Oakham woman crowned UK’s best dog breeder at Crufts

A dog breeder from Oakham, Rutland has won the Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition at Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show.

Angie Allan whose team comprised Champion Allmark The Sequel JW ShCM handled by Angie, Champion Allmark Forty Second Street at Wilduc JW ShCM handled by Dave Wilson, Champion Allmark Licensed To Thrill handled by Pete Simmons and Champion Allmark Vanity Fayre JW ShCM handled by Robyn Arnall, won the ultimate breeder’s title with their team of Australian Shepherds in front of a packed Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham on Friday 8 March. The team beat 32 other breeders to win the competition.

Judge Paul Harding selected Angie’s team of Australian Shepherds for the prize as the breeder with the best overall quality evident in their dogs. Angie bred all four dogs in partnership with Robert Harlow from Sevenoaks in Kent.

All the dogs in the team are descendants of Champion Allmark Careless Whisper JW. Two are her children and two are her grandchildren.

Speaking about her win, Angie said: “It feels absolutely fabulous as it’s a major achievement. It’s very special to win in such strong competition as it’s the life and soul of all that you do as a breeder, and the judge can see that the dogs are all of a type. We certainly plan to celebrate!”

Reserve best breeder was awarded to Averil Cawthera-Purdy from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with her team of Pomeranians which she breeds under the Lireva kennel name.

The competition, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, involves teams accruing points at group and general championship shows throughout the year. Each team comprised three or four dogs of one breed, all bred by the same breeder or breeding partnership.

Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are very pleased for both winning teams on their excellent achievement. They are clearly both very talented breeders. Their dogs are a testament to each of their breeds and it is fantastic to celebrate the time and effort they put into developing sound breeding practices to produce healthy and happy dogs for the show ring.”

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2019 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2019, please go to www.ppauk.com.