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humbled that so many people have shown their
dogs under both Bill and myself. We have visited
places that we would not have necessarily had
the opportunity to visit but for the dogs. France,
Spain, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Finland, Sweden,
Cyprus, the US, Japan, and South Africa.
We have both had the privilege of judging
Crufts, me in 2011 when I was asked to step in
for Christian Bruton of the famous Kelloe kennel
as Chris was too ill to fulfil the appointment, and
Bill in 2015. We are both very proud of our 200
plus entries.
While judging in Sweden, Bill was really
impressed with the dogs shown by The Malcoms
Kennel and after the show, he approached the
exhibitor and enquired about the breeding of her
dogs. The owner, Karin Ogren explained that
her dogs were decended from the Roseneath
Kennel in South Africa (Julia and George Van
Royen) who, amazingly, Bill had awarded
Reserve Best dog to when judging in South
Africa in 2000. Through this coincidence an Ch Malcoms Little Viking at Isgraig
immediate friendship began between Karin
and her husband Urban and ourselves and we
agreed that we would export a dog to them and problem now in the breed is the Kennel Club
we would import one of their dogs as we would accepting registrations from breeders who are
be thrilled to have their bloodlines in our Kennel breeding unrecognised colours which brings a
and for them to have the Isgraig bloodlines in huge negative effect on the breed we love.
Sweden.
Showing and breeding Bulldogs has had a huge
The dog we sent to Sweden was Isgraig Red positive effect on our lives, we have made many
Hurricane who thrillingly was made up to an lifelong friends in the UK and abroad, we have
International Champion and our Malcoms Little travelled to places we would never have had the
Viking at Isgraig gained his Champion title in privilege of visiting and have been welcomed
the UK and produced a beautiful Champion into peoples’ homes and shared the wealth of
Bitch, Ch Esclusham Right Reason bred by knowledge we have attained over the years.
Brenda Price, Esclusham. He also sired a We have broadened our horizons, these dogs,
Champion dog Ch Tryfan Copper Dream bred all with their own unique personalities and traits
by Gareth Owen and campaigned by Bill. have brought so much pleasure to the whole
family - sons and now grandchildren.
Having spent five decades showing, breeding
and judging bulldogs we are pleased that the We were so lucky that Sandy came into our
Bulldogs are much healthier now than when we lives but now as it is just the two of us, and the
first entered the breed, through the hard work of travelling appears more daunting than ever, we
conscientious breeders and the Bulldog Breed are taking a back seat with our last bulldog Polly
Councils recommended health tests. They are and reflecting on where that last amazing 40
healthier than ever. Unfortunately, the biggest years of Isgraig Kennels has gone?
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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / JULY 2020