Kennel Gazette August 2018

August 2018 £5.00

The noble Skye Terrier is this month’s judges’ choice

The official publication of the Kennel Club

Luisa Scammell/The Kennel Club ©

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The noble Skye Terrier is this month’s judges’ choice

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Contents

Contents Opinion Viewpoint

4

The future for UK dog breeders is becoming increasingly complicated, discusses Simon Parsons

14

Political progress

Including the enquiry into dangerous dogs and consultations on the sale of puppies in pet shops

Special features Service with a smile!

8 quality in 16 ‘Maximum minimum volume’

Behind the scenes of the Club

The story behind the impressive Brittany

— south west to 18 Bamse north east

The gallant St Bernard who became the toast of Montrose

August 2018

Chairman: Simon Luxmoore Vice Chairman: Steve Croxford Chief Executive: Rosemary Smart Secretary: Caroline Kisko

Bamse

dedicated to talking 22 Anaboutevening dogs

A report on the inspirational Power of Dogs event in Oxford organised by Dogs for Good

Health matters It’s a pain — so get it checked out

24

12

Judges’ choice

A dog’s ears can be the source of all sorts of problems

Art & culture Remember when...

20

Looking back in the archives and recalling some remarkable women

33 Skye Terrier treasures

Artefacts that celebrate the breed at the height of its popularity

Judges’ choice The Skye Terrier

24

The breed standard, plus breed experts pick their three favourite show dogs

The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB www.thekennelclub.org.uk

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Kennel Gazette is published monthly on behalf of the Kennel Club by Warners Group Publications Plc www.warnersgroup.co.uk To advertise contact Andrea Walters andrea.walters@warnersgroup.co.uk Printed by Warners Midlands Plc

Editor: Carrie Thomas Editorial Manager: Sara Wilde Editorial Panel: Bill Moores (Chairman), Terrie Cousins-Brown, Ian Gabriel, Philippa Gilbert, Robert Greaves, Revd. Bill King, Gay Robertson

Kennel Gazette is the monthly publication of the Kennel Club. Views and opinions expressed within the Kennel Gazette are the personal opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kennel Club.

8

Service with a smile!

Cover photo: Skye Terrier Glorfindel Basil Brush ShCM, ‘Basil’, pictured here at 11 months of age.

Bred by the late Mrs Gail Marshall and owned by Mrs Cath Parker.

Sired by Ch The Black Touch of Morningsky at Glorfindel and Glorfindel Witches Bru Basil was a delight to live with and is much missed. As well as enjoying a short but successful show career he was a superb meet and greet dog to have at events. His cheeky face always made people smile and he certainly played on that especially when a camera was involved.

Photographer: ©Ian Parker /The KennelClubUK @thekennelclubuk @TheKennelClubUK

The paper used for this publication is a recyclable and renewable product. It has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and elemental or total chlorine-free bleached pulp. This magazine can be recycled either through your kerbside collection, or at a local recycling point. Log on to www.Recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find the nearest sites.

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 3

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Photo: Joe Riley/The Kennel Club©

By Simon Parsons

The Jack Russell Terrier is a strong, active, working terrier of great character. It was given official recognition by the Kennel Club in 2016

I

t’s becoming increasingly obvious that, in the very near future, the life of the UK dog breeder is likely to involve more and more bureaucracy, if legislation currently being considered is put into effect.

Until we see the final version, it is difficult to comment on the specifics but as we have often found with the Dangerous Dogs Act, the docking laws and so on, the devils (quite a few of them, I suspect) will no doubt be in the detail.

As so often, it seems likely that regulations designed to deal with a genuine evil — uncaring commercialised

4 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

‘breeding’ and the trading of unfortunate, often unhealthy, puppies — will also impinge on the lives of those who already do everything possible to ensure the results of their often long-standing breeding programmes are happy, healthy, well-tempered animals.

To an extent, whatever the wording of the new rules, we will have only ourselves to blame. How many of us — be it individuals, breed societies, or general canine clubs — took the trouble to reply to the various consultations? The dog papers and the Kennel Club regularly drew attention to these opportunities to give

our views, but how many of us thought we could safely leave it to someone else?

Sadly, all too many dog people are far too concerned about the minutiae of the little world in which we are involved, often to the exclusion of anything else, to see the bigger picture about how we fit into the world at large.

I have noticed this on my own Facebook group, where posts about serious issues which could affect us all, such as this one, attract far less interest and response than those about the most arcane details of showing and judging. All very shortsighted and it’s no wonder that those who

Viewpoint

Photo: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

Photo: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

serious dog people who are still breeding.

But many more want a puppy NOW. If they can’t obtain one in the UK, will they look across the Channel even more than is currently the case?

This seems to be happening more and more anyway, not just among pet buyers but in a number of breeds among exhibitors too, who find it easier to obtain a puppy (often a quality one) from Eastern Europe than in the UK. Will Britain become a nation of dog importers, from breeders who are not subject to the restrictions faced by those in the home country?

Or, will there be a ‘black market’ of breeders ‘under the radar’ in this country?

In any case, who will be enforcing the new

Beauceron puppies – developed from the sheepdogs of the French plains of Beauce – hence his name

looking after and competing with their animals to spare the time for this sort of thing and, let’s be honest, dog people aren’t always that good at providing a unified voice on anything! Few, I suspect, choose to realise, let alone challenge, the threats our world is under from so many directions.

So, what will be the long-term effect if dog breeding in the UK becomes a less appealing prospect? The public still, thankfully, loves dogs and will still want to obtain one. Sensible people will still be prepared to get on a waiting list for one of the increasingly rare puppies bred by

Photo: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

are more organised, such as the veterinary lobby, tend to be much more influential when legislation is planned.

I have sometimes wondered whether we should have established an organisation of responsible breeders to complement the Kennel Club’s own efforts in putting the case for the ‘high end’ of the dog-breeding world. An extra unified voice in putting over our case would surely have increased the chances of our collective voice being heard in the wider world.

Sadly, serious dog people are in general all too busy breeding, rearing, training,

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, made popular due to its high profile owner – Her Majesty the Queen. Sadly, the last of the Pembroke Welsh Corgis bred by the Queen, ‘Willow’, died in April this year

rules? Will it be local authorities which are, in many cases, already hard pressed to fund all the initiatives they are supposed to? I have in previous articles made the point that if the threshold for a breeder’s licence is significantly lowered, then the authorities’ workload will be increased many times over.

I wish I could be more optimistic about the direction our world is going to have to take. Let us hope that the British national aptitude for breeding and rearing top-class (in every sense) dogs is not totally stifled and finds a way through to the future. ●

SIMON PARSONS

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular pedigree breeds and his popularity comes from his versatility as family companion, service dog, guide dog as well as a working gundog

Simon Parsons has owned a variety of breeds but his first loves are the Corgis.

He worked for Dog World newspaper for 39 years and awards Challenge Certificates in 13 breeds. In 2014 he instigated the revival of the Kennel Gazette

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 5

News

Photo: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

Photo: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

Take your dog to work day

Pat Ford’s ‘Tink’ perusing a rather interesting article in the June edition

T

he Kennel Club got involved in Take your Dog to Work Day by getting a photograph of the Kennel Club office dogs and sending it out on their social channels. The Kennel Club is a strong believer in the benefits of dogs in the work place.

Kennel Club CEO Rose Smart with the Kennel Club office dogs

Meanwhile in a traffic jam on the Côte d’Azur Harry and Meghan take Guy for a spin

Photo by williammoores.com

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We would appreciate any feedback you may have on the Kennel Gazette and we welcome reading your news and views.

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6 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

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Letters and news

for dogs.

Jacqueline Ferris-Woods / The Kennel Club ©

nearly £675,000.

Your support is essential to us and by giving whatever you cansupport afford,isyou can help difference Your essential to usmake and bya giving whatever foryou dogs. can afford, you can help make a difference

Jacqueline Ferris-Woods / The Kennel Club ©

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) provides grants to various canine organisations nationwide, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) provides many of which are involved in the rescue and welfare grants to various canine organisations nationwide, of many dogs.ofInwhich 2017,are theinvolved KCCT gave grants totalling in the rescue and welfare nearly £675,000. of dogs.

In 2017, the KCCT gave grants totalling

Jacqueline Ferris-Woods / The Kennel Club ©

THE AIA-360 ANALYSER

The KCCT has three objectives, the funding of: The KCCT-has three objectives, the funding of: health • Science research into diseases and other • Science - in research conditions dogs into diseases and other health conditions in dogs • Support - The training of dogs to help humans • Support - The training of dogs to help humans • Welfare - The rescue and re-homing of dogs which • Welfare - The rescue and re-homing of dogs which need needhelp help ForFor further to make makean anonline online furtherinformation information and and to donation, donation,please pleasevisit: visit: www.kccharitabletrust.org.uk www.kccharitabletrust.org.uk

Registered Registered Charity Charity Number Number 327802 327802

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 7

Special feature

Florentina Marulli and Alessandro Muneghina running the Club bar

Service with a smile!

Behind the scenes of the Club

By Bill Moores

E

very week the Kennel Club restaurant caters for members and committees, and its Club Committee puts together special events to tempt members to Clarges Street.

As the Christmas lunch season approaches, Bill Moores talks to club manager John Golding about their plans.

Tuesday, 30th October. We are also currently planning a number of breed lunches.

Different breeds will be invited to the Club for lunch, with a tour of the artwork and a breed-specific presentation from the library and collections manager Ciara Farrell.

We hope this will appeal to the members and their guests.”

Good morning John. As we put this piece together, what plans are on the table(!) for members later this year?

How far ahead do you plan such events, and can you talk us through the team/committee liaison process?

“Hi Bill, we have a guided visit to the Guildhall set for Wednesday, 22nd August and a tour of the Postal Museum set for

8 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

“At the October meeting of the Club Committee, the following year’s events and places of interest to visit will be discussed and agreed upon. Pat Ford and I will start

As members enter the Club, they are greeted by an eye-catching display of Send Gold Vases, as featured in the February 2018 edition

Special feature

Head chef Donna Fiddes

All photos: ©The Kennel Club

to work on the first event around 10 weeks beforehand, sending out letters to members informing them of the event and a booking/ reservation form. If tickets are required for entry to the place to be visited, we will have booked the tickets before sending out notice to the members.”

Can you explain the structure of your team and their responsibilities?

“I head the Club team and, technically, Pat Ford is my PA, but her duties cover much more and she steps in to help with many other additional duties within the department.

“Donna Fiddes is the head chef and also my deputy. She heads the kitchen brigade and does all the menu planning and costing. She creates the menu for Christmas, normally around May time, trying out all dishes along with her team, and finalises it in early June, so that it is ready for when the letter is

Facilities supervisor Peter Armstrong, who ensures the day to day working and running of the mechanical and security equipment

composed and sent to members informing them of the Christmas lunch arrangements.

“Maria Ulloa heads the food service and waiting team; any food sent from the kitchen will be served by her waiting team, be it in the dining room or any of the meeting rooms. It is her responsibility to ensure all food is served to a very high standard, and to her exacting and detailed style. She also ensures that all refreshments are served to the meeting rooms and her team are responsible for the stocking and cleaning of all laundry.

“Peter Armstrong is our facilities supervisor and he ensures the day to day working and running of the mechanical and security equipment, and overseeing and organising all maintenance work. He acts as the fire officer for the premises. Sunny Adebanji is the security steward who ensures the premises are opened for business in the morning and returns in the afternoon to oversee the contract cleaning of the premises and to secure them in the evening.

“Keeping the premises and the hospitality running on a day to day basis takes dedicated hard work and everyone pulls together daily to ensure an exceptional team effort.”

We realise you have been installed in the new premises for some years

Club manager John Golding and Pat Ford with Tink

now but what are the big differences between number 10 and the ‘old’ Club?

“Personally, I believe the club room and dining room are of a very high standard and far more pleasing in appearance than 1-5 was; we get many compliments on its design.

The quality of the furniture, furnishings and décor is of a very high grade. They are far more welcoming and the bar itself is of an exceptional detailed design and appearance.

Having the kitchen on the same floor as the

Each table in the dining room is set to a professional standard

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 9

Special feature

Photo: Heidi Hudson/The Kennel Club©

I recently heard of a member hiring the Club and entertaining almost 100 friends for a special birthday. Was this a unique event or is the Club premises open to such use on a frequent basis?

The Labrador Retriever Club was the first breed club to host a lunch

dining room and club room has made such a difference and makes it so much easier to carry out our food service to a higher standard; it speeds up the service process.

The shape of the dining room makes it a lot easier to oversee and supervise. The board and conference rooms are a much higher quality and specification and have far more technology than 1-5.”

It must be hard to cater for the varying levels of Club use from week to week. How do you cope with this?

“I get asked this often. We are fortunate in that we know what committees and meetings will be sitting and what their requirements are for lunches and refreshments. Members mostly book if they wish to come for lunch, which is very helpful for us. We would like to do many more lunches daily, 45 – 50 every day

Starters complete and ready to be refrigerated before serving, made by sous chef Rachael Dominguez

10 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

would be marvellous. However, knowing the membership is spread out across the length and breadth of the country, and less than 25 per cent of them live within the M25 radius, we are always going to have fluctuating numbers in the dining room.”

We notice you have just launched the breed-themed lunches to attract members and their guests. How successful have these been?

“The first of the breed lunches was on Monday, 18th June, and we had 30 booked for this lunch. I would like around 40 at least to each lunch, but I appreciate this may be a tall order, especially for some of the numerically smaller breeds. We have had a number of other breeds contact us saying they would like to come in and have a breed lunch also. The idea seems to have captured the imagination of the members, stating they have a number of people wishing to come and bring guests with them, so we will be doing all we can to accommodate all breeds, especially those who have replied and said they wish to come, but it is very likely a number of these will take place throughout next year too.”

“This was a unique event and tailored to that member’s particular requirements. However, we are always open to members asking for a tailored event, be it a lunch, a dinner, an afternoon pre-theatre champagne and canapés reception, or the launch of a product of some kind. We are very flexible and can adapt to most requests, and I believe we carry them off to an exceptionally high standard. We are adept at looking after royalty and other high-pressure events. We can accommodate fine dining in a private room, or the conference rooms can be adapted for a lunch such as this. We are currently producing some quality literature that will inform members about all the different types of hospitality available to them here at the Club.”

I know many members look forward to the month of scheduled Christmas lunches, with some fortunate enough to secure several bookings. Can you give our readers a breakdown-by-numbers of this mammoth undertaking?

“As I stated previously, our Christmas arrangements start around halfway through the year with Donna producing her Christmas menu. The letter is produced and sent to members informing them of our arrangements at around August time.

However, it will go out earlier this year as we have set a date for when we will commence

The kitchen brigade goes above and beyond what is normally expected to ensure that everyone attending a meal at the Club receives the same high-quality Kennel Club hospitality. From left to right: chef de partie, Martin Mitchell; Donna Fiddes, head chef; Rachael Dominguez, sous chef, and Ellis Lowe, commis chef

Special feature

taking bookings for Christmas. We have to accommodate all committees into our bookings first, and these probably account for around 20 per cent of our Christmas bookings. We try to aim to do in excess of 1,000 Christmas lunches during this period; however, we have exceeded this many times over the past 10 or so years. Each year I think it is not possible to increase the number served, and each year I am left amazed at what we achieve. Last year, during the period of 23rd November until 22nd December (21 days), we served 1,182 Christmas lunches.

This is quite an undertaking for a small team such as ours and required bringing in bank and agency staff to help cope with the additional numbers, while the kitchen brigade manage with the team they have. This all takes training and much planning, which the team apply very well, and I am very proud of them during this time, as we go above and beyond what is normally expected of us to ensure that everyone attending during the festive season receives the same high-quality Kennel Club hospitality.”

Preparing mouthwatering desserts

Thank you, John, and, on behalf of everyone who has enjoyed the superb dining facilities at the Club, please extend this to your excellent team.

“Thank you for your kind comments Bill.”

BILL MOORES

The waiting staff who attend to the members. From left to right: Giorgia Anelli, Crispina Thayanathan, William Redhead and David Olasebikan

Bill Moores is the former Editor of Our Dogs. Since early retirement he runs a media services and photography consultancy, dividing his time between the show scene here and that of continental Europe

Here is a taster of some of what is to come on the Christmas menu:

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 11

Health matters

It’s a pain - so get it checked out Ears can be a source of serious trouble

By Gay Robertson

E

ar scratching or head shaking do not always ring alarm bells with a dog owner— but they should.

Otitis or ear infections is one of the most common health problems in dogs, with cases being seen in surgeries on a daily basis.

Inside a dog’s ear

12 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

The causes are many and varied but if left untreated, will be extremely painful — remember those earaches you had as a child — and can cause serious damage both to the dog’s ear and to its second most important sense, its hearing.

Owners of spaniel and other breeds with long-haired, drop ears will probably know that the bacteria that typically causes otitis just loves the warm, moist environment of their dogs’ ears but over zealous cleaning can also lead to inflammation so any redness in the ear is also a sign that all is not well and a trip to the vet is probably indicated for a look with an otoscope.

Beagles and Basset Hounds are also prone to lifelong ear problems and their owners may have got to the point where they accept them as a condition of life with their best friend. However, each occurrence needs to be looked at with a fresh eye. Don’t just reach for the antibiotics; chronic otitis can rupture the membrane and antibiotics could cause more damage.

Ear infections don’t cure themselves, they can only get worse. Otitis is not a disease in itself but a condition caused by something else. Otitis externa is inflammation of the dog’s exterior ear canal and can be caused by something like wax building up and narrowing the ear canal, which in turn is a symptom of something else like an infection. The result is an itchy redness and if the condition ruptures the ear drum, it becomes otitis media or inflammation of the middle ear, which if it then spreads to the inner ear is known as otitis interna. Other symptoms are a discharge, bad smell, tilting the head, even lack of co-ordination and vomiting. At this point, owners, according to character, will either be thinking: ‘it’s probably something he ate’ or rushing to google vestibular disease, which can indeed be caused by an infection but is typically an

Health matters

affliction of old age. Both will be wrong.

Among the other causes of otitis are parasites, allergies, reactions to drugs, excessive moisture from too much swimming, excessive hair, keratinisation (dead skin build up), autoimmune diseases and foreign bodies. Ear mites are common in puppies and can spread from one to another, so early vet checks should look for these, but they are rare in adult dogs. Foreign bodies are a frequent cause and, during the summer, the culprit is often the ubiquitous grass seed.

Every vet has a horror story about grass seeds. Apart from ears, they can also attack other parts of the dog. Tiny sharp arrows, with barbs or awns facing backwards which make them extremely difficult to remove, they float down on the wind or lurk in the grass where they can work their way through the skin between toes, into the groin or in the ‘armpit’ of a dog and, if not removed, migrate through the body, causing trouble as they go, some as extreme as the loss of an eye, or death if they are inhaled into a lung. When it comes to ears, the grass seed drops straight down the canal of erect-eared dogs, or works its way through the hair and skin of the drop-eared flap. This is potentially serious for the dog and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Apart from examining the inside of the ear with an otoscope — which may need to be done with the dog sedated, as ear infections can be extremely painful — the vet will want to take a swab of any discharge, which may have a fungal factor. Microscopic examination of this will determine the

medication to be used and it is likely that further swabs will be required on subsequent checks. An ear infection will typically take several weeks to resolve and it is a really bad idea not to pursue it to the end, or your dog could end up deaf or with facial paralysis — and with chronic pain.

Resolving the ear infection is not the end of the story, because unless it was due to something like a foreign body, which has been removed, or identified by examination of the discharge, the underlying cause needs to be ascertained. More pain; this time to your wallet. You may find it useful to revisit ‘Why is my dog so itchy?’ by Rosario Cerundolo in the June 2018 edition of the Kennel Gazette. Looking at the causes listed above may also give you a clue as to whether this is a one-off episode or a warning of something potentially nasty lurking underneath. If it all seems a bit nebulous and potentially expensive, do not kick it into the long grass.

We all learn at our dogs’ expense and warning signs should never be ignored. As always, it pays to have a good relationship with a vet with whom you can discuss not only the options for your dog but any financial constraints. If a tumour has been identified or suspected, or there is an unexplained mass or liquid in the ear, it may not be financially possible to have the MRI scan indicated. Talk it out with the vet who may be able to think of another, less expensive, option.

Even if it proves impossible to identify the underlying cause of an ear infection, it

Close up of an infection in a dog’s ear

can be managed and further attacks headed off if the owner remains, literally, on red alert. Any sign of redness or inflammation should be dealt with immediately and the vet’s instructions on cleaning and medication followed to the letter. Twice daily medication means every 12 hours, not the morning and some other time during the day. If your dog seems to find ear cleaning painful, don’t skip it but ask the vet for something to deal with the pain. It may take time but surely, a healthy, pain-free dog should be everyone’s goal. ●

GAY ROBERTSON Gay Robertson’s first dog was a Cocker Spaniel but in 1970 a rescue Whippet led to 20 years as chairman of the Whippet Club, and a lasting enthusiasm for all dual-purpose show dogs

An ear infection will typically take several weeks to resolve: follow the vet’s instructions on cleaning and medication to the letter

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 13

Political progress

Political progress An update on how the Kennel Club is helping to shape political policy

By Ed Hayes Kennel Club provides evidence to select committee inquiry on dangerous dogs The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into how effective the Government’s current approach is to protecting the public from dangerous dog attacks. Bill Lambert, the Kennel Club’s senior health and welfare manager appeared in front of the committee and was questioned on the Kennel Club’s view on current dangerous dog legislation.

In both Bill’s evidence, and a separate written submission, we highlighted our view that the existing Dangerous Dogs Act has failed to achieve its aims. This view is supported by the available evidence that the number of fatal dog attacks has increased in the period since the introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991. In addition, the number of hospital admissions attributed to dog bites and strikes has increased considerably over the previous 10 years.

The Kennel Club believes that the central basis of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which identifies specific types of dog as being inherently dangerous, is fundamentally flawed, as it ignores both the behaviour and temperament of the dog and its owner.

The Kennel Club also outlined other flaws in the current approach, including the absence of data collection on why attacks occur. This prohibits the development of an evidence-based preventative approach to reduce dog bites and strikes. The committee will hold further evidence sessions and will then write a report with recommendations to Government.

Consultations on the sale of puppies in pet shops Following Michael Gove’s announcement of a consultation on a potential ban on the sale of puppies through third parties in England, the Kennel Club submitted a response in support of the proposed ban.

The Kennel Club has campaigned for a ban on commercial third party puppy sales for a considerable time; our submission highlighted the reasons why we believe that the welfare of puppies is compromised when sold through third party sellers. We also highlighted the disparity in the

regulatory burden being placed on licensed dog breeders as opposed to licensed third party puppy sellers.

In Scotland, Jeremy Balfour MSP launched a consultation ahead of a potential Member’s Bill to update Scottish legislation regulating pet shops. Mr Balfour’s proposals relate to the regulation of pet shops in general, though following discussions we and others have had with him, the consultation also considered the merits of banning the sale of puppies in Scottish pet shops. Much like our response to the Westminster consultation, we detailed our views on why we believe it essential that this practice is banned.

Kennel Club specialist dog access adviser meets with English Heritage The Kennel Club employs a specialist dog access adviser, Stephen Jenkinson, to work with councils and other landowners to develop dog-friendly methods of managing dog walkers. He recently met with English Heritage to discuss both making its sites more dog friendly and the range of ‘soft measures’ it can use to promote responsible dog ownership at its sites.

Steve subsequently visited an English Heritage site, Marble Hill House, to offer

Political progress

sports and rough sleeping for example. We took it in a positive light when referred to by a fellow speaker as a serial responder to PSPO consultations. The Kennel Club aims to stand up for the rights of dog walkers right across the country.

The Kennel Club was asked to present on the topic of ‘How to construct a PSPO effectively’. We focused on highlighting the need for local authorities to ensure that they think very carefully before banning dogs or requiring them to be kept on leads in open

Photo: Stephen Jenkinson©

some site-specific advice and good practice.

Through partnerships such as this we hope to ensure that sites such as these, which are often key local dog-walking locations, continue to welcome dogs.

Kennel Club presents to the Local Government Association conference on PSPOs The Kennel Club was delighted to be the sole dog-walking organisation invited to present at the Local Government Association conference on Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). PSPOs are local laws that councils use to control ‘anti-social behaviour’, which have been used to regulate alongside dog-walking street drinking, ball

Photo: Dawn Rodgers/The Kennel Club©

More positive signage due to Kennel Club partnerships

spaces, due to the impact this can have on dogs and their owners. We also encouraged councils to seek the least restrictive option when implementing restrictions on dog walkers. Where restrictions are truly required, can they be implemented for only certain times of the day/year? Since the conference we have had a number of local authorities contacting us for advice in managing dog walkers in their area. ●

Special feature

Photo: ©David Dalton

‘Maximum quality in minimum volume’ That’s what the Bretonnières set out to achieve when they developed the Brittany

By Kathy Gorman

16 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

a demand.

In 1907, the Société Centrale Canine recognised the breed by classifying it, and, one year later, M Arthur Enaud of Loudéac on the Côte d’Amour founded the national breed club.

Despite the First World War, the breeding kennels survived and flourished in the immediate post-war period, so much so

that the demand for the working Breton increased and the club resumed activities, shows and trials by 1924. In 1938, and as clouds gathered once more over Europe, the breed was even more popular than English Setters, Irish Setters and Pointers.

It was during the 1930s that the breed’s abilities were noted in America, and satisfying the demands of hunters who

The commune of Callac produced this picture book, which chronicled the history of the breed through simple stories. Although aimed at children it was a popular souvenir from the museum

The comprehensive history of the Brittany produced by the Club de l’Epagneul Breton, ‘100 Years’. The club is renowned for the quality of its quarterly members’ journal

Photos: williammoores.com

T

he recent news that the dachshund breed has been acknowledged as a national treasure in Germany, with a new museum dedicated to the breed, reminded me that just 10 years ago a similar honour was bestowed on the Brittany in France.

In 2008, the newly refurbished tourist office and museum in the town of Callac and the Club de l’Epagneul Breton joined forces to celebrate 100 years of the Brittany at a show held at the local racecourse. The event attracted over 200 Brittanys from all over Europe, international visitors from as far away as New Zealand and the USA, and exhibitors and spectators from the UK. The breed was made famous by passionate amateurs in the second half of the nineteenth century who pursued every French citizen’s right to hunt. This had become a hard won fight after the Revolution.

Breed history points towards the probable mating of the brown and white tailless Breton Spaniel and pointers and setters from visiting English hunters, for whom the department of Brittany was an easy journey. More importantly, the wealthy landowners and the nobility recognised the qualities of this ‘new’ breed and its ability to hunt, point and retrieve. They also facilitated breeding programmes as well as creating

Photo courtesy of Sue Axtell

demanded that the man leading the horse move it again for ‘his class’!

Just before lunch, as visitors and exhibitors mustered for drinks and lunch in one of the betting halls, the sound of a distant drum attracted attention. It announced the arrival of the local Breton Pipe & Drum Band! Resplendent in black and white, the colours of the Breton flag, the band marched back and forth testing the temperament of both dogs and exhibitors alike.

If you holiday in France and enjoy the delights of Brittany then the museum in Callac is a must. Don’t miss the statue of the Breton cob horse, which stands tucked away in a nearby car park, for it was the conformation of this strain which is said to have inspired the ‘Bretonnières’ of yesteryear to create a breed with ‘un maximum de qualités pour un volume minimum’. ●

Even the Callac sign at the entrance to the town acknowledges the Brittany!

Photo: williammoores.com

rode on horseback, breeders dispatched their stock, which at that time was all palepigmented. This became the foundation of the breed, and can still be seen in the ring there today.

Most of my memories of the Club de l’Epagneul Breton national show weekends involve interminably long meals, preceded by equally long ‘aperos’; superb wine selections to complement each course; trous normands, which would fuel a moon rocket; and a passionate enthusiasm for the breed, which is hard to express unless it is experienced.

With the centenary show held on a racecourse it was no surprise to see horses in the paddock next to the show ring. What was a surprise was for one judge, a breed doyen, to break off judging to give exhibitors a masterclass in conformation and movement.

“If a horse isn’t made right, it can’t move right,” was the simple message, as he

Photo: williammoores.com

This photo shows the Brittany’s impressive suspension gallop at speed

The statue of the Breton cob in Callac which is said to have inspired the ‘Bretonnières’ of yesteryear to create a breed with ‘un maximum de qualités pour un volume minimum’

Photo courtesy of Sarah Finch

KATHY GORMAN

Breed record holder Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Eastonite Bracken, winner of 39 CCs, was bred by Amanda Ellis and owned by Gill Tully. She passed away peacefully in June, aged 12 and a half

Kathy Gorman has bred, shown and worked Brittanys and Welsh Springers under the Walgoreg kennel name since 1982. As well as being a KC Accredited Trainer in conformation and movement, she also awards CCs in 20 gundog breeds and judges the group at championship level. She has been managing director of Fosse Data Systems since 1994

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 17

Special feature

Bamse — south west to north east

Gallant, devoted and full of character, this canine war hero and crew member is still remembered today

By Revd. Bill King

I

n July 1944, the Scottish seaport of Montrose was host to a moving and extraordinary funeral. Silent mourners lining the route comprised 800 schoolchildren, local shopkeepers, factory workers, housewives, dignitaries, and the crew of six Norwegian ships forming a guard of honour. A sailor had died of heart failure; the coffin draped with the Royal Norwegian flag, his sailor’s cap atop, it was carried by six crewmates. So Bamse, a St Bernard dog was buried with full military honours in the sand dunes of Montrose.

Bamse’s remarkable story began when, at the onset of the Second World War, his owner’s ship, the Thorodd, was drafted into the Royal Norwegian Navy as a coastal patrol vessel. Bamse was enrolled as an official crew member on 9th February, 1940. Norway was invaded and the Thorodd was one of just 13 naval vessels to escape to the UK, where the ship served as a minesweeper working out of Montrose and Dundee.

In April 1940, when the Thorodd first came under enemy fire, Bamse stood stoically on deck during the engagement, providing a comforting presence for the terrified young sailors. The crew made a special tin helmet for Bamse and, during the next four years, he was the morale-boosting presence at sea and on shore. Bamse is credited with rescuing a sailor who, rather the worse for wear, fell into the harbour. Bamse jumped from the four-metre high deck and became that sailor’s life jacket.

On another occasion, a Norwegian officer was being attacked by a man with a knife.

Bamse despatched both man and knife into the harbour. He was known throughout Montrose, and it was said that Bamse: ‘just strutted around the place as if he owned it.’ He knew all the shops, in particular the baker, butcher and pub, where, with seemingly great dignity, and a rolling of those soulful eyes, Bamse was able to enjoy

18 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

Scottish hospitality. Stories about Bamse are legion; two give just a flavour of his character: Jessie Payton, when interviewed in 2014, recalled that, as a child, she remembered Bamse going into the butcher’s shop and seeing a string of sausages. He did not wait for the usual exchange; Bamse did a runner with the whole string. As a regular at the local pub, Bamse would walk up to the bar and place his great paws on the counter and wait. One day he saw the pub cat occupying his usual spot. Without breaking stride, he reached up and gently pushed aside said cat and waited for his pint to be poured into a bowl.

When ashore, Bamse watched over the children as they played and was known and loved throughout the town. It is said that he even had his own bus pass! But when the Thorodd put to sea, the crew compliment always included Bamse and such was his importance to morale that he became mascot of the Royal Norwegian Navy and

then of all the Free Norwegian Forces.

A photograph of him in his sailor’s cap was used on Easter and Christmas cards.

Every decade since, on the anniversary of Bamse’s death, Norwegians and Scots have come together to remember a dog who epitomised ‘bravery, devotion and, above all freedom.’ However, the 70th anniversary was to be the last such occasion, but not the final act — for the love for Bamse’s memory culminated in a bronze statue being unveiled

by HRH Prince Andrew in Montrose on 17th October, 2006. The funding needed was raised by donations from all over the world. Among the various medals awarded to Bamse, perhaps the most outstanding was the PDSA Gold Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty (colloquially known as the animals’ George Cross) — being the only one ever awarded to an animal in the Second World War.

Bamse was buried in the sand dunes on the banks of the South Esk River

All photos: ©Montrose Heritage Trust

Special feature

The statue itself is 130 per cent life-size, cast in bronze and raised on a one metre high granite block. It faces north east, towards Norway, and in Honningsvag (home port of the Thorodd), another statue of Bamse (placed in 2009) stands facing south west, toward Montrose.

World famous sculptor Alan Herriot

“Among the various medals awarded to Bamse, perhaps the most outstanding was the PDSA Gold Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty...”

The sculptor was world famous Alan Herriot, who has a studio just outside Edinburgh. Alan’s enthusiasm for the project was such that he had produced a one-quarter life-size concept model of Bamse, cast in resin, as part of his submission to the selection panel.

It is hard to understate the power of Bamse, whose presence brought so many people in Scotland, and those displaced from Norway together. At his death it was said that: ‘Grown men who had stoically endured a cruel war, separated from their families, grave losses and exile from their country, cried openly.’ Taken from the history of Bamse on the Montrose Heritage Trust Bamse Project website. For more information, please visit www.bamsemontrose.co.uk ● Thank you to Dr Andrew Orr of the Montrose Heritage Trust for his kind assistance and for providing the photographs.

REVD. BILL KING Bill has substantial experience of dog shows, obedience, heelwork to music and field trials. He has finally managed to soothe an itch which began in 1965 when in 2015, at Lincoln Cathedral, Bill was ordained as a priest.

He is now an associate priest in the Trinity Parish, Grantham The finished Bamse bronze statue

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 19

Remember when...

Remember when

Florence Nagle changed history

By Glenway Dymock

female dog show judge, Mary Ann Foster, who stepped into the judging ring in 1889.

Without these inspirational women, who knows where dog showing would be today!

This year, 2018 marks 100 years since women were given the vote in parliamentary elections and 90 years since women got to vote on equal terms to men.

The recent Kennel Club Art Gallery exhibition, the ‘Significant Women, who have made a difference for dogs’, focused on 20 different women who made significant contributions to the world of dogs during their lifetimes, including Maria Dickin, founder of the PDSA; renowned canine artist Maud Earl; leading suffragette and a founder of the animal rights movement, Frances Power Cobbe; and Britain’s first

20 June 2016 - Kennel Gazette

Photo: ©PDSA

Significant women

Maria Dickin, promoter of animal welfare and founder of the PDSA. The PDSA is celebrating its centenary this year, and PDSA director general, Jan McLoughlin, says: “This charity was founded on the vision of one incredibly strong and determined woman, Maria Dickin. With few resources, she set up the first dispensary amid the poverty and chaos of the First World War. The world has changed beyond recognition since our inception, and we have to change too, to ensure our work remains as effective and relevant as possible. But our core values remain the same as on day one. We are here to protect that most precious bond between owners and their beloved pets.”

For more information on the PDSA and its 100 years, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsa100

Courtesy Florence Nagle Collection at the Kennel Club Library

ieving lestone of women ach It is unlikely that the mi ched rea en be ve hip would ha Kennel Club members rence Flo of s ort eff le ab efatig in 1978 without the ind y ke Joc r in-roads with the Nagle, who made simila ttle ba n’s ma this tenacious wo Club. The full story of ok bo nt llia d in the bri with both clubs is relaye by d’ he lis mp co Ac ‘Mission o, wh eld rfi me So ith Ferel along with her husband Stafford, was a great supporter of Mrs Nagle in her quest for equality She is within the dog world.

Irish r he th wi pictured, left, d tea ms lha Su , nd Wolfhou ing nn wi ), Ch ter (la an Merm 0.

BIS at Crufts in 196

Photo: ©The Kennel Club

re Library Photo ©Kennel Club Pictu

Remember when

Special feature

An evening dedicated to talking about dogs

By Robert Greaves

Christa and Vann when they qualified as an assistance dog partnership

22 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

chief executive, Peter Gorbing.

The lecture hall was very full and Peter Gorbing opened the evening by outlining the background to this event; Dogs for Good celebrating its 30th anniversary, and felt what better way than to acknowledge all the great things that dogs do for us in society.

He continued: “It is this special humandog bond that opens up so many possibilities and positively influences the health and well-being of both people and their dogs.

Although our focus is on supporting people with disabilities, our ideas and approaches in supporting dogs and people is highly relevant and applicable to the wider dog-owning public.”

Peter explained that Dogs for Good is also looking beyond assistance dogs and has worked on a number of collaborative projects. More recently it has started a pioneering and ground-breaking project with Bracknell Forest Council. From September 2018, a Dogs for Good staff member and dog will be working within the occupational therapy (OT) team providing animal assisted intervention. By working alongside the OT team they can see where a dog can be motivating, as the team works primarily with young people with learning difficulties.

Peter is an excellent and engaging speaker and his pleasure and joy at being part of the charity comes out so well and, in so doing, brings the work of the charity to life.

It provided the evening with such a solid foundation, a clear purpose and direction.

There were four speakers for the evening. The first was Christa Dyson and her assistance dog Vann (a three-year-old Labrador Retriever). Christa was taken

ill in 1993 while in the Netherlands. It was very sudden and it transpired that she had incurred a spinal stroke. After 362 days in hospital, Christa emerged as a tetraplegic, 17 years after being taken ill. Christa returned home to the UK and was admitted to Stoke Mandeville’s spinal unit for a short period of refresher rehabilitation. While on the ward, she met a dog from Dogs for Good. He was accompanying a lady in a wheelchair and Christa asked the lady what the dog did for her and what she revealed blew Christa away.

The therapy class was supposed to be about driving and adapting cars, but none of that was discussed and instead it was all

All photos: Dogs for Good©

W

hat a night! The Power of Dogs event in Oxford was a celebration of all that dogs bring to our lives and was truly inspirational. Dogs for Good is a UK charity that brings dogs and people with disabilities and complex needs together to help overcome specific challenges and enrich and improve the lives of both. I was delighted to be invited to attend the very first event in Oxford — the first in a series to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary. The events comprise short, powerful talks from well-known celebrities, such as Brian Blessed and Peter Purves, as well as respected academics, veterinary behaviour experts, photographers, authors and Dogs for Good

Friends For Life finalist Joel Sauer and Caddie

All photos: Dogs for Good©

Special feature

Stephen Jenkinson, Kennel Club access and countryside advisor Peter Gorbing, CEO Dogs for Good

about how Christa could get an assistance dog. Christa was introduced to Dogs for Good and some time later Vann entered her life. It took time, because getting the right match is so important for a good partnership arrangement.

Last year Christa went to Arundel Castle with Vann and it was the first time in 17 years that she had been able to explore at her pace, without family or friends, but just with Vann.

It was quite an emotional moment as Vann gave her strength, and has since provided the independence that Christa could not have dreamed of 17 years ago. And, as she put it; “He is my white Vann man!”

Dr Jane Fossey was the next speaker, and she is a consultant clinical psychologist responsible for psychological services across all age groups in the Oxford Health Foundation NHS Trust. Jane spoke passionately about how dogs can support our well-being. The first point was to reflect on dogs as family members, understanding that it is a long-standing relationship. In sharing the definitions of well-being by MIND (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, To Give), Jane explained how dogs can play a role in supporting all of these aspects. Jane continued by saying that dogs increase health esteem, for example reducing anxiety at dental surgeries by having dogs present, which can, in turn, reduce stress.

Specifically, Jane talked about the volunteer programme with the Blue Cross.

Here, volunteers visited shelters to walk and groom animals who were awaiting re-homing. The benefits to the animals were interaction, attention, and a chance for additional exercise and socialisation, while the positives for people were increases in levels of confidence, building inter-personal skills and being part of a team. The outcomes were measured, and there were found to be a number of very positive benefits, especially around increasing confidence.

The next speaker was Stephen Jenkinson, access and countryside adviser for the Kennel Club. As we recognise, the Kennel Club is passionate about supporting the good things about dog walking and balancing this with pragmatism; looking at evidence for the need for restrictions of dogs and ensuring that there is proportionality in any such situation to ultimately recognise that restrictions on dogs are restrictions on people. Stephen provided an excellent example of such work. Dogs were eroding a riverbank by jumping in and out of the water, thereby causing damage. Instead of implementing a restriction, the approach taken was to identify a place where dogs could enter the river. This was at a location where the bank had been strengthened to ensure it wasn’t going to be eroded by dogs in the future. By assessing the situation, the dogs could continue what they love doing, and the bank was safeguarded and protected.

The final speaker was Dr Roger Mugford, a well-known author, animal psychologist and energetic speaker. He talked about his work with all animals and reminded us about

the importance of intonation and tone: “What you say, and how you say it matters to dogs.” He concluded an excellent evening among a totally dog-loving community.

For me, the Power of Dogs made me think about dogs, their role in our community and the huge benefits they bring not just to those of us lucky enough to have them, but also to people who come across our dogs. ●

Further Power of Dogs events are planned for London (31st October) and Cambridge (15th November).

To book tickets and find out more about the speakers at each event visit www.dogsforgood.org/powerofdogs

ROBERT GREAVES Robert Greaves has been a breeder/exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds for almost 40 years. He is a championship show judge of several breeds across the world and is a regular contributor to canine publications

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 23

Skye Terrier breed standard

Photo: Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

Skye Terrier breed standard

Breed standard

O

ne of the original terriers of the Hebrides, the Skye was described by Dr John Caius, court physician to Elizabeth I in his book ‘Of English Dogges’ in 1570. The Skye plays a part in the development of all the terrier breeds of Scotland.

24 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

He was used to hunt fox and badger so needed to be game and fearless.

Despite these qualities in the field, he is the most loyal and devoted of companions — a quality made legendary in the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog owned by a Scottish shepherd. When his master died Bobby returned daily to the grave for 14 years

and was fed by local residents. When Bobby died in 1872 a monument was erected in Greyfriars churchyard in Edinburgh. Queen Victoria acquired a Skye in 1842 and this helped to widen the popularity of the breed.

The modern Skye is larger and longer and, more heavily coated than its ancestors.

Skye Terrier breed standard

● GENERAL APPEARANCE Long, low, with coat of good length; twice as long as high. Moves with seemingly effortless gait. Strong in quarters, body and jaw.

● CHARACTERISTICS Elegant and dignified.

● TEMPERAMENT A ‘one-man’ dog, distrustful of strangers, never vicious.

Photo: Ruth Dalrymple/The Kennel Club©

● HEAD AND SKULL Long and powerful; strength not sacrificed for extreme length. Moderate width at back of skull, tapering gradually with slight stop to strong muzzle. Nose black.

● EYES Brown, preferably dark brown, medium in size, close-set and full of expression.

● EARS Prick or drop. When prick, gracefully feathered, not large, erect at outer edges and slanting towards each other at inner edge, from peak to skull. When drop, larger, hanging straight, lying flat and close at front.

● MOUTH Jaws strong and level with perfect, regular scissor bite, — upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

● NECK Long and slightly crested.

● FOREQUARTERS Shoulders broad, close to body, chest deep; legs short and muscular.

● BODY Long and low; back level. Ribcage oval, deep and long. Short loin. Sides appear flattish due to straight-falling coat.

● HINDQUARTERS Strong, full, well developed and well angulated. Legs short, muscular and

straight when viewed from behind. No dewclaws.

● FEET Forefeet larger than hind, pointing truly forwards. Pads thick, nails strong.

● TAIL When hanging, upper part pendulous and lower half thrown back in a curve. When raised, a prolongation of incline of back, not rising higher or curling up. Gracefully feathered.

● GAIT/MOVEMENT Legs proceed straight forward when travelling. When approaching, forelegs form a continuation of straight line of front, feet being same distance apart as elbows.

Principal propelling power is furnished by hind legs which travel straight forward.

Forelegs moving well forward, without too much lift. Whole movement termed free, active and effortless and gives a more or less fluid picture.

softer, veiling forehead and eyes, but not obscuring vision. Mingling with side locks, surrounding ears like a fringe and allowing their shape to appear.

● COLOUR Black, dark or light grey, fawn, cream, all with black points. Any self-colour allowing shading of same colour and lighter undercoat, so long as nose and ears are black. A small white spot on chest permissible.

● SIZE Ideal height 25 - 26cms (10in), length from tip of nose to tip of tail 105cm (411/2in).

Bitches slightly smaller in same proportions.

● 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.

● COAT Double. Undercoat short, close, soft and woolly. Outer coat reasonable length, hard, straight, flat and free from curl, never impeding action. Hair on head shorter,

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

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 25

Breed health

Skye Terrier health Work is underway to safeguard the well-being of this vulnerable breed

It is important that growing puppies are allowed to develop at a slow and steady pace

By Maud Hawkes — Skye Terrier Club Health Committee Chairman and Kennel Club Breed Health Co-ordinator

T

he Skye Terrier is an ancient, native breed and generally quite robust, healthy and hardy and spared from the eye conditions, ear, skin and dental problems that are common in very many breeds. It is, however, now also a very rare breed, to the degree that it can be described as endangered. The whole Skye Terrier population in the UK is not much more than 400 dogs, and the total global population is less than 4,000. These figures can, for illustration purposes, be contrasted with over 35,000 UK Kennel Club registrations of Labrador Retrievers in the year 2017 alone.

26 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

The future existence of the Skye Terrier is indeed threatened and the need to monitor the health situation and put measures into place to safeguard the health of the breed is vital. It was therefore, in 2006, arranged for a DNA bank to be set up at the Animal Health Trust. Skye Terrier Club members have to submit DNA swabs from all puppies they breed, plus swabs from their parents.

Blood and tissue samples from affected dogs are collected and stored or used in research.

DNA samples are also added from around the world, so the collection now represents a sizeable proportion of the global population.

Details then get added to the submitted DNA

sample, whenever a dog becomes diagnosed with a significant condition and we have therefore been able to build a more reliable picture of the health situation in the breed and take action when possible.

Two heritable conditions, where measures could be taken, have been identified, namely renal dysplasia (RD) and Skye Terrier hepatitis. It must be stressed that cases are rare, but vigilance is of very great importance in a breed with such few dogs and a small gene pool. There are not yet enough DNA samples from verified RD cases for genetic research to be started, so another strategy had to be adopted. Kidney scanning

of potential parents, prior to breeding, was introduced and the health committee also arranges scanning sessions to help the effort. That way one can avoid unknowingly breeding from dogs with abnormal kidneys.

The situation for the hepatitis is somewhat different, since it has been possible to collect enough DNA and tissue samples from affected dogs. Research is presently ongoing at the Kennel Club’s Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with Dr Penny Watson at Cambridge University, with the goal of getting a reliable DNA test developed. The Skye Terrier Club Health Research Fund has supported whole genome sequencing of two affected dogs and a whole genome association study is now being undertaken. This type of research can unfortunately take quite a long time, but a test, that could prevent the birth of affected dogs, would obviously be of great benefit to the future health of the breed.

Cases of cancer are as common in dogs as they are in humans and Skye Terriers can of course also suffer from various forms of the disease. The Global Skye Terrier Cancer Survey is an online survey, a collaboration between the Skye Terrier Club of UK, Skye Terrier Club of America and Skye Terrier Club of Finland which was launched in 2016.

Haemangiosarcoma is the cancer with, so far, most reported cases. This is a type of cancer that is more common in some breeds than others and the Skye Terrier is unfortunately

All photos courtesy of the Skye Terrier Club

Breed health

In the UK, there are not many more than 400 Skye Terriers

among the more commonly affected breeds.

It does, however, have to be pointed out that it can affect any dog, pedigree or not, but DNA collected from Skye Terrier cases can hopefully contribute to global research into the disease eventually.

No overview of Skye Terrier health would be complete without mentioning puppy limp, a temporary front leg lameness. The Skye Terrier is an achondroplastic breed,

that is quite big dogs on dwarfed legs, and intermittent limping, on one or both front leg(s), tends to affect probably about a third of all puppies for a variable length of time.

It is important that growing puppies are allowed to develop at a slow, steady pace and don’t carry too much weight. Puppies should get most exercise from playing freely in the garden and should never be taken for long walks on a lead. They must not be allowed to jump up on and down from furniture or other high obstacles and should not walk up and down stairs, until they are fully grown and the skeleton has developed and the growth plates have closed. It is very important to try to prevent impact or trauma to the growth plates, so they don’t close prematurely. ●

The Skye Terrier is classed by the Kennel Club as a vulnerable native British breed, as it is a breed which has less than 300 registrations a year. The Kennel Club created the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition in 2015 to raise awareness of vulnerable British and Irish breeds, and to recognise those people who are dedicated to their survival and prosperity. At Crufts 2018, the Skye Terrier was one of the 23 breeds featured in the final, with the Irish Wolfhound ultimately taking the title. To find out more about the vulnerable native British and Irish breeds, please see the Kennel Club website.

Puppies should get most exercise from playing freely in the garden

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 27

Skye Terrier judges’ choice

Bob Cross and Margaret Macdonald-Cross ■ Tarskavaig Bob and Margaret have been in the breed for over 50 years. Margaret was granted the Tarskavaig kennel name in 1960 and Bob joined the kennel name from 1973. The Tarskavaig kennel has produced 33 champions worldwide. Bob and Margaret were invited to contribute to the Skye Terrier judges’ choice in May 2018, but unfortunately, Bob was admitted to hospital and it is with great sadness that we have to announce that Bob died at the end of May. Bob and Margaret had talked about their favourite Skye Terriers and with Margaret’s blessing, we have included his top three choices, which reflect the choices he made in the September 1990 Kennel Gazette, when the Skye Terrier was last featured. The editorial panel would like to offer their sincerest condolences to the Cross family.

Bob Cross Ch Vanghapara Wild Highlander

Margaret Macdonald-Cross Ch Vanghapara Wild Highlander

1

Close on his heels for construction, but not so glamorous was Ch Wismar Silver Sword. Campaigned in 1978 only, winning five CCs from five specialist judges, ‘Prince’ was so typical of the breed standard, epitomising the ‘three Ls’ – long, low, and level. He was of the softest disposition: gentle and affectionate, and like Highlander, filled the eye when he moved round the ring with the effortless ease all well-constructed animals do. His strong Merrymount connection (being out of a Merrymount bitch and having Mid River as his grandfather) blended in beautifully with our own lines, and has produced top-winning dogs and bitches for those who used him or his progeny. Indeed, the winner of Skye Dog of the Year, 1989, Ch Wismar Sweet William is a great grandson of his on the one side and a great grandson of Highlander on the other.

3Ch Perlor Sgianach

Filling the third spot was really most difficult as there are so many favourites of mine, but splitting hairs it has to be Hall and Hutchison’s Ch Perlor Sgianach, a son of Ch Wismar Silver Sword and Ch Tarskavaig Hallmark, again a dog carrying the same bloodlines as Sweet William. Another in the same mould of free-moving, well-constructed dogs who have made their mark in the breed in more recent times.

Please note that judges are asked to make sure that all information supplied is factually correct. This information is again checked when submitted, but please note that unfortunately errors may still occur.

28 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

Photo: ©Frank Garwood

2Ch Wismar Silver Sword

My first choice has to be Linda Lancashire’s Ch Vanghapara Wild Highlander who, in my opinion, was as near to perfection as one could get in a Skye. He was born 18th June, 1970 and was by Glenshiel Harvester ex Acheo Yule-Star. He was bred by Linda from her very first litter, and I remember saying to her that I felt sorry for her, and asking where do you go from Highlander? I gave him his first CC at Blackpool in 1972 and made him BOB at Crufts in 1975.

He won BIS at the first two Skye Terrier Club Open Shows, and although quite sparingly shown, won seven CCs in all, including CC at the first Skye Terrier Club Championship Show in 1981. In other words, his CC-winning career spanned nine years, having won his last CC at 11 years of age. He was Dog of the Year in 1973 and although sadly under-used at stud, he was Stud Dog of the Year in 1974 down from which offspring he lies behind many of today’s champions.

Second and third choices were not so easily come by and I would like to, instead, mention some outstandingly beautiful bitches who have also contributed to the breed — it always being more limiting for a bitch. I rank very highly indeed those to whom I have awarded top honours.

• Ch Marjayn Meta (Ch Merrymount Mid-day Sun ex Happyhill Maid of Perth), who won a total of eight CCs over a span of five years and produced, among her progeny, Ch Marjayn Dirk, the start of a long line of Marjayn champions right to the present day.

• Ch/Int Ch Larrikin’s Iris of Drewsteighton (Olivia Larrikin ex Larrikin’s Chiquita), who was already the dam of important stock on the continent before coming to the UK where she won several CCs during 1977 and 1978, and was Bitch of the Year in 1977. Stock from her mating to Ch Olivia Radovan went to Scandinavia and Australia, so her good bloodlines are in pedigrees in so many parts of the world of champion stock, including the UK. • Ch Speywood Bonnie (Glenshiel Arkle ex Speywood Rhona) was seven years old when I gave her her first CC and she was made up at eight-and-a-half years of age. Through two of her offspring, Ch Speywood Rowantree and Speywood Gigha, she stands behind many of today’s champions.

• Int/Scandinavian Ch Skyeline Rosagallica (Int/Scandinavian Ch Rhosneigr Silver Flash ex Ch Merrymount Sun Myth) was bred by the talented Finnish breeder, Mrs Hjordis Westerholm, and was the dam of top stock in Scandinavia before coming to live in the UK. Her daughter, Ch Skyeline Glimmer in Shadow From Whodeanie, was BOB at Crufts in 1986. I judged Rosagallica twice in Scandinavia, making her best bitch both times.

Photo: ©Roger Needham

1 Photo: ©Roger Needham

Bred by Mrs Linda Lancashire, a beautifully constructed, elegant dog whose lovely outline was a joy to behold. His attributes to the breed were enormous with his unique bloodlines of old Merrymount and old Olivia. His movement was unparalleled and his long CC-winning career speaks for itself, being truly a great dog all his days. I had the privilege of awarding him BOB at a terrier show and my only regret was that his career was finished before I began awarding CCs.

Skye Terrier judges’ choice

Sine Threlfall ■Acheo My name is Sine Threlfall and I come from the Isle of Skye. I was born into a home which already had a Skye Terrier so have been associated with them for 60 plus years! My mother’s dearest wish was to reintroduce the breed to the island after which they are named as apart from her one, there was only one other on the island. It took several years before that dream came true and I was involved with her mission going to open shows and championship shows and handling from an early age.

The Acheo kennel, bred and/or owned 31 champions until my retirement from breeding in 2001 — when the breed was in a very healthy position.

Sadly, this is not the case today and the breed teeters on the point of oblivion. Gone are the large kennels of yore and it is now no longer the fashion to own more than a couple of bitches to breed from on the whole.

Here are my top three, who were legends in their lifetime.

Photo: ŠRoger Needham

My first choice goes to Ch Vanghapara Wild Highlander, a dog who was born in 1970 and won seven CCs. He came from the first litter bred by Linda Lancashire and did not get off to a very promising start, behaving badly at his first show. However, despite this rocky start, the judge could see his potential and his owner persevered — thank goodness. He was the epitome of the breed standard: long, low and level. His construction was difficult to fault and therefore he moved with effortless ease. His correct coat was dead straight and always beautifully presented. He sired 11 litters, some of which became champions but when you get a dog who is so close to perfection, one isn’t going to get a carbon copy of him, alas! Many of today’s Skyes can trace their ancestors back to him so the chance is always there.

In second place, a drop ear who was imported from Sweden.

Born in 1990, when Skyes were enjoying popularity, this dog won 11 CCs, three times at the Skye Terrier Club Championship Show and BOB at Crufts in 1994, when competition was strong, which was quite

Photo by Sine Threlfall

2Ch Silverprint Goodfellow at Esgia

some achievement for a drop ear. I judged him when he was days out of quarantine, and although he was very immature at the time and lacking in muscle tone, his correct construction was evident. He had such a lovely expression, with well-placed ears, a lovely run in to great length of neck, very good front, also had the ‘three Ls’ with a straight coat and excellent movement, so well balanced. In many ways a dropeared version of my first choice, Wild Highlander. Ch Silverprint Goodfellow at Esgia only sired five litters. From his second litter, to another imported drop, he produced three drop-eared pups; one of which was Ch Esgia Cassiopeia. In total he sired four champions.

3Int Ch Olivia Jatagan

My third choice is Int Ch Olivia Jatagan. Born in 1955 and bred by Olga Olivova Smidova, as she was known then in Czechoslovakia. I met him when he was 11 years of age and was so impressed by his strong head, reach of neck, length, level topline and bone structure, along with a very sweet nature. He sired 12 litters in Czechoslovakia, with many of his offspring becoming champions behind the Iron Curtain and also in Europe. A bitch, Olivia Eroica was exported to Canada to the famous Talisker kennel, so, when in later years, Olga and her husband moved to the USA and tried to register the dogs they had brought with them, only to find the AKC would not recognise dogs from behind the Iron Curtain, she was able to keep her line going through Eroica and a dog Ch Olivia Hyperion, who had also been exported to Canada. In the USA Olga Smid’s kennel soon soared and, today, with dogs moving from country to country with such ease, most can trace their pedigrees back to Jatagan.

Photographer unknown

1Ch Vanghapara Wild Highlander

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August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 29

Skye Terrier judges’ choice

Albert Wight ■ Sharval

Allan P Stephenson ■ Mariquita My first introduction to dogs was in 1975 in Afghan Hounds. Mariquita was registered in 1977 with my first litter in this breed. My partner, Peter Chappell decided at Crufts in 1977 to view the Skye Terrier and this was our introduction

2Ch Salena the Special One

Mrs Breeze’s Ch Salena the Special One was another truly delightful example of the breed, and, again, he did benefit from seeming to be never other than in full coat and looking as though he had just walked straight out of a beauty parlour. Long, low, and heavily coated he certainly was, the head a joy to handle and like my first choice, Sir Scot, the outline was almost magnetic.

Beneath that coat he was well ribbed; they carry well back and his backline was so level, leading to correctly angulated and muscled hindquarters. He was another very big winner and deserved the many awards he received.

Photo: ©Alan V Walker

30 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

A pale silver bitch with black points. Ear fringing showing the perfect shaped ear set. Dark eye, lovely shaped skull, a sound under jaw, long neck, and well laid shoulders. Well assembled front, standing about 10 and a half inches to ground. Lovely length of body, rib to loin ratio near perfect. Tail set low with a double textured coat with a jacket that follows the dog — moved so freely — just a dream of a dog. This kennel has always fascinated me whenever judging anywhere in the world. This kennel’s breeding seems to be something I really identify with. Such successful breeding can only continue for many years to come.

2Ch Marjayn Moser

Beautiful cream dog with black points, so ultra masculine with a very strong, well balanced head and good jaw. A most attractive head, long neck, good upper arm and feet pointing the right way.

Shoulder — topline formation, spot on; good short hocks with a double waterproof jacket — no crisps or curls in this coat. Always shown in wonderful order — a true cream. These top-winning dogs are not always used at stud and unfortunately the attitude of many exhibitors has not changed in this respect.

Photo: ©Ian Parker

3Ch Brakemill Barnum ShCM

This year I renewed my acquaintance with the breed at Birmingham National where my BOB winner was the delightful Ch Brakemill Barnum ShCM, owned by Mrs Jane Curtis. Now in his seventh year, he is just like a good wine and seems to get better with age! Like the others I have mentioned he looks and, indeed, IS a class act — certainly all male in head which is so beautifully proportioned, the ears ideally set and carried, and then we have that ‘look’ from such stunning eyes. Long, low, superbly muscled and powerfully made throughout, he never manages to put a foot wrong on the move and his presentation is perfect. He really is a class item and is so very worthy of being included in my top three.

1Multi Ch Here’s Pandora of Morningsky

3Ch Tarskavaig Passion Flower

A pale silver bitch with black points, so ultra feminine but I am sad to say that the bitch was very rarely seen. As Skyes can be difficult, this does not deny them their beauty and elegance and their exactness to breed type. She had a very nice head, which I was unable to fault, and a long, crested neck falling into well laid shoulders. Her front and rear movement was so sound. She moved like a rocket with tail held low at all times. A remarkably beautiful jacket put down in first-class order. She was one that I could have taken home. Her progeny were not so many but have had a great influence on the breed.

Photo courtesy of Elke Spinrock

My first choice would be the group-winning and ever so handsome Ch Glorfindel Sir Scot at Silhill, owned and campaigned by Mrs Sue McCourt and bred by the very talented Mrs Gail Marshall (Glorfindel), who sadly died so very recently. Great dogs somehow all seem to have a presence which commands attention and this chap had it in spades. Never other than immaculate in coat, and the showman supreme, he had style, shape, a fantastic outline, using that long neck to such advantage; his head had length and strength, beautifully feathered ears framing his face, and then the eyes, so dark and full of expression. His action was light stepping, using powerful hocks and he was so even striding, head held high and conveying just a hint of arrogance in his demeanour.

Photo: ©Carol Ann Johnson

1Ch Glorfindel Sir Scot at Silhill

into the breed.

I first awarded CCs in the breed in 1983 and have enjoyed my career in judging, both in the UK and abroad, having judged most specialties including Crufts. We have been fortunate enough to have owned 18 champions and three USA and UK champions, which have been awarded 155 CCs. I have also bred 49 dogs which have found their titles in their respective countries. We have achieved top breeder in the UK and the USA at the same time, and also top stud dog as well as top brood bitch in the terrier group in the UK. We were mentioned in Simon Parsons column as the most prolific terrier brood bitch.

This request is very limiting and I personally have 19 favourite Skye Terriers, so have found it extremely difficult to choose three. With consideration to the breed standard the following three dogs/bitches could change places at any time.

Photo: ©Birch, courtesy of Muriel Bailey

The Skye Terrier is surely one of the most glamorous of the terrier breeds and it is surprising that so few of them have gone on to win groups and I don’t recall one winning an all-breeds Best in Show. When they are made right, have length and substance without coarseness, a really good neck and a well-balanced, quality head with proud head carriage, (that is essential) they are a real delight to the connoisseurs eye and should be a match for any breed in the big ring.

Skye Terrier judges’ choice

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

Muriel Bailey ■ Marjayn My father had a kennel of English Springer Spaniels and introduced the first Skye Terrier in 1953, Rhosneigr Rolling Pin, who was his first champion. In 1957 my birthday present was Rhosneigr Right Fionn, who became the second champion in the kennel. I awarded my first CCs at National Terrier, in 1971, and had the honour of judging the breed at Crufts in 1977, followed by the centenary show in 1991. After the death of my father in 1973 the kennel name came to me.

This has been a difficult task as I have judged so many exceptional dogs in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, which was a golden time for Skyes.

Skye Terrier Club Mr MG Taylor

Tel: 01599 534391 www.skyeterrierclub.org.uk Skye Terrier Club

Skye Terrier Club Rescue Mrs J Kendrick

1

Ch Hingjake Serica

Photo: ©Frank Garwood

This dog epitomised the breed standard: long, low and level, lovely in profile and correct rib to loin relation, and of a sensible size. He moved with ease and grace. Sadly, due to his owners being domiciled abroad, he was not often shown and never at stud.

However, his career record speaks for itself. I awarded him his first CC and BOB, to which he added the Terrier Group, followed by his next two shows with the same wins; three consecutive shows, three Terrier Groups; to date a record unbeaten.

Tel:01216 084220 www.skyeterrierclub.org.uk Skye Terrier Club

For further information of breed rescue contacts in your area, please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findarescue or contact Anita Tabrett, the relationship manager – welfare & breed rescue on 01296 718154 and anita.tabrett@thekennelclub.org.uk

Photographer unknown

Rhosneigr Silver 2Ch Solo Quest

My bitch choice, owned and handled by Chappell and Stephenson, a complete picture of the breed being the book-end to my choice of dog.

Bred by Marion Crook, the doyen who produced so many champions, she had a most beautiful head, a kind expression, correct height to length, and was a really proud lady who flowed round the ring with an immaculately presented coat of correct texture and length. Unlike my dog, she was a proven dam and left many champions in this country and also abroad.

Breed Education Co-ordinator for the Skye Terrier Mrs C Parker Tel: 01942 735537 osmart@ntlworld.com

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NEXT MONTH Russian Black Terrier Photo ©John Hartley

Son of my second choice, Solo and sire of Ch Jebusa Miranda at Mariquita, another owned and handled by Chappell and Stephenson. Winner of the Terrier Group at Crufts in 1992, the Manchester group in 1992, Border Union in 1991, together with many other champions and international champions to his name. He most certainly left his mark, which at the time was particularly strong regarding size, presentation, movement and conformation, several which we have so recently lost. He was an outstanding specimen, wonderful headpiece, always level crested neck, well-muscled, and always immaculately presented. Mariquita Skye Terriers were known for elegant type.

Photo: Ruth Dalyrmple/The Kennel Club©

Mariquita 3Ch Flashback

For advertising opportunities within Judges’ Choice please contact andrea.walters@warnersgroup.co.uk August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 31

Skye Terrier judges’ choice

Crufts BOB Winners Skye Terrier 1984 – 2018 1984

CH CHECKBAR DEW DROP

2002

CH HERE’S PANDORA OF MORNINGSKY

1985

CH CHECKBAR JENNIFER ECCLES

2003

CH GLORFINDEL WILLIAM WALLACE

1986

CH SKYELINE GLIMMER IN SHADOW FROM WHODEANIE

2004

CH GLORFINDEL WILLIAM WALLACE

1987

CH BALQUHATSTON FERRY GIRL OF GALLONDEAN

2005

THUNDERSTORM OF MORNINGSKY

1988

CH BALQUHATSTON SKYJACK

2006

CH SKYEOMANIA’S DORIAN

1989

CH MARIQUITA FLASHFLEUR

2007

CH FINNSKY FUTURE WITH PETWALK

1990

CH KIRKLEYDITCH CARBON COPY

2008

CH AZRAKHAN CAPERCAILLIE

1991

CH TARSKAVAIG KING’S ROYAL OF GLENSHIEL

1992

CH JEBUSA MIRANDA AT MARIQUITA

2009

CH THE BLACK TOUCH OF MORNINGSKY AT GLORFINDEL

1993

CH ELISSA’S ALEXANDER

2010

CH SALENA BLACK SHADOW

1994

CH SILVERPRINT GOODFELLOW AT ESGIA

2011

CH SALENA BLACK SHADOW

1995

CH ACHEO ALY BAIN AT GLORFINDEL

2012

CH SALENA THE SPECIAL ONE

1996

CH REIGNMAKERS RINGLEADER

2013

CH SALENA THE SPECIAL ONE

1997

CH CORALYNNE BONNIE LADDIE

2014

CH SALENA THE SPECIAL ONE

1998

CH GLORFINDEL FIRST FOOT

2015

CH SALENA THE SPECIAL ONE

1999

CH KIRKLEYDITCH THE CRUSADER OF GALLONDEAN

2016

GOLD MONARH TRAMONTANA

2000

CH ORASAIDH RUNNING COOL AT MARIQUITA

2017

CH BRAKEMILL BARNUM

2001

CH WEMOWAY GENEVA

2018

CH BRAKEMILL BARNUM

Championship Show Judges Skye Terrier 2018 Paignton & District Fanciers’ Association

Mrs BM Brown

M

Welsh Kennel Club

Mr C Powell

M

Richmond Dog Show Society

Mr PR Eardley

M

Skye Terrier Club

Ms M Hawkes

M

South Wales Kennel Association

Mr KE Jessup

M

Ladies Kennel Association

Mr S Plane

M

Manchester Dog Show Society

Mrs Z Thorn-Andrews

M

Crufts

Mr W Browne-Cole

M

Scottish Breeds Canine Club

TBC

National Terrier Club

Mrs L Richardson

M

Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

Mr Jan-Erik Ek

M

Scottish Kennel Club

TBC

Bath Canine Society

Mr DW Shields

2019

This information is correct at the time of going to print, however appointments may change due to unforeseen circumstances

32 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

M

Special feature

Skye Terrier treasures

Photo: ©Kennel Club Arts Foundation

The Rhona Brooch

This brooch was specially commissioned by the Revd. Rosslyn Bruce, who was a well-known Skye Terrier breeder. It shows a portrait of the Skye Terrier Rhona, which has been painted on to enamel. Rhona was owned by Revd. Bruce and was bred to a dog called Lord Lennox to produce Rhona II in 1892. Rhona II was then given to Queen Victoria by Revd. Bruce. It was kindly donated to the Kennel Club Arts Foundation by Sine Threlfall.

The Wolverley Casket A silver casket decorated with painted enamels of the Wolverley Skye Terriers: Ch Wolverley Laddie, Ch Wolverley Jock, Ch Wolverley Chummie, Ch Wolverley Roy and Ch Wolverley Duchess.

At a time when it was said no welldressed Duchess would be seen without her Skye Terrier by her side, the breed was still the height of fashion. Having enjoyed the patronage of the late Queen Victoria, in the Edwardian period the Skye was also a force to be reckoned with in the show ring, often attracting large entries at the Kennel Club’s own shows.

The breed had separate CCs for the drop and prick-eared varieties. One of the most acclaimed kennels around was the Wolverley Kennels, owned by Mrs WJ Hughes. It was said her kennels achieved the greatest advance in uniformity, and highest standards in presentation.

Supported by her two sisters, the Misses Greenwoods, known affectionately as her ‘aides-de-camp’, they would travel all over the country to exhibit her dogs, often staying in hotels and covering the carpets and furniture in the rooms with large white linen sheets, not to protect the rooms furnishings but to ensure the dogs didn’t get dirty from them! The notable Wolverley champions included Wolverley Jock, Duchess, Laddie, and Roy. However, perhaps the greatest dog to come from this kennel was Ch Wolverley Chummie,

Photo: ©Kennel Club Arts Foundation

Remembering a breed that was the height of fashion

born in 1899. Chummie dominated the ring, being awarded 31 CCs, and, for many years, was the breed record-holder and was considered to be the nearest possible approach to perfection; indeed his images show he could give the dogs of today a run for their money. He can still be found preserved, and on display, at the Natural History Museum at Tring.

Both of these artefacts can be seen on display in the Kennel Club Art Gallery.

Opening hours by appointment: Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Contact us: artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk

The Homecoming statue

Photo: ©Ian Parker

In September 2011, the Skye Terrier Club Championship Show was held on the Isle of Skye. On the final day, a question and answer session was held at which Amanda Anderson (a member from Northern Ireland) queried why there was no representation of the breed on the island. This was further discussed, and fund raising commenced in order to commission a life-size statue depicting two Skyes to show both ear varieties. In May 2013, a number of members, friends of the breed, and their dogs, took part in a four-day walk commencing at Armadale Castle in the south of the island and finishing at Portree, a distance of some 47 miles. On 24th July, 2014 ‘The Homecoming’ was officially unveiled in the grounds of Armadale Castle

by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The next exhibition at the Kennel Club Art Gallery will be ‘Promoting the Pedigree: Thomas Fall Photography.’ This is the first exhibition dedicated to the famous dog photography studio, Thomas Fall, and in partnership with Mary Evans Picture Library.

The exhibition will run from 12th September 2018 – 29th March 2019

August 2018 - Kennel Gazette 33

Book review

Book corner The Kennel Club Library is Europe’s largest collection of canine literature and these two books are recent additions to its shelves

Boo off the k shelf If y

ou’ve r book th ead a dog at like to t you would ell our r eaders about, p lease le t our editor k now

Doodle Dogs

By Tim Hopgood (Macmillan children's books) Reviewed by Tilda Atkinson aged five and a half (with a bit of help from her mum)

W

e’ve come across Tim Hopgood before, having enjoyed his ‘WOW! Said the Owl!’, which is a lovely colour primer storybook for very young children. This book could be considered the next stage from that solid foundation.

It aims to take the usual kids’ colouring book but step it up a level by dipping into art history and looking at different ways of making pictures with the help of famous artists.

The theme across it all is, of course, dogs! Children are encouraged to apply the artistic ideas they learn to decorating drawings of dogs, which is really good fun! The author takes pains to represent different types of dog, but re names them according to the artist they are introducing. So, expect to meet the Picasso Bluehound, the Degas French Spaniel and the Matisse Beagle, among others.

Each page is so full of ideas, the book

takes a long time to complete. It’s printed on good-quality paper, which is essential for a book designed to be returned to time and again with paint and glue. It begins with ‘Doodle training’, getting the reader used to experimenting with different ways of making patterns. Then, the real doggy fun begins, as the different ‘artist’ dogs are introduced with the instruction of how to decorate them in a particular style.

There are artist biographies at the back, which are great for kids (and adults!) to get more information on any favourites.

I was pleased to see three women artists represented — it’s important for my daughter (and my son!) to know you don’t have to be a man to be a famous artist.

Tilda was concentrating too hard on decorating her ‘Delauney Ukranian Corgi’ to offer much in the way of her own review.

We squeezed: ‘I like decorating the dogs’ out of her. Normally she can’t stop talking, so the fact this book had her so gripped is

a great review in itself!

This is a lovely book for children who have good concentration and who enjoy colouring in and pattern making. And, of course, children who love dogs! I’d recommend it for ages six and up, as for the children to be able to enjoy it independently, and fully, they need to be confident readers. To get the most out of the book, the child requires a good collection of art supplies — everything from paint and crayons to coloured paper for collage and different grades of pencil hardness. So if you’re considering this book as a gift, pop some art supplies in with it.

Now to find the string and glue so Tilda can get to work on the Hepworth Dachshund...

The Dog — A Natural History of the behaviour and qualities of the dog General Editor Ádám Miklósi (Ivy Press) Reviewed by Bill Moores

T

he aim of this book is to introduce dogs to the reader from a different perspective. The various specialist section authors — most Hungarian academics and researchers — review evolution, anatomy, behaviour, personality, and dogs and people. They also tackle the ‘new’ concept of designer breeds and offer the reader reasons as to why they have become a modern must-have.

It was no surprise to note that the general

editor is head of the Department of Ethology at Eötvös University in Budapest and also the co-founder and leader of the Family Dog Project which, in turn, brought together his fellow authors.

Photo-driven books are now the norm and, despite the greater use of stock images, it was good to see our home-grown Marc Henrie among the credits. The designers have followed the simple idea of bite-size fact panels, which help to present a well-

balanced feel to the book.

There are a number of inconsistencies in spellings but this could be forgiven noting the references and bibliography, many of which stem from America.

Well printed in China, this book offers good value across its 200-plus pages, for a cover price of £20.

The Kennel Club Library is happy to welcome visitors and help with research. Opening hours by appointment: Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm. Contact us: library@thekennelclub.org.uk

34 August 2018 - Kennel Gazette

The Kennel Club launches a new service for judges and exhibitors Judges’ Critiques is a free, online service for judges to submit their critiques. Judges can now easily publish their critiques from anywhere.

Exhibitors and members of the public can now view all published critiques, for free, in one place.

Visit kcjudgescritiques.org.uk to submit or view a critique today