Local dogs and their owners had a very successful time at this year’s Crufts. Among the notable winners was a Welsh Corgi who won Best of Breed and a Collie who won the Good Citizen Dog award.

One Ross family was celebrating quadruple success when a Welsh Springer called Nia won first place in the Limit class and three of her puppies also placed in their classes.

Karen Lancett of Ross-on-Wye has been interested in showing dogs since she had her first Welsh Springer 15 years ago. However, she told the Ross Gazette that she gave up for a while as the dog hated the tremendous amount of grooming involved in keeping a show dog at its peak. Karen said you cannot show a dog which is unhappy, and although this dog loved being in the ring, she really did not like the constant grooming of her long hair.

Coedybrain Nia at Cwmbeili, who is three years old, has taken part in three Crufts and Karen is hoping to win a challenge certificate which could make her a show champion. Although there is pressure, Karen said you get used to it when you are showing dogs week in and week out. She said: “I used to get nervous but now it is second nature, to me and the dogs.”

Nia’s first place in a Limit class gives her a Stud Book Number, which means she is now a lifetime qualifier at Crufts. Nia was awarded her first place by the Breed Specialist Judge, Mr Mansel Young of Wainfelin.

However Nia was not the only success for the family, her 11 month old pups all did well in the show ring and Cwmbeili Madlen was handled by her daughter, Mrs Elin Sibbett.

At the moment Elin is more dedicated to playing badminton, but Karen is hopeful that she will continue to help show the dogs as she really loves them.