On Saturday morning, we started with the Champion Stakes. Although we didn’t know what it meant when we subscribed, we learned from Dennis and David about this phenomenon (thanks, guys). The judge was mrs. Doreen Quay. This nice, blue dressed and blue hatted lady (even her fingernails were painted blue :-)), thought our Cassy was...... the best Champion (of the 15 who entered) and thus Cassy was the number ONE of the Champion Stake. Being at our first show in New Zealand, this was a lovely start. We received a box with treats for Cassy and a set with glass jars. What we enjoyed most was the surprise being number one.

Knowing what the Champion Stake is all about, we entered the ring for the all breed judging. The judging is quiet different from that in Europe. May be it the style of the judge, but Mrs. Dr. Lim (of Singapore) hardly touched Cassy. She looked at the length of his ears, his eyes and teeth. That’s all. But: the result was that Cassy received his first CC (challenge certificate) in New Zealand. Unfortunately, in New Zealand there is no written comments of the judge.
The best of group of the gundogs was rather disappointing. Mrs. Lim didn’t even look at Cassy. We were able to go home early..... (Differing from in Europe, in New Zealand there is, as far as we know, no moment you have to wait for before going home, to give visitors the opportunity to see your dog.)

Today, we entered the show ring again and this time Mrs. Sue Johnson, from Queensland, Australia, was judging. Even she hardly touched Cassy, but gave him his second challenge. As yesterday, we entered the best of group again, and left it with the same speed entering.

But, from today we’ll call Cassy again: our champion dog. He gained 25% of his NZ-championship in two days! We are very proud of him.

What we also learned these two days: there is an unwritten dress code. At a Champion Show you have to be dressed up. At an open show however you can wear jeans. All people (except Cilia) where dressed like the judges: long trousers or a skirt, a blouse and/or a jacket. Sandals are not done, as well as shorts and a T-shirt (like Cilia had...). Next time she will be dressed properly.

The next shows will be in February, in Levin. Let’s hope there are more Irish Water Spaniels entering. We like some competition. But we were told by Mrs. Quay at the Champion Stake that this was the first time she saw an IWS in show ring in New Zealand.

Okay, that was our first information about Cassy in show. We’ll keep you informed.