Protecting and promoting the health and welfare of Mastiffs.
Date: 23/02/2018
I'm back! We had a lovely time in Mexico but it was lovely to see the dogs again although they weren't too bothered about us being back - such loyalty.
By all accounts the Mastiff Association Champ Show last weekend was a great success and the new venue, Tomlinson's, proved to be very popular. Renowned judge Frank Kane was the judge and found his DCC and BIS Show in Ch Faynad Frankincense who is continuing his winning ways of 2017. BCC, BOS and RBIS was Fragilis Fausta who is also continuing her winning streak. RDCC was Cwmtysswg Madoc, RBCC was Mullak Heart of Hearts, Best Puppy was Cwmtysswg Sabine and Best Veteran was Cedwalla Country Boy. Congratulations to all the winners and all those who took part. There were over 50 dogs entered for competition which is on a par with our Crufts entry this year. Most importantly, everyone enjoyed their day and looking at the pictures of the puppy walk, the future of our breed looks very promising.
Talking of Crufts, we have a very late start. Tibetan Mastiffs have a 10am start and we are on after them so it will probably be about lunchtime when we get in the ring. Personally, I prefer an earlier start as there is a lot of hanging around and the dogs get bored, tired and restless. Will still be a great day though.
The Breed Record Supplement for Winter 2017 shows that 26 Mastiffs were registered for the final quarter of 2017 bringing the year's total to 166. This is the highest number since 2011 and in the last ten years there have been 1711 Mastiffs registered. I wonder how many of those we still have with us, where they are now and hopefully they have all had happy lives, spoiled rotten and have been well loved.
Also in 2017, there were 6 export pedigrees issued with dogs travelling to Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Serbia and Taiwan.
The days are certainly drawing out now so hopefully Spring is just around the corner. It will be good to see the end of muddy dogs, sodden gardens and wet dog walking coats hanging up to dry. Many dogs will be subjected to the pre Crufts baths much to their
disgust or delight while their owners turn their thoughts to their Crufts outfits!
Have a good week
Claire Whelan
01243 603899
Breed Notes
Issue: 26/01/2018
MASTIFF
Manchester Champ Show last weekend saw judge Marion Sargent awarding Best Bitch and Best of Breed to Simon and Teresa Andrew's Hestia Spod Holi at Cyberus with Reserve Best Bitch going to Steve and Tracey Coulman-Hole's Suncamo Redboo Tabitha at Womlu.
Best Dog was Steve and Tracey's Faynad Humpty Dumpty for Womlu with Reserve Best Dog awarded to Craig Hazelwood's Craiglestone Lord Thudfoot. Best Puppy was Steve and Tracey's Faynad Magic Man who was on his first Show outing. What an illustrious start to his Show career. Indeed, Steve and Tracey had a very successful day and I gather that Jo Bowdery was a great help to them with their five dogs. Every breed needs a Jo Bowdery who is always so willing to help out!
By all accounts the wintry weather hit Stafford County Showground with a vengeance with cars having to be towed out of the car park by a tractor. It is so lovely to be part of such a stress- free, relaxing hobby which doesn't involve too much travelling or expense.To most of us, 36 years ago seems like yesterday. Dynasty, Cagney and Lacey and Miami Vice were TV favourites with shoulder pads and leg warmers being very fashionable and debatable tastes in music topping the charts. Where is all this leading?. None of these have (thankfully) stood the test of time but also 36 years ago, a young, fresh faced judge named Joe Smith began judging Mastiffs and I am delighted to say that Joe's Mastiff CC appointment has finally been confirmed.
Congratulations Joe, all the best things are worth waiting for!
Cruft's entries have now closed and other closing dates are fast approaching. Both the OEMC and MA websites give full details of 2018 Shows so no excuse to miss them.
Have a good week
Claire Whelan
01243603899