French National

My first visit to the French National made me realise that there were still some very genuine dog lovers around. People genuinely interested in this lovely breed, interested in promoting the breed for what it is and not just for self esteem and winning rosettes and titles.They wanted to learn. They wanted to know the good points and the faults in their exhibits. They wanted to improve their lines. This I found to be most encouraging and enlightening. 
  Many exhibitors, today, only want to know what is good. Many believe their exhibits have no faults. These are exhibitors who will never learn how to breed, produce, and present quality Cardiganshire Corgis. The exhibitors at the French National were different. I pledged to help them all as much as possible. One day I would offer to send  my stud dogs over to widen their gene pool.
Arrangements were made for "Irish Champion Crwtyn Mam ap Gwenlais" to be cared for and presented by Jocelyn Thomas. After visiting Jocelyn, I was more than happy for "Crwtyn" to be in her care for a length of time. The day arrived for him to accompany me on my long journey from Swansea, by train, to Portsmouth and then by Ferry to Le Havre. We left home at 6.30 am to catch the 3.15 Ferry from Portsmouth.This was "Crwtyn`s" first experience of travelling by train, but he took it all in his stride and enjoyed the journey.
  When we arrived at Portsmouth Harbour,  problems began.  Dogs were NOT allowed inside. No dog had ever travelled over as a foot passenger.  None of the staff were prepared for this, although I had made prior arrangements when booking my passage.
  Security was called and from then on, we were then treated as ROYALTY. We were driven on board in a private minibus.  Just the two of us. Sitting in comfort. Whisking past the customs officers. I wondered at this point, why  had I  bothered with all the paper work needed before contemplating on this journey. Yes we were the first passengers on board. "Crwtyn" was safely in his kennel before the other vehicles and passengers were allowed on.
Because of this “royal” treatment I was able to find the most comfortable seating on the Ferry, a large  sofa outside one of the lounge bars, and managed to sleep for several hours whilst crossing. Jocelyn was meeting me at Le Havre and again the same ROYAL treatment. Yes another special minibus for both of us. Once again the cars were held up until we had been collected and driven away. Again we   whisked past the customs officers. It was almost unbelievable. I was not asked to present my passport or any documentation for "Crwtyn", although everything was correct.
  Poor Jocelyn was VERY tired and I could not express my appreciation enough for the kindness she bestowed on me that evening. We eventually arrived at her home around 2.30 am. Twenty hours travelling , but well worth the journey. "Crwtyn" is not just a show dog, he is a great family pet, as are all the "Gwenlais" dogs. They are not kennel dogs. He is greatly missed here and it is very difficult for me as I am regularly calling his name when I call other dogs. Eventually I will get used to the idea that he will be away from me for some time but I can rest assured that he is being well cared for and that others over there will appreciate his quality and his wonderful temperament and showmanship. Good luck to him and Jocelyn.  Good luck and prosperity to all the Cardiganshire Corgi fanciers  over there.

 
This is a list of  “Crwtyn`s” wins in the UK as a puppy. South East Corgi Club Open Show, judge Freda Taylor. Best Cardiganshire Corgi Puppy, Best Cardiganshire dog, Best Minor Puppy in show, Best Puppy in show overall, Reserve Best of Breed. Yorkshire Welsh Corgi Club Championship Show, judge Alison Benson, (No CC`s for Cardiganshire`s,)  Best Cardiganshire Puppy, Best Puppy in Show. Midland Welsh Corgi Club Championship Show, judge Teresa Maddox, Best Cardiganshire Puppy, Best Puppy in Show overall. Manchester Championship Show, all breeds, judge David Baxter, Best  Cardiganshire Puppy, Any Variety Working Puppy Stakes with 158 entries Reserve placing. Eastern Counties  Corgi Club Championship Show, judge Sarah Taylor, Best Cardiganshire Puppy, Best Puppy overall. W.E.L.KS Championship Show, all breeds, judge Sandra Tonkyn, Best Cardiganshire Puppy Any Variety Minor Puppy Dog Stakes, 138 entries First placing,  judge Frank Kane. Birmingham Championship Show, Any Variety Working Minor Puppy, 58 entries, 2nd placing. Judge Vince Mitchell. Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show, judge David Samuel, Best Cardiganshire Puppy, Reserve Challenge Certificate. Three Counties Championship Show, judge Margo Parsons, Best Cardiganshire Puppy. Welsh Corgi Club Open, judge Steve Hall, Best Cardiganshire Puppy. Windsor Championship Show, judge Peter Clifton, Cardiganshire Puppy Dog 2nd. Puppy Dog Stakes, all breeds, judge Allrounder, 5th placing.
SWKA Championship Show,judge Fran Fricker,Best Cardiganshire Puppy. AT THIS SHOW “CRWTYN” WAS DOPED BY SOME UNSCRUPULOUS PERSON AND HAD TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE PUPPY STAKES COMPETITION. HOWEVER HE RECOVERED WELL ENOUGH TO COMPETE IN THE JUNIOR  STAKES UNDER BRENDA BANBURY AND WAS PLACED THIRD IN AN ENTRY OF 87.

National Working Breeds Championship Show,judge  Joy Tonkyn, Best Cardiganshire Puppy,
Dog Challenge Certificate, Best of Breed. Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show. Judge Bessie Witheridge,Best Cardiganshire Puppy. This was his last appearance as a puppy.
  “Crwtyn” later won the “Pedigree Chum”, and,  “Our Dogs” Top Puppy award and also the CWCA Top Puppy award. "Crwtyn" won his Junior Warrant in seven straight shows, including 2 CC`s and was then withdrawn from competition in the UK, until just before his departure,when he won the Open Dog Class at Birmingham Championship Show, judge Bob Devine, and Reserve CC. He remains unbeaten in Southern Ireland, with GROUP ONE, GROUP THREE, AND GROUP FIVE WINS INCLUDING TWO CACIB`s.
The only other two CACIB`s on offer won by his sire “IRISH CHAMPION AND UK CHAMPION GWENLAIS GWRGAN GOCH.” Who is still the UNBEATEN CARDIGANSHIRE CORGI IN EIRE.
Mair and the GWENLAIS MOB.