Gwent top dogs take top honours

9:40am Tuesday 11th March 2008

By South Wales Argus Newsdesk

GWENT dogs took top honours at the world's biggest canine show.

Over 130 owners from Gwent went to Crufts at the weekend, including Julie Tutton, from Newport and her Polish Sheepdog, Kiera.

Kiera won first prize in the postgraduate bitch category.

Ms Tutton said: "It's an honour to be there and now Kiera has lifetime membership to Crufts."

Mrs Tutton said Kiera, who goes under the show name Mybeardsdiamonte, lives at home as a pet and was a much-loved family member.

Joy Mahoney, from Abersychan also enjoyed success at this year's show.

Afghan Hound Phoebe took First Place in the Open Bitch competition and her three Borzois, also scooped honours, including another two firsts.

And it's not surprising her four dogs turned out looking good, Mrs Mahoney teaches a dog-grooming course at Pencoed College, Bridgend.

"I try to take a lot of care of them, it can get very expensive," she said.

Experienced owner Cory Payne, from Griffithstown has been attending Crufts since 1990 and this year, first-time entrant Suzie, the year-old Griffon Bruxellois won her the best puppy in breed: "I was so proud after winning, I must say I felt like a Peacock," she said.

Selected 2008 Gwent champions
  • Cory Payne, Griffithstown, Best Puppy in Breed, Suzie, Griffon Bruxellois
  • Wendy Phillips, St Dials, First Place Special Puppy, Georgia, Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Joy Mahoney, Abersychan, First Place Open Bitch, First Place Yearling Bitch, First Place Veteran Bitch
  • Julie Tutton, Bettws, First Prize Postgraduate Bitch, Kiera, Polish Sheepdog
  • Sadie Evans, Pontypool, Good Citizen Dog Scheme, Obie, Boxer
  • Jane Barrett-Williams, First Prize, Yearling Bitch, Taraz, Borzoi
  • Jill Hemms, Blackwood, First Prize, Special Junior, Ozzie, Pomeranian.

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