IT WAS a successful year for Torfaen dogs in this year's Crufts - with four entrants from the area winning accolades.
This included winners in the ‘Junior Dog Smooth Collie’ and the ‘Brittany Best Puppy’ categories.
Chief, or Shandlmain Blu Chief, from Pontypool was successful in his first ever Crufts in the Vulnerable Breeds competition - as there are less than 100 Smooth Collie puppies registered each year.
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Chief, or Shandlmain Blu Chief - owned by Mrs K and Mr M Martin and Mrs C and Mr M Howard. Picture: Keira Martin.
Chief, or Shandlmain Blu Chief - owned by Mrs K and Mr M Martin and Mrs C and Mr M Howard. Picture: Keira Martin.
Owner Keira Martin said: “It’s his first Crufts - he’s just over a year old.
“He’s our family dog, but we do shows as a hobby.
“My family have been going to Crufts for years. We have three generations going this year.
“My nan started many years ago, and I think her mum started before then. My aunt has done agility at Crufts before. We’ve tried it, but prefer showing.”
Also victorious was Mrs MJ Cutler, showing with Tarward Precious Pearl With Jayricnbrits in the ‘Brittany Best Puppy’.
Divadell Izzy Whizzy, owned by Mrs V R Norton from Pontypool, finished third in the ‘Limit - Bitch’ category for Scottish Terriers.
Mischran Melchior - known as Binks - one of four Borzoi entries from Angie and Harold Baker, placed as the reserve in the ‘Junior - Bitch’ category for Borzois.
Angie and Harold Baker's dog Binks - or Mischran Melchior. Picture: Angie Baker
The couple regularly qualify for the competition, this year showing Luther, Spirit, Binks, and Aradia.
Angie and Harold Baker's dog Binks - or Mischran Melchior. Picture: Angie Baker
“We have been breeding dogs for about 50 years – and breeding Borzois for about 30 years,” said Mrs Baker.
“I’ve always had a love of animals, that’s how I got in to it.”
Angie and Harold Baker's dog Luther - or Mischran Luther. Picture: Angie Baker
Angie and Harold Baker's dog Spirit - or Mischran Spirito. Picture: Angie Baker
The couple’s daughter, Sarah White, also competed in this year’s competition.
Among the other competitors was Jaydine Carr, from Abersychan, who showed her 14-month old Large Münsterländer puppy Loki in the junior class for his first Crufts.
Jaydine Carr with Loki - or Destanli Simply Astounding. Picture: Jaydine Carr
Loki - or Destanli Simply Astounding. Picture: Jaydine Carr
“This is my husband’s favourite breed, and when he showed me, I fell in love with them,” she said.
Richard and Joanna Payne, from Pontypool, also attended their first Crufts with their 17-month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Shadow, in the Junior Bitch Group.
Stafforshire Bull Terrier Shadow will be competing at Crufts for the first time. Picture: Joanna Payne
“We never imagined we would ever get the opportunity to be part of the biggest dog show in the world,” said Mrs Payne.
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