| SKC Top Dogs - Tease is Top Tartan
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Issue: 02/03/2018
By Lisa Moir
Photos: Sandra Whyte
One of the highlights of the Scottish dog show calendar took place recently, when 24 of Scotland's top dogs gathered alongside 20 of Scotland's top junior handlers at the prestigious Westerwood Golf and Spa Resort in Cumbernauld, to compete for the Scottish Kennel Club's Show Dog and Junior Handler of the Year titles.
For a chance to qualify for the Show Dog competition exhibitors of top winning dogs fully owned and residing in Scotland are invited to submit a points record form detailing their CC, RCC and BOB Championship show wins with the 24 highest scorers securing their place to compete in the final, no mean feat. This year saw a welcome introduction to the points format which gave rare breeds the chance to qualify, with two Coton De Tulears and a Eurasier securing their spots.
A closely guarded secret until the day, the judging panel for the Top Dog competition consisted of three of the UK's top judges; Graham Hill, Raye Parry and Meg Purnell-Carpenter. A warm welcome and fun atmosphere greeted the attendees and with a prompt 10.30 start the dogs entered the ring to be individually examined by each of the judges. Following the hands-on assessment the judges gathered together to watch the dogs move. The judges awarded points to each dog following the hands on assessment and movement sections, which were then accumulated and kept secret until the end of the day.
Presentation
At mid-day a short break in proceedings took place to allow the judges and competitors to feast on a delectable lunch served in the hotel's restaurant before getting back to business with a presentation made to Ali Morton representing the owners of last year's Top Dog the Whippet Ch Nothing Compares To You At Crosscop JW.
Next in the programme saw the junior handlers take to the ring, with the 6-11 year old competitors being put through their paces first, followed by the 12-16 years group. In order to qualify for the final the youngsters need to win one of ten qualifying heats held at Scottish open shows in the preceding year.
Judge for junior handler of the year was Graham Hill, who was involved with the Young Kennel Club (formerly KCJO) from its inception as the original Welsh regional organiser. Ranging in age from 8-18 years old, the finalists had a wide range of experience, with previous winners; first time competitors and others competing in their last final.
The young handlers were given the opportunity to show off their skills using standard show-ring pattern work, before the top 2 from each age group were invited back to compete for the title. This was announced in reverse order with 16-year-old Chloe McDonald from Inverurie handling an Australian Shepherd taking Reserve; into 3rd spot was 10-year-old Ellie Darling-Steel from Glasgow handling a Rhodesian Ridgeback; runner up going to 11-year-old Rory Mackay from Fife handling a Scottish Terrier and the top spot and title of Scottish Junior Handler of the year 2017, for the 3rd consecutive year, to 15- year- old Katie O'Brien from Dumfries handling a Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Hat trick!
Interestingly this was Katie's third time winning the final, handling a different dog each time, spanning three groups, the past twice handling borrowed dogs owned by friends. An achievement to be proud of, which I am sure, is a new record.
After a presentation was made to the juniors', attention once again returned to the Top Dog segment, and the crowd's favourite part of the day. With Jim Richardson "spinning the decks" the party atmosphere took over as each finalist re-entered the ring and moved their dog to a piece of music of their choice, whilst the crowd clapped and cheered before commentator Keith Nathan gave a synopsis of each exhibits wins.
Tension
Following the celebratory music round all the top dog exhibits returned to the ring, before the result was announced in reverse order, in a typically X-factor tension building fashion! Into reserve was Chris, Julie and Kayleigh Parkinson's Eurasier Ir/Lux/Ch Xania De Eurasierpomer at Kaydanmy; into 3rd spot was the Pomeranian, Astrid Ogilvie's Ch Pakov's Proud to Be Black handled by Caroline Murray; runner up was the Boxer Ch Galicar Mac Steamy at Limubox owned by Gavin Brough and Lisa Murray and taking the title SKC Show Dog Of The Year 2017, after a phenomenal year which included Crufts Hound Group 2 was the Top winning Whippet Ch Collooney Tartan Tease JW WW17 owned by David and Yvette Short.
The Scottish Kennel Club should be applauded for what was a really super event with a fantastic fun atmosphere. It was apparent that there was a great deal of pride and celebration throughout the day as exhibitors and spectators alike were able to appreciate the quality showcase Scotland has to offer in pedigree show dogs and skilled young handlers.
