nouvelles - 07/06/2008 Lommel, one day show partly in open air - Belgique
par Karl DonvilLommel, CAC show on one day and partly in open air.
Almost 1000 dogs were entered for this CAC Show, one of the few we have in Belgium. Lommel is situated in the North of Belgium, very close to the Dutch border and in the middle of the woods. An ideal place to have a dog show in open air and to stay for the weekend as this area in a favourite holiday place for families with children, walkers, bickers etc.
Lommel is a small town but has an extremely nice sports centre with spacious parking area and fields of grass around. It offers enough room for a one day dog show with over 1000 dogs if the weather is OK. But as far as I can remember, this show has always had pretty good weather. Of course this is ideal for dog and owner and they both love to come to Lommel.
21 Judges were invited, and although for a CAC it is less expected to have a very international panel of judges, Lommel usually invites judges as if it was a CACIB. 10 of them were Belgians, the remaining 11 were invited from 6 different countries like Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Mr.Abrakimov from Russia cancelled and was replaced by Mrs.Birte Lillian Steffensen from Denmark; she took over his 99 entries, all Terriers. Mr. R.Hadzic was invited from Bosnia-Herzegovina and was obviously the star of the judges as he had 107 dogs in his ring, most of them from group V (Spits and primitive breeds). Best scoring Belgian judge was Mr.August Dewilde. He judged the 32 French Bulldogs, a breed that becomes extremely popular nowadays, and ended with 75 in total, all companion dogs.
The timing was correct, which is very important for a one day show. The main ring started and ended well in time. For the public it was a perfect show as they could see all the breeds without coming back a second day and for a show of this size almost all the most important breeds were shown even the more uncommon breeds. The main ring was correct and nicely decorated. I was told that Eukanuba, the main sponsor of this show, will soon have a new podium, but as it is not available the old and ugly one was still in use. That was the only minor point perhaps.
BIS was judged by Mr. Norman Deschuymere (B). On the third place came the Dachshund “Friso of Lady Joan” from Mr. Holtappels J. Friso was judged also by Mr.Deschuymere and made groupwinner by MR.Theo Leenen (B). Mr.Holtappels in one of the most famous breeders of Standard Shorthair Dachshunds and has bred many Champions.
“Vicary’s Cocorum” an Iris Setter, bred and owned by Mrs.Yvonne Hill-Decoster was asked to take place on the second place of the podium. Cocorum was judged by Mr.P.Hollings from the United Kingdom. Mr.J.P.Achtergael made him later Best of Group. Also Mrs. Hill – Decoster is one of our breeders with international fame as she also bred numerous Champions. Best in Show went to the very nice and super typical Clumber Spaniel “Clussexx Chance Encounter”. He is a dog imported from the United States by Mrs an Mr Counotte-De Vree and is now 4 years old. Mrs. K.Louhi from Finland was impressed by him and made him Best of Breed while Mr.Theo Leenen made him win his group.
Not only were there 3 nice dogs on the podium, but, although this is a rather small show, all the group winners were of a very remarkable high class. This brings this show to a level that is unusual for a CAC show and speaks for the president, Mr. Jef Verrees, and team of this club.
You must have a good reason to skip this show. That was the case with me for two years, as this show is usually on the very same time as the World Show, which was a pity for me as I like this show and the people.
