It was sad to learn that both Mr and Mrs Arthur Kelley of Bradking fame had passed away recently. Everyone in Labradors will of course know of Sh Ch Bradking Hugo, the breed record holder with 50 CC’s, that they bred and owned (together with Mr David Craig) and is illustrated above. But Mr and Mrs Kelley  also bred many more Labradors of great importance and had  British title holders in all three colours, Multi Ch Bradking Black Charm was a bitch that had many admires world wide, Sh Ch Bradking Cassidy was an important stud dog and Sh Ch Bradking Bonny My Girl - their first champion - was a very important brood, not only for Bradking itself but also for other breeders. The affix Bradking comes from when the Kelley’s had their first Labrador, a chocolate dog called Brad. In their eyes he was the King of dogs so their affix Bradking came quite naturally. The breed has lost yet again two great breeders but their memory will live through their dogs for a long time to come. 

PHOTOS FROM TOP

1) Pebblemor's Believe It - BPIS

2) Swiss Junior Ch Ashford Castle Unbreakable - Junior Dog RCAC

3) Swiss Junior Ch Sudeo Mymy - JUNIOR Bitch CAC & Best Labrador Junior

Photos by Mrs S Cajelot, France

4) Chablais Cavalier at Kowalski - Junior Dog CAC

5) Belquest Miami at Kowalski - Intermediate Bitch CAC

6) U'll Love Zerlina - Open Bitch CAC and BOB

7) Onorevole-Rumo Von Haselberg Open Dog CAC BOS

8) My excellent ringstewards

On Saturday June 6th, I caught the plane early for Copenhagen and from there on to Zurich to judge Labradors at the Swiss Retriever Club Show in Burgdorf the following day. The other judges were Mrs Lyn Anderson (Golden Retriever) and Mrs Victoria Stibbs-Willis (Flatcoated Retriever) from the UK and Mrs Lilian Jonsson (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling-, Curly coated, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever). I think I speak for all judges when I say that hospitality was second to none and we were treated like royalities throughout the week-end. Saturday evening was spent in a restaurant in Bergdorf which served the most delicious food you would ever imagine. Absoutley amazing.

I felt very honoured to having been invited to judge at this show and had been looking forward to it for a long time. The venue was excellent in a spacious hall with carpets in every ring. My ringstewards were first class and very helpful

Best Puppy (3-6 months) went to an outstanding black puppy bitch by the name of Pebblemore Believe It (Fameflair After Midnight x Innisfree A Sunbeam of Ashford Castle), bred and owned by Mr & Mrs Scröder Plock.

She went all the way as she also won BPIS under Mrs Anderson who I know was quite taken by her.

Best Puppy (6-9 mths) Yondan Yamen Kayuk von Haselberg (Loch Mor Shamrock x Loch Mor Gift of Love bred by Peter and Ruth Danz but owned by Sandra Von Aesch - a nice puppy who has time on his side.

In Jugendklasse I awarded the CAC to Chablais Cavalier at Kowalski (Chablais Brookhill Joss x Chablais Babychou), bred by the renowned Chablais kennel in Canada and owned by Anton Parreno. A lovely young yellow dog who pressed the winner for BD hard. RCAC to another yellow, Ashford Castle Unbreakable (Innisfree X-cite of Ashford Castle x Sudeo Guglhupf), bred by Löbl and owned by Mr and Mrs Schröder Plock. Both of those young dogs were expertly handled and their skills are well worth studying by novice exhibitors.

In the Zwischenklasse I chosed the nice black dog Cragganmore Chrystal Rock (Tam O’Shanter of Tintagel Winds x Brigburn Black Bramble) bred by Erika Byrne but owned by Jacques Berard as my CAC winner. RCAC to his half brother but out of Dukeland Xszeta Jones named Unlimited Pleasure of Minto, bred by Barbara Schmocker and owned by Ute Remund.

Then it was time for Open and I then went for the black dog Onorevole Rumo von Haselberg (Heatherbourne Watchman x Bluebell), bred by Peter and Ruth Danz but owned by Maria Teresa Rotiroti and awarded him the CAC. This was an eyecatching black dog with excellent body and he eventually won Best Dog. RCAC to another black that was his half brother as he too was by Heatherbourne Watchman but in this case out of Loch Mor Gift of Love called Usko V. Haselberg, again one bred by Peter and Ruth Danz but owned by Adrian and Monika Buri.

One entry only in the working class, a chocolate dog of good quality that moved and showed well called Miodyca Ulk (Fairywood’s Xino x Miodyca Polaire), bred by J Marc-Dia and owned by Nathalie Matter, Ulk was awarded the CAC and Best Gundog.

And now to the bitches.

In the Juniorclass I awarded the CAC to the yellow Sudeo Mymy (Timantti Solid Davidson x Sudeo Cantara) – a truely lovely young bitch who moved and showed like a princess. She is bred by Mr Givan and owned by Mr Mrs Schröder Plock. There was no RCAC awarded in this class since there was only one ’excellent’ grade.

A lovely yellow bitch who moved with reach and drive won the Zwischenklasse, Mr Anton's Belquest Miami at Kowalski (Castlewood Just Do It x Caer Bren Water Lily), bred by Belquest knl., and she was awarded the CAC here. When I read the catalouge in bed at night I thought there was something familiar with that name and on my return home I discovered I had mentioned her as the Res Green Star winner at last week’s show inDublin. Obviously a lady who is used to travelling! R CAC to another nice yellow, Mr and Mrs Anthony’s C’Zerlinda of the Enchanted Flute (Ahti Du Puits De Chanteins x U’LL Love Zerlina).

In Open I again went for a yellow as my winner, the dam of the RCAC in the Zwischenklasse, Mr& Mrs Anthony’s homebred U’ll Love Zerlina (Macintosh of Tintagel Winds x Remember Grace). She caught my eye when she entered the ring and I think she is a lovely labrador and was awarded the CAC and eventually BOB. After the show her owner told me she had won the same award under Mrs Beckett (Kimvalley) when she judged this show some time ago. R CAC to a very nice black bitch of excellent conformation called Baccarat Du Chaudron Des Fees (English Touch Venwood x Sudeo Total Obsession), bred and owned by Severine Cajelot.

In the working class only one entry and she was awarded a very good so there was no CAC unfortuantely.

And now to the veterans and there were three dear ladies entered.

Winner of CAC was the lovely yellow Glenmore Golden Day (Poolstead Part and Parcel x Dream Eyes Larissa) bred by Anne Vittone but owned by Axel Brechbuhl. Later in the afternoon I had the pleasure to do best veteran in show and chosed Golden Day as my winner. She presents a very balanced picture. RCAC to another yellow with lots of breed qualities, Trailer Ring For A  Margarita of Tintagel Winds (Carpenny Catch Pole x Mayday of Tintagel Winds), bred by Mrs Leith-Ross but owned by Mr Gavin Gamble.

Sunday evening was spent in the company of again very pleasant committee members with lots of interesting discussions and laughter. The sceenery seen through the windows of the Italien resturant was simply magnificent and so was their food. I then returned home on Morning morning and was greeted by my dogs, it was so lovely to see them again but since I now have a few days off there will be plenty of time to spend together.

On the above date the winner show in Dublin took off with Mr Hans Lehtinen from Finland doing the Labradors

PHOTOS

1)CACCIB Green Star BOB and Group-3rd GB SH CH Antonine Allure

2) BPIB & 2nd BPIS Group 8 Antonine Annastayshere

Many thanks to Mrs McGillivray for sending those photos.

The following four photos have with thanks been recieved from Mrs Carpanini:

3-4-5) Carpenny Made A Million

6) Bitch challenge

Many thanks to Mr Anton for forwarding the following photos:

7) Chablais Cavalier at Kowalski, European Junior Male winner

8-9-10) Belquest Miami at Kowalski, European Junior  Bitch winner & R J BIS

Best Puppy went to Mrs McGillivray's Antonine Anna Stays Here , she was also runner up in the puppy group, and is illustrated here below her famous mother.

Green Star Dog and CACIB R-BOB was awarded to Mrs Carpanini's

Carpenny Made A Million (Ch Carpenny Made The Trip x Sh Ch Mambrinos Spellbound at Carpenny).

Res Green Star Dog R-CACIB to Mr and Mrs Douglas' Int Ch Talard The MAn Who.

Green Star Bitch CACIB and BOB to Sh Ch Antonine Allure (Sh Ch Ramsayville Route Sixty Six x Trailblazer of Antonine), many congratulations are in order to her owner and breeder Mrs McGillivray for this excellent win, she also went third in group 8.

Res Green Star Bitch Mr Anton's Belquest Miami at Kowalsky.

R-CACIB Ms&Mr Williams & Revitt's Jimdi Nora Betty

Best veteran  Jimdi's Sweet Flora, another owned by Williams & Revitt.

Just heard the great news that the Labrador Swiss & Sw Ch Beacon On The Hill of Tintagel Winds went BEST IN SHOW at the Swedish Kennel Club Ch show under Paul Stanton. A truely great win. Congratulations certainly is in order to Yvonne Westerlund of Smart Fellows Labradors. This was Beacon's first outing in Sweden,  what a start to a career

It feels like an eternity since I last wrote which actually is a matter of fact rather than anything else! I can only envy those who can find time and inspiration to verbally address various issues, often on a daily basis. It should be recognized that I've not had the intention to create debate in my blog, but rather to report various events, mainly shows, and occasionally take a trip down memory lane.

It has been a relatively quiet times on the dog front, hence the silence! But in April, I was in Stockholm to meet with Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Club's show secretaries from across the country to lift various 'judge- issues" as I am on the show committee. Some representatives from the breed clubs were also present, Katarina Ramberg representing Labrador Retriever Club.  There were some really interesting discussions and various issues were raised. One would only hope that many more would be involved in organising club activities.

Last week, I was elected as alternate member of the Swedish Terrier Club's general committee of which I feel very honoured. Since I have never before been involved in activities other than around the Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Club, it should be interesting to see if there are differences. I'm sure there are and that feels exciting

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It's a beautiful day and the dogs and I have been for two walks and a third will follow soon. So good that the winter is gone and spring is in the air.

I trust you will have a HAPPY EASTER and enjoy all the tasty things that go with it.

With focus on conformation, history and last but not least breed discussions, the Swedish Labrador Club invites you to participate in a unique seminar in beautiful surroundings at Skokloster on October 10-11th, 2009.

The lecturers are well known profiles in the breed and the Labrador Club is extremely thrilled and proud that they have accepted our invitation ;

Mrs Peggy Rae, Cornlands Labradors UK-

Mrs Carole Coode, Warringah Labradors UK-

Mr David Craig, Davricard/Foulby Labradors UK.

The seminar is open for all Labrador enthusiasts, new and old and regardless of nationality!

Seminar host will be Dan Ericsson, Raglan, and myself and we would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Dan Ericsson 0046-171-414125 email: raglan@telenordia.se

Jan-Erik Ek 0046-121-32050 email: jan-erik.ek@swipnet.se

The show of the year with a capital S is Cruft's held at the NEC in Birmingham. The entry in Labradors was well over 500 and were being judged by Mrs Gill (Crossgreen) dogs and Mr Howells (Brynsenion) bitches.

In the UK best of breed is judged jointly. This causes confusion sometimes when British judges come over here as there is only ever one best of breed judge as we don't have the referee system.

This year two Sandylands were found at the top, and it doesn't stop there - they're litter brother and sister. Must have been some litter.

Both blacks, the dog Sh Ch Sandylands Pressed For Time, won DCC x BOB and his sister Sandylands Pandora BCC, by Sh Ch Rockabee Blue Peter at Sandylands out of Rocheby Pure Shades of Sandylands.

All Cruft's wins are important but this one especially so as this was a double. A win of this calibre has only been previously achived by Cornlands (Mrs D P Rae) and Cambremer (Mr D Brabban) as far as I can tell.

Pressed For Time and Pandora are bred by Mr Anthony and Mrs Jayes, the former also owned by the breeders and the latter owned by Mr A Taylor, the late Mrs Gwen Broadley's nephew - better known for his Belroyd corgies.

Last week-end, on February 8th, I was invited to judge Labradors at the Swedish Spaniel and Retriever Club Ch show in Mjölby.

When arriving to the venue the day prior to the Retriever show on the Spaniel day I was very happy to meeting a dear old friend, Thornbreaker’s Maestro, whose mistress Eva also is a Welsh Springer Spaniel owner. Maestro, aged 9 years, spends four hours per day in a day care centre where people with various issues socialise with the dogs, take them for walks etc. Bertie, as Maestro is called, has the rock solid temperament required for those activities. I think I speak for all breeders on this planet when I say you really feel especially proud when a dog you’ve bred makes a difference for people with special needs. I am very happy to be able to tell you that another from this kennel, Thornbreaker’s Right On Time, aged 10, also spends time in the centre and makes people happy just being what she is.

The entry was a good one by Swedish standards, 89, which meant one of the puppy classes had to be removed as there is a limit of 80 dogs per day and judge in Sweden. Many thanks to all those brave exhibitors that challenged the rough weather and made the journey – it was a pleasure and an honour to go over your dogs.

Best Puppy aged 4-6 months was won by Lab Nova Diamonds Are Forever (Ch Licithas Terje Vigen x Eatons Heidi), a lovely yellow boy, showed and moved very well.

BD-1, DCAC and BOS Winnies Route Sixty Six (Guidelines One Size Fits All x Ch Winnies Mary Go Round), photo on top, a lovely yellow junior dog who gave all of his best from start to finish. He caught the eye standing and on the move he excelled in reach and drive. His very nice sister was 4th in BB-line up.

BD-2 Kefverön’s Earl of Dunmore (Ch Lab Treasures Great Choice x Kefverön’s Celina)

BD-3 Ca’Krist Muscato Molleux (Dwight of Misty Dreams x Ch Max-Mara)

BD-4, Best Veteran Fabracken Pablo (Ch Cambremer Tom Cobbley of Charway x Ch Fabracken Meadow Mint)

BD-5 JWW-08 Trendmakers Indian Summer (Alaincobin x Trendmakers Italian Bella Donna)

BB-1, BCAC and BOB Blizzami Lady Hillingdon (Ch Mambrinos Triumph x Ch Attikonak Crescenza), yellow bitch from open that looked the part. Very well balanced. Showed and moved beautifully, see photo above. Her lovely dam was runner up.

BB-2 Ch Attikonak Crescenza (Poolstead Parmesan x Attikonak Don’t Mess With Dynamite)

BB-3 Posters Sweet Juliet (Ch Ramsayville Route Sixty Six x Attikonak Spring Hat With Veil)

BB-4 Winnies Rag Doll, litter sister of W Route Sixty Six

BB-5 Eatons Jajamensan Lab Nova (Ch Applejacks Whoop de Doodle x Ch Eatons Zaga)