The Guernsey Dog Club, as it was originally known, was founded in 1901. It maintains
its own Registration Department and holds a Reciprocal Agreement with the Kennel
Club. It wasn't until November 2005 that the name of the Club was changed
to the Guernsey Kennel Club to reflect its long-held status as a kennel club in
its own right. The aim of the Club is to promote the general improvement of dogs
and dog shows. Shows are judged under the seven group system and breed standards
set down by the Kennel Club are recognised. Judges from the UK are approved
and appointed by the Guernsey Kennel Club Committee. The year starts with a Members' Show in February, followed by three Open Shows, in May, September and October. These are open to Channel Islands exhibitors only. As from the Spring Open Show 2006, the Kennel Club have agreed that the seven Group Winners, together with the Best Puppy in Show and Reserve Best Puppy in Show from the Open Shows all qualify for Crufts the following year. Patrons His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Fabian Malbon, KBE Mr Geoffrey Rowland, Bailiff of Guernsey History From its foundation with Osmond Priaulx (well known in sporting circles) as President,
the Club flourished, recording a membership of 206 in the first year. The
first show, in March 1902 was held over two days and judged by Theo Marples, Our
Dogs Editor. It was a great success, and at the next show that August Spratts
provided benching. Registration of births and transfers began in 1903, and from
then until 1948 matings were also recorded, the dogs being identified by name
and by sketches. Trophies were purchased (in those days with francs) some of
which are still awarded today. Many officials served for a considerable time, such as Augie Allain, Secretary from 1903 - 1945, Treasurer from 1912 until his death in 1945 and responsible for hiding many of the trophies from the German forces during the Occupation. The Club continued until 1939 with many incidents, problems and challenges, but ceased activities during the war, resuming in 1946 with a bank balance of £74. A great deal of '"rebuilding" took place over the following years. May 1947 saw the first post-war show. For many years, dogs were vetted before entering the premises by the late Pierre Blampied MRCVS. Some dedicated officials and committee members served for lengthy terms of office, helping to reinstate the Club so that it again flourished. There are three affiliated Clubs: the German Shepherd Dog Club, the Island Dog Training
Club and the Aurigny Dog Club in Alderney. The Shetland Sheepdog Club and
the Golden Retriever Club were affiliated, but due to falling numbers these sadly
disbanded. The UK outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2001 forced the cancellation of the
Spring Open Show and postponement of the Centenary Show (which was open to UK exhibitors)
until June 2002. Held over two days, this was one of the Club's most
successful events, the Kennel Club allowing Group winners and Best Puppy in Show
to qualify for Crufts 2003. If you think you might be interested in showing your pedigree dog, whatever the breed,
come along to the Guernsey Kennel Club's weekly ringcraft class (phone David
or Carol Turner on 267318 for details). Here you will have the opportunity
to learn how to present your dog to its best advantage. You will be taught how
to move and stand your dog, and he or she will be able to get used to being handled
by a judge. You will meet Club members who will be happy to offer help and
advice on all aspects of showing, grooming and dog care in general. You don't need to be a member of the Guernsey Kennel Club to show your dog locally
(except for the Members' Show), but it must be registered with the Club, and
you must enter in advance. Shows are held four times a year on Sundays (there are
also seven a year in Jersey) at Beau Sejour, and are judged by two UK judges.
The week before a show the Club often holds a match (a 'friendly' afternoon show)
as a warm-up. Shows run from 9.30 - approx. 5.00. You don't have to stay all
day, but many people like to make a day of it to see how friends and rivals
get on and to enjoy the climax of the Best in Show judging. Judging takes place in two rings, for Sporting and Non-Sporting breeds. Classes are formed according to the group system (Gundog, Hound, Terrier, Toy, Utility, Working and Pastoral) and the age and experience of the dog. Several dogs of a particular breed will compete against each other in their own class, but if you have an unusual breed your dog will be entered in Any Variety Not Previously Classified (AVNPC) together with any other single breeds. Dogs are not judged directly against each other, but against their own breed standard, as set down by the Kennel Club, so that it is possible for a judge to say that a Beagle, for instance, comes closer to the Beagle standard than the Greyhound next to it does to its standard. Rosettes are awarded to first three places and cards to Very Highly Commended (5th place). Following the breed classes judging for Best in Group is held, the winners of which go through to compete for Best in Show. After the group judging, Any Variety (AV) Classes take place, in which all breeds in the group compete according to age and experience. From here, dogs are chosen to compete for Best Junior in Show, Best Yearling in Show, Best Novice in Show, Best Brace in Show (two exhibits of the same breed belonging to the same owner) and Best Veteran in Show. There is also a Best Team in Show class. There are many trophies to be won for various categories. All Group Winners, Best Puppy in Show and Reserve Best Puppy in Show at Open Shows qualify for Crufts the following year. If you're proud of your dog, and enjoy mixing with other dog-friendly people, COME AND JOIN US! |
