See Members page for pictures and reports from various events held around the country
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Spanish Water Dog Calendar 2009
Calendars can be reserved by sending an e mail to robinwalker247@btinternet.com .
A cheque made payable to... The Spanish Water Dog Club for the amount of £12 per calendar (which includes p+p) should then be sent to Robin at...
The Spanish Water Dog Club (2009 Calendar)
17 Appletree Road
Stanfree
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S44 6AJ
***Please include Full name and address details when ordering***
This year only 50 have been obtained. Due to pre orders this is now down to 43 already.
Make that 39 now (18th Oct)
If demand is such then a second print will be ordered, but we will not be able to guarantee delivery for Christmas dependant on when the order is placed..
Cambers Capers 5th October 2008
Eleven brave souls and their ten dogs made it through the lashing rain and wind to the Camber car park and wrapping up well we fought our way through the storm to the beautiful beach at Camber. None of us had ever seen waves above an inch high here before, but today we were treated to proper one-foot waves with foaming crests running onto the flat sands. We all played at the edge of the sea and having soaked everyone properly, human and dog alike, we headed to the car park cafe to dry off and have a chat over hot chocolate and fish and chips. Not quite the fun and games we had in mind, but it was lovely to meet up together with our beautiful dogs and compare SWD notes.
Many thanks to everyone for making the effort, especially those who came from farther afield.
See you next time!
Jane Appleton
Di Williamson held her annual weekend of fun and training this year as usual, with one difference: this year the proceeds are to be donated to the Animal Health Trust Laser Appeal. The weather certainly was not in charitable mood. Nevertheless well over 50 people and their dogs braved the elements and camped in vans and tents, and a wonderful time was had by all who attended. The texts and phone calls after the event all talk about plenty of good food, ample drink and riotous company - the Dunkirk spirit most definitely prevailed, and pretty well everyone has their own hilarious weather-related escapade to recount. For the first time Di offered those attending the chance to attempt the KC Good Citizen Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards; the take-up and the pass rate were very good. Sadly our President Joan Hubbard, a long-established GCDS examiner was prevented from attending by illness, but her fellow examiner Ann Weston heroically worked through everyone on the list, while somehow managing to retain her sense of humour. It is very difficult to thank someone adequately when they have gone that far beyond the call of duty without resorting to clichés, so here it is: she deserves a medal! Many thanks too to Christine Davies, who held everyone's interest with her instruction in Tellington Touch; the human attendees enjoyed it immensely, and there were some very relaxed and grateful dogs wandering around after Christine's sessions!
This was our third new event for the Club in the month and was as successful as those preceding it. 23 Spanish Water Dogs took part and their owners worked with Antonio Garcia-Perez to learn how to teach their dogs to dive. In the process £975 was raised for the AHT Laser Appeal, with more sponsor money still to come.
This was a very enjoyable event, the pool had plenty of room for spectators allowing us to watch and learn from each other. Everyone was very supportive of the dogs, giving rousing applause when diving was achieved. The Lucky Duck Retrieve proved to be great fun, with the puppies demonstrating that they could retrieve with the best of the adults.
Thanks go to Antonio Garcia-Perez for coming from Spain to train us, Pat Booth for all her hard work in organising this event and to her band of helpers who ensured everything ran smoothly on the Day. Special thanks must go to Jolene and Phil Aston for donating the use of the pool, and house, and giving up their time. They couldn't have been more helpful. Results from the dive day avaliable here
Jolene and Phil have invited Spanish Water Dogs back to their opening day on Sunday 3rd August to show what they have learned. Anyone wishing to go along is welcome from 11.30 am.
Despite the weather being unkind Jane and Tanya's hospitality ensured that this new event was a success. The party started on the beach for a high tide walk with the dogs. It was grey, windy and raining but that didn't stop the dogs enjoying a romp and a swim. Everyone then retired to Jane and Tanya's house for the BBQ. Their wood burning stove ensured dogs and owners soon dried out and all enjoyed a sociable evening.
More photos of the beach can be seen on Titch's photo site http://flickr.com/photos/benteaselimages/sets/72157606444251065/
and of the show here
http://flickr.com/photos/benteaselimages/sets/72157606440659150/
On 9th July, Ian Murray received the following message from Hilary Gould of the Kennel Club:
'At the meeting of the Kennel Club Committee yesterday it was agreed that the Spanish Water Dog should stay in the Gundog Group, but it is still necessary to have this ratified at the next Kennel Club sub committee meeting in the middle of September and also at the Kennel Club General Committee meeting in October.'
Due to personal reasons our Hon. Secretary, Wanda Sooby, has decided she is no longer able to continue with the role and so tendered her resignation at the Committee meeting on 1st June. Wanda hopes to continue to be an active member of the Club and to continue to assist at Water Training Days at Rother Valley. She has worked tirelessly for our Club for many years and I'm sure you would all like to thank her for the work she has done as secretary. We hope she now has time to enjoy her dogs and to pursue all the activities with them she has been planning for some time.
It was agreed by the Committee that Kylee Noad should hold the post of Acting Secretary until the 2009 AGM, when the post will be available for nominations. If you wish to contact her you can do so at either 01594 845037, kylee.swd@btinternet.com, or at :103 Primrose Hill, Lydney, Glos, GL15 5SW
Jasper - Our first rehomed dog
Message from Newsplash Editors
Christmas Party
The SWD Club New Year Party was extremely well attended and great fun. Participants were kept busy throughout the day with an itinerary of well thought out games put together by Jenny Johnson with the help of her son, Paul and Janet Peart. Yet again the fancy dress and 'best trick' competitions showed ingenuity with outfits that were colourful and entries supported with interesting props. A number of the games required a degree of speed and dexterity from handlers in particular and others required good control of dogs. Everyone donated to the Jacob's table and, yet again, the fare was excellent. Raffle and tombola prizes were numerous and young Katie Bloomfield did a superb job of selling raffle tickets and persuading us to part with our money. Doreen and Diane Philipson filled their table with tombola prizes and Adele and James Lapworth had a variety of goods with the Club logo to purchase. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day. Thanks go to everyone who helped to make the event go smoothly on the day.
"The Breeders' List for 2008 is about to be updated. If you would like to be included for this year could you please complete the application form and, if you wish, the standing order form, which can both be downloaded from the website. Those of you who are already on the Breeders' List and wish to remain so need to renew as soon as possible!"
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The Breed Seminar
On Sunday 18th November the SWD Club Seminar took place at Wymeswold,
Leicester. The event was very well attended by club members and a number
of judges who wished to learn more about this complex breed and what to
look for in the show-ring. Christina Chapman, KC accredited trainer began
the proceedings with a very apt description of this breed, 'The Swiss
Army Knife of the canine world', a multi-purpose breed that can turn its
paw to virtually anything. Her presentation covered all aspects of development,
conformation and movement and was delivered in an interesting and amusing
way, involving audience participation in order to facilitate understanding
of certain points. Christina's use of diagrams helped to illustrate certain
points and her canine skeleton made understanding of conformation so much
easier. Her use of some of the dogs and puppies present on the day aided
understanding of the maturing process and the SWD in the show-ring.
The afternoon's presentation was ably given by Faye Allen, one of the
original four people who first imported the breed into the UK, and Lynn
Napier-Wong, who has regularly shown and worked her dogs. Points covered
in their talk were preparation and presentation of the breed for showing
and particular emphasis was placed on the rustic and natural appearance
that is considered as correct for the breed with attention drawn to the
need for cords to be split by hand. The result of the use of grooming
tools and combing was mentioned and how this is considered as incorrect
for this breed. The correct minimum and maximum lengths for the coat were
demonstrated using dogs present on the day, one of the dogs displaying
a coat that was one year's growth showing the wispy ends and attention
was paid on to how to recognize a coat that is well over a year's growth
that has had the ends of the cords cut to still be within the maximum
length of 12 cms. Both speakers reiterated the fact that this breed should
not be presented in the show-ring to look either like a Poodle or a Puli
and that a variety of lengths of coat were acceptable within the minimum
and maximum lengths as endorsed in Spain.
The general consensus of opinion was that the day was most enjoyable and
informative with the proceedings enhanced by an excellent light lunch
laid on by the Club. I am sure all who were present would join me in thanking
our guest speakers for their excellent talks and for the hard work from
the Committee to make this day a success for the Club.
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On January 1st 2008 Spanish Water Dogs was transferred on to the KC Breed Register and can be shown in variety classes or in classes scheduled especially for the breed. We now have a list of clubs and societies that have agreed to schedule classes for SWDs in 2008. See new Link on Left Show List
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Di’s Fun
Behavioural & Training Weekend
September 1st & 2nd 2007
Well, it finally happened. At the third attempt the weather
finally relented and the weekend went ahead without any meteorological
hitches!!! The Heavens did open, quite substantially, but not until those
that were going home on Sunday evening had left. The stragglers who weren’t
leaving till Tuesday didn’t seem to care – may have been suffering
from alcohol poisoning!
On Saturday Angi Hodges gave us an excellent demonstration on ‘First
Aid for Dogs’ ably supported by ‘Caspar’, her stalwart
plastic patient. She also joined ranks with Jenny Johnson later in the
day to give some advice on various aspects of scent work. Thanks to both
of them.
There were various ‘training and behavioural’ sessions throughout
the weekend which seemed to be well-received, covering such issues as
the building blocks of training; preventing chasing & herding; teaching
‘Leave’ and training versus manners in gateways and doorways
(many thanks to Pete Johnson for my lovely shiny new red and yellow gate!!).
Everyone seemed to be fairly happy with the food, of which there was plenty.
I must give thanks to Jane Morgan, my friend from Ross who, despite not
owning a Spanish Water Dog (yet!!!) once again pulled out all the stops
to provide wonderful lunches and fabulous desserts for the BBQ. Kylee
Noad also supplied some of her terrific cakes for our enjoyment. A friend
of two of our members from Somerset who was just here for the day brought
with her some scrumptious home-made scones which she prepared with strawberry
jam and cream for a surprise afternoon tea on Saturday. Thank you Joanne!
You can definitely come again!
A Water Dog event would not be complete without an element of competition.
On Saturday the ‘Obstacle Races’ were won by Lynne Walker
& Brio; Jenny Johnson & Tas were second closely followed by Arno
Friedl & Zara.
Sunday saw the running of the ‘Recall Races – with distractions.
It has to be said that the only dog that succumbed to said ‘distractions’
belonged to me! There was a ‘run-off’ for fist and second
place between Arno’s Zara and Kylee’s Teasel which was won,
just, by Zara. In third place, thus keeping it all in the family, was
Brenda Friedl’s Piper.
On Sunday afternoon we had a ‘Breed Match’ judged by Jenny
Johnson. Best in Match was Paul & Carolyn Bishop’s super young
dog, Sete, bred by Janet Peart. Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Match was
Kylee & Titch Noad’s Teasel, bred by myself and Best Puppy was
Yo-Yo who belongs to Jane Lambert & Tanya Majewicz and was bred by
Gill Frost & Pat Booth. Well done to all who took part.
Following this we had a ‘Fun Novelty Match’ with four classes,
judged by Linda (sorry, I don’t know your surname!!) who was visiting
from her home in Cornwall. The winners were a follows:
‘Dog with the saddest eyes’. There was no contest here!! The
winner, who could never have been disputed, was Kes, an Italian Spinone
belonging to Debbie Perrin.
‘Best Six Legs’and ‘Best Novelty’. Another fairly
easy choice for the Judge since the winner, Robin Walker with his dog,
Brio, was dressed in a string vest and some extremely interesting and
enormous knickers! Very 1920s and, dare I say, fetching? Robin deserved
to win for sheer courage alone! The goose pimples were a sight to behold!
‘Best Trick’ was won in great style by Jenny Johnson who has
trained Tas to be a very efficient litter collector. Impressive.
‘Dog the Judge would like to take home’ was a walk-over for
yet another ‘foreigner’, Yoda, Faye Allen’s handsome
and adorable Tibetan Mastiff. If memory serves correctly this was not
the first time he had won this award.
On both days there were opportunities for everyone to have a go at agility
and flyball thanks to Lynne Walker, Gill Frost and Pat Booth who kindly
gave up their time to offer their expertise in these areas.
Thanks must go also to Diane and Doreen Philipson who, once again, brought
along their Tombola and other fund-raising attractions.
The final tally of monies to be donated to the Club and Welfare is yet
to be worked out. Approximately £850 was taken over the weekend
but expenses have yet to be deducted and Diane and Doreen’s contribution
needs to added in. Also Titch was taking photos all weekend for those
who wanted them and will be donating £55 pounds from the proceeds.
As soon as figures are available you will be informed.
I must personally thank all those who helped to make the weekend a success,
particularly Jane, Kylee and Titch without whom it would never have happened
at all.
Di Williamson.
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(Fun & Games at the Mill)
August 12th 2007
Garden Party was the original idea – field gathering
actually took place! Due to a wonderful response about sixty people with
around forty dogs attended and the weather played a good part except for
one sharp shower which didn’t seem to deter anyone!
The main activities were:
An agility course: – the fastest time recorded by Miguel and Di
Williamson, closely followed by Jane Appleton with Carmen and then Kylee
Noad with Teasel.
The lake retrieve proved interesting with lots of splashing for owners
and dogs! Amelia with Bailey showed how it should be done, with Lynn Napier-Wong
and Tiggi in second place. Jenny Johnson with Tas came third.
After lunch dogs donned eye catching head gear, also matched by some owners,
for the Summer Bonnet Competition. My Daughter and Daughter-in-Law had
a difficult decision in picking the winner as some super outfits were
displayed – however Rosa with Margaret Mills gained first place
with Miguel/Manchita and Di Williamson runners-up. Lynn Napier-Wong was
third with Colin.
Racing was next on the agenda, organised by my Son, Paul again. This year
we tried it with several brush jumps over the course, but left the sides
open. This proved rather a distraction to some dogs who were somewhat
bemused as to which direction the lure had actually taken and running
wide in the process!! Janet Peart’s Pardo was the fastest dog, with
Wanda Sooby’s Taffle the fastest bitch. Taffle was overall Champion
in the run-off.
The star attraction of the party was the book launch. A really comprehensive,
hard back copy of the ‘Spanish Water Dog Book’ written by
Wanda Sooby and Di Williamson was introduced and signed copies were available
to the party goers. Judging by the line of people waiting to buy, congratulations
must go to Di and Wanda for a super achievement – I am sure all
SWD enthusiasts will purchase one!
The President’s Prize was won by Arno Friedl, and Diane Phillipson
won the Bag of Dog Goodies. The President’s Childrens’ Goody
Bag was won by Zach Freer.
£425 was raised for the Welfare and Rehoming Fund.
I personally thank all who came along to make it such a successful occasion.
Joan Hubbard,
President, Spanish Water Dog Club.
Well done, Pardo!
(Don't think Julie Andrews needs to worry this time!!)
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Provisional report on Match 2007
We have some news from the Netherlands. Their Club members are interested in our Water Training and wish to do something similar.
**URGENT**
UPDATE ON THE EYE RESEARCH
ON SPANISH WATER DOGS
01/02/2007
The Spanish Water Dog Club wishes to announce that we have had confirmation
from the Kennel Club to say that Spanish Water Dogs will be transferred
from the 'Imported Breeds Register' to the 'Breed Register' as from
January 2008. This is another major milestone in the history of the
breed in the UK and also means that we will be eligible for a greater
variety of classes at shows and events. I personally, would like to
thank everyone on the Committee and others who helped with the application
to the Kennel Club that led to this successful outcome.
Wanda Sooby Acting Secretary
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25/11/2006
The Club has received notification from Dr Jeff Sampson, Genetics Co-ordinator
for the Kennel Club that the Eye Panel Working Party has placed the
Spanish Water Dog on Schedule 'A' of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme for
Glaucoma/Goniodgenesis. This will mean that the results of examinations
for this condition will be sent directly to the Kennel Club where it
will be placed on the dog's registration database and published in the
next available Breed Records Supplement.
This also means that testing is now a requirement for breeding stock
prior to being bred from for any breeder who is a member of the Accredited
Breeder Scheme. This will come into effect on January 1st 2007.
This has to be good news for the breed that this hideous disease, which
has already been found in a small number of dogs, will be tested for
by all Accredited Breeders and, hopefully, also other responsible breeders.
Elimination is probably a long way off but this is the first step in
the right direction to lower the incidence of occurrence.
Wanda Sooby (Acting Secretary)
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Saturday 12th August
Dear Members,
Due to a combination of ongoing health problems, personal circumstances and a new job our Hon. Secretary, Faye Allen has felt that she could no longer devote the amount of time required to continue as our Secretary and all the work it entails, therefore she has tendered her resignation at the Committee Meeting of 6th August.
It was agreed by the Committee that I should hold the post of Acting Secretary until the AGM in February 2007, when it will become available for nominations.
Faye has been co-opted on to the Committee and will continue giving her help and advice to the Club. I am sure that you would all like to thank Faye for the hard work she has done as our Secretary and wish her well in her new job.
If you wish to contact me as Acting Secretary you can get in touch on 01724 762317, sooby@crossings25.fsnet.co.uk or at Station Farmhouse, Northorpe, Gainsborough, Lincs, DN21 4AJ.
"simply the best"
9-10-93 to 7-08-06
may he rest in peace & be happy to join the love of his life - Bonita
A small celebration of Azor's life
Please let his legacy be that we keep testing and endeavour to breed no more dogs who go blind because of glaucoma.
Faye
