Photo by W Moores OUR DOGS

The Kennel Club has confirmed that Alithea Lockie’s Brittany, Patouche Jiji has become the breed’s first UK bred and the breed’s first bitch full Champion here in the UK.

Bred by Mrs. Patricia Rush and handled by Rory Major she obtained her Show Gundog Working Certificate at the German Wirehaired Pointer Clubs’ Novice Trial at Metheringham on the very last day of the season.

As a youngster she spent some time in training with Peter and Angela Everitt Stewart. On her return home, because of the scarcity of rough shooting locally, she had to adapt her skills to meet the requirements of the beating line. On the basis of any work is better than no work, she continued in this vein for the next few years during which time she whelped two litters and was only lightly campaigned in the show ring until the end of 1999.

Then in 2000 she gained her Sh. Ch. in three consecutive outings. As the 2001/2000 shooting season got underway, Alithea Lockie decided that she should try for her full title.

Like a true Brittany she loved being part of that scene again and as if to confirm that the breed really is dual purpose, just over a month after Metheringham she went on to win the RCC from the veteran class at Crufts 2002 under breed specialist Mrs. Margaret Green.

Well done Alithea and Jiji!