Ref. 12387/3ONCE again dog breeders from across Wiltshire have done the county proud at Crufts, the world's greatest dog show.
Among the successful entries in the Devizes area was Gill and Gary Gray's German Shepherd bitch Lindella's Love Me Do at Slatehouse, better known at home as Lottie, who took Best of Breed and went forward to the final eight in the group, but didn't make it to Best in Show run-off.
Mrs Gray said: "We are absolutely delighted with the result."
Beverley Waite's miniature schnauzer, Angilgate Gadabout at Figheldean took second place in the Good Citizen section, while Angela Harry-Griffiths from Chirton was pleased with the second place Trollstone High Society, alias Monica, achieved in the special puppy section of the miniature poodle class.
Worton owner Christine Bodman's Newfoundland dog, Lobo, whose pedigree name is Sheridel Luciano of Acara, also did well, taking second place in the special junior section of his class.
The Shetland sheepdogs belonging to Linda Roberts from Urchfont
covered themselves in glory. Malaroc Morangie took a second place in the graduate section of her class and Malaroc Melting Tears was third in the veteran bitch section.
Joan Chaplin from Anstie Close, Devizes, and Rosie Clifford, from Roundway Village, were pleased with the fourth places their entries Shetland sheepdog Keltihope Pride N Joy, or Lizzie, and wirehaired dachshund Brockbane Papageno, came fourth in their respective classes.
Carole Harris's Bichon Frise bitch Carichon Thyme of My Life took a very highly commended fifth place in the special puppy section of her breed.
First-timer Dunc 'n' Disorderly (or Duncan for short), made a big impact at the competition in more ways than one.
The 12-stone St Bernard, owned by Linda and Roger Martin from Brinkworth Kennels and Cattery, followed in the paw-steps of his champion grandmother and cousin, by scooping first place in the Specialist Junior category.
"We're so chuffed," said Mrs Martin, 49. "He was so well behaved and even though children flocked to him and there were bright lights, loud speakers and bands playing, he was completely unfazed and did really well."
Still only 15 months old, Duncan has already won his Junior Warrant, which entitles him to life-long entry into Crufts.
His cousin Onja, who is already a champion showdog, also left this year's Crufts on a high, winning a First in the Open Bitch certificate and also a certificate in the Bitch Challenge category.
It was miniature dachshund Piper's first time at Crufts, but although he came last in his class, it just made him even more adorable in his owner Anara Hibberd's eyes.
Mrs Hibberd, 72, of Biddestone said: "Piper showed his little socks off but despite being wonderfully behaved, he came last. I was told that he was too thin for showing.
"The breeder I bought him from showed him for me and said that he had remembered everything she had taught him a year ago, but it just wasn't to be.
"I'm not worried though. He seemed to enjoy himself and was completely unfazed by it all."
Owners Terry and Shirley Carr of Derry Hill, were delighted when their Afghan Hound, Champion Bozwoods Just William won his class .
He last attended the show in 2001 where he won the open class.
Pedigree whippet Milligan won third prize in his class after a disappointing result last year. He also qualified to automatically enter Crufts next year.
His owner Diane McGrath from Saffron Meadow, Calne said she was delighted with his success. Milligan's mother Baz qualified every year.
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