Retired breeder sees four of her dogs receive rosettes at Crufts

FOUR dogs brought up by a retired dog breeder from Sonning Common received rosettes at the world’s biggest dog show.

Cheryl Biddlecombe, 77, took her two French shepherd dogs to Crufts at the Birmingham NEC last week.

The mother of the Briard duo, Fergie, aged seven-and-a half, was very highly commended in the veteran class.

She is recognised as a Kennel Club champion after she won four challenge certificates in shows across the country

Frankie, who is 23 months, was from Fergie’s second litter and was awarded first place in the “limit” class. He won best in puppy class for his breed in the competition last year.

Mrs Biddlecombe, who has owned Briards for more than 50 years, was also successful with three other puppies who are now owned by Alexa Taylor, Jackie Skeggs and Pat Hartwell.

Maisie, who is three and a half, is owned by Mrs Hartwell. She is from Frankie’s first litter and won first place in the “good citizens” class and third place in the open class. She also won Best of Breed at Crufts in 2023. Purdy, 23 months, is owned by Ms Taylor and is Frankie’s sister. She placed third in the post-graduate class and Sansa, who is also 23 months, is owned by Ms Skeggs, won first place in the “limit” class.

Mrs Biddlecombe, who described the day as “magical”, set off from home at 3.30am to meet up with the owners of her former puppies.

She said: “When we arrived we made sure that the dogs were comfortable and had some exercise after the long drive before we went in and then it was time for the humans to have coffee and a chat.

“Then it was getting the dogs ready to go in, each of them looking their part. Then you stand and watch and keep your fingers crossed.”

Mrs Biddlecome said she was very proud of her dogs and happy for the owners, two of which had never entered a show before.

She said: “To have just one dog at Crufts is fabulous but to have five there is truly remarkable and just makes me very proud that I have done something right with my breed plans.

We go with hopes and dreams, and we hope they come through, and, for me, they did. Even though Frankie and Fergie live here with me it was super cool to see the other three that I bred do so well. It was a magical day.

“It’s amazing to see my dogs do so well. The girls had big classes and the owners said that we might have to make do but I said ‘You never know’ and look what happened. They are all thrilled to bits.”