Club Bulletin December 2011
Edition No. 102
www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk
Bulletin – December 2011
Season’s greetings from the President and the Chair
Dear Members,
I can hardly believe it’s nearly Christmas again. My sixth and last one as President. Time just flies by.
The club has run three pleasant shows this year as usual. Also, just for a change, the Fun Day was run by the Rescue Charity. It was very busy and crowded and I’m sure successful.
I thank the Officers and Committee on behalf of the members for their extremely hard work this year. They give up a lot of very scarce free time. I also thank those members not on the Committee who have done such a lot for the Club this year. We are all very grateful to you.
I hope you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas and I do hope to see you all at our events in 2012.
Shirley Vincent President
Dear Members, Shirley Vincent and Jo Amsel If you don’t want to turn to a pillar of salt, I suggest that you do not linger too long on the photograph of Shirley and I as it certainly would not do our show careers any good!!
This has been a very busy year and there have been some changes. We tried a different venue for the Club Championship Show and this seemed to be well liked. Unfortunately Roade only has dog shows on Sundays so is not suitable for our Open Shows. We have booked it for next year’s Championship Show. The Website has attracted literally thousands of visitors and must be one of the best dog club sites on the net so many thanks to Christine Chau and her helpers, particularly Linnet Loh and Helen Rishworth who are blogging on the site every fortnight.
The Club is now on Facebook too: www.facebook.com/italiangreyhoundclub.
We are attracting new members which is essential to keep the Club vibrant and forward looking. Some of our newer members have done a sterling job in helping out with what is a pretty full schedule.
Like Shirley I would like to thank all the Committee and Rebecca (Acting Secretary) and Vanessa (Assistant to Rebecca) who stepped into the breach to take on some of the seemingly endless secretarial work. Many thanks also to Russell for being our Show Secretary for many years and who retires at the end of this year.
I wish you and your dogs a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Jo Amsel Chair
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Welcome to the Christmas Bulletin!
A new look, new layout, lots of articles submitted by members, and of course lots and lots of photos taken throughout the year! We’ve tried to pull together a Bulletin with something for everyone, and we hope you enjoy this edition!
A huge thank you to all the members and non-members who have either written or contributed to articles in words and in pictures: Fran Adams, Jo Amsel, Liz Burgess, Simon Burton, Helen Davis, Jan Doherty, Wendy & Bill Dyball, Oliver Davies, Sue & Rob Dunning, Fat Charley IG, Becky Henley, Chris Henshall, Russell, David & Linda Hodges, Jimmi Johnston-White, Helen Lister, Linda & Tommy Lockie, Linnet Loh, The Hon. Anna Marshall, Claire Millward, Kay Rutter, Pat Spencer, Sharon Thompson, Fiona Thomson, Sheila Tiley-Davies, Margret Veigarsdottir, Shirley Vincent and Rob Wheeler. We’re sure that everyone will enjoy your articles, views and photos as much as we have!
Jan Doherty edited and produced the last two Bulletins but unfortunately, due to a very busy schedule, was unable to carry on through this edition. Jan, thank you for being at the end of the phone, and helping us when we needed advice on putting this edition together. You left us with a tough act to follow!
And finally, a huge thank you to the businesses that have placed adverts in this edition of the Bulletin: Charley Chau, Hayfields Luxury Dog Hotel, Ibisco Boutique, P’etiquette, Shadedmoon’s Secret Stash, Spoiled Bratzwear and Togs for Dogs. Your support of the IG Club is hugely appreciated as the income raised through advertising subsidises the production cost of the Bulletin. We hope all members will show their appreciation by visiting their websites.
If you would like to receive a PDF copy of the Bulletin by email sign-up at: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk/the-club/bulletin-by-email
If you’d like to contribute to the next edition of the Bulletin, whether it’s to send in an article or to give feedback on how we can make it a better read please do drop us a line on email!
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Helen Rishworth & Christine Chau E: [email protected]
Membership subs are due by 1 January 2012!
Single Membership: £8.00 | Joint Membership: £12.00 | Juniors: £1.00
Pay using the standing order form on the back cover of the Bulletin! Tear it off, fill it in and send it to your bank. You can usually set up standing orders via telephone and online banking too!
Or send payment by cheque Made payable to ‘The Italian Greyhound Club’ and sent to the Club Treasurer: Mr William Dyball, The White House, 33 Sandford Road, Wareham, Dorset BH20 4DQ
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Bulletin – December 2011
Contents
Season’s greetings from the President and the Chair ...... 1 Welcome to the Christmas Bulletin! ...... 2 Membership subs are due by 1 January 2012! ...... 2 Annual General Meeting - Saturday, 17th March 2012 ...... 4 Key dates for your diary in 2012 ...... 5 The IG Calendar 2012 ...... 5 Sponsor Ad: P’etiquette ...... 6 Website update: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk ...... 6 Have you checked out the Breed Blog? ...... 7 Sponsor Ad: Spoiled Bratzwear ...... 8 Photos from the Club Champ Show – 7 August 2011 ...... 10 An alternative view of the Club Champ Show ...... 11 Sponsor Ad: Togs for Dogs ...... 13 The Club Open Show – 5 November 2011 ...... 14 Photos from the November Open Show ...... 17 Sponsor Ad: Ibisco Boutique ...... 18 Agony Iggy ...... 19 Sponsor Ad: Shadedmoon’s Secret Stash ...... 20 Agony Iggy’s top IG Christmas gifts ...... 20 Sponsor Ad: Charley Chau ...... 21 The Club at Discover Dogs ...... 22 Volunteers needed for Discover Dogs at Crufts! ...... 22 Sponsor Ad: Hayfields Luxury Dog Hotel ...... 23 A ‘double diamond’ works wonders ...... 24 The Rainbow Bridge ...... 24 Lottie’s very important day out ...... 26 Italian Greyhound Magic ...... 28 Top Italian Greyhounds of 2011 ...... 30 New Champions 2011 ...... 31 Dog Challenge Certificate Winners 2011 ...... 34 Bitch Challenge Certificate Winners 2011 ...... 36 Watch out! The Brits are coming! ...... 38 The Italian Greyhound: Toy Dog or Sighthound? ...... 40 Exhibitor Adverts in the Bulletin ...... 44 Championship Show Schedule 2012 ...... 45 And finally, from the Committee … ...... 46 Standing Order Form to pay your membership subs! ...... Back cover
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Annual General Meeting - Saturday, 17th March 2012
10am, prior to the Club Spring Open Show
Marston Green Village Hall, Elmdon Rd, Marston Green, near Birmingham, B37 7BT
Ok, so you generally get better invites than to the AGM of a small breed club on a Saturday morning but do come along as it’s a great opportunity to meet the other members of the Club, new and old! You can bring your IGs too even if you’re not entering the show. And there’s cake - lots of it!
The AGM is immediately before the Club Spring Open Show, our first official Club event of the year. If you haven’t been to a Club show yet, make sure you read the write-ups by Fat Charley IG and Linnet Loh from two of the 2011 shows to get a flavour of what they’re like. Hope to see you there!
Here’s the formal bit ….
In accordance with club rules notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting 2012 to which all Italian Greyhound Club members are invited.
Schedule of Events
1. Members wishing to have items placed on the agenda or nominations for Officers and Committee, those must be received by the Secretary no later than 31 January 2011.* 2. The final agenda and voting papers will be sent to all members by 14 February 2012 (postmark). 3. Voting papers to be sent to the Kennel Club Scrutineer by 28 February 2012.
Committee Nominations
Mrs. Jo Amsel, having served three years, is willing to stand for re-election. Mr. Jimmi Johnston-White, having served three years, is willing to stand for re-election.
There are three 3-year terms and one 2-year term Committee vacancies for the coming year.
Nominations are also required for the positions of Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary which are annual appointments.
Mr. Bill Dyball is willing to stand as Honorary Treasurer again.
Nominations proposed, seconded and accepted by the nominee should be sent to the Secretary no later than 31 January 2012.
Correctly worded nomination forms can be obtained from the Secretary if required, email: [email protected].
* Nominations may only be made by fully paid up members of the Italian Greyhound Club and the nomination must have been accepted by the nominated person. Persons wishing to stand for Committee and/or Officers must have been a fully paid up member of the Italian Greyhound Club for three years.
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Bulletin – December 2011
Key dates for your diary in 2012
March 8-11 IG Club at Discover Dogs, Crufts, NEC Birmingham Volunteers needed for the Breed stand! See page 22.
March 17 Club AGM and Club Spring Open Show, Marston Green, West Midlands Come along to meet other members of the Club, browse the Breed Stall, watch the Open Show, or better still enter your IG! Entries close: 13 February 2012; email: [email protected].
August 5 Club Championship Show, Roade, Northamptonshire Our summer show and a great opportunity to see the UK’s top IGs in the ring without all the fuss and formality of the big Champ Shows. Entries close: 2 July 2012; email: [email protected].
September TBC Club Fun Day Date is TBC and following the lovely Garden Party organised by the Rescue last year we’ve got a lot to live up to! Always a lovely relaxed day of IG fun so do look out for more details in the June Bulletin!
November 2 Club Autumn Open Show, Marston Green, West Midlands Our final show of the year. All members are invited, and if you’ve never shown your IG before but would like to give it a go, the Club Open Show is the place to do it for the first time! Entries close: 1 October 2012; email: [email protected].
November TBC IG Club at Discover Dogs, Earl’s Court, London See Jimmi’s write-up from this year on page 22. The stand sees hundreds of visitors over the two day show with members of the public meeting our IGs and finding out more about our gorgeous breed.
The IG Calendar 2012 Featuring: 12 colour photos of IGs Space to write appointments Club Show dates UK Bank Holidays £7.95 each or two for £14.00 (inclusive of UK postage) Please make cheques payable to “The IG Rescue Charity” and send to: Helen Lister, IG Rescue Charity, Yew Tree Cottage. Near Orrest, Windermere LA23 1JT Please don’t forget to include your name and address!
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Sponsor Ad: P’etiquette
Website update: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk
A quick update on the Club website … since the launch of the existing site in March, usage has increased month-on-month. From March to November we’ve had 59,600 page views, an average of just over 6,600 each month. Our busiest day was 9 August: 1,714 page views on that day alone with visitors viewing the Club Champ Show results and photos.
Aside from the Home page, the two most viewed pages on the site are ‘Finding an Italian Greyhound’ and ‘Rescue’ which goes to show how important a resource the Club site is for people who are finding out about Italian Greyhounds for the first time. Other top pages include the Championship Show Listing and the Club Champ Show Photo Gallery. And a random factoid… the most Googled IGs that sent visitors to the Club site were: Ch Rilloby Miss Sunshine, Ir Ch Sumobi Love Me Tender Artmeis and Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker!
Content is always the key with websites so do send in any contributions or ideas! If you see a photo on the site of you or your IG that you would prefer not to have published, or if you would like to swap it for another photo please do just drop me a line on email. Equally, if you see a photo on the site that you like, feel free to email me and I will do my best to send the hi- resolution file to you so that you can print your own copies.
Christine Chau E: [email protected]
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Bulletin – December 2011
Have you checked out the Breed Blog? www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk/italian-greyhounds/blog
Saturday, 1 October 2011 saw the launch of The Breed Blog on the Club website. We’re very lucky that Club members Linnet Loh and Helen Rishworth have volunteered to blog on all manner of IG-related subjects every fortnight – a huge thank you to you Linnet and Helen!
The Breed Blog provides an informal way for people to hear about what it’s like to live with IGs 24/7 through the eyes of two ‘old timers’ in the breed – yes, Helen is an old timer despite only being 18! There are plenty of books and websites that describe our lovely breed, but invariably the information provided is rather dry and lacks insight into the day–to-day reality of caring for IGs and being owned by them!
Over time the Breed Blog will build into an archive of IG insights and hopefully it will help to educate members of the public who are thinking about whether or not IGs are the right breed for them, and if they are right for IGs. But it’s not just about the potential newcomers … so far feedback from readers has been very positive with members who have been in the breed for many years mailing in to say how much they’ve enjoyed the first few blog posts, and that they’re looking forward to reading more in the future!
If you’ve missed the first few posts, here are some snippets from The Breed Blog so far …
From Breed Blog #1: Italian Greyhound Breaks into the “Royal Enclosure”
“… At home we have two Greyhounds, four Whippets, Roo the Italian Greyhound (more about him later), a Miniature Smooth Dachshund, two lambs and two budgies…not your average combination of animals, more a ‘Brangelina’ style rainbow family.
The lambs admittedly are not in the house (we do have some standards). Wills and Kate (they arrived on 29 April this year) enjoy the stables and field, and we’re very careful not to let the dogs out when Kate and Wills are frolicking around doing all the things that lambs do. Roo the Italian Greyhound has been known to break into our royal enclosure. He thought it was great fun chasing two woolly giants around the field but Wills and Kate were less than impressed to put it mildly. Don’t worry, although this incident was amusing to watch at the time, it’s something we’d rather not repeat in the future!”
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The Italian Greyhound Club
From Breed Blog #2: Labradors retrieve. IGs …
“Some thirty years ago whilst lying in a hospital bed, one day post-op, my children rushed in and announced that “Aunty Doreen had puppies and Daddy says we can have one!” Well I would have agreed to a pack of fox hounds as long as they didn’t jiggle the bed.
That is how we acquired Anna, a beautiful fawn and white Italian Greyhound, just 12 weeks old.”
From Breed Blog #3: Don’t expect an IG to do what you tell it to do!
“I know several people who have very successfully trained their Italians and have enjoyed many a clear round [agility] and placement – Liz Burgess and Norm are a case in point. I think my own failings in the agility world with an IG were due to Sean’s very strong and manipulative ways; if he didn’t want to do something, then he certainly was not going to do it (not unless the benefits of accomplishing such a task were clearly stated at the beginning). May this be a lesson to you all, do not let your IG get away with murder … or is this advice too late to take effect?”
From Breed Blog #4: To every up, there is a down
“Midge was really too young to leave her mother. Within a few days she developed severe vomiting. After a couple of hours of being sick every five minutes it was quite apparent that veterinary help was needed now, not tomorrow. The dash to the surgery, always in the rush hour, usually raining and inevitably after hours and a Bank Holiday will become familiar to you, dear reader! Caught in time, antibiotics and anti-emetics all administered, one small and subdued puppy returned home to cuddle up with her big sister. That is when Anna decided that she should take over and come into milk, feed her sister and a week later, take on the two other litter sisters …”
Like what you’ve read here? Then make sure you visit the Club site and bookmark the Breed Blog: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk/italian-greyhounds/blogSponsor: Spoiled Bratzwear Sponsor Ad: Spoiled Bratzwear
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Bulletin – December 2011
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Photos from the Club Champ Show – 7 August 2011
Left to right: Sharon Thompson with Dog CC & BIS Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker; Judge Charlotte Boyle; Sue Dunning with BCC & RBIS Anjuskar Height of Fashion and BPIS Anjuskar Innocenzo; Rebecca Henley with Dick Midhage’s BVIS Ch Sirella Saratoga Con Sveltezza
More photos available at: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk/2011/08/08/club-championship-show-2011-photo-gallery
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Bulletin – December 2011
An alternative view of the Club Champ Show
From Fat Charley IG
Disgraceful o’clock. Having woken us up at some unearthly hour, the humans informed us that it was the day of the Club Championship Show and that we were off to Roade in Northamptonshire to see lots of our IG friends. Anna cooed and made pretty faces, Tino went about being a pest, and I demanded breakfast.
Crates, blankets, food, poop bags, water bowls, show leads, rain coats, wellies, sausage rolls (yes, sausage rolls) were packed up and bundled into the car followed by three sleepy IGs.
On arrival at Roade, Anna remarked “Oooh, it’s much nicer than Marston Green!” I didn’t pay too much attention though because I’d caught a whiff of some of my favourite things. As we walked into the hall there they were … Jane’s home baked dog cookies – hundreds of them! I waited patiently while the humans said hello and chatted right by the cookie table. I waited and waited and waited. No cookies were forthcoming so I decided to help myself. Anna looked away with embarrassment and the human Jane's yummy home-baked cookies gave me a ticking off. Hmmph.
Dragged away from the cookie table, we said hello to lots of friends, human and IG alike. Anna loves this bit because she seems to know everyone. I, on the other hand, am more interested in locating the food and steering the humans towards it.
Luck was on my side. After setting up our crates and off-loading all their other paraphernalia, the humans decided it was time for breakfast and sauntered over to the kitchen where they ordered two bacon sandwiches. I sat down like a good boy while the bacon was sizzling away in the pan. Music to my ears!
The lady in the kitchen wandered over and placed the previous order of bacon sandwiches on the worktop for Jo Amsel. Now the thing about humans is that they like to chat, especially at shows when they chat non-stop, and when they’re chatting they’re not very good at paying attention. There was a rather tempting rasher of crispy bacon poking out between two slices of fluffy white bread looking at me full in the eye. There was only one thing for it so I did what any self respecting IG would do and whipped that rasher of bacon out from between those two slices of fluffy white bread and guzzled it down with glee. There was a frightful noise – shrieking humans – and I got another ticking off. Anna was cross because I hadn’t shared the bacon. Tino watched the whole thing quietly and made a mental note to try this move himself at the earliest opportunity.
The decision was made to hold the judging outside so we wandered out of the hall and onto a huge field. Now this was good news indeed because it meant that we got to run around and play chase without the humans having to worry about us being safe and we had a great time.
Then it was time for the judging to begin. Human shows are curious events but the humans seem to enjoy it and most of my IG friends seem happy to oblige. For those of you who are not
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The Italian Greyhound Club familiar with human shows the idea is that IGs walk their humans around the show ring and ask them to complete a series of exercises. Another human, the judge, gets to decide which IG has the best trained human and hands out prizes.
The exercises include walking around the ring, walking in a straight line, walking in a triangle, standing still and a very tricky table exercise. Extra points are also awarded for the number of treats given to the IG on completion of each exercise – humans take note!
I’m pleased to say that all of the IGs had their humans well under control. The humans The ‘waking around the ring’ exercise walked when they were supposed to walk, stopped when they were supposed to stop, and all completed the table exercise with finesse. Most of the humans on show were also able to stand perfectly still when required, and although there was a lot of chatting in the ring, overall I was very impressed with the standard of humans.
Judging was stopped for lunch just as the rain came down. We all rushed inside where more chatting and lots of eating ensued. Lunch from the kitchen looked lovely. Unfortunately the humans were not in a sharing mood.
There was a rather jolly Parade of Champions where IGs who have achieved champion human training status get to show off their skills. Anna took part with our human who thankfully did what she was told and did not embarrass us. There was also the chance for IGs to show off their mini humans in Junior Handling. The two minis entered did very well indeed with signs of great potential for the future.
Lunch also provided Anna with the chance to do a spot of browsing on the Breed Stall run by Jan Doherty. Anna was in her element admiring the lovely jumpers, coats, beds and collars and leads and was rather impressed at how well the other IGs had trained their humans to buy lots of goodies!
Retail therapy over and judging recommenced – back outside into brilliant sunshine. I was sleepy by this stage so I stretched out on a blanket and watched the rest of the show with one eye open.
All in all we had a lovely day. I managed two successful food raids, Anna got to see her old friends, the human didn’t embarrass us, and we got a bit of sausage roll in the car on the way home. Even Tino behaved himself most of the time.
The human tells us that next Club Champ Show is on 5 August 2012 at Roade in Northamptonshire. Hope to see you there!
Fat Charley is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fatcharley Fat Charley IG
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Bulletin – December 2011
Sponsor Ad: Togs for Dogs
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The Italian Greyhound Club
The Club Open Show – 5 November 2011
From Linnet Loh
Club members and visitors met at Marston Green for the last event of the year. The entry was not overwhelming. Whether this is a reflection on the present economic climate I don’t know but the entry was down in line with that of most shows this year. Time of year, fireworks, the end of the showing season, cost of petrol were some of the reasons given. However a warm welcome awaited those of us who made the effort. A bright, warm hall and the hard working Committee were all ready to receive visitors. Mr Des Jenkins, a Toy Dog all-rounder, was our chosen judge for the day. There was an entry of 14 dogs and 22 bitches for him to go over.
Members and visitors were greeted by Chris Henshall, the Membership Secretary. There seemed to be quite a few faces I did not recognise but lots of members introduced themselves and made them feel welcome. Assorted dogs, ‘Not for Competition’, added to the canine gathering. Jane Derbyshire-Heal’s dog biscuits, a delicious welcoming treat. I can vouch, they really are rather good. The best are the cheese and oats. No, not barking mad, hungry - no breakfast! Jane was also busy with the raffle. There was the usual number of goodies to be won.
The Breed Stall, with Jan Doherty at the helm, had a Chris Henshall and Maisie huge array of dog coats, bedding and collars in rainbow colours and designs in the height of fashion, temptation in the form of little and unusual gifts - I don’t know where she finds such suitable items. Jan not only has to find these things but store them, then transports them to the shows, sets them out, tempt us to buy and then packs up and takes it all home again. I call that unrelenting hard work. Jan Doherty on the Breed Stall
At the top end of the hall was the trophy table aglow with twinkling silver and some lovely old bronzes. Jimmi Johnston-White, our cup steward, had a nightmare journey from South London, courtesy of British Rail. Delayed an hour, the coach over ran a platform. He arrived late and breathless, sprinting from the station with a swag-bag full of cups. He was quickly up and about tracking down the class winners. And the rosette table was so colourful with the addition of some really lovely Jimmi Johnston-White & Shirley Vincent sashes for the principal winners donated by the judge.
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Bulletin – December 2011
Julie Baldwin (ETTs) is our most efficient and smiling ring steward. You really cannot miss your class by hiding in the back room! She was ably assisted by Maurice Bellamy in charge of the ring numbers.
Finally and not least (this is just like an Oscar acceptance speech!!) I must mention the Show Secretary, Russell Hodges, without whom none of this would take place. The paperwork has to be faultless. He is there at the very beginning and the Maurice Bellamy & Julie Baldwin last to leave. Bill Dyball, the treasurer, was helping him mark up catalogues. Usually Linda Hodges does this but due to an accident, she was unable to attend. We do hope that you mend and are better soon Linda.
Jo Amsel, Chairman, was overseeing all departments and greeting and meeting all the participants. I think she also has the unenviable job of transporting all the equipment Russell Hodges & Jo Amsel and storing it - a very tedious job.
Rachel Benstead and her husband, Ben, do the unglamorous jobs, getting out tables, laying mats, basically whatever needs doing which is usually heavy and backbreaking, thank you.
Mr Churchill and team were busy in the kitchen with the usual delicious hot food and mouth watering cakes. It was lovely to see Aileen Clements tucking into a bacon buttie, whom we all wish well and hope the treatment will soon be completed.
I was collared by Wendy Dyball selling raffle tickets. After the raffle was drawn it was so helpful to have two of the visiting children checking Rachel Benstead our tickets - Julie Fish and 007 Bond.
The photos accompanying this write-up were taken by Christine Chau who was at the ringside clicking away. Wendy & Bill Dyball There are many more photos on the website.
I sold Jams and chutney in aid of Doglost and was able to send them, on the Club’s behalf, £65. I have received a note of thanks from Jayne. After the Championship show I sent to Spain 80 Euros for the Pepisdog Refuge, rescuing Greyhounds and Galgos. This, with the £75 raised at the
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Spring Show for GIN, meant you had donated this year £203 to these three charities. You never cease to amaze me with your generosity. Thank you very much for your support.
Back to the judging, Des finished the dogs in time for a quick coffee break. He decided on doing the Best of Sex after lunch. He continued with the bitches which gave him better filled classes. On completion, we had a lunch break, during which there was one entry for Junior Handling judged by Liz Burgess. J Fish won this - well done. After lunch was the Brace and Team classes, always amusing for the onlooker, some are better trained than others, mine tied some new knots!
From left to right: Best Veteran Liz Burgess & Monelli Miss Muffett, Best Puppy Jo Amsel & Rilloby Sitting Pretty, Judge Des Jenkins, Best Dog Chris Henshall & Gemolli Make A Wish, Best Bitch and Best In Show Russell Hodges & Freith Symphony
Finally the Best Dog was Gemolli Make A Wish, Chris Henshall. Reserve was Jan Doherty with Littlebriton Dusk Till Dawn. Best Bitch was Freith Symphony for Frances Hickman, handled by Russell. Reserve went to Rachel Benstead’s Itibi Illustrious. To Frances’ great delight Symphony was Best in Show. The dog was Reserve and Best Opposite Sex. Best Puppy, the bitch Rilloby Sitting Pretty, Jo Amsel. Best Veteran, the evergreen Monelli Miss Muffet, Liz Burgess. Judging completed, photographs taken, Shirley made a presentation with our thanks to Des.
A pleasant show with time to chat to friends and a mid-afternoon finish meant we could all go home in daylight.
I shall not send any one Christmas cards this year, a donation instead to St Mungo’s. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and joy in the New Year.
Linnet writes regularly for the Club Breed Blog so make sure you check it out on the Club site!
The first Club Open Show of 2012 is on 17 March at Marston Green near Birmingham.
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Bulletin – December 2011
Photos from the November Open Show
More photos are available on the Club website: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk/2011/11/06/ig-club-open-show-2011-photos-from-around- the-ringside
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Sponsor Ad: Ibisco Boutique
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Bulletin – December 2011
Agony Iggy
Well what a year it has been my lovelies. I have so enjoyed hearing from you and hope my words have provided some comfort. It has been a pleasure to know that, in my own little way, I am making the Iggy world a better place and helping to educate some humans on the correct way to behave. It makes me very sad to read about how silly some of them can be, not understanding about the correct do‟s & don‟ts. When will they learn? Rest assured that I am always here to listen and advise.
Now, a few words of warning looking forward to 2012. This may be a silly year for the bipeds. There is a small event happening this summer that may have a great impact on your lives. This Olympic business is just going to cause heartache. I warn you now so you can get them into training. Many of them will use it as an excuse to stay indoors and not give you correct walks or worse they may force you into crowded places where the under-educated humans may try to touch you because you are “sooooo cute”, or they will ask stupid questions like “are they cold?” just because you are so bored waiting around that you fancy a small shake. Whatever you do make sure the people know their place. „Calm‟ and „assertive‟ are my watch words for 2012 and if all else fails, find a quiet corner and poop. They will soon learn. If they don‟t, then let me know.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas time and a stupendous New Year.
Love Agony Iggy
Letters
Dear Agony Iggy, guards all the toys, and she tells me off I keep barking at the postman, and when if I'm too noisy. It’s really too mad- he puts letters through the letter box I making! Do you have any tips on how I grab them and throw them around. I can't can bring her down a peg or two? Very help it - I just have to. My human family Annoyed Boy IG, Worcester don't like it one bit and get cross, especially when I rip the letters up. I Dear whoever you are, have tried to stop but I just can’t help Let‟s make one thing clear from the get go: being myself. Is there something wrong with trotted around a bit of fake grass on a shoelace me? What should I do? Please help! is hardly something to be all puffed up about. Slightly Neurotic IG, Nottingham You sound like a level headed pup so why get your (absent) boy bits in a twist? Push her off the Dear Letter Eater, bed, get better toys and hog them yourself and All good dogs hate Postmen. It is your job. If be as noisy as you like. Let the princess have it your humans don't like it let them have their post with both barrels. sent somewhere else. You carry on being you, and one day they will accept you for who you are. Dear Agony Iggy, Why are humans obsessed with puppies? Dear Agony Iggy, Grumpy IG, Isle of Skye My human had my boy bits snipped off so I can’t enter shows but my sister does, Dear Grumpy, and sometimes wins prizes. When she Because they are cuter than old, bitter dogs. comes home she is a bitch and a half. She preens and poses, and generally acts like a princess. She hogs the best beds, Drop me a line any time! [email protected]
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The Italian Greyhound Club
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Agony Iggy‟s top IG Christmas gifts
Christmas lunch of roast turkey with all the trimmings
Cosy jammies from Ibisco Boutique (www.photobucket.com/ibiscocatalogue) – one has to be stylish even when relaxing at home!
Beautiful new collar from Shadedmoon‟s Secret Stash (www.etsy.com/shop/shadedmoon) for days when only one of Niki‟s unique designs will do!
Weekend away at Hayfield‟s Luxury Dog Hotel for some serious pampering (www.hayfieldsdoghotel.info) and those Aga cooked dinners!
Smart new coat from Togs for Dogs (www.togsfordogs.net) - all the best dogs are wearing them you know!
Fabulously soft Merino Wool Blanket from Charley Chau (www.charleychau.com) – my fave is Mauve Chalk – sets off fawn and blue coats perfectly!
Sparkly new collar from P‟etiquette (www.p-etiquette.co.uk) for days when it‟s all about ME!
Fantastically fun creation from Spoiled Bratzwear (www.spoiledbratzwear.com) to take first prize in the fancy dress class at the Club Fun Day!
The IG Rescue Charity Calendar with 12 gorgeous IG pin ups to admire through the year (www.italiangreyhoundrescuecharity.org.uk)
A great big rib of beef bone to chew on Boxing Day!
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Bulletin – December 2011
Sponsor Ad: Charley Chau
Page 21
The Italian Greyhound Club
The Club at Discover Dogs
From Jimmi Johnston-White
Discover Dogs at Earls Court, London, once again proved that The Kennel Club can really put on a good show. It is much better in the bigger arena at Earls Court and as it was the second year there they had ironed out any teething problems that may have been present last year.
Having boarders in meant that my day started very early at 5:30 ready to leave home just before 8am. On arrival I found myself opposite the Tibetan Terrier ladies and having helped them with their stand I set to on making ours look good.
The public started to trickle in and before long I was joined on the stand by Sheila Tiley-Davies and her sister Jo, along with Liza-Jane Lacey. We had a steady stream of visitors and had the joy of Jan Doherty joining us on the stand, many a good laugh was had by all and the day seemed to flash by in a whirl. It was nice to meet the new Chair of The Kennel Club and his wife as they took a stroll around the event.
My highlight of the day was seeing my veteran IG Terry (Serenaur Celtic Dream For Gioia) meet up with her daughter Nancy (Gioia Miss England).
I returned on the Sunday afternoon for some retail therapy and to take the stand down, it was good to get the chance to have a chat with some more of the public as well as seeing our Sunday volunteers, Rob Dunning, Gay Bird, Leonard Khoo, and his fiancée Gwen as well as Bill and Sue Carter. We had a visit
Mother and daughter reunited from Annette Oliver, though at the time I was busy Terry, Nancy and Jimmi doing damage to the plastic and buying all the things (with Jan Doherty in the background) I never knew I needed!
A massive vote of thanks from the Italian Greyhound Club to all those who volunteered their time and energy on both days especially the dogs, I look forward to seeing you all again in London next year! Volunteers needed for Discover Dogs at Crufts!
Would you like a free pass into Crufts for you and your IG(s)? If so, volunteer to help on the Discover Dogs stand at Crufts on any of the days from 8-11 March 2012! For more information please contact:
Chris Henshall T:01623 411 192 E: [email protected]
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Bulletin – December 2011
Sponsor Ad: Hayfields Luxury Dog Hotel
Hayfields is a barn conversion set in 8 acres of beautiful countryside and provides top quality care for dogs.
Accommodation is of the very highest standards
Holistic feeding and Aga cooked meals every day
Only small numbers of dogs are accepted
Jo and Nick Amsel
Hayfields, Lower Catesby, Nr Daventry NN116LF
Tel: 01327 876181
Email: [email protected]
www.hayfieldsdoghotel.info
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The Italian Greyhound Club
A ‘double diamond’ works wonders
From Wendy Dyball
Those of you who read last year’s Christmas Bulletin would have known how devastated we were to have to have Damien put to sleep. Life goes on. Or does it? Ivan, our Whippet, at 12 years old, was lost as he had never been on his own.
Unexpectedly, we had the chance to take on Damien’s great grandson, whom we called LB, and from that day on our lives changed for the better.
Oh boy! Doesn’t one forget what it’s like to have a youngster around again. Poor Ivan was so good, even when LB put his feet in the most awful places.
As you may know, Bill and I do a lot of caravanning. And now, so does LB! On the first trip, to Cannock Chase, he Ivan and LB – new best friends was a little wary at first. However, that was only for the first day; after that he knew it all. We even walked for over an hour with LB leading and he still found his way back to the site. We say he had Damien as a SatNav.
During our trip to Wales we were out one evening and an eerie light came over the hills shining through the trees and lit up our path: a full moon – Damien? It has been so strange; even thought provoking; how many ways has LB taken on Damien’s characteristics. We have all had such a wonderful time; winning in the show ring, fancy dress at the Garden, regaining old friends and gaining new ones and seeing people smiling, bringing much happiness.
LB has taken in his stride all that we threw at him. He is a diamond who has worked wonders. No, perhaps it is “a double Damien works wonders”. Thanks must go to Fran and Eileen for entrusting him to us.
The Rainbow Bridge
Nico (Petoski The Little Owl) – 1996 – 2011 Linda & Tommy Lockie
After 15½ years we were so terribly sad to say goodbye to Nico, our first Italian and our special boy. Some of you may remember Nico from the photos taken by Our Dogs at Crufts of Nico modelling a £20,000 diamond collar! The reporter interviewed the lady who made the collar live on camera with Nico and I in shot. He asked her “Are you worried that such a valuable collar might be stolen here at Crufts?” Nico was still wearing the collar and alarm bells went off in my head. My only thought was “forget the collar, what about Nico?!” I had to control every nerve in my body to stop myself from taking it off and handing it back there and then live on Crufts TV!
Crufts that year was the first time we had entered Nico into a show and he got off to a flying start, winning the Reserve CC under Pam Heap. I’ll never forget coming out of the Challenge to
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Bulletin – December 2011 see Tommy covered in lipstick from all the congratulatory kisses! Nico went on to win another Reserve CC that year under Helen Lister at UK Toy.
First and foremost though Nico was our boy, a great friend who brightened our lives for over fifteen years. For that we are forever thankful to him. Run free Nico.
Ranger (Caccia Odds Against) - 1998 – 2011 Jimmi Johnston-White
The day before the Garden Party was a sad one at Gioia Lodge, we had to make the decision to say farewell to our much loved boy Ranger (Caccia Odds Against). He had given us so much joy over the years and went downhill very rapidly.
Bred by Linnet Loh out of her Caccia Kiss Me Kate by Ch Chelanis Kingdom Come, born in January 1998 he joined us in May 1999. He never really lit up the show ring preferring to “play to the crowd”, at Crufts when Olive Parsons judged he went round the ring just using his front legs!
He did gain his Good Citizen Bronze and enjoyed his life as a model, being the face of the British Broadcast Show at Earls Court with his image on the buses and trains in the capital, he was also the face of Photonic’s worldwide advertising and his image was used on handbags by the famous designer Anya Hyndmarch. To us he was a very dear friend who has left a large hole within the pack. Our thanks to Linnet for entrusting us with this most precious gift. He can now run free again with his best friend Katie-Mae.
James (Chelanis Kind of Cool) – 2001 – 2011 Shirley Vincent
James was a dear boy. A bit of a clown in many ways and things did always happen to him. He once followed his sleeping bag into the washing machine. I found his hind end hanging from the door and his front end was fast asleep in his bag. His favourite occupation was squirreling. He’d hurtle off down the bank dividing the top common from the back common and disappear. If there was a squirrel he’d shriek with joy and excitement. Of course it had gone up a tree but all the others would join him. Coming back to me was often a problem as he came back at the same speed he went down, his head twisting and turning in an effort to locate me among the trees. He never seemed to listen and frequently overshot and ended up with another party walking their dogs or went back to the car. Until it became commonplace I was frightened to bits.
James won 4 Res CCs in the UK and 2 CACs and a Res CACIB on our only trip to Italy. I’m sure he was welcomed over the Rainbow Bridge by his loving Chelanis ancestors but we would have appreciated a few more years in his company. Happy squirreling, James.
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Lottie’s very important day out
From Fiona Thomson
Last year I completed the second half of my Masters degree in Fine Art (painting) at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen. My thesis was about the ‘dog image’ in art and my practical work was a series of 13 paintings of my two Italian Greyhounds Zoomie (Artmeis Mr Zoom) and Lottie (Rilloby Carlotta Mia). The project went very well: my thesis was handed in on time and all the paintings were finished and ready for consideration by the Degree Assessors.
The Art School is set in beautiful mature grounds beside a river. My ‘studio’ was a huge gallery room painted white to show my large and colourful paintings off to their best for the Assessment team. Some of the paintings were ‘larger-than-life’ so I decided to take an Iggy in to Gray’s to show the Assessors the scale of my life-models. Zoomie can be VERY friendly to strangers (especially the laydeees!) and this was rather a formal occasion so Lottie said she would put on her serious face and do the job.
Lottie wore her best purple leather collar with diamante bone jewel and very proudly had a pee on the manicured school grounds. She trotted into the Art School and the squealing started! NOT Lottie squealing herself but all the students and staff members, workmen and technicians who saw her! Immediately most people were down on their knees shrieking “Oh how CUTE!!” as they tried to get her attention and pat or stroke her while taking photos of her on their mobile phones. Lottie was completely unfazed and stuck her nose in the air and ignored them all!
One lovely lecturer came into my studio and seeing my very plain small dish of water for Lottie rushed off to the sculpture department and came back with the most beautiful glazed hand-made ceramic bowl for her to drink from. He said such a classic dog should only have the best and Lottie was delighted. By now she was thoroughly enjoying herself wagging her tail and eventually climbed onto the lap of the most quiet and gentle person in the room – they looked a picture together!
And then the Degree Assessors arrived. They were a little surprised to see a little dog staring them all straight in the eye but I explained she was there to show how some of the paintings were four times life size! At first
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Bulletin – December 2011
Lottie thought they ought to squeal at her too (they didn’t) and she attempted to throw herself on their laps but only gained a polite, short pat! For the next twenty minutes we discussed my work and Lottie stood and posed, and posed as they looked at her, then at the paintings, and then back to her, quite entranced. One Assessor (a high ranking professor) said he had never met anything so beautifully concise and of such a graceful design and that he was intrigued by how the light shone through that little skinny bit of her leg above the hock! And then it was over!
Hollywood Starlett II “Lottie was gazing at the sky as she relaxed in the garden and appeared lost in her own thoughts. The colours of the sky and the reflected lights around her reminded me of David Hockney's Californian paintings so this is a tribute. She made me think of the transparency of the Hollywood starlet wannabee.”
Lottie then had to tour the school to say goodbye to all her new friends and look (well, sniff really) at some of the other, somewhat weird, contemporary artwork. I’m not sure of her thoughts on that! Then we had a lovely walk round the grounds and a tuna sandwich before heading home with a very sleepy little dog.
I’m not sure if she realizes how important she was that day but the Assessors were delighted to have met her. I passed my thesis and my degree overall so can now say, with huge thanks to Zoomie and Lottie, that I have a Masters Degree in Italian Greyhound Art!
The paintings from my degree project can be seen at www.modernartdog.com. Since the degree show the paintings have been exhibited at Bonham’s in Edinburgh (July 2011), twice at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park, London and currently at The Strathearn Gallery in Crieff. Many have gone to new homes too so it’s time to paint some more Italian Greyhounds …
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Italian Greyhound Magic
From Simon Burton (Glencorrie Smooth Collies)
Ever since the day in February 1984 when I saw an advert in the official Crufts souvenir programme, I’ve been well and truly smitten by Italian Greyhounds. Twenty five plus years later, mainly for practical family reasons (think boys and footballs!), I still haven’t owned an IG but without doubt that time will come. I can’t do without an ‘IG fix’ every so often though and in the meantime I have watched lots of judging, visited breeders, written IG based articles, attended seminars, and indeed judged them and seen many of the stars of the breed along the way.
Eighteen months ago I was touched by their magic in a way I had never experienced before and this is what I wanted to share with you all.
I work for the Estates department of a Local Authority in Sussex and was recently invited to attend a meeting of Landowners from throughout the region at Goodwood House in West Sussex. Generally speaking, I’m not a great stately homes visitor, so I didn’t know a lot about the big house at Goodwood, although I was aware that it has a unique place in UK Pekingese history and the centenary celebrations of The Pekingese Club were held there in 2008.
The meeting was held in January and as the day drew nearer I was just a little apprehensive that I would be out of my comfort zone mingling with the great and the good of South East England. I arrived at the House in good time. It looked every inch the stately home and the uniformed formality that met you at the door was straight out of Downton. The reception room was a delight to the eye with high ornate ceilings, glorious paintings on the walls and an imposing fireplace complete with a suitably decorous open fire crackling in the grate. I tried to appear quietly confident but it was one of those times that I would have loved to be invisible. I am an inveterate people watcher anyway and the occasion was sheer joy in this respect!
The Earl of March was to officially open the meeting and in a short space of time a gong sounded and we were very respectfully requested to move through to the Ball Room where the event was to take place. It was one of those rooms that actually make you gasp out loud at the grandeur, beauty and opulence on display and as I walked in I felt my eyes instantly drawn to the left side of the long, narrow room. Taking pride of place, positioned midway along the left hand wall, was the most monumental painting - it must have been 12ft high, in a massively ornate frame that looked to be finished in gold leaf.
It was Van Dyck’s family portrait of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria with their two children; one standing to the side of the King and the other, a babe, in the arms of the Queen. Both adults were seated on appropriately regal thrones and the King had his arm resting on a circular table with a floor length covering, on which was placed his crown.
However all this was taken in at a glance as my eyes were instantly drawn to two exquisitely portrayed Italian Greyhounds nestling between the King’s be-stockinged left leg and the butter- cup yellow folds of the Queen’s full length gown. The little dog next to the King was sitting up, a blue with white trim, with a red fawn, half hidden behind, in classic Italian pose up on its back legs with the forelegs reaching up on the Queen’s dress. They looked very much a part of the family.
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Bulletin – December 2011
There isn’t really a prosaic explanation for what follows, because, as I took my seat (immediately below the portrait!), I looked at those little dogs and relaxed. No more worries about being out of place – I had a connection with royalty! Yes, it didn’t matter a jot that the portrait was of the very cream of nobility; they very obviously loved IGs just as I do. It suddenly didn’t matter if any of those around me were of noble descent and owned large swathes of the surrounding countryside, I knew that if I went back in time I would be able to converse happily with that royal family because we had something in common. There was a delightful link between us with the ability to transcend class, position, wealth and occupation; namely the love of a beautiful small hound which steals your heart with its grace and character.
Quite patently, the little dogs had been painted by a Master and the attention to detail was glorious! All the little breed points that we look for were there; the expressive eyes, flat skull, fine muzzle, classic ear positions, the satiny skin, the body shape and angulation, the musculation and the colours; all had been noted and reproduced so accurately, showing us that Italian Greyhound breeders down through the ages have done a good job. The same type is still with us, the breed typical features still in evidence.
Due to the size of the painting the IGs were practically lifesize and seated where I was I felt powerfully aware of the comfort and loving devotion that these little dogs gave to their famous owners. What I couldn’t quite believe though was the comfort that I too gained from being near them and nobody around me was even aware of it. It was a moving and magical experience and not like anything I had ever experienced before and to say it made my day was an understatement.
I took many memories of that day home with me but as I drove away down the drive in the low January sunshine and took a last parting glimpse of the House in its parkland setting, the bare winter trees showing green clusters of mistletoe like giant bird’s nests, my thoughts were of those two little Italian Greyhounds from long ago, immortalised on canvas, the much loved companions of their ‘family’, still possessing an un-definable magic to touch the heart of an ordinary chap like me.
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Top Italian Greyhounds of 2011
The contest for Top Dog this year is very close indeed. With one Championship show to go, there is just one point splitting Top Dog Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker and Top Bitch Ch Florita Tipitina! Littlebriton Dusk Till Dawn can rest easy though, he’s already confirmed as Top Puppy for 2011!
Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker
Parker is the one whose nose edges out at the front. Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker, owned by Sharon Thompson and Paul Lee, has won 6 CC’s, 3 with BOB, during the 2011 show season. Bred by Kay Rutter, he is by Ch Chrisford Highland Fling x Ch Chrisford Grot Bag. Aside from these wins, Parker was shortlisted in the Group at UK Toy, and also won the RCC at WKC and Midland Counties.
Ch Florita Tipitina
Top IG in 2010 and now Top Bitch 2011 and Best Opposite Sex, is Helen Lister’s owner-bred Ch Florita Tipitina. Scarlett has won 4 CC’s this year, 3 of which with BOB. At Darlington, Scarlett won Group 2, and at Bath and SKC (August) she got shortlisted in both Groups. She also won 2 RCC’s this year, at Blackpool and Leeds. Scarlett is out of UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Freith Veloutine At Florita.
Littlebriton Dusk Till Dawn
Top Puppy is Jan Doherty’s owner-bred Littlebriton Dusk Till Dawn. George has amassed 5 BPIBs at shows with CC’s, and one BPIB at a non-CC Champ show. George also won BOB at Paignton, RBD at the IGC Open Show in November and gained his Stud Book number on winning the RCC at Driffield. George’s breeding is UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Littlebriton Rilloby Miss Saigon.
Top Brood and Top Sire: both of the breed leaders are ranked second overall in the Toy Group - a fantastic achievement in itself. Top Brood is Kay Rutter’s Ch Chrisford Grot Bag and Top Stud is Jo Amsel’s UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala. There will be a feature on both of these influential IGs in the June edition of the Bulletin!
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Bulletin – December 2011
New Champions 2011
2011 has seen 6 IGs being awarded their UK Champion titles: 2 dogs and 4 bitches. Whether their owners’ first Champion or not, the achievement of gaining this title is something to be incredibly proud of. And having 6 new title holders in the breed can only be a positive sign. An interesting link between 4 of 2011’s new Champions is that they share the same sire; a notable achievement in itself. Many congratulations to all of you!
Champion Artmeis Kaaliya
Kylie is owned by Jo Amsel (breeder) and Helen Rishworth. Her first CC came at Leeds 2010 under Helen Lister. Anna Marshall awarded Kylie her second at LKA 2010, and that all important 3rd CC came at Birmingham National 2011 under Bitte Ahrens-Primavera. All of these CC’s were awarded with BOB, and Kylie was short listed, Group 3 and Group 1, respectively at the above shows. When Kylie won her 3rd CC, both Jo and Helen were in the challenge (handling separate dogs of course!) so were both able to enjoy the moment when the judge came towards Kylie and Jo. Kylie is Jo’s eighth Champion and Helen’s first UK Champion, so it was a particularly special day for Helen.
At home, Kylie is not quite as angelic as her show persona would suggest; on walks and at feeding time Kylie can be a little bit of a madam! When not running wild or eating though, Kylie likes nothing better than finding a lap and being the centre of that person’s attention.
Ever since she was a puppy, Kylie has been a dream to show. As a youngster she went into YKC and Junior Stakes and knew absolutely what to do: no training whatsoever! Since gaining her title, Kylie has enjoyed further successes in the breed ring, including the CC at Midland Counties.
Champion Toerag Out Of The Question JW ShCM
Known at home as Agapanthus (owner Shelia Tiley-Davies names all her dogs after flowers and plants), Ch Toerag out of the Question has won two of his CC’s with BOB. His first CC came under Russell Hodges at UK Toy in 2010, with the second coming a few weeks later at Birmingham National under Nick Bryce-Smith. Agapanthus’ crowning CC came from SKC (May) this year under Sue Dunning.
Agapanthus is Sheila’s first Champion, and was also bred by Sheila in her first litter making this Champion title extra special. Shelia says that winning each ticket was a thrilling experience, “but of course the third was totally amazing!” Making Agapanthus into a Champion was “a dream come true! When I chose Simon [UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala] as a stud dog, I had no idea I would breed my ‘dog in a million’!”
When not in the ring, Agapanthus is a “true diva”: bossing his fellow housemates around, being demanding and asserting his opinion! He loves to run in the fields with Sheila’s other Italians, leading the way but always keeping an eye on where his Mum is. Watching him play is “a joy”
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The Italian Greyhound Club and his overall character makes Agapanthus “a true little companion” whom Shelia “always holds a little in awe”.
Champion Chrisford Delicious Daisy
Nel, bred by Kay Rutter, is a first Champion for her owner, Rob Wheeler. She won her first CC at Birmingham National in 2010 under Nick Bryce-Smith. At WELKS this year, under Rob Dunning, Nel was awarded her 2nd CC and didn’t have to wait long for that all important 3rd CC because, at Windsor, Becky Henley awarded Nel her crown and BOB. Nel began her winning ways when she was a puppy. Within her first show season, Nel won 3 RCCs, several puppy group placements at Championship shows and was Top Bitch Puppy in 2009. When Nel was awarded her title “it was amazing” and Rob was “over the moon.”
At home, Nel is a “sweetheart to live with”, being easy going and very well behaved; she is “so much better behaved than a lot of Italians according to stories I hear.” Nel can be rather vocal when walking out on a lead at home but interestingly not at dog shows. Whilst at a local open show, Nel had her photo taken for the front page of the 2010 Starprint show diary.
Nel is named after Rob’s late grandmother, although “most people think she’s called Daisy” after her KC name; “I can’t go into why she has her show name, far too rude!“. Since winning her title, Nel also won the CC and BOB at Driffield.
Champion Florita Tarantella
Soso is owned and bred by Helen Lister, and is the litter sister of the Top IG of 2010, Ch Florita Tipitina. Soso’s first CC came at Blackpool in 2010 under Annette Oliver, where she was also awarded Group 3. Her second CC was awarded by Martin Freeman at Darlington 2010, and Soso’s third was won at Leeds this year under Ben Reynolds-Frost. Both of her 2011 CCs were awarded with BOB and Soso was shortlisted both times in the group. Helen has had five previous Champions in the breed, including the previous Breed Record Holder, Ch Florita Favolosa, who won 27 CC’s.
Along with her sister, Soso is a real character; together “they are very amusing!” There was one time when Helen was staying in a hotel and Soso decided to have fun in the bathroom; “She swung on the emergency pull chord (the bathroom was equipped for disabled guests) whilst Scarlett tried to chase her! The hotel responded quickly to the alarm that Soso had set off, and owning up to an IG’s attempt at being a monkey was not easy!”
Soso is very affectionate and loves meeting anyone and everyone! Another quirky characteristic of Soso’s is her pet hate of labels. Although not “generally destructive”, Soso cannot bear seeing labels on toys and beds – if she sees one it doesn’t stay there for long!
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Bulletin – December 2011
Champion Rilloby Head Over Heals
Dylan, owned by Tommie Lockie and Pat Spencer (breeder), won his first CC at Driffield in 2008 under Nick Gourley. Helen Lister awarded Dylan his second CC at Crufts 2009 with his crowning CC being won in August this year at SKC under Russell Hodges. Handled to his first two CC’s by Jo Amsel, Tommie’s wife, Linda, handled him to his all important third. When Dylan won his title, Linda could not believe it: “I kept thinking is the judge coming towards us, or someone else? Words cannot explain the fabulous feeling!” Linda was overwhelmed by the many words of congratulations they received afterwards; the vast number of cards and phone calls were greatly appreciated, adding to the delight of making up a Champion for the first time after 15 years in the breed.
To add to his title, Linda and Dylan went on to win their fourth CC at Darlington this year: icing on the cake! Linda’s wish has been to enter the prestigious Champions’ Stakes classes, so look out, Dylan and Linda will be a new force to reckon with in the Champ Stakes in 2012!
At home, Dylan is a dream to live with. He is laid back yet always making Linda and Tommie smile; a real character. Dylan always knows what to do in the show ring, knowing precisely what’s expected of him. Linda says it is a “privilege to take Dylan into the ring.” At home and in the ring he is an “absolute treasure.”
Champion Rilloby Miss Sunshine JW
Winning all three CC’s to gain her title in 2011 is Abby, owned by Jan Doherty and Pat Spencer, and Jan’s first Champion after 15 years in the breed. Winning her first CC at Crufts under Zena Thorn-Andrews, Abby certainly knows how to win in style. Her second was won at Bournemouth under Espen Engh, with the crowning CC following only 6 days later at WKC under Geoffrey Curr. “I’m indebted to Nick Gourley for handling Abby to her 3 CC wins, and Champion title. It was love at first sight with Nick. She adores him!”
Outside the show ring, Abby is a “real little Princess Diva”. Once at the bottom of a sleeping bag she likes to stay there undisturbed, and if someone tries to get in with her, Abby is like a “striking viper”. On walks, Abby loves to course Jan’s whippet, occasionally nipping her bottom: proof of the IGs speed! All in all, Abby is “the most loving and endearing little soul with a great sense of fun.”
Jan originally had Abby from her breeder, Pat Spencer, to run her with a homebred puppy of Jan’s. Despite being the more promising pup, Abby decided, after attending a couple of shows, that she was not too keen on the show world: “She wouldn’t walk on a show lead and blew class after class.” However, after many a 7am start practising in the garden, Abby eventually got the message becoming a “real little show girl”. Abby is incredibly special to Jan: “there will never be another Italian like Abby and I would like to thank Pat for letting her into my care.”
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Dog Challenge Certificate Winners 2011
Topping the males this year is Sharon Thompson & Paul Lee’s Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker, winning 6 CC’s, 3 with BOB, giving Parker a grand total of 15 CC’s - many congratulations to Sharon & Paul on a fantastic 2011. Russell, David and Linda Hodges won 4 CC’s & 1 BOB with their young Ch Dalinset Sarastro, continuing his winning ways after a super puppy career. IGC Treasurer, Bill Dyball, handled Fran Adams’ Ch Honeybeech The Welshman to 2 CC’s both with BOB - certainly a successful duo! Also winning 2 CCs this year, was Tommie Lockie & Pat Spencer’s Ch Rilloby Head Over Heels - Linda handled Dylan on both these occasions, including to that special crowning CC.
Ch Chrisford Nosey Parker Ch Dalinset Sarastro Ms S Thompson & Mr P Lee Dr R Hodges & Mr D Hodges & Mrs L Hodges Ch Chrisford Highland Fling x Ch Artmeis Chierichetto at Dalinset x Ch Chrisford Grot Bag Ch Dalinset Dorabella
UK Toy Dog (BOB) – Mrs Val Blore Bath – Dr M Boggia-Black Windsor – Mrs Rebecca Henley Leeds – Mr B Reynolds Frost IG Club Champ Show (BOB) – Miss Charlotte Boyle Welsh Kennel Club – Dr G G Curr Bournemouth - Mr Espen Engh Midland Counties (BOB) – Mr Per Iversen Birmingham City (BOB) - Mrs Liz Stannard Driffield – Miss Diana Spavin
Ch Honeybeech The Welshman Ch Rilloby Head Over Heels Mrs F C Adams Mr T Lockie & Mrs P Spencer Ch Yadhot Almutawakel x UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Honeybeech Donna Helena Chrisford Final Edition by Rilloby
WELKS (BOB) – Mr Rob Dunning Scottish Kennel Club (August) – Dr R Hodges Richmond (BOB) – Mr Dan Ericcson Darlington – Mrs Llyn Webster
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Bulletin – December 2011
UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala Chrisford Bogey Man Mrs J B Amsel Mrs K Rutter & Miss K Allsopp UK Ch/Am Ch/Swe Ch/Norw Ch Artmeis C'est Si Ch Chrisford Highland Fling x Come On Over Bon x Am Ch La Scala di Bellini Valerie Do Castelo De Alfaia At Chrisford Imp Prt
National Dog Show - Mrs Bitte Ahrens Primavera Crufts – Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews
Ch Toerag Out of The Question Jw Sh.CM Chrisford Forced Entry Miss S M Tiley-Davies Mrs K Rutter UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Ch Chrisford Highland Fling x Come On Over Rilloby Miss Dynamite Valerie Do Castelo De Alfaia At Chrisford Imp Prt
Scottish Kennel Club (May) – Mrs S Dunning Blackpool – Mrs Rita Morgan
There were four IG males winning one CC this year.
Jo Amsel’s UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala, the sire of 6 individual CC winning IGs this year alone, won the DCC at the National at the age of 8½, proving that age is just a number!
Kay Rutter and K Allsopp’s Chrisford Bogey Man won the DCC at Crufts - what a place for a dog to win his first CC - way to go! Kay also won a CC with her Chrisford Forced Entry at Blackpool - another first CC, so best of luck Kay with these brothers in 2012.
Sheila Tiley-Davies and her newly crowned Ch Toerag Out of the Question JW ShCM had a super show at the May SKC, winning that all important third CC - many congratulations to Sheila and Agapanthus.
At the time of writing (30 Nov’11) there was one Championship show of the year still to go. The Dog CC and Bitch CC winners from LKA have not been noted in this edition of the Bulletin – Eds.
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Bitch Challenge Certificate Winners 2011
Topping the bitches for 2011 is last year’s Top IG, Helen Lister’s Ch Florita Tipitina winning 4 CC’s, 3 with BOB - twice being short listed, plus Group 2 at Darlington, giving Scarlett a total of 10 CC’s all at under 2½ years old. Gaining her title in true style, winning all 3 CC’s in 2011 and all with BOB, was Jan Doherty and Pat Spencer’s Ch Rilloby Miss Sunshine JW- huge congratulations! Abby was one of 4 new bitch champions made up this year: Rob Wheeler’s Ch Chrisford Delicious Daisy won 3 CC’s and 2 BOBs; Jo Amsel & Helen Rishworth’s Ch Artmeis Kaaliya who won the Toy group alongside her crowning CC; and Helen Lister’s Ch Florita Tarantella decided she also wanted “CH” in front of her name like her sister, winning 1 CC and BOB. Many congratulations to all of the above - doing IGs proud! Shirley Vincent’s Ch In Collusion With Chelanis, won her 4th BCC at UK Toy. Sue Dunning’s Anjuskar Height of Fashion won the BCC at the IGC Championship show, her 2nd - so good luck in 2012 for that 3rd CC!
Ch Florita Tipitina Ch Rilloby Miss Sunshine JW Miss H M Lister Miss J Doherty & Mrs P Spencer UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Rilloby Touch of Class x Freith Veloutine at Florita US Ch Rilloby Pie In The Sky
Bath (BOB) – Dr M Boggia-Black Crufts (BOB) – Mrs Zena Thorn-Andrews Scottish Kennel Club (August) (BOB) – Dr R Hodges Bournemouth (BOB) – Mr Espen Engh Birmingham City – Mrs Liz Stannard Welsh Kennel Club (BOB) – Dr G G Curr Darlington (BOB) – Mrs Llyn Webster - Group 2 – Mrs Val Blore
Ch Chrisford Delicious Daisy Ch Artmeis Kaaliya Mr R Wheeler Mrs J B Amsel & Miss H H Rishworth Ch Chrisford Katchit x UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Ch Chrisford Grot Bag Artmeis Francesca
WELKS – Mr Rob Dunning National Dog Show (BOB) – Mrs Bitte Ahrens Windsor (BOB) – Mrs Rebecca Henley Primavera – Group 1 – Mr Albert Easdon Driffield (BOB) – Miss Diana Spavin Midland Counties – Mr Per Iversen
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Bulletin – December 2011
Turigner Gentle Breeze Gemolli Joie De Vivre Mrs F B Turner & Mrs R Henley Mrs C M Henshall Ch Turigner Tornado x UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Ch Tamiskene Witchcraft at Turigner Hanjy Hexquisite of Gemolli Sh.CM
Scottish Kennel Club (May) (BOB) – Mrs S Dunning Blackpool (BOB) – Mrs Rita Morgan
Ch Florita Tarantella Ch In Collusion With Chelanis Miss H M Lister Mrs S Vincent UK & Am Ch Artmeis Simone Di La Scala x Ch Chelanis Close Kin x Freith Veloutine at Florita Annmeeric Just For Fay
Leeds (BOB) – Mr B Reynolds Frost UK Toy Dog – Mrs Val Blore
Anjuskar Height of Fashion Jemalsheva Igglepiggle Mrs S Dunning Mrs H A Davis Ch Yadhot Almutawakel x Ch Toerag Out of the Question JW Sh.CM x Anjuskar Bianca Is Destiny Jemalsheva Hatshepsut
IG Club Ch Show – Miss Charlotte Boyle Richmond – Mr Dan Ericsson
There were also three bitches who put their paws on the first rung of the Champion title ladder: Chris Henshall’s Gemolli Joie De Vivre (1CC & BOB), Barney Turner & Becky Henley’s Turigner Gentle Breeze (1CC & BOB), and Helen Davies’ Jemalsheva Igglepiggle (1CC). Ones to watch in 2012!
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Watch out! The Brits are coming!
From Helen Rishworth
After weeks of liaising on jabs, health certificates and lost Pet Passports, I set off from Cardiff to London to collect Anna (Ir Ch Love Me Tender Artmeis) for our weekend away at the Belgium Top Sighthound Show and the Eurodog Show at Kortrijk in Belgium. One IG safely in my possession, I made my way the next day to Ashford International to meet Bob and Elaine Newsham (Windspiel Greyhounds) who were our partners in crime for the weekend. Between us we had one IG, one English Greyhound, and one Whippet – a full set!
Eurotunnel was a breeze and we were soon Leading the British contingent: in France and ready for a packed weekend of Elaine and Bob Newsham and Helen (photo: C Millward) shows at Kortrijk just over the Belgian border. While I’ve been to shows on the Continent before it was my first time competing so I had to do a lot of reading up on the FCI system.
The FCI show system is different to the UK system with IGs placed in the Sighthound group, not in the Toy group. The classification is as follows: Baby Class - dogs 4-6 months; Puppy Class - 6- 9 months; Junior Class - 9-18 months; Intermediate Class- 15-24 months; Breeding Class - equivalent to bred by exhibitor; Open Class; Champion Class; and Veteran Class. The judge grades the dogs (the grading scale is different for the Baby and Puppy classes). Dogs graded ‘excellent’, and who win their respective class, return to compete for the higher awards. At this show, CACs (Certificat d'Aptitude au Championnat de Beauté) were on offer – the equivalent to our CC. Depending on the country, a dog needs three to four CACs to become a Champion in that country. As you can see, the FCI system is not as simple as ours! For more details, go to www.fci.be.
Day one was the Belgium Top Sighthound Show. The IGs, or ‘Piccolo Levriero Italiano’, had the second largest entry of the Sighthound Show, with 28 dogs. Smaller than the entries we are used to in the UK, however, we do (or should I say did) enjoy larger entries than most countries. Our judge for the day was Mr Alexei Belkin from Russia.
Anna was entered in the Champion Bitch class. Unfortunately we stood alone in this class, so it wasn’t until the CAC line up (the equivalent of our Bitch Challenge) that we met any other IG’s! Anna won the CAC, but we had to wait for Best Bitch to be judged. The bitch winner of the Junior Class, who was not allowed to compete for the CAC (the Junior class winner can’t compete for the CAC in Belgium), was called back into the ring to compete against Anna for Best Bitch. We didn’t mind the wait – especially as Anna was awarded Best Bitch!
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Bulletin – December 2011
Photos ensued (every class winner and award winner stands next to their award’s board for photos), and then we were back in the ring for Best of Breed.
Best Dog was Margret Veigarsdottir’s Croatian Ch Caeles How U Doin’ who pipped Anna to the post for BOB but we’d had a fantastic day with Anna taking the CAC and Best Bitch. BOB Croatian Ch Caeles How U Doin’, Judge Alexei Belkin and The next morning we set off again Helen with Anna, Bitch CAC and Best Bitch (photo: M Veigarsdottir) for Kortrijk, this time for the Belgian annual Eurodog Show (not to be mistaken for the Euro Show, one of Europe’s top annual shows which circulates the Continent). IGs had a smaller entry here, with only 16 entered. According to some of the regular exhibitors at the show, the entry was significantly down on previous years – perhaps a sign of the times. Our judge was Mr Zeferino Da Silva from Portugal.
The Eurodog Show is an International show so, alongside the CACs, CACIBs (Certificat d'Aptitude au International Championnat de Beauté) were also being awarded. The CACIB is effectively a CC that counts towards the title of International Champion. To gain an International Champion title, a dog must be awarded four CACIBs in three different countries, with at least one year between the first and last CACIBs. There is one exception to this rule: in Ireland (the South being governed under FCI) a dog can win their International title by winning all 4 CACIBs in Ireland- why they are the exception, I do not know!
The IGs competing on the Sunday were surprisingly quite a different bunch to the previous day and there were only two other exhibitors that I recognised from Saturday.
The classes were judged, with the mandatory photos after each class, and Anna had another good day winning the Reserve CAC and Reserve CACIB. Best of Breed on the day went to the male, Be Ch & Int Ch Hotfarfale of Devils Pigeons.
Anna and I had had a great two days in the show ring, and I felt so lucky to have been able to experience the shows as a competitor – what a learning experience!
And what of the rest of the British contingent? Well, British stock was certainly appealing to the judges! In the Sighthound Group there were four British BOB winners, and the top three Group placings went to British dogs: Group 1 to Bob and Elaine’s Whippet, Group 2 to an Irish Wolfhound, and Group 3 to an Afghan … pretty good going! Every dog is placed in the BIS judging and Bob & Rudy, the Whippet, went on to win BIS6!
An amazing weekend for the Brits who made the long journey all the way to Belgium!
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The Italian Greyhound Club
The Italian Greyhound: Toy Dog or Sighthound?
The placing of the Italian Greyhound in the Toy group or Sighthound group has long been a source of debate for breed enthusiasts around the world. In the UK, the IG finds himself in the Toy group competing with the likes of the Chihuahua through to the Pekingese. In FCI governed countries, the Italian Greyhound competes with the Afghan, Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound, to name just three, in Group 10 - the Sighthound group.
The American Kennel Club is currently analysing its grouping system, considering the introduction of a Sighthound group as a possibility. It’s a subject that has sparked heated debate, with strong views on both sides of the argument.
We thought it would be interesting to find out what our own Club members think about the matter so we contacted several breeders and asked them for their thoughts on the following:
1. Given their history, conformation and temperament, do you consider Italian Greyhounds to be Sighthounds or Toy Dogs? 2. What group would you place the Italian Greyhound in, if our own KC considered a realignment of the grouping system? What are the pros and cons of either decision? 3. In which group would the breed be more competitive? 4. Which group offers more judges who understand the breed? 5. Any other comments that you would like to raise concerning this debate? Here’s what they had to say:
Fran Adams (Honeybeech)
1. Not such an easy question as it seems at face value! Undoubtedly the IG is the smallest of the Sighthounds. His conformation makes this abundantly apparent, he is built to run, and will run at every opportunity. He can hunt just as his larger cousins can and is more than capable of taking a rabbit, and anything smaller is certainly on his menu; however, his slight frame can sometimes make hunting more fraught with danger than for a bigger dog. I have heard of more than one out rabbiting over rough plough and breaking a leg when having a fall while running at full tilt. Historically the breed served the dual purpose of being the Mistress’ hunting dog while the Master was out with his greyhound; but when the greyhound was back in his kennel the IG would be in front of the boudoir fire being fed choice morsels by hand!
However, at the same time as being a mini Sighthound, the breed exhibits many of the characteristics of a toy; he craves company and comfort and will happily spend many hours tucked into a fur-lined bed or snoozing on an indulgent owner’s lap. His small size encourages cuddling and petting which he is happy to accept.
2. On balance I think I would prefer that the IG stayed in the Toy group. He would certainly be out of place in the Hound group as it is at present, but he would still be the ‘poor relation’ in a sighthound group too. He would look very small and insignificant up against the large glamorous hounds such as the Saluki or the Borzoi, and I think the temptation would be to breed a bigger and more robust dog that would be more like a small whippet. The attraction of the IG for most people is his small size and incredibly elegant frame. If this were to be lost I’m sure that the result would be a lovely small hound - but not an Italian Greyhound!
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This of course is just my opinion; it would be interesting to take a poll amongst all the IG breeders and exhibitors to see what the majority think, certainly this would have to be done if ever the KC actually does propose a Sighthound group.
3. I think that the IG is best where he is at present. He can sometimes be overlooked against the glamour of the ‘fluffies’, and I know that it is frustrating sometimes to feel that if he had a long flowing coat he might do better; but in a Sighthound group I feel he would just be ignored. In either group he is slightly the square peg in the round hole, but as a Toy among other Toys he can often stand out and beat the competition.
4. Well, in either group one hopes that the judges have bothered to read the standards for all the breeds! A Sighthound specialist will appreciate the clean, racy lines and the powerful propulsion from the rear, but might overlook the importance of the ‘high stepping and free’ front movement which is such a vital feature of the breed. Just because a judge loves and understands a Whippet or a Greyhound is no guarantee that he will appreciate the differences between them and the IG. Equally a Toy judge might be surprised by the racy fluent gait of an IG in the Toy ring, but perhaps will appreciate the small size and liquid soft eyes.
As with any breed, probably the only judges who truly appreciate everything are the specialists!
5. The IG is a bit of an enigma. He is certainly a Sighthound, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he should leave the Toy group - anymore than the Yorkshire Terrier should join the Terrier group even though it is fully capable of despatching a rat. The IG amongst the Toys will remain as he always has, and often he will do well and win. I’m not convinced that the breed would stay the same, or fare particularly well in a Sighthound group. However, the group judging is really only the icing on the cake; the important arena is and always will be, the breed judging.
Jo Amsel (Artmeis)
1. Sighthounds, although in the 1900's and early 20th Century breeders tried to make them more like Toys by breeding small to small and infusing blood from other toy breeds, such as the Chihuahua.
2. Sighthound. Cons might be that they would be bred to be larger to compete in the group but there is no evidence for this in Europe where they remain the same variable sizes as in the UK and the USA. Other than that, they are much more the shape of the Sighthound rather than any of the Toy breeds and definitely look quite odd in the Toy group. Many breeders would worry that they may become coarser and lose that fine quality in the Sighthound group, however, again there is no evidence for this. Looking back at the dogs in the US in the 70s and 80s many were considerably finer and more elegant than they are today despite being in the Toy group.
3. Sighthound if due care is paid to breeding sound, typey, well constructed IGs that can really move, not unsound, poor movers as often seen on the continent in the show ring. However, in Europe IGs are lure coursed and raced competitively so some are very sound.
4. Sighthound.
5. Breeders should concern themselves with breeding healthy sound IGs whichever group they are in.
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The Italian Greyhound Club
Sue & Rob Dunning (Anjuskar)
1. We feel there is no doubt that Italian Greyhounds are most definitely Sighthounds that have been adapted to a role of Companion Dog throughout history. The hunting instinct is still very much in the character of the IG; although it must be admitted that they do love their home comforts.
2. At present, whilst the Italian Greyhound finds itself in the Toy group, it is almost invariably overlooked by Toy group judges in preference for small fluffy breeds. In my opinion, the other breeds in the Toy group are not so much more superior in quality as to render the Italian Greyhound a lesser placing within its group. As we all seem to agree, with an Italian Greyhound, “What you see is what you get”, and nothing can be hidden from view. If a Sighthound group were ever formed, in the UK; we would most certainly want to see the Italian Greyhound as part of that group, where it would be exhibited with similar kind to itself. We also believe that even if the Hound group remained as is, the Italian Greyhound would have a far better chance of being recognized for what it is than in the Toy group.
3. As previously stated, we think the Italian greyhound would stand a fairer chance of becoming a competitive force if it were in the Hound group – and most certainly, if it were to find itself, eventually maybe, in a Sighthound group.
4. For the same reasons as we have already mentioned, Hound specialists, and particularly Sighthound specialists, would understand the conformation and beautiful movement of the Italian Greyhound far more readily than most Toy group judges, They see, in the coated breeds that the flow of the coat creates the beauty of the movement, not the construction of the dog and what the Italian Greyhound can demonstrate, with its beautiful high stepping and free front action. Perhaps it will also encourage some Italian Greyhound breeders to breed Italian Greyhounds of the correct type.
5. Some Italian Greyhound breed specialists, in the past, have argued that if the Italian Greyhound were moved from the Toy group into the Hound group, the size of the I.G. would inevitably increase, and eventually, it would end up looking more like a Whippet in size. Surely, we have seen this phenomenon occur, in some areas, in any case, with the Italian Greyhound in the Toy group. We feel that it would be in the interests of Italian Greyhound breeders, if the I.G. joined the Hounds, to ensure that the Italian Greyhound remained the most diminutive of all the Hounds within that group. We firmly do not believe that those whose fears of size would come to fruition if the Italian Greyhound were to join the Hound group.
Having said all this, we cannot believe that the Kennel Club would consider moving the Italian Greyhound from the Toy group - certainly in the near to medium term future.
Those of you who know us will be aware that we do not always agree on everything canine, but, on this particular matter, we are both very much of the same opinions.
Russell , David & Linda Hodges (Dalinset)
1. Both! They are a small Sighthound in the Toy group. They have the appearance and temperament of a Sighthound, but being predominantly bred as a companion animal, are in the Toy group.
2. This is not a question I have particularly strong feelings on either way. They are certainly small hounds, and have the temperament and conformation of such, including a strong hunting instinct. It may, therefore, be felt that this should place them in a Sighthound group along with other "similar" breeds and I am sure they would do very well in such a group. Not
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Bulletin – December 2011
bred for a working purpose, irrespective of their strong prey drive, they can equally be considered Toy dogs.
It may be of concern in the future that should a move to a Sighthound group happen, it would be important that the breed did not change in order to be more competitive within the new group, insofar as it should remain free of coarseness and retain its own distinctive type.
Remaining in the Toy group seems to me to be a perfectly satisfactory option as well. The breed has done well for many years in the Toy group and we have several "Toy specialist" judges who understand the breed well. The Toy group has many examples of "Toy" breeds from other groups including Toy Spaniels, and several Toy Terriers; some of which retain their ability to fulfil the purpose of their breed type. Being a Hound does not necessarily mean they cannot still be Toy Dogs.
3. I think they would be equally competitive in both. In the past 10 years or so, there have been plenty of examples of the breed that have been placed in group competition, including 6 group winners and a Best in Show winner. They are also regularly shortlisted in the Toy group even when not actually placed. This goes to show that a good IG can compete with the best in the groups. I am sure that the same would apply in a Sighthound group.
4. There are judges from both groups who understand the breed. Conversely there a judges from both who do not! It is important for judges to understand they are a breed in their own right and should be judged as such. They are not a small Greyhound (despite the standard saying "greyhound in miniature"), or Whippet, as their construction and, in particular, their movement is not the same. If a judge takes the trouble to learn properly about the breed, it should not matter which group their "main" breeds are from.
5. There are arguments for them being in either group, however I am not sure if there is a good enough argument for change. A good example of the breed can compete with the very best, in any group, so I am sure that if such a rearrangement of the groups were to take place in the future, this would not change.
The Hon. Anna Marshall (Tamoretta)
1. I consider Italian Greyhounds to be Sighthounds. 2. The Toy group is where I would place the breed. If in the Hound group, IGs will disappear into the woodwork so to speak, how often do you see a Dachshund be short listed in the Hound group? They are overlooked because of their size. 3. I view the Toy group as the more competitive of the two. 4. Hound group 5. Do not regard the IG as a dwarfed specimen of the Greyhound, when the breed is distinctive as a pure bred hound: note no brindle colouring. Pat Spencer (Rilloby)
1. I see evidence for both sides; it is a two edged question with a two edged answer. Throughout history, Italian Greyhounds have been ladies’ comforters. Despite being frail dogs in past centuries, in recent years the breed has become more robust and can be placed within a Sighthound group. They certainly do not fit into the Hound group. The role of the Italian Greyhound is to be a lady’s toy dog, yet the breed certainly is not lacking the Sighthound’s instinct. I can see both points of view… maybe because I am a Gemini!
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The Italian Greyhound Club
2. The Sighthound group. Although they are capable of being lapdogs, Italian Greyhounds are also very capable of killing small animals and birds, although in adverse weather conditions, rain coats must be worn! The behaviour of one of my Italians proved the Sighthound intelligence of this breed. Robin would jump into a bird’s flight path (rather than aim for the bird direct) and would often be successful with a catch.
3. In the Sighthound group, the Italian Greyhound could be overshadowed by the ‘glamorous’ breeds such as the Afghan Hound and Borzoi but the same can be said with today’s Toy group; Italian Greyhounds can be overshadowed by the ‘fluffies’ including the Pekingese, the Papillion and Pomeranian to name just three. At the end of the day, as long as an Italian Greyhound has grace, agility and purity of form he should be able to hold his own in either the Sighthound group or Toy group.
It would be better for the Italian Greyhound to compete with his peers in the Sighthound group. The breed would be completely out of place with breeds such as Bassets, Beagles and Dachshunds in the Hound group. It is important to understand the distinction between a Sighthound group and the Hound group.
4. I believe that the Sighthound group would provide judges with a better understanding of IGs as they would have more of an idea of the symmetry of a Sighthound’s body.
5. If the IG were to be put in the Hound group I would have some concerns about size creeping up in the future.
A huge thank you to Fran Adams, Jo Amsel, Sue & Rob Dunning, Russell, David & Linda Hodges, The Hon. Anna Marshall and Pat Spencer for taking the time to share their thoughts and contribute to this article. It’s a subject which has been debated for many years, and we expect will continue to be in years to come!
If you would like to share your views on this subject in the June 2012 edition of the Club Bulletin please email them to Helen Rishworth on: [email protected].
Exhibitor Adverts in the Bulletin
Club Members are invited to advertise your show ring successes in future editions of the Club Bulletin – a great way to inform the IG community about your wins, from Class wins to CCs to Top Dog awards!
Rates for Exhibitor Ads for Members are as follows: Half A4 colour page @ £5.00 | Full A4 colour page @ £10.00
Templates are available to help you create the perfect ad! Deadline for the June Bulletin is 6 May 2012. For more information please email [email protected]
Don’t keep your news to yourself.
Shout about it and be proud of your IG!
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Bulletin – December 2011
Championship Show Schedule 2012
Show Date Judge Venue Manchester * Jan 20 Vandella Williams Staffordshire County Showground Crufts Mar 8 Michael Quinney NEC, Birmingham Club Open Show * Mar 17 Jimmi Johnston-White Marston Green Village Hall, West Midlands UK Toy Mar 31 Linda Jones Staffordshire County Showground WELKS Apr 29 Annette Oliver Three Counties Showground, Malvern Birmingham National May 12 Andreas Schemel MRCVS Staffordshire County Showground SKC (May) May 19 Kevin Thoday Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh Bath May 25 Shirley Vincent Shire Fields, Bannerdown, Bath Southern Counties * Jun 2 TBC Newbury Agricultural Showground Three Counties * Jun 7 TBC Three Counties Showground, Malvern Blackpool Jun 22 June Cox Crown Fields, Westby Windsor Jun 30 Peter Jolley Home Park, Windsor Leeds Jul 27 TBC Harewood House, Leeds Club Champ Show Aug 5 Albert Wight Roade Village Hall, Northamptonshire Paignton * Aug 8 TBC Westpoint Centre, Clyst, Devon Bournemouth Aug 12 Andy Leonard New venue! Pike’s Farm, Organford, Poole WKC Aug 17 Martin Freeman Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells SKC (August) Aug 26 TBC Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh City of Birmingham Aug 31 TBC Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Richmond Sep 7 TBC Losely Park, Guildford Darlington Sep 16 Brenda Banbury Newby Hall, Ripon Driffield Sep 23 TBC The Racecourse, Wetherby Belfast * Sep 29 TBC Kings Hall Complex, Belfast SWKA * Oct 13 TBC Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells Midland Counties Oct 26 Tom Mather Staffordshire County Showground Club Open Show * Nov 3 Frank Kane Marston Green Village Hall, West Midlands LKA Dec 15 Helen Lister NEC, Birmingham
* = No CC’s The Club site has an online show listing updated throughout the year with entry closing dates, links to schedules, entry forms and venue maps: www.italiangreyhoundclub.co.uk/shows-events/show-listing
We made every effort to make sure that the information provided was accurate at the time we went to press but please make sure you check the show schedules as things do change!
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The Italian Greyhound Club
And finally, from the Committee …
Merry Christmas from the Committee and all the Officers of the Club!
Alice – Santa’s Little Helper! Photo from Liz Burgess
We hope you have a lovely Christmas and a fantastic new year!
Hope to see you at one of our events in 2012!
X Bill, Chris, Frances, Jan, Jimmi, Jo, Maurice, Rachel , Rebecca & Shirley
Key contact: Acting Secretary, Rebecca Ford – [email protected]
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