The Utility Breeds Association of Wales held its open shown on Saturday 1st of Feb 2020 at the leisure centre in Tredegar. The Judge Mr Terence D D Balfour-Burgess had an entry of 5 canaans with one absentee. He found his Best of Breed in our Sulu, Micha de Solemel at Nizzana (Imp Fra) and Reserve Best of Breed in Ruth, our River Rock Underway to Nizzana (Imp USA) both owned by us, Mr Ivan Kaye, Miss Alison Byrne and Miss Anne Barclay. Despite it being a journey of 5hrs, we do try to support this show as it has been giving classes to the Utility Breeds for many years and this year had 108 classes. Mr Martin Moulding also stayed as his Moshe, Anacan Abu Ghosh was entered in the Veteran Stakes Classes since he had now reached the grand age of 7 last August. Sadly he wasnt placed this time but nice to see him in other classes.
It is also a good show to catch up with friends and we were delighted to see a good friend of some years be awarded Group 4 with her Eurasier. We were also happy to see the Secretary Mr Rob McLeod for the first time since his illness last year, looking well, driving again and keeping up with his duties. I personally would like to thank Mrs Jan McLeod for her generous Best of Breed Award. Sulu has put it in his bone money jar.
After a good journey home we did decide that a 9am prompt start at a local show for us on Sunday 2nd Feb probably wasn’t going to happen, so apologies for our absence there.
I was reading an interesting article on Facebook which put into words some of my concerns regarding standing dogs. When I see breeds that are required to have a level top line being placed with their rear legs further and further back. This makes the top line then slope and no longer be level and can encourage breeding for over angulation in the hind legs to get this effect. There have been some Canaans in the past where comment has been made on the same subject. Thankfully one of the breeders is well aware of the standards and has not made any changes to the breeding program. We rely on the judges that are given the assignments be custodians for the breed and maintain the Canaan Dog as a medium and not over exaggerated dog in anyway.
I close on a change of judge for the British Utility Breeds Association upcoming open show. Mrs Melanie Reeves is no longer available to judge Canaan Dogs and Mrs Chritsine Owen will now preside on Sat 2s1t March at Stoneleigh.
Alison Byrne