seen continuous publication for 133 years. At the same time, members saw the introduction of the online Journal which carried essential, routine Kennel Club information to the world of dogs.

Gone were the informative and entertaining articles; gone were the health features and those who provided this content were forced to find other markets for their wares.

There was no consultation process and a small nucleus of members felt aggrieved, perhaps with some justification.

The publishing world has seen seismic changes in recent years and has had to adapt to attract younger readers expecting online content, at times some of this content also free, while retaining a mature readership. More importantly, publications have had to also attract advertising revenue in a competitive world where the internet offers great reach. Publishing processes for niche markets also bring other unique challenges. In their calling papers ahead of The Kennel Club AGM in May 2014 members were asked to consider a proposal to resume the Kennel Gazette which, in the opinion of many, had been summarily dismissed without reference to the membership. Leading the charge was Simon Parsons, a member since 2006 and who, as editor of the weekly Dog World, was someone who understood the industry. He wrote “...that an organisation with prestige and history, like The Kennel Club should publish its own printed publication which should be sufficiently interesting and well

BY BILL MOORES

produced to attract serious dog owners”. His proposal was supported and seconded by Dog World columnist Geoffrey Davies who echoed the aforementioned remarks and that there was a need for “...a quality monthly containing items which would appeal to all those seriously interested in the activities governed by the Club.”

Writing in Dog World in May 2014, Simon Parsons pointed out that The Kennel Club could surely do better than simply withdraw a magazine for members in favour of an online Journal at a time when those in positions of great influence are saying we should be reaching out to the public at large. In doing this, he cited the Club’s attractive and detailed Annual Report and the Health Report which showed it can be done. In

conclusion Simon accepted that it may be that the membership agrees with the ‘killing’ of the Kennel Gazette and the ending of a 133 year-old tradition. If so, then the members will have made the decision.

In the AGM calling papers The Kennel Club included the relevant costs of the publication and the fact that it was heavily subsidised. Attention was drawn to the different cost model of the Crufts Show Guide. There was also concern that the lead time for articles and news was too long and by the time they reached publication they had already been covered in the dog press.

It was also clear that the then Kennel Club chairman was no fan of retaining the Kennel Gazette. In the May 2014 Kennel Club Journal he said “...surely that is more about what we do rather than how we report it. Now was not the time for emotional attachment to outmoded methods of communication.”

One weekly publication also wryly pointed out that there was no recourse to respond to an online Journal that had effectively no letters page and no overall editor to exert a balance of views from fellow members!

Less of the history and more of the here and now. A fellow member who we hadn’t seen in the Club for years recently asked me and another Kennel Gazette panel member how ‘the panel’ managed to inform and entertain so well and so often! It was, we said, a great team effort and one that was taken seriously each month at the editorial meetings.

Not only are panel members acutely aware of the need to keep abreast of new developments within the world of dogs and veterinary medicine but also with popular culture. Acknowledgment of this regularly

comes into play as does the need to support The Kennel Club in all its efforts to connect with the membership.

No one person can do all these things. Having a team with a journalistic background helps and the ability to write, engage and inform results in the articles published each month. A good example of how inclusive this was is the Club’s 150th anniversary edition in April 2023. Chairman Tony Allcock OBE kindly provided his piece ‘A time to celebrate’; Ciara Farrell, Culture & Heritage Senior Manager looked back at the history of the Club supported by photos and detail from the archives. Ciara also included an article on the importance of the association of The Kennel Club and Crufts; fellow member, Crufts veterinary team member and regular contributor Dr Alison Skipper talked us through 150 years of how The Kennel Club had worked on dog health for the benefit of all dogs, not just breed-specific issues; the Chief Executive talked about the launch of a new strategy from 2022; ever mindful of the need to include all canine disciplines our editor Carrie Thomas invited representatives

to submit a brief history of their ‘sport’; the library and collections team did their bit to tell us about the current, scheduled and past exhibitions – many of which are quietly and anonymously supported by members.

Peppered among these were concise snapshots of how The Kennel Club prevailed during war time and how its serving officers were noted as being ‘absent from committee duties owing to military service’. Noted too

to comment on the part it played over the years to inspire and support the youngsters who share our interest in dogs over 38 years.

Readers paying attention will have noted the 40th year celebrations at Crufts this year and Marina White’s comprehensive history of the Kennel Club Junior Organisation that became the YKC in the March edition.

“The ability to write, engage and inform results in the articles published each month”

were the efforts of the world of dogs to support the war effort from financing fully equipped field ambulances to buying a Spitfire which fought in the Battle of Britain. If all that wasn’t enough Ciara Farrell rounded off her considerable support with a mammoth effort on the history of the registration system.

Lastly, for this issue at least, we invited those involved with the Young Kennel Club (YKC)

Most of the research and co-ordination for that important issue for members to mark the history of the Club was done in the aftermath of the global pandemic. During the same pandemic and lockdowns that started shortly after Crufts 2020 the editorial meetings were conducted remotely by Teams and as the gentleman from The Times once put it ‘we thundered out’ despite the challenges of limited access to research and the library at Clarges Street.

Members of the panel each used their own resources and libraries as a back-up; favours were called with guest contributors agreeing to inform and entertain; the veterinary professionals who support us stepped up to complement our efforts. Remarkably the production company which had just renewed

Original Kennel Gazette editorial panel. Pictured from left to right: Standing: Philippa Gilbert, Ron Stewart, Dr Ian Gabriel and Sara Wilde. Seated: Carrie Thomas, Pat Brigden and Gay Robertson. Heidi Hudson/The Royal Kennel Club©

April 2023 Kennel Gazette Anniversary edition.

its contract to help publish and print your monthly magazine continued to attract relevant advertising at a time when many magazines were either ceasing publication or suspending operations pending the outcome of the commercial uncertainty which gripped the world.

That the Kennel Gazette withstood this is testimony to the support it receives from so many quarters. It may not have occurred to readers that the monthly which drops on your mat has grown in size over the last two years. From a 36-page format it increased to 40 pages and then to 44 pages, principally because advertising yield enabled this.

From January this year it also became digitally available to members through the membership portal on The Kennel Club’s website.

The quality of the content has been

Gay Robertson 2014/2025; Dr Ian Gabriel 2014 - present; James Cuddy 2015/16; Bill Moores 2015 - present; Robert Greaves 2016/20; Revd Bill King 2016/21; Terrie Cousins-Brown 2018 - present; Stuart Band 2020 - present; Del Richards 2021 - present.

Having chronicled the revival of your Kennel Gazette, we leave the last word to Simon Parsons, whose vision was shared by fellow members at that notable Kennel Club AGM in 2014 to the tune of 71% of votes for to 29% against. His proposal stimulated much debate and as it was a rule-change issue 50% of votes on the day would have been sufficient for it to be carried. He says, “Some ten years ago, the then General Committee opted to discontinue the Kennel Gazette. This led to something of a rebellion among the membership as the Gazette had been for more than a century an integral part of The Kennel Club’s identity.

“The Gazette had been for more than a century an integral part of The Kennel Club’s identity”

acknowledged here and overseas with many requests for permission to syndicate articles in other kennel club and breed club magazines. The overriding number are those that deal with specific breed health topics, a subject that always comes top of the list in any of the readership surveys we have carried out. Neither will it surprise members when our ideas document comes up on the agenda each month this is the one topic that provokes the greatest discussion!

It would be wrong not to acknowledge those members who have played their part in supporting the Kennel Gazette in the last decade. Geoffrey Davies 2014; Jane Lilley 2014; Jean Lanning 2014; Simon Parsons 2014; Ron Stewart 2014/16; Pat Brigden 2014/16; Philippa Gilbert 2014 - present;

“While accepting that in modern conditions it made sense for the basic administrative matters to appear in an online Journal, many of us felt there was still a place for a printed magazine of general interest. A majority of those voting supported my proposal to that effect and so the Kennel Gazette was reborn.

“May I take this opportunity to thank the editorial panel and the editor for the very hard work they have put in to keep it relevant and enjoyable, and hope that it remains possible for the magazine to continue into the future.”

There you have it and a 133-year tradition lives on. After a brief break of 18 months it enjoyed a revival prompted by the members for the members and has come full circle.

The cover story

We share with you some of our delightful cover photos chosen by the panel. Each month and often some three to four months ahead of publication we choose the best from a selection of images to complement the featured breed of the month. These represent a few of the 120 covers during the last ten years.

1 Tony Allcock OBE chose October 2015 featuring a Discover Dogs montage.

He said: “It beautifully portrays the wider spectrum of The Kennel Club and encompasses so much of what The Kennel Club is about. In my time as Chairman, I have been privileged to experience many of these activities and not just restricted to the show world.”

2 Sara Wilde chose October 2016 featuring the Jack Russell Terrier.

3 Philippa Gilbert chose December 2016 featuring the Irish Wolfhound.

4 Carrie Thomas chose January 2019 featuring the Welsh Corgi (Pembroke).

5 Del Richards chose April 2019 featuring the Portuguese Water Dog.

6 Terrie Cousins-Brown chose December 2019 featuring the Hungarian Puli.

7 Bill Moores chose April 2021 featuring the Poodle (Standard).

8 Stuart Band chose August 2022 featuring the English Springer Spaniel.

9 Gay Robertson chose January 2024 featuring the Pointer.

Committed to the end

We celebrate the life of an extremely valued panel member.

It is with sadness we report that Gay Robertson, known to many from Moonlake Whippets, passed away on 16 April. As a member of the Kennel Gazette editorial panel, she had made a positive contribution to its revival over the last ten years. Never one to shirk from a challenge, she often took on the responsibility of reading and de-mystifying complicated technical or veterinary papers to produce salient articles for members to read. Her towering intellect never tired of the issues at the heart of breeders’ concerns.

Born in the late 1930s, she was ‘dumped’ (her words) by her father on a French family in immediate post-war Paris where she stayed for several years absorbing the language and French culture via the elite ècoles nationales.

After a brief return to England as a

BY BILL MOORES

teenager, her father, who travelled extensively in Europe on business, decided it was to Italy she should go next! She wryly told me once that she was convinced the families with whom she lodged were mafia connected, such was the wealth at their disposal! Once more the young Gay quickly became fluent in yet another language –Italian – and it was there she learned to drive in the latest Alfa Romeo sports cars on the roads of private estates. It was her command of these languages and her work in film publicity that stood her in good stead during her extended time working for the BBC, first in Light Entertainment and then in charge of foreign language film selection for BBC2.

She was a true believer in fitness for function when it came to her chosen breed and thought nothing of travelling alone across Europe to attend international coursing events with her dogs or ‘ones which were up to it’ in her opinion. It was returning from one of these events in the summer of last year that she fell and broke her hip in northern France.

Her fluency in French proved to be of great benefit, as, just days after her fall, she managed to receive a new hip from one of the top surgeons in France! While she waited for emergency travel back to the UK, she sent out a cri de cœur for decent reading material to pass the time so I sent her a digital link to a monthly English language newspaper celebrating life in France. In true Gay fashion she devoured it and a few days later sent me a comprehensive critique of its content!

She did not let minor asides, such as ill health, affect her daily routine, her commitments to her dogs and to the Kennel Gazette panel. The last time we all saw her

was at a meeting in February and by Crufts we decided to create a WhatsApp chat to include Gay who had recently moved into a care home. She followed the show coverage on TV and wasn’t afraid to point out areas where she felt the quality could be improved, and as a panel we each helped to make the show engaging for her. Although she couldn’t be there in person, we hope she still felt connected and involved. We were all delighted that she thoroughly approved of the Best in Show and that she declared it was ‘a proper Whippet’.

After a private funeral, in true Gay fashion, she had already laid out plans for her wake at her home on what would have been her 87th birthday in May where family, friends and fellow members remembered and celebrated the life of a truly remarkable lady who will be greatly missed.

Gay at the Garden Party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of The Kennel Club. Suki Smith©

Gay’s first Whippet, Madishan Moonlake (Luke), after running a gruelling three rounds to win the inter-clubs’ coursing stake in 1973. He remained the most successful Whippet in the sport until its end in 2005. Luke was also a racing champion. Courtesy of Gay Robertson

Juvenile Canine Renal Dysplasia

A look at a kidney issue affecting certain breeds.

BY DR J A SAMANTHA GOLDBERG BVSc MRCVS

Juvenile Renal Dysplasia, also known as Renal Malformation, is a condition where the kidneys do not develop correctly prior to birth. Whelps are born without completely normal function but it is not often noticed straight away since the dam will clean the puppies and supply plenty of fluid through milk. As the puppies get older differences may be seen between siblings, although some are not noticed until usually around six months. Age of onset of symptoms varies depending on how severe the malformation is and whether both kidneys are affected. Several dog breeds have been reported with this condition and some are considered genetic and some acquired, perhaps due to a toxic insult during development.

There appear to be some breeds where Juvenile Renal Dysfunction is more common, however since not all are biopsied it is not always easy to know which problem young animals with renal failure have; poor or incorrect development of the whole kidney, incorrect development of one part of the structure or toxic insult.

Implicated breeds include Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apsos but also Alaskan Malamutes, Bedlington Terriers, Boxers, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, Dobermanns, Keeshonds, Kooikerhondjes, Norwegian Elkhounds, Samoyeds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Standard Poodles. Some of these have been shown to have more of a microscopic malformation than hypoplasia, which refers to underdevelopment or incomplete development of a tissue organ.

Some conditions have been investigated and shown to be autosomal recessive, in other words you need two copies of the faulty gene, one from each parent, such as Familial Nephropathy (FN) a term used to describe kidney disease for which there is now a DNA test. This means the condition can be screened for and affected puppies avoided. Currently Cocker Spaniels are on the list of breeds where testing is recommended for FN.

There is a condition known as Cystic Renal Dysplasia, a condition in which the kidneys do not develop properly before birth which leads to formation of cysts and Hepatic Fibrosis, scarring of the liver, which is recognised in the Norwich Terrier after a related group was described with it. This is a breed with low numbers so screening for diseases is very important and it should be noted that eliminating carriers from the population is not a good thing as this limits the gene pool even further. Screening allows the breeder to retain carriers and only mate them to clear dogs.

In Shih Tzu there have been several studies but they have come to different conclusions which has clouded developing a screening test. One study of 74 random dogs showed 84% had some sort of dysplasia implying variable penetrance of any genetic disorder as they were affected to differing degrees. Another study in 1990 found a recessive pattern but another completed in 2003 found no obvious pattern which suggested autosomal dominance with incomplete penetrance. Basically, this means at the moment some are affected

It is important to screen dogs for any potential issues.

by the defective genetics more than others which means it is not predictable. The probability is that the kidneys do not mature properly and the glomeruli stay immature. The glomeruli are microscopic bundles of blood vessels which are involved in filtration. Unwanted molecules are supposed to be selectively excreted from the blood stream into the tubules surrounding them and then into the collecting duct. When the glomerulus is faulty this is impaired.

A study of a group of related Boxers implied recessive mode of inheritance and the breed is listed as having a higher number than some who go into renal failure when young. A hypoplastic form is thought to be involved as ultrasound scans shows smaller than expected kidneys.

It is possible that different breeds have different genetics involved especially since the structural and microscopic changes vary. This makes it hard at the moment to screen breeding populations and in breeds or related groups of dogs where there is thought to be a problem the best thing to do is annual blood tests and pre-breeding to check renal function. Ideally SDMA (see later in diagnosis) since this picks it up earlier. There are many other renal conditions under investigation and in the future we will hopefully be able to screen for these and avoid breeding affected puppies. Biopsies of kidneys from affected dogs is unlikely to help that patient but can give vital information for the breed if sent to researchers looking into the problem.

Diagnosis

The kidneys may be small and not fully formed, a condition called hypoplasia. In a post-mortem they look pale in appearance compared to normal kidneys and are quite firm. The photo on the right is from a post-mortem of a Shih Tzu with both kidneys affected. This may affect one or both kidneys and can be seen on an ultrasound scan. If only one kidney is affected the other kidney may be able to work sufficiently for normal excretion to be carried out and the condition discovered coincidentally during a scan.

Alternatively, the kidneys may look normal from the outside but the internal structure of the kidneys doesn’t form properly so does not filter waste from the blood correctly. In both situations the dog will be compromised. If both kidneys are affected, at some point there will be changes noticed in the dog, poorer growth than siblings, poor appetite, polydipsia (excessive drinking) and polyuria (excessive urination) and later on vomiting and halitosis. These are symptoms of renal failure caused by the lack of correct filtration by the kidney tissue. The renal parenchyma (structure) may be

disorganised or incompletely formed and thus doesn’t filter the blood flowing through it correctly. The kidneys usually filter out toxic by-products of metabolism and digestion, excreting them into urine and help the body retain fluid and useful blood components such as proteins and electrolytes. Urine will often be dilute as the kidney tissue is unable to concentrate urine and this leads to excessive thirst and an increased frequency and volume of urine. Puppies may be difficult to house train due to the increased volume which may flag to the owner something is not correct. Blood work will show a build-up of excretory products such as Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine as these are usually selectively excreted into urine. With time there is often also a problem with excretion of phosphorus and calcium which leads to more problems. Unfortunately, by the time BUN and Creatinine levels are elevated in blood samples at least 75% of normal renal function is lost making it harder to help the patient. A more useful

Above: One of the breeds implicated is the Shih Tzu. Ruth Dalrymple/The Royal Kennel Club©

Left: Scan of a Shih Tzu with both kidneys affected. Courtesy of lhasa-apso. org/health/hrd.html

early screen is Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) which starts to elevate when 40% is lost. Screening in young animals is not always straightforward as the kidneys may not be fully formed until 2-3 months old so biopsies are best reserved until later on. Blood sampling can give an indication of malfunction.

Prognosis

Life span is usually 1-2 years when symptoms are present in a puppy but since the amount of malformation is variable and whether one or two kidneys are affected so some dogs may be adult before symptoms are seen. Some may survive into middle age and to be fully diagnosed in the living dog needs ultrasound scanning as a minimum and for complete definition a biopsy. Blood testing will reveal abnormalities but not the cause. If the kidneys are really poorly developed the puppy may show signs at weeks old but if only one kidney is affected the dog may live almost a full life span with one good kidney.

Treatment and management

Hydration is very important as this will help in excretion of BUN and Creatinine. Even if the kidneys are poor at selectively excreting these the extra fluid going through and into urine will help reduce the levels in the blood. Encouraging drinking by adding things

like meat broth to water, feeding a wet or soaked diet will help. The diet fed is also very important and, if your dog will eat them, renal specific diets can significantly increase the dog life span. Renal diets are restricted in protein – a medium level of easy to digest protein is used along with a restriction in phosphorus which can be toxic to the abnormal kidneys. With a picky eater it is possible to add phosphorus blockers to the normal diet as a compromise. Beware negating the effects of a prescription diet by adding treats. It is common to hear “he won’t eat it so I add chicken” and this will add to the protein and not give the desired effect.

Using products such as Pronefra can be beneficial. This product helps by limiting availability of phosphorus and binding with uremic toxins. It promotes normal blood pressure which can be elevated in renal failure. In later stages your veterinary surgeon may recommend the use of ACE inhibitors which promote blood flow through the kidneys aiming to help flush the toxins out into urine. Abnormal kidneys may be helped to function for longer maintaining a quality of life. End stage renal failure results in weight loss – proteins are lost through the poor filtration and nausea from the build-up of toxic waste products. In humans this is where dialysis comes in, and although it is possible to dialyse our dogs the ethics are questionable as they cannot consent to be hooked up for hours several times a week.

A general practitioner veterinary surgeon with a particular interest in pedigree dogs and genetic disease, Samantha is a breeder, exhibitor and judge of Beagles and won Breed Health Co-ordinator of the Year as part of the International Canine Health Awards in 2021. She is often asked to do online international discussions on Beagle hereditary diseases.

DR J A SAMANTHA GOLDBERG BVS c MRCVS BS c (HONS)

Simply the best

Highlights from the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring of happy dogs and hard-working handlers.

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring always attracts a busy crowd at Crufts with its non-stop variety of displays and entertainment, focused around fun and engaging ways to train your dog. Over 50 breeds of dogs were represented in the ring each day showing our audiences what can be achieved with good training and guidance. On Thursday and Friday, the Silver and Gold display teams came from training clubs in Hampshire and the Isle of Man. Special displays featured included, ‘On the Money’, adapted from a Gold Award exercise, where handlers show their best training skills in stopping their dog at a distance, and on a £5 note. Those that succeeded won the money or the chance to gamble for more. The game highlights how much fun you can have when training a dog and how important it can be in an emergency. Part of the fun was having some high-profile guests to judge the competition and hand over the cash when deserved. Our guest judges were Tony Allcock OBE, Chairman of The Kennel Club, Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, Ian Seath, Kennel Club Board member and Helen Fox, Chief Commercial

Officer at The Kennel Club. Crowd participation was encouraged by not only the commentators, but also the judges! It was hugely engaging and £235 of prize money was won over the four days.

The popular ‘Tunnel of Temptation’ was another audience favourite. Each day four teams of four dogs and handlers raced each other through an alley of temptation, consisting of a range of enticing toys and tempting doggy treats placed in bowls. The winner of each leg was the dog that returned back to its owner the quickest without being tempted. Our overall winning team was Manchester & Cheshire Dogs home.

Live Bronze Award testing sessions took place each day, where handlers and their dogs were asked to complete ten separate training exercises in one session. These included walking their dog on a lead and around distractions, showing off their recalling skills and demonstrating their ability to stay on command. There were 34 delighted owners achieving their Bronze Award and gaining a certificate.

The stand was visited by lots of visitors, many asking about puppy and dog training

or wanting to find out more about where they could take part. A ‘meet the teams’ area was also available on the stand where visitors got to meet the display dogs and other guests taking part in the ring.

The Silver and Gold display teams also demonstrated an overview of the award levels in the BP Pulse LIVE Arena on Saturday and Sunday that reached a wider audience. The team was made up of 22 dogs and handlers of dog training clubs from all over the UK and had only been working together for a few weeks before Crufts. They worked hard to produce exciting displays in both rings much to the appreciation of the crowds.

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme arena display team, made up of Silver and Gold Award level dogs. They are demonstrating sitting their dog in a heel position. Yulia Titovets/The Royal Kennel Club©

One of the many display teams that attract a crowd around the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring. Martin Hill/The Royal Kennel Club©

Welcome back!

Also invited into the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring were the Royal Air Force (RAF) Police dog display team, after a five-year-break due to Covid. They showcased the extraordinary skills of their working dogs and handlers, and the vital roles these highly trained canine partnerships play in military operations. Visitors witnessed demonstrations of detection work, bite development, and the exceptional bond between handlers and their dogs. Provost Marshal Dog Inspector Warrant Officer Mark Ginger said: “The crowds were absolutely fantastic. We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from the public. People of all ages have been fascinated to learn about our working dogs and the crucial role they play in protecting RAF assets and personnel.”

Crufts dreams come true

Nine-year old Frankie Sheridan-Hill, who has a progressive neurological condition, saw his doggy dreams come true after he was granted a golden ticket to visit Crufts 2025.

Frankie lives with H-ABC leukodystrophy, a life-limiting neurological condition that affects the white matter of the brain. His family are intent on making as many memories as possible and were thrilled to be invited to the world’s greatest dog show, through the Make-A-Wish UK charity, to achieve Frankie’s dream of cuddling as many dogs as possible.

“We’re at Crufts and I love all dogs, but my favourite are little dogs,” Frankie said. “I love cuddling dogs.” Frankie was accompanied by his parents and brother, and mum Amy thanked The Kennel Club and Make-A-Wish UK for making her son’s dreams come to life. “Frankie’s physiotherapist applied to Make-A-Wish UK for us and when it was his turn they asked what he liked and what he liked doing. He immediately said dogs. He’s obsessed with dogs and so we knew it would be that. Frankie has been really

excited about this and to be able to enjoy it now while he still has his speech and mobility is incredibly important to us. It’s a treat to come together as a family and do this.”

The Sheridan-Hill family got their own dog, Dottie, a crossbreed, last year and who has since become Frankie’s best friend, even sleeping on his and brother Rory’s beds in their shared room at home.

“Frankie has always wanted a dog and so, even though we love bigger dogs, we decided to get one that was a little smaller so they could sleep on the bed and on someone’s lap. Dogs are really calm around him. Dogs in the street will often naturally come up to Frankie and he’s always stroking them. It’s something he’s always loved; it’s a really simple relationship.”

Frankie was also given a starring role handing out rosettes in the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring, and met a whole host of different breeds across the day.

A spokesperson for The Kennel Club, said: “Crufts is all about our love of dogs and the joy that dogs bring into our lives. It is so incredibly humbling to watch those special

The RAF Police presence was supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund, which helped facilitate the interactive meet-and-greet sessions, where visitors could speak directly with handlers about their work and training techniques.

RAF Police Dog Handler Corporal Alys Webb added: “Having the opportunity to engage with the public and explain what we do has been invaluable. We had lots of enquiries for our rehoming and fostering programme and just as much interest in how to become an RAF Police dog handler.”

The RAF Police team expressed their gratitude for the warm reception they received, with handlers and their canine partners enjoying the chance to demonstrate their skills in a non-military environment.

Follow the RAF Police dog display team through /Royal Air Force Police, @royalairforcepolice and @RAF_Police

moments unfold before our eyes, where we see the pleasure that dogs bring us and the difference they make, and there really is no place in the world like Crufts to see and feel the magic of that special bond.”

Top: The team on their stand and below in the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme ring.

Photos: Flt Lt Max Kadir/Royal Air Force©

BeatMedia/The Royal Kennel Club©

Peace of mind

Continuing our series of articles around how to look after your dog when you’ve gone.

Cindy and I realised many years ago that we had to make provision for our canine family in the event of our demise. This was highlighted on one of our many trips abroad when we heard about what happened to the dogs of someone we knew who had no immediate family and whose other relatives had no dogs.

Initially we named our dogs in an early Will and soon came to appreciate the problems associated with this when one of our dogs died and we had to amend our respective Wills at some considerable expense. At this point in time, we drew up two additional documents on the advice of friends who were in a similar relationship as us – long-term partners who had no legal recognition. Our decision was reinforced by the views of several American friends, although we appreciated that their legal system is distinct from ours. Together these formed what we later referred to as our ‘Living Wills’.

The first document was a Medical Power of Attorney that outlined our respective wishes in terms of future medical care and, in the case of any terminal condition or permanent vegetative state, our instructions on resuscitation. The second was a Lasting Power of Attorney, which granted an element of autonomy to each of us in the event of one of us becoming senile or unable to make independent decisions about our lifestyle due to illness or condition as already outlined that could result in potential future financial difficulties for the remaining partner. This latter document was of vital importance given the fact that our dogs have always been registered in joint names. We wished to avoid any legal pitfalls or disputes in the event of one of us becoming

BY STUART BAND

incapacitated and being unable to make decisions in respect of our canine family. We then made reference in our Wills to the dogs that were in our ownership at the time of our individual or joint demise and linked them to our Power of Attorney documents in

the hope that we had made provision for all eventualities. It must be borne in mind that these documents need to be registered with the appropriate authority to have any legal validity should anyone be contemplating a similar course of action.

Stuart and Slinky at Crufts 2023. Annabel Lee-Ellis/The Royal Kennel Club©

Legal advice should be sought at all stages to ensure that everything is watertight and not liable to any future liberal misinterpretation!

Mindful of our increasing ages, we identified a friend who was significantly younger than either of us to assume responsibility for our dogs. We ringfenced a sum of money to be set aside from our estates by way of financial provision for their future welfare in addition to a separate sum by way of rewarding our friend for the task to be undertaken when the time comes. We have also ensured that the amount is reviewed and suitably increased on a regular basis to counter the effects of inflation and the cost of living. We ensured that a copy of our Wills and Powers of Attorney were handed over along with our instructions granting discretion as to how our dogs were to be treated by their new carer and, most importantly, that these were also copied to our executor. Separate copies are held in both our computers and hard copies placed with our domestic files that can be readily identified by the neoncoloured highlighter used on the binder which holds the collection.

A separate set of conditions and instructions apply to our imported American dogs. We had to work very hard over a lengthy period of time to convince our

“We drew up two additional documents and together these formed what we later referred to as our ‘Living Wills’”

breeder to consider us as prospective owners and, when we succeeded, we were treated as if we were American purchasers, as no dogs had previously been sold outside the USA. Our contract of purchase stipulated that, for the duration of its life and in the event of our being unable to keep the dog regardless of any reason, the dog would be returned to the breeder at the breeder’s expense. In our case it was written into the contract that the breeder would be responsible for any transportation, boarding, shipping and any other associated expenses involved in getting the dog returned to the USA. While we acknowledge the challenges that might arise in the legal enforceability of these conditions as outlined in our purchase contracts, we had no hesitation in agreeing to them. Although we have become great friends of

our breeder and are regarded as extended family, we have always been reminded that, as are all their other puppy owners, we are the temporary custodians of their home-bred family and all the dogs bred by them will always be regarded as being away from home on a long-term basis! While this is almost unique in our experience of importing dogs from various countries, we had no hesitation in agreeing to the conditions of sale. We cannot envisage any situation where this might become necessary but it does provide some comfort that adequate provision has been made for the future welfare of the dogs concerned. Indeed, we regarded it as a wholly admirable and responsible stipulation, so much so that we adopted this into our own contract of sale of the few litters we have bred.

Pepper is simply happy to be here.

Gaston proving he can fit into anything. Photos: Stuart Band©

Ruffie – How one dog’s story came to life

At The Kennel Club Library, we love a good mystery.

This story began in August last year with an email from journalist John Ross, who writes for The Press & Journal newspaper in Inverness. John was seeking help with a ‘long shot’ – could we shed any light on the identity of a dog whose name appears on a gravestone in a pet cemetery in Inverness? He explained that the inscription was difficult to read but dated 1903. It stated that the dog was part of a brigade of collecting dogs of the Ladies’ Kennel Association, London. John found it strange that the dog was buried in Inverness and wanted to know more. He had initially approached the Ladies’ Kennel Association with the query and was advised that The Kennel Club Library was the best place to ask.

I am very familiar with the fascinating history of the Ladies’ Kennel Association, but the term ‘collecting dog’ was new to me. I replied to John with a summary of the early days of the association and speculated that the dog may have been a competitive show dog. The women of the Ladies’ Kennel Association, particularly in its early days, tended to be wealthy members of the upper classes. A Scottish exhibitor, therefore, could certainly have had the resources to travel from Inverness to London to show their dog.

BY CIARA FARRELL, CULTURE & HERITAGE SENIOR MANAGER

I asked John to send me a photo of the gravestone, which he did. As I often do when an interesting query comes my way, I shared it with the rest of the team here at the library and gallery. What a coincidence, our own Heidi Hudson, curator of The Kennel Club’s photographic collections, had visited that very spot on a trip to Inverness just a week

earlier. Even more remarkably, she, like John, had been intrigued by the gravestone.

Heidi, being a skilled photographer, had taken excellent photos. Despite some weathering, the inscription was clear and legible. The stone, dated 1903, had been erected by a Miss Burt Wright in memory of ‘Ruffie’, one of the brigade of collecting dogs for the Ladies’ Kennel Association. John described the location as a peaceful area within the Ness Islands, a popular walking spot in Inverness, but off the footpath, tucked away among bushes with other pet gravestones.

Now I had much more to go on: a date, Ruffie’s name, and his owner, Miss Burt Wright. However, I still had no idea what a ‘collecting dog’ was or what kind of brigade the Ladies’ Kennel Association might have been running in 1903. Time to dig deeper. I first consulted a slim but invaluable reference book, The Ladies’ Kennel Association: The First Hundred Years by Peggy Grayson (2004). Here, I found a mention of a ‘Dogs Brigade’ collection event in 1899. The next step was to check the original show catalogue for the Ladies’ Kennel Association Championship Winter Show, held at Earl’s Court in 1899. We are fortunate to have a comprehensive

Ruffie’s gravestone. Heidi Hudson/The Royal Kennel Club©

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collection of historic show catalogues, and those produced by the Ladies’ Kennel Association are particularly high quality. The cover bore the inscription ‘For Our Soldiers’ Sakes’ referring to British soldiers serving in the Second Boer War (1899-1902).

This placed the story within the first iteration of the Ladies’ Kennel Association (1894-1903). The association was founded in protest against The Kennel Club’s refusal to admit women members (The Kennel Club Ladies’ Branch was founded as a compromise of sorts in 1899). The first Ladies’ Kennel Association had the financial backing of self-made mining millionaire Alice Stennard Robinson (1852-1932), whose story we explored in The Kennel Club’s 2018 art

exhibition Significant Women Who Have Made a Difference for Dogs. This financial support extended to an excellent monthly periodical, The Ladies’ Kennel Journal It was in the pages of The Ladies’ Kennel Journal that I finally found my answer.

I discovered an account of a fundraising event in support of military widows and orphans. As part of this effort, a parade was held featuring the 400 dogs that had helped raise funds. These dogs were organised into regional groups. The dogs were not named individually, but we may speculate that Ruffie was in the group of Scottish breeds listed in The Ladies’ Kennel Journal extract.

Checking the index of the 1899 show catalogue, I found that Miss Burt Wright was not listed as an exhibitor. This suggests that she and Ruffie were not there to compete but simply to participate in the fundraising effort. Identifying Ruffie with certainty remains a challenge – his name was almost certainly a pet name, and since he was not a competitive show dog, he is difficult to trace in official records.

Nevertheless, it is clear that Miss Burt Wright was exceptionally proud of Ruffie’s efforts and commemorated his achievement with love by erecting this memorial stone. In January of this year, John got in touch again to tell me that his story, including quotes from our correspondence, had been published in The Press & Journal newspaper in Inverness. If you search online for pressandjournal.co.uk and the keyword ‘Ruffie,’ you’ll find the full article.

Heidi Hudson and Bob’s adventures

In July 2024, I took my dog, Bob, to Scotland. It was my first time visiting Inverness, and a friend took Bob and I on a long dog walk to the Ness Islands, which is a long park adjacent to the river Ness. We walked across many little Victorian bridges. It is a favourite spot for dog walking and fishing among locals. When we came across these little dog gravestones, I was fascinated and, of course, took photos to share with colleagues at work. My favourite was the one of Ruffie, as it was associated with the Ladies’ Kennel Association. My Inverness friend has a long-standing family history in Inverness; her family’s artefacts are on display in the local museum, dating back 600 years. It was great to gain firsthand information on the history of the Ness Islands and reflect on how Victorian ladies would walk their dogs on the same paths as I walked Bob.

One of the pathways was aptly named.

Part of Ciara’s resource materials was this extract from The Ladies’ Kennel Journal, 1899.

Another dog gravestone. Photos: Heidi Hudson/The Royal Kennel Club©

Irish Terrier

A fiery spirit and daredevil nature match its bright red coat.

Although the Irish Terrier is known for its bright red coat, the early specimens in the show ring – it was first shown in 1870 – were of mixed colours, predominately black and tan, black, grey and brindle.

However, a bitch called Poppy, the product of two champions, and as her name suggests, bright red in colour, became a major influence in the breed as all of her progeny were the same attractive colour. Selective breeding was used to make this colour the identifying features of the breed. With the colour came the reputation of a fiery spirit and a daredevil nature. It is racier and streamlined in its build than many of the Terrier breeds. It was recognised as a pedigree breed in 1879, the first of the native Irish Terriers to receive recognition from The Kennel Club.

BREED STANDARD

Ch/Ir Ch Norakim Tango of Newguild, ‘Ceilidh’. Top winning bitch for 2023, winner of five Challenge Certificates (CCs) including the bitch CC at Crufts in 2023 and Reserve CC in 2024, as well as eight Reserve CCs and 11 Green Stars. Ceilidh won Best in Show at the North of England Irish Terrier Society Open Show on 5 April 2025 under Professor Annika Vanji (Sweden) and holds two CCs from The Kennel Club of Jersey. This year Ceilidh is aiming for FCI International Championship status and planning some trips to Europe. Last month she won the group at Flanders International Dog Show in Belgium and another two CACIBs. Bred by Maria Moore and owned and handled by Kiera Bentley of Newguild Terriers.

Lucy Reeve©

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information on The Kennel Club website related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

An active, lively and wiry appearance; plenty of substance but free of clumsiness. Neither cloddy nor cobby but showing a graceful racy outline.

CHARACTERISTICS

There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the Irish Terrier which is characteristic. They develop a great devotion for their masters.

TEMPERAMENT

Good-tempered, notably with humans, it being admitted, however, that he is perhaps a little

too ready to resent interference on the part of other dogs.

HEAD AND SKULL

Head long; skull flat, and rather narrow between ears, narrowing towards eye; free from wrinkles; stop hardly visible except in profile. Jaw strong and muscular, but not too full in cheek, and of good length. Foreface not dished or falling away quickly between eyes, delicately chiselled. Lips well fitting and externally almost black in colour. Nose black.

EYES

Dark, relatively small, not prominent. A light or yellow eye highly undesirable.

EARS

Small and V-shaped, of moderate thickness, set well on head, and dropping forward closely to cheek. Top of folded ear well above level of skull. Ear must be free of fringe, and hair thereon shorter and darker in colour than body.

MOUTH

Teeth even, strong and free from discolouration. Jaws strong, with

perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

NECK

Fair length and gradually widening towards shoulders, well carried and free of throatiness. Generally a slight fringe at each side of neck, running nearly to corner of ear.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders fine, long and well laid back. Legs moderately long, well set from shoulders, perfectly straight, with plenty of bone and

Ch Montelle Carvillius Gold JW, ‘Paddy’, winner of seven CCs, four with Best of Breed and eight Reserve CCs. Bred by Ann Bradley and owned by Angela Cooke. Paddy’s show career began at the Irish Terrier Association Open Show in September 2015 when he took Best Puppy in Show, handled by Ann at the time, before his ownership was transferred into Angela’s name. Three weeks later he won his first Reserve CC at the Southern Irish Terrier Society Championship Show and Best Puppy in Show. He was awarded his first CC under Andrew Brace at Scottish Kennel Club in May 2016, his second at Welsh Kennel Club under Paul Harding and his crowning CC at the Southern Irish Terrier Society under Ivor Hemmings, where he also took Best in Show. Paddy completed the year as top winning male Irish Terrier. The following year he took group 4 at Leeds in July (no CCs) and then in November Best in Show at the North of England Irish Terrier Club Championship Show. Simon Jones©

muscle; elbows working freely clear of sides; pasterns short and straight, hardly noticeable, the forelegs moved straightforward when travelling.

BODY

Chest deep and muscular, neither full nor wide. Body moderately long; back strong and straight, with no appearance of slackness behind shoulders; loin muscular and slightly arched; ribs fairly sprung, rather deep than round, and well-ribbed back.

HINDQUARTERS

Strong and muscular, thighs powerful, hocks well let down, stifles moderately bent. Hindlegs move straight forward when travelling, hocks not turned outwards. Hair on legs dense and crisp.

FEET

Strong, tolerably round, moderately small, toes arched, neither turned out nor in; black toe nails most desirable. Pads sound and free from cracks or horny excrescences.

TAIL

Customarily docked.

Docked: Customarily docked to about three quarters. Free of fringe or feather, but well covered with rough hair. Set on pretty high, carried gaily but not over back or curled.

Undocked: Set on pretty high, carried gaily but not over back or curled. Free of fringe or feather but well covered with rough hair. In overall balance with the rest of the dog. Carriage is such that the tail is not liable to damage during working.

GAIT/MOVEMENT

Forelegs and hindlegs carried straight forward and parallel. Elbows move perpendicular to body, working free of sides, stifles neither turning in nor out.

COAT

Harsh and wiry, having broken appearance, free of softness or silkiness, not so long as to hide the outline of body particularly in hindquarters, straight and flat, no shagginess and free of lock or curl. At base of these stiff hairs is growth of finer and softer hair, usually termed the undercoat. Hair on foreface crisp and only sufficiently long to impart appearance of additional strength. Hair on legs dense and crisp.

COLOUR

‘Whole-coloured’, most preferable colours being red, red/wheaten, or

yellow/red. Small amount of white on chest acceptable, white on feet highly undesirable. Black shading highly undesirable.

SIZE

Ideal height: dogs: 48 cms (19 ins); bitches: 46 cms (18 ins).

FAULTS

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.

NOTE

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

The

A friend for life

gentleman’s favourite has proved its versatility through many lifestyles and is a devoted family companion.

BY ANN BRADLEY, SECRETARY OF THE IRISH TERRIER ASSOCIATION

The Irish Terrier is an extremely old breed, possibly owing its beginnings to the Terrier of Great Britain. This Terrier, known to have been black and tan, evolved into the Terrier developed in Ireland, whose main qualities were hardiness and pluck. In Mr F M Jowett’s book The Irish Terrier, he notes these dogs were “described by an Irish writer as being the poor man’s sentinel, the farmer’s friend, and the gentleman’s favourite.” They are hardy, game and stylish, built for speed, with graceful symmetrical lines. Irish Terriers are lithe and wiry, yet sturdy and strong in substance and bone, free of clumsiness, and their temperament reflects their background as a pet, guard, hunter and gundog. Following the early references to Irish Terriers, it wasn’t until the 19th century that pedigrees were recorded and show dogs emerged. The first record of them being exhibited was at Dublin in 1874. Irish Terrier supporters wanted to ensure a reliable representation and stated no dog would be allowed in the show without a pedigree. To everybody’s surprise, a considerable number of pedigree Irish Terriers were entered. The judge, said to be a long-established breeder of these dogs, was faced with a wide variety of

exhibits, but managed to sort out prizes despite some variety in type.

Times were difficult for the breed – pedigree and breeding meant little; all that mattered was that the dog had the required appearance. While such confusion surrounded the Irish Terrier, there was no question that at the time at least one typical specimen was in existence – Geo Jamison’s Sport. There were so many dogs of other types and colours, other than red, that Sport was not always looked upon with favour. In 1879 the foundation of the present show terrier was laid and this was a momentous year in the history of the breed. Prior to this it was common to crop the ears, but interestingly Sport had drop ears. He was also included in the first list of Irish Terriers that appeared in the 1976 Kennel Club Stud Book. Another successful dog with drop ears was Ch Sporter, owned by George Krehl, who

had a bright red coat not often seen.

Also in 1879, the Irish Terrier Club was formed, aiming for the protection and advancement of the breed. At the first general meeting in 1880, the question of ear cropping was discussed, resulting in the club being the pioneers of the movement to end ear cropping of Irish Terriers for exhibition, and other breeds followed its example. In 1889, The Kennel Club implemented a rule that cropped dogs would no longer be eligible to compete at any Kennel Club show.

This was an important year in history for the breed, as Ch Erin, owned by William Graham of Belfast, made her appearance at Alexandra Palace, as well as Killiney Boy, subsequently winning a great deal. However, it was as a sire that he shone, especially when mated with Ch Erin, as in her first litter came Ch Playboy, Ch Pagan II and Ch Poppy, who was a red.

Ch Sport courtesy of Jowett’s book, The Irish Terrier

Ch Playboy, one of the most influential Irish Terriers of his time. Edward C Ash from Hutchinson’s Encyclopaedia

These were known as the founders of the breed. It would be difficult to find a pedigree that does not go back to the famous progeny of these dogs. Poppy produced red puppies, which highlighted the question of colour and it was finally decided that an Irish Terrier must be a whole red, although the shade may vary to the colour of wheat. This established that any early throwback to black and tan had been bred out.

William Graham was a leading figure in developing the show Irish Terrier, owing much to Ch Brickbat, who was line bred to Ch Erin, and was considered to be the aristocrat of the breed. Another dog traceable to Ch Erin was Ch Playboy with natural ears. His son was bred to a drop ear bitch, and produced Ch Batchelor who secured the future for natural drop ears.

The early 19th century saw strong kennels emerge. In 1925, Mr Green’s Celtic kennels dominated the scene, followed by the Slemish kennel owned by Mr Grant, establishing a fine record of champions and having an enormous influence on the breed, appearing behind many top bloodlines. Also strengthening the breed and making their mark were Miss Simpson’s Merrey, Mrs Howard Jones’s Breezy and Norah Woodifield’s Pathfinder amongst others.

We are grateful to these breeders, who managed to maintain quality dogs during the Second World War. The first post-war champions were Ch Safe Convoy, a bitch

owned by Connie Birch and Mrs Moore’s dog Ch Russetone O’Shaunessy, who gained his title at three consecutive shows in 1945.

The breed record holder, Ch Redneval Ballinruan Beau, bred by Messrs Eakins and Loughrey from Ireland, was a son of Pathfinders Goldsmith, and the bitch record holder, Ch Brackenwood Carousel of Medris, bred by Misses Harris and Medcalf, was by Ch Pathfinders Bandleader.

The 1960s saw the Oudenarde Irish Terriers coming to the fore with a succession of champions, and there were excellent dogs from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In the 1980s, the Carolmac kennel made its presence felt with several champions including Ch Carolmac Pearly Boy.

The 1990s saw the import of Ch Trackways Booger Red (Imp) from America, and his son, Ch Tubereasa Beau Venture Ardgabha, gained many top honours (handled by Peter Bell). A

right: Breed and dog Challenge Certificate (CC) record holder Ch Redneval Ballinruan Beau, winner of 31 CCs with Best of Breed and one Reserve CC between 1970 and 1973. In 1970, at both Richmond and LKA, ‘Kim’ won the double with his mother, Ch Ballinruan Sheila, also bred by Messrs Eakins and Loughrey. He won two group 1s in 1971 at LKA and WELKS and was placed multiple times, as well as being a very influential stud dog who sired 12 champions. Owned by Frederick William Bell, and his son Peter always handled him in the ring. Anne Roslin Williams©

Bitch CC record holder Ch Brackenwood Carousel of Medris, winner of 17 CCs between 1968-1972,

son of his was the sire of Ch/Lux/Ned/Ger Ch Montelle Famous Star (Re-Import). After the millennium, Ch/Ger Ch Mylord von der Emsmühle left four champion progeny before returning to Germany. Two more imports from America arrived – Ch/Am Ch Fleet St Fenway Fan (Imp USA) and Ch/Am Ch Kells Touch of Fleet St (Imp USA). There is no doubt that these males played a significant part in diversifying the gene pool, which has had a lasting effect on today’s pedigrees.

It is interesting to see how registration figures increased from 2016, with a slight peak during the pandemic where 457 puppies were registered in 2021 and 359 in 2022. This was surprising, as some responsible breeders chose not to breed. The breed slipped back in 2023 and remains on The Kennel Club’s vulnerable native breeds list. We continue to promote the breed at Crufts Discover Dogs and game fairs so this number can rise again.

Above left: Ch Safe Convoy, owned by Connie Birch and the first post-war bitch Champion. Fall©

Above

Left:

owned by Misses G Harris, M Medcalf and M Abell. Anne Roslin Williams©

Judges’ Choice

We asked a number of breed-specialist and all-rounder judges to pick their three favourite Irish Terriers from those they have judged in the show ring.

KEVIN ANDERSON KERRYKEEL

I started handling, grooming and showing dogs as a junior handler 60-plus years ago. I had the privilege of working with some well-known terrier people and had a very good mentor in John Crawley. As I grew older, my passion for dogs grew stronger. I began to show my own dogs, dedicating countless hours to their grooming and training. With perseverance and a deep understanding of the breed, I was able to transform my dogs into champions, earning accolades and recognition in various competitions.

1 CH LEAD THE WAY TO MONTELLE ShCM ShCEx

This is my dog CC and BOB winner at Crufts in 2019 and he was shortlisted in the group. One of the best Irish Terriers from Ann Bradley’s Montelle kennel, which has bred excellent Irish Terriers for many years. A male with a very typical head, very correct proportions, very pleasant body structure and standard-compliant hair. Very elegant topline. I would be proud if I had bred this male.

1 CH/GER CH UOMO

MONDANO VON DER

EMSMÜHLE

I judged this dog at National Terrier in 2015, awarding him the dog Challenge Certificate and BOB. A dog of outstanding quality, good length of head, perfect ear carriage, excellent neck and shoulders. He excelled in coat with a level topline and stood out because he had a very typical Irish expression. He moved with drive and totally commanded the ring.

2 ITA CH DOONROCK CELTIC STORM

From the moment I saw him, I was impressed with his showmanship and lovely temperament. I judged him at the Word Dog Show, Italy, in 2015. He has a great coat with super colour, lovely head and expression, a very impressive dog. I liked him so much, that I used him in my breeding programme. He is the sire of my successful male Ch/Ger Ch Doyle von der Emsmühle.

2 CH MONTELLE SIRONA FLAME JW

I judged this bitch at Birmingham National in 2016, awarding her the bitch Challenge Certificate. Outstanding quality bitch of good size and proportion, well balanced and a beautiful typical Irish expression. Very eye-catching from the moment she walked into the ring and set the standard when compared to others. Typically Irish all the way, one of the best bitches in the breed at the time and one to always remember.

3 CH MAGIC HEROES COIMBRA

I judged this bitch at the German Top Dog of the Year competition in 2022. She came in with great show presence, temperament and movement. Have loved seeing her shown worldwide. Her outstanding career included gaining the bitch Challenge Certificate at Crufts in 2022. She has had high placings in the group as well as Best in Show wins.

3 INT/GER/LUX/SWE CH

BONAPARTE VON DER EMSMÜHLE

I had the pleasure to judge this dog at Crufts in 2001 and he was my dog Challenge Certificate and BOB winner. An all round very impressive dog, well-boned and powerful dog, in fantastic coat and complemented by impressive furnishings. A strong well-balanced head, good reach of neck leading into well laid-back shoulders, moved with power and drive.

HANS ERHARD GRÜTTNER EMSMÜHLE

I got my first Irish Terrier in 1972. My first litter was born in 1977 and I have been faithful to the breed. Many of my dogs have achieved their champion titles, including titles won in the UK and Ireland, international champions, World Winner and some Crufts and Best in Show winners. I have been an approved all-rounder judge (FCI/VDH) since 2012 and have been invited to judge at prestigious shows like Crufts, the World Dog Show and European Dog Show.

Hans Erhard Grüttner©

Alan Seymour©

David Dalton©

Alan Seymour© Marco Carlonaci©

Petra Platen/Hakan Skalberg©

My parents purchased our first Irish Terrier in 1958. A school friend and I entered a show and came away with a VHC. My parents and I invested in a boarding kennel and purchased my first bitch Paddy’s Girl of Montelle. Introducing new blood to my bitch line was key and I used Ch/Ger Ch Mylord von der Emsmühle, who became the sire of four UK champions including Ch Montelle Mi’ Lady JW ShCM, winner of The Kennel Club’s Junior Warrant competition at Crufts in 2006. I’ve awarded CCs on 16 occasions.

1 CH EDBRIOS DUPLICATE (IKC)

I found choosing just three dogs challenging so selected dogs that were significant to me. I judged Duplicate at National Terrier in 1992 awarding him the Reserve CC. He enjoyed a successful show career including BOB at Crufts in 1991. He proved a most influential sire and for me will hold a special place in my heart as he was sire of Ch Montelle Star Return.

2 CH/LUX/CRO/GER CH

DARREN VON DER EMSMÜHLE

Another favourite of mine was

dog CC and BIS and was a big winner on the continent. A superb example of the breed with ample substance but not coarse. An elegant dog, racy with clean lines. He was mated to Ch Montelle Mi’ Lady JW ShCM and there are now five champion descendants from this combination.

3 CH TELTOWN MICK (IMP)

I judged this dog at Crufts in 1990 awarding him the dog CC and BOB. Mick was an upstanding dog with great ring presence, he had the look of arrogance with true Irish Terrier expression. Following judging, I learnt he was the sire of Ch Carolmac Pearly Boy, another dog that had impressed me. Subsequently, Mick joined the Mikehill kennel in Sweden where he was shown with considerable success handled by Cindy Peterson.

My first judging appointment in the UK was at Christchurch & New Forest Canine Society in 1988. This was also the club open show for the Southern Irish Terrier Society and drew an entry of 37. My first appointment with CCs in the breed was in 1994 and I have judged on five further occasions. My mentors are Miss N Woodifield (Pathfinder), Mrs E M B Moore (Russetone) and Mrs J Symonds (Gabledown). There are several other excellent dogs who are now gone – Ch/Lux/Ned/Ger Ch Montelle Famous Star (Re-Imp), Ch Sujoncla Santee and Ch/Am Ch Lakeridge Cahal.

1 CH/IR CH CHANTALLE GENTLEMAN JOE AT DEHRA

My dog CC winner at the Southern Irish Terrier Society in 1994 and went Best in Show. He had a beautiful long head without being narrow, with the desired flat skull. The perfect typical expression was reinforced by well-set dark ears. He had a long well-carried neck with a deep and strong body. Good bone and very good feet. His coat was very typical, his movement and ring presence was very good.

elegant with necessary substance and good bone structure. She had a beautiful feminine expression with flat skull, well-placed dark ears and small eyes. The shoulder was well angulated. The neck was strong, and the back of moderate length. The loin was slightly arched that enhanced speed and the hocks were short and well-placed. She moved with style and her coat was excellent.

3 CH/SWE/FIN/EST/INT CH RED LUCIFER AT BONOSUE (RE-IMP)

My dog CC and BIS at the Southern Irish Terrier Society in 2018. His character and command of the ring was remarkable. Typical Irish Terrier attitude without being difficult to handle. Masculine. Wonderful head with flat skull, well-placed eyes and ears that could be a bit darker. Well angulated in front and hindquarters with short hocks. Strong back and loin with a deep body. Moved effortlessly. Superb coat, dense undercoat and good furnishings.

Courtesy of Kevin Anderson

Geoff Birch/Irish Terrier Association©

Martin Davies©

David Dalton©

ANN BRADLEY MONTELLE

LENNART STÅHLE SHALLCOME

Courtesy of ITA 2010 Year Book

Hans Erhard Grüttner©

2 CH SAREDON EASTER PARADE

My Best in Show winner at the Irish Terrier Association in 2009. She was

Darren, who I judged at the Ulster Irish Terrier Club in 2010, where he won the

My first Irish, owned in partnership, was my first Champion – Ch Saredon Sinead. My breeding programme continued with my late husband. We bred and owned many notable winners but breeding Ch/Am Ch Lakeridge Cahal in 2013 is an everlasting memory. Owned by John Averis, he was top Irish in 2014 and 2015 and top Terrier in 2015. I took on the role of Secretary for the North of England Irish Terrier Club in 2013, initially for two years. I was allowed to stand down 11 years later! Many happy memories.

1 MULTI/NORDIC CH SMOX HIS MAJESTY

My dog CC and BOB at Crufts in 2024. This dog had everything I look for. On his toes and at one with his handler. Had substance without being coarse; masculine but showing the graceful racy outline. Correct head proportions with small dark eyes and correctly placed ears. Straight front, small tight feet, shoulders well laid back and level topline with tail well set on. Correct coat and moved around the ring as if he owned it.

2

I have always been interested in all terriers and working shows. My first breed was Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I joined the Merseyside Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club committee in 1987 and now I’m the President. I have served on seven breed clubs. I joined the North of England Irish Terrier Club committee in 2007 and learned about the breed from Paul Livesey and Stan Brown. I also gained experience handling the breed on occasions for Ian Hardman. I first awarded CCs in the breed in 2014, and am approved to judge 26 Terrier breeds and the group.

the Southern Irish Terrier Society in 2021. A dog with plenty of substance and a racy outline. Strong body, well ribbed back and good lay back of shoulder. Straight front and strong hindquarters. Balanced head and typical expression, small dark eye, ears set well. Correct coat texture and well presented. He had everything I look for in an Irish; hard to beat on the day. He has also proved himself as a sire.

3 CH SAREDON MISS DAVIDSON JW

My bitch Challenge Certificate winner at Crufts in 2024. A feminine, elegant bitch who is a real showgirl. Having substance without being coarse. Lovely head and expression with small dark eye and correct ears. Good reach of neck, level topline, straight front, small tight feet and strong hindquarters. Moved and showed well. On checking my records, I judged her as a seven-month-old puppy where she had much promise. She certainly fulfilled that.

1 CH/AM CH LAKERIDGE CAHAL

I judged him in junior at my first appointment at the North of England Irish Terrier Club in 2014. Although young, he was the finished article and won the dog CC and BOB. His ring presence and attitude was exemplary. He fitted the breed standard well, good long flat skull with good ears and eyes showing expression. He had a good front, was well constructed and balanced, with a racy outline and harsh red coat.

2

My second choice was from the same show in 2014. Although a

puppy, I loved everything about her and she won the bitch Challenge Certificate. Good head showing expression, outstanding construction and balance. Good racy outline with a good topline and showing all the time. Her excellent construction showed on the move, she had a wonderful harsh red coat of correct length and was presented well. She was soon made up into a Champion when she was out of puppy.

3 CH SUNNYSTONE BRIGHT LIGHT FOR MONTELLE

I judged her in the puppy class at the Irish Terrier Association in 2021. She was constructed well, had good shape and balance, and a good racy outline with a lovely red coat. She was a bit flat but good enough to win the class. However, when she came into the challenge, she showed well, was up on her toes and took the bitch Challenge Certificate.

Hakan Skalberg©

Andrew Goodsell©

WENDY BOWER LAKERIDGE

Alan Seymour©

CH STAR DU NEUFMOULIN FOR MONTELLE (IMP BEL) My dog CC and Best in Show at

Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

Vicki Mitchell©

BOB BLACKLEY VAEVICTIS

Courtesy of Graeme Currie

CH TURITH REDDY MAID

The three Irish Terrier breed clubs offer a range of events including shows, judges training days and educational seminars, plus advice on the breed to people looking for a puppy or rehoming an older dog. It is very proactive and can also offer owners advice and help with training, socialising, breeding and health testing for their Irish Terrier. There is a well-established link between the breed and The Kennel Club on matters of health and wellbeing. Please contact a club secretary for more information.

Every year the Irish Terrier Association organises a fun day. It is open to the public and breed enthusiasts come together and meet other like-minded people with their Irish Terriers who talk to visitors thinking of getting this agile breed. As well as the Irish Terrier Association Open Show the day also includes an obedience demonstration and a puppy parade. For details on the upcoming fun day see the Irish Terrier Association Facebook page.

Irish Terrier Association

Miss Ann Bradley Tel: 01733 205386 montelle@btinternet.com irishterrierassociation.co.uk

Irish Terrier Association

By Sue York

Irish Terriers are brilliant at meet and greet and as well as attending Crufts Discover Dogs we have a presence at several game fairs around the UK. Last year we attended The Game Fair at Blenheim Palace where we were located in the Terrier tent with other lesser-known Terrier breeds, and will be there again this year when it is held at Ragley Hall, from 25 to 27 July. The team will also be attending a few of Living Heritage’s Country Fairs at Burghley, Calne and Sandringham as part of their minor breeds section in their ‘world of dogs’ area. To find out further information and see photos from past events visit the Southern Irish Terrier Society Facebook page.

Irish Terrier Association Rescue

Miss Ann Bradley Tel: 01733 205386 montelle@btinternet.com

North of England Irish Terrier Club

Mr Ian Hardman Tel: 07737 803407 ian_hardman39@yahoo.com neitc.co.uk

North of England Irish Terrier Club

North of England Irish Terrier Club Rescue

Mrs Caroline Chilvers Tel: 01642 751536 or 07769 710114 carrie1066@gmail.com

Southern Irish Terrier Society

Mr John Nevill Tel: 01869 248604 jnevill@btinternet.com southernirishterriers.co.uk

Southern Irish Terrier Society

Southern Irish Terrier Society Rescue

Mrs Jill Looker Tel: 01264 850255 jlifeofreilly@aol.com

Breed Education Co-ordinator

Mr Ian Bamsey Tel: 07885 302020 holbam1@gmail.com

Breed Health Co-ordinator

Mr John Barnes Tel: 07711 648880 barnesvets@hotmail.co.uk

GAME FAIR FUN

Courtesy of Southern Irish Terrier Society

Irish Terrier brace team.

Biscuit catching. Photos: Brian Atwell©

Best of the Best

IRISH TERRIER CRUFTS BEST OF BREED WINNERS

1984 CH MONTELLE GAMBLIN MILLAR

1985 CH TELTOWN MARGO FLASH

1986 CH NENO OF BENSHEIR

1987 CH/FCI/INT/NED/DAN CH MAGHILL OF BENSHEIR

1988 CH RED ROSETTE

1989 CH BENSHEIR MARTELLO

1990 CH TELTOWN MICK (IMP)

1991 CH EDBRIOS DUPLICATE (IKC)

1992 CH TRACKWAYS BOOGER RED (IMP)

1993 CH BENSHEIR BEAU

1994 CH GAMEKEEPER’S FERGIE (IMP)

1995 CH TUBEREASA BEAU VENTURE ARDGABHA

1996 CH TUBEREASA FORTUNE TELLER

1997 CH TUBEREASA BEAU VENTURE ARDGABHA

1998 CH BRAZAN RIESLING

1999 EBENEEZER IRONBARK AT IRVONHILL

2000 CH/LUX/NED/GER CH MONTELLE FAMOUS STAR (RE-IMPORT)

2001 INT/GER/LUX/SWE CH BONAPARTE VON DER EMSMUHLE

2002 CH FAIRYWELL’S CHOIRESTER

2003 FCI/INT/AM/SWE CH MERRYMAC X-TRA SPECIAL EDITION

2004 CH COCKSURE CALYPSO (IMP USA)

2005 CH MONTELLE MI’ LADY JW ShCM

2006 KELLS TULSA TWISTER

2007 LARKANS UDDA

2008 CH ROYAL BRYSON RULER OF DERRY

2009 CH BRAZAN SEGHILL

2010 CH DRUMBILLA MISTY LADY

2011 GER CH KELLS FIRE STORM

2012 CH/AM CH FLEET ST FENWAY FAN (IMP USA)

2013 CH FLEET ST FIRE AND ICE (IMP USA)

2014 CH/AM CH KELLS TOUCH OF FLEET ST (IMP USA)

2015 CH ROSALIND VON DER EMSMUHLE

2016 CH/AM CH LAKERIDGE CAHAL

2017 CH IRVONHILL LEAVE IT TO ME

2018 CH/AM CH LAKERIDGE CAHAL

2019 CH LEAD THE WAY TO MONTELLE ShCM ShCEx

2020 CH SIDEWATER SEA FURY

2022 CH TURITH ADONIS

2023 CH/GER CH ROYAL RUBYS’ MADE OF FIRE

2024 MULTI/NORDIC CH SMOX HIS MAJESTY

2025 MULTI/NORDIC CH SMOX HIS MAJESTY

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW JUDGES IRISH TERRIER

Start date Show Judge Sex

22/06/25 Irish Terrier Association Darren Pearson Both

26/06/25 Windsor Dog Show Society Susan Seabridge Both

24/07/25 Leeds City & District Canine Association David Bell Both 14/08/25 Welsh Kennel Club Paul Harding Both

23/08/25 North of England Irish Terrier Club Ann Bradley Both

12/09/25 Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd Mick Oxley Both

27/09/25 Belfast Dog Show Society Moray Armstrong Both

04/10/25 Southern Irish Terrier Society Ashley Price Both

11/12/25 Ladies’ Kennel Association Frances ChapmanKing Both 15/01/26 Manchester Dog Show Society Dr Ian Gabriel Both

05/03/26 Crufts Andrew Hunt Both

04/04/26 National Terrier Club James McGhie Both

22/08/26 North of England Irish Terrier Club Sandra GrantHemmings Both

Approved list of judges as of 15 May 2025. Appointments may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

For further details on upcoming shows please see: thekennelclub.org.uk/fas

NEXT MONTH

GREAT SWISS MOUNTAIN

DOG

If you would like to advertise in the July edition of the Kennel Gazette, please contact Gary Turner on 07702 881109 or email gary.turner@newhallpublishing.com

Lisa Croft Elliott/The Royal Kennel Club©

Nurturing this vivacious breed

Maintaining genetic diversity is key to the healthy future of this distinctive dog.

BY JOHN BARNES, IRISH TERRIER BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR

The Irish Terrier is a spirited, intelligent and energetic breed of terrier that is generally a very healthy dog. They can and do become affected by all types of illness and diseases just like any other dog but have few breed specific issues. They are a fairly uncommon breed but maintain quite a good genetic diversity for their numbers and in the main have vigorous health.

There are two conditions that Irish Terriers have that are breed related. One is called HFH (hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis), also known as ‘corny feet’, and is an inherited genetic disease where the affected dogs have thickening and hardening of the footpads. These can crack and split, cause pain and lameness and is difficult to manage. Today, the incidence of this disease is very low, thanks to an increased awareness of the condition and mainly due to the availability of a DNA test. The other disease that Irish Terriers get is called cystinuria. Normally, cystine is filtered in the kidney and reabsorbed within the tubules resulting in little cystine in the urine. Dogs with cystinuria (defective transport of the amino acid cystine in the kidney tubules) do not properly reabsorb the cystine (and a few other amino acids) in the kidney tubules, causing the urine to contain abnormally high levels of cystine. Cystine is very poorly soluble in neutral pH or acidic urine, so excess urinary cystine results in the formation of crystals, which in turn

can lead to formation of cystine calculi (stones) in the kidney and/or the bladder. Dogs who develop cystinuria suffer repeated urinary tract inflammations, and are at risk of a urinary blockage, which can, if not treated promptly, lead to kidney failure, bladder rupture and death.

This occurs in other breeds, too, but genetic defects and tests have been found for these breeds. However, in the Irish Terrier no genetic defects have been found, despite extensive searching and testing throughout the whole genome.

What we do know is that Irish Terriers get Type 3, male hormone-dependent

cystinuria. This is where the reabsorption mechanism of the kidney for cystine gets ‘turned off’ under the influence of entire male levels of testosterone in the blood. So only entire male dogs are affected. Amazingly, reduction of blood testosterone levels for a period of time, by castration or drugs, then allows the transport mechanism to return to normal, switching it back on and ‘cures’ the affected dog. This does mean that after the surgical removal of stones and castration, followed by a few months of dietary modifications to try to stop new stone formation, a return to normal feeding and lifestyle is possible. It was thought that only entire dogs that were fairly mature, (over three years of age) became affected, but recently there were reports of even younger dogs being affected.

Sadly, we do not know how cystinuria is inherited, or even if it is inherited in Irish Terriers, however, with treatment and neutering, affected dogs can be ‘cured’ and live a normal life. The disease is still quite rare, considering that a confirmed case was first discovered over 70 years ago. More information on both of these conditions can be found in the health section of the Irish Terrier Association website irishterrierassociation.co.uk

I am interested in monitoring confirmed cases of cystinuria in dogs under three years old, so please contact me (see page 32) with details.

Twelve-week-old puppies Dominic and Betty (front). Agata Kucza©

Hydrate with TopLife

Made from highly digestible goats’ milk, which is gentle on the tummy.

Developed with the help of a leading vet.

Used by breeders as a healthy, daily treat to complement a dog’s diet.

Helps keep your dog hydrated. Use after the daily walk, a dog park session or even at the end of a run, flyball training or agility class.

Added vitamins & minerals for a nutritionally beneficial treat. Handy cartons with easy re-closable screw cap.

Careful selection

Relatively low numbers of Irish Terriers means that rehoming is rare and, when needed, it is carefully considered.

BY JILL LOOKER, SOUTHERN IRISH TERRIER SOCIETY RESCUE CO-ORDINATOR

Irish Terrier rescue was set up over 20 years ago, not out of necessity, but that it might be needed in the future. It has grown and developed over time, and we have honed our process efficiently to ensure that we are very careful about where each dog goes.

We rehome around ten dogs a year, which isn’t that many, so we can afford to spend time on finding the right home for the dog. During the pandemic, there was a rise in demand for puppies, and people forgot how demanding an energetic puppy was, despite having previous experience of owning a dog – a lot can happen over the years! The most common reasons to rehome is usually down to a change in circumstances or ill health.

We count ourselves extremely fortunate to have a list of knowledgeable and experienced homes that we can call on to make that perfect match. We gather as much information about the dog as possible, such as temperament, has it been around children, how it behaves with other dogs, and importantly we take photos, then discuss with the potential new owner. This new owner would have previously told us what they can offer the dog, and explain their lifestyle, such as do they work from home, are they planning an imminent holiday and do they have an enclosed garden. We need a clear picture in order to ask ourselves if this would be a good fit. If everyone is happy, a meeting is set up. It can take up to two months for a dog to go to their new home, or it can happen very quickly. We don’t put any pressure on the original owner, but we aim to not prolong the painful situation.

Some requests come from new owners who

want a dog of a particular age to suit an existing dog. We have rehomed dogs from ten weeks to over 11 years old – photos really help, especially with people who have had terriers before. If we have a dog with very particular requirements and can’t find a match, their photo and details are put on the Irish Terrier Association and Southern Irish Terrier Society’s website.

Irish Terriers are intelligent, loyal and devoted. They are energetic and like to join in family activities, fun loving, sensitive to human emotions and have a great sense of humour. Too much ‘alone time’ and they will find their own amusement, which can cause problems in the home.

Lists of new owners are checked regularly to keep them current. In the past what appears to be a good home can have been filled by another dog, so a good list saves time.

We monitor internet sites and general rescue organisations, just in case an Irish Terrier comes in and we can assist with finding the right and experienced home. Devotees of the breed will bring any dog they see to our attention, which is very helpful. Dogs we have rehomed include two litter brothers. Albert was ten-weeks old when his owners realised that his energy levels far exceeded theirs. He was rehomed with a family of four who were delighted to have a young puppy to bring up. His brother Rex was 11 months old when his owner’s medical treatment left her unable to walk him. The couple who adopted him dropped everything days before Christmas to collect him. Ten years earlier they had done the same thing for their first dog, which they had from us too, and who had sadly died a few months earlier. True heroes.

Above: Albert. Courtesy of Jill Looker

Left: Patsy was rehomed last year having lived on a narrowboat on the Thames. She needed more space, and found a lovely home with Paul and Helen, who have rehomed terriers before.

Paul Williamson©

There is no stopping the Irish!

Activities the breed takes on with aplomb.

Athletes in the making

Jane England started canicross in 2008 with her Irish Terrier Mungo (Montelle Return of The King P-Beg Ex). They started mainly running 5km distances for the first few years, and eventually built up to a trail marathon and have competed all over the UK and even represented the UK in Hungary and Belgium at the European Canicross Federation Championships, that were two races of around 5km.

She now competes with Larkin (Just Larkin Around) and has completed a few races with him in the Welsh Mountains. She is hoping to run an ultra-marathon with him in the future.

Jane said: “Irish Terriers are fantastic partners for canicross. They are very athletic, they want to be involved in everything you do and love to run. It’s a great way to build a bond and explore new places.”

Eyes on me!

Sue York worked with Caoimhe (Kentredecim Starry Eyes) in obedience for around eight years and certainly had her own take on what was required of her.

Sue said: “Irish Terriers are known for being intelligent, independent, and energetic, with a mind of their own, which means they can be both easy and challenging to train. I found once Caoimhe understood an exercise and got it right, she wouldn’t repeat it more than a couple of times as she got bored and started playing to the gallery for laughs and attention. We had to move to something new so she kept focussed and paid attention, but once she knew what was needed, she entered in with great spirit.”

Tracking with Irish Terriers

Before Irish Terriers were officially recognised as a distinct breed by the founding of a breed club in Dublin 1879, they were kept on farms as ratters and intruder alarm dogs. The traits that made them excel are present in many today and can be channelled into different activities.

Seven-year-old Rocket (Pinleygreen Golden Rocket) competes in obedience and breed shows and has engaged in fun agility, barn hunt and scentwork but has a talent for tracking. Her owner Shirley McIver says that, although she learned obedience exercises easily and can do them well indoors, when outside she is distracted by grass scents and barks at unexpected noises. When tracking she has total concentration, probably due to a proclivity for hunting rats. Recently an organisation devoted to this sport has been established (uktrackingdog.com) and Shirley plans to work through the levels over the coming years.

Sue and Caoimhe. Brian Atwell©

Shirley and Rocket. Shirley McIver©

Jane and Larkin competing in the Seven Sins race last December. Paul Rubery/Image Works©

A terrier that enjoys field life

Testing the breed’s working abilities.

BY JOHN NEVILL, SECRETARY OF THE SOUTHERN IRISH TERRIER SOCIETY

The Irish Terrier is quite capable of earning its keep as a working dog. I am not a gundog trainer nor for that matter any sort of dog trainer, so this article is purely based on my own experiences. I have had a few sessions with a local gundog trainer and this has proved that Irish Terriers have the skills to work in the field.

They have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to working on a shoot.

The main strengths are:

• Enthusiastic hunters with a keen eye and sense of smell

• Natural athleticism and intelligence

• Good stamina and endurance for a day in the field

• Quick on the uptake (when it suits them!)

Weaknesses:

• Impatient to get on with the task

• Short attention span

• Generally dislike to water

• Likely to compete with other dogs for game or anything else for that matter

If you want a dog to sit patiently on a peg for the day and do long retrieves, or to fetch a duck from water, the Irish Terrier would not be your first choice. Given infinite time you might succeed but it would require a large amount of training, time and energy.

However, I believe they are ideal for flushing out game in a beating line. Indeed, it reminds me of a conversation I once had with lady picking up with two very smart Labradors: “Gosh, he is a handsome chap and what a jolly good flusher. What type is

he?” she said. “He’s an Irish Terrier” I replied, bursting with pride. “How interesting, is that a breed?” Clearly there is some way to go in heightening public awareness but pleasing to have the breed’s talents acknowledged in the field. Before I began working my Irish, I checked if they were gun-shy. There is no point in trying to make a dog do something that frightens them. One simple technique passed on to me is to desensitise the dog to loud noises, for example, by clattering their bowls. I suspect most Irish Terriers would pass this test as they are usually keen eaters. Another approach is to find a clay pigeon shoot and, starting from several hundred yards away, gradually walk the dog closer –this might take several sessions. Above all, do not start them too young and take it easy. The advantage of sticking to flushing birds from the beating line is that the training is so much simpler than for picking up and you get some exercise at the same time. Mostly the commands required are those

you will have already used in obedience training: ‘come’; ‘stay’; and ‘leave’. I cannot stress enough the importance of this basic training for all puppies (including show dogs). As part of the dog’s training: throw a dummy for a retrieve, use a long lead and you might even get it back. As with all training: reward the positive, recognise when to stop and always leave the dog wanting more. The additional help I received from an excellent field trials trainer now means my dog can change direction on the whistle and do a blind retrieve.

It takes steady work, and requires a lot of patience. The hard work does pay off, as someone came up to me after a drive last season and said, “That dog of yours, she flushed out a great bird for me, watched it climb and when I shot it, the dog anticipated where it was falling and then picked it up as it hit the ground – fantastic!” I was immensely proud to hear this, as it is a great example of positive training working with the natural Irish Terrier instinct.

‘Birds sitting tight’. During the pandemic when the team was forced to limit activities to four guns in a rough shoot. John Nevill©

A

Short back and sides, sir?

guide to knowing your breed’s coat and the best grooming techniques.

The Irish Terrier coat is of a wiry harsh texture – ideally, it’s straight without wavy kinks and curls with a broken appearance with no softness or silkiness to the touch. To keep the coat in top condition, it needs to be worked regularly by one or all of these techniques: Hand stripping, rolling and carding. Stripping a wire coat will help preserve the harsh texture and keep the dog protected from different weather conditions. There’s a wide variety of stripping tools on the market and finding the right one is a personal thing. I recommend you get a feel for the tool in your hand, experiment with what feels comfortable and then stick with it. It just needs to be blunt in order to be effective. There is only one technique for stripping though, so take time to perfect your technique.

Stripping the coat helps promote new growth. With a show dog, it’s common practice to hand strip the coat right back, and in some

BY KAREN HOBSON

cases stripping back to the skin in order to let the hair grow. This encourages healthy layers of hair to form. Pet dogs are left longer in between grooms, and their coats are stripped back each time. This results in the layers of coat not getting a chance to develop so there is no textured finish due to the amount of coat that needs to be removed. Being left too long between grooms means the coat can sometimes lose its quality, and depending on the timescale, it can become what’s known as ‘blown’, meaning the guard coat is overgrown and dies. The only thing you can do with the coat is to strip it out, exposing a new undercoat and helping to encourage healthier new growth.

Another technique is carding. This helps to remove any excess build-up of undercoat, helping the natural growth cycle, supporting the outer wire guard coat in the coat’s structure. The undercoat naturally develops into the outer wire coat that we all see and

desire. This natural cycle is broken if the coat is clipped or cut when the stripping technique is not carried out correctly. The third technique is known as rolling the coat. This involves lifting the longer guard hairs and plucking them out, helping to build and maintain a good compacted layered coat. This technique is more commonly used when maintaining a show coat, and not usually used when stripping a pet dog.

As a groomer, I am frequently asked “Can you make my Irish look like the ones at Crufts?” I would like to say yes, but it depends on the quality of coat. Not all dogs have the required wiry harshness or double coat, which means stripping can be a challenge –and sometimes impossible. This could be down to genetics, diet, timeframe between grooms, or perhaps they have been spayed or neutered. A groomer has to assess the dog thoroughly and use techniques to groom the dog to the best finish their coat will allow.

A straightforward hand strip for regular pet client ‘Haggis,’ using chalk stripping tools, scissored around the bottom area and under the throat. Everything else is hand stripped. If this was a show dog, it wouldn’t have any scissored areas and the coat would be rolled and carded.

Karen Hobson©

Bold and dashing

A selection of Irish Terrier artefacts that can be viewed in The Kennel Club Art Gallery.

‘Top O’ The Morning’, oil on canvas by Arabella Dorman, signed. Commissioned and donated to The Kennel Club by Lucy Jackson. Lucy wrote The World of Dogs: Irish Terrier, a comprehensive guide to the breed, including its origins and notable dogs and breeders from the late 18th century. She has lived with the breed her whole life and been a member of the Irish Terrier Association committee and also served as its president. A copy of this informative book is available to view in The Kennel Club Library. arabelladorman.com/ weloveirishterriers.com

Two photogravures from Maud Earl’s Terriers and Toys portfolio published by the Berlin Photographic Company, 1903.

Top left: King Edward VII’s Irish Terrier, Jack. Left: ‘Irish Members’, Frank Clifton’s Ch Mile End Muddler and Ch Munster Grip. Courtesy of The Kennel Club

TURNING HEADS

These wall plaques, known as ‘Champion Dogs’ Heads’, were the brainchild of Crown Devon director Neddy Taylor, and modelled by Kathleen Parsons. They were popular during the Art Deco period and were so highly thought of that they were an integral part of Crown Devon’s display at the Durban exhibition in South Africa in 1938. Crown Devon produced nine breeds including the Irish Terrier. Before going into production, all breeds were checked by a Crufts judge. This Irish Terrier was based on Ch Wolstanton Bridgeen, who gained her title in 1936, winning CCs at both Cruft’s Dog Show and National Terrier. She was registered as red wheaten, bred by Mr T Hegarty, and owned by Mrs M Plant, a successful breeder in Airedale Terriers during the 1930s.

Our thanks to Nick Waters and his article The Dog in Art published in the Dog World Annual, 1995, for the background of these eye-catching heads. This particular head belongs to Ann Bradley, whose mother bought it around 50 years ago for £350, which was a lot money then. It is one of her treasured possessions.

If you have a collection of breed artwork that you would like to share with our readers, please contact the editor at kennel.gazette@thekennelclub.org.uk

Ch Belfast Erin, oil on canvas by Maud Earl, signed and dated 1898. Courtesy of The Kennel Club

Irish Terrier Club certificate awarded to Ch Belfast Erin at the Belfast Show on 2 November 1897. This award was given for the best Irish Terrier in the limit classes. Courtesy of The Kennel Club Arts Foundation

FAVOURITE DOG WALKS

Ridgeway loop

BY SUE YORK

South Oxfordshire is the destination for members of the Southern Irish Terrier Society to enjoy walks of varying lengths.

For some years the Southern Irish Terrier Society has organised a summer breed walk, currently in Blewbury village, South Oxfordshire. We meet at Savages farm shop and nursery car park and distribute maps.

Our walk has two routes: one is about an hour and the second is about two hours. Both are in a loop around the Ridgeway. The track can be steep, uneven and unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The walk is also across farmland, and our dogs have to be kept on their leads. There is also a shorter road walk for younger or older dogs (or less able walkers).

WALKING TIPS

Sensible seasonal footwear recommended

Free car parking at Savages (with consideration to their patrons)

Style Acre Tea Room takes cash and card payments

Please see the Southern Irish Terrier Society website or Facebook page for more details: southernirishterriers.co.uk facebook.com/Southern IrishTerrierSociety

When the weather is fine, the views across the countryside are beautiful. These walks attract families, and many come from quite a distance to meet other Irish Terriers. They have become so popular that we now hold a winter walk just after Christmas following the same routes. This January we attracted 45 dogs, which is a good turn out, but our summer walk usually involves many more dogs.

At the end of the walk, we receive a friendly welcome at the Style Acre Tea Room at Savages. It is a charity that gives work experience and employment to adults with learning disabilities and autism. We ask our members to make a donation for each dog attending and all money raised goes to the charity.

Our walks have inspired society members to organise their own walks in other parts of the country that have proved very successful with many Irish Terrier enthusiasts.

If there is a walk/trail that you would like to share with our readers, please get in touch with the editor – details on page 3.

Photos: Simon Jones©

HAVE YOU TRIED AIR-DRIED?

AIR-DRIED TO PERFECTION HANDCRAFTED IN YORKSHIRE USING THE FINEST BRITISH MEAT

For over a decade, we’ve been crafting award-winning air-dried food and treats for dogs & cats. It’s time your hound tried air-dried: theinnocenthound.co.uk