The show ring is being set up
By Hilde Haakensen
Photos: Kent Olsen and Hilde Haakensen
Thanks to Barry Day for proof-reading and insider comments
The UK Show System l Cropping and Docking l Show Results
It is 8am in the morning and the whole board of the (English) Miniature Schnauzer Club has met up outside of the Daventry Centre of Northampton College. Everyone busy carrying bags and boxes with stuff for the day’s big event: the 47th single breed championship show. The doors are opened to a big gym hall, and it’s hard to imagine that it two hours later would be ready to accommodate an entry of 136 miniature schnauzers from all over the UK. There are no show superintendents in the UK, so club shows are done by the club members from scratch!
The show ring is being set up
Chairs for spectators frame the ring
The secretary's desk and prize table are being organized
The catalog cheerfully announced: ‘Excellent home made refreshments will be available’, and my travel companion Kent and I certainly made sure to try out most of it.
The Miniature Schnauzer Club had several items for sale
At 9 am the gym was transformed into a pleasant little show site and spectators and fanciers started to pour into the building..
The grooming area right next to the ring
It is perfectly legal to practice in the ring, and numerous contestants would take the opportunity to do so all up until the judging started.
The show system in the UK seems quite complicated to a foreigner with 10 classes in each sex, and a range of different shows, where only a few actually offers CC’s (Challenge Certificate) towards the championship. There are 22 sets of CC's on offer each year at Championship Shows, and these are allocated by the Kennel Club. The number of sets is worked out on the number of registrations each breed has per year and the number of entries at champ. shows. The geographical allocation is supposed to be spread throughout the country. To qualify your dog for entry at Crufts it needs to be a UK champion, or win a first, second, or third at any class at a championship show.
In addition there are a number of General Championship Shows where there are no CC's on offer for Miniature Schnauzers, and a number where not only are there no CC's, but also no classes! There are only four championship shows with CC's on offer for all breeds: Crufts, The National Club of Birmingham (the oldest society), The Welsh Kennel Club and the May show of the Scottish Kennel Club. Three sets of CC's are allocated to clubs each year and the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain (all three sizes), The Northern Schnauzer Club (all three sizes) and The Miniature Schnauzer Club (Minis only) all have 'Specialties' with CC's.
As in the US, all colors are judged in the same breed. The Kennel Club (KC) will register any color of Miniature Schnauzer provided both parents are registered at the KC and any color, including whites can be shown. Although the Breed Standard mentions only the three recognized colors, the KC give no guidance for judges who are told to judge the 'whites' on their merit. i.e. passing the buck 'cause they don't want to risk getting sued!
All dogs are judged first, then bitches. The winner of each class comes back in the ring after all classes in the same sex has been judged, to compete for the CC. You need 3 CCs from 3 different judges to get the championship title, and the third CC must be received after 12 months of age (which means puppies cannot become champions). No matter how many CC's a puppy has won, it will need an extra one after 12 months of age, to become a champion. To further complicate the chase for the title, there is no Best of breed class, which means that you have to beat possible existing champions from the Open class to get the CC. The same dog can be entered in more than one class, as long as it qualifies for entry (for instance a minor puppy with no CC's could be entered in every class).
The judge will write a critique of the 2 best dogs in each class. Critiques are published in the two weekly dog papers: 'Dog World' & 'Our Dogs'. Specialty results will also appear in the Mini Club Magazine.
All the different show systems in the world seems to have problems organizing the different dog breeds in a fashion that makes sense, and they all end up with a group or two that makes no sense what so ever. I believe one of these groups in the UK would be the Utility group where the Miniature Schnauzer has been put. You find yourself competing with breeds such as the Akita, most of the Spitz dogs, all the poodles, the Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Bulldog, Shar Pei, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, and Boston Terrier…
You cannot show a cropped dog in the UK, but you can show a tail docked dog. Docking is perfectly legal at the moment, provided it is done by a 'veterinary surgeon or other suitably qualified person'. The latter has never been tested and so we do not know what that means. However, there is currently a bill going through parliament that will ban docking in all but working dogs, with a sting in the tail that no docked dogs will be allowed to be shown at most shows. There may be a clause saying they cannot be shown where the public have to pay to enter. The anti docking part of the legislation has gone through the parliamentary process and it is only other parts of the Animal Welfare Bill that are holding up its introduction. Thus it is absolutely certain that tail docking will not be allowed sometime next year. This causes the gundog people a bit of a problem as they have to be docked to work and yet will not be allowed to be shown docked and so there presumably will be no more full (show & working)champions. The usual route is to get the show title first and then tackle the thorns and bushes to get the working title.
Entries where as follows for judge Mrs C.E. (Liz) Cartledge (dogs/bitches):
Veteran (2/2) (dogs 7 years or older)
Minor Puppy (5/7) (Puppies 6 - 9 months)
Puppy (8/14) (6 - 12 months)
Junior (11/16) (6 - 18 months)
Yearling (3/7) (12 - 24 months)
Novice (1/2) (dogs with no CC nor three or more first prizes at Open or Champ shows,except puppy classes)
Post graduate (7/10) (dogs with no CC nor five or more first prizes at Champ. shows in Post Graduate, Limit & Open classes)
Limit (9/11) (dogs with less than three CC's or seven or more first prizes at Champ. shows in Limit & Open classes)
Special Limit Black/Silver and Black (3/6) (same as above for black/silver and black)
Open (13/9) (all dogs that are eligible for entry)
1st
Silversocks Soverign (Balmar Say No More – Clarkmars Crusader at Silversocks)
2nd
Malenda Ment to Be (Ch Travelmors Proud to be at Clarkmars – Malenda Menthas Gold)
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Two minor puppy dogs, more interested in each other than in showing!
1st
Barondaise How’s About it (Ch Wellingley What About It – Barondaise Topsy Turvey)
2nd
Bynors Capore of the Spirit (Deansgate Jack Frost – Bynors Silver Lining)
3rd
Santonshire Mr Joe Spangles (Minalsa Milky Bar Kid – Madabo Magic Charm of Santonshire)
Reserve
Deansbury Lunar Eclipse (Ch Arbeybuffles Who’s That Guy – Deansbury Jezabel)
Puppy dogs being judged
1st
Balmar Never Say Never (Hideki Chase the Ace – Balmar Blaze Away)
2nd
Samvai Soli (Ch Zakmayo Happy as Larry – Samvai Set in Style)
3rd
Wundai Rumour Has It (Ch Awesome’s in the Mood With Risepark – Wundai Just the Girl)
Reserve
Jenmil Silver Bounty (Lichstone Midnight Player – Jenmil Silver Belle)
VHC
Santonshire Smarty Pants (Minalsa Milky Bar Kid – Madabo Magic Charm of Santonshire)
1st
Am Ch Repitition’s Kiss This (Am Ch Awesome’s Shazam I Am – Am Ch Repitition’s Good Witch)
2nd
Kareso Disk Jockey at Schwarich (Rudlands Disco Sensation – Kareso Just as Fancy)
3rd
Ritzbeech Strike Me Down over Jastalla (Ch Risepark Striking Fella – Ritzbeech Awefully Glad)
Reserve
Kedsan Rubberneckin (Kedsan Ask Elvis – Skansen’s Zensation)
VHC
Xante Joe King over Ruddlands (Ruddlands Disco Sensation – Xante Jilly Pooper)
The junior dog line up
1st
Ruddlands Flash Sensation (Ruddlands Disco Sensation – Ruddlands Back Flash)
2nd
Moonstir Misty Ulen (Yakuza Likely Lad with Starbound – Jenmil Shangrila)
3rd
Dalecourt Grandslam at Murjay (Ch Awesome’s in the Mood with Risepark – Dalecourt Star Libby)
1st
Lichstone Midnight Mourinho (Lichstone Midnight Player – Lichstone Midningth in Spain)
Post graduate class being examined by judge Liz Cartledge
1st
Doncleve Texas Trooper at Karebal (Braywick Monterrey Jack at Doncleve – Braneath Miami Vice at Doncleve)
2nd
Jaxmins New Kid on the Block (Minalsa Milky Bar Kid – Afterglow Blue Monday for Jaxmins)
3rd
Malenda Maestro (Hideki Chase the Ace – Ch Malenda Matricaria)
Reserve
Proscenium Mr Snow of Sybray (Made in Spain My Man with Yakuza – Proscenium Snow Flake)
VHC
Denis The Menace from Deansgate (Deansgate Stan Dinline – Dales Cheeky Chick)
Limit dog class
1st
Risepark Mister Right (Multi Ch Hideki Who’s That Guy with Risepark – Risepark Sweet on Rosie)
2nd
Arbeybuffels Gets Credit (Ch Buffels Flashman – Arbeybuffels Just a Niblet)
3rd
Arkangath Fools Gold (Jastalla Jack the Stripper – Megs Master Piece at Arkangath)
Reserve
Starbound Smart Move to Ruddlands (Risepakr Smart Fella for Tamberg – Risepakr Right Attitude)
VHC
Lichstone Midnight Player (Ch Arbeybuffels Who’s That Guy – Lichstone Midnight Fizz)
1st
Lichstone Midnight Player (Ch Arbeybuffels Who’s That Guy – Lichstone Midnight Fizz)
2nd
Toosum Tea Leaf (Davinci Van De Havenstad to Grovelea – Beauty Van De Havenstad For Toosum)
3rd
Flequillitos One-Vision Avec Engalah (Int Ch Arguilles de Curuxan – Int Ch Chelines Crazy-Girl)
1st
Minivale Inspector Klu-So JW (Ch Arbey Alexander – Minivale Kryptic Klu)
One of the few shown with undocked tail: a very happy tailwagging Swedish Ch Hassanhills Dangerous
2nd
Mult Ch Hassanhills Dangerous (Multi Ch Hassanhills Williams – Multi Ch Hassanhills Stars and Stripes)
3rd
Ruddlands Disco Sensation (Riseepakr Disco Dancer at Ruddlands – Ruddlands Definetely Daph)
Reserve
Davinci Van de Havenstad to Grovelea (Int Ch Traveller van de Havenstad – Begum van de Havenstad)
VHC
Padour Lincs Poacher (Ch Wellingley What About It – Padour Honey Bee)
Winners dog class: all the winners of the 10 dog classes are back in the ring to compete for the Challenge Certificate. They are lined up in reverse order, with the last classwinner first (oldest to youngest)
Judge Liz Cartledge has made her choice, the CC goes to the Limit class winner.
Dog C.C and New Champion (on the left):
Risepark Mister Right (Multi Ch Hideki Who’s That Guy with Risepark – Risepark Sweet on Rosie)
Reserve (on the right):
Minivale Inspector Klu-So JW (Ch Arbey Alexander – Minivale Kryptic Klu)
The show drew quite a crowd
1st (on the right)
Ch Malenda Mint Felicia (Ch Sonshea Call Me Mister Risepark – Malenda Mentha Silvie)
Best veteran in Show (on the left):
Silversocks Soverign (Balmar Say No More – Clarkmars Crusader at Silversocks)
1st
Ruddlands Hot Sensation (Ruddlands Disco Sensation – Vandell be Dazzled by Ruddlands)
2nd
Minivale Suzy Klu With Nortonchase (Ch Arbey Alexander – Minivale All Klued Up)
3rd
Minivale Klu-Ella (Ch Arbey Alexander – Minivale All Klued Up)
Reserve
Deansbury Lily Noir (Ch Arbeybuffles Who’s That Guy – Deansbury Jezabel)
VHC
Kareso Dressed to Thrill (Am Ch Repititions Message for US at Kareso – Kareos French Fancy)
1st
Wunday Just a Rumour (Ch Awesomes In the Mood with Risepark – Wunday Just the Girl)
2nd
One Propitious Character With Andix (Ch Andix Sweet Talkin Guy – Cybi Cofion Melys)
3rd
Starbound Born to Boogie (Ch Risepark Fancied Favourite – Risepakr Let Me Dance)
Reserve
Briarbay Cold Ash Briar Rose (Minalsa Milky Bar Kid – Brierbay Christmas Rose)
VHC
Samvai Santana (Ch Zakmayo Happy as Larry – Samvai Set in Style)
1st
Ritzbeech Lucky Strike at Barrontoft (Ch Risepark Striking Fella – Ritzbeech Awefully Glad)
2nd
Andix Strike a Pose JW (Multi Ch Hideki Who’s that Guy with Risepark – Elljaye Signature Tune)
3rd
Ritzbeech Glad to Strike (Ch Risepark Striking Fella – Ritzbeech Awefully Glad)
Reserve
Malenda Mertensia (Hideki Chase the Ace – Malenda Matricaria)
VHC
Zakmayo Dolly Mixture (Minalsa Milky Bar Kid – Ch Zakmayo She’s Got the Look)
1st
Jap Ch Jokerlands F Glamorous Queen (Int Ch Awesomes Repititions Obenezer – Jokerlands Last Waltz)
2nd
Barrontoft Black Baccara at Jenmil (Wards Creek’s Silver Rocket – Jenmil Black Innka at Barrontoft)
3rd
Bynors Silver Jade (Bynors Top Billing – Bynors Silver Lining)
Reserve
Beanara Jo March (Flequillitus One-Vision avec Engalah – Lichstone Midnight Riva At Beanara)
VHC
Tynteville Top Totty (Ch Skansens Toyboy at Caskayd – Tynteville Cracklin Rosey)
1st
Stonecastle’s Fizzy Cool (Stonecastle’s Ex Factor – Lichstone September Moon at Stonecastles)
The post graduate class
1st
Wundai American Maid (Ch Awesome’s in the Mood With Risepark – Wundai Just the Girl)
2nd
Ritzbeech What a Card with Barondaise (Ch Wellingley What About It – Ritzbeech Solitaire)
3rd
Xante Buddy Mary (Ruddlands Disco Sensation – Xante Jilly Pooper)
Reserve
Leerich August Uncovered (Risepark Smart Fella for Tamberg – Leerich Truly Scrumptious)
VHC
Risepark Double the Stake at Bygadsir (Ch Risepark Striking Fella – Risepark All in Favour)
The Limit class line-up
1st
Wellingley Wild Whispers (Wellingley Who Knows – Ch Wellingley Wyoming)
2nd
Arkangath Fools Folie (Jastalla Jack the Stripper – Megs Masterpiece at Arkangath)
3rd
Anloandy Party Punch for Tamberg (Riseparks Smart Fella for Tamberg – Risepark Take s a Liberty with Anloandy)
Reserve
Malenda May Topaz JW (Hideki Chase the Ace – Malenda Moissanite)
VHC
Casterdan Hot N Heavenly (Ch Zakmayo Happy as Larry – Casterdan Clear N Simple)
1st
Silversocks Silver Slipper of Northonchase (Ch Northonchase Silva Phoenix – Vandell Silver Star)
2nd
Hassanhills Peaches and Cream (Swe Ch Zerberus de Lordships – R-WW Swe Ch Art Deco US Bunny)
3rd
Cocochanel Van de Havenstad to Grovelea (Lux/Ned Ch Zip van de Havenstad – Lux Ch Zitah van de Havenstad)
1st (on the left, red ribbon is first prize in the UK and FCI system)
Ch Risepark Righ Reasons (Ch Risepark Striking Fella – Risepark Maid with Style)
2nd (on the right, blue ribbon is second prize in the UK and FCI system)
Braywixk Memphis Belle (Ch Awesome’s in the Mood with Risepark – Jastalla Doodwinked By Braywick)
3rd
Canteba Ice C U Baby (Ruddlands Disco Sensation – Ch Canteba Ice-Ice Baby)
Reserve
Ch Arbeybuffels For Always (Ch Buffels Flashman – Arbey Buffels Just a Niblet)
VHC
Zakmayo Designer Chic (Ch Wrenda’s Dream Maker – Ch Zakmaya She’s Got the Look)
Bitch C.C (on the left):
Wellingley Wild Whispers (Wellingley Who Knows – Ch Wellingley Wyoming)
Reserve C.C (on the right):
Wunday Just a Rumour (Ch Awesomes In the Mood with Risepark – Wunday Just the Girl)
Best of Breed and Best in Show (on the left):
Risepark Mister Right (Multi Ch Hideki Who’s That Guy with Risepark – Risepark Sweet on Rosie)
Reserve Best in Show and BOS (on the right):
Wellingley Wild Whispers (Wellingley Who Knows – Ch Wellingley Wyoming)
After a highly successful show, the board members are the last ones on the site, not able to leave until the show site has been transformed back to the college gym they found this morning.
This show was a very plesant experience. People where laidback and friendly, and the show was far from as hectic and stressful as Crufts. You got a good look at the dogs, and the food was great. Everything ran smoothly (except from when the gigantinc tea kettles threathened to breake down, surely from being overworked by hundreds of Brits ordering endless cups of tea :). I would highly recommend this show to anyone that wants to come over and see the Miniature Schnauzer in the UK.
Thanks to everyone that worked to pull this off, we had a great time!
Hilde Haakensen
Axcium Minature Schnauzers