Ham 2006

 

A small report from the French club match in Ham, 2-3 September 2006. Entered dogs: 232

Once again it was time for the biggest event of the year - the clubmatch in France. It was held in Ham again this year, at the same venue as it was in 2004. It is a nice place to show dogues, with lots of shade under the trees. This year is the first we went without having entered any dogues. I must say I really missed the excitement of showing in the breeds own country, so I do not think I will go again without some of my doggies.:-)

Espen and I first went to Paris on Wednesday, and stayed there until Friday. We had a couple of great days, and we defenitely want to go back sometime to see more of that beautiful city. On Friday we went to Ham and met up with Kalle, Carina, Elisabeth, Ulf, Eisen, Sara, Joan and Xenia. We all enjoyed ourselves with nice food, drink and a lot of laughs. Kalle and Elisabeth took their doggies with them everywhere, and they were glady accepted as guests in the restaurants. They didn't make much out of themselves and just went to sleep under the table while we ate. On Saturday we went to the exhibition to have a look at the baby, puppy and debutants, and on Sunday it was juniors, intermediate, open, champion, senior and veteranclasses. It was especially fun to see Aliseas great-grandfater MASK in the veteranclass - 10,5 years old. He was still in good condition and stood there and showed the world he still belonged in the ring. It was beautiful to see a dog of that age with such grace and attitude. We hope he and his proud owner will get more good years together.:-)

In juniorclass males, our friends Kalle and Carina had entered Eross vd Paterhoek. A very beautiful male, who still is young in body, but has great quality. He was picked within the last 6 to go to the Ring d'Honeur out of 22 males in his class. He did not get amongst the last 4 but still it was a great achievement, AND he got an EXCELLENT from a breedspecialist. That to me counts for a lot, as you can easily show - and win - for many allrounds that really do not know too much about the breed, but if you go to the clubmatch and you get recognition, THEN you know you have a great looking dogue. So BIG congratulations to you. :-)

In openclass males, our friends Bart and Yvonne from Holland had entered their own-bred male Archie. There were a total of 30 males in his class, and he proudly put himself in the 4th place. He has that special extra that makes you notice him, and I really hope they will enter him in Scandinavia soon. BIG congratulations my friends - well done.:-)

In championclass females (9 entered, 7 showed), our friend Sara had entered Belburgo's Henna. She is Damien's sister and is owned by Jani who also lives in Sweden. He is so happy that Sara can take his precious princess to shows like that, and she did great - she became nr 2 in championclass! BIG congratulations to the breeder and the owner.:-)

I saw a lot of beautiful dogues, also the male I have chosen as a Sire to our upcoming litter. Enzo Z Vickovskeho Mlyna came 3rd in Championclass males, and he is really looking gorgeous.

You can see some pictures from the clubmatch here.