A dog breeder from Coventry has won the Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition at Crufts.
Margaret Anderson’s team comprised Zentarr Brockman handled by Margaret, Champion Zentarr George handled by Leah Scales, Zentarr Matthew handled by Beverley Manners and Croatian Champion Zentarr Tobias handled by Belinda Yaxley.
They won the ultimate breeder’s title with their team of Lhasa Apsos in front of a packed Genting Arena at the NEC, Birmingham on Friday. The team beat 31 other breeders to win the competition.
Judge Ronnie Irving selected Margaret’s team of Lhasa Apsos for the prize as the breeder with the best overall quality evident in their dogs.
Margaret will be familiar to dog lovers, as her Champion Zentarr Elizabeth was crowned as Crufts Best in Show winner in 2012. All four dogs in this year’s Crufts team are descended from the famous Elizabeth – her son, grandson and two great grandsons, all bred under Margaret’s Zentarr kennel name.
Speaking about her win, Margaret said: “I am always shocked when I win anything. When we were shortlisted among the final ten teams, I said I was more than satisfied with that. However, then the judge walked towards us and I couldn’t believe it. I thought all the ten final teams had some stunning dogs – it was a great honour to win against such beautiful examples of their breed. One of our handlers, Leah, is only 14 years old and it was super to see how much she enjoyed the whole experience.”
Reserve best breeder was awarded to Ruth Gee from Worksop, Nottinghamshire with her team of Norfolk Terriers which she breeds under the Watercroft kennel name.
The competition, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, made a welcome comeback at the show last year as a stand-alone competition. Each team comprised three or four dogs of one breed, all bred by the same breeder or breeding partnership.
Gerald King, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are very pleased for Margaret on her excellent achievement. She and Ruth are clearly both very talented breeders. Their dogs are a testament to each of their breeds, and it is fantastic to celebrate the time and effort they put into developing sound breeding practices to produce healthy and happy dogs for the show ring.”
