Page 81 - K9 News - Issue 14 - December 2020
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the White and Blacks, and in the years when awarded. The first winner of the cup for the Best
few puppies were registered no Challenge White and Black Dog is unknown whilst the Best
Certificates were awarded at all resulting in few White and Black Bitch is inscribed with the date
champions being made up after the second 1897. Initially know as the ‘Fifty Guineas Cups’
world war. The Club’s records are sketchy their origin and donators are a mystery but
during the years 1911 to 1921 followed by a anyone who wins one of these trophies has their
period of renewed enthusiasm up until the War. dogs name inscribed and becomes part of the
The continuation of the Club during the difficult Club’s history! The Club also presents bronze
years can be credited in no small part to the statuettes to members whose dogs become
then Honorary Secretary Mrs Handley, elected Champions and the cast is based on an original
in 1935, who personally paid the Maintenance pre-war trophy making such prizes treasured
Fee to the Kennel Club thus ensuring unbroken possessions.
registration. It wasn’t until 1947, at which time
the breed numbered but a handful, that a In addition to the Championship Show the Club
Club Committee were to meet again and by hold several Open Shows each year at different
the 1950’s a new band of enthusiasts were geographic locations as well as Fun Days,
able to stimulate an interest and ensure the Seminars, Welfare Walks, and other social
continuation of the breed which remains to this activities.
day.
One of the long-established events of the Club
The Club’s distinctive is the Water Trials: unlike the Working Tests
badge was introduced this is the only competitive event (consisting
in 1938 and depicts the of working element) that the Club hosts.
head of Am. Ch. Harlingen Traditionally the day has consisted of two levels
Neptune of Waseeka and of water competitions, a draught competition,
has been complemented and various levels of obedience. Winners are
over the years with declared in each category and there is a trophy
badges and mementoes for the dog achieving the most points across
to mark Club milestones. The current all elements. The Water Trials first took place
Club logo is printed in what have been adopted in 1876 in Maidstone in Kent. Since 1965 they
as the Club’s ‘colours’ of black and sea green on have taken place almost every year thanks in
white was designed by Harry Pettitt. the main to the enthusiasm of one of the Club’s
Honorary Life Presidents and true ambassadors
At the annual Championship Show the four of the breed Mrs Juliet Leicester-Hope of the
Challenge Cups are awarded: The Cup for the ‘Wanitopa‘ Kennel. The Water Trials, as well as
Best Black Dog bears the date 1898 and the being a highlight in the Club’s calendar, provide
Best Black Bitch 1895 as to when they were first an ideal opportunity for those considering
Championship Show Trophies on display
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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / DECEMBER 2020
