Kennel Gazette March 2025

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COVER IMAGE: Limartine Reddy To Run (AW(S)), ‘Zym’, owned by Georgia Hatton (former member of the Young Kennel Club) and bred by Lisa Mault. The first Australian Silky Terrier to achieve a Silver Agility Warrant. Georgia said: “Zym is just fun! He is up for anything, anytime, but equally happy to be cuddled up inside with his people.” See page 40 to read more about Zym’s love of agility. David Midgley©

Contents March 2025

Opinion

04 Kennel Club news

A new addition to Crufts Discover Dogs, the story behind the Boston Terrier and farewell to Bill Lambert

Features

06 Mad, bad and dangerous to know

The last resting place of poet Lord Byron’s beloved dog, a Newfoundland called Boatswain. Plus World Book Day

08 Judging perfection

Patsy Hollings tells us about how her career with dogs has culminated in being chosen as Crufts 2025 Best in Show judge

16 It seems like only yesterday

We look back on the history of the Young Kennel Club as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year

EXCITING NEWS FOR OUR MEMBERS!

24 Artists of the future

We discover how the Young Kennel Club helped members find their artistic flair and encouraged them to great success

Health matters

12 A remarkable journey

When puppy Zola shattered her hip, she underwent a femoral head ostectomy and after months of physiotherapy, is now capable of almost anything

Judges’ Choice

28 Australian Silky Terrier

We look at this friendly, active breed, its history and show ring success, the latest on the health of the breed and its rescue status. Meet cover dog Zym and find out about other activities the breed enjoys. Plus five judges choose their three favourite Australian Silky Terriers they have judged in the show ring

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.

Valerie Foss was a great advocate for the Young Kennel Club and could see the importance of the youth in dogdom. She supported its development by being its Chairman (2009-2012) and President (2012 to 2019). In 2014, Charlotte Westerman won YKC Artist of the Year, and Valerie Foss and Paul MacBeth, Kennel Club Honorary member and library and gallery panel member, presented the award at Crufts. See page 16. OnEdition/The Kennel Club©

Kennel Club News

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

One to look out for at Crufts

A breed making its debut at Crufts Discover Dogs this year is the Polish Hunting Dog. This handsome scenthound, known in their home country as Gonczy Polski, originated in Poland where their traditional function is hunting boar, singly or in packs, in forested and mountainous terrain. They are noted for their agility, courage and are daring in the field due to their strong sense of smell, but are also popular in their homeland as active and loyal family pets.

Prospective owners should note that they appreciate lots of exercise to keep them in great physical and mental condition. The

breed was recognised by The Kennel Club on 1 April 2024 and can be found in the Hound group. It currently sits on the Imported Breed Register.

The breed’s Discover Dogs booth will be a wonderful sight, as organiser Olga Sienko-Tutton has arranged for some breed enthusiasts to dress in Polish national dress, highlighting what handlers wear in the show ring in their native country. This is the perfect place to ask the experts any questions, for example, what is the breed like to live with, as Olga tells people “they are very loyal and need a big fenced garden, which they see as their job to keep safe.”

Why does my dog..?

Your dog behaviour questions answered by Carolyn Menteith, dog trainer and behaviourist.

Q Why does my dog turn around on the spot before going to the toilet?

A Most owners are familiar with the ‘poo dance’ – that circling that happens before your dog finally gets down to business. The circling fulfils a variety of functions – some practical and some that have been handed down to our modern dogs from their less domesticated ancestors.

The most useful of these is that it flattens down grass or vegetation that could trap faeces and prevent it dropping to the ground – and potentially creating ‘poo bum’ (owners of longhaired dogs know all about this!). It also helps to clear the area of bugs, reptiles etc that might be lurking in the grass or soil.

Pooping is a time of vulnerability, and so circling also gives dogs a chance to have a good look around the area to check there are no immediate threats. It might also help stimulate the bowels and so make for easier defecation.

There could, however, be a more intriguing reason. A study in 2013 by the Czech University of Life Sciences involved 70 dogs – and 1,893 poops. It suggested that dogs prefer to defecate along the north/south axis of the Earth’s magnetic field, and that aligning themselves with that can take a little time (this is called magnetoception).

This hasn’t been replicated in other studies, however – but you might want to get your compass out and decide for yourself!

If you have a question for Carolyn, please email it to the editor at kennel.gazette@ thekennelclub.org.uk

Courtesy of Marta Kapelska

The rise of the Boston

We are grateful to a Kennel Club member who recently sent us this striking image of Hooper Mansion on Beacon Street on the Back Bay area of Boston, Massachusetts. Its significance will not be lost on Boston Terrier enthusiasts for it was to here that Robert C Hooper imported the foundation of the breed – a dog known as Hooper’s Judge.

Bred in Liverpool, he was a cross between a Bulldog and an English White Terrier – a popular show dog when conformation showing developed in the 1860s, but never achieved great popularity beyond the show scene. Its decline was swift – they were registered only intermittently in the Edwardian period, and the final registration, just one dog, was in 1912. Hooper’s Judge inherited the brindle markings from the Bulldog and white markings from the English White Terrier, with the smart brindle/ white combination being the accepted colour of the breed today.

The first Boston Terrier breed club was founded in the 1890s in Boston, where membership was confined to wealthy merchants and native Bostonians. Its fame soon spread throughout America and by the early 1950s it became the USA's most popular breed.

Farewell to Bill

At the end of March The Kennel Club will bid farewell to Bill Lambert, its Executive for Health, Welfare and Breeder Services, as he retires. Bill joined The Kennel Club in 2004, but was no stranger to the organisation, having been a Kennel Club member since April 1994 before transitioning to join the staff team. As a passionate dog enthusiast, Bill was frequently called upon for media interviews as a dog expert well before joining the Club. Executive for the Health, Welfare and Breeder Services team, he also served as an official spokesperson, adeptly representing The Kennel Club in interviews from Jeremy Vine and Jeremy Kyle to Nick Ferrari and Victoria Derbyshire, from BBC Breakfast to the New York Times.

Bill has also been a key figure in Parliament, representing The Kennel Club many times, including his involvement in the Dog Breeding Select Committee All-Party Group for Animal Welfare and the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group, not to mention his involvement in the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes and the International Partnership for Dogs. He has a lifelong passion for Bull Terriers, and has remained dedicated to the breed. His commitment for health and ethical breeding practices has always been a driving force throughout his career

at the Club. One of his notable achievements was his involvement and influence in establishing and developing the Assured Breeders scheme, a pioneering initiative when nothing similar existed.

Bill’s breeding achievements include producing multiple champions, with many notable successes, including winning Best of Breed at Crufts on three occasions. As he enters retirement with his two Miniature Bull Terriers, his cat and wife Carolyn by his side, The Kennel Club will be sad to see him go, but grateful for his legacy of dedication to dogs that will continue to influence The Kennel Club and dog breeding community.

Thank you, Bill – enjoy your well-deserved rest and the amazing accolade of presenting the Terrier group trophy at Crufts. We know you will remain part of the Club for a long time to come!

Rachel Oates/The Kennel Club©

Mad, bad and dangerous to know

‘To

mark a friend’s remains, these stones arise. I never knew but one and here he lies’.

It was the 200th anniversary of the death of Lord Byron on 19 April 2024. Hailed by many as the greatest Romantic poet of all time, a series of events were held in 2024 and continue through to April 2025 to commemorate this young Lord. Many of these were held at his ancestral home, Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire. It is also this location that is the final resting place of Byron’s beloved dog, a Newfoundland called Boatswain, in a marble tomb that is larger than Byron’s own. It is certain that Boatswain died of rabies in 1808, which was widespread in England at the time, due to his having been bitten by a rabid dog while following the post-boy into Mansfield – a frequent habit of his.

A lifelong animal lover, Byron nursed the

BY DEL RICHARDS

Boatswain, wiping away saliva with his bare hands as the dog suffered seizures, with no fear for his own safety. He later wrote to his good friend, Francis Hodgson that, despite the dog’s suffering, Boatswain never attempted to injure any person near him. The marble tomb was commissioned not only as the resting place for Boatswain but Byron’s will (against the advice of his solicitors) stated that he was also to be laid to rest with his dog and his manservant. Byron also stipulated that his interment was to be without a burial service and with no inscription save his name and age. Conversely, Boatswain was given an honourable epitaph, in the form of a poem (reproduced on the next page) written by Byron and it is still legible today, thanks to

a renovation carried out in 1987. There is also an inscription above the poem written by Byron’s friend, John Hobhouse. Byron was in considerable debt and sold Newstead Abbey in 1817. He lived abroad until his death in 1824. As per his request, his body was embalmed and brought back to England where, unfortunately, due to protests from the new owner, was refused permission to be buried with his dog and was subsequently taken to the family plot at St Mary Magdalene, Hucknall.

In 2008, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Boatswain’s death, a group of Newfoundland owners and their dogs gathered at the tomb and laid posies there. A similar gesture was carried out to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Byron.

Above and opposite page: In 2008, Newfoundland owners and their dogs marked the 200th anniversary of Boatswain’s death. Courtesy of the Northern Newfoundland Club Right: The inscription on Boatswain’s monument. Shutterstock

Epitaph to a Dog

When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth, Unknown to Glory but upheld by Birth, The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe, And storied urns record who rests below: When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen Not what he was, but what he should have been.

But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend, Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone, Unhonour’d falls, unnotic’d all his worth, Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth: While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven, And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour, Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power, Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust, Degraded mass of animated dust!

Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat, Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!

By nature vile, ennobled but by name, Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.

Ye! who behold perchance this simple urn, Pass on, it honours none you wish to mourn.

To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise; I never knew but one – and here he lies.

World Book Day

To mark World Book Day on Thursday 6 March, The Story of Matilda Jacqueline Rouselle was released earlier this year priced £7.99, and is aimed at 7-9 year olds. Written by Shona Masters and illustrated by Lee Webb, this is the first book in a trilogy, the second and third to be printed later this year by Jelly Bean Books.

Reviewed by Carrie Thomas

This book introduces readers to a little white Jack Russell, Matilda Jacqueline Rouselle, or Tilly for short, who begins life as a rescue, but is welcomed into the home of Mr and Mrs Finch, which is only the beginning of her adventures. She encounters other abandoned dogs and turns their lives around – one being Dachshund, Wilson. Their relationship develops and they become a quirky double act.

It is a sweet, short book told through each dog’s viewpoint that appealed to my seven-year-old son, who thinks our Pembroke Corgis secretly dream of being dog detectives. I particularly liked Wilson’s ability to skateboard, as our super hounds come to the rescue in chapter three, with added relief that he knows how to stop the board! It is definitely a book that will open young minds to heartbreaking stories of rescue, but with excitement and fun along the way. Shona Masters said: “Children understand that the emotion of hate is not a good emotion to have. No animal hates. This is the message I want to try and convey to the reader, young and old.”

Reading should be fun, and I for one love to hear what dogs have to say. This book ignites imagination and is the perfect gift for World Book Day – a registered charity aimed at 7-11 year olds that aims to give every child and young person a book of their own. I’m really looking forward to the next book called The Story of Matilda Jacqueline Rouselle: Here We Go Again.

Judging perfection

Crufts 2025 Best in Show judge Patsy Hollings talks to the Kennel Gazette about how her life working with dogs has led to this prestigious appointment.

Congratulations on your appointment at Crufts, you must be really looking forward to the big day?

I am, it would be silly not to look forward to such a great event and it is humbling to have gained the respect of those who have afforded me this great honour. It is a bit like Christmas, waiting to open your presents. I am sure the breed and group judges will send through quality dogs. It’s all very exciting!

How many times have you officiated at the show before?

I think most who know me, know how bad I am at ‘paper work’ and technology, so am I excused if I say, many more times than I ever expected to and have always loved each appointment. At Crufts, a judge has the best of the best including dogs from abroad and as such one can get the teeth in and have the delight of going over many quality dogs. After all, that is what a judge should be

doing – rewarding healthy and good examples of the breed to take a breed forward, so that future owners can have the pleasure of the ‘new’ member of their family.

Our readers would like to know a little more about the breeds you have owned and showed. Can we ask what they are and what attracted you to them?

Stephen and I have worked on farms all our lives. When we married and lived in a house of our own, we missed having animals. My sister had an English Setter that had a litter and gave us one of the puppies. We went to a Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) show with her and caught the bug! A few years later we fancied another gundog breed, and started looking at German Shorthaired Pointers, Hungarian Vizslas and Weimaraners. I didn’t mind which we had as long as it wasn’t the grey ones with the yellow eyes, but that’s exactly what we ended up with – and

everyone thinks I am the boss! We always had a Norfolk Terrier at home, since our daughter got scared by mice going to tend her ponies. Needless to say, they are not the most terrifying terrier. We also have had connections by either owning or showing Vizslas, Field Spaniels, Pointers and Golden Retrievers.

How many champions have you had in these breeds?

One Show Champion English Setter, various Challenge Certificates, Reserve Challenge Certificates with others and, according to David Alcorn and Gavin Ingram, who are fantastic at keeping records, 104 UK champion Weimaraners. We are very proud that well over half of those were in other folks’ ownership.

How did you choose your kennel prefix? We wanted something short, easy to

Photo courtesy of Patsy Hollings

“Each appointment gives me joy. I actually have a lot to thank South Wales Kennel Association for, for my first set of Challenge Certificates and my first Best in Show appointment”

remember and easy to say. Having ideas above our station, we felt ‘Gun’ would be a good start and having used a Thumall English Setter dog in our breeding, we felt that affix rolled off the tongue hence, Gunalt became our choice.

Have you had any particularly memorable wins and does one show dog stand out? We have enjoyed numerous memorable wins. Karen Whitehead’s Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Gunalt Harris Tweed and Sh Ch Gunalt De Ice at Stridview both became record holders of Challenge Certificates handled in the main by Jacqui Ward and she also took De Ice to Best in Show at championship level. The current breed record holder with numerous notable wins is David Alcorn and Gavin Ingram’s Sh Ch Gunalt Hendricks. However, Stephen’s great love will always be Sh Ch Gunalt Obsession and mine would be Sh Ch Hansom Portman of Gunalt.

Have you had a particular memorable judging appointment?

What a question to ask me! Each appointment gives me joy. I actually have a lot to thank South Wales Kennel Association for, for my first set of Challenge Certificates and my first Best in Show appointment. My first Challenge Certificate appointment was 11 July 1987 with Weimaraners.

I was invited to do my first Best in Show on 7 July 2007, the year the show was nearly cancelled due to the ground being flooded. It was mainly the work of Gordon Rual and Clive Davies who got the show moved to Southern Counties Showground at Newbury. My grateful thanks, primarily to those two, has never diminished.

Who were your greatest influences in your chosen breeds?

In English Setters, Ray and Doreen Armstead

and Rene Goutorbe. In Weimaraners, Dick Finch and with hindsight Margaret Holmes, who was the most amazing leader and produced a great club and memorable shows.

In breeding David and Mic Layton of German Shorthaired Pointer fame, helped us with genetics and keeping a clear view. In judging Ellis Hulme, Terry Thorn, Peter Winfield, Ronnie Irving, oh so many.

As a respected judge in demand, where have your overseas’ appointments taken

Above: Patsy with Sh Ch Hansom Brandyman of Gunalt, their first Show Champion Weimaraner. Stephen with Sh Ch Gunalt Anais-Anais. Courtesy of The Essential Weimaraner by Patsy Hollings

Left: Sh Ch Hansom Portman of Gunalt. M Trafford©

Below: Patsy with home-bred English Setter, Gunalt Golden Gale. David Dalton©

“If someone is an expert, they must be dead, as we never stop learning as long as we live”

you and were any of these particularly memorable?

I am amazed that, as a country lass, I have travelled the world and been to places that would never be found if on holiday. I love Scandinavia. While in Russia, I was taken to the forest to watch handlers train dogs on wild boar, raccoon etc., to find and point them. In Kenya, I have fed giraffes, which was amazing. Each appointment has been exciting, interesting and a learning curve.

Do you have a view about the present show scene in the UK and overseas?

In the UK I am concerned about the negativity on social media and the influence it can have. It has always been that some like to have a bit of a moan if they aren’t happy, but now they put so much in print, which is there forever. There is a lot of belief in false knowledge and I am worried that, without as much face-to-face conversations, there isn’t the understanding as to why some exhibitors can be consistently successful. Having conversations to understand why,

in certain instances, this might be the case I think would be greatly beneficial and would help to improve relationships. In many countries, the judge will provide individual critiques and they are published immediately, competitors can speak to the judge after judging has finished and learn from the comments. Likewise, the judge needs to have the ability to understand breed requisites and indeed construction. Therefore, verbal interaction makes for better understanding all round. I have a saying: “If someone is an expert, they must be dead, as we never stop learning as long as we live.”

It’s always interesting to hear what dog people have done in a professional capacity. Can you share this with us – and may we ask if it has helped you in any way in your judging career?

We have always had boarding kennels and hydrotherapy for our dogs and those referred to by a vet. Having come from a stock background and both of us being part of the YFC, we participated in stock judging, in fact,

Stephen has been really successful. YFC also held public speaking competitions and our small club qualified for the national finals. This has taught us empathy with animals and what constitutes sound construction, so each breed of animal could fulfil its potential healthily. Isn’t that what we want to achieve in breeding, showing and judging dogs? Affinity and respect for ‘mother nature’ – she always has the final say.

Patsy Hollings thank you, and we hope you enjoy your time at Crufts 2025.

Left: Patsy judged the Gundog group at Birmingham National in 2024 and her winner was Clumber Spaniel, Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, owned and bred by Lee Cox. Pictured with Nick Gourley, Chairman of Birmingham National (far left). Alan Seymour© Far left: Patsy with Sh Ch Gunalt Obsession. Rayner©

Above: In 2024, Patsy judged Labrador Retrievers at the World Dog Show in Croatia and her Best of Breed winner was Rodstar Rocks Owen, owned by Franco Barberi from Italy. Franco also went Reserve Best in Show at Crufts in 2013 with Sh Ch/Ita Ch Loch Mor Romeo. Courtesy of Patsy Hollings

A remarkable journey

Zola’s spirit and determination after a fateful accident shows that anything is possible.

BY WENDY BEASLEY

I thought long and hard about keeping a pup from what could well be my last litter of Stardell pups. I have bred this line of dual-registered working collies for over 50 years and, although none of them are doing what the breed was originally bred for, they are nearly all working dogs with numerous qualifications, awards and successes in various disciplines. My own activity of choice is working trials, which was originally set up as a means of testing the health structure and working abilities of the German Shepherd Dog.

Working trials combines nosework, obedience and agility into formidable and challenging sets of tests, not least because the agility section consists of a 3ft hurdle, an 8ft long jump and a 5ft 6in scale, which the dog must climb, wait on the other side, and then return. The nosework section is equally difficult with both tracking and searching on any terrain in any conditions, and the obedience section includes heelwork, recalls, retrieve, sendaway, redirect and speak, so quite a lot for dogs and handlers to learn.

No longer in the first flush of youth, at 72 years old I wondered if I was up to training another pup to do

all this, or whether it was time to hang up the harness, and then came the litter and, of course, I kept one. How could I not? So, Stardell Zola arrived in 2021.

To say Zola is a force of nature would be an understatement, and although I have long bred this line to have drive and tenacity, Zola was beyond anything I’d ever bred, owned or trained before. She was born to work and soaked up training like a sponge, but, in addition to this, she seemed to have a sort of death wish and threw herself around with no care or fear for her own safety. I remember telling a friend that if she reached maturity in one piece it would be a miracle. Sadly, she didn’t.

At five months old she threw a toy into the air in the kitchen on the tiled floor and jumped to catch it. She slipped and the noise I heard when she hit the floor was both sickening and unforgettable. Zola had not just broken her hip, but shattered it. On a subsequent X-ray it looked like a smashed windscreen with cracks all over. My vet couldn’t believe she was still walking.

I had two options – a hip replacement, which in dogs in not known to be particularly successful in the long term; or a femoral head ostectomy which, although drastic, would free her from pain, and with the right amount of work would give her some degree of mobility. This operation removes the ball at the top of the femur, leaving the leg with no connecting joint and only ligaments holding it in place. To be of use, this has to be supported by muscle that is strong enough to replace the role of the joint. This muscle is virtually non-existent after the surgery and must be built up by months of physiotherapy. However, in the vet’s words, “She’ll never do your game.”

The choice was already made. I couldn’t leave her in pain, and if she couldn’t work then she could still lead a relatively good life. I booked her in, but just before the surgery was done, I watched a YouTube video which showed a dog in the USA after the same surgery. Initially it wasn’t a pleasant watch, with the

Below: Post-operation and in recovery.

dog totally disabled, but then I watched the work his dedicated owners put in, and 12 months later the dog was out working, doing all the things that our working dogs do. Right, I thought, I could do this, and I would.

When Zola came back from surgery I was devastated, I couldn’t believe this was a good idea as her leg hung uselessly and she had no ability to control it. As she tried to rush about on her remaining three legs the damaged one dangled and hit things as she turned. It was just horrible. Nevertheless, I stuck to my plan, and over the next few months we walked miles together. Starting out with six five-minute walks a day, it went to six 15 minutes then four 30 minutes. All on the lead and, to begin with, at a snail’s pace. The idea was to get her to use the leg by moving too slowly to allow her to carry it. Zola had other ideas and pulled like a train. For the first time in over 50 years of dog training, I bought every gadget known to man and dog to try and slow her down. I tried a varied-but-kind selection of training methods to stop her pulling and damaging herself. Every walk was a battle of wills, but I so much admired her determination.

In addition to the walks, we had to carry out manipulation exercises several times a day that encouraged her to stand on the leg, go from sit to stand and take a biscuit off the stairs meaning she had to reach up and stand on her back legs. In time we put out an air bed to walk her across and a friend gave us a treadmill, so she would walk on this several times a day as well.

She learned to put her front paws on a slope or a raised platform, so the weight was transferred to the back legs and her ultimate joy was the weekly hydrotherapy sessions, which she absolutely loved.

Months went by and Zola grew stronger, carried the leg less and used it more, until the magical day I could let her off the lead and let her run. Although Zola had never been down or depressed throughout

all the months of hard work, her joy when she could finally run free brought tears to my eyes. Then we started training her.

Knowing she could feel no pain from her injury I wondered how much she could achieve – and the answer was everything! She tracks, she searches, she does all the obedience exercises and, amazingly, she jumps! She has achieved full size on all three jumps.

I entered her in her first Companion Dog Stake and could never have dreamed this day would come. We both made a hash of our first attempt at CDEx (Companion Dog Excellent), but second time out she qualified in fine style and came second in the stake.

When I looked at her little broken body at five months old there seemed little hope that she would ever reach this stage, and she’s only two years old now. What a dog! Zola is by far the strongest, most determined and most committed dog I have ever known, and I am in awe of her spirit.

Above: Zola won UK Dog Sport Novice in August 2023.

Above left: Zola with the support from her family.

Eight months later – September 2024

Zola is now three years old, and I can only compare her to a Paralympian competing against the able-bodied. Once fully recovered, we had a go at UK Dog Sport Novice level, a chance to see what she could do without worrying about the jumps, and she won it. So, we started training the working trial jumps, although I couldn’t believe she would be able to do them. Obviously, the scale looked the most daunting of the obstacles, but once we started training, she amazed me. It seemed there was nothing she couldn’t do – and do well. She absolutely loved jumping.

The only difficulty we had was with the 3ft hurdle, which strangely enough she found the most challenging. The long jump and scale were trained like any other dog, and she had no problem with either.

I was surprised that the hurdle presented her biggest challenge, but when I think about it, all the power for this jump comes from behind. The long jump is accomplished with speed and the scale with hook on and pull, but the hurdle is all about power from the rear. It was clear she needed more of a run up than my previous dogs but then she often took off too early. This is down to technique rather than any lack of ability and it’s something we are still working on but suffice to say when she gets it right, it’s breathtaking. When we entered our first Companion Dog Stake, all sorts of things went wrong, and her excitement and my nerves did not make for a good performance, but since then she hasn’t looked back and has qualified CDEx, UDEx (Utility Dog Excellent) and Working Dog Open in fine style with her first attempt at WDEx (Working Dog Excellent) in a couple of weeks.

The future is bright!

As of October Zola qualified in two WDEx Stakes, allowing her to work Tracking Dog Open. Once she

qualifies for this twice she can enter Tracking Dog Championship and try for her TDEx (Tracking Dog Excellent) and then, who knows, maybe her Working Trials Champion title too.

Paul and I often credit our dogs with their own special song, and all of them have a song that sums them up. We had no problem thinking of Zola’s song – Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys.

LOOKING FORWARD

I wouldn’t presume to recommend this to anyone as it took so much dedication and hard work which shouldn’t be underestimated. Without insurance this would not have been possible as, in addition to the operation, the months of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy ate into both time and finances, as well as continuous visits to the vet. Many dogs would not have the tenacity and determination to overcome this operation, and I wouldn’t want anyone to approach it with Zola’s story in mind, without first considering the longer version, of despair, heartache, self-doubt and sheer exhaustion that went with it. I’m not even sure I could do it again knowing what I know now. Anyone considering it should realise that, even with the right dog, achieving these results will take a huge chunk out of their life where rehabilitation is a full-time job. That said, my only regret is that the accident happened in the first place.

Above left: Zola’s first qualification CDEx at ASPADS trial in Oxford, February 2024.

Above right: Zola won Working Dog Open at ASPADS trial in Scarborough, August 2024.

Photos courtesy of Wendy Beasley

Above: Doing what she loves, while the judge looks on.

Getting to the hip of the problem

Zola’s accident brings to light the options available to owners of dogs with trauma injury or disease that severely affect the hip joint.

BY DEL RICHARDS

In such severe cases where surgical intervention is necessary, the main two courses of action are either a total hip replacement (THR) or a femoral head ostectomy (FHO). Both procedures have their pros and cons, which are also dependant on the age, size and unique situation of the dog. A THR involves removing both the ball and socket of the hip and replacing them with a man-made implant of metal alloy such as metal or plastic. Generally, vets prefer to perform a THR as they are of the opinion that this has the highest expectation of the dog resuming a completely pain-free life. An added factor is that the leg will remain the same length as before the surgery and should allow a normal walking gait when healed. The downside to the THR is due to the complex nature of the procedure plus the risk of introducing a permanent ‘foreign body’ into the dog that heightens the possibility of complication. In young dogs, the preferred method is to wait until they have reached 12 months before operating. Obviously this was not an option for poor Zola, who was in pain following her accident.

The second procedure (FHO) is a slightly less complex or expensive solution and is the surgery of choice for younger or less heavy dogs. In this option, only the ball of the femur is removed and no implant is used to replace it thus reducing the instances of complications – relying instead on the scar tissue forming a false joint. This usually means an easier recovery for the dog, although a longer rehabilitation period due to a slightly shorter leg and an altered walking pattern. Although this procedure appears to be relatively successful in smaller, lighter dogs, in the 1980s a Newfoundland bitch, who severely injured her femur as a puppy, underwent this procedure. Her rehabilitation time was lengthy but she lived in an environment where conditions advanced her recovery. Although she did not take part in activities, such as Zola is doing, she lived a normal life. As a young adult, her single hip was X-rayed and evaluated by a British Veterinary Association panel vet, and it was discovered that her remaining hip had no issues and no signs of excess wear and tear.

Aftercare is of primary importance following an FHO and, although not as effective in eliminating all pain as a THR, appropriate exercise is paramount. Wendy Beasley certainly went above and beyond the level of aftercare and it is reflected in Zola’s activities today, but for anyone contemplating this option, it is essential that a thorough rehabilitation programme is followed to the letter. Long-term management is also important to prevent muscle wastage or over-exertion.

It is interesting to note Zola’s slight difficulty in negotiating the hurdles and that Wendy has identified the need to have more balanced weight bearing from the rear to do this.

A nutrient-rich diet is also recommended to support long-term joint health in FHO patients – these can include supplements such as fish oil or flaxseed, as well as chicken, turkey or fish for healthy muscle, and antioxidants such as blueberries or spinach to combat oxidative stress.

Zola’s journey has been remarkable and should give hope to other owners who have to undertake this route.

Another Newfoundland called Peter who had a femoral head ostectomy in the 1990s. Sheena McDonald©

It seems like only yesterday

As the Young Kennel Club celebrates its 40th anniversary, we look back over the years and hear about its lasting influence from former members.

At Crufts 2025, the Young Kennel Club (YKC) ring, located as usual in Hall 3, will be a hive of activity with current and former competitors, trainers, volunteers and leaders paying tribute to the past four decades.

The YKC owes its existence to the vision of one person: Daphne MacDougall. Daphne was instrumental during the 1980s in convincing The Kennel Club that young people needed a club and a voice of their own within the organisation.

BY MARINA WHITE

In 1985, The Kennel Club founded the first membership organisation for young people and it was officially launched at Crufts in the same year. It was known as the Kennel Club Junior Organisation, or KCJO for short. Back then, the country was split into eight regions and The Kennel Club’s General Committee appointed a leader for each region to organise their own activities, with a number of national competitions throughout the year. The age range was eight to 18 years.

Angela Cavill was one of the original regional organisers and shared this memory: “When the Chairman of The Kennel Club, John MacDougall, phoned out of the blue, I was completely taken by surprise. However, it transpired that his wife, Daphne, was keen to start a section of The Kennel Club for young people. I knew both of them quite well and, as I was a teacher, Mr MacDougall approached me with the idea

first. Of course, I agreed immediately and so the KCJO began.”

One of the highest accolades available to KCJO members in the early days was to win the Shaun McAlpine award. The trophy was donated to the KCJO in 1985 and the first winner, in 1986, was Rebecca Box. Shaun McAlpine was a junior who was dedicated to the world of dogs, but his life was tragically cut short. Each year at Crufts, the Shaun McAlpine Memorial Trophy is awarded to someone who has contributed to the canine world and has played a major role in a number of canine activities.

Despite there being a number of regional and national competitions run for the first few years, Crufts scheduled no classes for the younger generation until the 1990s. By 1991, the KCJO at Crufts was putting on finals in a variety of disciplines including

stakes, obedience, agility, show handling, a quiz and there was even a members’ lounge.

Daniel Roberts joined the organisation in 1987 and was successful in show handling and stakes disciplines with his Dachshunds. He said: “Back then, the competition was high both in the quality of exhibits and handling. However, one thing that has not changed over the 40 years is the support and encouragement that all the youngsters give to each other. The YKC Stakes finals at Crufts have continued to be the highlight in any youngster’s calendar. My fondest and proudest memory remains with me to this day, when my Long Haired Dachshund won the KCJO Hound Stakes class at Crufts in 1990 under judge Lionel Hamilton Renwick. I remember the excitement, nervousness and adrenaline rush of entering the main arena for the very first time, an experience that never leaves you!”

Addrienne Frost-Treadwell was one of the KCJO’s first members and remained a member until 1992. She participated in the organised quizzes, agility, obedience, stakes and handling and she also achieved some stewarding badges. She said: “My greatest memory was winning the show handling final in 1991 and seeing the proud look on my dad’s face. That moment will last a lifetime. I’ve had nearly 50 years of funny stories, but at Crufts in 1991 I had my first

A photo taken from the Dog World Annual 1986. The caption reads: “An outstanding feature of 1985 has been the success of the Kennel Club Junior Organisation. Many rallies, competitions and special classes were run. The first event was at Birmingham National, where KC secretary Mr Martin Sinnatt, and General Committee vice-chairman Brigadier Alec Campbell, are seen with some of the keen young members.” Also pictured is Jacqui Walmsley, second from the right. Hartley©

ever glass of champagne. ‘Squiffy’ is the best word to describe how I felt! I didn’t realise at the time that I would have the honour of going into the big ring under the main lights. I was very excited and felt a little strange when I was called to go to the collecting ring. I can remember vividly Liz Cartledge coming over to me giving me the once over and telling me to brush my hair and brush the dog hairs off my suit as she said: ‘You can’t go out there looking like you do!’ It was sobering to say the least.”

Angela Cavill was instrumental in the birth of the popular quiz competitions. She said: “I used to produce quarterly magazines for my area, among other things, and in due course other activities followed. When I held the first final at The Kennel Club, I had asked Averil Cawthera-Purdy to bring a

“My greatest memory was winning the show handling final in 1991 and seeing the proud look on my Dad’s face”

Samoyed – a precursor to today’s ‘points of the dog’ – to Clarges Street. Averil arrived and was refused entry. The time of the quiz drew near and we had no dog! Finally, it transpired that in those days, dogs were not allowed in The Kennel Club. Luckily we got special dispensation from the Chairman!” National Camp was another successful addition to the programme of events within the KCJO. The first National Camp was held from 9-15 August 1992 at Cobham Hall in Kent, set in a beautiful Elizabethan house,

glorious gardens and parkland. The format was developed by regional organisers to give a full week of training and education as well as a varied social programme with an emphasis on team building and inclusivity. Jacqui Hurley was one of the many volunteers who helped out at several camps. She wrote: “CC Guard started KCJO camp, having been to Jersey to the International Team Match that I ran annually for many years. She set it up on the same system with all three disciplines – obedience, agility

The KCJO Juniors of the Year at Crufts 1987. The winner was Lisa Boney (right). Marc Henrie/The Kennel Club©

Left: Fundraising events for canine charities, that featured in the Dog World Annual 1989.

Right: Cake cutting became an established tradition at Crufts throughout the years. One such occasion was at Crufts in 1992 with Bill Wadman Taylor, Eric Smethurst and some of the KCJO members that year. John Hartley©

At Crufts 1990, Daniel Roberts won the KCJO Hound Stakes final with his Long Haired Dachshund Swansford Kamador, who later became his first Champion. He’s pictured with a representative from British Airways who sponsored the finals.

Courtesy of Daniel Roberts

The Shaun McAlpine Memorial Trophy has been awarded to the Junior of the Year at Crufts since 1986. In 1990, Charlotte Walker was the winner and is pictured with HRH Prince Michael of Kent. The Kennel Club©

and show handling – later adding flyball and other activities. I can remember working with teams of children on obedience to music long before this became a separate activity.”

The huge amount of work leading up to that first camp event was shared with Sally Kimber and John Reymond. During camp, Wendy Johnson (KCJO Manager) was on hand, along with familiar names such as Tony and Yvonne Veal, Joy Vewnturi, Averil Cawthera-Purdy, Karina Griffiths, Aitken Johnson (KCJO Vice-Chairman), Meriel Hathaway, Paddy Coughlan, Chris Brooks, Joan Fryatt and Bill Hardaway (KCJO Chairman). Kathryn Symns, representing The Kennel Club’s General Committee, and Revd Bill King (from a very generous Pedigree), paid a visit during the week along with Marc Henrie as photographer. Susan Wood had been enticed to camp and found

out what really was in store for her!

According to an article on the first camp written by CC Guard, which was published in Pedigree Chum’s Breeder News (issue 3 December 1992): “Not only did Sue have to be House Matron to the seven juniors in accommodation, but had to cope with breakfasts for 12, lunches for at least 40 (as well as organising the visitors), Tuck Time and hot chocolate for most of us at bedtime.”

KCJO camp increased in popularity and changed locations over the years but has settled at Rutland Showground in the East Midlands for the past four years.

By the late 1990s, the KCJO was firmly established and, at Crufts 1998, the first dedicated ring was built for KCJO competitions and finals. Just a few years later, in 2001, the Kennel Club Junior Organisation changed its name to what we are today: Young Kennel Club, or YKC for short. Many new disciplines and activities were developed, including triathlon and quadrathlon.

Alayna Morland, who was a member from 1992-2005, said: “One of my proudest moments was training my Whippet ‘Bear’ to compete in the quadrathlon at Crufts. This involved handling, breed, obedience, and agility – quite a challenge for a Whippet! Whippets aren’t exactly known for excelling in all these areas, but Bear did brilliantly, and it really strengthened the bond between us.”

Other activities that have been influential in developing young people and their dogs

was a development course called Outward Bound. In the summer of 2002, the YKC sent some of its senior members on this course. One of those who attended was Jenny Shorer-Wheeler, who said: “I went along to Outward Bound with Lisa Moir, Jodie Harrison and Emma Archibald. It was an experience none of us will ever forget, for all sorts of reasons, not least a moment of excitement on my part which almost resulted in Lisa taking a dip in the pond!”

By 2005, two decades after it began, the newly named YKC was going from strength to strength and attracting more and more members UK-wide. In the same year, it saw the launch of the first edition of the YKC’s magazine, Fetch (which is still issued today).

Averil Cawthera-Purdy, a KCJO/YKC council member and regional organiser for many years, said: “What was achieved in those first two decades made the organisation the envy of the world in what it was delivering. National Camp has some of my fondest memories. It’s great that YKC members still enjoy the camaraderie and learning opportunities that it naturally creates. Looking after and providing quality learning opportunities for the young people of our dog world is vital and pays back huge dividends.”

badges achieved in showing and handling by accruing points throughout the year. Also pictured are some medals from winning competitions in the KCJO at

Left: Other activities that have been instrumental in developing young people and their dogs was a development course called Outward Bound which began in 2002. This photo was taken at the Outward Bound course in 2007 located in the Lake District. The Kennel Club©

Over the past 40 years, the junior organisation has enjoyed visits from royalty, including HSH Princess Antoinette of Monaco, who at Crufts in 1987 made the presentations to the winners of the YKC Stakes finals, while His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, President of The Kennel Club since 1982, has been a regular visitor to Crufts and the YKC ring over the years.

In 2008, the YKC saw its first member achieve greatness on TV. Kate Nicholas and Border Collie ‘Gin’ made it to the final of ITV’s hit show Britain’s Got Talent. Just four years later, the YKC saw its second member burst on to our TV screens when Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and won. Lucy Creek and her Beagle ‘Spider’ promoted heelwork to music from 2006 with huge success as well as TV appearances on Animal Planet’s Top Dog and BBC’s Over the Rainbow.

Above left: Some of the metal

Crufts. Jacqui Hurley©

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As a result of 40 years of the organisation, there are ex-KCJO/YKC members dotted all over the dog community. Alayna Morland said: “Since my YKC days, I’ve gone on to become a championship show judge, bred four generations of Whippet champions, and owned/bred three Greyhound champions. I’ve been Secretary of the East Anglian Whippet Club since 2005, served on general championship show committees, and more. Without the YKC, I honestly don’t think I’d have achieved everything I have. It was the first time I felt like I really fitted in, and it gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.”

There are former KCJO members serving on Kennel Club committees, including Jenny Fairhall, who is a member of The Kennel Club Board and Chair of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust. Jenny was a KCJO member in the late 1990s and her proudest moment is winning the triathlon and quadrathlon finals at Crufts. She said: “My favourite memories and childhood

Below: Marina White judged the YKC Show Handler of the Year final at Crufts 2024 and was YKC Runner-up Show Handler of the Year in 2000 with a Beagle. In the late 1990s, she also took part in the KCJO Question Time competition at Crufts and won her age group. Marina is pictured with Freya Mitchell, her winner of the YKC toy/utility 6-11 years at Crufts 2024. Beat Media/The

“Without the YKC, I honestly don’t think I’d have achieved everything I have. It was the first time I felt like I really fitted in, and it gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.”

moments were at camp. The evening entertainment never failed to deliver. I have made lifelong friends and we enjoy reminiscing about our KCJO days. I am thrilled that my seven-year-old daughter is now a member!”

Many other former members are on championship show committees, including Crufts, managing and group stewarding at championship shows and feature highly among our judges, exhibitors, trainers, breeders and Kennel Club trustees and employees.

Helen Kerfoot, who is now Chief Canine

Health, Events and Activities Officer at The Kennel Club, enjoyed 15 years of KCJO membership. She took part in handling, stakes and the quiz, including being part of the winning quiz team for the North West several times, and also attended camp both as a member and then as a helper/trainer post KCJO days.

Other spotlight moments include YKC senior members in the main arena at Crufts placing the award boards, thanks to the involvement of Gerald King. He said: “My involvement with the YKC started in 2004 when I joined the YKC management

Far left: Helen Kerfoot has been showing and exhibiting her dogs for many years and she is pictured in the early 1990s at KCJO Summer Camp. She was a KCJO member from 1988-1996 and after training and working as a teacher, she joined The Kennel Club in 2023. Marc Henrie/The Kennel Club©

Left: KCJO Summer Camp in 1996. Terry Thorn is pictured with five KCJO members including Stephanie Lansdell (far right) and Jenny Jones (middle). Marc Henrie/The Kennel Club© Below left: KCJO camp in 2001 at Lackham College with Andrew Brace giving a handling masterclass. From left: KCJO members Kirsty Miller (now Ryan), Peter Chynoweth, Alex Paisey and Heather Rose. Marc Henrie/The Kennel Club©

Kennel Club©

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Left: Charley Donaldson was a YKC member from 2005 to 2020 and took part in activity weekends in Wales, Newark and Richmond where she had the opportunity of participating in obedience, agility, heelwork to music and junior handling with her Whippets. Charley joined the police force in 2018 and is working towards her dream career as a police dog

Below left: Many former KCJO and YKC members now work as staff at The Kennel Club. Back row – Alex Paisey, Helen Kerfoot. Front row from left: Izzy King, Hayley Byrne-Ingle, Tyler Collins, Olivia Ellis, Emily Thornton, Marina White, Min Witheyman. Not pictured: Charlotte McNamara, Charlotte Louise-Page, Fern McDonnell, Phil Slade, Hailey McKnight and Heidi Lawrence. The Kennel

Below: In October 2024, The Kennel Club made history as it was the backdrop for its very first wedding. Emily Thornton (now Margetts) and her partner, Toby Margetts, tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on the ground floor, with the wedding breakfast served in the Club lounge. Emily has been involved with Beagles since a child and was a successful junior handler and YKC member. She first awarded CCs in Beagles in 2019. Eleanor Riley/The Kennel Club©

team, becoming Chairman in 2012 and subsequently President. I believe the key to our future is the promotion of young people into key roles at Kennel Club events. In 2010, we started on this road and it continues today.”

And how can we forget Charley Donaldson in more recent years, who after just ten years as a YKC member, went on to the dizzy heights of Reserve Best in Show at Crufts in 2016 with her co-owned Whippet (Ch Nothing Compares To You at Crosscop JW). Charley had fond memories of her first YKC activity weekend: “I attended with my farm Border Collie ‘Socks’. I was nine years old and definitely not used to that kind of thing. Ray Morland, who organised these camps, was separating all the young people into groups. He began to shout ‘Charles... Charles’ and then said ‘Charles Donaldson’. I had to walk over and ask if he was looking

for me. Since then, Ray has always called me Charles!”

Jenny Shorer-Wheeler, a Crufts commentator and Birmingham National committee member, sums up the impact the organisation has had on her life: “The YKC gave me the opportunity to focus and develop my interest in our sport, at a time when other things in life, could have easily led me to drift away. I think it is a testament to the organisation that so many of the friends I made at those first camp experiences, are still involved across the dog world today, not only in conformation but right across the competitive canine world and giving back to the sport in so many different ways.”

One thing for sure is that all former members agree that they have made many friends over the past 40 years and have helped promote dog activities to more young people than ever before.

Paige Jepson, who has been successful with her Bearded and Border Collies, was a YKC member from 2010-2022 and enjoyed ten years of competing at Crufts, including winning the YKC Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Final twice, and also the YKC Young Person of the Year award in 2019.

She said: “Some of the opportunities the YKC has given me have contributed to my career and who I am as a person today. My confidence and people skills were built through the YKC and I have made lifelong friends who I have grown up with and will always stay in contact with.

“I hope the YKC can continue to support other young people and provide them with the same experiences I received.”

Here’s to the next 40 years – happy birthday YKC!

Far left: The YKC relies on a team of volunteers to help run training events and competitions. Here volunteers take a moment to relax together at Newark activity weekend in 2018. Pictured from top left; Adam Newson, David Griffiths, Sean Cowther, Rosie Shepard. Bottom left: Paige Jepson, Phil Slade and Laura Gardner. Cherry Jepson©

handler. Amy Wilton Photography©

Club©

Artists of the future

How the Young Kennel Club helps youngsters find their artistic flair.

The YKC encourages young people to further their passion for art and some have gone on to create successful careers as professional artists. To date, two former YKC members have been invited to showcase their talent at The Kennel Club Art Gallery.

Amelia Siddle

(Exhibition from 16 May to 28 June 2019) Born in East Devon and surrounded by Pointers, whom Amelia credits as her muses and inspiration behind her work, she said, “At the age of 14, I took on my first commission in oils. Then I threw myself completely into painting, resulting in having my first limited edition print published at the age of 16 by Sally Mitchell Fine Arts Ltd. Since then, I have expanded my work into bronze sculpture with pieces featuring across the world in many private collections. The foundations for my work will always be my first love –Pointers. I have been lucky enough to have tremendous support from the dog fraternity, in particular the YKC, which I joined in 2002. They have encouraged and helped me to grow within the dog world and my own work. I must also give a special mention to Valerie Foss; she encouraged and supported me wholeheartedly for many, many years and I am forever grateful to her for that. She was instrumental in the Kennel Club acquiring multiple pieces I have done – including the set of original watercolours commissioned by National Gundog Association for their prize cards, and a large oil painting of a Pointer –all of which I am proud to have displayed within The Kennel Club.”

Along with her mother, Amelia has shown Pointers through the kennel name Wilchrimane. She has had many prestigious wins including top Pointer multiple years with different dogs, most famously the Pointer bitch Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW.

To see more of Amelia’s work, visit ameliasiddle.com

Amy Balch

(Exhibition from 26 Feb 2020 to 31 Aug 2021) Amy was a YKC member for 11 years and won YKC Show Handler of the Year in 2008. She has made a very successful career out of drawing dogs together with painting celebrities’ dogs – including Alex and Olivia Bowen from Love Island and their French Bulldogs.

Describing her childhood, Amy said: “If I wasn’t horse riding or playing with dogs as a child you would have found me drawing and being creative. I have a degree in fashion design, but decided to move to Zurich and become a dog nanny. To fill my time, I drew dogs, and then in 2020 became a full-time artist. The exhibition was a great opportunity, and started my career as a professional artist. Being part of the dog

Left: To commemorate 125 years of Crufts and The Kennel Club’s move to the new building, Amelia was commissioned to create a sculpture in silver. It depicts a Pointer presented on a contemporary base that was easily open to interpretation by viewers and one that did not detract from the dog, but portrayed the subject doing what the breed does best. It was presented to Gerald King, former Chairman of Crufts and President of the YKC, and Anne Bliss, former Chairman of the Club Committee in 2016.

Photos: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

world allowed me access to a lot of stunning reference photos of well-bred pedigree dogs. I particularly love the Gundog and Hound groups.

“I am now based in Dorset and my primary muses are canine friends. I spend a lot of time painting portraits that now hang in private collections across the globe. My life-long relationship with dogs has definitely aided my understanding of capturing my clients’ pets to a true likeness, working from both life and reference images. I’m still active in the dog show world, currently exhibiting my Weimaraner. My home life revolves around my dogs –Weimaraner, Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund and two Australian kelpies.”

To see more of Amy’s work, visit amybalch.com

Above: Amelia Siddle with her exhibition at The Kennel Club.

Jess Smith

Aged 18, current member of the YKC In 2008, the YKC started to recognise budding artists, by creating an Artist of the Year award. Former winners have had their artworks displayed at Crufts and have been featured on the front cover of the YKC’s competitor catalogue. One of the artist winners was Jess Smith.

“I started drawing with coloured pencils in early 2020, however I had been passionate about art – particularly dog related – long before that. I was encouraged by the YKC, in particular with their annual YKC Artist of the Year competition, which I entered on a few occasions – winning in 2016, aged nine,

with a watercolour piece of my two dogs.

“Dog showing and the YKC had a large part to play in the development of my work and my journey began with commissions. Most of my first coloured pencil pieces were either my own or show dogs owned by friends and acquaintances. It is thanks to these people and their encouragement that has led me to where I am today.

“If it wasn’t for dog showing I wouldn’t have had the opportunities with my work that have truly shaped me as an artist. For example, one of my earliest commissions was of a show Border Terrier all the way from New Zealand. Another proud moment of mine was having the opportunity to draw

the 2018 Crufts Best in Show winning Whippet Ch Collooney Tartan Tease JW.

“One of my all-time favourite pieces of work was of my Miniature Wire Haired Dachshund, Chandler (Ch Alncroft Ivan Inkling). Not only because he is one of my best friends, but also because I feel the piece truly captures his personality.

“I have recently had to take a step back from my artwork, as I am currently taking my A-Levels, but I am looking forward to getting back to the drawing board and taking on some new commissions in the summer.”

Follow Jess through Instagram @jesssmithmoonart and Facebook @JessSmithMoonArt

Above: Amy Balch with her exhibition at The Kennel Club.

Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

Above left: Amy in her studio. Amy Balch©

Far left: Jess Smith won YKC Artist of the Year in 2016. Jess Smith©

Left: Jess’s best friend Chandler. Jess Smith©

Lorna Dandy

Former YKC member “Ever since I could remember I have been besotted with dogs. I was involved with the YKC from the age of six. Life has always revolved around dogs, starting with Border Collies before moving on to Briards. I had great success within the YKC with my home-bred Briard ‘Dakota’, and we won many YKC stakes and handling classes. The YKC gave me so many opportunities as a young handler, as well as helping to teach me all the valuable skills I needed in the show ring today.

“At university I studied an undergraduate degree and a Masters in Law but dogs still made their way into my degrees through my dissertations. Sadly, I lost two grandparents, then lockdown hit and this was when my life did a complete 180 and changed for me. When the world stopped, I realised that my mental health wasn’t in a good place and I needed some time out. So, I picked up my pencils and, as they say, the rest is history.

YKC Crufts 2025 news

We are proud to introduce the Richard Barker Memorial Shield to be awarded at Crufts. It has been more than 20 years since the first YKC Dog Groomer of the Year was crowned at Crufts, in 2003. Fiona Brook and her Standard Poodle ‘JD’ were presented with their award by the pioneer behind the competition, Richard Barker, an award-winning dog groomer and successful dog show exhibitor. Richard devoted his time and expertise to creating a dog grooming programme with the YKC to help members learn how to take the best care of their dogs. He ensured that both the competition and learning opportunities were accessible and inclusive, from the aspiring future and professional dog groomers through to members who wanted to learn basic dog grooming skills to care for their dog.

The competition, and the training, have gone from strength to strength, with qualifications taking place around the country and YKC members competing at the YKC Dog Groomer of the Year Final at Crufts 2025, which will be held in the YKC ring in Hall 3.

“Over the past four years, I am honoured to have my work hanging around the world. I have drawn many pets, but the majority of my artwork revolves around dogs. I work exclusively in coloured pencils, and I aim to capture memories through my work.

“Every pencil stroke is intricately placed to create as realistic a drawing as possible. Having grown up around dogs and showing, I feel this allows an insight into dog breeds in a way that allows me to capture them as hyper-realistically as possible. I am proud to say that I have won many awards, but I was over the moon to win Best in Show in August 2024 with my drawing of my own Briard ‘Esme’ in a competition that revolved

around dogs. Looking to the future I look forward to exploring the world of dogs through my pencils.”

Lorna has 236,000 followers on TikTok and has 268,000 followers on Instagram @lornadandyanimalart View Lorna’s animal art at lornadandyart.co.uk

Although we sadly lost Richard in 2008, his wife Linda and children, James and Fenella, are still actively involved in the YKC, with Linda training, mentoring and judging in dog grooming at many of our YKC events. Fenella and her Standard Poodle, Summer (Ch Crystalar Blue Opal) won YKC Dog Groomer of the Year in 2023.

The YKC would like to thank the Barker family for their continued support across all areas of the YKC and welcome them in presenting the Richard Barker Memorial Shield to this year’s YKC Dog Groomer of the Year.

Coming up: A feature on the trophies awarded to YKC members at Crufts that are on display in The Kennel Club Art Gallery.

Above: Lorna Dandy won YKC Artist of the Year in 2011.

Lorna Dandy©

Top: In 2024 Lorna won a prestigious competition with this drawing of her Briard, Esme. Lorna Dandy©

Australian Silky Terrier

Friendly and active with characteristic straight silky hair.

The Australian Silky Terrier was developed by crossing the Australian Terrier with the Yorkshire Terrier. When the early breeder Macarthur Little based his famous kennel in Sydney, the breed earned its early name of the Sydney Silky. They have inherited attributes from both sides of their ancestry: the silky coat and colours of the Yorkshire Terrier and the alertness and spirit of the Australian Terrier. A Toy breed they may be, but they are still capable of despatching rodents.

BREED STANDARD

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 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

Medium length, moderately low set, compact with refined structure; sufficient substance to suggest ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. Straight silky hair parted from nape of neck to root of tail, presenting a well-groomed appearance.

CHARACTERISTICS

Terrier-like, keen, alert, active.

TEMPERAMENT

Very friendly, quick and responsive.

HEAD AND SKULL

Of moderate length, slightly shorter from the tip of the nose to between the eyes than from the same point to the occiput. Head strong and of Terrier character, moderately broad between the ears; skull flat and without fullness between the eyes, with fine silky top-knot, not falling over the eyes. Nose black.

EYES

Relatively small, oval, never round or prominent, dark, with a keen, intelligent expression.

EARS

Small, V-shaped with fine leather, set high, pricked, entirely free from long hair.

MOUTH

Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth even and not cramped, lips tight and clean.

NECK

Medium length, refined and slightly

crested, fitting gracefully into the shoulders. Well covered with long, silky hair.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders fine, well laid back, well-angulated upper arms fitting snugly to ribs. Elbows turning neither in nor out. Forelegs straight with moderately refined, round bone, set well under body with no weakness in pasterns.

Petra Perschalova©

from

and co-owned by Jude

and Kevin

Blue was born in October 2007 and has won over 50 championship show Best of Breeds, including Crufts in 2010 and 2013, multiple group placings as a puppy and as an adult. He won Best Veteran in Show at the UK Toydog Society in 2016 under

and

Above: Top Australian Silky Terrier for 2024 and 2023, Limartine Red Letter, ‘Scarlet’, born in April 2020, bred and owned by Lisa Mault. Scarlet is a combination of two group-winning parents: Multi Ch Pet Pursuit Catch The Rainbow (Imp Fin) and Limartine Rage In Red (Crufts 2017 Best of Breed winner). L Mault©

BODY

Moderately long in proportion to the height of the dog. Level topline at all times (both standing and moving). Chest of moderate depth and breadth. Ribs well sprung, carried well back. Loins strong.

HINDQUARTERS

Thighs well developed. Stifles well turned; viewed from behind, the hocks well let down and parallel.

FEET

Small, well padded, cat-like, turning neither in nor out. Closely knit toes with black or very dark toenails.

TAIL

Previously customarily docked. Docked: Carried erect; not over-gay. Free from long feathering. Undocked: Carried erect, not over-gay. Free from long feathering.

Length to give an overall well-balanced appearance.

GAIT/MOVEMENT

Free, straight and true without slackness at shoulders or elbows. Hindquarters have strong propelling power with ample flexibility at stifles and hocks. Movement neither too close nor too wide.

COAT

Straight, flat, fine and glossy; silky texture. Length of coat 13-15 cms (5-6 ins) from behind ears to set-on of tail desirable. Length of coat must not be so long as to impede the dog’s action and should allow daylight to be seen under the dog. Front and rear feet free from long hair. Fine silky ‘top-knot’, not falling over eyes. Long fall of hair on foreface undesirable.

COLOUR

All shades of blue and tan. Colours rich and well defined. Lighter blue colours must display dark blue roots. Blue on tail very dark. Distribution of blue and tan as follows: Silver-blue or fawn top-knot. Tan around base of ears, muzzle and on side of cheeks. Blue from base of skull to tip of tail, running down forelegs to near knees and down thighs to hocks. Tan line showing down stifles, and tan from knees and hocks to toes and around vent.

Black colouring permissible in puppies. Blue body colour, established by 18 months of age and free from tan or bronzing. Tan markings free from smuttiness.

SIZE

Height: Dogs: 23 to 26 cms (9 to 10 ins) at the withers. Bitches can be slightly less. Weight in proportion to height.

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.

Left: Breed and dog with the highest number of Best of Breeds, Ir Ch Curiosity To Talk About Kiacieko ShCM (Imp Fin), ‘Blue’, bred by Kristina Heinonen and Pia Saares

Finland

Reyes

Sharp-Dixon.

Grace Godwin

three terrier group placings in Ireland when he was campaigned by Kelly Lawless. The Kennel Club©

Silky winners

Despite still waiting on championship status the breed has demonstrated a high success rate in the show ring over the years.

BY LISA MAULT, SECRETARY OF THE AUSTRALIAN SILKY TERRIER CLUB OF GB

The history of the Australian Silky Terrier is veiled somewhat in mystery and assumption as no official records were kept. When the early settlers arrived in mainland Australia and Tasmania, along with their personal belongings they brought their dogs too, and many of these were terriers. The mention of Dandie Dinmont, Skyes and Scotch Terriers (not to be confused with Scottish Terriers) and Cairns were the foundation of what became known as ‘broken coated terriers’. It is said that as these dogs were bred together, each breed’s certain attributes can be seen in the Australian Terrier and Australian Silky Terrier today. Many of the early breeders of

Australian Silky Terriers believed that the breed’s creation was from mating Australian Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers. However, the early exports of Yorkshire Terriers most definitely had influences from the now extinct Clydesdale or Waterside Terrier and Paisley Terrier. The former had good blue coats but no tan, and the latter had tan heads and longer legs and were built for speed.

There are no records kept of when the first Yorkshire Terriers arrived in Australia, however, in 1872 a male Yorkshire Terrier was exported from England from Old Sandy and Halifax breeding.

In the late 1820s, two broken coated terriers were taken back to England from

Tasmania. Unfortunately, only the female survived and was later mated to a Dandie Dinmont from which she produced several litters. Londoner Macarthur Little was so impressed with the type and temperament of these small terriers that he purchased several of the puppies. He began a breeding programme to produce a small terrier with a soft, longer coat. In 1862, Little emigrated and settled in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia, where he continued to breed his small terriers. To add more size, he used the ‘broken haired terrier’, which by the early 1900s was known as the Australian Terrier. Several breeders in and around Sydney, New South Wales, bought dogs from Little.

The first Australian Silky Terrier to win Best Dog and Best of Breed at Crufts was Dorpentune Bobby Shaftoe in 1987. Pictured at Blackpool taking the group. Courtesy of Lisa Mault Am Ch Amron’s T J Bear Extraordinaire (Imp USA). Courtesy of Lisa Mault

They all worked together and continued to breed what was at the time known as ‘broken haired terrier blue and tan’. The first breed club was formed in New South Wales in 1906. The Sydney breeders decided on their own breed standard and the breed became known as the Sydney Silky Terrier. Some of the key points in their newly formed breed standard were that the ears be pointed and clean of long hair and that the weight was to be a maximum of 12lbs and a minimum of 6lbs. They still competed in classes that had mixed types, under the heading ‘rough coated blue terriers: blue and tan or soft or silky haired terriers’.

The first state to recognise the ‘silky’ as an individual breed was Victoria. The first mention of the Silky Terrier being a specific breed was in the Weekly Time Kennel notes published on 1 April 1905. It was mentioned that the silky specimen be excluded from the Australian Terrier breed standard, and in 1906 classes for ‘silky coated terriers’ began to appear at many shows in the State. A separate classification for Silky Terriers was first provided at the Victorian Poultry and Kennel Club, Australia, in 1911.

As the breeding progressed, due to the variance in types, it was often called upon for judges to determine if the specimen was an Australian Terrier, a Silky Terrier or a Yorkshire Terrier. In 1932, the Victorian controlling body, now the Kennel Control Council of Victoria, was forced to take action to address the huge variance in the types being bred and shown. Finally, in 1934 the

interbreeding and registration between the Australian, Yorkshire and Silky Terriers was prohibited so the breed could progress.

In 1958, the Victoria Kennel Control Council used 27 dogs to gain an average weight/height for the first breed standard. Eight pounds and six ounces was the average weight with nine and three quarters to ten inches in height, a body length of 12 inches and a coat length of five to six inches. This gave breeders a framework to breed to.

At the 1959 Royal Show, the well-known and respected canine connoisseur Frank Longmore from the Victoria Kennel Club, met with members of the New South Wales Kennel Control Council. After much discussion, a new breed standard was approved and adopted by both States. The

breed was now to be known as the Australian Silky Terrier.

In the UK, it is likely that the silky type of terrier existed in many counties from the mid-1800s. When visiting The Kennel Club Art Gallery, and viewing the painting of Ch Huddersfield Ben (1865-1871), who was acknowledged as being the ‘father of the Yorkshire Terrier’, it can make one question his origins as he does have an extreme resemblance to the Australian Silky Terrier. Sadly, at this time there were no formal records of these softer, longer coated terriers and most likely the public simply saw them as Yorkshire Terriers or crossbreeds.

In the mid-1970s Barbara Garbett (Apico) imported Yatara Dutch Boy from the Netherlands and Glenpetite Lolita from

Above left: Dorpentune Blue Lilac at Hidalgo. David Dalton©

Above right: June Sharp’s Sharhad Sweet An Sharp, first Australian Silky Terrier bitch to win a Toy group at Leeds in 1993. Pictured with Toy judge Harold Greenhalgh and Sarah Jackson’s Maltese, Ch Snowgoose First Love. The Kennel Club© Left: Sonya Saxby’s Bragan Call Me Sydney with judge Brian Langford at Crufts taking the award for top rare breed in 1989. Gibbs for Dog World/ The Kennel Club©

Australia, both were from established Australian bloodlines. Around the same time, Linda Stewart imported Glenpetite Wataboy from Australia and a bitch, Coolmine Docken from Ireland. At the time, neither of these ladies knew each other.

In late 1979 a meeting was called for all people interested in the Australian Silky Terrier. Those present became the founding members and in 1980 an inaugural meeting was held of the newly formed Australian Silky Terrier Society. The first open show was held later that year. The name Australian Silky Terrier Club of Great Britain came later when it was decided that a more national name be used.

In 1987, The Kennel Club gave official recognition to the breed by providing the Australian Silky Terrier its own classes at Crufts. The first Australian Silky Terrier to win Best Dog and Best of Breed was Dorpentune Bobby Shaftoe, who also was the first Australian Silky Terrier to win a Toy group at UK Toydog Society. He was later exported to Sweden and became top dog in Sweden in 1995.

Bobby was born in quarantine along with his two sisters, Dorpentune Lilac Time of Hidalgo, owned by Val Marsden, and Dorpentune Blue Lilac at Hidalgo, owned by Molly Semple. Dorpentune Blue Lilac at Hidalgo was herself a very successful bitch

in the ring often challenging her brother for Best of Breed. She was mated to Marshdae Koobor of Gerallyn and produced Bragan Jolly Swagman a twice Best of Breed winner at Crufts.

Bragan Jolly Swagman sired the former breed record holder: Bragan Call Me Sydney owned and campaigned by Sonya Saxby. Other early influential kennels were Marshdae, Lenbar, Dekobras, Northrise and Tarbockgreen.

In collaboration, June Sharp (Sharhad), Kathleen Whiteford (Crestford) and Brain Faulkner imported a male from the highly successful kennel of Norma Baugh in Texas USA. This was Am Ch Amron’s T J Bear Extraordinaire (Imp USA), who was pivotal in the development and improvement of the UK Australian Silky Terrier. He was bred to Sharhad Sweet An Sharp, who was a daughter of Bragan Call Me Sydney and the first Australian Silky Terrier bitch to win a Toy group at Leeds Championship Show in 1993. They produced several American and Irish champions.

T J was also bred to another Sharhad bitch, Sharhad Allora, who produced the breed record holder for number of group placings – Limartine Red Lobster. This bitch gained a full set of group placings with multiple group 2, 3 and 4 wins. A repeat mating gave another successful group placing to Lisa

Mault’s bitch Limartine Code Red who when mated to Am/Fin/Est Ch Amron’s Command Bear And Chief (Imp USA) (he was very influential in Finland for Irma Leino of the Bombix Moren kennel) produced Limartine Running On Red, again a multiple group placed bitch.

Two more well-known ambassadors for the breed, who became active in the UK around the 2000s, were Tanya Mackrell’s Marfick kennel and Irma Leino’s Bombix Moren. Tanya’s mother, Virginia Dowty, co-owned several of the Australian Silky Terriers with her daughter and Irma. However, it was her

Left: Int Ch/Ir Ch Bombix Moren Dosis Maxima co-owned by Tanya Mackrell (pictured) and Irma Leino taking Crufts Best of Breed in 2009. Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club© Far left: Marshdae Whata Fella, bred and owned by Anne Lee (Marshall). This was Anne’s last big winner of the 2000s. David Bull©

Below: Lisa Mault’s Limartine Red Lobster won the group at Leeds Championship Show in 1999 under Jack Bennett. Courtesy of 30 July 1999 edition of Dog World

Photo by Hartley

own Australian Silky Terrier Int/Ir/Gib Ch Beechcrest Little Foot who was the first Australian Silky Terrier to gain a Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Bronze Award. Together with Irma they brought in several bloodlines to the UK and had great success with Int/Multi Ch Bombix Moren Ex Improviso (Imp Fin) – Best of Breed at Crufts in 2006 and Int/Ir Ch Bombix Moren Dosis Maxima – Best of Breed at Crufts in 2009. They also had two home-bred

In the late 2000s, another USA import influence was Am Ch Amron’s Red Octobear who was mated to Limartine Red Pearl and produced Limartine Me A Red. At Crufts in 2012 Limartine Me A Red was Best Bitch to the legendary Multi Ch Curiosity Winner Takes It from Finland, bred by Kristina Heinonen and Pia Saares.

Limartine Me A Red was mated to Romwal Welsh Wizzard owned by Romayne Freer and produced another history making

“Australian Silky Terriers have held their own in the extremely competitive and high-quality Toy group over the years”

Australian Silky Terrier bitches that won Best Bitch at Crufts in 2019 and 2020 –Marfick Moxy Rocks and Marfick Molly Malone at Clynymona. Additionally, they bred a successful agility Australian Silky Terrier, ‘Kezza’, owned by Tracey Norrey who piloted her to several competition wins. Kezza also starred as Toto in a stage production of The Wizard of Oz! Sadly, Virgina passed away in 2021, and she is greatly missed by the Australian Silky Terrier community, as she was the Chairman and a staunch supporter of the Australian Silky Terrier Club of Great Britain.

Australian Silky Terrier in Limartine Rage In Red, the first UK bred Australian Silky Terrier to win a group placing at Crufts in 2017. The current breed record holder for the number of Best of Breeds won at championship shows, along with several group placings, is Ir Ch Curiosity To Talk About Kiacieko ShCM (Imp Fin) bred by Kristina Heinonen and Pia Saares from Finland and co-owned by Jude Reyes and Kevin Sharp-Dixon. Jude and Kevin also co-owned Multi Ch Curiosity Love Affair (Imp Fin) who was the first Australian Silky Terrier to win Best in Show at Kilkenny & District Canine Club Championship Show in

2013 handled by Kelly Lawless (Revloch). Along with the group placed dogs mentioned previously, a further three dogs have gained group places. These being Limartine Red Light (sister to Limartine Red Lobster), Multi Ch Sunny Pearls Gasper Amoroso co-owned by Julie Connolly, Virginia Dowty and Tanya Mackrell including Crufts Best of Breed in 2019 and 2020 and four Best in Show wins at the Australian Silky Terrier Club of Ireland, and Multi Ch Pet Pursuit Catch The Rainbow (Imp Fin) co-owned by Lisa Mault and Romayne Freer.

Australian Silky Terriers have held their own in the extremely competitive and high-quality Toy group over the years, despite being a non-Challenge Certificate breed. We hope this will change in the future.

Above: Multi Ch Curiosity Love Affair (Imp Fin) took Best in Show at Kilkenny & District Canine Club Championship Show in 2013 handled by Kelly Lawless. Pictured with the three judges from that day, left to right, group judge Mr M Skeffington (Ireland), Best in Show judge Mrs C O’Riordan (Ireland) and breed judge Mrs D Butler (Australia). Revloch©

Left: Crufts 2017 Best of Breed winner Limartine Rage In Red, bred and owned by Lisa Mault. OnEdition/The Kennel Club©

Multi Ch Sunny Pearls Gasper Amoroso co-owned by Julie Connolly, Virginia Dowty and Tanya Mackrell taking Crufts Best of Breed in 2020. Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

Judges’ Choice

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

MARK BURNS CHOMEDY

I owned and showed Australian Silky Terriers from 1992 to 2000. My primary involvement was handling dogs from the Marshdae kennel of Anne Lee. Ownership was sparse, and today entries are just a few exhibits and one producing and exhibiting kennel. Silkys have failed to gain popularity in the UK but have an established popularity in Australia and Scandinavian countries. The breed is healthy, attractive with uncomplicated grooming requirements and can look sensational in the right hands.

1 LIMARTINE RAGE IN RED

To me, my top Silky has to be my Best Bitch and Best of Breed winner at Crufts in 2017. Called Maddie to her friends, she has a super outline, topline held level on the move, correct coat colour and length with a lovely head. Even though a Toy breed in the UK, she’s a fit for purpose Silky and judging her gave me goosebumps.

1 INT/FIN/DAN CH CURIOSITY LUXURY OF SILK

He had the sharp outline, vibrant colours and driving movement combined with ultra reliable temperament to make him top dog all breeds in Scandinavia. I awarded him Best of Breed at Crufts in 2002 and he was shortlisted in the group under Terry Thorn. He returned in 2004, took Best of Breed and group 4 under Liz Stannard. He remains many enthusiasts’ ideal.

2 RED ANGEL AT LIMARTINE

Maddie is closely followed by a dog from the same kennel, who I judged at Crufts in 2017, awarding him Best Dog. He is all-male and complemented Maddie so well. Excelled in movement, masculine but not coarse head, the best of fronts and super coat quality. Campaigned by another Silky owner, Leanne Moss, who definitely got the best out of him.

2 IR CH CURIOSITY TO TALK ABOUT KIACIEKO ShCM (IMP FIN)

I awarded him BOB at Midland Counties in 2010, where he was shortlisted in the group. He is the product of American, European and Australian classic lines. This combination produced a very balanced dog with a sharp outline and heavy silk coat. His head and ears are classic and his conformation and movement take the eye. Rich colouring and dense pigment complete the picture.

3

BRAGAN CALL ME SYDNEY

He was the first Silky I got to judge and later went Best in Show at Merseyside Toy Dog Open Show in 1995. He was owned by Sonya Saxby, who had done so much campaigning with Sydney. Lovely coated dog who moved like a train, always in tip-top show condition and tabletop topline. He always kept his topline on the move well into his later years and was a true gent of a dog.

3 FIN CH CURIOSITY PROVING THE POINT

My third choice was my Best Dog and Best of Breed winner at Crufts in 2018. This dog is typical of the kennel, teeming with quality and ultra sound. I particularly admired his classic outline, head and ear set, outstanding coat and he was presented and handled to advantage.

I was introduced to the breed in the early 1990s and had the chance to handle a few. I owned my first Australian Silky (Romwal Going For Gold) in 2005. I had the honour to judge the breed at championship shows culminating in judging the breed at Crufts in 2017. I was fortunate to judge a huge entry from the UK and overseas and my winner was placed group 4. They are ready to walk for miles and also love cuddling up in a duvet.

Alan V Walker© Jude Reyes©

Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

PAUL CONWAY SPAWOOD

Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club© Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club© Sonya Saxby/Gazette Jan 2011

I have long held this breed in high esteem. They have a great terrier temperament, which breeders have worked hard to retain. Just one look at them and you see that alert terrier expression – ever watchful of all what’s going on around him, the balance of body, the spirit-level topline, with quality of coat that is very important and that silky texture. You can almost feel the silky texture just by looking at pictures. I think it’s a great pity they haven’t achieved Challenge Certificate status; perhaps if they had, then their popularity might grow.

1 LIMARTINE RAGE IN RED

I judged her at South Wales in 2015 and awarded her Best Bitch. I thought she was a great example of the breed – refined in structure, active and alert, correctly shaped with small, neat ears and body proportions were in keeping with her lovely head. Very much on her toes at all times giving me the impression she could do the job she was bred for.

had great ring presence fitting the standard so well. The reason he isn’t my first choice is that I felt Limartine Rage In Red was slightly tighter in front, but he was the dog on the day to go forward to the group.

3 RED ANGEL AT LIMARTINE

In third place, which is no disgrace, I would put this male, who I judged in the Toy group at Windsor in 2018. A marvellous example of the breed, good body proportions, lovely head, the correct keen expression coming from small dark eyes and neatly well-set ears with an arched neck. A sound and confident moving exhibit, with ideal coat colours and texture. On another day my decisions for these three could easily change.

When I first attended dog shows in the mid-90s, a particular Silky used to always catch my eye. He was the famous Am Ch Amron’s T J Bear Extraordinaire (Imp USA), that really demanded attention. He was a big winner here in the UK and in the USA. I’ve often wondered why the breed isn’t more popular here, compared to Finland, Sweden and the USA. They have definitely proved themselves when it comes to the group stages of general championship shows here in the UK, often gaining group places over some of the more popular Toy breeds.

1 IR CH CURIOSITY TO TALK ABOUT KIACIEKO ShCM (IMP FIN)

I awarded him BOB from a strong entry at SKC (May) in 2012. Bred in Finland, he was immaculately presented and oozing quality. His outline was so correct, level topline and a handsome head. His colours were rich and well defined. He excelled on the move, stylish and sound. BOB at Crufts in 2010 and 2013, he gained multiple group placings and was top Silky for five years running.

Dog Show in Northern Ireland when I gave her Best in

and Best Puppy in Show. I remember her being totally on her toes with terrier-like characteristics and one that would definitely be able to catch and kill small rodents! She was a big winner in the UK and Europe and won Best of Breed at Crufts in 2019 and 2020. Co-owned by Virginia Dowty, a true ambassador, who did so much for the breed in the UK and Ireland.

3 LIMARTINE ME A RED

My last choice is another striking bitch and one that not only proved herself in the show ring, but she also produced well too. I made her Best Bitch at Scottish Kennel Club in 2012. Glamour personified, sound as a pound on the move and true to type, she was a classy example of a Silky. Mea was the dam of Limartine Rage In Red –the only UK-bred Silky to be placed in the Toy group at Crufts in 2017.

Jude Reyes©

Lisa Croft-Elliott©

Lisa Mault©

Lisa Mault©

BRIAN RIX RICKSBURY

ANDREW STEWART INGERDORM

Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

Jenna Timonen©

2 MULTI CH SUNNY PEARLS

GASPAR AMOROSO I first met her in 2016 at the Ulster

2 MULTI CH PET PURSUIT

CATCH THE RAINBOW (IMP FIN) On the same day I judged at South

Toy

Show

Wales, this male was my Best of Breed winner. He fulfilled all my expectations of the breed, and like the bitch, was also on his toes. He

I have bred 226 Greyhound champions and have been judging since 1984. I’ve been approved to judge all breeds at championship level by the FCI since 2011 and am approved to award CCs in the UK in 147 breeds, all groups and Best in Show. I have the honour of judging Best in Show at Crufts in 2028. I consider the Finnish-owned-and-bred Int/Fin/Dan Ch Curiosity

Luxury of Silk the best Silky I have seen. I admired him several times from the ringside, including twice in the group at Crufts in 2002 and 2004, but unfortunately never got to judge him.

1 INT/MULTI CH ROYAL TOY’S PEE PEE PORCELANA

A stunning bitch born in Sweden in 2020. She was my BOB winner at the Swedish Kennel Club Växjö International Dog Show in 2023 where she won second in a strong Terrier group. A bitch of outstanding type, proportions, quality and coat, her fantastic movement from all angles blew me away. She has won BOB three years in a row at the Swedish specialty club show, and it is easy to see why.

2 INT/MULTI CH TEL QUESSIR

KNEEL TO THE CROWN A male bred by

Telkkälä in Finland in 2020. This dog was my Best of Breed winner at Crufts in 2023 and went on to be shortlisted in the Toy group. A very well-balanced dog with lovely proportions and outline, combining quality with masculine strength and attitude. He has a particularly beautiful silky coat of outstanding colour and moved as if he owned the world.

3 INT/IR/FIN/GIB CH LONELY TUNES SHALEE PRIORITY (IKC)

A male born in 1998 in Finland, bred by Jim Halonen. He was my BOB winner at the Helsinki Winner show in a big entry as a veteran in 2006 and went on to win BOB at Crufts the following year. A dog of superior type, quality, proportions and outline. He had a very typical head and expression, full of terrier attitude, moderate, balanced angulation both ends and kept his lovely outline and balance on the move.

Best of the Best

AUSTRALIAN SILKY TERRIER CRUFTS BEST OF BREED WINNERS

1987 DORPENTUNE BOBBY SHAFTOE

1988 JARDIN DE FLUER

1989 BRAGAN JOLLY SWAGMAN

1990 BRAGAN JOLLY SWAGMAN

1991 BRAGAN CALL ME SYDNEY

1992 BRAGAN CALL ME SYDNEY

1993 MARSHDAE TAARONGA OF MARTRE

1994 SHARHAD KEMPSEY AT CHATCOMBE

1995 SHARHAD SWEET AN SHARP

1996 SHARHAD DREAMING BEAR

1997 AM CH AMRON’S T J BEAR EXTRAORDINAIRE (IMP USA)

1998 SHARHAD SWEET AN SHARP

1999 AM CH AMRON’S T J BEAR EXTRAORDINAIRE (IMP USA)

2000 AM CH AMRON’S T J BEAR EXTRAORDINAIRE (IMP USA)

2001 LIMARTINE RED DRAGON

2002 INT/FIN/DAN CH CURIOSITY LUXURY OF SILK

2003 AM CH SHALEE’S EXPRESS DELIVERY

2004 INT/FIN/DAN CH CURIOSITY LUXURY OF SILK

2005 CRESTFORD ASCOT VALE (IKC)

2006 INT/MULTI CH BOMBIX MOREN EX IMPROVISO (IMP FIN)

2007 INT/IR/FIN/GIB CH LONELY TUNES SHALEE PRIORITY (IKC)

2008 ROMWAL RED BEARET

2009 INT/IR CH BOMBIX MOREN DOSIS MAXIMA

2010 IR CH CURIOSITY TO TALK ABOUT KIACIEKO ShCM (IMP FIN)

2011 CURIOSITY FINE VALENTINE (IKC)

2012 MULTI CH CURIOSITY WINNER TAKE’S IT

2013 IR CH CURIOSITY TO TALK ABOUT KIACIEKO ShCM (IMP FIN)

2014 RED ANGEL AT LIMARTINE

2015 PARADISE PASSION KEEP ME CURIOSITY

2016 FIN CH PET PURSUIT BLUE SENSATION

2017 LIMARTINE RAGE IN RED

2018 FIN CH CURIOSITY PROVING THE POINT

2019 MULTI CH SUNNY PEARLS GASPAR AMOROSO

2020 MULTI CH SUNNY PEARLS GASPAR AMOROSO

2022 LIMARTINE REDLINING

2023 INT/MULTI CH TEL QUESSIR KNEEL TO THE CROWN

2024 INT/MULTI CH HADES EL DAMIKON

Roald Boge/Dennis Gustafsson©

Lisa Croft Elliott/The Kennel Club©

ESPEN ENGH JET’S

Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

Tarja and Saana

Ensuring a healthy future

How to keep this lesser-known breed fit and strong.

BY LISA MAULT, AUSTRALIAN

The Australian Silky Terrier is quite a remarkably healthy breed in the UK, due to responsible breeders carefully selecting their breeding stock. There are no mandatory tests required, however it is suggested to follow the protocol of the overseas breeders who recommend eye testing for cataracts, patella examination with grading and heart testing through auscultation.

The Australian Silky Terrier Club of Great Britain works closely with the Australian National Kennel Council, FCI and American Kennel Club breed clubs to report and maintain data on the health of the Australian Silky Terrier in the UK. A collaborative group in the USA carries out a health survey every seven years and we all work together to maintain the health of the breed.

When breeding Australian Silky Terriers, they are quite primitive in their behaviour, as they like to do things their way, with not much human intervention. The same

“Mothers are instrumental in the mental wellbeing of their puppies and supervise the ‘rough’ and ‘tumble’”

applies when whelping and they rarely need C-sections. Bitches are quite protective of their brood, but will allow their closest humans to help and handle their puppies. As the litters progress, mothers are instrumental in the mental wellbeing of their puppies. They supervise the ‘rough’ and ‘tumble’ and will not let play get out of control. However, they will encourage the puppies to be independent so they develop

and become strong while they still retain their original instinct. They can also fit into a family household quite happily.

Being a numerically small breed, it is important to note that breeders should be aware of the risks to genetic diversity and prioritise this as part of pre-breeding decisions. By doing so, we can continue to maintain our population and genetic health, so the breed has a fit and healthy future.

SILKY TERRIER BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR

Above: Mum with her 13-day old puppies.

Above right: Five-week-old Australian Silky Terrier puppies getting stronger and playful.

Petra Perschalova©

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

Handy cartons with easy re-closable screw cap.

A very agile breed

The bright and intelligent Australian Silky Terrier will soon tell you when it’s bored.

BY LISA MAULT, SECRETARY OF THE AUSTRALIAN SILKY TERRIER CLUB OF GB

The size and incredible drive of the Australian Silky Terrier lends itself to a variety of activities, making it not just a companion or show dog. As a non-moulting breed, their hair is quite fine and, as the name suggests, silky in texture, making them suitable for people with allergies. The breed has been used frequently as a medical alert dog. Their keen sense of smell and persistent nature has been utilised by many to make them excellent detectors for diabetics, especially children. There are several dogs currently in the USA and Australia that carry out this life-saving work. Australian Silky Terriers have also been successful in obedience, rally and heelwork to music – and another passion is trick dog training. They are smart and clever thinkers

Georgia and Zym doing canicross. David Midgley©

and grasp the finer details quite quickly. Most puppies will chase, fetch and return a toy at a young age, and when they bring it back, it’s with a sassy swing in their step! Agility is what Australian Silky Terriers love the best. They thrive on the excitement, speed and jumping their way around the course. The first Australian Silky Terrier to achieve a Silver Agility Warrant is Limartine Reddy To Run (AW(S)), ‘Zym’, owned by Georgia Hatton, a former member of the YKC. “I was on the lookout for a future agility dog when I was competing at Crufts 2019 in the YKC ring with my dog at the time – a nine-year-old crossbreed (Whippet/ Staffordshire Bull Terrier) called ‘Hoddy’.

I wanted a small dog, and I knew Lisa Mault already, so I decided on an Australian Silky Terrier.

“When I introduced Zym to Hoddy, they soon became best friends, despite how different they looked. Zym also had different needs to Hoddy, as I had to ensure his long coat was brushed a few times a week and that he was regularly bathed. Sadly, we lost Hoddy a few months ago, aged 15.

“I am 28 years old now and too old for the YKC, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and meeting like-minded younger people. I work for a manufacturer of dog treats and own an agility business (Agility 4 All) on the side,” says Georgia.

Zym demonstrating his ricochet trick.

Studios/bartleystudios.co.uk

Zym was four years old when he achieved his Silver Agility Warrant and is working towards his gold – he is only 30 points off achieving this. He is now eligible for championship classes in agility, and Georgia’s next goal is to get a clear round in a championship final. At just 25 cms tall, Zym is 10 cms shorter than the biggest dogs in his height category. Georgia says, “While I would love for there to be a fifth height category so that we can be truly competitive against dogs our own size, in the meantime I will continue to hone our skills and keep getting clear rounds.”

This partnership has really pulled out all the stops, as Zym has gained his Level 1 Excellent title in rally, and is working towards his Level 2 Excellent title, with an aim to try out for the Inter-Regional Rally Competition at Crufts in 2026, and his Expert Trick Dog title from the USA (carried out online). Georgia also enjoys running and

“Most puppies will chase, fetch and return a toy at a young age. And when they bring it back, it’s with a sassy swing in their step!”

they do a little canicross, but not at competitive level, as Zym always barks at Georgia to run faster!

Zym’s ability to follow instruction has also given him the aptitude to work in promotional marketing photo shoots, for example Scruffs. They also joined a local scentwork and mantrailing group and Zym found it quite straightforward. Once he found his trail layer he barked with excitement!

Georgia qualified for Crufts at Manchester Championship Dog Show earlier this year and is looking forward to showing Zym in the breed ring. He has only set foot in one

other breed show ring and came out with Best of Breed, so we look forward to seeing what he can do at Crufts. He will also be in the Australian Silky Terrier Discover Dogs booth, doing his bit to promote the breed. He is a dog full of character with a bright future ahead, thanks to his keen and dedicated owner.

Australian Silky Terriers will do just about anything that is available to them. They are the complete package and love to keep active. However, if you don’t keep them entertained, they’ll soon find their own fun!

Above and far left: Zym’s passion is agility. David Midgley©

Left: Zym promoting the Scruffs lounger. Rose Barnett Photography©

BREED SERVICES

Breed clubs take the welfare of their breeds very seriously and work tirelessly to provide help, support and homes for dogs in need.

The Australian Silky Terrier Club of Great Britain offers 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 Australian Silky Terrier. There is a well-established link between the breed and The Kennel Club on matters of health and wellbeing. Please contact the breed club Secretary, Lisa Mault, for more information.

A COMFORTABLE PLACE

By Lisa Mault

Australian Silky Terrier Club of Great Britain

Mrs Lisa Mault

Tel: 07739 475900

limartinesilkys@gmail.com

The Australian Terrier Club of Great Britain

Australian Silky Terrier Rescue

Mrs Lisa Mault

Tel: 07739 475900 limartinesilkys@gmail.com

Breed Education Co-ordinator and Breed Health Co-ordinator

Mrs Lisa Mault

Tel: 07739 475900 limartinesilkys@gmail.com

In the 20 years I have been involved with Australian Silky Terrier Rescue, there hasn’t been a single Australian Silky Terrier that needed rescuing. It is a numerically small breed – only four were registered in 2023. Rescue is managed and controlled by breeders who are transparent about the temperaments of the breed, as they can be cautious with strangers, strong willed and demanding or aloof, depending on what is required of them. They sometimes aren’t what every pet home is prepared for, mainly because people have not carried out the necessary research before taking on the breed. These traits can cause difficulties, for example, during the essential grooming of their long coats, or when other small pets are in the household. As a breeder, I have only had two dogs returned due to their owners passing away, but within weeks I found them suitable homes with experienced Australian Silky Terrier people.

In some situations, I and other breeders find homes for retired show dogs, or occasionally a younger dog who does not enjoy the show scene and would be better suited with a pet family. Additionally, we place females that have finished their breeding programmes and require families that want a companion, but this doesn’t happen often. Above all else, the welfare of the dog is always paramount for breeders.

Rescue Australian Silky Terriers are rare worldwide, and only seem to come up when there’s a drastic change in the owner’s circumstances. They are placed quickly, as demand for older dogs is high. At the moment, we receive more enquiries for older dogs than we have available. We also have a puppy waiting list, and encourage new owners not to buy so-called Australian Silky Terriers on free online sites, but trying to manage this is difficult. If anyone is interested in rehoming this very friendly and alert breed, please contact me using the details above.

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW JUDGES

AUSTRALIAN SILKY TERRIER

There are no championship show judges for the Australian Silky Terrier, as it does not have championship status.

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

Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©