Champion dog show in Bognor Regis

The annual companion dog show held by the town’s dog training club proved to be another success.

Six-year-old German shepherd Darcie, owned by Gaynor McNair from Bognor, was judged to be the best in show.

The best puppy trophy was won by Vidia, a Malinois Belgian shepherd aged ten months, owned by Bognor’s Jo Strudwick.

Both classes were judged by Anna Jones.

The advanced class tested the dog and the handler in heel work, recalls, stays and the challenging scent retrieval.

The top honours went to Chucky owned by Jackie Saunders.

The starters class was won by K-D, a Labrador owned by Kevin Warburton, the triers class was won by Casper, an Irish Setter owned by C Marsalies, and Rob Kelsey’s 11-month-old corgi Megan won the improvers class.

Club press officer Phil Lewis said: “The novelty classes were judged by Sandie Tadd and were, as usual, very popular.”

She chose 15-year-old Elea, a collie cross whippett, owned by C Roberts as the best veteran.

Sandie decided the dog she would most like to take home was Bella, an 11-month-old Staffordshire cross owned by Angela Powell. Waggiest tail was won by Robert Green’s spaniel, Sprocket.

Other prize winners were – any variety sporting: Vienna, a golden setter owned by Caroline Margalier; non sporting; Benji, a Japanese aika (David Rousselet); fancy dress: Tilley, a Jack Russell cross dressed as Wonder Woman (Gerry Budd).

Best crossbreed: Schumy, a greyhound cross (Helen Watling); best rescue: Cookie, a papilon (Alison Symes); Irish brace: Holly and Khyi, a labrador and Tibetan spaniel (Heather Tine); best condition: Goldie, a cross breed (Jackie Alderson).

Dog like owner: Kini, a labrador (Robin Alner); prettiest bitch: Megan, a Pembroke corgi (Rob Kelsey); most handsome dog: Floyd, a German shepherd (Angela Powell).

Nine successful candidates achieved the Kennel Club good citizen brone award judged by Pat White. They were: Katie Drew with Willow, a German pointer; Naomi Bickersteth (Bella, black labrador), Chris Whittington (Meg, border collie), Pam Thompson (Ellie, flat coated retriever), Julie Hide (Willow, cross breed), Clair Rowley (Shiloh, cross breed), Anna Nussey (Ziggy, vizsla), Annie Slatter (Summer, golden retriever) and Heather Vine (Hollie, labrador).

The show, held at the Jubilee Community Centre in North Bersted, also featured an excellent display by the Lowland Search Dogs – Sussex which will benefit from the event.