For most dog-folk, recovery from the recession remains painfully slow, and many found their campaign trails seriously curtailed. For the third consecutive year, clubs around the country recorded worrying reductions in entry numbers, so the need to attract exhibitors by offering top quality shows has become a major factor. Whatever the reason for exhibitors staying away, it is the responsibility of all of us, collectively and individually, to encourage newcomers to our sport - and we can only do this by packing away personal agendas and striving to ensure that the hobby is largely a pleasant experience with every role player working for the greater good.

SHOWDOGS webstats continued to show an increase in the average number of unique visitors to the site. Huge thanks to our advertisers and wonderful supporters, at home and abroad. We are totally committed to bringing you show-related news and information as we celebrate our beautiful dogs and what they mean to us.

Not one, but two new All-breeds clubs were affiliated to KUSA during 2011, both in the Western Cape - the West Coast KC and Swartland KC successfully held their open shows during the year and will hold qualifying shows during 2012, with their first championship shows planned for 2013. Also in the Western Cape, the French Bulldog Club of the Western Cape was affiliated to serve the growing numbers of Frenchie owenrs.

Several newly-formed clubs held successful qualifying shows and are now qualified to present championship shows: East Coast Sighthound Club, Griqualand Bull Terrier Club, Chow Chow Club of Gauteng, and the White Swiss Shepherd Dog Club of the Western Cape

Joining the KZN shows at the end of July, the KZN Junior KC held their first championship show in 2011.

SHOWDOGS wishes a long and successful future for each of these new clubs.

At the Animaltalk Top 100 Award Ceremony in Johannesburg on 15 January, the country's top dogs and their owners celebrated a year of high achievement in the ring. Well done to all! AnimalTalk hosts this sought-after Top 100 all-breeds rating system.

Throughout the year preceding, dogs and their owners fervently competed for a place in the Animaltalk Top 100 points ratings. In January, the Top 100 dogs are honoured at a sumptuous lunch with gifts galore and plenty of entertainment, including a hair-raising American Auction or two, the funds raised for the benefit of dog charities such as Barking Mad. This year's celebrity guest was Survivor Runner-up, Ashley Hayden, who threw herself whole-heartedly into the fund-raising excitement.

On the other side of the world, the Westminster Kennel Club Show was held on 10 & 11 February. This magnificent showcase of American champions attracts huge interest from fanciers around the world, enhanced in modern times with streaming videos available online within two hours of each event - almost like being there! Best in Show over 2,500 dogs this year went to a Scottish Deerhound, GCH FOXCLIFFE HICKORY WIND (Sweatt / Dove).

South Africa's National Junior Handler, Graeme Graham, equipped himself outstandingly well the the dfs Crufts 2011 International Junior Handlers Competition. A strong favourite with the audience, who appreciated and supported his flawless performance, Graeme was surprisingly not shortlisted to the finals. Graeme handled an English Springer Spaniel and a Hungarian Vizsla to perfection. Well done, Graeme - South Africa is proud of you! Winner was the representative from Poland.

Crufts 2011 Best in Show winner was the Flat-coated Retriever (9 years old) - SH CH VBOS THE KENTUCKIAN (Irvine)

In an effort to improve the status of Breed Judges in South Africa, the National Judges Committee will require all Learner and Qualified Judges to wear this uniform while officiating in the ring at championship and non-championship shows.

For each group the judge qualifies, the judge will also be entitled to wear a bronze lapel badge for that group. On completion of all seven groups, the judge will be awarded a 7 carat gold-plated All-breeds badge.

Judges will be required to purchase this uniform from the following supplier....

The popular Port Elizabeth shows drew the usual crowd of campers on the grounds - a wonderfully social time can always be guaranteed.

Uitenhage KC - 2 April:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mrs Gael Morison: SHIH TZU - CH. WINTERHOLME'S LOVE STORY AT DUNSTARS (AUCAMP)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mr Michael Canalizo (USA): SHAR PEI - DOROPER POETIC JUSTICE (VORSTER)

Down south, in the beautifully shady James Pearce Park, the East London shows took part in glorious weather.

East London KC - 21 May:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mrs Sue Carter: DOBERMANN - CH CHALDONNE CHEKPOINTCHARLI (LUCAS / RENCKEN)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mr Alec McKinley: BOXER - TITANWOLVERINE FIRE FIGHTER OF MONTALA (STREAK)

Then it was off to the Little Karoo for the Oudtshoorn weekend - always a favourite amongst the country shows.

Outeniqua KC - 11 June:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mrs Jackie Ratner: SHIH TZU - CH WINTERHOLME'S LOVE STORY AT DUNSTARS (AUCAMP)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mrs Sue Carter: RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK - YAW ADYUBA ROYALTY BY FLAIR FOR GONDWANA (JACOBS)

The KUSA National Handler competition was coupled with Junior KC show this year to accommodate the Juniors' age eligibility for the International Handlers Competition at crufts 2012.

In their new calendar slot, Junior KC held their third championship show:

Junior KC - 25 June:
~ Best in Show - Judge Mr Richard Stoate (Aus): SALUKI - ROARINGWATER STORM WARNING (BEKKER)
~ Best Puppy in Show - Judge Mr Richard Stoate (Aus): SHIH TZU - DUNSTARS SUMMER LOVE (AUCAMP)

MARRIAGE AND COMMITMENT

~ Julia Lawson (Swordstone Irish Wolfhounds) and Roger Scott decided to tie the knot in Johannesburg on 16 April - with Irish Wolfhounds in attendance, of course! And it rained! Julia and Roger followed this with a blessing ceremony for family in Lyminigton and a honeymoon in the UK and France.

~ After 16 years together, the SHOWDOGS Team, Joy McFarlane & Elrena Stadler formalised their commitment to each other on 16 June at an "Arabian nights" celebration and feast (complete with all the trappings and a belly dancer!) - and with Salukis in attendance, of course! And it rained!

OBITUARIES

~ The French Bulldog community suffered another blow with the passing of Maureen Martin (Zamu) from a suspected heart attack on 9 February. A work colleague who managed to break into her house, discovered Maureen in bed. Condolences to her daughter Claire, son-in-law Martin, her very new grandson, sisters Pat and Daphne and her legion of friends. Maureen was a delightful person and a good friend. The Grand Central Utility Breeds Club of which she was a very hard-working committee member, will be the poorer for her loss.

~ The dog community was saddened to hear of the passing, on 8 February, of Peter Smith, husband of Rosemary (Smithvale) and father of Andrew & David, after a protracted illness. Peter was an avid show person for many years with an enormous love for his dogs, and was quick to appreciate those of others. 

~ Dr Karl Daiber (Jacaranda) passed away on 12 February in a Pretoria hospital. Karl was husband to Lore, Patron of The South African Dachshund Club, and long-time breeder of Mini-long Dachshunds. To Lore and family our heartfelt condolences.

~ Condolences to Rod Jarman, who lost his mother at the remarkable age of 94.

~ Mari Botha, wife of Hendrik (Henmari Boston Terriers), passed away on Thursday 24 March after a long battle with cancer. Condolences to family and friends.

~ Glynne Anderson passed away on the morning of 7 June after a battle with bone cancer. Glynne was an Animal Behaviour Consultant providing a referral practice for vets. She was also a professional dog handler, holding many senior Champion titles in most disciplines in the competitive field of dogdom and was an accredited KUSA Working Trials & Dog Aptitude Testing Judge. We offer our deepest sympathies to Glynne's family at this sad time.

Sincerest condolences to family and friends as you remember your loved ones.