Breed Notes 9/9/2005

At present I am in the throws of organising a L2-HGA Clinic. As you are probably aware it will be held at the Western Champ Show on the 1^st October. To be quite honest I am really disappointed with the response. Unfortunately there has been an error in one of the Dog papers with regards to my Tel No. And nothing written in the other but that can’t really excuse the lack of support.

The average entry at a Breed Champ show is 300 plus and so far I have 20 dogs signed up for the test. Quite pathetic really.

I don’t understand how so many people seem to be burying their heads in the sand, I understand that some will have already had their dogs tested but for those who think it doesn’t or won’t affect them YOUR WRONG. There are many people out their who have pledged only to use tested stock, I am not just talking about the little people like myself but rather well known people within our breed.

With the dedication of these people we will make a difference even if it’s a small one, we will be able to sleep easy at night knowing that we have done the right thing.

For those of you who haven’t yet had your dogs tested be warned, the dog you might want to use at Stud may not be available to your bitch if she hasn’t been tested.

For those of you who own Stud Dogs the same will apply, soon potential studs could be lost if he hasn’t had the test.

It will take some time to educate owners towards the benefits of L2 testing but my hope is that within a year it will become as natural as Eye Testing.

I recently attended an Open Show unfortunately my opinion of them seems to be going down hill rather quickly, not with Open Shows themselves but with the quality sorry lack of quality judges.

The judge in question had Pastoral and Terriers to judge, I was not privy to the Pastoral Group so I cannot comment on his performance where as the Terriers I can.

The best way to describe it was -:

Rude, Ignorant, Unprofessional and basically couldn’t be bothered.

He never went over any of the dogs correctly. He at one point turned his back on the dogs he was suppose to be judging and started chatting to an exhibitor at the side of the ring. During the judging of the breeds he stopped to have a Cigarette and chat with the lady he’d just given best of breed to.

To be quite honest I was so bemused by him I couldn’t quite believe it, I could not have been the only one who was rather taken back by the events of the day because as he neared the end quite a group had gathered to watch.

Why take on appointments if your not going to out the effort in, there are lots of judges out there who would be honoured to have this appointment.

Have you ever thought about becoming a Committee member on you local Club?

Please don’t be under the misapprehension that it is all hard work, show days, probably depending on the job you are allocated but the sense of satisfaction is wonderful.

If you would like to be involved with your Club then why not ask a bit about it. Find out how often they meet, what might be involved a good Club will never decline an interested party.

I am nearing completion of the Western Magazine, thank you to those who have submitted articles. I was hoping to have it published for the Champ Show but unfortunately that will not be possible.

On Sunday 4^th September Alan Mitchell organised an SBT Match at Fraddon, Cornwall, my youngest son’s birthday coincided with the event so I did not attend. I have however been informed that it was quite a success and I am sure will be repeated.

Downlands SBT Club has also expressed their wish to hold a Match, watch this space and as soon as more information and arrangements are made I will let you know.

The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall’s entries close soon, Mrs J Rundle (Secretary) has had a terrible time, a recent Thunder Storm has damaged the Telephone lines and she has been without a telephone for some time. The phone company are working at getting the lines up and running as quickly as possible.

Breed Notes 9/7/2005

Here we are in the middle of the busiest time of the year for Championship Shows, with the rising costs and the logistics of our wonderful hobby it is becoming increasing difficult to attend all the shows one would want too. We are very lucky that our breed shows keep their entry fees so reasonable and for that I am sure we are extremely grateful.

Having not every camped at shows I was unaware of the huge increase in cost which General Champ Shows have imposed on, what is for some the only option of being able to attend. I have heard it can be as much as sixty pounds, with facilities provided being extremely basic. The reason I make this point is that this weekend sees the Potteries and Parent Club Shows the latter Society offers exhibits the chance to camp during the whole weekend at Bingley Hall at an amazing three pounds for a maximum of 3 nights. Apparently this is what Bingley Hall charges and the Society’s who use the site, so where on earth do the General Champ Shows get the tariff? Yet again it seems as if exhibitors are paying through the nose for a service which many have no option but to use.  

Another point I’d like to raise is the use of the Wet Weather Tents, at a recent Champ Show it was extremely hot and unfortunalty due to what seemed to be heat exhaustion the judge became unwell but after a short period she returned and the decision to made to continue judging under cover.

Staffords as we know all too well can suffer when it very warm and sensible decisions need to be made under such conditions sooner rather than later, I am sure no one would mind going under cover if it prevented their dogs getting over-heated and allowed judging to continue without interruption.

 As always the exhibitors rallied around and removed the sides of the tent to allow a gentle breeze through the very stuffy enclosed tent, by the time judging recommenced the area was lovely, cool and comfortable.

Great news on the HC problems within our breed. I have heard on the grape vine that the AHT has now found the DNA marker for dogs, which are carriers for HC. The test so I have been told may not be available for another year but we have waited this long another twelve months doesn’t seem so bad.  I know I’ll be the first in line to get Molly tested.

It seems our breed has been given a life line over the last few years, we will soon be able to test for the majority of Hereditary problems and hopefully eradicate them. This can only be accompliced if everyone does his or her bit. As I was told we are a minority, we know about these problems but there are hundreds of people who have no idea or who couldn’t care less. We are the ones who need to ensure our dogs are tested regardless of what may or may not be within their pedigree; too many bury their heads in the sand. It will take time but each of us need to ensure any bitches which come for Stud or a Stud dog that we go out to use are tested.  We are at the Dawning of a new age within our breed, only we can make sure it succeeds.

MACHEN AGRICULTUARL SHOW

Saturday 2^nd July 2005

Judge Mrs V Brown

Puppy Dog/Bitch

1^st Mistic Magic B.P & P. Group 1

2^nd Starstaff Razor Boy

Junior Dog/Bitch

1^st Goradon Cheeky Girl At Sebsonic

2^nd Michways Dream Believer

Novice Dog/Bitch

1^st Starstaff Razor Boy

Open Dog

1^st Stormbull Strum Down JW BOB & Group 2

2^nd Goradon Cheeky Girl Of Sebsonic

3^rd Mikes Cassius Clay JW

Open Bitch

1^st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff JW ShCM

2^nd Goradon Cheeky Girl Of Sebsonic

3^rd Granitic Brindle Duchess

Res Dusky Girl

Schedules of now available for the Western SBTC Champ Show. The Dog judge Mrs Clare Lee (Constones) and Bitch judge Mrs Ann Gatenby (Kerrisdale) please contact Mr Martin Grimwood 01495 759254.

Also The Terrier Club Of Devon and Cornwall, the judge Mrs Bev Cole (Jenjag), please contact Mrs J Rundle 01752 880483.

Breed Notes 4/6/2005

Sorry it’s being a little while since my last notes but Tragedy stuck a while ago.

Our new baby Rio had an accident at home and unfortunately she could not be saved, my heartfelt thanks goes out to Mandy and Nick who took care of my baby.

Life seems so unfair.

The show calendar is very full at the moment and again this year shows are clashing and due to my work pattern changing there are a few which will be impossible for us to attend.

I have been given the job of helping the Western SBT Club to gather articles etc for their magazine. If you have anything which you think could be Stafford related then please sent it to me. We are also offering adverting space but at this time I am unsure of the cost.

Newton Abbot & South Devon Canine Society

Saturday 14^th May 2005

Judge Mrs K Morgan-Pistor

An entry of 26 with very few absences.

BOB – Whybray’s Sunware Son Of The Valley

RBOB – Ferguson’s Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff

I was lucky enough be able to attend the SKC and The Scottish SBTC shows, thank you to my driver and to my hosts who very kindly let myself and Molly become residents in their home for a few days.

As I had never been to Scotland before I suppose I was surprised how warm it was, Sunbathing weather it was not but Molly and I managed to investigate our new surroundings in comfort.

Bath Champ Show had glorious weather until late afternoon when a really heavily down pour sent us all undercover, then as if by magic out came the sun. When I say out came the sum I really mean it, sunburn was had by all I think.

On the bank Holiday Monday East Anglian held their Champ Show, I really wanted to attend but as it was a 5-hour journey and I was traveling on my own I decided against it. Me being me I changed my mind and decided it wouldn’t be so bad, I was wrong. The journey up wasn’t so bad but after being there all day I really did feel extremely tired, my trusty chocolate and energy drinks got me through but my diet went completely out of the window. I finally arrived home at 10pm.

Southern Counties, well if don’t know I’m about to blow my own trumpet.

Molly took the Bitch CC and BOB.

Thank you to Mrs Tittle who mad all my Birthdays and Christmas come at once, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 I will apologize to you all for not spending time after the judging at the ringside but I was quickly ushered off to the Group ring where the Terrier Group was about to be judged. Our luck did not continue there but I didn’t mind in the slightest.

Breed Notes 10/5/2005

Myself and a couple of friends attended the SCSBTC Seminar; it consisted of a Lecture on Reproduction, Exhibiting and then a Stewarding Seminar.

The whole day was absolutely brilliant. I thought I knew quite abit about how Staffords Reproduce and some of the problems they encounter but boy was I wrong. The vet who gave the Lecture was able to convey her medical terminology in a way which us layman’s could understand, she also dispelled a lot of myths. To be quite honest I couldn’t even begin to explain what was discussed, as my breed notes would be a million pages long.

Clare Lee (Constones) gave an interesting talk on Exhibiting; she discussed some of the common mistakes made by Exhibitors and a couple of her pet hates.

Then came lunchtime, which the committee made a huge effort, and it was delicious, we then returned and the Stewarding Seminar began. There are many rules and regulations, which have to be adhered to, but as I listened many instances came to mind where stewards and judges had not paid heed to such rules. I think everyone should make to effort of trying to get to one of these Seminars it certainly helps you understand why things are done a certain way.

The only one thing I can say which was disappointing was the lack of attendance from the Stafford fraternity; of the people there 6 – 8 were not Stafford people.

Thank you SCSBTC our day with you was wonderful.

We attending WELKS and what a lovely day the atmosphere was great and the variety of colours being shown was amazing.

Instead of the usual sea of Black and Black Brindle every conceivable colour could be witnessed.

This weekend we have been to The National for me the astrosphere was not there and most people seemed abit down beat. Mind you the weather didn’t help matters, one minute there was bright sunshine and the next Hailstones, which came down so heavy you, could hardly hear yourself speak

Breed Notes 20/4/2005

Good news Molly and Rio are much better after their encounter with the Plaster and Artex, many thanks to Mandy and Nick who as always are there in my hour of need.

Due to Molly being poorly she could not attend The Western, although Barbara and myself went to give a hand. We assisted in the kitchen serving Refreshments and were kept busy all day. Many people commented on how reasonable the prices were and I have to agree I thought so too. I have applaud the Committee for all there hard work, the show was a great success.

Veteran Dog 3/2

1^st Mags White Cavalier

M/P D 8/1

1^st Stormbull Solo BD, RBIS, BOS, BPIS

2^nd Redlake Wonderer At Robrow

3^rd Pride Of The Court

Res Rixstaff’s Little Ace

P/D 3/1

1^st Antroboss Achilles

2^nd Contones Lowen Lad

J/D 5/2

1^st Just Jakin Around

2^nd Bridletown Porthos

3^rd Barumstaff Bite The Bullet

Y/D 7/0

1^st Sunware Dambuster Of Brabason

2^nd Sunware Son Of The Valley

3^rd Beraka Kruga

M/D 2/1

1^st Pride Of Court

N/D 2/0

1^st Chaillmers Pink Floyd

2^nd Jupiters Ace Of Spades

G/D 2/1

1^st Barielle Thunderstorm At Staffytrance

PG/D 1/0

L/D 9/4

1^st Zantiastaff Marbull Rock Solid

2^nd Stormbull Scrum Donw JW

3^rd Garwstaff Nats Our Boy JW

Res Miekes Cassius Clay JW

O/D 6/2

1^st Robrow Megan’s Macho Man

2^nd Rowenda Dark Drifter

3^rd Challimers Pink Floyd

Res Jupiters Ace Of Spades

Veteran Bitch 7/3

1^st Spearhead Jewel Jade

2^nd Teignstaff Cassiopeia

3^rd Teignstaff Andromeda

Res Miss Buttons

MP/B 7/1

1^st Charmonics Misty Blue

2^nd Starlight Diamond Lil

3^rd Teignstaff Baby Jane At Budgestaff

Res Teignstaff Summer Storm

P/B 3/1

1^st Andetillo Dainty Dutch

2^nd Smartstaff Ruby Red Socks

J/B 7/2

1^st Garwstaff Jewls Lucky Gem

2^nd Barumstaff Play With Fire

3^rd Chez Blurry Eyed Surprise

Res Bullhawk Mizz-Me

Y/B 6/ 1

1^st Goradon Cheeky Girl At Sebsonic

2^nd Brynmaustaff Jazzies Lady

3^rd Gerogies Foxy Lady

Res Mitzstaff Dazzling Diva At Staffytrance

M/B 4/1

1^st Garwstaff Jewels Lucky Gem

2^nd Chez Blurry Eyed Surprise

3^rd Bullhawk Mizz-Me

Res ?

N/B 4/1

1^st Garwstaff Jewels Lucky Gem

2^nd Bullhawk Mizz-Me

3^rd Mitzstaff Dazzling Diva At Staffytrance

G/B 5/1

1^st Goradon Cheeky Girl At Sebsonic

2^nd Brynmaustaff Jazzies Lady

3^rd Mitzstaff Beau Belle

Res Kingbull Charming Royal

PG/B 2/0

1^st Goradon Cheeky Girl At Sebsonic

2^nd Teignstaff Suzies Comet At Barumstaff

L/B 6/1

1^st Maybull Kiss The Rain

2^nd Gerogies Foxy Lady

3^rd Mimcol Daughter Of Darkness At Brabason

Res Mitzstaff Causing Chaos

O/B 4/1

1^st Tornadostorm First Lady Of Eskharn BB, BIS

2^nd Rowenda Miss Renegade

3^rd Teignstaff Autumnal Gold

A word of warning to you all,

I have recently heard of an incident about a possible pregnant bitch and her vet, which is based in Plymouth.

A young lady has a bitch which is little overdue so she rung her vet. She was advised to bring the bitch in and have her scanned; the owner arrived at her vets where she was told they were too busy to do the scan at her allocated appointment time. The owner was told to leave her dog and that they would ring later. More than 3 hours later the vets called and advised the owner that they were not sure if the bitch was in whelp as she wouldn’t keep still for them to scan. The lady was told just to stay with her for the next few days and that if by the 73 day of pregnancy nothing had happened they would perform a C Section (for a dog they are not sure if pregnant). Which they have said would cost around 700 pounds.

When I heard this I was little shocked to say the least. Not only had the Vet failed to give a Diagnosis but charged the poor Lady 70 pounds for the pleasure. I have never heard of an Owner not being present for a scan or to leave a bitch until her 73 day before doing anything. Please bear in mind I as not a Vet so I may well be completely of the mark.

  It seems that, as with everything these days there are Business’s that will take full advance given half a chance. I know a consultation fee is the norm these days but there is vast difference from vet to vet. Another thing I think we should be aware of is the Out of Hours care, when looking for a Practice ask them what their policy is. Do they have a vet/ nurse on the premises 24 hours, if not find out what would happen in such a case.

I know of one veterinary Practice in Plymouth which does not have 24 hour care but will provide a vet from another Practice, the problem is that it is the most Expensive Practice in Plymouth. You could possible end up paying out double of even triple what your own would charge.

Breed Notes 8/4/2005

Bodmin & District Canine Society held a Premier Show on Saturday 19^th March; Stafford’s were scheduled as a Crufts Qualifier, Mr Steve Robinson (Wensbry) the Judge. Unfortunately our breed was not well-supported 11 dogs with 3 absent which will certainly mean we will not be given this honor again. This was the same as Liskeard last year and will not be given the opportunity to Qualify for Crufts there either.

There was a little controversy during the Bodmin show as it came to light that some of the Qualifier breeds did not have enough classes scheduled, I have heard since that The KC have agreed to let all those who did not have enough classes to be allowed to keep their award.

The question has to be asked, why wasn’t this error picked up. All societies are required to send a copy of the schedule to the KC; I would assume that they would look through the contents and double check that everything is in order. Obviously this was not the case.

Junior (3)

1^st Ferguson’s Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff JW ShCM

2^nd Budge’s Teignstaff Baby Jane AT Budgestaff BP & Puppy Group 3

3^rd Hawken’s Contones Lowen Lad

Graduate (3/1)

1^st Whybray’s Sunware Son Of The Valley BOB & Group 3

2^nd Egerton’s Casworn Mr Motivator

Limit (1/0)

Open Dog (3/1)

1^st Ferguson’s Marstaff Enter The Dragon ShCM

2^nd Egerton’s Casworn Secret Weapon

Open Bitch (1/0)

1^st Gazzard’s Mimcol Daughter Of Darkness

Saturday 2^nd April 2005

National Terrier

This is always a show I look forward to, the atmosphere is always great and it’s nice to be surrounded by like minded people.

Dog Judge- Miss BA Beaufoy

Dog CC – Ch. Harkline Robbie The Bruce BOB

Res Dog CC – Ch. Tornadostorm The Legacy JW

Bitch Judge – Mrs L Plimbley

Bitch CC – My Girl (her 3^rd CC)

Res Bitch CC – Crossgun’s Charisma For Bulter

Best Puppy – Stormbull Solo

St Agnes Canine Ass.

Sunday 3^rd April

Judge Mr H Davies (Sunware)

16 dogs entered with 4 absent

BOB & Group2 - Mr Gazzard’s Mimcol Daughter Of Darkness At Brabason

BP & BIPG – Longley’s Chez Blurry Eyed Surprise

Just a little warning to those out there who’s Staffords like to chew. Both Molly and Rio have been quite poorly of late, the culprit the plaster and Artex in my kitchen wall. My girls have had sickness and upset stomachs, no wonder after they both ate a square foot of it, so be on your guard.

So that’s it another Crufts gone.

You would think I would be used to the show by now but I still got quite nervous before hand. I suppose if I didn’t then I may not be enjoying so much.

As always the benches and rings were completely packed, and the only time it subsided was at lunch. The Stafford benching is always a place of laughter and jokes, we were about to pack away when the guy (who was possibly three sheets to the wind) next door asked me my opinion on a collar he had just bought for his dog, it was black leather with Diamantes on it. I replied “I’ve never seen a Chihuahua that big before”, well all his friends fell about laughing and he conceded that maybe it was little bit girly for a Stafford.

 Both judges had a good entry and made good time, from what I could see Mr Bates generally chose Black, Black/Brindle where as Mr Gilmour had more of a variety of colours.

Best of Breed went to Crossguns the record holder; he was also short listed for the Group.

As exhibitors are unable to leave before 4pm we did not return home until 10.30pm that evening. When you have children and a young dog to collect it makes it an awful long day. I then returned on the Friday for the Toys, as always to help mum. It’s quite interesting to observe the way in which different exhibitors support their breed, Stafford people cheer, whistle and generally make noise where as Chihuahua people clap in a reserved manor. Personally I prefer the cheering, and Yes I have been known to make abit of noise at Ringside.

Both Bev Harrison and Alan Hedges Annual’s are now available, I have purchased both and I am really impressed. There is so much information contended within them, I think they are a must for every SBT enthusiast.

The Western Open show schedule is now available; if you require one please contact Mr Martin Grimwood 01495 759254 entries close 19^th March. The show is held at Willand, which is in easy reach of the M5. For those of you who live within the Southwest please support your local SBT shows because if you don’t we will certainly lose them. There are a lot of people who work very hard arranging these shows whether they are General or breed events remember these people don’t get paid it is purely voluntary.

I’m pleased to say that Molly (Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff JW ShCM) won BIS at Ilfracombe under Mr F Rundle and then Mr P Jolley.

Rio is finally home, it seems an age ago that the litter was born. She has settled in really well and doesn’t seem fazed by anything. Molly has decided that the sofa is the safest option away from those needle teeth, very wise as my feet can vouch for.

We have started show standing her which she is not impressed about but I’m more determined than her.

Breed Notes 22/2/2005

I recently judged my first Open Show; I would like to thank everybody who entered. I had an entry of 27 with 7 absent, I don’t mind admitting I was a little nervous but once I began I was fine. It was an experience I will cherish for a long time.

Why do you become a member of a Canine Society?

Is it the reduced entry fee’s, the idea of been part of a society or being able to have some input?

How many times have you been attending a show and had a moan about one thing or another? Had an idea, which you think might benefit the running of the show. Well if you’re a member of that society you can have your say. AGM’s are open to all fully paid up members, this is your chance to give your input.

As a committee member of a couple of society’s I am always disappointed with the lack of attendance at an AGM. A lot of effort and hard work go’s into holding this meeting.

Without exhibitors support we cannot continue running shows and other events. We need you ideas and constructive comments. 

What is the purpose of show training classes, well you would think to teach, help and encourage both owner and dog to be competent when entering the ring. I have a couple of concerns after visiting one such club. Myself and Molly went to a club recently as she had been in season and out of the ring for a few weeks so I wanted to give her a dry run before an up and coming show. I was very surprise at what I witnessed, now this was a general club so the instructors could not be expected to know how every dog is supposed to be shown but none the less. What I saw was everyone allowed to show their dog anyway they saw fit whether rightly or wrongly, even the basic’s like not positioning yourself between the dog and the judge was ignored. The instructors just let them get on with it, no gentle reminders, no encoring remarks, nothing. These people including myself were paying for the honor of “can be bothered”. Needless to say we will not be returning.

Plymouth & District Canine Society

Saturday 12^th February 2005

Judge Mr K Beeson

Graduate

1^st Wilks Tornadostorm The Avenger Of Jevaces

2^nd West’s Beraka Kruga

Open

1^st Gazzard’s Mimcon Daughter Of Darkness At Brabason BOB

2^nd Ferguson’s Marstaff Enter The Dragon ShCM

St Austell & District Canine Society

20^th February 2005

Judge Mrs G Carlo

This judge was French; it was very enlightening to watch her style of judging. As dogs are shown quite differently on the Continent.

Junior

1^st Ferguson’s Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff JW ShCM  BOB Group 1

2^nd Longley’s Chez Blurry Eyed Surprise BP

3^rd Budge’s Teignstaff Baby Jane

Graduate

1^st Gazzard’s Sunware Dambuster Of Brabason

2^nd Whybray Sunware Son Of The Valley

3^rd Egerton’s Casworn Mr Motivator

Open

1^st Rowe, Beeson & Hooper’s Rowenda Royal Gent

2^nd Egerton’s Casworn Secret Weapon

3^rd Ferguson’s Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff ShCM

Breed Notes 17/01/2005

Here we go again.

The Champ show schedules are starting to pour through the letterbox and on top of that plenty of Open shows too. Already I have found a few that have clashed with each other, I find this very unfortunate as many in the West Country are down to one show a year. I have said it before and will say again why don’t these Secretaries get together and sort this problem out.

We have attended a few shows since Christmas and I would like to Thank the Welsh Exhibitors for making the effort of coming to the West Country shows, with out them our entries would be non-existent. Where are all the Exhibitors gone?

We have an enormous amount of Staffords down here but not many seem to support the Open Shows. Remember these are a perfect training ground for puppies and without support we will lose our classification.  

I recently read an article this states that there were more Staffords handed over to Battersea Dogs Home for rehoming than Mongrels. Isn’t this worrying and who do we blame? I believe a lot of the problem’s relate to Unregistered dogs, too many people think they can get a quick buck from breeding litters but new owners have a responsibility as well. In this age of information at your fingertips there is no excess for ignorance, all the information is there just take the time and do your homework. As a lover, owner, exhibitor and breeder (in that order) of Staffords I try to vet potential new owners as best as I can but I can only listen and use my gut instinct to gage the new owner. New owners are giving a ream of information and I always ask them to contact me if there is every a query or a problem. Now and again someone will enquire about puppies and they give off all the wrong signals and I will refuse them a puppy and pass their details on to other breeders so they can hopefully do the same. I know I can sleep easy at night knowing that I have done my best for my breed.

The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall’s entries close on the 24^th January, if you need a schedule please contact Mrs J Rundle 01752 880483 or jean.rundle@tesco.net

I have been very busy the last few days, painting the garden walls. It’s funny you know I kept the dogs out of the area I was painting and they still managed to get covered in it. Washing up Liquid was advised and it works really well.

Breed Notes 2/1/2005

As it’s a new year I find my self-reflecting on the previous one, what a roller coaster it’s been.

My year really began at Bath Champ with Molly’s first show and for those of you who read my notes you will know what happened, from then on she went from strength to strength. I am SO proud you would not believe. She also went on the gain her JW and ShCM which is quite an achievement.

Staffords have really had a hard time this year with more bans being inflicted around the world, I worry a lot about the future of our breed and feel for those who have fought so tirelessly to protect it and unfortunately in some cases have failed, I can not imagine how heart breaking this must be. We can never give up, we all have a duty to promote and protect our beloved Staffords.

 The circle of life continues and we say goodbye to our trusted servants always remembering the unquestionable love they gave us and for some welcoming the new who with help and guidance will be our future guardians.

I think the most important thing I can say now is

Have a very Happy New Year, this is a wonderful chance or excuses to start again, previous years can not be forgotten but use your experiences to become a better more tolerate person, I certainly will.

Best wishes

Leanne

Breed Notes 12/12/2004

I received this message today and I can't quite believe it -:   Caged pup left to die in cemetery

A caged puppy was left to die in a cemetery because its owners decided they could no longer cope with the dogs illness, according to the RSPCA. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was found dead in a plastic pet carrier in the cemetery at St Peter's Church, in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, on Friday. The female pup had mange and her body was covered in sores and scabs, the RSPCA said. A note attached read: "I have tried my best. I can't do anything more."   As far as we are concerned, they hadn't done their best... it was a fairly serious case of mange which can be treated quite easily   RSPCA An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "We have to wait for the post-mortem later but I think it had got so badly infected that she died. "We would certainly think about prosecuting the owners because it looks like a pretty horrendous case but we want to know what's happened. "It's illegal to abandon an animal in a manner likely to cause it suffering and I think it's fair to say this dog was in a very sorry state. "As far as we are concerned, they hadn't done their best. It was a fairly serious case of mange which can be treated quite easily."

Not alot of things shock me but this did, there is no excuse in my eyes for this sort of behaviour.

There are plenty of rescue centres who would have taken the poor mite in why do this, the puppy must have suffered terribly.

On a lighter note I attended LKA on Friday and had a wonderful day, although there are no classes for SBT's I thought it would give Molly a chance to experience the venue before Crufts. Smudge came along for the ride too, he must have had quite a shock as this was his first Champ Show in quite sometime as we have semi retired him.

Shopping seemed to be the order of the day for most exhibitors including myself. It all went very well and I managed to get a few last minute Christmas presents. The problem is it's very easy to forget how far it is back to the Car Park unfortunately our trolley didn't, half way back it gave up. We then had to carry as much as we could leaving Suz with the rest until our return and the process started over again and again.

I suppose in away it was a good thing at least when we go to Crufts I'll hopefully remember this experience. 

Breed Notes 27/11/2004

It’s been very quite hear recently, the Champ shows are slowing down and Open Show when winter is coming seem rather less appealing. A lot of the time it not the shows themselves but the venue in which they are held, for instance who wants to wait around for hours in an over sized Cow Shed in the freezing cold and with no heating?

That’s not to say I won’t go I probably will, with the help of Thermal Underwear and many layers of clothing I will make the experience easier.

So if see a replica of Sumo wrestler but with clothes on IT'S ME.

Crufts schedules have arrived and entries can be done on-line. I have just experienced my first on-line entry which was Manchester apart from the initial signing up, it was quite painless and the best thing is you don’t have to go through the awful part of writing cheques and wondering what the Bank Manager’s going to think.

My partner and I were discussing how much we must have spent of the last year by looking at the rosette’s on the board after the first Four Hundred Pounds we stopped. Not that we would change our hobby (sorry way of life) we wouldn’t. I can’t ever imagine not getting up at some ungodly hour, traveling for hundreds of miles and then bringing home a piece of card. That piece of card is worth a million pounds as far as I’m concerned.

Eye testing, now I know this is a very sensitive issue for some of you and I sympathize but we all have a duty to protect our breed, regardless of whether there may be something in your bloodlines I believe all Staffords should be tested. If by some unfortunate chance something in your dog’s pedigree has thrown HC help us all by sending a blood sample to the AHT. These samples will help find the DNA marker which causes such conditions, more information can be found at www.staffords.co.uk.

News from the home front is that Molly (Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff) has attained her JW, as always we are extremely pleased and proud of our baby girl. I would like to thank everyone who has been very supportive in our efforts and especially to Barbara Bulmer who without none of this would have been possible.

Breed Notes 8/11/2004

I’ve probably mentioned this before but is it acceptable for Open shows to still be going at 6pm.

I have experienced this twice in one weekend; here is the run down of timings -:

Saturday 5.30am get up for show

Saturday 7.30pm get home from show

Sunday 4.00am get up for show

Sunday 10.00pm get home from show

Is it any wonder exhibitors don’t stay to watch BIS let alone stay for their classes, the problem seems to be that because it happens on a regular basis it becomes acceptable. Not only is it tiring for the dogs but is very dangerous for exhibitors, I found myself feeling extremely tired trying to drive home and at one point had to pull over and take a break.

Let me know what time shows in you area finish and how they are scheduled maybe there is something you do that society’s can use to help them, I am probably right in saying that they would welcome advice and ideas to help their shows run to a better time frame.

I suppose another problem secretaries encounter down here is acquiring judges; do they want to travel to this part of the country especially in winter?

On a litter note, just a reminder that the schedules for The Terrier Club of Devon and Cornwall are available for their February Show it is being held on the 27^th at The Ashmoor Recreation Centre at Ashburton.

Judging as follows -:

Ring 1 9.30am

SBT – Mrs A Smart

Bull Terrier

SCWT          - Mr B Croston

WHWT

Airedale

Irish

Scottish

Dandie

Cesky

Lakeland – Mr N Straw

Junior Handling – TBA

Ring 2 9.30am

Border – Mr G Dyer

Norfolk

Norwich

Manchester

Parson

Smooth Fox

Wire Fox

Skye

Kerry Blue

Bedlington

Cairn

AV NCS

AV Terrier Veteran

Sybil Memorial Stakes

Av Terrier                           - Mr P Greenaway

BIS – Mr P Greenaway

Schedules are available from the secretary

Mrs J Rundle

01752 880483

jean.rundle@tesco.net

Torquay & District Canine Society 06.11.04

Judge Mr G N Thomas

Sp Yearling

1^st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff  BP, BOB, BIG, BPIG & RBPIS

2^nd Leamspa Lookout

Open

1^st Robrow Macho Man

2^nd Mimcol Daughter of Darkness At Brabason

3^rd Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff

Res Mitzstaff Causing Chaos

Bridgwater & District Canine Society 07/11/04

Judge Mr A Norcross

Puppy

1^st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff BP, BOB, RBIG, BPIG

Grad

1^st Marbull Rock Solid

Open

1^st Maybull Kiss The Rain

2^nd Marstaff Enter The Dragon

Breed Notes 19/10/2004

What a busy couple of weeks.

Firstly the Western SBT Show, entries were very good but absentees were high. It was nice to talk to a lot of like-minded people, I don’t know about you but at Breed shows you seem to be able to spend more time chatting (which is never a problem for me).

Then on the Sunday we went to Okehampton, the venue is always packed the show is a victim of it’s own success apparently they are moving to a bigger venue.

Breed judge – Mr. M Hardy

Group Judge – Mr. R Duckworth

 Graduate 1/1

1^st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff  B.P & Puppy Group 4

Open 3/1

1^st Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff ShCM   BOB & Group 3

Many thanks to Mandy who handled Smudge for me.

Liskeard & District Canine Ass.

Saturday 9^th Oct

This was an important day for Molly as she had her eyes tested, I found it very difficult to concentrate on showing but eventually after 6 hours she went in for her test. Her sister Phoebe had hers tested too and was Unaffected; I thought I would be relieved but I was just as nervous. I was shaking so much I think the vet thought I had some sort of medical problem. She too tested Unaffected.

Breed Judge – Miss T Turpin

Group Judge – Mr. J Baxter

Junior

1^st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff   BP & Puppy Group 3

2^nd Sunware Dambuster Of Brabason

3^rd Casworn Mr. Motivator

Res Challimers Winter Dawn

Graduate

1^st Casworn Secret Weapon

2^nd Kenmilltri Sarabi

3^rd Challimers Alldat Jazz

Open

1^st Robrow Megans Macho Man  BOB & BIG

2^nd Marstaff Enter The Dragon

3^rd Brindle Ball Of Fire

My friend Karen and I for the last few years have travelled to a couple of Open shows in Birmingham, we are always welcomed with open arms and very well looked after. Unfortunately this show clashed with a SBT Open show not too far away.

The Birmingham & District Terrier & Gundog Club

Dog Judge – Mrs. L King

Puppy Dog

No Entries

Junior Dog

No Entries

 Post Grad 2/1

1^st Kenmillto Here And Now

Open Dog 2/0

1^st Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff ShCM     BD

Bitch Judge – Mr. B Power

Puppy Bitch 5/1

1^st Frairstaff Secret Charm  BP

2^nd Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff

Sorry didn’t get the other results

Junior Bitch

1^st Nethertonion Miss Molly  BB & BOB

Post Grad Bitch

1^st Nethertonion Miss Molly

2^nd Tomanns The One And Only

The Terrier Club Of Devon and Cornwall held their Golden Jubilee show on Sunday 17^th Oct.

The show was well supported and every exhibitor was given a silver salver as a small thank you this donation was given by Mrs C Wilcox who is one of the founder members of the club and is I believe a 103 years old. Mrs Wilcox attended the show and seemed to enjoy her day.

 Various members of the club, which was very gratefully received, also donated prize money.

Junior

1^st Kenmilltri Violet Of Dwstaff  BOB & R.B.I.S

2^nd Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff   BP

3^rd Challimers Winter Dawn

Res Beraka Kruga

Grad Dog

1^st Noirstaff Double Destiny

2^nd Our Travelling Man Of Rowenda

3^rd Mitzstaff Fitz The Bill

Open Dog

1^st Marstaff Maverick

2^nd Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff ShCM

3^rd Rowenda Dark Drifter

Res Rowenda Royal Gent

Grad Bitch

1^st Kenmilltri Violet Dwstaff

2^nd Kingbull Charming Royal

Open Bitch

1^st Maybull Black Velvet

Breed Notes 19/9/2004

Do you find your local societies very helpful?

Well on the hole I do, they do not mind listening to an exhibitors point of view, but unfortunately there is always an exception to the rule.

I recently attended an Open show many miles from where I would  normally show but the secretary had asked us to support them and we were told he was an experienced judge in all breeds, so we did.

The show is very well set out and very friendly, our judge was judging Terriers and Hounds and watching his judging we were sure he wasn’t a Terrier judge. After he had finished I asked the gentleman which breed he had I was astonished to learn that he had either Terriers or Hounds and in actually fact he was a Gundog man. I understand that judges need to experience other groups but we had been assured that this judge was experienced in our group.

I approached the secretary of this society and expressed my concerns that we were given a judge with no Terrier or Hound experience, I was basically told not to be so stupid of course he knew the breed or he wouldn’t have been asked to judge in the first place. I then told her of my conversation with this judge she looked very sheepish and became very rude, she told me that it was impossible to have a breed judge for every breed. I don’t expect that I told her.

We offered to send her a judge’s list for both groups and was told that she did want them and that she wasn’t interested.

As exhibitors we are the ones who provide the revenue for shows such as this to continue, even if committee’s don’t want to know our views at least they could pretend to listen as least then we can feel as though our ideas are being taken on board. There is no excuse for rudeness especially from a secretary of a society, myself and other exhibitors were very dismayed by these events, I understand how stressful running a show can be and as far as I’m aware I have never spoken to an exhibitor in such a manner and I sure my entries would be affected if I had.

A friend of mine had a great idea regarding exhibitor’s ideas why don’t societies have a Suggestion Box.

Suggestions could be popped into a box and views raised and if appropriate acted upon, this way you can expression you views without having to take up the time of a committee member.

I am pleased to announce that at the half way stage of the Vitalin Puppy Comp Challimers Molly Malone was in first place

Breed Notes 1/09/2004

On Sunday 29th August both St Agnes and Truro held a Limited show in conjunction with one another.

Breed classes were held by one club and AV by the other, it worked very well without any classes clashing.

Exhibitors seemed pleased although their main comment was that they were have preferred both clubs to run breed classes. 

St Agnes

Graduate 4/1

1st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff BP & RBIPG

2nd Sunware Son Of The Valley

3rd Kenmilltri Sarabi

Open 3/1

1st Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff ShCM BOB & BIG

2nd Brindle Ball Of Fire

Then on the Monday we travelled to Salisbury, as we hadn't been before we gave ourselves extra time to get there. Signposting was excellent better then some Champ shows, the venue was excellent, parking a little bit tight and the weather brilliant.

I had never seen so many Cairn Terriers, in total 22 were entered. It's funny how different areas of the country a mass certain breeds of terriers.

There were very nice rosettes donated and also Sashes for BOB and BP, thank you to those people who sponsored them.

SBT Puppy 3/2

1st Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff BP, BOB Adult group 3 and RBIPG

Graduate 1/1

 Absent

Open 3/2

1st Marstaff Enter The Dragon At Fergustaff

Breed Notes 20/07/2004

Is there anyone out there who is a little concerned over the drop in entries at Championship Shows and I believe we are not the only breed.

I’ve heard some people say it’s because of the cost, I suppose they are right looking at it from my position a General Champ Show must cost an average of a hundred pounds.

Then there are people who say it’s a waste of time them entering when so many Champions continue to be shown.

I would like to see a class for Champions but it really wouldn’t make a huge difference, as they will still be eligible to compete for the CC’s. I am not sure if removing them would do our breed that much good, surely it is only fair to give our judges the benefit of going over top quality dogs.

They is an unspoken rule (of which there seems many) in showing dogs that you do not put a dog under a judge that has given it a CC in the past which I think is quite sensible as why would you need to, you already know what that judges of your exhibit.

I have had lots of conversions with SBT people over the last couple of months we have talked a lot about picking the right judges to show your dogs under, believe me it is not as easy as it sounds. Trial and Error seems to be my way at the moment, you see last year I was showing a lovely Brindle and white bitch who did very well where as this year I have a Brindle Pied who also has done extremely well, but they are miles apart in type. I have arrived at shows and been asked why have I come as my bitch is not his/her type and most of the time they are right but unless you go how do you know. I have a little book now where I make notes to myself at least I may be able to save myself a bit of money, time and effort in a couple of years time when they come to judge again. Then on the other hand you could argue that they should judge to the standard, which is right, but people have different perceptions of the standard and unless they are robots or are sheep the standard is open to interpretation.

All we can do if we have the heart, patience and funds is to keep trying.

I’d like to say I big WELL DONE to Zoë and Scott with their dog Charlie (Spentoft Sandman) what a weekend, RCC at Potteries on the Saturday and CC on the Sunday at the Parent Club show.

Breed Notes 14/6/2004

Well what a busy time I’ve had recently. What with Champ and Open Shows I haven’t stopped.

I word of warning to you all, with this spell of lovely hot weather remember our poor dogs. Last week I got stuck in very heavy traffic although the dogs were shaded from the sun it got extremely hot. I got out of the car and poured water over them and left the boot open (they were secure in their cages) until the traffic started moving again, I would rather my boot get a little wet then have my dogs pass out or worse. I always carry lots of water with me not only does it come in handy for the dogs but also for myself.

There has been a lot of talk regarding Ch. Cragails Red Macgregor lately, and the possibility that he may have sired blind puppies. I have not heard anything confirming or denying that there is a problem with him, which leaves us rather in limbo. I would appreciate any information on this subject.

I need to get something of my chest so bear with me

I have owned and shown Staffords for a long time and I have done reasonable well, I would like to think that I have helped newcomers to the breed with the knowledge I have.

 A couple of weeks ago a group of us were at a Champ Show and included within this group were a couple of well known breeders, a newcomer (who I am very fond of and who has had some great wins) and myself. We were all chatting and my recent puppies success was brought up, of which I am very proud, the N/C made various comments including “well now you know what it’s like to have a dog doing well”. I suppose I could have let it go I they had said it just the once but it has happened a few times since. What makes people change so much, it must be true what they say about winning going to people’s head’s.  I’d like to think that I keep my feet on the ground but if god forbid I ever get like that I’d hope someone would kick my backside in to touch.

Results

11^th June 2004

Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show

BOB -: Brindle Ball Of Fire

B.P -: Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff  BPIG & RBPIS

12^th June 2004

Exeter & County Canine Society

BOB -: Spentoft Sandman                                                RBIG

RBOB -: Robrow Megan’s Macho Man

BOS -: Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff

BP -:    Challimers Molly Malone At Fergustaff              3^rd in Puppy Group

12^th June 2004

Western SBTC Open Show

BIS -:

RBIS -:

BPIS -:

13^th June 2004

Tavistock & District Canine Society

BOB -: Spentoft Sandman    BIG