With figures recently released for Crufts a couple of weeks ago, I am delighted to see Havanese entries are higher than ever. This year sees an entry of 99 Havanese and a total a total entry of 110. This is broken down to 52 dogs and 47 bitches. We have drawn some great entries over the years, and since 2015 (when CC’s were first introduced for Havanese) we’ve seen entries of 88 in 2015; 77 in 2016 and 94 last year. We’ve also traditionally had a very international entry with Havanese exhibitors travelling to compete from countries such as Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, USA and even Puerto Rico – so I’m sure this year will be no exception. It is wonderful that our breed attracts such an international entry and I would like to take the opportunity to welcome all exhibitors that are travelling to compete this year and wish you all a very safe journey and of course the very best of luck.
I am pleased to see that we have some new Havanese exhibitors in the UK. Alan Carter, exhibitor of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso has recently added Cuba, to his team and I believe they are busy practicing for their debut in the ring soon. Wendy Lee-Finglas has imported Ruben from Germany, and has been doing well, recently winning AVNSC Puppy and then 1st in the Toy Puppy Group at Cambridge Open Show. I am sure many of our exhibitors would join me in welcoming you both into our lovely breed and wish you both every success. Of course if we can be of any help or provide any advice, please do ask – we’d be very happy to help. If I have missed anyone, I do apologise. I would greatly appreciate it if somebody could please let me know details of anybody I may have missed, and I will be sure to introduce them.
I’m happy to report some news from Jayne Fenwick and her lovely girl, Sophie, who passed her KC Good Citizen Gold award last Wednesday evening. For our international readers, the KC Good Citizen Scheme is a UK Kennel Club training programme, which provides a very high standard of training for both dogs and owners. The programme incorporates many domestic obedience exercises. There are four levels, ranging from Puppy Foundation to Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. I believe it wasn’t easy for Jayne and Sophie who not only had to complete their road walk in the dark, but I do believe the weather was rather bad too. However, they both did a great job completing the emergency stop, two minute stay and two minute isolation with ease. Twelve dogs were tested and Sophie was one of two that passed on the evening. Well done Jayne and Sophie!
At Matlock & District Canine Society, Mrs Maxine Fox-Shone (Pamedna) had the pleasure of judging Havanese. Jacqueline Young’s young boy, Newpark Pretty Boy Floyd celebrated his second birthday in style, winning 1st Place in Post Graduate and Reserve Best of Breed. Best Puppy in Breed was Philip Grocock’s Habanas Bonita Te Quiero from Havalag and Best of Breed was Annette Harris’ Tiggafield Double Delight at Mantafield, who also went on to be awarded 3rd place in the Toy Group! Congratulations to all concerned!
The Bichon Breeds Club of Scotland held their first Seminar on Sunday 18th February. The Club opted for two breeds on the day, namely the Havanese and Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka. The Club had 15 attendees in total plus a few helpers from the Committee. Guest speakers were Gaynor Morris (Rothermere) and Sheila Walker (Newtonwood), two very experienced exhibitors and breeders. Gaynor and Sheila have had Havanese for around 18 years each and more recently the Bolonka. Gaynor gave a very good in depth explanation of the Havanese and offered the opportunity for hands on, which went down well with the Group. Sheila then continued with the talk on the Bolonka which was also very interesting and informative. Following the talks the Club had a grooming demonstration from two experienced groomers who are in Maltese, they helped by giving advice on various problems raised by the Group. All in all it was a very successful day with many positive comments received – roll on the next one!
The Havanese Club of GB is running a BVA Eye testing clinic with Mr John Goodyear on Sunday 25th March. The venue is Normanton Village Hall, Normanton on Saor, Loughborough, LE12 5HB and a BVA group rate for eye testing will apply. Litter screening will also be available at the usual BVA rate. Fully paid up members of the Havanese Club of GB who submit eye testing certificates on the day will receive a further discount. If you would like any further information, you can contact the Clubs Health Officer, Andrea Akkad either by pm on Facebook or by email via contact@havanese-club-gb.co.uk. Please note that the Clubs AGM will follow the Eye Testing Clinic.
Finally, our resident Havanese superstar, Gladys, returns to our screens in the BBC Wales drama, Keeping Faith. The programme started Tuesday 13th February on BBC 1 Wales and is shown every Tuesday night at 9 pm. You can also catch the show on Sky (Wales) 101/141, Sky (UK) 952/978, Virgin Media (Wales) 101/108 and Virgin Media (UK) 864. Well done Gladys, you are a wonderful ambassador for our breed!
If you have any news, results or information that you would like included in the breed notes, please feel free to drop me a line. You can contact me either by email (cartyolivia@gmail.com) or on Facebook through Facebook Messenger.
Olivia Carty-Parge