Clare Robinson

NAME

Clare Robinson

HOME TOWN / AREA

I live in Newtownabbey which is just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland

WHAT DOG ACTIVITIES DO YOU TAKE PART IN?

Showing, Handling, Judging & Ring Stewarding including Area & Group Stewarding at Belfast Dog Show Society. I am the Treasurer of the N.I branch of the Bearded Collie Club and my mum is Secretary. My mum and I are also Accredited Breeders under the affix 'Oakfern'. I have attended all the required seminars and passed all the relevant exams set by the Kennel Club to enable me to progress in my Judging career under KC regulations.

I'm so pleased that I have passed by the Irish Kennel Club Judges Sub-Committee to award Green stars(the equivalent to CC's) My first appointment will be in April 2011 and it will be such an honour to Judge my much loved Bearded Collies.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A YKC MEMBER?

I joined the KCJO (it's former name) around February/March 1996 just after my 8th Birthday!

HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU OWN?

At present we have two Bearded Collies, Bestie & Maisie, both Irish Champions and we also have George the Pug (yes Alex Paisey, he is still living!!)

WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN/COMPETED WITH IN YOUR DISCIPLINE(S)?

Over the years I have owned & shown six Bearded Collies, three Lhasa Apsos, one pug & two Australian Shepherds. I have also handled numerous other breeds across the seven Kennel Club groups or Irish Kennel Club's ten groups.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT DOGS?

I would best describe it as unconditional love,no matter what, they're always pleased to see you.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE YKC?

The like minded friends that I have made over the years, some still exhibiting, some not, but because we have something in common we're still friends.

SHARE A FUNNY/FAVOURITE MEMORY OF YOUR DOG/S

Favourites would be having very fond memories of the National Camps that I attended, from taking part in the Training to the Camp Challenges & the Talent Nights.

I have been privileged to own and handle some lovely dogs gaining so many special wins with them, many of them at Crufts, however winning Best in Show with my Beardie, IR Ch Kiltondale Magnesium, this year at the Bearded Collie Club of Ireland is definitely up there!

Whilst a funny memory I have is from a few years ago while exhibiting on the Irish Show circuit we were staying in a farmhouse with our friends when our Beardies returned after a disappearing act in slurry! Having to wash two Beardies in a bucket for the Killarney Show the next day was a load of laughs!

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO TAKE YOUR DOG/S?

The dogs enjoy romping around showing off their herding skills in the Cavehill Country Park and while mum & I enjoy the amazing views over Belfast they also enjoy running free along the Loughshore.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?

I have progressed from competing in the Handling classes to exhibiting in Breed classes at Ch Show Level. A much respected lady in the dog world once passed on her wisdom on and I have found her comments to be very useful:

Look: Observe how other exhibitors show their dogs, can you adapt some of their techniques to enhance your dog attributes? When exhibiting, dress in a sensible, smart fashion thus enhancing the overall picture

Learn: Don't be afraid to ask questions & learn all about your breed, A good Handler should know how best to exhibit the dog even when Handling for someone.

Listen: Listen to what the Judge asks you to do & go within the ring, keep alert as you may hear another exhibitor make a comment which might help you avoid a problem in a ring.

I hope you all have fun in whatever activity you choose & if you ever come to exhibit or compete at any of the Shows in either Northern Ireland or Southern Ireland please look out for the mad Beardies and came and say 'hello!'