Lancashire Heeler Association

BEST IN SHOW - THE VULNERABLE NATIVE BREEDS SHOW 2026

My thanks to this hard working and dedicated LHA committee for this super invitation to judge at their unique show. Jacky and her committee certainly know how to put on a good show – it was so friendly and welcoming too.

The show is an exhibition for all our native breeds which aren’t as popular as we would like, however Any visitor would have seen excellent examples across a wide variety of breeds and I’m sure they’d find one to suit their taste.

My Best in Show line up, drawn from 39 scheduled breeds, was pure class. The quality was superb and I was spoilt for choice. I shortlisted ten breeds, but it was incredibly difficult given the standard presented.

BIS went to the small but mighty Smooth Fox Terrier ‘Ch Ubble Du Manoir Saint Adrien at Byzantine (Imp Fra)’, (Ms J Peakin) – what a personality and such a show off in the ring with a great attitude and alert expression. Small dark eyes and neat folded ears. Loved his outline and shape, with nice length of neck and good chest. Short firm topline and correct tail set and carriage too. His rear angulation has a good turn of stifle, and he was toned throughout with good bone. On the move it all came together with his super rear drive making him move effortlessly around the big ring. He was a showman through and through, he never stopped and teamed with his super handler they made the perfect package to win Best In Show in such super company.

RBIS was Pretty & Potts Kerry Blue Terrier ‘Kebulak Mr Marvellous’ and marvellous he certainly is. A junior but so together. Fit and toned throughout, he couldn’t be overlooked on stance or the move. Masculine head with super dark eye and keen expression. Strong neck. Compact body, firm topline with good ribs. Correctly angulated with drive from his rear. Presented immaculately, his coat was in super condition. Handled so well to get the very best from him at all times. Such an eye-catching Kerry.

BIS 3 – the wonderful Bullmastiff ‘Crimlisk Spicy Shiraz of Copperfield JW’ (Mr W & Mrs A Warren). I’d consider her more Champagne than Shiraz however she is certainly bold and full bodied! I loved her. She oozes femininity throughout and her head is just delightful, square, broad and deep with super eyes. Her body is sound, well-muscled and in fabulous condition. Muscular neck and shoulders, firm topline and ribs well back. Super powerful rear who comes into its own on the move as she powers around the ring. Her handler knows he didn’t need to do anything to enhance her as she is just a beauty in her own right and he lets her show herself off perfectly. 

BIS 4 - SCWT Silkcroft Play On Repeat (Mr C W & Mrs C L Satherley), still a puppy and what a little cracker. I could certainly play him on repeat and wouldn’t get bored of watching his fabulous movement. He effortlessly covers the ground with his free, easy movement coming from his angulated front and super rear drive. Stood he looks a picture, compact with firm topline, super bone for his age and toned throughout. He was covered in a super young soft coat which completed the overall picture to complete this fabulous four line up of dog.