In the Shadow of the Castle

I would say that after Crufts, our most famous — and sought after — show would be Windsor. Just mentioning that name conjures up memories of the famous castle and its association with our Royal Family.

The area itself is filled with so much history. In the shadow of the castle is the world-famous Eton school, attended by some of the most famous men in world history. Then you have the famous River Thames and its royal swans; on its banks every year, of course, is the famous dog show, which this year was held on June 26.

This year’s entry was nearly 6,500. There were several entries from overseas, and one from as far away as Argentina! Like a lot of shows here in the U.K. today, the entries have dropped alarmingly, and so finances are a big issue. Windsor hasn't escaped huge losses in previous years. But there is a slightly new team at the helm that has come up with new ideas to try and help this situation. The Windsor app was introduced, which gives information on entries, parking and important timings. There were more trade booths this year, numbering 60 and covering everything anyone could possibly ask for.

Windsor has always had an overseas element; quite often we would have some of the most famous U.S. judges. This year there were two judges from overseas: Rony Doedijns from Holland and Jussi Liimatainen from Finland.

Judging Best in Show this year was our top lady judge Zena Thorn Andrews, famous for her legendary Drakesleat Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds and Irish Wolfhounds.

But first to the group winners. From the Gundog group sent forward by Gavin Robertson was Curly-Coated Retriever Norw/Danish/ Swedish Ch. Skaringen's First Impression, all the way from Norway. Terriers were won by the Westie Ch Krisma Winter Sun. On the day I handled the Dog CC winner, which gave him his English title to add to his U.S. one: Nicky Flynn, Lisa Croft-Elliott and Henry Helgeson's now US/UK Ch. Margie Munro Get Off Of My Cloud.

Reserve Best in Show: Curly-Coated Retriever Norw/Danish/ Swedish Ch. Skaringen's First Impression.

Famous gundog breeder Moray Armstrong judged the hounds, and his winner was Sarah Robertson’s Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Ch Soletrader Forno. Many will remember this  very famous kennel winning BIS at Crufts some years ago with the famous “Jilly” (Ch Soletrader Peek A Boo).

The Toy Group here has been so strong for many a year and is highly competitive. Among the big winners in the group was a new face in the King Charles ring when BOB was awarded to Am Ch Clussex Hail Her Reign, co-owned by Jamie Hubbard and her co-breeder Doug Johnson. She went on to Group 3rd under Jussi Liimatainen. The group winner was the big-winning Papillon Ch Uppercut Daydream Believer with Feorlig, imported from that famous Belgian kennel of Kathleen Roosens. Many will remember Dan Ericsson from Sweden awarding her BIS at Crufts in 2019 with Ch/Int Ch/Multi Ch Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers. Well, he sired today’s group winner.

The Working Group was won by the red-and-white Boxer Ch Susancar Celia Deal, and Herding by the veteran Tervuren Ch Domburg Made by Hawksflight, an even bigger winner in her younger days. Non-Sporting was won by the Standard Poodle Ch Sachemic Mischief Managed With Afterglow.

Best Puppy in Show Miniature Schnauzer Penbro Carbon Copy.

Reserve Best Puppy in Show Weimaraner Rivertone Wicked for Sharnphilly.

 And so on a blistering hot day, Zena Thorn Andrews took center stage to judge what everyone would love to win, Best in Show at Windsor 2025. Without any fuss Zena pointed to the Papillon as her winner, with the Norwegian-bred Curly Coat as Reserve.

Best Veteran in Show (English) Cocker Spaniel Sh Ch Coedcernyw Calendar Girl JW.

Reserve Best Veteran in Show Tervuren Ch Domburg Made by Hawksflight.