news - 11/12/2004 Brussels Dog Show 2004 - Belgium
by Karl DonvilBrussels has changed for the best
The 109th edition of this prestigious Championship Show of Brussels, has regained its glory.
No less then 2878 dogs have competed for the title of Belgian Champion. All those dogs came from 26 different countries and were judged by 37 judges from 15 different countries. Indeed Brussels has outnumbered Kortrijk.
It is striking that this show has changed since a few years and found its spirit again. For a lot of exhibitors it is still one of the must on the Belgian Showscene. But it seems that no longer this si a show where mainly Belgian judges are invited and this probably makes it more attractive now and increased fair competition also for foreign exhibitors.
Unfortunatily there is a big problem for next year as the halls are not available. Probably there will be no show next year, unless the find a solution or a new location.
The new committee has undoubtetly inherited a big problem.
The most important change has to do with the overall organisation. Compared to a few years ago the public has something to see and the halls were comfortably warm. In the main ring offered spectacle all day long and that is how it should be. There were deomstration of Guide Dogs, the Army team, the Belgian Breeds, Doggydance, the Royal Boxerclub, the Club Cynologique de l’Ile St.Hélène and a remarkable presentation of the American Staffordshire Rescue team.
The Catalogue has changed too. Owners’ adresses are no longer in an appendix, but figure under the details of each dog. That saves a lot of unnessary printing and paper. The catalogue contains now also statistics,which is a lot of help for me to eveluate details. It tells me that 41 handlers came over from England and Ireland to show 62 dogs. Two dogs came over from Greece, two from Lithuania, one from Monaco, 5 handlers and 6 dogs from the Ukraine and 13 Russians with 16 dogs.
The judges came from as far as Australia and it was mr.E.Ward too that had the record entry with 83 Golden Retrievers to judge. Mr.MC Gillivray from the UK had also a nice entry with 59 Labradors. Mr.Korozs Andras From Hungary had a total entry on Saturday of 105, but it was Mr.Gaijic Zeljko from Slovenia who had ther erecord entry of 134. They both judged part of the Terrier group that was extremely well represented in general. On Sunday it was Mr.Kerihuel M. from France who was the recordholder with 109 Shepherds followed by Karrock Michael from Germany with 102 dogs, mainly from group 5 followed by Mrs. Mach from Switserland with 100 dogs. She did the Poodles and 25 Chinese Crested dogs.
The BIS winner was a most remarkable dog, partly owned by Mr.Heinesche from Belgium and Mrs. Tansacha from Bangkok. This dog is touring in Europe to win a record of international titles. He allready won several BOB’s and BIS’s and started its splendid career in Asia. This dog is a really exceptional dog, very well handled and groomed and with a remarkable steady character, the way a real topwinning dog should be. Whatch out if this dog is competion on your next show!
I am very confident that this show and its new committee are encouraged with this success and will solve the future problems with ease.
Let us hope that Brussels will be ale to soon announce its 110th edition for 2005 or 2006.
