NORWEGIAN BUHUNDS
Christine, Mike and Char John are known as very successful breeders and exhibitors of Alaskan Malamutes, they have also been in the Buhund family for over 20yrs, which started when Char was 8yrs old and showed and competed in Junior handling classes with Ch Trelowen Bysy at Cristakell, supported as always by her parents. Very sadly Mike passed away suddenly during the early hours of 10th December. His funeral took place on the morning of Tuesday 9th of January at Barnstaple crematorium North Devon, it was broadcast online as many mourners were unable to attend due to extensive flooding over the country at the time. Jenny was one of those who watched it online and writes: -‘There were many people from the dog community present, including members of the Crufts Group stewarding team, of which Mike had been a popular part, serving as Assistant Chief Steward. His brother spoke of their childhood exploits, his son Christopher of their shared time on the Golf Course, and daughter Char John read a very moving poem about the family’s loss. The depth of love and pride Mike had for Chris and their children and grandchildren; and the humour and warmth he brough to so many; was clearly evident, and it was a very moving service. Donations were invited to the Charity ‘Guts UK’ and I believe there are plans to have a memorial gathering for Mike and further fundraising in his memory, at Bath Championship show later this year, when Simon Molloy will be wandering around with a collecting bucket on Working and Pastoral Day’. Buhund owners Jacque Cobb and Jacqui Walmsley were able to attend in person.
Last week I said that it was the end of an era for the club with the passing of our Patron and founder member Shirley Dobson, her funeral will be on 23rd of January at 3.15pm at City Road Crematorium Sheffield. It will also be online, but I do not have details of that yet.
Those of you who take Our Dogs either online or in the paper version, will I am sure have been very saddened to read that the KC has pulled out of funding the KC Genetic Centre, which is based at the dept of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge. It moved there after the closure of the AHT, and when they were at the AHT they of course found a DNA test for us for Ataxia in the breed, and over the years have found tests for so many breeds. With this news my feeling is that the chance of us every having a DNA test for HC becomes even slimmer than it was before, unless one is found either in the US or Norway.
Celebrating British Dogdom’, the Pawscars black tie /evening dress event will be held on March 6th in the Motorcycle Museum by the NEC. The Pawscars and The Peek A Boo Trust were the brainchild of Gavin Robertson, handler of the 2013 Crufts Best In Show Winner, Ch Soletrader Peek A Boo, aka Jilly and co-founder Stuart Baillie. The beginnings of the event started back in 2013, with Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt which raised £50,000 for good causes and brought the world of dogs together. Two weeks after the funds were distributed between Great Ormond Street Hospital, Dogs Lost and the KC Charitable Trust, there was an inaugural Pawscars which was held on March 4th, 2014, at the Hiton Metropole NEC. Awards were made to recognise the successes and hard work in the world of pedigree dogs in the UK. The evening is now an established event in the UK pedigree dog world raising money for good causes, with the backing of some of big businesses in the industry. The dog show community nominate those in the various categories they believe worthy of recognition. The Pawscars committee then make a shortlist, of three in each category with most of the winners coming from a public vote. I still remember the call from Gavin saying I had been shortlisted in the category of ‘Breed Note Writer of The Year’ which I thrilled to win on the night, of course back then there were 2 weekly dog papers. Now this year, Horley and District are in the final 3 for ‘Open Show of the Year,’ Neil Hood and Lisa Strong are on the committee, so you know what you need do ‘Vote’ on the thepawscars.org.uk.website. The votes closes on 29th Feb, yes it is a leap year! you can only vote once, look at all the categories, you may well see others that you want to vote for . This year they are including ‘Special Beginners’ for the first time, and one of the thrilled nominees attends my local club. It is great to be shortlisted and whatever happens I am sure everyone will have a fabulous evening; I still remember it as if it was yesterday and I was amazed when I checked the trophy to realise that it was back in 2015 that I won!
Our Dogs have announced the Top Dog, Top Puppy, and Top Breeder for 2023. Jenny Shorer-Wheeler’s homebred Ch Koromandel Tusen Takk (ai)(Muchly) is Top Buhund he is by Multi Ch Trollheimen JR Made For Cascilius x Sturtmoor Ffascination With Koromandel his wins combined with those of Nancy Kent and Jacque & Michael Cobb’s Ch Koromandel Best Served Cold At Knytshall (Jamie) by Multi Ch Kyon Bold Norseman x Ch Maidofcopper for Koromandel give Jenny Top Breeder with her Koromandel Kennel. Top Puppy is Nancy Kent and Jacque & Michael Cobb’s Leggatts Dakota at Knytshall (Toby) he is by Ch Rikarlo Gable JW x Knytshall Noor Ul Ain.
Wiveliscombe and District Canine Society held a two-day 247 class open show over the weekend 13/14 January, at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Tauton, Somerset. Pastoral, Toy, and Utility Groups were on the Saturday. Jacqui Walmsley told me her ‘Trelowen Amelia at Frostisen aka Bunny was BOB with Mary & David Dosson’s Kligenthal Bran Mak Mourn (Teddy) going RBOB. The judge was Julie Williams who gives CCs in Golden Retrievers, Welsh Springers and shows Cardigan Corgis. There was no love in the Group, but Jacqui said Bunny had a lovely day, and one of Teddy’s x Noor puppies popped in to say hello’ and hopefully will be shown in the future.
I finish with the good news that Sarah Stonton’s Ch Arnscroft In Di Ana Jack has a had clear eye test. He is by Ch Arnscroft Di To Be Sailor x Ch Arnscroft Di Or Comply.
Stay safe everyone.
Margaret Deuchar margaretdeuchar@gmail.com
Any views expressed in Margaret’s Breed Notes are hers and hers alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Norwegian Buhund Club of the UK