



| "Who is Who in the world of Labrador
Retrievers" is all about breeders and judges of the past and the present,
and of course about famous Labrador Retrievers.
It's interesting to read the story of breeders who meant and mean so much to this popular breed. The difference between past and present is huge. In the "old days" breeders had trainers, handlers, kennel helps, etc., but nowadays they have to do most of the work themselves. (Well, Her Majesty the Queen, with her Sandringham kennel, may be an exception...) This is only a first draft of "Who is Who in the world of Labrador Retrievers". I invite you to add to or alter the content of this list, if you think that is approriate. Please drop me an e-mail at labradors@usa.net. "Who is Who in the world of Labrador Retrievers" is yet another free service of LabradorNet. We'll keep you informed. Jack Vanderwyk
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A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|ZA- Acheson, Bridget (Ballyduff) - see Acheson, Dr T.S. See also Docking, Bridget.- Acheson, Dr T.S. (Ballyduff) - John Greeves was born in the village of Sculthorpe Nr Fakenham Norfolk, and while still in short trousers he got into beekeeping, befriended and worked alongside the local gamekeeper, which led him to becoming a gamekeeper himself. Immediately he left school. During his 19 years as a gamekeeper he trained and handled Labrador Retrievers for Dr T S Acheson (Ballyduff) in numerous Field Trials until the Dr's untimely death. His first success was with Ballyduff Glenfarg Brambling, qualifying for the Retriever Championship in 1961, and in the same year Brambling won best Labrador Bitch at Crufts. John continued training for Mrs Acheson (latterly Mrs Docking), during which time he gained FT awards with Champion Ballyduff Holly Branch of Keithray, which was Best Dog in the Gundog Group at Crufts. - Agresta, Lisa (Lobuff) - see Lisa Weiss Agresta. - Aikenhead, Major R.C. and Mrs Mary (Powhatan) - Pieta van Dee (Fogel Hlara) writes: "Mary Aikenhead of the Powhatan kennel offered us our first English puppy: Powhatan Black Dee. We still do owe Mary a lot. We never had a better working dog than "Powie". We even gained "best retriever" with her on an all retriever working test." - Allen, Geoff (Allenie) - International judge and breeder. It was in 1976 that a Labrador first entered the Allen household; A litter was found by Landyke Laird x Weston Honey (a Grand Daughter of Ch Reanacre Twister), so Heidi joined their family. By 1980 they decided to look for another Labrador. After making numerous telephone calls and viewing several litters, they tracked down a litter by SH CH Stajantors Honest John x Stajantors Pearl. From this litter they choose a very proud puppy who, at eight weeks of age screamed 'look at me'. The very proud dog turned out to be Sh Ch Squire Harvey of Allenie, a winner of 6 CC's, 1 RCC, a Group Winner and undoubtedly the greatest accolade was winning Best of Breed At Crufts in 1985 and reaching the final eight in the group. There have been many other consistent CC, RCC and Championship Show winners since then which the Allens have campaigned as a family. These include Genisval Charade of Allenie, Sujavia Madonna of Allenie, Allenies’ Royal Romance, the siblings Allenies MacHattie and MacCallum and the veteran Allenies Stolen Moment. - Andersson, Gunilla (Aroscas) - Gunilla Anderson passed away on 12 December 2004. Gunilla has produced many champions since the late 1960s, when she started her kennel. Part of her success were her Sandylands dogs. Gunilla was always helpfull to other breeders. Many of them owe their success to her. - Anthony, Garner (Sandylands) - Having purchased the lovely Sh.Ch.Sandylands Star of Jayncourt from Gwen Broadley previously, in the early 1970’s, Mr.Garner Anthony of Hawaii became a partner with Gwen in the Sandylands prefix and kennel. Mr.and Mrs. Garner Anthony are now partners in the Sandylands kennel, together with Erica Jayes, since Gwen Broadley, who founded the kennel in 1929, passed away in February 1999. Before she died, Gwen made it clear that she would like Sandylands to continue after her time. It was decided to move the kennel to Napton Fields Farm, a short distance from old Sandylands. - Arbuckle, Nancy (Hunt Club) - International judge and breeder. Nancy Arbuckle has been involved with showing and breeding top winning Labrador Retrievers for over twenty years. Nancy's most prestigious accomplishment to date is winning Best Of Breed at the 2000 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with her yellow male Ch Lenches Teddy Bear. Nancy has acquired a wealth of knowledge over the years and she is also an AKC judge for Labradors and Golden Retrievers. B-Bakefield III, Paul (Deer Creek) - A wealthy St. Louis sportsman and avid duck hunter bought a Golden Retriever pup for training to retrieve his downed waterfowl. The pup he purchased at a few weeks of age would become the first Golden Retriever to win the Open in the new sport of Field Trials. The dog named, Rip, was to earn the title of Outstanding Retriever of the Year and received the Field and Stream Trophy for 1939. This was the National Championship for retrievers, which was won in 1938 by the Labrador Retriever Blind Of Arden. A record was set when Rip was awarded the trophy for a second time. Unfortunately, Rip died of internal injury's acquired during an accident. An attempt to win for the third was dismissed with Rip's loss, but his kennel mate Tar Of Arden came through winning the third time in 1940 for Bakewell's Deer Creek Kennels. Another pup had been on a trial basis from Arden kennels and the National Club had started a new trial to determine the National Championship, which was won in 1941 by another Golden Retriever. In 1942 the new puppy had earned a place in the kennel. In 1942 Shed of Arden, a three year old black Labrador, originally acquired on a trial basis, became the winner of the National Championship while Bakewell was on leave from the Navy Air Corps to handle the dog. Shed was bred by William Averill Harriman (Arden), United States Ambassador to the U.K. Unable to get leave again for the 1943 National Championship another handler competed with Shed and again the results were the same. Now Shed Of Arden had won back-to-back Nationals. Military obligations kept Bakewell from competing in 1945. In 1946 WWII had ended enabling Bakewell to handle Shed in the National. The last series was a multiple mark set up and when Shed emerged from the cold water of Crab Orchard Lake he had won his third National Championship. 1948 brought a new season and Bakewell was more determined than ever to win the National. His sensation of the circuit, the dog described by others as the greatest, had been poisoned. Little Pierre Of Deer Creek now gone it was up to Pierre's kennel mate, Marvadel Black Gum, to pick up where Pierre left off. The dog came through to fill Bakewell's dream and won the 1948 National. The Little Pierre loss had soured Bakewell toward the sport and other than occasionally judging assignment was all he did. Seven Nationals, 4 Dual CH, and a High Point Derby a record that would beat in a lifetime, but the record were achieved in ten years. According to Paul Bakefield III all Labradors must show good aptitude, attractiveness, and cleverness on the ground. They should also have the capacity to generate an excellent offspring. (View pictures).-Barfield, Barbara (Scrimshaw) - AKC judge and breeder. She writes, "My history with Labradors began in the 1950’s when my best friend Louise and I decided to get summer jobs in kennels. Louise got a job in a wonderful Collie kennel and I was offered one in a kennel full of those plain, black dogs that were still relatively unknown. Needless to say, I immediately fell totally in love with Labradors. I was most fortunate and honored to have as my mentor and friend, Barbara Barty-King of Aldenholme Kennels, one of the leading kennels of the day. Joan Read, of Chidley, is another person to whom I owe a great deal and I must also include Dorothy Howe, of Rupert, Charlotte Rockwell of Jonte, and my dear friend Mary Swan of Chebacco. Thanks to Mrs. Barty-King I received an unparalleled education involving all aspects of the Labrador Retriever - showing, field training, obedience training, pedigrees, breeding and all aspects of kennel work done properly. At Aldenholme, I was allowed to handle the “second string” while Mrs. Barty-King showed “first string.” However, as it is sometimes with children and dogs, I won my first Best of Breed in 1954 with Aldenholme Robbina (a daughter of Chidley Robber). I never looked back. In the 1960’s after school and marriage I knew I wanted to continue Aldenholme lines but unfortunately Mrs. Barty-King was no longer breeding Labs. I managed to find enough of her lines in other kennels to begin breeding and in two generations had what I would consider my foundation. In 1973 I bred my first champion, Ch. Scrimshaw Another Deacon, a grandson of Tweed of Blaircourt and the son of Scrimshaw Mother Carey who went back to all my old favorites from Aldenholme. In due time we bred Can.Ch.Scrimshaw Manda Lifeboats to Eng./Am./Can.Ch. Lindall Mastercraft. The Manda/Mastercraft breedings gave us several champions, hunting titled dogs, obedience title holders, producers of champions, wonderful companions and not least, a guide dog for the blind. This breeding also produced what we consider our “once-in-a-lifetime dog" - Ch. Scrimshaw Duckless Fairbank JH WC. Duckless went on to produce over 100 puppies for Guiding Eyes For The Blind in Yorktown Heights, NY in addition to many champions, show and field winners, hunting dogs, bomb dogs, obedience dogs, trackers, companions, and wonderful, typical Labs. He was a great character who was noted for producing fantastic, positively bomb-proof temperaments, soundness and good looks as well as intelligence and working ability. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren and great grandchildren who are still in evidence today. We are fortunate to still have some of his children with us at Scrimshaw. Although I am now an AKC judge, my husband, John and I still breed one or two litters a year. (Read the full story.) - Beckett, Diana (Kimvalley) - International judge and breeder. She also wrote several books about Labradors, like "Pet Owner's Guide to the Labrador Retriever". - Bedford, Julie (Croftsway) - This New Zealand based kennel was established in 1975, when Julie was 12 years old. Over the years there have been numerous imports from some of the worlds' leading kennels - Poolstead, Charway, Driftway, to name a few... These have given her a strong base with which to work. The kennel is now entering its 33rd year of exhibiting and breeding Labradors in New Zealand. - Bedford, Mac (Wynfaul) - Mac Bedford of Wynfaul Labradors and John and Glenda Crook of Balrion had always had an interest in dark yellows. It was this interest that led to the rebirth of the fox red. Ch Balrion King Frost's litters seemed always to produce very dark yellows. It was one of his granddaughters that produced the great Ch Wynfaul Tabasco, the father of the modern fox red Labrador. See also Percival, Mrs M.A. - Biegel, Emily (Toll House) - Emily Biegel came to Labradors in the 1970s. After showing and breeding Dalmatians for several years, she went to work at the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in 1977 and promptly fell in love with Labs. Although her kennel name, Toll House, reflects her first breed, Labradors are her only breed now. For 16 years, Emily directed the breeding program at the Foundation, producing hundreds of successful guide dogs, as well as show champions and specialty winners. She also found her husband, John, and her dear friend, Lisa Weiss, at the Foundation. Emily and her dogs have competed successfully in hunting retriever tests, obedience trials and agility, giving emphasis to the versatility and all-around abilities of the Labrador. Two Maine Coon Cats (who think they are really Labradors) also share the Biegel home. - Black, David (Balmuto) - From 1917 till about 1949 David Black produced several field champions, like Balmuto Jock in 1922 and Balmuto Bewildo in 1932. - Blais, Jean Louis (Chablais) - International judge and breeder. Chablais Kennel is owned by Jean-Louis Blais and Madeleine Charest since 1979. They are located in Saint Gilles, near Quebec City, Canada. They have produced more than 95 Canadian champions and more than 15 American Champions and many champions in other countries. - Blunt, Louise (Balrion) - International judge and breeder. Daughter of John and Glenda Crook. - Booth, Irene (Bowstones) - see Britton, Ann. - Booth, Marjorie (Stormley) - International judge and breeder. After a number of years with horses she decided to purchase a Labrador, this was in the 1960s and with the help of Mr. Oldfield of the Hindlehurst affix, she mated her first bitch to Glenarvey Balbriggan and so Stormley Labradors came into being, Storm because the dog she kept from the first litter was born in a snowstorm, and Ley the last three letters of the town where she lived. Marjorie breeds Yellow, Black and Chocolate Labradors, but concentrated recently on the Chocolates, and Stormley Labradors are well known for the lovely dark Chocolates. This is due to having black in the mating, this is important to keep the dark eyes and coat. - Brabban, Joyce (Cambremer) - International judge and breeder. Cambremer Labradors were established in 1965. The kennels first challenge certificate winner was the yellow bitch Braunspath Simona of Cambremer, followed by the purchase of a yellow male named Glenarem Skyrocket, who became the kennels 1st Champion. The breeding of both these dogs was mainly Sandylands and Lawnwoods. It was the mating together of these two labradors that established Cambremer and produced the kennels 1st home bred title winner namely Sh. Ch. Cambremer St. Clair.The kennel to the present date has had 15 British Champions and 10 Foreign Champions and has won 106 Challenge Certificates. - Brabban, Leslie (Cambremer) - see Brabban, Joyce. - Braddon, Derek (Trendlewood) - see Braddon, Fiona. - Braddon, Fiona (Trendlewood) - International judge and breeder. The Trendlewood kennel was founded in 1978. The Braddons have produced many champions since, and are still very active in show and exhibition. - Braddon, J.H. (Ide) - Ide kennel produced several champions since 1944, the most famous being Blacksmith of Ide (1946), and American Ch Harris Tweed of Ide (< 1962). - Brandley, Alison (Brandhams) - In 1985 she was fortunate to purchase her foundation bitch Boothgates Hot Scoop For Brandham 'Purdy' off her dear friends Marilyn and David Nightingale. The Brandhams kennel will always be in debt to them for this. When Alison collected Purdy there was a dog puppy and her left with Marilyn. The dog was to be known well as Boothgates Headliner. Marilyn has been known to call Purdy the 'ugly duckling' that turned into the beautiful swan. Purdy produced Brandhams Hot Choice For Oulsmi 'Becky', who stayed quite by accident after a breeder did not collect her. She in turn produced Brandhams Keepsake and Brandhams Show Stopper ("Oscar") in the same litter. Then Alison had Brandhams Hold Me Close 'Fudge', her CH. Kupros Master Mariner daughter from Becky, who produced some excellent dogs. - Britton, Ann (Bowstones) - International judge, exhibitor and breeder. Member of the UK Kennel Club since 1988. All Breed UK Championship dog show organiser. Show Architect for 2 day Ladies Kennel Association Ch Show. Show Architect, for the 4 day National Dog Show, the UK’s oldest Ch dog show est. 1859. Committee Member of the West of England Ladies Kennel Society who run the 3 day all breeds Ch show. (All these annual shows have around 12,000 dogs entered.) Ann writes: "I have written the weekly Labrador breed column in Our Dogs magazine for the past 10 years. I write Labradors articles for dog books and magazines at home and abroad. I co- edited the 2003 and 2007 editions of Pedigree Labradors of the United Kingdom, and I was one of the co-writers of the 2008 Best of Breed series The Labrador Retriever. Bowstones kennel was founded in 1946 by my late mother, Irene Booth, (Bowstones Ch Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Ch Shih Tzus as well as Labradors). She showed Labradors in the 1930s and supplied yellow working Labradors to HRH King George VIth’s kennel at Windsor in the late 1940s. All her show Labradors were gun trained by Mr Hardy Carruthers- Orchardton. My first Labrador was a yellow bitch, Bowstones Bridget b.1946, a daughter of Staindrop Saighdear. In 1973, I purchased an excellent Kinley bred yellow bitch. She was unshown due to my show planning involvement. Living near the Bradking kennels of Arthur and Peggy Kelley a close link with Bradking was formed in the 1980s. Bowstones Labradors still retain the Bradking lines today. In the 1980s I purchased two black bitches, Brentcalm Lovealot of Bowstones (Sh Ch Bradking Cassidy x Simandem Sorceress of Brentcalm) and Bradking Marquesa of Bowstones (Ch Kupros Master Mariner x Keysun Ruling Star of Bradking). Marquesa was litter sister to Sh Ch Bradking Music Maker of Kingstream, Sh Ch Bradking Mollie Mo and Am Ch Bradking Mike). These two bitches are behind all the present day Bowstones Labradors. Specialising in blacks and yellows, with emphasis upon maintaining a strong bitch line of correct type and fit for purpose, I have bred or owned the UK Labrador champions/ CC/ RCC winners:- Ch Bowstones Carruthers – yellow, (6CCs 6BOBs 12 RCCs winner of Gundog Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4. Runner-Up in the Finals of UK Pup of the Year (all breeds) Competition 1996), Sh Ch Bowstones Susanna – black, (5CCs 1BOB 2RCCs); Sh Ch Bowstones Martha Black –black, (4CCs 1BOB Group3. 3RCCs); Sh Ch Llanstinan Buzby Bowstones JW – yellow, (4CCs 1BOB, 9RCCs) Top Labrador Puppy 2004, Pup of the Year Finalist 2005 and Top UK Gundog in the Pick of the Litter Competition all breeds 2005; Bowstones Bandannagh – yellow, (2CCs, 1BOB); Bradking Roseanna of Bowstones –yellow, (1CC, 1BOB Group 2, 2RCCs), Bowstones Bertie Wooster of Llanstinan – black, (1CC, 2RCCs). We are currently campaigning Llanstinan Morwenna of Bowstones JW – black, (2RCCs) and her daughter sired by Sh Ch Llanstinan Buzby Bowstones JW, Bowstones Beattie – black, (3RCCs)." - Broadley, Gwen (Sandylands) - International judge and breeder. She passed away in February, 1999. She was the founder of Sandylands kennel, and the life and soul of it for 67 years. Her Sandylands prefix is the most successful prefix in the history of the show Labrador. Around the middle 1950’s, Mrs. Broadley went into partnership with Countess Howe (Banchory). An interesting arrangement was made whereby some of the dogs were in the joint ownership of the two ladies but both Countess Howe and Mrs. Broadley had some dogs in their own names. The period through the middle 1960’s to the early 1980’s was an especially fruitful one for the show Labrador; show after show was graced by good sized and good quality entries and the Sandylands kennel was right at the very heart of this scene. The stud dogs Tandy and Mark and later Sandylands Charlie Boy, Sh. Ch. Sandylands Gary, Sh. Ch. Sandylands Blaze, Sh. Ch. Sandylands Stormalong and others were producing champion after champion for experienced breeders and novices alike. Mrs. Broadley was a much sought-after judge. She judged all over the world, though possibly the highlight of her career was to judge Best In Show at Crufts in 1978. Mrs. Gwen Broadley was in a unique position within the dog show world. There is no question she was and is the first lady of Labradors, and many people regard her as the most successful breeder of dogs in Britain. - Brulin, Britt-Marie (Puh) - International judge and breeder. Britt-Marie has produced an impressive number of Labradors, most of them between 1963 and 1993. Puh's Imp (1977) and Puh's Superman (1975) were just two of the many champions she produced. - Buccleuch, Fifth Duke of (Buccleuch) (1806-1884), - Walter Francis Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch, 7th Duke of Queensberry KG, PC, was a British politician and nobleman. He was one of the first (about 1835) to import dogs from Newfoundland on to his estates in the Scottish Borders for use as gundogs because of their excellent retrieving capabilities.While Buccleuch Labradors were never actually trialed, being bred entirely for 'work' purposes, the bloodline has formed the ancestry of many champions over the years, including the first labrador to be placed at a retriever trial in 1906 (FTCh Flapper). The main characteristics of the traditional Buccleuch Labrador are a good nose, a tender mouth and an intelligent and courageous temperament. Their heads are often shorter than the average Labrador, they have a thick double coat and frequently have the 'otter' tail. The pure strain can only throw black puppies. The Buccleuchs belonged, together with the Earls of Home, to the so called "northern set" of Britains 19th century's priviliged hunting world, while the Malmesbury's belonged to the "southern set". - Burman, Anncharlott (Tjotte) - In 1980 she bought her first labrador and it was a yellow male. Her first chocolate was also a male, bought in 1983. He really was an allround dog, obedience champion and rescue dog. He also won 1 CC and had prizes from field trials and tracking tests. Anncharlott's first bitch, back in 1984, was LP Umanioras Mocca Made, and she is the origin to almost all her dogs today. Her first litter was born in 1986, and her dogs have done very well in the showring. Among many titles, she won Best Puppy in Show more than 40 times and the Gundog Group with 11 different dogs. Up to date she has 18 chocolate show champions & 8 black. If you're wondering what "Tjotte" means: it's short for Anncharlott. :-) - Burton, Ken and Hazel (Blondella) - Their most famous dogs were Keysun Teko of Blondella (1974) and his son Keysun Krispin of Blondella (1979). - Butter, Captain Archibald E. (Faskally) - In 1909 he made his debut as a Labrador handler. Previously he had trained Pointers and Flat Coated Retrievers with success. Archie Butter's contribution to the development of working Labradors is exceptional and important. In 1911 his Peter of Faskally became Winner of the Challenge Cup, and in 1913 this was achieved by his Patron of Faskally. They carried much Buccleuch blood on both sides. As a stud force FT. Ch. Peter of Faskally was pre-eminent, and he left his imprint on the annals of the breed which the roll of time has endorsed. From the 22 he mated, no fewer than 32 of his progeny were winners or placed in stakes. He sired one very important Champion to the breed in Withington Dorando, as well as two Field Trial Champions, Patron of Faskally and Peter of Whitmore. Archibald Butter served on the Committee of the Labrador Retriever Club from its foundation until his death in 1928, at the early age of 54; his wife, Helen, who had been a member since 1921 was given the rare distinction of being made an Honorary Member. C- Cairns, Grant (Blaircourt) - see Cairns, Margie.- Cairns, Margie (Blaircourt) - International judge and breeder. Around the late 1950’s the Sandylands kennel needed a stud dog and Gwen Broadley asked for a puppy from a litter bred by Grant and Margie Cairns and so the legendary Ch.Sandylands Tweed of Blaircourt arrived at Sandylands. Tweed proved to be a critically important influence upon the show Labrador and he added a new level of authority to an already extremely important kennel.Tweed’s grandson, Tandy, was the first major yellow stud dog at Sandylands. In 1959 and 1960 Ch Ruler of Blaircourt became winner at Crufts. A noble gesture ended a show of the Labrador Club of Scotland when Maurice Givan, the referee, spontaneously presented Margie Cairns, the honorary president of this club, with his buttonhole of heather, thistle and tartan ribbon as a token of respect for her contribution to Labradors throughout the years. This received a round of much deserved applause. Margie passed away on Thursday. August 26, 2010, as a result of a burst bowel. - Campbell, A. (Flodden) - Between 1922 and 1934 Captain Campbell produced a number of dogs which became of importance to the Labrador world. One of them was Dual Champion Flute of Flodden (1922), a son of Titus of Whitmore. Another was Fearless of Flodden (1923), a son of Banchory Bolo. - Carpanini, Penny (Carpenny) - International judge and breeder. Penny has produced many champions, some of them British, others American, Australian, or international. She writes, "Bought my first Labrador a yellow male in 1965. Started showing in 1967 and registered the ‘Carpenny’ affix. However raising my own family took precedence for the next twenty years. Bought my first Labrador bitch 1970. Bred my first litter and my first judging appointment 1974. Bred my first big show winner 1984. Made up my first UK champion1986. Exceeded 100 UK CCs in the breed 2008. Awarded CCs in Labradors for the first time in 1989 followed by championship appointments every year bar one since then. Have judged nearly all of the UK Labrador breed club championship shows including The Labrador Retriever Club and Midland Counties LRC, plus most of the prestigious UK all-breed championship shows over the years including Dogs at Crufts 2008. Since my first appointment outside the UK at the Reims International France 1989, I have awarded CCs / Green Stars / CACs / CACIBs or the equivalent, throughout Europe and beyond every year to date. My judging experience has taken me, often many times, to France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Italy, Spain, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Romania, USA, Australia, Japan and Mexico. I have been privileged to judge Crufts, the Norwegian KC’s Oslo championship show, The LRC of NSW Australia, The Potomac in Virginia, The Golden Gate California and the LRC of Georgia USA and to judge the first ever LRC breed shows for Belgium, Italy, Spain and JKC Gifu Pref Japan. To date I have been approved to judge Labradors at top level by UK Kennel Club, FCI, AKC, Australian Kennel Club, JKC and the Irish Kennel Club. I have lectured and conducted seminars on judging and breeding the Labrador at home and abroad and for 12 years edited and produced The Labrador International (ILN) magazine that proved to be a great educational tool and had a readership in more than 40 countries worldwide. I seldom breed more than a couple of litters a year, blacks and yellows but bred my first ever chocolate litter last year. I have owned and personally campaigned a number of UK champions, all bar three were home bred, the others were ‘Carpenny’ sired. To date ‘Carpennys’ have been awarded in excess of 100 UK CCs – all but one being home-owned and have had bred champions on every habitable continent of the world, for which we feel justifiably proud in this numerically strong breed! Apart from the show-dogs and shooting companions, Carpenny Labradors have been acquired by The Seeing Eye/Guide Dogs For the Blind in UK, Ireland, Holland and Spain however what makes me happiest is when pet owners come back again, wanting ‘one exactly like’ their much loved previous ‘Carpenny’ that died of ripe old age! Many years ago, and after judging many different breeds including several in the Hound group, I made the carefully considered decision not to go down the all-rounder judging road. The more times I judged, the less time I could devote to my chosen breed, which is where my undying interest and enthusiasm is. Counting myself primarily as a breeder/exhibitor I know just how difficult it is to produce and show that ‘good one’ and it makes me appreciate excellence all the more in others. (Read the full story.) - Carruthers, (Orchardton) - From Ch. Ordchardton Dawn came Ch. Orchardton Donald (Cruft Winner in 1938), whose union with FT. Ch. Kinpurnie Kate produced Ch. Kinpurnie Kam, a yellow, who in turn whelped Glenhead Jimmy. Jimmy's dam, Knappies Lass, was the daughter of Dual Ch. Bramshaw Bob - thus Jimmy was line bred to Ch. Ingleston Ben, and so both his male and female lines were in direct descent from Peter of Faskally.The importance of this to breeders of field trial dogs is that since 1956, every winner of the Retriever Championship has one, and in many cases more than one line in its pedigree going back to Glenhead Jimmy and thus to Peter of Faskally. It would seem that this male line is a sine qua non for success in competitive trials. - Cayzer, Sir C. (Kinpurnie) - see Carruthers. - Charest, Madeleine (Chablais) - Chablais Kennel is owned by Jean-Louis Blais and Madeleine Charest since 1979. They are located in Saint Gilles, near Quebec City, Canada. They have produced more than 95 Canadian champions and more than 15 American Champions and many champions in other countries. - Chargo, Nancy (Banner) - International judge and breeder. She has been breeding show, field and fireside Labradors for over 40 years, continually striving for type, temperament, and soundness. Her CH. Banner's Muskelunge Buckeye ("Bucky") was an important dog for the chocolate fancier. His name is foremost in the show chocolates of today. - Charlton, Janice (Charway) - see Pritchard, Janice. - Charlston, Judith (Foxrush) - International judge and breeder. The Foxrush kennel was founded in 1968 with a yellow bitch from the late Gwen Broadley, called Foxrush Sandylands Gaytime. From her first litter came Foxrush Bo-Peep (Res. C.C.) Until Judith retired from business 10 years ago few litters were bred at Foxrush, but, puppies bought in proved highly successful. Foxrush champions live in U.S.A, Australia, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Iceland and Spain. She was honoured to be invited to judge Labradors at CRUFTS in 1997, she has also officiated at the Labrador Retriever Club and Yellow Labrador Club Championship Shows. Judging has taken her to all corners of the world (U.S.A, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Phillipines and many European Countries).Judith's latest Champion bred at Foxrush in 2006 is SH.CH. Foxrush Ovaltine, J.W. who has had a spectacular show career, winning Best Labrador Puppy in Breed 2007 and her Junior Warrant with 54 points. In June 2008 at 19 months she gained her Championship Title. - Chesterfield, Lord - In 1922 the Labrador Retriever Club produced its first special publication, "The Stud Book and Record of Field Trials for Retrievers 1899 to 1922". This hard backed book researched by Lord Chesterfield, Major Maurice Portal and Mrs Quintin Dick, covered the retriever field trials in complete detail since their inception, giving details of trials, judges, winners, dogs whose progeny had won, analysis of wins and bench champions for Labradors, Flatcoats, Goldens, Interbreds and Gamefinders. - Clayton, Harold (Ardmargha) - The "Ardmargha Cup" is a prize for the best yellow dog or bitch, presented by Margaret and the late Harold Clayton. - Clayton, Margaret (Ardmargha) - International judge and breeder. Their most famous dog by far was Ardmargha Mat Hatter (1975), a son of Sandylands Mark and Hope of Ardmargha, who in turn was a daughter of Sandylands Tandy. - Climpson, Mrs D.G and Janice (Othamcourt) - The Climpsons have been breeding labradors in Sussex for over 40 years. They are only a small kennel but they have had considerable success showing at both Championship and Open shows. Their first Champion was in the early 70s (Othamcourt Shane of Suddie) and their most recent at just 12 months gaining her JW. - Clutterbuck, Peter - At the IGL meeting of 1908 there appeared for the first time at trials a Labrador - Mr Peter Clutterbuck's Sarratt, whose consistency and high working quality have perhaps never received sufficient recognition. Sarratt (1907) was from superb parents: Flapper and Munden Single. There was a very complete union between Mr Clutterbuck and his dog, but he was a very firm believer in the sound old-fashioned rule that it is the business of the dog to retrieve game with the least possible help from the handler. This rule he put rigidly into practice, but it was indeed a treat to see the free and independent way in which Sarratt went about his work. - Cole, Janet (Stajantor) - International judge and breeder. The Coles have been involved with Labradors for over 35 years making up 6 Champions and winning BOB at Crufts in 1980. They have judged all over the world. They have breeding/showing for many years and have shown dogs like Sh Ch Stajantor Honest John, Sh Ch Stajantor Dambuster and Sh Ch Ballyduff Dawn of Bannowbridge, and more recently the multiple winning CC Sh Ch Stajantor Robin. - Cole, Vic (Stajantor) - International judge and breeder. See also Cole, Janet. - Collett, John (Darrygine) - International judge and breeder. His Darrygine Fancy Dancer (1988) can be found in the pedigrees of many famous Labrador Retrievers. - Colley, J.M. and Anne (Jimjoy) - Jimjoy Labradors has been established for more than 40 years. They've mainly produced quality chocs. - Coode, Carol (Warringah) - International judge and breeder. Author of "Colour Inheritance," and "Labrador Retrievers Today". She started in Labradors in Australia in 1967. When she returned to England in mid 1974 she knew the type of Labrador she wanted to own and breed. From the Lawnwoods kennels she acquired a good yellow foundation bitch, in Brentville Marcella of Lawnwood. Marjorie Satterthwaite also let her have the good black bitch Lawnwoods Hot Pants of Warringah. From these two bitches the entire Warringah kennel has been formed. Breeding back into lines that suited them she has been very successful over the years breeding a total of 18 Labrador Champions, all but three, being full champions, equally divided between blacks and yellows. She also has always carried the chocolate colour in the black line, through Hot Pants whose father was Ch Lawnwoods Hot Chocolate. There have been a further four bitches with CC’s ; at the time of writing she has won a total of 87 CC’s and 81 Res CC’s in Labradors. In the last 25 years she has made up a quarter of all the full Labrador Champions in the UK and has the only champion bitch with a KC Working Gundog Certificate. - Craig, David (Davricard) - International judge and breeder. His book "The Labrador Retriever" gives detailed information on character and behaviour, puppy care, training and socialisation, with a special chapter on Labrador health written by a leading British vet. - Crocker-Williams, Maxine (Alkhamhurst) - International judge and breeder. - Crook, Glenda (Balrion) - see Crook, John R. OBE - Crook, John R.OBE (Balrion) - International judge and breeder. The Crooks owned one of the most famous Labradors of all time, Ch Balrion King Frost. In his litters he seemed always to produce very dark yellows. It was one of his granddaughters that produced the great Ch Wynfaul Tabasco, the father of the modern fox red Labrador. Not only was he a stunning red dog but he had excellent conformation. King Frost and three of his littermates became known as the Famous Four because they are to date still the only four Labs from one litter to become British Show Champions. John and his late wife, Glenda, began breeding labradors in Great Britain in 1972. Over the years they enjoyed success in the show ring. After Glenda died in 1997 John carried on breeding and showing the Balrions. John is a patron of the South African Labrador Retriever Kennel Club. - Crook, Saudjie (Weathertop) - International judge and breeder. See also Crook, John R. OBE. Saudjie bought hir first pet Labrador in 1988 while living in her hometown Carmel, California. A year later she bought a book from the pet store. While looking though it she saw a photo of what she thought was the most beautiful dog she’d ever seen. At that moment she decided that she wanted to breed Labradors and she knew exactly what she wanted them to look like. The dog in the photo was Sh Ch Balrion King Frost. Saudjie met John in the show ring in Southern California while he was judging Moria (Am Ch Beechcroft Weathertop Wind). They were married in North Wales in 1999, honeymooned on safari in South Africa, and then John and 12 of the Balrions joined Saudjie and her 8 Labradors at Weathertop in Carmel. In 2003 they moved with 10 Labradors from California back to North Wales. - Cundell, A. (Badgery) - The Badgery kennel has produced a number of Field Trial champions between 1920 and 1940. - Cuthbert, Sheelin (Ballyduff) - International judge and breeder. After her mother Bridget Docking passed on, Sheelin carried on the Ballyduff affix, but she mainly focused on international judging. D- Dantinnes, Francis and Lesley (Zanys) - International judges and breeders. They are very active and showing and exhibiting their dogs. Their most famous dog was Kupros MacDuff at Zanys (1980).- Dee, Pieta van (Fogel Hlara) - International judge and breeder. Pieta writes: "We started in 1976. Right from the beginning we knew that we would like to do something more than "just having a nice Lab". There were not that many breeders yet and it proved to be rather difficult to buy a dog that would enable us to breed as well as to be successful in the show ring. Mary Aikenhead of the Powhatan kennel offered us our first English puppy: Powhatan Black Dee. We still do owe Mary a lot. We never had a better working dog than "Powie". We were also quite happy to get in contact with Gunilla Andersson of the Aroscas kennel in Sweden, who in those days owned famous Sandylands offspring. Our first Dutch champion was Fogel Hlara Gulliver. No matter how sweet, nice, good looking or affectionate he or she is. It’s difficult and sad, but if you want to be successful as a breeder, you do have to judge your own dogs constantly and honestly. Does he or she fit into my program, is he or she sound and healthy enough, is he or she a promise for the future or not? Hopefully we can go on for many more years. Owning, breeding, showing and judging Labradors will never be a boring activity." (Read the full story.) - Dinwoodie, J. (Brocklehirst) - The first Labrador registered in the American Kennel Club Stud book was a Scottish bitch named Brocklehirst Floss in 1917. Some Americans wrote that it was Brocklehirst Nell, but this is fysically impossible, because Nell's dam - Murrayfield Nora - was born in 1917. - Dinwoodie, Joan (Lochar) - International judge and breeder. - Dinwoodie, T. (Lochar) - The only bitch that ever became Dual Ch. was Lochar Nessie, born in 1933. Lochar kennel has produced a significant number af Field champions, most of them in the 1920s and 1930s. - Dobie, Mr (Ingleston) - Ch. Withington Dorando, later owned by Lorna, Countess Howe, when put to Withington Jess produced a dog Withington Bream, who in turn sired Ch. Withington Banter, another dog owned by Lady Howe. From Banter came Duke of Kirkmahoe, and from him Ch. Ingleston Ben. Ben's contribution to the further development of the breed is hard to evaluate, other than to say it was enormous. Ben was of course mated to a large number of bitches, and produced field trial and show bench winners; not the least was of course Dual Ch. Bramshaw Bob. - Dobson, Jenny (Lakemeadow) - Jenny is a small, show/hobby breeder with 40 years experience of labradors. Her love affair with this lovely breed started in 1967, when her parents bought Ross (Redvales Ismay), their first labrador, as a family pet. Having been encouraged to have a go at showing him by a friend who showed dogs, early success resulted in them becoming hooked, and Ross was soon joined by Emma (Am.Ch.Glenarem Dusky Debutante) and Lakemeadow Labradors was launched with the arrival in 1968 of our first litter, sired by Am.Ch.Ballyduff Follytower Old Master. In 1975 Cresta (Glenarem Cresta, a daughter of Sh.Ch.Glenarem Wilkamaur Cascade) joined my small family of labradors and became the foundation bitch of her present line of yellows, eight generations, all of whom are descended from Cresta. In 1982 Ben (Black Knight of Lakemeadow, by Sh.Ch.Strinesdale Old Spice/ a Ch.Martin of Mardas daughter) joined Lakemeadow, followed shortly after by Meg, (Mardas Clover of Lakemeadow, by Ch.Timspring Cleverly/ a Ch.Martin of Mardas daughter). The only other "incomer" to Lakemeadow has been Daisy (Kampsall Kalas of Lakemeadow, by Rocheby Old Smokey/ a daughter of Sh.Ch.Dakross Daniel Widdon, combining Charway, Oakhouse and Mardas lines) who joined Lakemeadow in 2002. This is the breeding behind Jenny's “black line” and in selecting stud dogs she has endeavored to line breed to these original dogs, to maintain type and temperament. Jenny shows only occasionally, when time and the demands of being Mum to three teenage children permit, and only breed a litter when she wishes to keep a puppy myself, and to maintain her line of breeding. She is a member of the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme. Jenny has served as a Committee Member of the North West Labrador Retriever Club since 1991, and has been Vice Chairman of the Club for the past few years. She also has been the Club’s Cup Steward since 1994, and has run the Club’s Puppy Register and Puppy Advice Line since 2000. She has judged the breed since 1984. - Docking, Bridget M. (Ballyduff) - see also Acheson, Bridget. Felicity Leith-Ross wrote: "I liked the low-key understated way that Bridget Docking had of writing about her dogs, she was pleased with her dogs, not with herself." E- Elizabeth, HM Queen (Sandringham) - Sandringham is home to Royal kennels breeding Labradors and spaniels. Sandringham is privately owned by HM the Queen. England's Royal family began breeding Labradors at Sandringham and Wolferton in the early 1900s, and continue today. In the 1960s and 1970s Sandringham produced a number of Field Trial Champions.F- Floyd, Maureen and Tony (Trenow) - International judges and breeders. Trenow's most famous champion was Trenow Brigadier (1986), who's name can be found in the pedigrees of many contemporary famous Labradors.- Fryer, Glenys (Fullwell) - Glenys is active in Labrador rescue. G- Galvin, Jack and Dot (Hennings Mill) - The Galvins have produced many champions.- Garbutt, Dave (Pocklea) - Dave was mainly active in Field Trials. His most famous dog is Pocklea Remus (1986). - Gawthorpe, Frank (Waterbrook) - International judge and breeder. The Gawthorpes bought their first Labrador in 1974 and she carried a lot of the old English lines with some working stock in the pedigree. From her they bred their first litter in 1976. Then in 1977 they purchased their first show bitch from the Rocheby kennel. She was called Rocheby Yorkshire Lass. Their next purchase from the Rocheby kennel was their foundation bitch Rocheby Fan Dance at Waterbrook and all their current show dogs go back to her. Some of their stock has also been exported overseas, some as pets and some for Guide Dogs for the Blind. They have also had a bitch who went to Germany and won 2C.C's, a dog Waterbrook Wild Smoke who as been made up to a Swedish Champion. See also Gawthorpe, Karl and Gawthorpe, Margaret. - Gawthorpe, Karl (Waterbrook) - International judge and breeder. He has been involved with dogs for more than 25 years helping his parents show and look after their dogs. He has been judging for more than 10 years. See also Gawthorpe, Frank and Gawthorpe, Margaret. - Gawthorpe, Margaret (Waterbrook) - International judge and breeder. See also Gawthorpe, Frank and Gawthorpe, Karl. - Gilliat, Maurice C.W. (Holton) - Chairman of the Labrador Retriever Club in the early years of the club. In 1977 he wrote: “During the past year, I have been urged to say something about Labrador heads, which not a few people think have deteriorated in recent years. Space will not allow for anything but a brief mention so I must content myself with a couple of points, namely quality and "stop". Coarseness in Labradors is abhorrent especially when it applies to the head. Most judges avoid being too blunt and describe such heads as being "rather overdone" or "a little too strong”. On looking through the descriptions of heads of gundog breeds in the Kennel Club's standards, one finds the following terms used to denote the degree of "stop". "Well defined", "clearly indicated", "showing", "good ", "pronounced", "deep", "distinct", "gradual", decided", "moderate". The term used in our breed's standard is "pronounced", which according to my dictionary means "marked with emphasis". This I firmly believe may well be a major reason why one comes across numbers of Labradors with heads which are not typical, largely due to the "stop" being too pronounced, thus spoiling that lovely head which is so desirable but which I believe some of our new judges and beginners in the breed may innocently believe to be correct. My own view has always been that the term "pronounced" is likely to be misconstrued and that one of the terms used for other gundogs, possibly "moderate", meaning not excessive or extreme, would be a better choice.” - Gilroy, Frank (Claychalk) - Show judge and breeder. In 1984 he got his first Labrador, a chocolate dog (Blairburn Athos). Then the girls arrived, a black followed by a yellow, both from the Ramsayville kennels. These beautiful girls form the foundation of their small kennel, with no more than 10 dogs at one time. Frank has been judging since 1990 and has judged all over Britain. In 2008 Frank became an Championship Show judge enabling him to award C.C.'s. - Gilroy, Helen (Claychalk) - Show judge and breeder. She has been a serving committee member on general Canine societies as well as the Labrador Club of Scotland for many years. Helen first judged in 1990 and has judged all over Britain. She is currently on the 'B' list for judging. - Givan, Maurice (Sudeo) - International judge and breeder. - Good, Sarah (Brandlesholme) - Show judge and breeder. - Graham, Sir Frederick (Netherby) - Netherby's Labradors belong to the first registered Labradors. Netherby Kielder (1872) was from Netherby Botswain ex Netherby Nell. About 1878 Sir Frederick gave Kielder to his son-in-law, the Earl of Verulam, to start his own kennel. See also Knutsford, Third Viscount. - Graham, Sir Richard (Netherby) - In 1860 the famous kennel of Netherby started by the gift to Sir Richard Graham from the Earl of Home of some dogs of the latter's kennel at the Hirsel. - Grant, Tom and Margaret (Simandem) - International judges and breeders. Tom and Margaret stated in their biography that they have been keen on chocolates and dark yellows with their own breeding program. In 1990 their Sh Ch Simandem Kings Neptune became Cruft's Winner. - Green, Jenny (Thurbajen) - Jenny's first Labrador was called Thurba. After her first litter she decided to have a kennel name so Thurba + Jen (Thurbajen) was applied for and granted in 1974. Jenny breeds all three colours and only has the occasional litter, mostly when she wants a new puppy for herself. She started judging in 1984 and give tickets in Labradors. Having judged at home and abroad she has made some wonderful friends and judged some super dogs. She has been on committees for obedience and run training classes for all breeds and served on several show committees in the past. She is a member of most of the lab clubs and currently serving as chairman of the Kent Surrey & Sussex Labrador Retriever Club. - Greenslade, Valerie (Watermere) - International judge and breeder. Windsor, July 2003 saw Val Greenslade awarding CC's for the first time. - Grimston, Viscount - Holland-Hibbert, (later Lord Knutsford) had owned Labradors since 1884 when he obtained a bitch from Viscount Grimston at Gorhambury, near St Alban’s; this bitch was basically Netherby/Gorhambury breeding. Every "Viscount Grimston" is also "Earl of Verulam". - Guest, Hon. Montagu - Son of Lord Wimborne, belonged to the so called "southern set" of Labrador breeders, centered upon the 3d Earl of Malmesbury, at Heron's Court, in the immediate environment of Bournemouth. (The "northern set"was centered upon the 6th Duke of Buccleuch and the 12th Earl of Home in the Scottish Lowlands). Between 1863 and 1875 the four members of the "southern set" bought a lot of "black dogs from Newfoundland" from Colonel Hawker. HHamilton, Duke and Duchess of (Dungavel) - The year 1907 was an important year for Labradors. Firstly, it saw the advent of an entry by a lady owner, it was the Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon’s bitch, Dungavel Juno, which won third prize in the Non-Winner Stake held by a newly formed field trial association, the Scottish. This lady, and her dogs, trained and handled in trials by her gamekeeper, Mr. J. Alexander, as well as herself, were to feature in a number of trials in the future, but of all of them Juno proved to be the strongest bitch line. She was mated to Flapper to produce Dungavel Phoebe, the winner of the first Championship run for retrievers at Little Green, Havant in 1909. In build, Juno was on the short side but Mr. Alexander claimed that, "she was one of the best workers he ever saw, and that no runner could get away from her”. Clearly with a Duchess running a dog, trials immediately became an acceptable diversion for Edwardian ladies, as was evident from the picture taken at the IGL.- Harriman, William Averill (Arden) - The Arden kennels of William Averill Harriman, United States Ambassador to the U.K., became the driving force in the field in the 1930s, claiming the first American field champion in Blind of Arden and the first female American field champion in Decoy of Arden. They were littermates. Mr. Harriman's talent for breeding top-quality Labradors from his stock earned him the recognition of having developed the finest American kennel to date. His credits include four dual champions, five field champions, eight bench champions, and scores of champions that descend from his line. The shining star among the Arden Labradors was Shed of Arden, owned by Paul Bakewell III. - Hart, Peter and Marion (Kupros) - Peter and Marion have bread a significant number of champions. To name a few: Kupros Master Mariner (1983) and Kupros MacDuff at Zanys (1985). The Labrador world wouldnt have been the same without them. Peter passed away in May, 1999. - Hawker, Colonel Peter - Owner of a trading schooner which plied between Newfoundland and Poole. Between 1863 and 1875 he sold a lot of "black dogs from Newfoundland" to the British aristocracy. In 1830 Colonel Hawker referred to the ordinary Newfoundland and what he called the St. John's breed of water dog, mentioning the former as "very large, strong of limb, rough hair and carrying his tail high." Referring to what is known now as the Labrador, he said they were "by far the best for any kind of shooting. He is generally black and no bigger than a Pointer, very fine in legs, with short, smooth hair and does not carry his tail so much curled as the other; is extremely quick, running, swimming and fighting....and their sense of smell is hardly to be credited...." Over in Newfoundland the St John's Dog eventually became extinct after the introduction of sheep farming to the region. Legislation was passed towards the end of the 18th century limiting each family to only one dog and by the 1880s heavy licensing costs were imposed on the dogs with the taxes on females being higher than on males. The breed eventually died out in the 1930s. Earlier, the introduction of the Quarantine Act in Britain in 1895 more or less put a halt to the import of dogs and, with most of the true St John's Dogs in England having died out, the Labrador breed was saved by a breeding programme undertaken by Dukes Buccleuch and Home along with the Earl of Malmesbury.The "northern set" and the "southern set" had decided to work together. The 6th Duke of Buccleuch was finally able to import a few more dogs between 1933-1934 to continue the line. - Hayes, Joan (Staindrop) - see Winter, Edgar. - Hayward, Brian and Audrey (Donacre) - International judges and breeders. They have kept their Donacre affix, but I don't think they're still breeding. - Hepper, David (Mardas) - International judge and breeder. See also Hepper, Marlene. - Hepper, Marlene (Mardas) - International judge and breeder. Marlene writes: "Having decided that we would focus on Labradors we had then to decide on a prefix. Mardas is a mixture of the following "Mar" from Marlene "D" for David (my husband and second son) "A" for Andrew our first born and "S" for Stephen our youngest son. The kennel club asked you to submit several choices and they were the ones who eventually decided which prefix you were to own. Our choices were all made from the same set of letters, including Damas, which we rather liked above all the other choices. This was not to be and we were given Mardas, a disappointment at the time but looking back over the many years, nothing appears to suit the kennel more than the Mardas prefix and I wouldn't want to change it now. It seems as though it has always been part of our family. Over the years we have bred many Junior Warrant winners. I would think we have won possibly between 20 and 30 Stud Book Numbers over the years. Then we were very fortunate to have bred five English Show Champions, several Challenge Certificate winners, and quite a few Reserve CC winners. I think our most famous Champions have been Sh. Ch. Martin of Mardas, who sired one of the breed record holders for the most C.C.s won under separate judges; Sh. Ch. Mardas Master Mariner, who won 6 C.C.s with Best of Breeds and some Reserve CCs. The yellow Sh. Ch. Mardas Corndilly is our first Show Champion bitch to be made up by this kennel. Time turns everything around, because before Martin died he sired at the time the top winning Labrador and stud dog Ch. Fabracken Comedy Star, and just before Master Mariner died he sired Sh. Ch. Ramsayville Rain Dancer, and now their grandchildren are winning CCs and Reserve CCs. In the mid to late 1970s, Sh. Ch. Martin of Mardas was born and at two years old made up into our first Eng. Sh. Ch. He also won his Junior Warrant points very quickly from the Junior classes at Championship Shows. Martin was withdrawn from the ring to make way for Mardas Seamus who did very well, winning l CC and a Reserve CC. After Seamus came Sh. Ch. Mardas Samurai, a constant winner at Championship Shows very much on the lines of American Ch. Mardas Brandlesholme Sam's Song. Through my own involvement with Labradors I have been to many parts of the world judging and I am sure that had I not been asked to visit these friendly Labrador people, I wouldn't have left England's shores. At the moment I have some very nice youngsters so I am looking forward to the future, taking them to shows and meeting friends from both home and abroad. May I wish you and your dogs a bright and happy future." (Read the full story.) - Hepworth, Bob and Didi (Poolstead) - Poolstead is one of the most influential Labrador kennels, and produced a lot of champions, like Poolstead Problem (1972), Poolstead Preferential (1978), and Poolstead Pretentious at Rocheby (1985), Didi Hepworth died in July, 2003. Bob has continued the kennel. - Heron, Linda (Brigburn) - International judge and breeder. The Brigburn kennel was established in 1980. Unforgettable names are Brigburn Zenny (1993) and Brigburn Sedge (2001). - Herr, Kendall (Dickendall) - International judge and breeder. Dick and Kendall Herr acquired their first Labrador in 1964. Today Dickendall is one of the most successful kennels, and they produced an impressive number of champions. My personal favourites are Dickendall Ruffy (1986), Dickendall Arnold (1988), and Dickendall Davaron Gable (2000). - Hewitt, Michael and Rosemary (Newinn) - International judges and breeders. The Hewitts have been breeding quality Labradors since more than 35 years, like Newin Kestrell (1976), and Beltarn Niuma of Newinn (1986). - Hibbert, Hon. Holland A. - see Knutsford. - Hibbert, Sandra (Miramonte) - International judge and breeder. The Miramonte story started in 1980, with Rocheby Honeysuckle at Miramonte. She had her first litter in 1984 and it went on from there. One of her daughters was Miramonte Daddy's Bobby Dazzler, sired by Waterbrook Bugsy Malone. My all time favorite is Miramonte McCririck at Ropthorn (Jack), because he sired my Oliver (Mardas Midnight Black), a great dog. Sandra is breeding on the 6th generation now. She breeds for type and temperament and tries to use a dog that compliments her breeding lines. She has had much success with the dogs showing them at open and championship shows. - Hill-Wood, Lady (Hiwood) - Lady Hill-Wood, the daughter of the 3rd Viscount Hampden, was an outstanding handler and judge of retrievers. Her expertise in dogs and their training was exceptional. In the early 1930’s her labradors came to prominence in the show and field trial world. All her life she was committed to gundogs. Her ideal was the dual purpose labrador. When she died aged 90 in 1997 she was President of the Labrador Retriever Club. - Hodge, Rebecca (Naiken) - International judge and breeder. - Hodge, Jackie (Naiken) - International judge and breeder. - Holland-Hibbert, Hon. A. - see Knutsford. - Home, Earl of - The Tenth Earl of Home (1769-1841) was one of the first who imported dogs from Newfoundland about 1835. The Eleventh Earl of Home (1799-1881) (he imported and owned the famous Nell) continued his dogs, but the line was nearly extinct about the time of his death. However, a chance meeting between the Third Earl of Malmesbury, the Sixth Duke of Buccleuch and the Twelfth Earl of Home (1834-1918) resulted in the older Malmesbury giving the two young Lords some of the dogs from his lines. From these dogs, given in 1882, the Buccleuch line was revitalized and the breed carried into the 20th century. The Earls of Home belonged, together with the Buccleuchs, to the so called "northern set" of Britains 19th century's priviliged hunting world, while the Malmesbury's belonged to the "southern set". - Hopkinson, David (Rocheby) - International judge and breeder. See also Hopkinson, Marion. - Hopkinson, Marion (Rocheby) - International judge and breeder. Author of "Labrador Retriever - Everyones Dog", a superb book for all labrador owners detailing the Breed History, Standard, Puppy purchase and care. Training, Breeding and Showing are all expertly covered followed by a list of useful addresses and a comprehensive index. When you walk into the Hall of Fame of the Labrador Retriever, you will find a lot of Rocheby's there. Who doesn't know Poolstead Pretentious at Rocheby (1985), Rocheby Whiskey Mac (1993), and Rocheby Old Smokey (1997)? Personally I have known only one Rocheby dog: Rocheby Royal Marine ("Sailor") (1993), owned by Joop and Anja Verbeek (Farbourne Labradors). Sailor's sire was Kupros Master Mariner, his dam was Rocheby Shady Lady. He was a wonderful dog. In 2001 I was lucky enough to acquire on of his daughters, Farbourne's Wild Irish Rose (Rocheby Royal Marine ex Carromer Sugar Almond) and in 2001 aand 2002 Sailor sired 15 of my puppies. I have seen him grow old, this gentle dog. He died April 22, 2008. - Howe, Dorothy (Rupert) - International judge and breeder. Author of some Labrador books, like "This is the Labrador Retriever" (1972), and "The Labrador Retriever" (1984), Dorothy Howe was a succesfull Labrador breeder from the late 1940s to the 1970s. She wrote, “The beginner may think that investigating what has happened in the past is outside his field of interest, or that this can be gone into later when he has produced some puppies and is well on his way. It should be remembered that trying to discover what has produced success in the past can have great influence on what is to be done in the future. The true long-time breeder understands that breeding one outstanding dog is a tremendous step forward but that true success depends on the ability to produce such animals consistently. It takes time to develop records and the sooner a breeder starts collecting photographs and pedigrees, along with names of both typical and untypical specimens of the breed, the quicker he comes to understand the possible cause for what he sees before him. Developing one's own record system wherein lists of names make sense is a good practice, and various parts should be available for instant use. Such things as show and field trial catalogs not only give the breeding of various dogs but show the competition what a prospective winner is up against and as such should be kept for reference. Reading and filing judges' critiques of dogs on the way up is very instructive, and very interesting material to return to after a dog has become famous. This British custom of recording judgments should be adopted elsewhere but it takes courage and knowledge on the part of a judge.” - Howe, Lorna Countess (Banchory) - Author of "The Popular Labrador Retriever" (1957). In 1916 Lady Lorna, Countess Howe, (then still Mrs Quintin Dick), together with Lord Knutsford and seven other Labrador breeders, formed the Labrador Retriever Club in England. Chairman and Honorary Founder-Secretary of the Labrador Retriever Club and Field Trial and Championship Show Judge, Lady Howe may be said to have done more to foster the breed in this country than anyone alive today and her book comes from her wealth of background and experience. It was in 1913 that she was given her first Labrador and in 1920 she was the first woman to judge at Field Trials. Her dogs have won all the Champion Stakes; on the show bench she has won many Challenge Certificates with several breeds in addition to the Labrador. Her "Banchory" prefix is world famous and her dogs figure in the pedigrees of nearly all present-day Labradors. - Howie, A.A. (Glenhead) - Diving into the pedigrees of Field Trial Champion Glenhead Zuider (1948) and his sire Glenhead Jimmy, is an adventure. So many Field and Show champions, so many familiar kennel names: Kinpurnie, Orchardton, Ingleston, Brocklehirst, Bramshaw, St, Mary's, Ledsham, Dalbeatty, Adderley, Flodden, Beningbrough, Whitmore. Lochar, Kinmount, and from them straight to their sources: Banchory, Faskally, Glynn, Netherby, and through Flapper to Buccleuch and Malmesbury. If your Labrador has Staindrop Saighdear in its pedigree (his dam was a littermate of Glenhead Zuider), you're as close as you can get to these lines. - Hulme, J.H. (Withington) - In 1917 his Withington Dorando, sired by Peter of Faskally, became Cruft's Winner, and in 1924 and 1925 his Withington Ben, sired by Banchory Don, became Cruft's Winner. - Hunter, K.J. (Cranspire) - English and American Champion Receiver of Cranspire (Rever, 1981-1996) is one of the most famous Labradors, and many kennels used him as a stud dog. To mention a few: Dickendall, Cambremer, Carpenny, Carromer, Fabracken, Timspring, Poolstead, Sandylands, Heatherbourne, and Kimvalley. He was also very active in France, from 1987 to 1992, just like his sire, Cranspire Skytrain, has been active in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, from 1981 to 1990. Hutchinson, General I- Ickowski, Jill (Wiscoy) - International judge and breeder. Jill is also a skilled web-designer.J- Jayes, Erica (Sandylands) - International judge and breeder. Erica had started off at Sandylands as a child just helping out. For many years she worked for Gwen Broadley as the kennel help but as Gwen became less able to manage the kennel, Erica took on more and more responsibility and became Gwen’s friend and confidant, eventually, she became as close as a daughter. When it became apparent that she was very unwell, Gwen made it clear that she hoped that Erica might be able to take over the Sandylands prefix – that was her wish. Erica Jayes is now joint owner of the Sandylands prefix with Mr.and Mrs. Garner Anthony.- Johnson, Gary (Cremino) - International judge and breeder. The kennel was founded in 1982, when Gary purchased a black bitch named Donacre Gemstone. A year later, his mother Jean joined the partnership. Despite limited breeding they have been lucky to have bred two Champions and two other Challenge Certificate winners. CH. Cremino Corniche JW was the UK’s top CC winning Labrador bitch in 1999 and was Best In Show at the prestigious Labrador Retriever Club’s Championship show in that year. Gary is an international Championship show judge of Labradors and awards Challenge Certificates at home and abroad. He has been privileged to have been invited to judge Labradors in South Africa, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Holland, Denmark & Switzerland. In addition, he is the author, and co-author, of 4 pedigree books on the Labrador breed. - Joicey, James First Baron (Flodden) -The Joicey family came from County Durham where they owned some of the largest coal mines in the north. The Barony was created in 1893. In 1907 Lord James Joicey bought the Ford Estate in Northumberland. "Flodden" is a sparsely populated area located in the border county, between Kelso and Berwick, and that is how Lord Joicey called his kennel. Between 1922 and 1932 Flodden kennel produced a lot of FTW's; Lord Joicey's Flute of Flodden (1922), sired by Titus of Whitmore, became Dual Champion, and his Font of Flodden (1932) became British Field Trial Champion. K- Kelley, Arthur and Peggy (Bradking) - Bradking Bonny My Girl (1973), a Sandylands Mark daughter, was quite possibly the major influence of the famous Bradking kennel. Bred to Follytower Merrybrook Black Stormer in 1976 she produced American Ch. Follytower Bradking Lady Jane, British Ch. Bradking Black Charm, Bradking Bonny's Charm of Keysun and Bradking Bonny's Prince of Jeronga. However, Bradking Cassidy (1979) proved to be the most important producer of the kennel. He sired, to name just a few, American and Canadian Ch Bradking Rangeways Mr Chips, UK Ch Heatherbourne Court Jester, UK Ch Keysun Rhapsody of Newinn, American and Canadian Ch Keysun Rippling Winds, and Ch Sandylands King Fisher.- Kent, Lucy (Trewinnard) - See also Pascoe, Tony. - Knutsford, Third Viscount (Munden) - In 1884 the Hon. A. Holland-Hibbert, later Lord Knutsford, acquired Sybil (whelped 1884; inbred granddaughter of Netherby Kielder) from the Earl of Verulam. Out of this bitch, who had none of the Malmesbury strain, Holland-Hibbert started his own Munden kennel. See also Graham, Sir Frederick. L- Lambert, Moira (Harrop) - Moira has been showing and breeding Labradors for over 20 years. Her first success in the show ring was with Harrop Time Warp, who produced Harrop Black Jack. Harrop Harvey Moon, a son of the famous Poolstead Pumpkin, has influenced the kennel and most of the dogs in the show ring with Harrop breeding have Harvey in their pedigrees. Over the years there have been many Harrop dogs that have gained success in the show ring and also gone through the training process for Dogs for the Disabled.- Leith-Ross, Felicity (Tintagel Winds) - She writes: "While waiting for the arrival of Ballyduff Sunflower I was badgering Bridget Docking (Ballyduff) for a black dog (hankering back to my first love), after all, with three children and two dogs: what difference would one more dog make ? Although there was absolutely no question at that time of breeding or any desire to show. Bridget sent me off to Pete and Marion Hart (Kupros) who were going to use Ballyduff Squire on their Kupros My Lady. So Kupros Lucifer was born in November 1977, just one month after Ballyduff Sunflower and with their coming, the course of my life was changed forever. During The Long Wait I had been reading, looking and listening hard, forming small opinions and making big decisions. By November 1978 the affixe OF TINTAGEL WINDS was born and registered with the F.C.I. and I started showing my two imports. Going BOB under Mary Roslin-Williams at the all-important Paris Championship Show in June 1979 with Flower was a major landmark because we discovered that to make up a French Champion title (which was and still is the most difficult of all European titles to gain) a labrador has to qualify in Open Field Trials. We didn't belong to the shooting fraternity, we didn't own a gun and I cried over dead hedgehogs in the road (I still do). Back to phone Bridget who said that we had no place in Labradors if we weren't prepared to work them. A once in a lifetime dog... ? I suppose that it's only at the end of one's own life that one can look back and say : "THAT was THE DOG". But I look down at Charlie (Carromer's Charlie Chalk) sleeping at/on my feet and it seems to me that he is indeed the dog of a lifetime. My gratitude towards Mervyn and Carol Reynolds is limitless. We've made up well over fifty Show Champion titles, for several of which Field Trial work in difficult conditions. Also, of which we are the most proud : Dual Champions. We work a lot with the Guide Dogs, no titles to be won here but great pride in our small contribution.Tintagel Winds dogs are now spread over forty-three different countries and this makes for an extraordinarily interesting life. The Labrador people I've met, whether when showing, judging or simply visiting, have all, without exception, extended such a wonderful welcome that one wonders whether there wouldn't be fewer wars if there were more real Labrador people." (Read the full story.) - Lewis, Julia (Nigabee) - Although Julia has always had a dog, her first Labrador was when she was 12 years old. The first chocolate was in 1979 called Niga (in those days you could buy a bobbin of cotton called 'nigger brown' that was an exact colour match) and the first show dog arrived in 1991, a chocolate dog called Rufus, with her first show entered in early 1992. Rufus was by Boothgates Headliner out of Brightwalton Bossy Boots and he was closely followed by another chocolate dog called Angus. Angus was sired by Lindall Marcus at Donalbain. Julia is on the judges A list & is also Secretary of Midland Counties Labrador Retriever Club (MCLRC). - Litherland, Margaret (Oakhouse) - International judge and breeder. Established Oakhouse Labradors in 1962. Produced many champions, like Eng & Ir. Ch. Oakhouse Glenarem Classic, and sires of many show winning dogs, like Oakhouse Office Boy. - Lucas, Major T.C. (Hawkesbury) - Major Lucas' Hawkesbury Kennel was producing good winners during the 1920s and 1930s, both on the bench and at field trials. M- Macan, Joan (Timspring) - Timspring dogs, like Timspring Sirius, can be found in the pedigrees of influential Labradors throughout the world. In 1988, after the death of Joan Macan, the Labrador Retriever Club took on the annual publication of the Hip Score Records. Mrs Macan had personally published the results of the BVA/KC HD X-ray examinations since 1981. To ensure that her good work did not come to an end when she died, the Joan Macan Memorial Fund was set up to finance the continued production of the annual records.- Mackay Sanderson, C. - In 1949, the Labrador Retriever Club produced its second' "Stud Book and Record of Field Trials". This was much larger and more detailed than the first, and was researched and compiled by Mr C Mackay Sanderson. It was a complete record of field trial winners from 1919 to 1948, black and yellow history, lists of winners at field trials and shows and the Retriever Championship Stake. - Mackinnon, Captain Duncon (Swinbrook) - In 1949 Captain Duncan Mackinnon, of Swinbrook House, Burford, was High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, an unpaid, partly ceremonial post appointed by The Crown. Many Swinbrook dogs were Field Trial Champions. Mackinnon's Swinbrook Tan's (1970) name can for instance be found in the pedigree of Buccleuch Opal "Moss", a black bitch, born in March, 2004. His Swinbrook Stonefly is in the pedigree of Buccleuch Pepper and Buccleuch Oak "Woody", both born in March, 2004. - MacPherson, M.K. (Braeroy) - The Braeroy Kennel of Mrs. Macpherson came into prominence in the 1930 era. Her first FT. Champion, Braeroy Roe, was born in 1927; she won her first open stake in 1929 and gained her title in 1931. Roe was the granddam of the remarkable FT. Ch. Braeroy Ruddy. Ruddy started her career in 1935 and ended the successful season by winning third place in the Championship. She continued to win well in 1936, 1937 and 1938 and ended 1938 by again achieving third in the Championship. She won a total of six open stakes. Trials were not held during the war years, but in 1946, when they were resumed, it was another Braeroy bitch which came to the fore. FT. Ch. Braeroy Fudge went through to top honours when she was placed second in the Championship. - Malmesbury, Earl of - The Second Earl of Malmesbury (1778-1841) is credited to have imported some of the first St. John's or Labrador dogs about or before 1830. His son, the Third Earl of Malmesbury (1807-1889), imported many and bred them. In a letter written to the 6th Duke of Buccleuch, he said, "We always call mine Labrador dogs and I have kept the breed as pure as I could from the first I had - the real breed may be known by their having a close coat which turns water off like oil, and, about all, a tail like an otter." In 1882 he gave 6 of his Labradors to the 6th Duke of Buccleuch and the 12th Earl of Home. This was done to ensure that their closely held breeding stock would remain pure. The Earls of Home belonged, together with the Buccleuchs, to the so called "northern set" of Britains 19th century's priviliged hunting world, while the Malmesbury's belonged to the "southern set". - Mason Minns, June - International judge and wife of the late Chairman of the Labrador Breed Council, Kennel Club General Committee Member, and Chief Steward at Windsor, Dr Mason Minns, who also was a judge. - Mathews, Chris and Robin (Donalbain) - Donalbains were my first love, it's such a pity that Chris and Robin Mathews don't breed them any more (I heard they moved to Spain, years ago). My first foundation bitches were all three grandsired by Donalbain Suede. He in turn was sired by Lindall Marcus at Donalbain, a grandson of Fabracken Comedy Star ex Charway Simona and Charway Ballywillwill ex Morningtown Stormette. How closer could I get to the source of great chocs? The Donalbain story, it lasted almost twenty years. - McGillivray, Linda (Antonine) - International judge and breeder. Antonine is a small kennel of quality Labrador Retrievers, established for over 25 years. Linda has Show Champions in all 3 breeds and judges dogs all over the world. At present she awards Challenge Certificates in Labradors & Clumbers. - McLellan, Dennis and Sarah (Saranden) - Dennis and Sarah started breeding Labradors in 1985. Their first Labrador was a dog called Shrubbins Behe'moth who was by Cornlands Black Joker. They had a lot of fun showing him locally and this gave them the incentive to keep showing and going forward to try and establish their own kennel.In 2002, their first champion was made up. In 2005, he became a full champion and Top Labrador for the year by winning 5 Challenge Certificates, 3 with Best Of Breed. - McLeod-Braddon, Fiona - see Braddon, Fiona. - Meldrum, William - was born in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. He first became interested in training gundogs in 1952. Ran in the first Field Trial 1954. Qualified for first British Retriever Championship 1958 with FTCH Heathside Roots winning an award of Honor. 1st FTCH 1961 Glenfarg Bunting, 2nd 1961 Championship, 3rd 1962 Glenfarg Skid, First Championship 1963. William became dog trainer to H.M. The Queen 1964, making 7 FTCH. Best known was Sandringham Sydney, who went on to win 4 Champion Stakes and 3 Game Fair Trophies. He became Head Keeper on the Sandringham Estate in 1983 until 2001. He organised the ground for Retriever Championships three times, judged them twice; organised the ground for over 60 Retriever tests, and judged the Game Fair three times. - Middleton, Lord John (Birdsall) - Lord Middleton's kennel did very well in the 1930s. He scored high with his Birdsall Vesper (1928), who became UK Field Champion. - Minchella, Lynne (Abbeystead) - International judge and breeder. Her Abbeystead Heron's Court (1985) was a succesful stud dog. - Mortier, Pauline (Lubberline) - Lubberline Labradors began in 1972 with the purchase of their first Labrador Retriever, a black female simply called "Lubber". The kennel grew to hold blacks, yellows, and chocolates. Pauline has been showing competitively and successfully in the conformation breed ring since 1981. She and her late husband originally decided on Labradors since they were avid sailors, cruising the Great Lakes. Labradors are excellent sailors, be it large or small craft! Since they were so nautically minded, you will notice that all of their dogs, with the exception of some imports, have sailing names, such as "Fantail", "Jackstay", and "Jib". N- Nightingale, David (Boothgates) - International judge and breeder. David writes: "My wife Marilyn and I bought our first Labrador in 1971, a super yellow dog who we called Max. Unfortunately due to an accident Max only lived to be six years old. We then purchased two yellow males, Rafferty and Sunny. It was in 1979 that we purchased Follytower Blythe from Margot Woolley, a beautiful black bitch that went on to win her junior warrant 1 CC, 1 RCC. About a year later that we were lucky enough to have another black Follytower bitch, Kristy, and she was a real extravert show girl. She became our first Champion. Around this time we purchased our first chocolate Lindall Mollie Malone from Mr. & Mrs. Porter. She was the foundation of our chocolate line. The main one being Sh.Ch.Boothgates Kountry Kurio, who was our once in a lifetime Lab. She was a real extravert in the ring and a real show girl. She still holds the record in the UK for a chocolate. Boothgates Headliner, Boothgates Here Is The News, Ch Boothgates Chief Producer, Ch Boothgates Miz Showbussines, Ch.Boothgates The Actress -- all chocolates, some of them going on to produce Champion offspring. In our time with the Labs we have had some really lovely experiences, but you also have some heartache with lots of things that can go wrong, but the longer you do it, the more you see and learn and hope to make better what a lovely and wonderful breed we own. We still have a great love for the breed and have made so many good friends all round the world when judging in Sweden, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Finland, Brazi,l France, Czech Republic, Estonia, Portugal, Japan, Spain, Norway, America, Canada, Russia, Ireland, and of course our own UK." (Read the full story.)- Nightingale, Marilyn (Boothgates) - International judge and breeder. See also Nightingale, David. O- O'Donoghue, Martin and Mary (Philipstown) - International judge and breeder. The Ireland based O'Donoghues are very active in the Irish Labrador world and produced a significant number of champions.- Oulton, Ginette (Oulsmi) - Ginette writes: "Our first Labrador, Tess was from working lines & was very intelligent. Tess lived for nearly 15 years & was a big part of our family! Brandhams Keepsake ("Rea") was our first chocolate & was the start of Oulsmi Labradors, she was a dog in a life time & very faithful she loved the showring & was a real showoff! Rea won a RCC, & was always in the cards at Championship level. Old age got the better of her & we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep! Rea produced well for us, her legacy goes on. Oulsmi Bold As Brass ("Bess") was a daughter of Rea & the lovely Ch Brigburn Zenny. At nearly 14 years sadly we had to let her go, like her mother. She produced some lovely offspring! Mated to Stormley Craftsman Bess produced the lovely Oulsmi Endless Love. 2 years later Bess was mated to Ch Cambremer Tom Cobbley of Charway, producing Oulsmi Against all Odds & Oulsmi One on One. Both males won well at Championship level!" See also Smith, Paul. - Outhwaite, Mrs B.M. (Poppleton) - Poppleton was the affix of Mrs Outhwaite and although Poppleton Black Lancer (1934) was not her first Labrador, he was her first champion. From then on, although she did buy in a very few dogs, her line was pretty well unbroken back to this dog, through his son Poppleton Golden Major, also a Champion. Her Poppleton Lieutenant (1949), another Champion and grandson of Poppleton Golden Major, sired a number of famous Labradors: General of Garshangan, Cornlands Westelm Flight, Diant Joy of Braeduke, Diant Pride and Mallardhurn Pat, to name a few. P- Palmer, Peter and Jane (Jayncourt) - International judges and breeders. Jayncourt kennel has produced quality Labradors since ages, at least since the 1960s. The first name I think of is American Ch Jayncourt Ajoco Justice (1977), who sired so many famous dogs.- Parrott, Trish and Brian (Lougin) - International judges and breeders. Lougin kennel has mainly concentrated on chocolates, and they've done very well, using excellent sires. - Pascoe, Tony (Trewinnard) - International judge and breeder. See also Kent, Lucy. - Pauling, Mrs (Cookridge) - One of her favourite dogs being Ch Cookridge Otter, bred by Margaret Ward, by Cookridge Roamer out of Ch Careener of Heathridge, another lady who bred top class stock gaining many titles, Otter was also winning awards at Field Trials. Mrs Pauling also trained her dogs and worked them being a regular at the Lane Fax Estate, Bramham Park, where Vic Thompson was Head Keeper both often competing together at Trials and she had many happy seasons there. Mrs. Pauling had a great fancy for chocolates, or livers, as they were also called. Cookridge Otter sired a chocolate son Cookridge Kim, who also scored well at Trials, and he also sired a black bitch being Cookridge Gay Princess, that when mated to Tweed of Blaircourt (bred by Margie Cairns), produced six black and two chocolate puppies, one being the first ever chocolate CH Cookridge Tango, gaining her first CC at the Labrador Club of Scotland under Mary Roslin-Williams, going on to gaining eight CCs, six with Best of Breed and two Res CCs. Tango’s brother Jasper, a black, was mated to a chocolate daughter of Otter, which produced Int Ch Cookridge Cola, exported to Sweden as a puppy and become the first chocolate Ch in Sweden. Tango and Cola, being the first chocolate Champions, gave a great deal of pleasure and achievement. She moved into an elderly people’s home some 6 years ago, where she was well looked after and had a wonderful 100th birthday party there with her nephew Ian and his wife Susan, who have done so much for her over so many years. She died peacefully on Monday 21st July, 2008. Had she lived until the 21st of August, 2008, she would have been 103 years. - Peacock, Major Hugh (Greatford) - Major Hugh Peacock won the International Gundog League Retriever Championship three times in the 1950s with his Greatford Labradors. One ot hme was FT Ch Greatford Teal, (sire Greatford Pettistree Shadow, dam Mackland Honeysuckle), (this mating also produced FT Ch Oxendon Dan, Retriever Champion in 1953). This dog was probably the best one of Major Peacock's famous kennel. (Teal sired Lady Hill-Wood's FT Ch Hiwood Dipper, Retriever Champion in 1960.) Teal won the Championship in 1955. - Percival, Mrs M.A. (Wynfaul) - see also Bedford, Mac. Today Wynfaul is a kennel which has not been very active recently, due to business commitments. Mrs Percival aims "to produce sound labradors, of excellent temperament that can work, and are a pleasure to live with 365 days of the year". - Perry, Kate (Hawksmoor) - Hawksmoor Webster was one of the very influential British Labrador sires and he was the first Labrador Retriever to be imported into Great Britain. It might not have happened if … Kendall Herr (Dickendall) was preparing for her move to Texas when Kate called to breed a bitch to Dickendall Arnold. Dick Herr was walking into the house as Kate was walking out with a black dog at the end of the lead that looked a lot like Arnold. It was. Kendall had just given him to Kate to take home to breed to her Hawksmoor Raven’s Flight, as Kendall didn’t have time to do the breeding herself. The result was four beautiful littermates that were retained, all to be producers for the future: Hawksmoor Webster, Ch Hawksmoor Wellington, Ch Hawksmoor Whisper Of The Wind and Hawksmoor Willow Warbler. This beautiful brood of Arnold puppies won several Sweepstakes and Specialties over the years. The Hawksmoor line goes back to New Zealand Ch Mascot Rayners Choice behind which is the great Balrion line. Kate has successfully combined her Balrion and Dickendall lines along with her own to continue to produce top specialty winners of the highest order. Their outlines have been consistent throughout the generations being clean, well bodied, strong moving Labradors. Hawksmoor Webster was the Top Sire in Great Britain in 1996 and Top Stud Dog in 1999 and 2001. When bred to Eng Sh Ch Covetwood Elouise of Carpenny he produced GB & Int. Ch Norw/Swe/Fin UCh Ch Carpenny Walpole, who also won a second in an Open Stake Field Trial as well as going BOB at Crufts 2000. For Kate, Wellington produced the Winner’s Dog at Mid Jersey LRC Specialty in 1998 with Ch Hawksmoor Keswick and Reserve Winner’s Dog at the same show was her Arnold grandson through Webster, Balrion Black Emissary. The following year, Kate’s Arnold granddaughter through Wellington, Ch Hawksmoor Coriander, was Winner’s Bitch at the same Specialty. In 2002, Kate once again repeated this incredible achievement by going Winner’s Dog with her Webster son (Arnold grandson) Carpenny Will Do At Hawksmoor and Reserve Winner’s Dog with her Wellington son (Arnold grandson) Hawksmoor Thundercloud at the LRC Potomac Specialty. And oh yes, Arnold did make it back to Willow Brook in time for the trip to Texas the following day. - Phillips, Ronwein (Sheenaron) - International judge and breeder. Ronwein writes: "Our first labrador bitch was bought as a family companion when my daughter was four years of age. 'Sheena', as she became known, introduced us to obedience training and the show ring. We took the decision to mate her after a small amount of showing and the foundations for Sheenaron Kennels were laid. We initially contacted Mrs Cis Nokeener Williams and Sheena was mated with her Champion dog Nokeener Taffy. Sheena had two daughters which were used to establish the Kennel, one by Taffy and the other by Nokeener Black Spark.We have now been breeding and showing the kennel for some twenty years and our dogs continue to be bred to the type and style we demand to live with, characteristics that combine to make the Labrador such a rewarding breed of dog to own." - Portal, Major Maurice - While in Major Portal's possession, the famous Flapper (1902-1914) sired no less than 792 puppies. The name of Flapper will surely be remembered as long as Labradors exist. Major Portal was the first Vice-Chairman of the Labrador Retriever Club. On his death one of his dogs, Snipe, went to Mrs. Quintin Dick, later Lorna Countess Home. - Porter, Alan and Linda (Lindall) - The Lindall kennel has produced many champions, since the late 1970s. When I was a novice Labrador breeder, I used to stare at all these impressive names: Lindall Mastercraft, Kupros Major at Lindall, Lindal Miss Emma, Lindall Miss Holly, Lindall Mollie Malone, etc. Last summer my girlfriend, who's from Liverpool, and I spent a day in Scunthorpe, and only later I realised that we had been so close to them! - Prior, Marilyn (Priorise) - International judge and breeder. Priorise kennel has produced a steady number of quality Labradors, mainly yellows, since the 1970s. - Pritchard, Janice (Charway) - International judge and breeder. Janice died in January 2006. She bred her first litter at the age of 13 from a yellow bitch,almost unheard of in the Charway kennel, but her mum and dad were very accomodating. Janice went to University in Liverpool, her original intention was to do Veterinary Science, but she ended up doing teaching instead. She has truly left a legacy in her contribution to the breed she adored from childhood. Her most important dogs were Charway Ballywillwill (1978), Charway Mattie Brown (1981), and Charway Uncle Tom (1987). Q
R- Radclyffe, Major Charles J. (Hyde) - Major Radclyffe's father, Mr C.E. Radclyffe, belonged to the people who imported Labradors from Newfoundland in the 1860s. In 1899 the first (to be) registered yellow Labrador was born, in the kennel of Major Radclyffe. His name was Ben of Hyde. He was sired by Major Radclyffe's "Neptune of Hyde" out of Lord Wimborne's "Duchess", both blacks. However, many people say that Ben was actually a foxred, say very dark yellow.- Radclyffe, Audrey (Zelstone) - When Audrey married into the Radclyffe family, she soon started her own kennel: Zelstone. She wrote: "My first award in 1933 at the All-Aged Yellow Stake at Six-Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, was a Certificate of Merit with Zelstone Sandy, from the first litter bred by me. He found everything, but in The Field report (most trials were reported then), the judges said "This dog did all he was asked, but too slow in these days if we must get on". I never ran a slow dog again! I still remember what a wonderful gamefinder he was. After the War, trials started again.Some great yellows came then; Edga Winter's Dual Ch. Staindrop Saighdear, Dual Ch. Knaith Banjo and my FT Ch. Zelstone Darter who, with FT Ch Zelstone Moss were two of the best I bred. Darter was placed 15 times at trials including four firsts and second in the Retriever Championship. She was the dam of eight stake winners, one Field Trial Ch. and of my Ch. Zelstone Leap Year Lass and American Ch. Zelstone Kate, she also won on the bench. FT Ch Zelstone Moss by Bench out of Zelstone Leap Year Lass, was also second in the Retriever Championship at Littlecote in 1957 when under two years old. She was a very brilliant bitch with lovely style and so quick. She won well on the bench, though just too small to go right to the top.My Zelstone Tramp won a CC and was well placed at trials as was my daughter Sarah' s Zelstone Nethercompton Amanda, who won a CC. and a Reserve CC and a two day open stake, but that would have been in the 60' s I think. - Read, Joan Redmond (Chidley) - AKC judge and breeder. A long-time breeder of Labradors, she was present at both the first Labrador Retriever field trial held in the United States in 1931, and the first Labrador specialty show in 1933. Over the years, she had bred many Labrador champions. Joan Read did aalso a great service to Norfolk Terrier owners worldwide. Not only is her book "The Norfolk Terrier" the best Norfolk book but it is among the best breed-related books, period. Norfolk owners are fortunate that such a book exists given the rarity of the breed. Joan Read died as she had lived: on her own terms, in her own time. Surrounded by loving family and in the company of her beloved dogs, she left us on April 15, 1995; on the day after the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac's 20th anniversary show. At the time of her death one of her favorite house dogs was Jenny, a black lab bred by her daughter Barbara Ege. George Bragaw (Shookstown) said that his only goal in Labradors was to earn the respect of Joan Read. - Reece, Donna (Ridge View) - Donna writes, "The first Labrador puppy I owned was a black female sired by Am/Can Dual Ch. Happy Playboy. At the time I purchased that puppy ("Joy"), I was obedience training a field trial dog of my father's and I obtained a companion dog title on him in September of 1974. During 1977, I chose Ridge View as a kennel prefix and registered a black female puppy, a granddaughter of Happy Playboy, as Ridge View Happy Girl Dixie. Since that time,I have incorporated a combination of English, Canadian and American bloodlines into my breeding program. Ridge View breeds all three colors of labradors and is a firm believer that a sound, well-rounded breeding program should do so and not limit or focus itself on one particular color. Stud dogs that have greatly and positively affected our bloodlines include Ch. Tabatha's Drifter at Dickendall JH, Chablais Rhapsodie En Bleu (Canadian), Ch. Lenches Gallivant (English import), and Can Ch. Harbortop's Justin Case MH. A foundation bitch that appears in nearly all my dogs' pedigrees is Ch. Ch. Pine Edge Ridge View Snobear (1998 and 1999 Top Producer and No. 1 all-time top producing Labrador bitch in AKC history with 18 Champion offspring). Ridge View has produced 56 AKC Show Champions in the past ten years. These include multiple Specialty Best In Show Dogs, All-Breed Best In Show Winners, and two Westminster Best of Breed Winners. Ridge View has been the #1 Top Breeder of AKC Show Labrador Champions in 1998, 1999, and 2001 and the #2 Breeder for 1997 and 2000. In 2001, we had 4 Ridge View Labradors on the AKC Top Producers List. We also have many Labradors with AKC Hunting Titles, Obedience and Agility Titles. We believe intelligence, trainability and that most important desire to please are all inherited through good breeding practices. All of these Champions and Title Holders are first and primarily family companions. We have Labradors working as Guide Dogs, Search and Rescue dogs, Bomb and Arson Detection dogs, and Drug Detection dogs throughout the country." (Read the full story.) - Reynolds, Carol (Carromer) - International judge and breeder. The Reynolds have been breeding Labradors for more than two decades. One of their chief producers in Europe was Dual Champion Carromer Charlie Chalk, owned by Tintagel Winds in France. - Reynolds, Merwin (Carromer) - International judge and breeder. - Rae, Peggy (Cornlands) - Peggy Rae is one of the founder members of the the East Anglian Labrador Club. She has been breeding and showing Labrador for more than 50 years. She has bred Champions Cornlands My Fair Lady, Cornlands Peter So Gay, Cornlands Westelm Flight, Cornlands Young Emperor, and more recently there have been Sh Ch Marmaduke Maximus at Cornlands, the lovely Ch Cornlands Wellington and Sh Ch Cornlands Lady Dahlia. - Roberts, M. (Morningtown) - Famous Labradors like Boothgates Headliner, Lindall Mollie Malone, Morningtown Stormette etc. all descend from Morningtown Tobla, a chocolate bitch, who passed that colour on to many of her descendants. Peculiar thing is, that there are only blacks and yellows to be found in Morningtown Tobla's pedigree. Buccleuch Avon, born in 1885, so almost 90 years before, is known to have produced some chocolate offspring, so it's likely that either his sire Malmesbury Tramp, or his dam Malmesbury June (black, 1880), or both, already carried the chocolate gene. - Robinson, N.D. (Reanacre) - The Reanacre kennel was one of the "Dual-purpose" kennels. Uk Champion Reanacre Mallardhurn Thunder(1960) sired many champions. - Roslin-Williams, Mary (Mansergh) - Mary Roslin Williams was a well-known international judge and long established breeder of Labradors, both for the Show Ring and the Field. She has built up her own strain of Labradors under the Mansergh prefix, and has bred both Champions and Field Trial Winners. In 1988 she published the book "Advanced Labrador Breeding", which she dedicated to Anne Taylor (Fabracken), "without whose hard work and dedication to advanced Labrador breeding this book could never have appeared". Mary Roslin-Williams, who died in 1994, had been one of the Labrador Retriever Club’s long-standing members. She had given much of her life to the breed. At the 40th Championship show she won Best in Show with her bitch CH. Mansergh Mayday. She regarded this win to be her greatest achievement in her show career. S- Satterthwaite, Marjorie (Lawnwoods) - International judge and breeder. Besides breeding fantastic dogs, like UK Ch Lawnwoods Hot Chocolate, Marjorie wrote several books, like "Labrador Retrievers", "The Labrador etriever: its care and training", "A dog owner's guide to Labrador retrievers", and "An Interpet Guide to Labrador Retrievers". Marjorie retired from judging in 2004, and she passed away in October 2007.- Saunders, H.A. (Liddly) - Mr. and Mrs. Saunders foundation dog Ch. Liddly Jonquil(1931) was sired by Ch. Tar of Hamyax (1924), a son of F.T.W. Toi of Whitmore (1922). Liddly Jonquil in turn sired Ch. Holton Joyful and Shavington Jet, as well as Liddly Geranium, John of Sandylands and Ballyduff Bridget, to name a few. Liddly Jonquil was also behind the Cookridge and Heatheredge Kennels. - Scott, Lord John (1809-1860) - Brother of the Fifth Duke of Buccleuch was one of the first who imported dogs from Newfoundland about 1835. He belonged to the "northern set". See also Buccleuch. - Severn, J.G. (Tibshelf) - Mr. J.G. Severn of Tibshelf Kennels wrote: "My first experience of the chocolate Labradors was in February, 1938, when I visited Dr. Montgomery of Sutton Ashfield, about three miles from Tibshelf. We had mated his black bitch Shelagh of Brasidonia to my black dog Danilo of Tibshelf. Result: 4 blacks, 2 chocolate dogs, 1 cream bitch. I later bought Shelagh and mated her again to Danilo. Result just the same." Mr. Severn had a great fancy for chocolates, or Livers, as they were also called. - Sidebottom, Marilyn and Hugh (Humaryn) - International judges and breeders. Marilyn wrote: "We have owned Labradors for the past 40 years having brought our first home with us from our honeymoon in Scotland.We started showing about 20 years ago and have had a lot of success showing all three colours, especially in recent years having gained stud book numbers with three dogs one of which was homebred and one having gained RCC and a Challenge certificate. Regularly qualifying for Crufts. We became members of the Kennel Club Accredited Breeders Scheme in 2005. Hugh judges Labradors and other gundog breeds. He is on the 'B' list for the West Of England Labrador Retriever Club. We are members of all the main Labrador breed clubs and Hugh is on the committee for the West Of England Labrador Retriever Club and South Western Gundog Club." - Smith, Paul (Oulsmi) - see Oulton, Ginette. - Stanton, Dr T.W. (Folkingham) - The Folkingham Kennel of Dr. Stanton dominated the yellow Field Trial scene in the late 1920's with a very strong team, winning year after year. Unforgettable names are Folkingham Swimmer, Folkingham Solo, Folkingham Spud, Folkingham Bexter and Folkingham Speedy. - Steven, John and Helen (Rossbank) - International judges and breeders. Their Sh Ch Rossbank Cochine (1975) (Sh Ch Sandylands Clarence of Rossbank ex Teviotcastle Countess of Rossbank) became Crufts winner in 1978. Another influential dog was UK Sh .Ch. Sandylands Clarence of Rossbank (1973). T- Taylor, Anne (Fabracken) - International judge and breeder. Anne writes: "My first love was always horses, but as a child my parents gave me a Labrador puppy, in 1966. Fabracken Redvales Fabia was the foundation of my 'kennel'. We grew up and learnt together, first attending obedience classes and shows, and then moving on to breed shows. Fabia had many successes, especially considering she had a small child on the end of her lead, and won up to Limit classes at Championship shows. Through a family friend I was put in contact with Mary Roslin Williams (Mansergh), who took me under her wing and taught me a great deal over the years. Mary also allowed me to use her Reanacre Sandylands Tarmac for the first Fabracken litter. That litter gave me Fabracken Georgie Girl, the first RCC winner for the 'kennel'. Only breeding a litter when I need something to carry my line on, and having been taught by Mary to only keep the best possible has meant numbers have always been limited to 4-5 dogs at any one time. My oldies live out their lives here. Eventually I went to agricultural college and by the time I was in a position to do something with the dogs again the original line had been lost. On going to look at a litter of yellow puppies at the renowned Poolstead Kennel of Bob & Didi Hepworth, I came away with a 12 month black bitch! A year later she was CH.Poolstead Pin Up of Fabracken. Beautifully bred, being by CH.Sandylands Mark x a bitch who was a mix of Sandylands & Kinley breeding, I had hopes she might be a good producer. Indeed she was. It was also Pin Up who really started my interest in the working side of the breed. She was a natural at work and taught me so much about the 'real' Labrador. After winning her second CC I was determined that if she was to win her Show Champion title then she would become a full Champion by gaining her Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC). This has been my intention ever since then. Many show bred Labradors will work, given the opportunity, and make very useful picking-up dogs. There is so much satisfaction to be gained from watching any dog do the job the breed has always been bred for. Since then all the Fabrackens are worked throughout the winter, as well as gaining SGWC's, and their temperament and ability to do this are very much in mind when choosing stud dogs. Many things go to make up a good Labrador, health being a very important part of that."- Timms, John and Denise (Lejie) - International judges and breeders. John died in September, 2008. Lindall Miss Holly (1980) was the Lejie kennel’s foundation bitch. Lejie has produced many champions. - Twyford, T.W. (Whitmore) - Mr. Twyford had been a strong supporter of the Labrador Retriever for many years, and Mr. Mackay Sanderson wrote of him, "after the Banchory Kennel, probably no name is writ larger on the Labrador history than the Whitmore affix. Both on the bench and in the trial field the Whitmore Labradors proved themselves capable of holding their own with the best." Mr. Twyford died in 1921, and the kennel was carried on by his son, Major H. Twyford, on a reduced scale. It was dispersed in 1931. During the course of its career inmates of the kennel won at least 36 field trials. It produced one Dual Ch. in Titus of Whitmore (1919), the only Dual Ch. to win the Retriever Championship, in 1923 and 24, also six Champions, and three FT. Champions. Their subsequent influence on the breed was far reaching. V- Venturi Rose, Joy (Leospring) - International judge and breeder. Joy writes: "I have always had a passionate interest in animals and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1976 which later led to teaching veterinary nursing and animal care and obtaining an Education Degree and an MSc in Animal Behaviour. Our first labrador Treherne Yewberry, bred by the late Joan Harvey (Treherne), was bought for work in 1975. He proved to be an excellent dog and even though we made many mistakes with his training he eventually became a very successful competition dog, his best award being 3rd in a two day open field trial. By this time I had become interested in the Dual Purpose Labrador, a major influence being Mary Roslyn Williams, and was showing a bitch called Everace Classic Lady. Yewberry's full sister by a repeat mating (FT CH Spudtamsons Berry of Mirstan X Treherne Fantasy) was mated to Ch Squire of Ballyduff and a daughter Buttsash Pollyflinders of Leospring became our main foundation bitch. In 1999, having nearly lost the Yewberry/Classic Lady line, Oakingham Monarch of Leospring (who goes back to both these dogs and Pollyflinders) arrived. He has won an all aged Field Trial and awards in two day and one day open stakes and firsts in the Championship show ring. I have had so much fun, interest and enjoyment from the dogs and have judged both working and show events in ten European countries. I award Challenge Certificates in the UK and my husband and I are both B panel field trial judges. I am the Field Trial Secretary for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Labrador Club, Chairman of the Hampshire Gundog Society and a committee member of The Labrador Retriever Club. I am a representitive on the Kennel Club Field Trial Liason Committee and on the Breed Council Health sub-committee." (Read the full story.)- Verulam, Earl of (Gorhambury) - Every "Earl of Verulam" is also "Viscount Grimston". See also Graham, Sir Frederick and Knutsford, Third Viscount. - Vollette, David (Clayview, Hunt Club) - see also Arbuckle, Nancy. Nancy established a partnership with David over ten years ago, and they run the kennel together. W- Wallington, Keith (Balnova) - International judge and breeder. In 1981 the Wallingtons bought their first black bitch from the Wetherlam Kennel of the late Mrs Williamson, in the same year they applied to the Kennel Club for their affix 'Balnova' . In 1983 two more black bitch puppies came to live at Balnova, both were sired by Sh.Ch.Am.Ch. Lindall Mastercraft. One was Kupros Miss Bramble of Balnova, the other Boothgates Miss Megan of Balnova, from whom all the dogs in their kennel today descend. One of their most memorable days was in 1987 when Miss Bramble won Best of Breed at Crufts. On the same day her litter brother Kupros Master Mariner took the reserve Challenge Certificate, he went on to become one of the breed's great sires.- Wallington, Sheila (Balnova) - International judge and breeder. See Wallington, Keith. - Walton, Sheilagh (Gallybob) - International judge and breeder. The Gallybob kennel was established in 1978. - Ward, Lady (Chiltonfoliat) - One of the chief supporters of chocolates was the Hon. Lady Ward of Chiltonfoliat, near Hungerford, the dogs from her kennel being very typical with particularly good tails and coats. Her chocolate bitch FTW Darry of Chiltonfoliat (Braeroy Darkie) (1930) was sired by an unregistered chocolate dog called Jimmy, while her dam descended from the chocolate Flatcoat Clyde. Lady Ward possessed 60 dogs, mostly Labradors and Spaniels and employed a man and boy full time in a separate establishment away from the mansion to look after them, the dogs were not for sale only for shows. - Warwick, Jim and Helen (Lockerbie) - Helen Warwick and Joan Redmond Read (Chidley) were the two most influential Americans in Labrador retrievers. They recognized the challenge of preserving the original Labrador in the United States, and worked assiduously on the breed’s behalf. Respected worldwide for her extensive knowledge and devotion to the breed, Helen Warwick wrote "The Complete Labrador Retriever" and "The New Complete Labrador Retriever", in which she blended every new and important development into what is one of the greatest books on the Labrador available today. - Weiss, Col. Jerry H. (Lobuff) - Lobuff started in 1968 as a family affair. Col Jerry and Lee Weiss and five daughters all enjoyed the sport as a hobby. Although Patti, Donna, Maggie and Mollie and their respective families are animal lovers and owners, it is Col Weiss as a popular AKC judge and Lisa as a breeder and breeder/judge who carry on with the Lobuff dogs. Today many of the Lobuff dogs are shown and co-owned in friendship and partnership with Julie Quigley-Smith at Hollyridge Labradors in Rhode Island. Together they have won the LRC National, LRC Potomac twice and in 2008 Best of Breed at Westminster KC. Ch Lobuff's Bare Necessities CD JH, co owned with Emily Biegel - "Tollhouse" Labradors, sired more than 50 working Guide Dogs as well as champions, junior hunters and family companions. - Weiss Agresta, Lisa (Lobuff) - Lisa Weiss has shown and exhibited Labrador Retrievers since she was a youngster. Her interest in Labradors led her to a career as a judge, an author ("The Labrador Retriever: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet", and "The Labrador Retriever: The Dog That Does It All") , and the breeder of approximately thirty champions under her Lobuffs prefix. A substantial son of Dickendall Ruffy, Ch Lobuff’s Bare Necessities, JH was the number one Labrador in 1993 and 1994 in the USA. This great black dog was owned by Emily Biegel and Lisa Weiss Agresta. She and her dad, Col. Jerry H. Weiss, are one of only a few father-daughter judging teams. She considers judging Labradors in Finland and at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1998 her greatest honors as a judge. - Wiest, Mary and Michael (Beechcroft) - They started breeding Labrador Retrievers in 1969 and have established a line of Labrador Retrievers that is very recognizable as a kennel "style". Beechcroft Labrador Retrievers are founded on one bitch imported from the United Kingdom: American Ch. Ballyduff Lark. All of their dogs go back to Lark, many go back more than once or twice. Lark is mostly found in the 7th and 8th generations of their dog's pedigrees now, but her style is still very much evident in the dogs we have today. Mary and Michael have been very fortunate to have bred many Champion Labrador Retrievers, numerous Specialty winners and many working titled dogs as well. Mary is an international judge of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. She has judged many Specialties in the USA and Canada and has judged as far away as Australia and Estonia. - Wiles, Richard (Richbourne) - International judge and breeder. The highlight of Richard's judging career was undoubtedly when he had the great honour of judging Labrador males at Crufts in 2004 and his CC winner went on to win the Gundog group. - Wiles, Susan (Richbourne) - International judge and breeder. Both husband Richard and Susan have been involved with Labradors since the 1960's & 1970's but it was in 1987 that The Richbourne Kennel was founded. They judge Labradors at Championship show level and have officiated all over Europe, America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Susan is currently the secretary of The Yellow Labrador Club. - Wiles-Fone, Heather (Heatherbourne) - International judge and breeder. Wrote books like "The Ultimate Labrador Retriever" (1997) and "All About Your Labrador Retriever" (1999). Heather Wiles–Fone has been breeding Labradors for more than three decades and has produced many champions. - Williams, Angela (Foulby) - International judge and breeder. - Winter, Edgar (Staindrop) - Staindrop kennel produced a significant number of Field Trial Champions. Edgar Winter's Dual Ch. Staindrop Saighdear (Gaelic for soldier), born in 1944, was a lovely yellow dog, so full of quality and a lovely worker, and he was the first yellow Dual champion. He in turn produced a number of American and UK Champions. - Woodall, Joan (Thirlmere) - International judge and breeder. - Woolley, Margot (Follytower) - International judge and breeder. She was a founder member of the North West Labrador Retriever Club. She died peacefully on Thursday, 12th April, 2007. In the Labrador Retriever Club year book of 1995, where she had judged Labrador bitches for their Championship show, she wrote: "We had always had Labradors as family dogs, but in 1963 I decided it would be fun to enter the show ring. My father always showed his hackneys, and my mother competed with them in the Ladies Driving Classes. I had uncles who bred and showed Clydesdales, pigeons and guinea-pigs, so maybe showing and competing was in the blood! Mary Rider of Redvales was my friend and mentor in all labrador matters at that time and through her I met Margaret Ward of Heatheredge fame. She very kindly picked the two best bitches from five blacks in a litter by Ch. Braeduke Joyful ex Silsdale Glenarvy Quita. My husband chose what later became Ch. Follytower Silsdale Old Chelsea, and I am sure many of you know that he claims any success I may have had is entirely due to him! Everything in my kennel is descended from her one way or another – Stormer was her grandson. Through labradors I have had many happy and exciting experiences. I have judged in thirteen countries overseas and received the kindest hospitality and made many good friends." - Wormald, Major Arthur - Major Arthur and his wife Veronica Wormald presided successively over the Yellow Labrador Club from its founding in 1924 until Veronica's death in 1979. - Wormald, Veronica (Knaith) - Veronica Wormald's Ch Knaith Banjo (1946-1961), a famous foxred Labrador, was the last Dual Champion in the UK. |



