CRUFTS 2016 Report, by Melanie Thomas
Crufts went well for the Bolognese. We were in the ring at a reasonable time, the atmosphere was good and people seemed to enjoy their day. I have asked for feedback and the feedback that has come though has been good. Both the BOB and BOS were foreign dogs. But BP went to one of our own. Mr. Espen Engh our International judge from Norway was a charming gentleman who appeared to enjoy his appointment, I expect we will find out more when his critique is published.
Crufts BOB was the bitch C I B/N/SE/DK/CZUCH HUNKY-DORY PER FORTUNA NV-12 SEV-13 NORDV-14 owned and shown by Kristin Killingmo from Norway and BOS was MULTI CH AQUAVIT HOTBLOODED JWW-12 WW-13,14,15 EW-13,14,15 [ATC AM01603SWE] owned by Pia SUNDQVIST from Sweden and shown by her daughter Johanna Norrid. PB was MOORHEY ROYAL STAR owned by Sue MARKHAM and bred by Shirley Hewitson. Apparently this was Sues first time in the show right, gosh she must be so happy, lovely puppy let’s hope we see him again. Both reserve BD and BB where owned by Virginia DOWTY & Kathy BEGG and bred by Jessica Van Driel and they are brother and sister – first time that has happened, I am sure. Well done also to Club members Jane Towers and Greta Franklin for winning your classes at Crufts.
The owner of our last year’s BOB Carolien Jongejans from The Netherlands was there as well as Anita Foggaty from Ireland who has had BOB at Crufts twice in the past. People mixed well at the show, even with some language difficulties. I guess a smile means the same in any language. We gathered most of us together for a group photo. The many photos that have come through since the show will make a lasting memory for many of us.
The social get together was a success as well, lots of people contributed and very little food was wasted at the end thank goodness. We sent a tray of small cakes over to the Affenpincher benches, they seemed happy!
It was the first Crufts for Tracey and her daughter Megan Richardson who said, “we loved it and the day was made extra special by the people in our group, we were also taken aback by how lovely the people next to us, Pia Sundqvist and Johanna Norrlid were, they showed us the ropes and gave us grooming tips, what lovely people! We thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for next year”.
Also new to the breed, but not to the dog show world Adam Davison said, “I had a great day showing and handling the Bolognese some lovely people in this breed “.
Pia SUNDQVIST was a lovely lady saying, “we had a great day. The best about showing is to come together with old and new friends! You have to love the atmosphere around the Bolognese ring! Thanks to you all!”
Many of us know Daniela Tosselli who visits Crufts from Italy with her husband with her lovely dogs. Their son and daughter in-law are lovely and he was one of the semi-pro photographers along with our own Dennis Mulligan who got fabulous shot of the Bolognese group. Next year we must bring a whistle to get all the dogs to look at the same time! Thanks also to Carolien Jongejans for an album of pictures that covered every class and the challenges, now that’s dedication! Those of you who travel abroad for shows, or have bought dogs in from abroad probably take even more from Crufts as they can see people they have known for years. Clare Tibbe travelled from Belgium with her friend Rita, but unlike previous years ill health meant that she wasn’t showing her dogs. Chris Thatcher had a long talk to some people from Australia who had seen Bolognese at The World Show in Italy and fallen in love with them (although Bolognese are not recognised in Australia).
Although we did have quite a few dogs over for Crufts from Europe, I have to say that they did not appear over-groomed and their coats looked natural. On the whole tear staining was not apparent either. I know tear staining can be a nightmare, but there are some tricks, just ask for help from those of us who have been in the breed for a long time. With the FCI and KC standards varying in some areas, it’s always interesting to see top winning dogs from overseas. There did seem to be less obvious size variation in the ring compared to previous years with BD & BB going to small compact dogs. Our BOB looked fabulous in the group, happy and still full of energy after such a long day.
For me 9-year old Lauren bridges being placed 4th in the group with her Samoyed and going straight to the winner and shaking her hand was a highlight of Crufts this year. She is the youngest handler to get placed in a group at Crufts and she will have an amazing handing career ahead her. Lauren’s parents must be so proud of her.
If anybody has any news and views from Crufts, do make your comments in the comment box below, we would love to heard from you.
