SOUTH AUSTRALIAN  BULLDOG CLUB

1915

South Australian Bulldog Club Annual Show

The sixth annual show of the South Australian Bulldog Club was held on Saturday afternoon in the-saddling paddock at Victoria Park. The enclosure was made available through the courtesy of the committee of the Adelaide Racing Club. The factors required for success, perfect weather, good dogs, a competent, judge, good management, and a satisfactory attendance were all present, with the result that the exhibition was the most successful display held by the club. The attractions were considerably added to by the presence of seven dogs from Victoria and five from New South Wales. The bulldog is regarded as the national British dog. The Englishman and the bulldog, it has been said, are alike in the qualities of stubborn courage and endurance. Recently many good dogs have been imported from the old country, and their effect in the improvement of the local standard is marked. Competition now-a-days is so keen that it is impossible for dogs of other than “good quality to win under a competent judge. In connection with the show on Saturday, the record number of 237 entries, comprising 85 dogs was received. When it is stated that the approximate value of the animals on view, was £2,000, a fair idea of the interest and enthusiasm which prevail may be gained. The South Australian dogs were good, but the championships for best dog and best bitch were, gained by New South Wales and Victoria respectively. In each case the award was sound. South Australia, however, secured the chief honours in the brace class, and, on the whole, local fanciers did well against the imported dogs.

Judging and Management.

In view of the importance of the show, there was an expressed desire by the members that a judge from a larger centre, where there are more dogs and more shows, should be employed, so that comparisons in regard to the interpretation of the standard, might be made. The services of Mr. W. W. King, of Victoria, were consequently secured. This well-known adjudicator enjoys a high reputation for knowledge and thoroughness. Throughout a long and trying afternoon Mr. King vindicated that reputation. To give universal satisfaction in a strenuously contested exhibition is a feat which remains to be accomplished by the man who is not yet known. The management on Saturday was exceptionally praiseworthy, and the keenest investigation failed to disclose any matters in this direction in which improvement could be made. There was a large staff of efficient workers, and the smallest details were attended to. As an instance of detail, it may be mentioned that the Interstate dogs were benched together, and above them were placed the names of the States which they represented. The attention given to this matter was appreciated by the visitors, who thus bad no difficulty in identifying the various dogs. The catalogue, too, contained an unusual amount of information, which was well arranged. The issue was singular creditable, and its preparation is a tribute to the ability of the Secretary (Mr. A. C. Myers).

The Dogs:

In the novice dog class, 13 competitors faced the judge, who gave first place to Dr. A. H. Bennett’s Wulka Repo, a dog which showed temper in the ring, but which would be improved by training. Reno is a big brindle-and-white dog, leggy and tight in shoulder, which was in fine condition, strength, and vitality. The second dog, Texas Jack (from New South Wales), was more of the type accepted by local fanciers. The Victorian dog, The White Knight (imp). was placed third. This animal is only young but is already too big. At present it exhibits no large amount of quality but may let down and improve with age.

In the puppy dog classes the entries were fair. Mr. H. E. Strang secured chief honours in both with Berridale Touchstone and Berridale Bill, both of which are promising puppies. In the case of the other dogs in these classes, most of them were so immature as to render valueless any criticism in regard to their points.

In the junior dog class, the chief event went to the Victorian representative, Smiler Punch. A dark brindle, with a good head, this dog is on the big side, and possesses an eccentric gait.

Wulka Repo was first in the limit class, followed by Mr. D. R. Gee’s Burleigh Chum. The latter animal exhibited the better type of the two, and as a matter of fact, the award did not give satisfaction.

In the Australian-bred class, Mr. J. Arthur’s Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns stood out and won easily. The old dog, which was born six years ago, was in good form, is still as active as a terrier, and is a perfect “shower.” Were he wider in front he might have been first in the championship.

The open dog class (championship) brought out a strong field. The decision went to the New South Wales representative, Don Hol Britson (imp.) a dark brindle, with a good Skull, indifferent ears, good body and roach, and the decision was sound. The Victorian dog Morayville Adenough (imp.) was second. This is also a dark brindle of good type, but which has been seen in better condition. Third place was filled by Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns, which failed in body points to the winner.

Interstate Challenge Brace: Considerable interest was centred in the Interstate Challenge Brace, competition. The verdict went to the South Australian representatives, Gr. Ch Tommy Burns and Burleigh Chum. Second place was gained by Victoria with Morayville Adenough (imp.) and Daisy Hill Judy (imp.). In point of quality, Victoria should have won, as Adenough defeated Tommy, Burns in the open class and. Daisy Hill Judy’s subsequent position as best bitch in the show should have caused her to rank higher than Burleigh Chum, which scored no chief prize during the afternoon.

The Bitches:

In the novice class, Potter’s Lyndhurst Nancy was first. This is a bitch of fair quality. Mr. H. E. Strang scored first and second honours in the contest for baby puppy bitches, with Berridale Bunty and Berridale Jessica, both too young for criticism.

Dr.Hampden Carr’s Silvern Witch was first in the under 12 months class. The winner is a bitch of quality, which may come on.

The award in junior bitches went to New South Wales. Mr. F. McWilliams’s Patricia secured the verdict in a small class.

In the limit bitch class, the first award went to Mrs. E. Sincock’s Guinea Gold, a red bitch with a good skull.

Mrs. Sincock was successful in the Australian-bred class, with the same representative.

The open bitch class brought out 12 competitors, and chief place was gained by the Victorian entry Daisy Hill Judy (imp.), a dark brindle bitch of good quality, and which deserved the position. The second place was filled by Mr. H. E. Strang’s Peggy Royal, which is proving a good brood bitch. The wins scored by her puppies during the day gave Mr. Strang the right to hold the breeder’s trophy. The success of this young breeder was well received by the club members.

The brace class has already been referred to. So far as the team class was concerned, the chief award went Mr. J. Arthur, who scored against Mr. C. E. Martin’s representatives. To point of quality, Mr. Arthur’s team was first, but in the matters of colour and evenness Mr. Martin’s dogs were in front. The basis of judging in this class appeared to be inconsistent, with that adopted for the interstate challenge brace, there was only one entry in the litter class, and no award was made.

Reception to Interstate visitors

To round off a successful day, and to do honour to the interstate visitors, a dinner was held at the Gresham Hotel, in the evening, when 35 representative fanciers were present. The chair was occupied by Mr. R. Wemyss. The Bulldog Club of New South Wales was represented by Messrs. H. L. Miers (Vice-President), and W. McNamara (Secretary); the British Bulldog Club of Victoria, by Messrs. H. W. Sperring (Secretary), and J. Fryar; and the Bulldog Club of Western Australia, by Mr. J. A. Cussen (Secretary). The gathering had the effect of strengthening the friendly relations existing between the bulldog men of the various States. It was a decided success. Various toasts were honoured. The sentiment, “The press” was coupled with a special reference to the beneficial influence exercised by The Register kennel column.

Officials: Judge of All Classes, Mr. W. W King, of Victoria; Show Committee, Messrs. J. H. Potter, C. T. McGlew, and J. H. Ward; Judge’s Steward, Mr. C. V. Newman; Ring Stewards, Messrs. Allan, H. Chapman, F. A. Wilson, and W. H. Harvey; Bench Stewards, Messrs. D. R. Gee, J. H. Ward, J. Jacques, ‘P. W. Sandford, and A. R. Wotton; Award Steward. Mr. E. A. Dawson; Veterinary Surgeon, Mr. J. Desmond; Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. C. Myers.

PRIZE LIST.

Dogs: Novice Dog (for dogs which had never won a first prize in open competition) Dr. A. H. Bennett’s Wulka Repo, C. Pullan and J. H. Quinn’s Texas Jack (N.S.W.), M. P. Bauld’s The White Knight (imp.) (Vic.).

Baby Puppy Dog (under six months) H. E. Strang’s Berridale Touchstone, Mrs. E. Sincock’s Gold Boy, A. R. Wotton’s Sir Johnathan.

Puppy Dog (under 12 months) H. E. Strang’s Berridale Bill, K. D. Bowman’s Joffre, Dr. R. Pulleine’s Aracbne.

Junior Dog (over 12 and under 18 months) H. W. Sperring’s Smiler Punch (Vic.), Pullan and Quinn’s Texas Jack (N.S.W.).

Limit Dog (for dogs that had not won four first prizes) Dr. A. H. Bennett’s Wulka Repo, D. R. Gee’s Burleigh Chum, Pullan and Quinn’s Texas Jack (N.S.W.).

Australian-bred Dog: J. Arthur’s Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns, Dr. A. H. Bennett’s Wulka Repo, H. W. Sperring’s Smiler Fundi (Vic.)

Open Dog: Rich and Wilkin’s Don Hol Britson (N.S.W.) (imp.), R. McLaughlan’s Morayville Adenough (Vic.) (imp.), J. Arthur’s. Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns.

Graduate Dog (for dogs that had not won a first or second prize).—M. P. Bauld’s (Vic.) White Knight (imp.), P. W. Sandford’s Mischief, Dr. J. C. R. Lind’s Taurus.

Bitches: Novice Bitch for bitches which had never won a first prize in open competition) J. H. Potter’s Lyndhurst Nancy, Miss A. M. Meth’s Wulka Jude, A. R. Wotton’s Marble Maid.

Baby Puppy Bitch (under six months) H. E. Strang’s Berridale Bunty, H. E. Strang’s Berridale Jessica, Mrs. O. J. Luckwald’s Stone Stella.

Puppy Bitch (under 12 months) Dr. Hampden Carr’s Silvern Witch, N. S. Leane’s Royal Slinks, L. K. C. Symons’s All Gold.

Junior Bitch (over 12 and under 18 months) F. McWilliams’s Patricia (N.S.W.), Magnus Wald’s Olga.

Limit Bitch (for bitches that had not won four first prizes) Mrs. E. Sincock’s Guinea Gold, H. E. Strang’s Peggy Royal, Mrs. Du Val’s Lady Milestones (Vic.).

Australian Bred Bitch: Mrs. E. Sincock’s Guinea Gold. H. E. Strang’s Peggy Royal, Mrs. Du Val’s Lady Milestones (Vic.).

Open Bitch: Miss A. E. Allen’s (Vic.) Daisy Hill Judy (imp.), H. E. Strang’s Peggy Royal, Mrs. Du Val’s Lady Milestone (Vic.).

Graduate Bitch for bitches, that had never won a first or second prize) J. Arthur’s Wulka Cuddles, L. K. G. Symons’s All Cold, C. G. Wilson’s San Pan.

Brace: J. Arthur, C. E. Martin, F. McWilliams. Team: J. Arthur. Litter (under three months). No award.

Interstate Challenge Brace: South Australia (J. Arthur’s Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns and D. R. Gee’s Burleigh Chum).

Special Prizes

Club’s Challenge Cup for Best Dog: Rich and Wilkin’s (N.S.W.) Don Hol Britson (imp.)

Club Challenge Bowl (for best Bitch): Miss A. E. Allen’s (Vic.) Daisy Hill Judy (imp.).

The Amgoorie Cup (for best Puppy Dog; to be won three times): H. E. Strang’s Berridale Bill.

The Fry’s Cup (for best Puppy Bitch; to be won three times): Dr. Hampden Carr’s Silvern Witch.

The Angas Breeder’s Cup (for best Puppy’ Dog, to be won three times): H. E. Strang’s Berridale Bill.

The Angas Breeder’s Cup (for best Puppy Bitch; to be won three times): Dr. Hampden Carr’s Silvern Witch.

The Breeder’s Trophy (for most successful breeder; to be won three times): H. E. Strang.

The Lever’s Trophy for best Brace; to be won three times): J. Arthur.

The “Ch. Silent Duchess” Trophy (for best exhibit; to be won three times): Rich & Wilkins’s (N.S.W.) Don Hol Britson (imp.).

The Bulldog Club of New South Wales Trophy (for the best Australian-bred Dog; Won outright): J. Arthur’s Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns

The British Bulldog Club of Victoria Trophy for best Australian-bred bitch; won outright): Mrs. E. Sincock’s Guinea Gold.

The Rich Trophy (for best dog; to be won three times): Rich & Wilkin’s (N.S.W.), Don Hol Britson (imp.)

The Wilson Trophy (for best bitch; to be won three times): Miss A. E. Allen’s (Vic.) Daisy Hill Judy (imp.).

The Magnus Wald Trophies (for, interstate brace; won outright): Won by S.A. with Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns and Burleigh Chum.

The H. W. Sutherland Trophies (for best Limit dog and best limit bitch; won outright): Dr. A. H. Bennett’s Wulka Bepo, Mrs. E. Sincock’s Guinea Gold.

The Shirley Trophy (for best novice bitch, to be won three times): J. H. Potter’s Lyndhurst Nancy.

The Medindie John Trophy (for best novice dog; to be won three times): Dr. A. H. Bennett’s Wulka Repo.

The Stone Trophy (for best litter; to be won three times): No award.

The East Anglian Bulldog Club’s Trophy (for best dog or bitch: won outright): Rich & Wilkins (N.S.W.); with Don Hol Britson (imp.)

Challenge Certificates

Best Dog: Rich & Wilkins’s (N.S.W.) Don Hol Britson (imp.)

Best Bitch: Miss A. E. Allen’s (Vic.) Daisy Hill Judy (imp.).

(Observer Sat 1 May 1915)

A patriotic parade of bulldogs, arranged by the South Australian Bulldog Club, in aid of the Red Cross Funds, was held at “Brier Holme” the residence of Mr. A. E.  Tolley, on Saturday afternoon. A good attendance included Lady Galway, the Chief Secretary (Hon. A. W. Styles), and Mrs. Styles. The dogs exhibited numbering more than 40, and they were paraded in the various classes on the lawns. A puppy. presented by Mr. E. B. Cox, was sold under the Bugler system, and then disposed of, the sale adding £18 to the funds. A spinning wheel attraction was also provided. Selections were played by the S.O.B. Orchestra, under Mr. A. C. Noyes. Mr. D. R. Gee acted as judge for competitive classes, and Mrs. A. E. Tolley selected the prizetakers in a special patriotic class. The following results were recorded: Dogs: General appearance, Mr. J. Arthur’s Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns, Mrs. A. C. Myers’ Royal Dreadnought, ULMr C. G. Wilson’s Burleigh Chum, Best Head Mr. J. Arthur’s Gr. Ch. Tommy Burns, Mrs. A. C. Myers’ Royal Dreadnought, Mr. F. R. Limb’s Magic. Best nostrils, Dr. Brown’s Wulka Cupid, Mr. C. E. Martin’s Rhuvan’s Tom Keane, Magic. Best body, Burleigh Chum, Tommy Burns, Mr. S. Keynes’s Rocco Comet. Bitches: General appearance, Mr Martin’s Rhuvan’s Wag, Dr. Brown’s Psyche, Mr. H. E. Strang’s Peggy Royal. Best head, Rhuvan’s Wag, Mrs. E. Sincock’s Guinea Gold, Psyche. Best nostrils, Dr. J. C. R. Lind’s Royal Bess, Private L. Symons’ All Gold, Rhuvan’s Wag. Best body, Peggy Royal, Mr. Myer’s Lady Melba, Rhuvan’s Wag. The prizes in the decorated class were awarded to Miss. Dorothy Macdonald’s Griffo, and A. C. Myers dy Melba and Royal Dreadnought. Veteran ribbons were given to Mr. C. T. McGlew’s Rochford (imp), Tommy Burns and Mr. W. D. Averay’s Mother Doyle. (Chronicle Sat 30 Oct 1915)

Mr. F. S. Kingswood a member of the South Australian Bulldog Club, who enlisted for active service, has left South Australia for the front. Other members who are similarly doing their “bit for the Empire” are Messrs. J. S. Scott, A. H. Pearce, F. Casseltine, and L. Symons, while Dr. Edgar Brown left last week for hospital work among the wounded Australian boys in Egypt.  (Observer Sat 20 Nov 1915)

Mr. C. H. Angas, the President of the South Australian Bulldog Club, has returned from bis visit to England. He did not make a long stay in the old country. It is believed that when he left South Australia, he had some idea of bringing out a dog, but I understand that he abandoned the idea, on account of the generally unsettled condition of affairs, and the pressure of other, and more important matters. The recent patriotic parade of the South Australian Bulldog Club realized the sum of £43 8/, which has been handed to the Red Cross funds. The South Australian Bulldog Club has fixed up the following programme for the 1916 year:

April: Annual Show and Dinner.
May: Prize Night.
July: Judges’ exhibition of point scoring.
August: Puppy Evening.
September: Patriotic Parade.

(Observer Sat 11 Dec 1915)