Welcome to a wet and windy weekend, thankfully in the South East we are slightly sheltered and hope that all in other areas are surviving. Today the sun shone and we were able to enjoy a Sunday walk in local woods. Always thankful for the area we live in.
Following on from the previous notes, towards the end of August we made the journey to the World Dog Show 2023, held in Geneva. My sister took her Portuguese Pointer and I took our Datak, AmCh River Rock Unanimous Decision. The weather was outstanding and we were very grateful for the beautiful hotel and all its air-conditioning with temps rising towards the high 30’s. The dogs were also happy to chill in the room. The 1st day, Wednesday 23rd August was the Grand Prix, 3 male Canaans were entered, a son of our Sulu (Micha de Solemel at Nizzana) who was born in France, Datak and grandson of Sulu that lived in Switzerland. The Judge was Petru Muntean (RO). The youngster was obviously not used to the show ring and we did our best to help with a little training beforehand. Sadly, the judge was not so very patient and made the handler feel quite small, to the point that she wasn’t going to return for the world show classes, thankfully she did and the dog was handled by an experienced friend and behaved very well. The results were, 1st Junior, Very Good, Moon of Starlight Tchik Tchak. The Champion Class, 1st Excellent, River Rock Unanimous Decision 2nd Excellent, Shalom De Roc Noir. Despite awarding two excellents, the Judge decided to withhold on Best of Breed and the CAC. The World Show group 5 was scheduled on Sunday 27th, there were 5 males and 2 females entered but there were two absentees. Judge Jorgen Hindse (DK) had no reservations and was happy to award the CAC’s and world winner titles on this day. The results were Best of Breed, CACIB CAC and World Winner, AmCh River Rock Unanimous Decision, Best Bitch CACIB CAC and World Winner, Bethany Od Dvou Cedru, Best Junior Junior World Winner, Moon of Starlight Tchik Tchak. Reserve Best Dog CACIB CAC, Shalom De Roc Noir. It was a super day, so lovely and friendly. Meeting up with Inna Blayvas from Israel and her friends, the two other exhibitors from the Grand Prix, other breeders from France, the secretary of the French Club and exhibitors and breeders from the Czech Rep. Such generous and lovely people it made the who experience wonderful. Being awarded best of breed and then being in the group ring was so much fun, so noisy as they love the loud and dramatic music. We came away with some new friends, great memories and a world winner 2023 in Datak. My sister was also very successful and made her boy a Swiss Show Ch. We are looking forward to Croatia in 2024.
After all that excitement, here is a roundup of the shows in the UK scheduling classes for Canaan Dogs here in the UK. November sees one of the few open shows with classes, The Nordic, at Ryton on Dunsmore, Saturday 25th has Judge Mr Steve Bennett judging the Canaan Dogs. The following weekend has BUBA holding its Champ show at Stafford Show Ground with Judge Dr Sarah Hemstock. Moving to the new year, 2024 has Manchester Ch Show on Thursday 18th with Mr Lee Cox overseeing the Canaan Dogs. We are absolutely delighted that the Utility Breeds Association of Wales is once again holding their open show. With a new venue, at Pontypool Active Living Centre, Trosnant St, Pontypool, NP4 8AT. On Sunday 4th February Melanie Reed-Peck (Byquy) will be judging Canaan Dogs, there is also prize money being donated by Jan and Rob McLoed. Thank you to both for supporting the Canaan Dog in this way, more information can be found on Fosse Data. Finally, Crufts is now also on the horizon, Canaan Dogs will be showing on Thursday 7th March to be Judged by Mr Mark Cocozza.
Have a safe and warm week – till next time
Alison Byrne