19 October 2007

And there was me thinking that being on maternity leave would give me plenty of time to write regular breed notes. Little did I know how much time looking after our little Ethan would take me. I guess I should have known better after the experience of a litter of puppies. Plus I don’t get to stop feeding my baby after 3 to 4 weeks or to send him to a new home after 2 months. But he has been a joy to have. I obviously would not trade him for the world and our dogs already love him dearly. I have been amazed at the number of people who have asked me if the dogs are jealous. Why would they? I can only report my youngest hovawart’s disappointment. Scamp is desperate to play and has several times brought Ethan a toy and waited eagerly with her tail wagging. I’m afraid she will have to wait a few more months though before he can throw it for her... He is only just working out that his hands are indeed his! .

After such a long silence, there is much to report on. I’m not even sure where to start! To avoid flooding our readers with information, I think I will stick to this summer’s show news for now.

First in July was Paington, with hovawart classes for the second year, where Mrs Marion Spavin was our judge. Her best of breed was best male Spencer’s Pines Saxophone at Hightimbers ‘DJ’. Best bitch was Sharpe and Betts’ Kynyaf Tiy of Pines CDex UDex ‘Orchid’. Reserve best bitch was White and Whitmore’s Tyehelva Super Summer Of Driftingsky and reserve best dog was Shone’s Minches Jet.

Then was the National Working with Zena Thorn-Andrews judging the hovawarts. Best of breed was Condron’s blonde bitch Hofwarth Dewytch ‘Polly’. Reserve best bitch was Inches’ Minches Kees Killarney. On the males’ side, we find Spencer’s Pines Saxophone at Hightimbers ‘DJ’ who was awarded best dog and Inches’ Tyehelva Neo Nexus who was reserve.

In August was Welsh Kennel Club, with Mrs J Collis judging our breed. Her best of breed went to Dempsey’s Houwaert's Onora Helga the winner of the open bitch class. Best dog was Shone’s Minches Jet. Several Glenbower puppies were making their debuts at this show with best puppy going to Murphy and Devane’s Glenbower Chieftain.

Finally, came another show where we were having breed classes for the second year running. It was Richmond championship show in Surrey in September. The judge was nobody other than the club’s secretary Julie Condron. Her best of breed and best male was Spencer’s Pines Saxophone at Hightimbers ‘DJ’, who has really been doing well this summer. Reserve went to Shone’s Minches Jet. Best bitch was White and Whitmore’s Tyehelva Super Summer of Driftingsky. Reserve went to Dunn’s Pines Piccolo avec Spicemill, who had not been seen on the show rings since the Birmingham National. And finally best puppy was the young blonde boy Dunn and Bromby’s Spicemill Saffron Stigma who was making it to the show ring for the first time.

I will now attempt to send these breed notes before the next feed is due. All these mums out there know exactly what I’m talking about! More breed notes soon I promise, with the working news from the summer and a report about our breed club show which was again a success.

Read the previous breed notes