Posts filed under ‘Shows’
Best Puppy #12.
Sun Oct 4th saw us head into neighbouring Somerset for the 65th Anniversary West Country Dog Club Open Show, quite a large affair with a substantial entry of gundogs in particular.
Steely Focus.
Phoenix was awarded Best Puppy in breed, her 12th of the year. She was also following in the pawsteps of her half-brothers Leiborschy Ylai & Leiborschy Ekko who achieved the same Best Puppy result at the previous two West Country Dog Club shows. Although not a hugely memorable event in other respects we did meet up with some good HWV friends and much in-depth wire talk ensued.
Ready for the Weekend?
This weekend saw us attend two separate shows here in the SouthWest and once the canine dust had settled we had achieved a number of firsts…
The 1st first came as we pulled up at the Cornwall Gundog Club show only to find that we’d left our “Phoenix Bag” at home…this contains leads, collars, foods, camera, money, show schedule, in fact pretty much everything we need at the show aside from Phoenix herself…Luckily it was a Saturday and we were near a town so a quick dash into Wadebridge yielded cash (thanks to a wallet in the glove compartment that had escaped the pre-show Phoenix-bag sweep) and doggie training/show treats. On returning to the showground we then found that many of our Gundog friends from ringcraft were also at the show, so a variety of leads were very kindly proffered and, once the initial panic had subsided, we were still ready in good time.
We were reliably informed that forgetting everything that you need for a show is extremely good luck, and this was partially borne out when we achieved another (and this time rather more pleasing) first… Phoenix was, for the first time at a show, awarded Best in Breed, being placed above the adult HWV’s at the show, as well as Best Puppy in Breed.
The judges critique read:
“I loved her balance and construction. Sound as a bell and showed herself off to perfection both standing and on the move. Best of Breed. Best Puppy.”
Two superb rosettes were duly collected and the long wait for the Group judging started…
A good few hours later Phoenix was revved up once again and we took to the “big ring”, firstly alongside the adult dogs for Best in Show, and then with the winning puppies from the other breeds for Best Puppy in Show. Unfortunately though, the wait had taken its toll on our pups’ energy & concentration levels, and she moved really quite poorly – displaying what was memorably described by Sam from Farlap as “the wet knickers look” – which was never going to win friends or influence people, so needless to say we didn’t get placed amongst the top 4 in the show.
Okehampton Show - the examination (minus front feet!).
The very next day we brushed off our miscellaneous show gubbins and headed just 30 mins. due south to arrive at the Okehampton & District Canine Association Open Show. No class for HWV’s here, so Tim & Phoenix were in Not Separately Classified Open, a class that attracted 9 dogs, all of whom were adults aside from Phoenix & 1 American Cocker pup.
Stacked for Gundog Puppy Group.
The judge was Gill Tully, of Highclare Welsh Springer Spaniels, and, despite the stiff competition from older dogs, she awarded Phoenix 2nd in the Open class, as well as Best Puppy. Not too long afterwards Tim & Phoenix once again lined up alongside the winning puppies from the other Gundog Breeds, and we were thrilled to achieve another first when Phoenix took Gundog Puppy Group 1 – Best Gundog Puppy in Show – her second Group win following North Devon back in August.
Stacked for Best Puppy in Show.
Then started the wait for the Best in Show judging, a wait that eventually extended nearly 6 hours…We endeavoured to keep Phoenix entertained & rested with alternating periods of play, walking & snoozing and when she hit the best puppy in show ring she was in sparky form (which usually bodes well), but what followed was our final and most unfortunate first of the weekend’s showing.
After standing nicely, Tim stacked her for the judge’s examination. The judge in question was an elderly gent with a very deep voice, and as he started his examination and asked for Phoenix’ age, she suddenly pulled sharply away from him, something she’s never ever done with any judge in any situation…Being more than a little surprised by this turn of events Tim gamely stood her once again, which she accepted without any problem. The judge started his exam once again, and all was well until he spoke, at which Phoenix again pulled away as if she’d been snapped at by another dog….
It was only after they’d come out of the ring and Team Phoenix had reconvened for a dissection of what could have just gone wrong that we realised that it was purely the judge’s voice that had freaked Phoenix out. She was, as ever, happy to be handled, but something about the sound of his voice struck her as threatening.
Over the next few days Phoenix was “test examined” by as many dog folks as we could round up, without showing the slightest hint of being uncomfortable with anyone else, so it seems it was just a one-off…just a shame it had to happen when we were lining up for Best Puppy in Show!
Lots of highs and a couple of heart-stopping moments certainly made for a memorable weekend of showing.
Richmond Championship Show.
After falling off the rails at the Birmingham show last weekend Phoenix was back on track today at the Richmond Championship Show, where, under Australian judge Kay Eldred, she was awarded Best Puppy Bitch and then clocked up her second Champ show Best Puppy in Breed.
Conditions were pretty much ideal for showing: cool and cloudy, but bright and dry. There was also a particularly friendly and even jolly atmosphere ringside, fueled in part by the judge herself who was extremely chipper, despite (or maybe because?) the HWV’s were the last of the 9 separate breeds that she had presided over during the three days of the show.
Even more important than the result, though, was the fact that Phoenix showed with real enthusiasm and animation and although her movement was still a bit “ragged” she was certainly very excited to be in the ring. We’ve determined that it definitely pays to keep her engaged and involved in other interesting things for as long as possible before hitting the ring, and then scoot in as close as possible to show time so she’s fresh and super buzzy.
Sadly no pics this time…
The judges critique read:
“1st Puppy Bitch & Best Puppy. Presented with good balance and correct size. Pleasing dry head and expression with harsh whiskers and good coat. Still young, so movement was a little awry, but should tighten to produce good reach and drive.”
Quelle Horreur!
So today we rolled up to the double-whammy Birmingham championship Show and combined HWV Association Show feeling quite good about our prospects as well as greatly looking forward to meeting up with Phoenix’s Mother (Flo) and sister (Dolly) together with her breeders Jane & David, all for the first time since the big litter reunion back in May. OK so we’d had to get up at 5.00am on a Sunday, and ate breakfast out of Tupperware in a car park overlooking a rancid sheep shed, but we were, nevertheless, excited about plunging into a sea of 62 HWVs: all copper waves and russet ripples.
We’d taken a couple of radical steps beforehand: 1. no training for a week – the theory being that Phoenix would be effervescing and overflowing with puppy bounce and take to the ring “like she owns it” as “they” say. Secondly, following some experiments in pre-show warm-ups we thought that it would be a good idea to get the li’l lady all gee-d up prior to showing by taking her out for a play and a romp, and then – through the miracle of mobile telephony – simply swish into the auditorium just before she was due to go into the ring. This way she wouldn’t peak before she freaked. We knew it was a gamble but “chance is all we’re given/So chances we must take” as Sir Cliff would apparently put it…
HWVA Show - stacked.
All started well in the morning with everything more or less going to plan. Phoenix trotted round the ring faster and with more determination than the other puppies – like Naomi Campbell with a beard – but just as Naomi took a dive on those ten inch Vivienne Westwood shoes in 1993, so it was with Phoenix. At the very moment when the judge was doing her final comparisons and deciding between Phoenix and another pup for first and second places, Phoenix broke right out of her stand. So we got second place, which was pretty respectable, but left us considering what might have been had she only held that stand.
The judges critique was:
“Nine-month-old well-balanced youngster with deep russet colouring and wiry coat. Liked her head which had sufficient facial furnishings for age. Good hind angulation. Moved Well. Should change places with (1st placed puppy) many times.”
HWVA Show - the examination.
Birmingham Champ Show - stacked.
In the afternoon we were showing at the prestigious Birmingham Championship Show. This was the second show on the same day, and although it was in another part of the same venue, poor Phoenix was pretty tired out, mentally, and really not tuned in to the show at all. She’d had a snooze in the car for an hour or so but it clearly wasn’t enough. She moved very sluggishly and wouldn’t stand with any conviction. She just wanted her bed or to be doing something more rumbustuous and exciting like playing with her sister…. which is exactly what she did after the show and seemed very happy to do so.
Birmingham Champ Show - the examination.
We were awarded Reserve Best Puppy Bitch – which is a euphemism for fourth, and, in this case, last. After so many recent successes in the ring it was perhaps inevitable that we’d come a cropper at some point, but it has taught us a valuable lesson about Team Phoenix’s tolerance for long show days. From this day forth this disappointing effort will be referred to as our Naomi ’93 moment…
Result!!
Welsh Kennel Club - the examination.
Today we journeyed through the Black Mountains to arrive at the prestigious Welsh Kennel Club Championship show at Builth Wells. A great showground, and a good entry of HWV’s. Judging took place in a series of vast open-sided marquees, very light, cool and airy – perfect show conditions in fact.
Welsh Kennel Club - teeth examination.
Phoenix was in fine form today, and gave what was probably her all-round best show performance to date – consistently excellent stands and fairly fluid gaiting. Despite initially mistaking Phoenix for a male(!) Judge Margaret Holmes was swift and decisive and we were delighted to be awarded 1st Puppy Dog or Bitch, and Best Puppy in Breed…after two 3rd placings and one 2nd this was our first 1st place at a Championship Show, a real breakthrough!
The judges critique read:
“Nine month old bitch with good body length and balance. Head still needs to break but her eye and earset are good, furnishings and coat are good. She has straight forelegs. Topline, croup and rear angulation all please. Reasonably positive movement for age and stage of development. An attractive package. Best Puppy.”
Welsh Kennel Club - Standing as Best Puppy.
The Shows Must Go On.
Over the past 13 days we’ve been to 5 separate, and extremely differing shows with Phoenix. We’ve had some disappointments, some extraordinary success and have learned a huge amount about how best to show and make the most of our time in the ring.
What follows in this megapost are some impressions of each show in ascending order of how-well-we-showed, peppered with photos of differing quality:
Minehead Open Show
Way back on July 29th we all woke to torrential rain plus the news that all the local rivers were set to break their banks in general end-of-the-world-is-nigh type conditions. What better day, then, to head out to the Dunster Country Fair and associated Minehead Canine Society Show?
Upon arrival we found foot deep mud, a team of tractors towing vehicles into and out of the showground and wet-weather show tents that were flooded, hugely overcrowded and rapidly turning into quagmires of mud. Tim and Phoenix gamely trudged through said mud to do some practicing, but as time wore on Phoenix became increasingly frustrated and bored by the conditions and the lack of space.
When we finally hit the ring – virtually at the very end of the show – we gave a rather lacklustre performance and Phoenix made it clear that she’d really rather be somewhere else right about now. We managed to get a best Puppy Not Seperately Classified and then went on to get 4th best Gundog Puppy. The judge told us later that Phoenix had “rather thrown it away” in that Gundog Puppy Group, but under those conditions we were just happy when the whole thing was over and we could slide-and-spin back out of the mud and off into the still-torrential rain.
Bournemouth Champ Show
Bournemouth - first stack.
In total contrast Aug 8th was one of the few hot sunny days of the summer. Remembering back to her very first show back in the baking heat of May we realised that Phoenix would not show well if she was hot, so we kept her in the cool shade of an unused marquee and also kept damping her down with cold water. The previous breed over-ran by several hours and by the time we did get to the ring, despite our efforts at cooling, Phoenix was very sleepy and floppy. She stood nicely, but her gaiting was perfunctory and pretty unenthusiastic…not much Phoenix *sparkle* on view in the ring today and we were awarded 3rd Best Junior Bitch.
Bournemouth - the examination.
We’ve spent lots of time trying to calm Phoenix down at shows so that she can focus once in the ring, but it’s clear that she now “gets” the whole show hullabaloo and the future priority instead must be on allowing her to show off, rather than rein in, her personality.
Bournemouth - final stack.
National Gundog Championship
August 1st saw us head off to a drizzly Three Counties Showground, and an impeccably organised show. Sadly the superb outdoor rings were rendered out of bounds by the weather, and the dogs were instead judged in the giant hanger-cum-warehouses at the venue.
Puppy Bitch Class at Nat Gundog...we're in the middle!
Conditions for humans were hot and noisy, but Phoenix seemed very chipper, and, since everything ran to time, there was minimal waiting time and we hit the ring with Phoenix pretty fresh. She stood as asked and gaited OK, though dertainly not at her optimum full pace. We were in HWV Puppy Bitch class and managed to score a 2nd place, beaten only by an older and more mature dog on her final outing as a puppy.
The judges critique read:
“substantial puppy, yet to grow into herself. Good coat developing, balanced head, correct eye shape, very nice neck, strong boned forelegs, strong pasterns, good length & shape of ribs, correct loin, well muscled croup & 1 thigh, she will be able to hold herself together on the move when she matures.”
This was an extremely enjoyable and sociable show where we met many HWV friends, old and new. Much fun was had!
North Devon Open Show
The closest showground venue to our home also turned out to be the undoubted highlight of our short show career so far! In ideal, bright, breezy and fairly cool conditions we were awarded 1st Junior AVNSC Gundog – an achievement since Phoenix is only 8 months old and the class was for dogs up to 18 months – as well as best AVSNC Gundog Puppy.
Being Awarded 1st Junior at North Devon Show.
Then, almost immediately, we were up against all the other Gundog best-of-breed puppies and, to our complete delight, managed to win 1st Gundog puppy as well – our first 1st, following the two Gundog Puppy Group 2’s at Liskeard & Dorset. The judge was Dr. Monica Boggia-Black – one of the most senior dog judges in the country, and a multiple Crufts judge. She came up to Tim and said of Phoenix: “you’ve got a real star there!” – cue big smiles!
Being Awarded 1st Gundog Puppy at North Devon Show.
We didn’t have time to catch our breath though, and were immediately whisked off to the Best Puppy In Show ring where Tim & Phoenix, representing the Gundog Group, were up against the top puppy from each of the Terrier, Hound, Pastoral, Working, Utility & Toy groups.
Gundog Puppy Group 1, 2 & 3 at North Devon Show
Lined up for Best Puppy in Show.
The ring was hugely expanded and, for the first time since Liskeard, Phoenix gaited really beautifully, at full fast pace with her huge stride in full evidence. Judging was very quick and decisive and we were utterly thrilled to be awarded 2nd Best Puppy in Show, an incredible achievement at only the 7th ever show for either Tim or Phoenix. We also believe that, at just 8 months, Phoenix may well be the youngest HWV ever to have been awarded such a high placing at an all-group Open show in the UK.
The judges critique read:
Very pleasing head and eye, good shoulder placement and nice front and feet. Excellent mover. Best Gundog Puppy. Res BIS Puppy.
We’re so immensely proud of our little gal and all she’s managed to achieve in just 6 1/2 months since she came to live with us in Devon … and it’s now official – she truly is a real star!!
Show number 4…
So, out we all ventured once more, this time to the Dorset County Canine Society Open Show set in the sweeping parkland grounds of the Kingston Maurward College. Unlike virtually all other shows our class was right at the start of the day so we arrived bright and early to set up our virtual stall and settle Phoenix into the show surroundings.
Our class today was Any Variety Not Separately Classified Gundog Puppy. There were six of us in the class: A Curly-Coated Retriever, plus American Cocker, Clumber, Sussex & Irish Water Spaniels. Phoenix stood absolutely beautifully and moved as well as could be expected in the rather undersized ring….we were really pleased with how she showed today – definitely the best so far, very focused and controlled but with all the spirit and life that makes her movement so strong – hopefully indicative that she’s well and truly into her show groove.
Stacked at Dorset County show.
Judge Jill Holgate awarded us 1st Place in the class, and then, after the other classes had been judged, we came back into the ring and were awarded Best AVNSC Gundog Puppy.
Teeth exam.
Standing beautifully for The Examination.
At this point we had planned to head off to check out the Jurassic Coast beaches of Dorset, but now instead began the wait for all the other breed classes to be judged, a process that eventually took nearly 7 more hours…. at which point it started to pour with rain, so we all decamped into the wet-weather marquee where we lined up alongside all the other Best Puppies in Breed to compete for Best Gundog Puppy in Show.
This time we had a much larger area in which to move and do our stuff, and this allowed Phoenix to really stretch out properly and go at full pace – which, with her & Tim’s equally big strides is best described as fast.
A really spectacular and beautifully handled Pointer bitch won 1st place (and subsequently went on to win Best Puppy in Show) and then, after a hushed pause, Phoenix was awarded second (Gundog Puppy Group 2) which was another fantastic result against some really top dogs!
Phoenix & the Pointer stood perfectly, poised and symmetrical nose to nose whilst the judge wrote her critiques. The excitement then got a little too much for all concerned and the subsequent lap of honour is best described as “ragged”! but a great day was had, some new friends made and as a practice run for the upcoming Championship shows it could hardly have gone better.
The Judge’s critique report on Phoenix said:
“Good wire coat, deep rich colour. Lean head with a noble expression. Straight in front and good quarters for her age. Hocks well let down. Tight Feet. Was pleased to give her Puppy Group 2 where she settled better on the move.“
Show number 3….
An amazing day was had today as we all headed off to the Liskeard & District Premier Open Show in deepest Cornwall. Thinking that we’d be on late in the show, and certainly after lunch, we arrived at 12:00 noon, only to find that our class was up in about 20 mins., which didn’t give too much time for “settling in”.
The show was held in an aircraft-hanger-like giant agricultural building, and the atmosphere (and volume level) was best described as cacophonous and claustrophobic, somewhat resembling a Moroccan bazaar minus the carpet-sellers (although they may have been tucked away in a corner for all we knew) with absolutely no space to move around. Despite this Phoenix was completely unphased and instead displayed her usual mixture of excitement and curiosity at all the sights, sounds and smells.
There were no classes for HWV’s at the show so we were up in AVNSC (Any Variety Not Seperately Classified: Gundog). When our class came she trotted beautifully into the ring and stood like a dream….which turned out to be the first and last time she would be performing this feat as trained…each subsequent “stand” was accompanied by a variety of dancing, backing-up and lurching sideways, leading the judge to ask her: “are you going to make life difficult for your Daddy today?” (the answer to which was a big fat yes!)
Despite this we managed to win Best AVNSC Puppy and received a fine rosette and a photo session with the marvellous Sam from Farlap Canine Photography.
Standing for Best AVNSC Puppy.
Then came a 3 hour-or-so wait for all the other Gundog breeds to finish judging, by which point the building was almost empty of people, dogs and hubbub, with only the best of breed winners remaining. Eventually all the winning gundog puppies were called back for the judging of the Gundog Puppy Group, and Phoenix (who was almost asleep by this time) & Tim entered the now much enlarged arena to line up amongst the Spaniels, Retrievers, Pointers, Setters etc.
Being judged for Best Gundog Puppy - that's Phoenix in the centre with the judge examining her.
We had thought that being roused from a state of unconsciousness might take the edge of excitability off our l’il gal, but instead she performed just as she had in the previous round, moving with huge enthusiasm and drive, head up and tail up with a big grin on her face – which was great – but then trying to buck and twist out of her stands – which was less than great…
The best Gundog Puppy in show was awarded to the Golden Retriever, but then, and to our complete delight and some astonishment, we were awarded second place (AKA: Gundog Puppy Group 2) accompanied by an even bigger rosette, at which point Phoenix’ and Tim’s excitement levels must have gone into overdrive since she (and probably he too) started bouncing about 4 feet in the air!!!
A lap of honour of the ring for the top 4 puppies followed, and then we were out to absorb what had just occurred. Several other exhibitors came up to congratulate us and say was a lovely dog they thought she was. One Irish Setter exhibitor said that she thought Phoenix was the best dog in the whole show…which was very nice.
So, a fantastic result, and the gaiting problems of the last show now seem to be a thing of the past, but instead we have her new unwillingness to stand to work on. The next “warm-up” show in is two weeks, and then, come August, we’re into her proper show campaign, so we’ve got a few more weeks to strike a balance between Phoenix’ joyous spirit (that judges happily seem to like!) and the element of control that we need….
First thing tomorrow morning it’s back to pup boot camp!
Crufts Qualified!!
A big, big day today… it was Phoenix’ first Championship show, the Three Counties, and we were really expecting it to be no more than a practise/dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Champ shows in Aug, Sept & Oct. We also knew that we were up against some older, more mature and much more experienced dogs and handlers in our class but, despite this, we managed to be placed third by senior judge Zena Thorn-Andrews, which in turn means that Phoenix has Qualified for entry to Crufts 2010 at her and our very first attempt!! (Also, one of the dogs that we beat then went on to take Best Junior Bitch, which we would have won had we entered that class…doh!)
Phoenix stood beautifully for the judge, and in the line-up, but when it came to gaiting she was like a coiled spring and was literally bouncing around the ring, so we really thought we’d have no chance of success, making the result both exciting and altogether unexpected.
We’re showing at another 6 or 7 Champ shows and about a dozen Open Shows this year, whilst Phoenix is still classified as a puppy (under 12 months old) so hopefully we can build on that success as she matures…. and also figure out how best to get her “sparkly” but not “manic” in the showring.
Sadly once again no photographs were taken of this momentous occasion due to ….erm….operator malfunction…next time though!
Showtime!
Result: Reserve Best of Breed.
Today was Phoenix’s long-awaited show debut at the Taunton and District Canine Association Open Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground. It was blisteringly hot and we had to wait the best part of five hours for our class to come around. By this time we were all severely wilting in the heat. Despite this, Phoenix showed admirably and did all that was asked of her without fuss or complaint. We were lucky enough to come away with a reserve best of breed rosette. For some reason (blame the heat and its effect on our brains) we forgot take any pictures…
Belatarr Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. 