Breed Notes for August 2007

03 August

Leeds Championship show continued with the current fashion for wearing wellie boots! Mrs J Grant judged the breed and found her principle winners in: Dog CC and BOB: TURNER, Mr J & THE LATE MR G TURNER. Bodebi Rhythm Is A Dancer, Res Dog CC: MASON Miss A. Thoughts Of Stardom At Amsema JW, Bitch CC: ROBB Mrs I & Mr G. Ch Gleniren Starlight Kisses, Res Bitch CC: COCHRANE Mrs E. Tutyak Victoria, Best Puppy: FRASER, Mrs A & GRAHAM Miss G Northlyte Timeless At Bonmeshay. The next day was the Open show of the Northern and Eastern Counties Papillon Club; Mrs Janet McKay (Corralyn) judged the breed and drew an entry of 124 with about 26 absentees. The principle winners were: Best Dog, Best in Show and Best Puppy in Show: Ms A Stevenson's PAPPLEWICK PERFECT PITCH, Best Bitch, Reserve Best in Show, Mrs A Thornton's SANDTAIT HAVE PATIENCE SHEVID, Best Puppy dog: Ms A Stevenson's PAPPLEWICK PERFECT PITCH, Best Puppy Bitch: Mrs J Davidson-Poston's SPINILLONS ISADORA. Congratulations to all the winners, especially to Jerry Munroe & Brendan Olding who bred Perfect Pitch.

Over the same weekend, the South of England Papillon Club held their Fun-day and Agility show. The weather in the South and the West had not been kind the night before the event, with dreadful flooding everywhere, however there was a tremendous turnout to support this annual event, which always is such great fun. A little bit of Papillon History was made with the holding of the first ever Kennel Club licensed Limited Agility Show for Papillons, there was a terrific entry of 37 dogs making 71 runs and this was a delight to experience, watching the breed race around and over the obstacles was fantastic and the audience was certainly very appreciative with their applause. Luckily the ground had drained sufficiently to make the running safe, however the fun-day took place indoors and started on completion of the Agility. There was a lovely turnout of baby puppies for the Puppy walk, these always attracting the ooh’s and ah’s from the onlookers. Mrs Pat Cox had the job of judging the Novelty classes, which were well filled.  Janet and Ian Chandler and their helpers produced, as usual the lovely buffet lunch, during this break the Agility prizes were awarded, two lovely Perpetual Trophies were presented by Mrs P Munn to be known as the Ringlands Agility trophies. The “Giant” cheque was presented to Breast Cancer Research UK for the sum of £1316.50 which had been collected at this years “Papillons Walk for Charity” The day ended with a splendid tea during which, the fancy dress parade took place which always produces some very amusing costumes. There was a bit of the Dunkirk spirit with regards to the weather but as usual everything turned out well in the end with members being able to get away in good time before the heavens opened again.

I am sorry to say, Jo Davidson-Poston has been seriously ill with complications after surgery, she has asked me to thank everyone who sent cards, texts and good wishes during her time in Hospital, sadly Jo lost her Grandmother recently and also appreciates all the messages of sympathy she received. Im sure we all hope Jo is on the road to recovery by now.

Thanks to Eilish for a little bit of Irish news this week, at Sligo & District Canine Club, Mr. D. Jenkins judged Papillons and Phalenes and found his winners in: Papillons,

BOB & GSD - Ch. Serenglade Special Design for Denemore, RGSD - Baladora Always Gifted, GSB - Conysluck Magic Flute, RGSB - Conysluck Meg Merrilegs. And in Phalenes, BOB & GSB - Aporia Chiassoso, RGSB - Sunshoo I'm A Special Edition Gleniren.

GSD - Tijuana Melody Maker

With August starting this week I really hope we can have a little bit of summer to cheer us all up, It has been so bad everywhere, some of the pictures of flooding are just awful, I do hope those living in the affected areas are safe and well.

10 August

I does not seem possible August Bank Holiday is here, the last few days of hot sunshine made it feel like summer had just started, of course it is already a good way through, I do hope we continue with some nice weather for the remaining outdoor shows.

At Dundalk & DCC Ch. Show  Papillons were judged by Mrs B Flavell, her winners were: GSD - Mooneys Omaonaig Fire Bird, RGSD - Belshaws Belvisaj Simply Charming, BOB & GSB - Mooneys Conysluck Magic Flute, RGSB - Stones Parnassus Perfect Joy. There were no classes scheduled for Phalenes at this show, Aporia Chiassoso took Best NSC Toy under judge Marion Spavin so a Phalene once again joined the Papillon in the group ring.

Rosemary Hobson rang and told me about a show I had not heard of before; run by Blackburn CA, its called a Gold Star Dog Exhibition, organised by Dog Shows Ltd. Puppies can be shown from 5 months old. Rosemarys Rosenjon Ty 'D' Oblo at 20 weeks old, owned by Sharron Burns won BPIB and went on to win BPIG. Rosemarys, Rosenjon One in a Million went BOB. As I say I don’t know about these shows but apparently you can win a Gold Star Champion title by winning 5 Gold Stars, which I think is 5 BOB’s. Rosemary tells me her grandson Josh Howarth won 2nd in a large class of JHA at Leeds. Josh, who is only 8 years old certainly has got the showing bug and already has had some excellent results.

Jo Davidson-Poston was featured recently on Sky News with her dogs, I didn’t see the programme but it was an interview about animals that may have extra sensory perception, following reports of dogs and cats recently that have predicted illness, danger and in some cases death, by alerting carers etc to the danger, also some animals that seem to understand the grief process. Jo feels some of her dogs have shown these capabilities. Its always interesting to watch dogs, especially Papillons when they are just looking blankly into space, ears and nose twitching, of course they have fabulous hearing and sense of smell, but it would be fascinating to know exactly what they are concentrating on so keenly.

Carine Rutten of the Netherlands kennel Ups and Down’s, had a wonderful weekend in Germany recently, culminating in Ch. Up and Down’s Frederike going Best in Show 2 on the first day and Best in Show the next. His half-sister Up and Down's High Noon was best bitch on the Sunday. Frederike is a son of the famous Multi Ch.Antony, a dog with the shortest of names but possibly one of the longest records of accomplishments. Another son of Antony; Boy Of Tony You Don't Fool Me El Afrafi took the DCAC both days while Aus. Ch. Nouveau My Delight (over from Australia and staying with Carine for a while) took the BCAC both days, shown by Sharon Mahoney. Congratualations to everyone who have had good wins recently, please do continue sending your news.

17 August

I have had a note from Dorothy Simpson saying: “It's Calendar time again. There will definitely be a limited amount of calendars available as the printer is not going to do "sale or return” this year, so it's best to order early. Orders can be telephoned to me or emailed or by post: Dorothy Simpson, Calendar Co-ordinator, Brimmond Bungalow, Hazel Old Lane, Hensall, N Yorks, DN14 0QA Tel:01977 662533 e-mail jd.papillon@virgin.net Calendars for collection at dog shows - £6.00, Calendars posted to UK £6.75, They will be available initially at Darlington, then Championship shows thereafter”. I have already ordered mine, these are really super Calendars with lots of reference dates on them, they are a credit to the Northern and Eastern Counties Papillon Club.

The schedule arrived this week for the South Wales Papillon Club Ch. Show which will be held on 7th October at Caerphilly, the judge this year is Anne Borg (Elendil) there are a lot of “Specials” on offer; with gifts for all the Junior handlers and Papillon mugs for the Junior winners, there is £10 for the Best Phalene, decorated Plates all the “Bests”, entries close 17th August, if you would like a schedule, contact Karren Farrell 01256 326222.

Here are the results of Dun Laoghaire International Championship Show.Judge: Mr. Gerry Hickey (Ireland) Papillons, BOB, dog CACIB, GSD - Jap. Ch. Smileline Cover Girl Immortal Gene, dog Res. CACIB & RGSD - Dolcissimo After Eight at Issoria, bitch CACIB & GSB - Conysluck Magic Flute, RGSB - Kewen Magical Unicorn,

Res CACIB - Conysluck Meg Merrilegs. Phalenes , BOB, Dog CACIB, GSD - Omaonaig Sea Bird, RGSD & Res dog CACIB - Tijunan Melody Maker, Bitch CACIB & GSB - Aporia Chiassoso.

Pat Beadle sent a message to say: “Ruth and Doug Johnston have had a "bit of a knock!" 

Both Ruth and Doug and the dogs are all fine but the caravan is damaged and the car is probably a right off.  So it looks like no more caravanning for them at the moment. For the time being they will be staying with David Abbott and travelling from there to the shows where possible. Ruth said to say they will catch up with friends at the shows”. I am glad to hear they are ok and were not injured.

News does seem thin on the ground at the moment, perhaps you are all enjoying what has finally become summer, I know I am.

24 August

News from Pat Urwin, with a great result for her young puppy Paparottsie Painted Lady, at Chaddington Dog Club Gold Star Show, she went Best Puppy and Puppy group 1, BOB was Sharon Burn’s Bankshill New Addition.

Thanks to Eilish for the following results: at Dun Laoghaire International Championship Show.Judge: Mr. Gerry Hickey (Ireland) :Papillons BOB, D CACIB, GSD - Jap. Ch. Smileline Cover Girl Immortal Gene, RD CACIB & RGSD - Dolcissimo After Eight at Issoria, Bitch CACIB & GSB -Conysluck Magic Flute, RGSB - Kewen Magical Unicorn, Res CACIB - Conysluck Meg Merrilegs. Phalenes BOB, D CACIB, GSD - Omaonaig Sea Bird, RGSD & RD CACIB - Tijunan Melody Maker.Bitch CACIB & GSB - Aporia Chiassoso.

At Bournemouth Ch. Show, I hear the weather stayed mostly fine with just one early shower. I was hoping to get there myself but have been laid low with the Lurgy!. Mark Whitehill judged the breed and found his principle winners in: Bitch CC & BOB : ROBB Mrs I & Mr G. Ch Gleniren Starlight Kisses, Res Bitch CC :MAGRI, Mr J. Frasermar Fairy Tale Of Rozamie JW, Dog CC :STANBURY Mrs S. Inixia Wily Willum JW Sh.CM, Res Dog CC ROBB Mrs I. Fin Ch Siljans My Man, Best Puppy: DAVIDSON-POSTON Mrs J .Spinillons Isadora. Congratulations to all the winners.

I mentioned in last weeks notes The South Wales Papillon Club schedule is out for their Championship Show, which will be held at Caerphilly Leisure Centre; they have now extended the date for close of entries until 7th September. 

I noticed the Kennel Club are to monitor judges at all levels, well I wonder what exactly that is going to lead to? For as long as I can remember judges have been accused of being “facey”, disinterested in the breed, having poor understanding of correct construction, lacking integrity and being downright corrupt, there are fortunately those that dohave a good reputation, mainly from those that have won under them. What are we now to do about it? I am sure the KC could be flooded with letters from disgruntled exhibitors but would they really do anything about it? I have never officially complained myself about individual judges, but have in the past informed the KC of contravention of rules etc. I have to say the complete disregard the KC had, not even bothering to reply is astounding, making one wonder if there really is any point in writing to them in the first place. Judging is always going to be questioned, some of the true “moaners” in the breed amaze me, not by their moans, but by the fact you will see them at the next show where that particular judge is judging, surely if you have a true grievance then the best thing is to never enter under them again. That could be the easy way, but why should you need to, you should be able to enter every show and enjoy and expect a good standard of judging, why should you miss out shows just because you don’t like the way a judge judges. I do wonder some times if the true moaners look at the full picture? I think after many years showing it is fairly easy to recognise the “type” an individual judge will go for, and perhaps a serious look at your own dogs may tell you whether they are going to fit that judges ideal. The judges that always seem to favour the same Kennels is quite understandable if they are following type, true they may not always put up the best movers but the overall picture is what the judge is looking for, consistency is a good thing although not always easy to find. There are of course exceptions here where the judge is one of those that doesn’t seem to follow any particular type and the line-ups seem all over the place. That is always going to be a lottery; you pay your money and take your chance. We are not really asking for anything more than good honest opinions, on the day the dog the judge feels superior to the others should be the winner, simple as that. Our breed standard is fairly thorough and although will always lend itself to individual interpretation, the general picture should help a judge look for something that looks at least like a Papillon. I hope this announcement that KC has made is not simply going to open the floodgates for embittered, jealous or otherwise exhibitors reporting judges at the drop of a hat. What I do hope is, exhibitors will complain about the judges that show a complete lack of understanding of the breed, those that disregard the “also-rans” but enthuse over the high flyers, we all pay the same and therefore expect the respect that should be given equally and finally the famous judge that ignores exhibitors moving their dogs, being far too busy watching what’s going on in the next ring, not that I would ever show under that judge again, although I must say I am very tempted to and at the first sign of being ignored, I would simply walk my dog into the next ring that seems so interesting and ask the judge to assess mine there, then carry straight on to the secretary’s tent. I would be interested to hear your views on the current state of judging. Just don’t tell me the judge was facey…… tell the Kennel Club.

31 August

At W.K.C Ch. Show, Mrs G Godwin judged the breed finding her principle winners in: DCC & BOB; STANBURY Mrs S, Inixia Wily Willum JW Sh.CM, RDCC; DAVIDSON-POSTON Mrs J, Ch & Ir Ch Ibstock Bright Spark For Spinillons Sh.CM

BCC; DAVIDSON-POSTON Mrs J, Ch Ibstock Tululah For Spinillons, RBCC; ROBB Mrs I & Mr G, Ch Gleniren Starlight Kisses, Best Puppy; DAVIDSON-POSTON Mrs J. Spinillons Isadora. A great day for Jo Davidson-Poston taking three of the top 5 honours, and Sue Stanbury must be thrilled to have taken the magical third ticket to give Wily Willum his Championship title. Congratulations to all the winners.

Over in Ireland the entries for the Munster Circuit shows look disappointing low, which is very surprising as this year there are International CACIB’s on offer along with Green Stars. The results for the first three shows are as follows: at Clonmel the circuit kicked off with judge for Papillons & Phalenes: Ms. M Peterson (Denmark) who found his Papillon winners in BOB, dog CACIB & GSD - Jap. Ch. Smileline Covergirl Immortal Gene. Res. dog CACIB & RGSD - Glasafon Royal Welsh, GSB - Denemore Icons Butterfly (This bitch was too young to take the CACIB). Phalenes BOB & GSD Mooneys - Omaonaig Sea Bird, GSB - Aporia Chiassoso. I am not sure of the CACIB allocation here. Ch. Smileline Covergirl Immortal Gene (who I believe is now owned jointly by Mrs P Munn and Mr S Carroll won the Group 9 under Mrs. Joyce Crawford Manton, and went on the win Best In Show 2 under Mr. Michael Forte. A fantastic start for Papillons on the circuit. The next show, held on the west of Ireland in Co. Kerry is the Killarney Ch. Show again entries were low and there were no Phalenes present Mr. J. Schepers judged the breed, finding: BOB & GSD - Jap. Ch. Smileline Covergirl Immortal Gene

RGSD - Glasafon Sucession, GSB - Denemore Icons Butterfly, RGSB – withheld. Moving on the Limerick, Ms. Joy O' Connor (Ireland) judged Papillons, again no Phalenes present, finding: BOB & GSD - Jap. Ch. Smileline Covergirl Immortal Gene, RGSD - Glasafon Succession, GSB - Denemore Icons Butterfly, RGSB – withheld. The final show of the Circuit is Tipperary and I shall hopefully have those results next week. I do thank Eilish Neally for sending over these results, along with Diane Mooney, who between them keep me informed of the Irish goings on. I am sorry to read on the Papillon (Butterfly Dog) website, that Dianes husband has suffered a stroke, so we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Diane has had to stand down from her judging appointment and the site indicates that Mr Tony Allcock M.B.E. (Sleepyhollow) will now be judging the clubs November Open show in her absence although I have not been given any confirmation of this. I do hope more people manage to support the Munster Circuit shows; it really is a lovely week and makes for a nice holiday combined with your dogs. I would certainly like to go over again.

Well not a lot of news again so hope you all have a good Bank Holiday and if you have some wins, let me know.