Bergamascos Triumph at Crufts

We are delighted to report that on Thursday 6th March, 6 Bergamascos entered various Classes in the AV Import Register (Pastoral) at Crufts and had an unprecedented, highly successful day.

It was a long day – everyone was there and all dogs were on their benches by 12 noon – in fact some had arrived much earlier but it was well after 5 pm before we were called into the ring.   During the wait, the dogs all behaved well and seemed to take it in their stride – even the youngest, Rufus, who is less than a year old. There was great support from the various owners’ friends and family and many people visited our benches to wish us luck.  It was particularly special to meet Anita Groth, the renowned ‘Tempeluddens’ Swedish breeder who had come over for a few days – she and Reyna go back many years and Arthur, one of Reynas dogs who went to live with Anita was a European Champion several times over.    In addition, we met many new people who are supporters of the Bergamasco – and indeed are now BOFF members!

Every dog entered won their initial Class and several went on to win or make Reserve in the next stage, our Judge being Miss Haapaniemi from Finland.  Sadly, Helen Tomkins’ bitch Pamina could not attend and had to withdraw as she had come into season. The day culminated with Reyna’s Jude (Chique Barolo) winning Best of Breed and subsequentlyReyna and Jude were invited to the main Arena for a Lap of Honour. A very emotional few minutes as Jude rose to the occasion and he and Reyna moved around the Arena, in front of hundreds of spectators, with everyone clapping and Jude, the gentle Champion that he is, seeming to move in time with the music!  What a fabulous end to the day – no-one deserving this more than Reyna who has tirelessly campaigned for the Bergamasco in the UK for the past 25 years.

You can see Jude’s lap of honour at the link below – Jude’s part is at the beginning of the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFKUYIqxnZI

Finally, a Very Well Done to everyone, it was a fantastic day and your dogs were amazing.

The following dogs were entered,  with their classes and results as shown:

BEST OF BREED:  CHIQUE BAROLO (Jude),  Owner:  MRS R G & D W KNIGHT

BEST PUPPY:  BURGEON TEODORICO AURELIUS (Rufus),  Dog Owner:  MRS C JENKINS

BEST DOG:  CHIQUE BAROLO (Jude),  Dog Owner:  MRS R G & D W KNIGHT

RESERVE BEST DOG: CALSHAIR CUILLIN OF SPELLWEAVER (Tarot), Dog Owner:  MR H & MRS V & MISSES S & E, ROTTGER & BEASLEY

RESERVE BEST BITCH: CALSHAIR LOSGAINTIR (Cicci),  Bitch Owner:  MRS C M & MR A J WALKER

Special Puppy – Dog
1st BURGEON TEODORICO AURELIUS (Rufus), (MRS C JENKINS)

Special Junior – Dog
1st CALSHAIR CUILLIN OF SPELLWEAVER (Tarot), (MR H & MRS V & MISSES S & E, ROTTGER & BEASLEY)

Post Graduate – Dog
1st CALSHAIR CARADAL OF CHIQUE (Freddie), (MRS R G & D W KNIGHT)

Open – Dog
1st CHIQUE BAROLO (Jude), (MRS R G & D W KNIGHT)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme – Dog
1st DOLCE AV VILLROSE BAKKEN OF CHIQUE (IMP NOR) (Dolce),  (MRS R G & D W KNIGHT)

Special Junior – Bitch
1st CALSHAIR LOSGAINTIR (Cicci),  (MRS C M & MR A J WALKER)