Best In Show
The French Championships of pure-bred dogs organised by the SOCIETE CANINE REGIONALE
MIDI COTE D'AZUR in collaboration with the Société Centrale Canine (French canine
organisation) have taken place in a warm and summer-like atmosphere on June 1st
and 2nd 2013.
Many thanks to its President, Jean Jacques Morbelli, and his whole team for the
good work done.
Volunteer mobilisation has been key to the success of the event.
5,200 dogs were examined by judges from various countries.
As always, the exhibitors' hearts were pounding as the highly anticipated final
decision as to the title of winner of the French Championships was about to hit
the crowd.
The line-up for the best dog within each group in the main ring was another of those
much awaited times. Then came the finals at last, with the Best In Show - the awarding
of the supreme title to the best dog in the show. For the very first time, the results
and pictures of the main ring were immediately accessible via the SCC websites,
by means of a web link on the Facebook page.
BIS: Auvergne Pointer E’Jazz
Reserve BIS: Quail French Bulldog A'Vigdors Ramasseur Des Compliments (RU) bred by Revaz KHOMASURIDZE
3rd: White Swiss Shepherd Dog Great Winner du Bois des Ternes bred by Nathalie TOURETTA (FR).
The renowned and unanimously beloved judge Jean Paul KERIHUEL had the hard task
to choose the winner. All participants' hopes were resting on his sole shoulders.
A few moments later, the latter incidentally told us in confidence how difficult
the task had been, considering the outstanding quality of the dogs: “All splendid,
and handled by wonderful exhibitors.”
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Floyd de la Plaine D'Astree owned by Marie-Raphaëlle GINON (FR).
He finally chose an outstanding 4-year-old male Auvergne Pointer named E’Jazz du
ruisseau de Montbrun
owned by Gérard and Elisabeth Fantgauthier, and handled by Delphine Domenach.
The dog belongs to a very ancient French breed whose type hasn't evolved for over
two centuries - quite an undisclosed breed, too, since according to current figures,
no more than 300 puppies are born to the breed each year. The number of Auvergne
Pointers has started decreasing year on year from 1914 onwards.
Jean Le Cardonnel, the President of the Cub, depicts the hunting breed: “A powerful
and robust pointer dog. Not a clumsy dog, however; the breed ideally stands 56 cm
tall for the female and 60 cm for the male.”
“Conscientious and systematic in hunting, it naturally maintains contact with his
owner. Its adaptability to the various hunting patterns is impressive. Its endurance
allows it to maintain its activity for a whole day on the most difficult terrains.
As good at retrieving as it is at pointing, it can be either semiskilled, or versatile.
This dog is easy-going and easy to train, provided it is part of the life of its
family. It's a peaceful, obedient and very affectionate dog.
A breed that knows how to distinguish itself in beauty contests, too!”
Our congratulations to all fortunate and unfortunate participants - It's the taking
part that counts, right?
The torch is passed now.
Bid farewell to Marseille 2013,
and hello to Angers 2014!
© Josette Roux
Best dog among French breeds on Sunday: Bichon Frise Gentilhomme des Portes de Hanau owned by Cindy and Emmanuel ERB.
The French breeds were judged by M. Christian EYMAR DAUPHIN, President of the SCC.
Josette ROUX
SCC Communication Commission