So entries have now closed for Crufts 2019 and we wait to see the entry numbers for well-known greyhound and Irish Wolfhound breeder/exhibitor Maggie Holder (Mascotts).
I thought it would be interesting to look at the Crufts catalogue from 20 years ago (1999), when the entry was 73 dogs for the late Peter Jones (Flyalong kennel). This was before the relaxation of the dog travel regulations and there was not one entry from abroad! Interesting there were only 7 champions entered and in contrast to what we see these days, the open classes did not have the largest entries. Only 20 years ago, but there were no racing coursing classes then, however there were two dogs with a racing/coursing background within the entry.
Another fact, albeit rather sad, is that of the 46 owners who entered dogs in 1999 only 5 are still exhibiting greyhounds with a further 7 exhibiting but in other breeds only. I read an interesting article in Dog World many years ago that stuck in my mind indicating that the average show life span of an exhibitor was either 5 or 7 years – I wonder if this is still the case – I’d be interested to hear your views.
Sad news this week is that Lila Snow (Aryal kennel) from America has died. Lila had been involved in greyhounds for many years and latterly worked in co-operation with with Georgiana Mueller and her famous Aroi kennel. Breeding from these ladies is very influential in many of the UK greyhounds today. When Dagmar Kenis Pordham came to live in the UK the dogs she bought with her with had these lines and Barbara Wilton Clark imported Aroi Sea Hawk of Shalfleet which many of our hounds go back to. In recent years Lila was plagued with ill health but it did not stop her getting about – I recall meeting up with her at the World Dog Show in Finland a few years back. I know she was particularly proud of her ‘Waldo’, Aryal Aroi Double Down (Aroi Aryal Winter Time Blues x Gulds No No Nanette) – these lines go back to Sostrand Follow the Blues to Exhurst which of course in turn goes back to the wonderful Punky – Aroi talk of the Town. He was also grandfather to my litter of Ch Bellezza di Boughton x Grand Cru Newton. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
All members of the club will have received their voting papers in readiness for the AGM, do use your votes or if you are unsure of anything let Julie McKenzie know. Sadly those who are not members by 31 January will not be able to vote. Entries shut 15th February for the open show – don’t leave it to the last minute!
Don’t forget to let me know your wins at the open shows as well ! Andrea Spurr had a good day today (27th) at Colville and District Canine Society winning best AV hound and then placed 2nd in the Hound Group with Perri.