Breed notes with kind permission of OUR DOGS
SPC
Issue: 22/05/2026
POODLE
I hope that those who made the journey to The Royal Highland Showground had a lovely time. There are pros and cons since SKC became a double Championship Show. Yes it saves people alot of time and money with one journey instead of 2 but on the other hand it can be a very long day for those who have great distances to drive especially if they have to wait for the group judging. In Standards it was the “Bryant” sisters judging with Lisa Nelson judging the All Breed Show and Leanne Moss taking over to do the General show. However, nearly all their results were the same. Steph Spoors (handling) and Steph Wilson’s Ch Niaveera See What Lies Ahead JW won his 6th and 7th CCs and BOBs. Karen Patterson-Rogerson’s Ch Kamarri Smarty Pantts taking her 6th and 7th CCs. His son Lorenzo Stephen’s Kamarri Step Ahead won the Res Dog CCs and Best Puppy. He also gained a Special Beginners Group 1, a Sp Beg Gp 4, a Puppy Gp 4 and the final points for his Junior Warrant. Sandra Dennison and Andrew Hoblin’s Kertellas Diamond Sky at Labamba JW collected both Res Bitch CCs. In the Miniature ring Richard Gunn was awarding his 1st set of poodle CCs. Suzanne Lee-Morris and Ch Michandy It’s Showtime at Pupstar JW won the Dog CC and BOB. He later was placed Utility Group 2. The Res CC winner, his 4th, was Simon and Richard’s Regulas Black Malricey. Winning her 1st CC and Best Puppy was Fiona Bruce’s Starianna It’s All About Me and Donaska with Yvonne Dumont’s Raeannes Mai Tai for Sirensong JW winning the Res CC. Ron McAuley judged the 2nd show and gave a 3rd CC and BOB to Julia Wells’ Volgarus People Pleaser with Montravia. He won his 1st CC at SW&WPC last year under Drew Elrick and his 2nd CC last weekend at The National. Suzanne and Its Showtime won the Res CC. Julia came up trumps again winning the Bitch CC with Ch Volgarus Candid Clara and Fiona Bruce’s ‘It’s All About Me’ winning the Res CC and Best Puppy. She gained Puppy Gp 3 at the General show. A big favourite of mine Stacey White’s Ch Starianna Wreckit Ralph won his 10th and final CC under Tim Ball. Happy retirement Ralph. Cherry Huyton’s Afterglow Hi Octane with Chebri JW won his 2nd Res CC. At the 2nd show he was Best Dog. The star of the day came from the bitches. Winning the Bitch CC and BOB at the first show and BOB at the 2nd show under Glenn Davies was Tom Isherwood and Jason Lynn’s Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline. Asia then went on to win the Utility Group at both shows. The first Group 1 was awarded by Marion Sargent and the 2nd by Jackie Kitchener. June Edmondson’s Shantallah Finesse won the Res CC and Best Puppy. So its now Sunday evening and I dont feel any better with this awful flu bug, but Tom Isherwood must be absolutely on top of the world having won BIS under Ann MacDonald at the All Breed Show and then BIS at the General Ch Show which was judged by Patsy Hollings. Congratulations what an amazing time he and Asia are having - 3 All Breed BIS’ on the trot. Only a few days to go and it will be Bath Ch Show. Good Luck to everyone going. Hopefully Sharon will report on the news from the show to you all. Liz Holmes-Leak 07850 724786navarreliz@aol.com
Issue: 15/05/2026
POODLE
I wasn’t able to attend Birmingham National, so I’ve had to rely on Higham’s online results and friends who kept me informed about the show.The main talking point probably came from the Miniature ring where the judge was Mr Peter Burema from the Netherlands,he apparently chose not to use the measures and was seen to be quite heavy handed going over the exhibits.There is no criticism of his choice for winners. When judges come from overseas it is a requirement that they judge adhering to our breed standards which often are different to the FCI standards,they also agree to judge according to the RKC Rules and Regulations,if they aren’t prepared to abide by these why accept an appointment? I understand that complaints have been made so it is now up to the RKC to look into the matter.I hope that the controversy did not take the shine off the day for those who did win.Julia Wells had a super day winning both CCs ,Volgarus People Pleaser With Montravia topping the Breed ,this was his 2nd CC,in bitches Ch Volgarus Candid Clara added another CC to her collection.Reserve DCC was won by Ch Chesterhill Oceans Orca At AnorianJW owned by Kirsty Young and the Reserve BCC was another for Yvette Dumonts ,Raennes Mai Tai For SirensongJW.Chris Lister took home the Best Veteran Rosette with Calmaric One For The Money JW and also the Best Puppy In Breed rosette with her minor puppy dog,Calmaric Play It Again. Best Special Beginner was Rebecca Duguid showing Starianna Pants On Fire.In the Standard ring Sarah Hattrell was awarding Poodle CCs for the first time,her BOB and Best Puppy winner was Afterglow Voltaire,who is 11 months old and owned by Tom Isherwood,Jason Lynn and Missy Galloway.The Bitch CC was a 4th big green and white card for Karen Patterson-Rogerson’s Ch Kamarri Smarty Pants JW. The Reserve CCs were won in dogs by Ch Niaveera See What Lies AheadJW ,he is owned by the two Stephs Wilson and Spoors,in bitches Jason Lynn handled Afterglow Kill For Candy to the ReserveCC she is co owned with Ilaria Biondi De Ciabatti.Best Veteran was one who recently celebrated her 7th birthday ,Jaspalie Exceedingly Diva At Madsovtik who is owned by Marie Stokes.Winning Best Special Beginner was another for Sarnia Takin It Eze,handled by Kate Foster.The decisions in the Toy ring were made by Steve Hall who is best known as the secretary of Blackpool Ch Show,he added another CC&BOB to the growing collection of Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline,as always shown by Tom Isherwood and co owned with Jason Lynn,she went on to top the Utility Group and returned on the final day to take her first All Breed Best In Show. Marion Marston had a fantastic day winning the Dog CC and Best Puppy In Breed with Seldoop High Five, Cherry Huyton would also be on cloud 9 winning the Reserve DCC with Afterglow Hi Octane With ChebriJW, in bitches Sandra Godfrey’s brown girl Aedan Love Me Do took home her first Reserve CC.Best Special Beginner was Laura Tollin and Launix Rising From The Ashes. It is always a pleasure to hear news of Poodle success at Open Shows ,so big congratulations to Malc and Val Beck who won the Utility Group and Best In Show at Gravesend And Medway Towns C S with Maldavale Bielsa,the judge was Julie Nicholls. As some may know I’ll be moving house in the summer so lots of upheaval at home trying to sort through decades of stuff that all the family has gathered. I found a copy of Our Dogs from September 1991,The cover story headline was ‘Judging The Judges’ which was about complaints regarding the behaviour of a small number of judges,no names are given and as it was well before social media I guess you had to be in the know to find out their identity,these days a couple of clicks and all would be revealed! Another story also on the front page was about the Bichon Frise judge at Richmond who planned to colour test the noses of dogs shown under her in Limit and Open classes,as it turned out after limit dog she agreed with the officials present that the testings should not continue.I can only imagine the discussions that were held in the secretaries tent about how to deal with this situation.It was quite a walk down memory lane to read the breed notes which were written by Ken Bullock,who was a long time secretary of Leeds Ch Show and a respected All Breed judge,with his wife Olga they showed Poodles under the ‘Konelga’affix.Ken writes about chatting with my Dad who was in his wheelchair with my baby son Tom on his knee,Dad had suffered a stroke in 1990 and left severely disabled ,as it happened I won the CC BOB and Group runner up ( it was before Groups were placed 1st-4th) with Ch Vicmars The Rebel Rouser.In the notes names who are still familiar today were written about, Philip Langdon and Arturo Sheppard were mentioned for their wins with their Toy, Vanitonia Endless Gossip,Angela Corish and Ann Ingram were winning in Toys with Ch Tirkane The Bogey Man, Marita Rodgers was on a successful run in Standards with Ch Montravia Donna Lisa,Diane Smith was having great success with Ch Renwin Rapelle and Jackie Kitchener was winning with Ch French Connection At Michandy, we all must be due for some kind of long service awards! I wonder what our hobby will look like in another 30+ years? Next on the show calendar are the SKC Double Ch Shows with Poodles on Saturday 16th May ,at the All Breed Show, there are CCs for all three sizes Richard Gunn has 26/37 Miniatures,Lisa Nelson -31/44 Standards and Tim Ball-25/32 Toys.The SKC general Ch Show has CCs for Miniatures Ron McAuley has an entry of 20/28 and Standards where Leanne Moss has 30/43,no CCs for Toys 14/20 which are judged by Glenn Davies.Bath Championship Show is on Monday 25th May,Peter Young is judging 31/40 Miniatures,Jill Peak has 30 /37 Standards,Melanie Harwood is in charge of Toys 29/46. There are only a couple of spaces available for the Poodle Club’s Breed Luncheon at The Royal Kennel Club on Wednesday 8th July,cost is £60 per person ,bookings and further details can be made via thepoodleclubevents@gmail.com Sharon Pine-Haynes 01483 277874vicmarpoodles@gmail.com Poodles certainly gave a good account of themselves at the weekend. At Maidstone, Gravesend and Medway Town Open Val and Malcolm Beck’s Miniature Maldavale Bielsa won BNSC Utility, Group 1 and the BIS. The judge was Julie Nicholls. At the same show Allison Shoosmith’s Beryl (her Std puppy) was BNSC Utility Puppy and Puppy Gp2 At Pollard In The Park Open the Toy BOB was Ron McAuley’s Anorien Stole The Show for Bryron. BOB and BP In Stds was Natasha Dawson’s Kamarri Meant To Be with Achara. BOB Min was my Ch Joleena’s In Excelsis with Navarre JW and BP was Chris Lister’s Calmaric Play It Again. The poodles were judged by Sue Bird. Philip Thirwell judged the Utility Groups. He awarded Gp 1 to my Dior and Puppy Gp 1 to Natasha’s Kyra. Chris gained Puppy Gp 3 with Sam. We ended the day gaining Res BIS which was awarded by Gillian Marley. Up in Scotland at Perthshire Open Emma Hunter and Agnes Murphy’s Min Ch Silvora Cristal Star JW won BOB under Sue Dykes and Utility Gp 3 judged by Louise Cunningham. Fiona Bruce and Starianna It’s All About Me and Donaska was BP in Breed and later won the Utility Puppy Group. Liz Holmes-Leak 07850 724786navarreliz@aol.com
Issue: 08/05/2026
POODLE
Three Counties Showground looked absolutely beautiful for WELKS Ch Show, which was blessed with clear blue skies and a light breeze. It was definitely warmer by the outside rings than in the sheds, where most of us were grooming. Judging of Miniatures and Standards commenced at 9am, with Chris Lister awarding CCs in both Miniatures and Toys. It was a 42nd CC and BOB for Suzanne Lee-Morris and Ch Michandy It�s Showtime at Pupstar JW. Gio is owned by Suzanne�s husband, Andrew. The excitement continued when Gio�s daughter, Ch Michandy Time After Time JW, owned by Jackie Kitchener, won the Bitch CC and then, later in the day, Suzanne and Gio won Utility Group 2nd under Gillian Marley. The Reserve CCs were won by Regulas Black Malricey; he is owned by Richard Grindey, who shows him, and Stephen Dyer. In bitches, Yvette Dumont piloted Arrowflight Luck Be A Lady With Sirensong to another Res CC; she is co-owned with her breeder, Helen Lunnun-Turner. Best Puppy in Breed was won by Zoe Heard and Volgarus Candid Clarity. With Miniatures completed, Chris carried on and judged her Toy entry, where her winners in Dogs saw the crowning of two new Champions. Her Open Dog, winning his 3rd CC plus BOB, was Nasailleen Talk To The Hand, shown by Lisa Nelson, who co-owns him with Brenda Bryant. Winning the Reserve CC was Tuttlebees Devil�s Dilemma, who already had 2 CCs, and this was his 5th RCC, so he became another titleholder for the well-respected Tuttlebees affix. He is owned and bred by Angela Corish and co-owned with Sarah Oldfield, who was handling. In bitches, Tracey James showed Ch Afterglow Karaoke to the Bitch CC; she is co-owned with Tom Isherwood. From the Junior class, my Vicmar Gaievals The Girl Is Mine won her 3rd Reserve CC; she also now has all her Ch Show JW points, so we will be searching for her final 2 Open Show points! Best Puppy in Breed was Arturo Sheppard�s lovely brown minor puppy, Atastar Espresso For Mikasa; he was later shortlisted in the Puppy Group. Over in the Standard ring, Trish Farndon was awarding CCs for the first time. It was quite a day for Karen Patterson-Rogerson, who bred and owned the Bitch CC and BOB winner, Kamarri Smarty Pants JW. Her litter sister, Ch Kamarri Let�s Go Barbie To Crystalar JW, was Res CC; she is shown by Linda Barker and co-owned with James and Fenella. Best Veteran in Breed was Kamarri Born To Be Wild at Achara, shown by Natasha Dawson and co-owned with her mum and dad and Megan Slack. Winning the Dog CC, it was another for the collection of Ch Montego Am I Kenough For Crystalar JW, so Linda and Fenella went home with a CC and RCC in their grooming box! Reserve DCC was a first green and white card for Sarah O�Higgins with Jasenak Secret Is Safe At Sarnia. The Best Puppy in Breed rosette was won by the Minor Puppy Dog, Exalon Dangerous Moonlight Over Daego, shown by Georgina Marflitt. In the YKC Stakes classes, Lena Tate had a successful day with her homebred Apricot Min, Tatalena Rock �N� Roll Star JW, winning 1st in RYKC Handling 12�17 years and 1st in the RYKC Members Stakes�congratulations, Lena. Fiona Brook and Ch Sculbrook Raising The Odds JW placed 2nd in Champion Stakes, a nice win. Is there anyone interested in old Poodle books? I was contacted by a lady who, when clearing the home of a friend who had sadly died, found two Poodle books: Poodles by L. E. Naylor (first published in 1949; this is a second edition from 1954) and Coco � A Biography by Dilys Powell (first published in 1952). If anyone is interested, I can pass on her details; she will only want payment for postage. When writing a reminder about the breed clubs with entries closing, I unforgivably omitted my own show. Postal entries close for The Poodle Club on Saturday 2nd May, with online closing on Wednesday 13th May. Wendy Batey is judging, and the show will be held on 31st May. It is in partnership with Southern Counties Canine Association. If entering, please pay for your car park via Southern Counties on Fossedata, where Poodle Club entries are also taken. While on the subject of The Poodle Club, we only have a few spaces left for the RKC luncheon on 8th July�email thepoodleclubevents@gmail.com to book. Sharon Pine-Haynes 01483 277874 vicmarpoodles@gmail.com
Issue: 24/04/2026
POODLE
I didn't make the journey to The Miniature Poodle Club Ch and Open Shows as I was not feeling in great form.
I gather that things were a bit of a nightmare for secretary and committee as I understand that the venue had been double booked and then they couldn't get into the building until an hour before judging. Plus there was no hot or cold food available. Certainly not what is needed.
So to the show. Paulette Cutler was the Ch show judge. She awarded a 3rd CC to the already crowned (2CCs, 5Res CCs) Ch and Am Ch Piedmont's James Bond with Donaska owned by Fiona Bruce. The Res CC travelled home in the same car as it was won by Emma Hunter and Agnes Murphy's Ch Silvora Cristal Star JW.
The Bitch CC and BIS was Jackie Kitchener's Michandy Time After Time JW who gained her title by the Res CC ruling. Homebred she is the first Ch sired by Ch Michandy It's Showtime at Pupstar JW ex Michandy Fun N Games. She won her 1st CC at SW&WPC under Allison Shoosmith and has 6 Res CCs. Yvette Dumont and Helen Lunnun-Turner's Arrowflight Luck Be A Lady with Sirensong won the Res CC. Best Puppy went to Fiona Bruce's Starianna It's All About Me and Donaska. Chris Lister's Calmaric One For The Money JW VW was Best Veteran.
Tracey James judged the Open Show. Best Dog was Richard Grindey's Regulas Black Malricey. Res Best Dog went to Emma Hunter and Agnes Murphy's Ch Silvora Cristal Star JW. Fiona's day was completed when she won Best Bitch, BIS and BPIS with Starianna It's All About Me and Donaska. Yvette and Helen's Arrowflight Luck Be A Lady with Sirensong.
This week sees the start of, maybe, outdoor Ch shows as WELKS comes along. Obviously I wont be showing as Chris Lister is judging Miniatures and Toys. Trish Farndon will be awarding her 1st CCs when she judges Standards.
Meanwhile several of our poodle exhibitors will be at Poodle Club of America.
A quick reminder. PLEASE do NOT try to phone me on my old landline. Its doesnt work!
Liz Holmes-Leak
There's not much news at the moment so if you have any nice wins to report let myself or Liz know about them.I do know that at South West Utility Club Open Show Richard Grindey piloted his Miniature bitch Puppy, Malricey Dianna Floss to Best Puppy In Show and Arturo Sheppard's new brown Toy baby Atastar Espresso For Mikasa was Reserve BPIS a very good day for the Poodles!
Sandra Martin has kindly sent me a schedule for British Toy Poodle Clubs Open Show on Friday 26th June,held in partnership with the lovely Windsor Championship Show,British Toy is currently the only active club for the size,so please give them your support.Jane Keeling will be judging .Entries close Monday 1st June (Postal) and online at Fossedata on 8th June.As always British Toy will be holding a very good raffle,so bring some cash!
I had a look on Fosse to check which othr clubs have their shows open for entries,Northern PC have a Ch Show with CCs for all three sizes in conjunction with Blackpool Ch Show on19th June,entries close 20th May (Postal) and27th May (online), On 5th July it is the Standard Poodle Club's back to back Ch and Open Shows both schedules are on Fosse postal entries close 4th June and Online 11th June.
This Friday 24th April is WELKS Ch Show,held in the picturesque Malvern Hills where Chris Lister will be judging Miniatures (28/31) and Toys (29/34),Trish Farndon will be making her debut awarding CCs and is judging the Standards(49/54).Safe travels to all making the journey
Sharon Pine-Haynes
Issue: 13/03/2026 Issue: 17/04/2026
POODLE
I will bet that a lot of you got a shock with your increase to the fuel bill for South Western and Wales PC. I know we did and I suspect that many will think long and hard about shows this summer with the entry fees and fuel. Goodness knows when the war will end in the Middle East. Businesses are going to suffer and I hope that the show traders manage to survive.
Back to the show. Mike Wildman was awarding Standard CCs for the first time. His Dog CC went to Fenella (handling) Linda and James Barker's Ch Montego Am I Kenough for Crystalar JW with Rachel Downes' Ryaldeniz Superwolverine JW collecting the Res CC. Winning her 2nd CC and BOB was Ilaria Biondi De Ciabatti and Jason Lynn's Afterglow Kill For Candy and she was handled by Mike Gadsby. The Res Bitch CC was a first for Jessica Dixon's Ennkiss and Make Up JW. Interestingly the CC winners were half siblings sired by Eze and the Res CC winners were also half siblings as they were sired by Boomer. Best Puppy went to Charlotte Mitchell's Afterglow Amadeus. Best Veteran was Mary Pook's Twoofus Make A Wish.
Allison Shoosmith awarded her 1st set of CCs. Her Min Dog CC and BOB was, as usual, Suzanne and Andrew Lee-orris' Ch Michandy It's Showtime at Pupstar JW with the Res CC going to Fiona Bruce's Am Ch Piedmont's James Bond with Donaska (imp). This was his 5th Res CC, so added to his 2CCs he can now wear his crown. This boy has driven Fiona up the wall with his "will I won't I" but this year he has finally got his brain in gear so will now be Ch and Am Ch. Bred by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and Murray Eason. Sired by Am Ch Starlit Donnchada Return To Sender ex Am/Can Ch Belcourt Trompe L'Oeil Piedmont. He won his 1st CC at the Miniature PC in 2023 under Marlene Carter and his 2nd the same year at East of England under Peter Young. Winning her 1st CC was Gio's daughter Jackie Kitchener's Michandy Time After Time JW with Helen Lunnun-Turner and Yvette Dumont's Arrowflight Luck Be A Lady with Sirenson winning the Res CC. Fiona Bruce's day got even better as she won Best Puppy with Starianna It's All About Me And Donaska. Chris Lister's Calmaric One For The Money JW was Best Veteran
Leanne Moss was in charge of the Toys. She awarded a 2nd CC and BOB to Angela Corish and Sarah Oldfield's Tuttlebees Devil's Dilemma and he was handled by Sarah as usual. Lynne and Steve Land had a super day winning the Res Dog CC with Ch Sotto Voce Yes I Am at Stepanelle and Best Puppy with his daughter Stepanelle Fancy A Nibble plus Kim handled Sotto Voce Barbie to win Limit for them. In bitches Tom Isherwood and Jason Lynn's Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline still reigns supreme as she gained another Bitch CC. Sharon Pine-Haynes' Vicmar Gaievals The Girl Is Mine won her first Res CC. Sue Hunt's Aedan The Milky Bar Kid was Best Veteran.
The BIS judge was Stuart Vidler. He gave Best Veteran to the Miniature One For The Money, BPIS to the brown Toy Fancy A Nibble, BIS to the Min It's Showtime and Res BIS to the Standard Kill For Candy.
What a difference it makes to travel with the clocks having gone forward an hour. To travel all the journey to Newark and back home again in daylight is wonderful. Chris and I are on the Committee so spent our time stewarding. Chris and Jess stewardess in the Standard ring for Jackie Kitchener, Sue Hann and I did Miniatures without CCs for Cathryn Gleave then we did the Open Show where our judge was Stuart Smith. Philip Freer was officiating in the Toy ring and he had the very experienced Alan and Helen Hards as his stewards.
Jackie certainly gave Linda Barker a fabulous day as she won the Dog CC and BOB with Ch Montego Am I Kenough for Crystalar JW and then the Bitch CC with Kamarri Let's Go Barbie to Crystalar JW. This is the 2nd time they have won the "Double". The Res Dog CC went to Fee Brook's Ch Sculbrook Raisin The Odds JW while Sandra Dennison and Andrew Hoblin's Kertellas Diamond Sky at Labamba took the Res Bitch CC. Missy Galloway, Jason Lynn and Tom Isherwood's Afterglow Voltaire was Best Puppy but was withdrawn for BPIS as he didn't seem to be too well.
Phil awarded a 1st CC in Toys to Pauline Roper's Jusbar's Sweet Talking Guy who was handled by Trish Farndon. Angela Corish and Sarah Oldfield won the Res CC with Tuttlebees Devil's Dilemma
Winning another Bitch CC and BOB was Tom Isherwood and Jason Lynn's Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline. Sharon Pine-Haynes' junior girl collected her 2nd Res CC. Best Puppy went to Leanne Nelson with Malricey Miss Behave with Nasailleen.
In the Min ring Cathryn gave Best Dog and BOB to Julia Wells' Volgarus People Pleaser with Montravia. Res BD was Claudine and Maureen Cookson's Michandy Cappuchio Time with Claumaur. Kirsty Young's Chesterhill Burning Love for Anorien was Cathryn's choice for Best Bitch closely followed by Leonora and Lena Tate's Tatalena Rock N' Roll Star
Richard Grindey, Stephen Dyer and Sarah Loakes' Malricey Diana Floss was Best Puppy.
Lynne Land judged her first Poodle Ch BIS. She awarded BIS to the Toy Adrenaline, RBIS to the Std Kenough, BPIS to the Toy Miss Behave and Best Veteran was the Std Spectre.
On to the Open Show, Stuart gave BOB in Mins to Julia Wells with People Pleaser and Best Bitch to Wendy Batey's Donavika Dancing Queen. Best Puppy was Richard Grindey with Diana Floss.
BOB in Toys was Sharon Pine-Haynes with This Girl Is Mine and BOS to Meuffels, Oevering and Witters' Mazooma Xcuse My French, Multi JCh. Best Puppy was Rosie Moss and Tom Isherwood's Afterglow Scary Spice. The Std BOB winner was also Best Puppy, this was Lorenzo Stephen's Kamarri Step Ahead. Best Bitch was Eileen Geeson and Mary Nugent's Janavons Star Of The Sea.
BIS and BPIS was the black Standard male. Res BIS went to the black Toy bitch.
Liz Holmes-Leak
POODLE
Before I report on the Poodle results it is an absolute pleasure to congratulate our very own Lee Cox who with his Clumber Spaniel Bruin won a spectacular BIS at Crufts, Vanitonia has been a very significant affix in Poodles over many years and I expect the majority of present day Toy and Standard Poodles will descend from Vanitonia bloodlines. Lee is a real credit to our hobby, a true ‘dog man’.
Perhaps uniquely, this year all three Poodle judges have had experience of showing on the famous green carpet competing in Crufts BIS, Angela with a Toy, Marita and Mhairi with Standards. 2026 was indeed a memorable show for the Afterglow team, in the Standard ring, Angela Corish awarded them Dog CC& BOB with Ch Bygorri Guggenheim With Afterglow, in addition to the Afterglow boys he has a new co owner Mrs Y Matsuzowa, his son Afterglow Voltaire was Best Puppy In Breed and the bitch CC was won by Ch Sachemic Mischief Managed With Afterglow, she is co owned with Jason by Sam Speakman and Becca Moores. The Reserve Dog CC was a visitor from Sweden, Lotta Sandell handling her homebred black, Huffish Dawin Talk Of The Town, Reserve Bitch CC was Kamarri Let’s Go Barbie To Crystalar JW, winning from the yearling class, she is owned by Linda, James and Fenella Barker, Linda was handling. Winning Best Veteran In Breed it was a black male Int Ch Star SapphireAli Baba And The Forty Thieves, who is owned by Daniela Duarte and travelled from Portugal.
Not content with dominating the Standards, over in the Toy ring where Marita Rodgers was officiating, Afterglow also came out on top, Tom handled Ch Dream High Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline, to Bitch CC and BOB, they placed 4th in the Utility Group. Marita’s dog CC winner travelled from the Netherlands, Mazooma Xcuse My French, he is co owned by Martin Oevering, Sebastian Witters and Evy Meuffels who was handling. Reserve Dog CC was young Nasailleen Talk To The Hand, he is shown by Lisa Nelson and co owned with Brenda Bryant. The Bitch Reserve CC winner came from Italy, Icontrue Octopus, owned by Allessandra Giovanni and handled by Andrea Vallerini. Best Puppy In Breed was the white bitch, Am Ch Piedmont Dame Edna, who had made the trip from USA, she was shown by Chris Manelopoulos and is owned by Barrie Drewitt-Barlow. Sandra Martin won another Best Veteran In Breed with Ir Ch Philora Silver Pudding. In the Miniature Ring it was Mhairi Aikman who had the honour of making the awards, her BOB winner Ch Michandy It’s Showtime At Pupstar JW was winning his 40th CC, not even 3 years old Gio and his handler Suzanne Lee-Morris have had so many memorable moments, he is owned by Suzanne’s husband Andrew and of course Gio’s proud breeder Jackie Kitchener shares in all his success, in fact the celebrations carried on when Jackie won the Reserve Bitch CC (her 6th) with Gio’s daughter MichandyTime After Time JW. The Reserve Dog CC had journeyed from Spain Sp Ch Querer Es Poder Of Shikarah’s, owned by Vero Ayuso and bred by Javier Blanco and David Allan Gibson. The bitch CC was won by Melanie Harwood and her recently crowned Ch Minarets Counter Attack, her 4th CC. Kay Reeve-Kettle and Vadisima’s Guiding Light continued their winning run collecting another Best Puppy In Breed rosette. Best Veteran In Breed was another who had travelled many miles from her home in Latvia, Multi Ch Nice Steps Girl Power was shown by Viktorija Smelova.
At Crufts the YKC classes are well attended by our younger Poodle exhibitors, Morgan Taite-Shoosmith won the YKC Grooming Competition overall, Rachael Plunkett was justifiably proud of her two children George and Isabella who competed in a dizzying number of competitions, from handling, grooming and obedience winning a big haul of rosettes with their Miniature Poodles. Lena Tate also had a fantastic day, placing 2nd in the YKC utility stakes and won the YKC 12-17 clip, strip or trim grooming class. Amelia Heslop won the 6-11 YKC handling class with her Standard Tom. An honorable mention for Megan Slack who won the International Junior Handling finals, she has been a familiar face co owning and handling the standard Kamarri Born To Be Wild At Achara . Crufts introduced a grooming competition which seemed to be hugely popular with many from the show world competing, Becca Moores won the Poodle Champion Class and on the video I saw lots of familiar faces and heard positive comments about the introduction of this competition.
In general the Crufts layout seemed less crowded than usual, we were in the grooming area next to the Standard ring and it was easy to keep an eye on what was happening in the ring, as always we got the opportunity to see dogs from beyond our shores, personally I wish there wasn’t a row of benches blocking the view of the other two rings. I was a little surprised that there was no measuring of Toys or Miniatures. There was also a couple of parti colours shown a Standard and Miniature, which is a shame for their owners who had no doubt spent a lot of money to travel to Birmingham with their dogs.
Now the Crufts circus is over for another year, we can look forward to some normality, South Western And Wales PC Ch Show will be our next outing on Saturday 28th March at Thornbury Leisure Centre, Thornbury. BS35 3JB, judging starts at 10am.
Sharon Pine-Haynes
vicmarpoodles@gmail. com
Tel 01483 277874
Issue: 27/02/2026
POODLE
Crufts is almost upon us and many will be debating the best route to get ourselves, dogs and all the paraphernalia we need into the NEC from the car parks. I get quite nostalgic for the trek from the west car park and through the tunnel!
There is really super entry numbers for all three sizes. Poodles this year are on Saturday 7th March in Hall 2,with Toy Poodles (106/118) in Ring 11 at 9,30 am, Miniatures (100/110) Ring 12 at 9.30 and Standards (158/180) in Ring 10 commencing at 9am. Judging your breed at Crufts is the highest honour you can achieve. I hope that Marita Rodgers (Toys), Mhairi Aikman (Miniatures) and Angela Corish (Standards) all have a memorable day.
I know a number of our younger exhibitors are also competing in YKC events and I’d imagine that a few of our talented groomers will also be competing in the new grooming competition which has been introduced for the first time, an exciting initiative. I wish you all good luck and let me know of any successes.
As part of The Poodle Club’s 150 years celebrations we are now taking bookings for our Breed Lunch at the Royal Kennel Club on 8th July 2026, places are strictly limited so if you are interested in booking contact myself. As part of the visit, we will be taken on a tour of the unique library and art collections, with a talk by The Royal Kennel Club’s knowledgeable heritage team, specially tailored to poodles. The cost is £60.00 per person. Further details via email thepoodleclub@hotmail.co.uk.
It would be so easy with the distraction of Crufts to overlook getting your entries in for South Western & Wales Poodle Club Ch Show on Saturday 28th March, where we have three judges making their debut giving CC’s in the breed. With Mike Wildman doing Standards, Allison Shoosmith judging Miniatures and Leanne Moss making the decisions in Toys. Postal entries close on Saturday 28th February with online closing Sunday 8th March, so get those entries into www.fossedata.co.uk before settling down to watch Crufts BIS!
Sharon Pine-Haynes
Tel 01483 277874
Issue: 20/02/2026
POODLE
Midland Counties Poodle Club Ch Show was held in a different hall this year. it was in the Connexion Building which was light & airey & has non slip flooring. The New Secretary Lynne Land & her band of workers had got everything set up late on saturday evening so that exhibitors could get straight in & get their equipment set up. The weather wasnt kind especially as the catering cabin was outside which meant that queuing was in the rain.
Sandra Dennison judged the Standards. She awarded a 6th CC & BOB to Linda, Fenella & James Barker’s Ch Montego Am I Kenough for Crystalar JW & then they also won the Bitch CC, her first, with his half sister Kamarri Lets Go Barbie to Crystalar JW. What a fabulous double, only there was a problem - where was Fenella when needed? (she usually handles Ken) She had a job interview so mum Lnda had handled both of them to their CCs. Luckily she found a handler for Barbie. The winner of the Res Dog CC & Best Puppy was Mike Gadsby (handling) Jason Lynn & Tom Isherwood’s Afterglow Voltaire. The Res Bitch CC winner, Chris Dainty’s Graeburn Spirit In The Mist at Myall, is another half sister to the white duo, all being sired by Ch Smart Connection Sign of Catwalk. He is certainly stamping his quality on his offspring. Natasha Dawson’s Kamarri Born To Be Wild at Achara was Best Veteran.
Ann Bradley was the Miniature judge. She gave the Dog CC & BOB to Suzanne Lee-Morris with Ch Michandy It’s Showtime at Pupstar JW. He is owned by husband Andrew. The Res Dog CC went to Ann & Keith Ling’s Arrowflight Beau At The Ball he was handled as usual by Helen Lunnun-Turner & she also took the Res Bitch CC with his litter sisterTate’s Arrowflight Debudante. Best Puppy in breed, her 6th, was Kay Reeve-Kettle’s Vadisima’s Guiding Promise. Best Veteran went to Chris Lister’s Calmaric One For The Money JW, VW.
Linda Brown made a return to the poodle rings to judge the Toys. It was a 2nd CC to Lisa Nelson & Mrs Bryant’s Nasailleen Talk To The Hand. Barbara Moss’ Ch Afterglow Kaptain Krunch at Carianjo Jw added another Res CC to his collection. The winner of the Bitch CC (her 8th) & BOB was Tom Isherwood & Jason Lynn’s Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline (imp) Angela Corish’s Tuttlebees Touch Of Magic added another Res CC. Sandra Godfrey’s Aedan Dancing In The Dark was the choice for Best Puppy. Best Veteran was awarded to Sandra Martin’s Ir Ch Philora Silver Pudding.
Andrew Hoblin was the BIS judge. He gave the top award of BIS to the White Standard Am I Kenough, Res BIS to the Miniature It’s Showtime, Best Puppy in Show was the Miniature bitch Guiding Promise with the Standard Voltaire Res BP, Best Veteran in Show was the Miniature One For The Money & Res BVIS was the Toy Silver Pudding.
Liz Holmes-Leak
email : navarreliz@aol.com
Sent from my iPhone
16th Feb 2026 POTY
It was nice to be back in a hotel environment for the Poodle of the Year Gala. Somehow it just makes it more of a special event. This year we were at the Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa. Some people stayed there too. Maybe next year we could try the full party event again. Time to wait & see.
There was a superb raffle & tickets were bought from the dynamic duo of Barbara Cherry & Ron McAuley. I dont think anyone escaped them. Later there was a one off draw for a Landro Poodle in a reclined position. This was once owned by Joan Porter. It was won by Karen Rogerson who donated it back again.
So to the main event. Diane Smith did the draw at 9.45 for the 4 competitions & then the secret judges were introduced prior to judging. They were Alan Dredge (Vanitonia), Sheila McBlain (Kossab) & Cara Thomas (Sherrygold)
Everyone was entertained by the one & only Lee Cox who gave out the details of dogs & owners & made up his own stories of the dogs if there were no details given! Naughty boy.
Firstly in were the Puppy/Juniors. The semi finalists were the Toy Nasailleen Talk To The Hand, the Std Janavons Midnighty Melody, the Std Huffish Black Hero & the Miniature Tatalena Rock ‘N’ Roll Star.
The finalist were Lisa Nelson with the Black Toy & Lena Tate with the Apricot Min. The overall winner was the black Toy male.
Toys were next in. Again the semi finalists were Afterglow Nutmeg, Sotto Voce Barbie at Stepanelle & Ch Mikasa Magicstar Small Talk JW. Thus time the finalists were Kim Sillito-Beale handling for Steve & Lynn Land’s with Barbie & Arturo Sheppard with Della. She was declared as Toy of the Year.
During the lunch break Tracey James judged the Special Beginners & Veterans. Winning the Beginners was Libby Church with the black Min male Joleena Magnifique Pierre JW & runner up was Naomi Dziobon’s Std Sterlingway Astralmighty.
In Veterans Tracey chose Tracey Brown’s white Std Ch somanic Spectre for Jaspalie & runner up was my black Min Ch Navarre’s Extrovert JW.
Lunchtime over & it was the turn of the Miniatures. Again, the semi finalists were Ch Silvora Crystal Star Jw, Ch Volgarus Candid Clara, Ch Michandy It’s Showtime at Pupstar JW & Ch Joleena’s In Excelsis with Navarre JW. The winner was Suzanne & Andrew Lee-Morris’ Gio & Runner-Up was Emma Hunter & Agnes Murphy’s Gerry 2Toys.
The last size in the ring was the Standards. The 4 semi finalists were Kamarri Let’s Go Barbie to Crystalar, Ch Sculbrook Raising The Odds JW, Kamarri Smarty Pantts & Amber Nova Fatal Attraction for Achara JW CW25. The winner was Fiona & Carol Brook’s Albert & Runner Up was Natasha Dawson with Cougar.
Finally & in very good time it was time for the POTY to be announced. It was Gio the Miniature.
A good time was had by all.
A few tweaks are needed for next year but I thought it all went really well.
I just wish the rain had held off another half hour! We were soaked packing the car!!
Following the Poodle Clubs 150th Anniversary Show there will be a special feature in Our Dogs edition dated 27th February. If you want to place an advert they must be in by the 20th. Contact Our Dogs.
Liz Holmes-Leak
07850 724786
Email : navarreliz@aol.com
Apologies to Sharon Cummins; in my haste to get last week’s breed notes submitted, I made an error in the results. Sharon’s Willowmiens Illicit Affair was Best Baby Puppy in Standards at The Poodle Club Championship Show.
I have heard positive reports of the new venue where The Poodle of the Year Gala was held. I will leave it to Liz to write the report, as she was able to attend and can give a first-hand report on the day.
In the Our Dogs edition of 27th February, there will be a feature covering The Poodle Club’s 150th Anniversary Show. It will include a report on the club and will be the first opportunity to read the judges’ critiques. We are very happy that Our Dogs has chosen to feature us. There is also the opportunity to advertise at special reduced rates, so it is well worth taking advantage of this to record your wins or simply to congratulate The Poodle Club on their historic show, while also gaining a little pre-Crufts publicity. The deadline for copy is 20th February. To book your advert, you can contact Kerry on 0161 709 4566(kerry@ourdogs.co.uk) or Matthew on 0161 709 4560 (matthew@ourdogs.co.uk).
The next breed club show is Midland Counties PC, who are celebrating their 70th Anniversary. The show is being held on Sunday 15th February at The Connexion, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, CV8 3FL. There is no news about entry numbers as yet. Safe travels to all making the journey.
Sharon Pine-Haynes
01483 277874
30th January 2026
I and my family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards and flowers following the sudden loss of my husband Alex on 4th January,we were married for 36 years and his loss has left us all bereft.
I have to praise my committee on The Poodle Club for the support they gave me in getting the 150th Anniversary Show over the line. I’m so very proud of them for making the day an outstanding success.This show had been planned for a very long time, we wanted it to be an occasion to celebrate our history and to look forward to the future,we’ve parceled up the fabulous history display which Stuart Vidler had gathered so that whoever is in charge for the 200 years show has it all waiting for them!We were blessed with many visitors, it was particularly lovely to welcome Wendy Streatfield and Ann Rawlinson who were former committee members and are very much interwoven with the breed history,they cut the celebration cake which with glasses of fizz was available to toast the club.From outside the breed it was a pleasure to see Ian Seath ( RKC Chairman) and his wife Sue,Paul Eardley, Simon Parsons,Liz Cartledge ,Sussie Wiles, Jenny Dove, Emma Dyer and countless others.We were fortunate to be supported by our sponsors with The Pawdinary giving generous prizes as did Royal Canin.Kim Sillito-Beale our BIS judge generously donated two of her treasures a beautiful bronze medallion by Patsi Ann that she had won for BIS at The Poodle Club some years ago it was very fitting this was awarded to this years BIS and a valuable solid glass Poodle figurine by Bertil Vallien ,Sweden which was awarded to Best Special Beginner In Show,a really wonderful gift from Kim.
A special mention to our President Angela Corish who organized a wine raffle and Sarah Oldfield who kindly volunteered to run the main raffle,both brought in excellent funds towards the cost of the show. There was host of fellow breed clubs and exhibitors who all sponsored rosettes,it was all much appreciated. Our Dogs have been terrific and will be doing a feature about the show in the 27th February edition,if you’d like to advertise there were flyers distributed at the show and I’m sure there will be further information in OD’s.Photography was by Malcolm Beck who is on our committee and also the girls from Fuchsia Media who will be posting in their photo gallery which will be available on The Poodle Club FB.
On to the results,Kim Sillito -Beale judged the finals where her Best In Show winner was the lovely Miniature,Ch Michandy It’s Showtime At Pupstar JW ,who has continued his winning ways into 2026,shown as always by Suzanne Lee-Morris and bred by Jackie Kitchener.There is no denying that the show was a momentous one for the Afterglow team,who won 3 CC’s and 2 BOB’s at the show,their star was the young Standard puppy Afterglow Voltaire, who was Best Puppy In Show and Reserve BIS.Best Veteran In Show was Tracy Brown and Ch Somanic Spectre at Jaspalie and Best Special Beginner In Show was the black Standard Sarnia Taking It Eze ,shown by Katie Foster.
Lorena Merati of the well known Samarcanda Poodles in Italy judged Standards,where she gave the Dog CC,BOB & Best Puppy In Breed to Mike Gadsby handling Afterglow Voltaire,Reserve DCC was won by Atastar Written In Stone who topped a good open dog class piloted by Philip LAangdon.In bitches it was another Afterglow ,this time the junior bitch A Kill For Candy,shown by Jason Lynn and co owned with Ilaria Biondi De Ciabatti.Reserve BCC was another youngster who has a growing number of small green and white cards,Kamarri Lets Go Barbie To Crystalar JW,she is shown by Linda Barker and co owned with James and Fenella.Best bitch puppy had made the long journey from Ireland worthwhile for Lauren Rowe and Larune Spellbound Legacy.Best Veteran was the previously mentioned Ch Somanic Spectre at Jaspalie,Best Special Beginner was Sarnia Taking It Eze.I love the idea of the Baby Puppy classes,winning Best Baby Puppy in Standards it was a Exalon Moonlight Maestro,owned by Lesley Davies.
The Miniature ring had Jakub Kruczek from Poland making his debut as a judge in the UK, as previously stated his DCC and BOB was Suzanne and Ch Michandy It’s Showtime At Pupstar jw. The Reserve DCC went back to Scotland with Fiona Bruce and her white boy,Am Ch Piedmont’s James Bond With Donaska,continuing a good day Fiona also won Best Puppy In Breed with Starianna It’s All About Me With Donaska. Best Dog Puppy was Charabecca Levi’s Luckiest,shown by Becky Harvey. .Melanie Harwood and her cream girl Minarets Counter Attack captured the Bitch CC,with the Reserve BCC won by Raennes Mai Tai For Sirnsong JW, she is owned by Yvette Dumont.Best baby puppy was very competitive with Debbie Sims and Meadowfairs Above The Law taking home the pretty rosette.
In Toys Adam Ostrowski from Poland was making the decisions and it was a fantastic entry for him to judge.His BOB and BCC winner was Tom Isherwood ,handling Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline ,she is co owned with Jason Lynn.The Dog CC winner is the much travelled Jap Ch Smash JP Play With Me ,who is owned by Toshi Omura but is shown by Sebastian Witters who had travelled with his partner Martin Oevering from Belgium for the show.Reserve DCC was Ch AfterglowKaptain Krunch At Carianjo JW shown by Rosie Moss.Best Puppy dog and Best Puppy In Breed was Aedan Dancing In The Dark who is bred and owned by Sandra Godfrey.Winning the Reserve BCC was another bred by Toshi Omura in Japan,this time the white Ch SmashJP White Kiss To Minarets ,she is owned and shown by Melanie Harwood.Best Puppy Bitch was Afterglow Albertina.Best Veteran In Breed was Ir Ch Philora Silver Pudding,she is shown by Sandra Martin who is one of the few still showing who were at the Poodle Club Centenary in 1976. Winning Best Special Beginner In Breed was Melissa Smith and Afterglow Trifle Tipsy By Sharisel. Best Baby Puppy In Breed was the brown boy, Atastar Espresso For Mikasa,owned by Arturo Sheppard and handled by Philip Langdon.
The 150th Anniversary Stakes was judged just before final BIS Judging,there was handsome prize money available to 8th place, the winner was Kate Bleasdale with her Standard Doliche Chasing Thrills.
And so with this show wrapped ,thoughts go to next Weekends POTY Gala,good lucjk to all travelling to the new venue,I look forward to reading the results.
Sharon Pine-Haynes
Tel 01483 277874
Issue: 23/01/2026
POODLE
Firstly I would like to send all of our condolences to Sharon, Tom, Becky & George Pine-Haynes on the loss of beloved husband & dad Alex. Please be patient if you need to contact Sharon about The Poodle Club Ch Show. Try contacting Philip Langdon or Malcolm Beck.
Before you know it Manchester Ch Show has come around once more. Miniatures were judged by Dr Ron James who was awarding poodle CCs for the first time. He saw nothing to lower the colours of Suzanne & Andrew Lee-Morris’ Ch Michandy It’s Showtime at Pupstar JW who was winning his 36th CC & BOB. Later in the day they took Group 3 under Tom Mather. Richard Grindey & Stephen Dyer’s Regulus Black Malricey won his 2nd Res CC. Making her return to the ring after my various calamities over the last 4 months was my Ch Joleena’s In Excelsis with Navarre JW. She won her 10th CC. I haven’t been able to get 2 dogs ready for the ring & have been having fun with my Veteran boy Ch Extrovert. The winner of the Res Bitch CC was Donna & Gareth Sarson’s Arrowflight High Society at Dongara JW ShEx Osw. She is half sister to Its Showtime. Best Puppy & on a roll was Kay Reeve-Kettle’s Vadisima’s Guiding Promise who is half sister to In Excelsis. Best Veteran was Christine Lister with Calmaric One For The Money JW & Best Special Beginner went to Sue Clarke’s Sumania Opal.
Next in the ring Gavin Robertson judged the Standards. Winning the Dog CC & BOB was Obarrio’s Del Tornau Que Se Pare El Tiempo who is from Smart Connection & Del Zarzoso breeding. The winner of the Res Dog CC, Best Puppy, then Puppy Group 1 & Res BPIS under Darren Clarke was Tom Isherwood, Mike Gadsby & Jason Lynn’s Afterglow Voltaire handled by Mike. In bitches it was a 2nd CC for Karen Patterson-Rogerson’s Kamarri Smarty Pantts JW. She was handled by her sires owner Sarah O’Higgins. The litter sister to Voltaire, Afterglow Altered Images won the Res Bitch CC. She is co-owned by Anna Skinner (handler) Jason Lynn & Tom Isherwood. What a super day for these 8 months old littermates. Best Veteran, most unusually wasn’t awarded as none were entered! Best Special Beginner went to Barranca Piket with Dandy-Lion’s Sno’bodys Business. This brown boy looked very smart in his short trim.
In the next ring Lee Cox was judging various breeds including Toy Poodles. He gave the Dog CC & Best Puppy to Sandra Godfrey’s 8 month old Aedan Dancing In The Dark. Taking the Res Dog CC was Lisa Nelson & Mrs Bryant’s Nasailleen Talk To The Hand. A new one appeared in Bitches who enchanted Lee. This was Alessandra Giovannini’s Icontrue Octopus, she looked lovely in the group. Arturo Sheppard’s Ch Mikasa Magicstar Small Talk JW added another Res CC to her impressive collection. Again there were Veterans entered. Best of the Special Beginnings was Shaz Nour & Mrs C Isherwood’s Afterglow Go With The Flo.
The only winner I could find in the various stakes was Sarah O’Higgins’ Jasenak Secret Is Safe at Sarnia who won the Junior Stakes under David Guy.
Please do not try to phone me on my old landline number, always call me on my mobile number. Thanks
Next show is the Poodle Club Ch next sunday which is followed by The Poodle Gala on saturday 31st January.