The European Dog Show Brussels, by Virginia Dowty

Four of us, Kathy Begg, Adam Davidson, Daphne Watson and Virginia Dowty travelled to Brussels to the European Dog Show which took place on the 26th – 28th August 2016 at the BRUSSELS EXPO in the heart of the city. The weather was extremely hot and humid but luckily the halls had air con. The show was very well organised, large rings and everything right on time. The judge Igor Vyguzov (Russia) was very kind to the dogs and clearly he had some big decisions to make as he took his time to make final line ups.

The standard of exhibits, who came from all over Europe, especially Scandinavia was very high though there was a notable absence of Italian exhibitors. A lot of dogs seemed to be trimmed, compared with ours, it seems the norm now in Europe which does put the GB dogs at some disadvantage. Trimming can emphasise or cover a lot of things. We were very proud that team GB did so well against stiff competition, which proves we are able to hold our own against the top dogs in Europe. The UK has the highest number of entries at Ch shows of Bolognese in Europe and everyone you speak to in Europe is amazed that we still do not have CC’s for the breed.

Otti won Open Dog and RCACIB and RCAC, Multi Ch Bolognese Star Audrey at Havanese Stars BVB & European Veteran Winner, Little White Wonder Rebecca Gina Best Minor Puppy. Little White Wonder Peppino Matteo 1^st Int D, Little White Wonder Orsola Gina 2^nd Int B. The homebred dogs also did really well, Clarchien Happy won overall Best Junior & European Junior Ch, Clynymona Jo I’m Alone 1^st Open bitch and Clarchien Hanky-Panky at Sharlarna BPB.  Peppino and Happy also won Best Couple

Following the breed judging it was a long way to the Main ring for the finals, and in and out with the Rebecca (handled by Adam) and then Happy in the Junior Group and Happy and Peppino in the Couples group. We didn’t get place in the finals where there were about 60 dogs in each group but it was a proud moment to be seen.

Everyone had a great time, the food in Belgium is superb!