Page 84 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

A TRIBUTE

TO

NORMAN DAVIS

OCOBO

29th March 1937 - 14th April 2020

It is with great sympathy and sadness that I must cooked breakfast. You were always in good hands!
share with the Bulldog world that we have lost one When the Ocobo Kennels started they continuously
of our greats! Norman Davis, from the world famous won top honours with their home bred stock.
Ocobo Bulldog Kennel, who sadly lost his short battle However, their first champion was the famous CH
with lung cancer on the 14th April 2020. Ocobo Skipper, who went on to be a top stud dog for
Mr Bulldog, as many knew him by, was not only a true the kennel. Their first champion to be sent overseas
Bulldog man but a true dog man, who loved many was Champion Ocobo Slightly Noble, who went over
dog breeds. His other passion in life was breeding to Australia, which was a logistical challenge in those
pigeons, which commenced at the young age of ten, days.
and continued throughout his life. Over the next forty years, the Ocobo Kennels went on
Norman, along with his wife Pat, came into the to produce just under fifty UK champions. Champion
Bulldog world in the early seventies when they were Ocobo Tully being one of Normans favourites.
residing in Essex. In 1986, they moved to Hill House After speaking to Kevin, I discovered that two of
in Norfolk, and set up kennels in the farmhouse Normans favourite dogs are two that I personally
and barns. It was a perfect set up for the family run admired. Champion Portfield So Small, who was
kennels in a picturesque location. Many of us have being campaigned around 1975 and the second was
spent hours talking to Normal and Pat, as well as Champion Sandean Sophies Baby, who was sired
Kevin, Mel and the girls. by Champion Ocobo Skipper and was campaigned
When you speak to Bulldog breeders around the world around 1977.
they all say the same. They all remember sitting with Normans very first judging appointment was an
Norman, where he would talk for many hours about open show for the Manchester and Counties Bulldog
Bulldogs. His passion for the breed would always Club back in 1975. He went on to judge many
shine through in abundance. You were always made Championship shows in the UK and overseas.
to feel welcome at the Ocobo Kennels and Pat would Norman awarded CC’s for the first time in 1981 at
always ensure that you were well looked after. No the Ladies Kennel Association. The pinnacle of
matter what time of day you were there, Pat would Norman’s judging career commenced in 2003 when
always make sure you were well fed whether it was he went on to judge at Crufts. This was a prestigious
with the local fish and chips or her famous English and proud time for Norman and he was honoured to

84 - K9 NEWS DIGITAL