Breed Notes
29th April

I have to start with some sad news concerning one of the most influential dogs of recent times. Ch Beldones Black Illusion, a tricolour, born in October 2010 was given sleep due to an in-operable tumor. Our thoughts go to Brian and Odile on their recent loss
Boris, as he was known by all was sired by Ch Chelborn Kiss n Tell out of a blue bitch, Aquarelle des Beldones, who did win a CC here in the UK back in 2010 at a very wet Bournemouth Ch show from Gwen Beadon.

Boris won his first CC in 2014 at WECS from Wendy Smith (Gemasta); followed by a 2nd and G4 at Working Breeds of Wales from Barry Croft (Malcro) in 2015 and his title from Tony Leverton (Rhodabern) at Scottish Breeds the same year. He returned to the ring in 2017 and took the CC at Lancs & Cheshire from Geoff Hyde and a 5th CC at SKC from Heather Corfield (Lashol). In between all these wins collected a few Rcc’s including Crufts 2018 from Gwen Beadon.

Perhaps it will be as a sire he will be remembered, as his offspring include not only Ch Beldones Tom Wood (now in Italy) but the many CC winners: Beldones Looks Like Fun, Lynmack Carlina, Salsina Black Lace at Beldones, Ingledene Well Sooted, Beldones Baby Think Twice at Starlenga, Phreelancer Phaith Hill and in Ireland, Kynan Silvery Blue Moon. However, on reading through a few pedigrees, it could well be that as a Grand Sire his potential was fully recognised. He is the gs of Ch Beldones Blue Echo, Phreelancer Chill Factor, Roughrigg Rag n Bone Man, Thistlewing Harp String, Ch Tiganlea Turning Blue to name but a few.

Now to one of our first “outdoor” shows, WELKS, but this year without CC status for judge Wilma Brodie (Shanaburn).  Wilma’s previous appointments have been at ACC in 2013; Wkg Breeds Scotland in 2014 and N&D in 2017. Making the long trip from Scotland, she had a long wait (along with her exhibitors) to get into the ring as the AVNSC classes were judged beforehand. I understand it was a chilly and blustery day for all.

Wilma had a nice little entry to look at comprising 14 dogs and 16 bitches and only a few absent from each. Standing alone in Puppy was the blue of Sam Parnham, Caribbean Blue Sky Actis to Samante;  Melissa Lockyer and Gataj Out of The Woods won both Junior and Yearling, and a quick change of dog and she was back in the ring to win PG with Starlenga Elijah Blue at Gataj. Sophie Wray-Ramsden won Open with Takhisis Dream Weaver and also took BD with Melissa in reserve with her blue.

Special Beginners Dog, was won by Dr Lynda Boyle and her Barrenclough Heart of Gold JW. who headed this class of 3
Puppy Bitch went to Julie Growcott and Lillyway Lemon Breeze whilst Mr & Mrs Perrott, with Gataj One Moment In Time won Junior. Liz Patman and her Riverside Song Ice Cream Girl (Imp Rom) won Yearling. Melissa returned to win PG with Riverside Song Eclipse Over Gataj (Imp Rom) and another change of bitch resulted in Melissa winning Open with Ch Paradise Girl du Clos Du Sea-Wind for Gataj.

Lynda Boyle won Special Beginners Bitch with Barrenclough Touch of Silk and challenged herself for Best Special Beginners in Breed but I have no idea which one of hers won, or if they stayed for the group.

Best Bitch and eventual BOB, went to Melissa and her Champion bitch, and she represented us well in the group under Christina Bailey. RBB and BPB to Julie, who had pulled a muscle in her leg and found it difficult to continue and although awarded BPIB, was quite pleased there was no Puppy Group to stay for, and set off for home, rest and pain killers. – Get well soon.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)