Doncaster dog breeders win prestigious Crufts award

Joan Scarll and her daughter Sue Sykes won the Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition at this year’s edition of the world’s biggest dog show. The duo beat 35 other breeders in front of a packed NEC Arena in Birmingham to win the coveted prize on Friday (6 March).

The Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition is considered the ultimate breeder’s award at Crufts.

Each team competing is comprised of three or four dogs of one breed, all bred by the same breeder or breeding partnership.

Joan and Sue’s team of Lhasa Apsos consisted of Ch Timazinti Liberty handled by Sue, Ch Timazinti’s Kienke handled by Joan, Ch Timazinti’s Britskii at Kenida handled by Ida Watts, and Timazinti’s Peppermint at Frenchlands handled by Lina Schuckardt.

Joan said: “For me, this is the best thing ever. These dogs have won 29 Challenge Certificates between them and I am very proud of that.

“Dog shows are a good hobby to get involved in. They can be a lot of fun when people make them fun. Whether we win or lose, we are always coming home with the best dogs.”

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts show manager, added: “Joan and Sue are very talented breeders who put the time and effort into developing sound breeding practices to produce healthy and happy dogs for the show ring.

“Their dogs are testament to their hard work and dedication to the breed.”