News

Kirsty's Write Up added to Show Results Page

11th February 2012 - We have today received  Judge Kirsty Summerfield's Critique of the January Open show and it has been added to the show results page.  Thanks very much to Kirsty!  Read it on our show results page.

2012 Seminar Announced

31st January 2012 - All are invited to attend this year's seminar.  It will be held on February 19th at Petersfield Community Centre (the usual AGM venue) and is a two-parter - an introductory breed specific seminar and workshop on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, followed by The Alternative View of Veterinary Care, a talk by Mark Elliott BVSc. VetMFHom. MRCVS MIPsiMed PCH.  Tickets are £20 including refreshments and lunch.  For full details see the seminar page.

Kirsty judges Cursus Summer Storm J.W. as Best in Downlands January 2012 Open Show

15th January 2012 - A good turnout of spectators and exhibitors saw judge Kirsty Summerfield award C. Winwood and S. Tunnah's Cursus Summer Storm J.W. Best In Show at the Bohunt Centre, Liphook, today.  Many congratulations to them!  Reserve Best in Show and Best Opposite Sex was awarded to Mr. C. Kerry's Diamonds of Blanch Hot Mustang and the best puppy in show went to F. Pitas's Satip Iron Maiden.

A big well done to all today's winners, and our gratitude to all exhibitors and spectators for your support.  A full list of all class winners will be added to the show results page as soon as possible and Kirsty's critique will also be added when received.

Cobbydog to Sponsor Downlands 2012 Shows

14th December 2011 - Great news as Cobbydog, a family-based British firm with over 35 years of formulating complete foods that are delicious, healthy and provide dogs with sound nutrition, have agreed to sponsor all three Downlands shows next year.  Cobbydog will supply prize cards, ring numbers and food prizes which will both make our shows more attractive to entrants as well as offsetting some costs.  Visit their website at www.cobbydog.com to check out their full product range.

Write Ups Added to Show Results Page

2nd October 2011 - The show results page has now been updated to include both judge's write ups from last weeks show.  Thanks to both Shaun and John for getting them to us so promptly!  You can see them on our show results page.

Trufflestaff Monifa Kanika is Best in September 2011 Open Show

27th September 2011 - Many congratulations to Mr. S. and Mrs. C. Hopkins, whose bitch Ch., Fr. & World Ch. Trufflestaff Monifa Kanika J.W. was awarded best in show in a unanimous decision by Dog Judge John Joyce (Jollyjons) and Bitch Judge Shaun Stone (Ashbull), the services of referee Larry Lunn (Millgarth) not being required on this occasion.  Reserve Best In Show and Best Opposite Sex was awarded to Ch, Slov. and World CH. Stormbull Solo J.W, owned by Mr. J. Mace and Mr. M. Davies.  Best Puppy in Show went to Mr. C. and Mrs. E. Bruton's Zakstaff Dark Knight.

Well done to all winners, and as always many thanks to all exhibitors and the spectators for your support.  Shaun Stone's write up has already been received by DBSTC HQ and the show results page will be updated with a comprehensive list of winners in the next couple of days.

Ashbull Tiz You awarded Best in June Open Show

6th June 2011 - Congratulations to C.J. and S. Stone, whose bitch Ashbull Tiz You was awarded Best In Show at The Bohunt Centre yesterday by Judge Alan Muir, standing in for Jack Coates.  Reserve Best in Show and Best Puppy In Show was C. Kerry's Antroboss Solo Sizzler.  Best Opposite Sex was C. Kerry, S Tunnah and C. Winwood's Antroboss Tempesta Nera.  Well done to all class winners and thanks to all exhibitors and spectators for your support.  For full results, please see our show results page.

June Show: Change of Judge

30th May 2011 - Due to a family illness, Jack Coats has has to withdraw from judging next week's Open Show.  The show will now be judged by Alan Muir (Rium).  We apologise for any inconvenience.  If anyone wishes to withdraw their entry and/or have their fees refunded, please contact our treasurer, Vickie Kemp. 

Championship Show Bitch Write-Up Added

25th February 2011 - No sooner does our webmaster think he can leave the site alone for a few days, when a write-up arrives!  In what we believe to be record time, the club has received Barbara-Ann Beaufoy's bitch critique.  This has also been added to the show results page.    Many thanks to Barbara-Ann for getting it to us so promptly!

Championship Show Results Posted

24th February 2011 - We're pleased to inform you that the results of last Sunday's Championship show have now been posted to our show results page.  Click on the link to be taken there!

Tillcarr Renegade Flame is Best in Championship Show

20th February 2011 - Congratulations to K. Johnson and L. Andrews, whose dog Tillcarr Renegade Flame took the dog CC and was judged Best In Show by our judges Barbara-Ann Beaufoy and Mike Homan.  The bitch CC and Reserve Best In Show was awarded to C. Winwood and S. Tunnah's Cursus Summer Storm JW.  The Best Puppy In Show was C & E Bruton's dog Zakstaff Black Baron.  All decisions were unanimous, the services of Referee Barbara Beaufoy not being called upon today.  Full results will posted on the show results page soon.  Well done to all, and many thanks to everyone who came along to support the show.

Abandoned bitch saved!

1st February 2011 - For those of you interested, we've been advised that the bitch thrown from a car on the M27 found a lovely new home in Portsmouth last week.  Thanks to all of you who contacted Pam MacDonald.

Abandoned 10 year old Stafford Bitch needs saving

21st January 2011 - A tragic set of circumstances has been brought to our attention.  Recently, a little O.A.P. bitch (believed to be around ten years of age) was thrown from a car on the M27 Motorway.  She is in a foster home now but will be put to sleep on Monday 24th if a home is not found for her.  She is in the care of the Havant dog warden, Pam McDonald, who can be reached on 07966 516346.  If anyone can help in any way, please do.  Apologies for the short notice, but as is often the way with these terrible stories we only found out at the last minute.

Newsletter Number 33

15th December 2010 - Newsletter Number Thirty Three will start being posted out to the membership tonight.  Weather permitting, it should arrive by Christmas.  The envelope also contains this year's renewal notice.  Enjoy the read!

Diary Page Updated

6th December 2010 - For those of you particularly well organised, please note that the dates of the 2012 Open Shows have been amended on our diary page.  The show previously listed as taking place on 26th February 2012 is now going to be on 15th January, and the show that was to take place on 25th November has been moved to 27th October.  Apologies for any inconvenience, but this is not our idea.  Check the diary page for the full story.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to inform you that the 2011 Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for 27th March.  All members will still get the standard notice of the AGM, this is just an advance warning!

Advocates Heavyweight is Best in November Open Show

28th November 2010 - Congratulations to the Taylor, Willoughby, Gent and Jackson partnership whose dog Advocates Heavyweight was judged best in show at The Bohunt Centre today on referee Peter Hopgood's decision.  Reserve Best in Show and Best Opposite Sex was Miss K. Stevens and Miss D. Raynsford's Raynstaff Do You Know Who I Am.  Best Puppy was Mr. & Mrs. P. Stanway and Miss L. McCulloch's Waystaff See The Stars.  For full results, click here to see the show results page.

Dylan Needs a Home

24th November 2010 - As many of you know, the Downlands SBT Club works closely with the Downlands Rescue.  The Rescue has had a dog in kennels for he past two months whilst efforts are made to find him a new home.  His name is Dylan, and he is around five-six years old and very re-homeable, but needs to go to a cat-free home.  He was at one point placed in a home with four cats with very unfortunate consequences for one of them.  Now that the weather is getting colder, a kennels is not the place a Stafford wants to be, although they are very kind to him.  All he needs is a nice, warm cat-free home, and somebody to love and look after, and be loved by, him.  He is good in the house and very affectionate (just like a Stafford, really!)

If you can help at all, please contact Ann Gatenby on 01730 828048.  Please, someone, help make it a happy Christmas for Dylan!

Dylan - a boy in need of a loving home

Championship Show Schedule available for Download

19th November 2010 - The Schedule for our 2011 Championship Show is now available for Download.  Click on the link above.

Discover Dogs Discount

4th November 2010 - The Kennel Club are offering a 10% discount on tickets for Discover Dogs which takes place at Earl's Court, London, next weekend, 13th and 14th November for all members of the Downlands Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.  To claim your discount, you'll need to quote a code, which you can obtain by phoning our secretary, Ann Gatenby, on 01730 828048.  Enjoy!

A Stressful Time For Dogs

28th October 2010 - We're reposting this timely advice, first published last year.  The following is reproduced with the kind permission of Robin Glover.  Visit his website at www.robinglover.com for more good advice and information.

We are now approaching the time of year that puts dogs (and other family pets) under more stress that at any other. Halloween, Bonfire night and then the run up to Christmas.

Halloween, that wondrous time of the year when gangs of small, and not-so-small children travel from house to house demanding protection money. “Okay, Old Woman!  What’s it going to be, the sweets or your front window?”

The temptation is to go to the door with your dog.  Bad move, and potentially very dangerous for the dog.  He doesn’t know it’s Halloween and when he goes to the door with you and is confronted by loud, squealing, strangely-dressed creatures, he may well fall back into defence drive. All your dog, any dog knows, is how to be a dog. When a dog is threatened, angry, frightened or just hacked off; they don’t call their lawyers - they bite. It’s called survival.

If your dog bites, or even has a near miss with a child on your doorstep, even if the callers are at fault, you will be looking at a lot of grief and potentially fatal consequences for your dog - who, after all, only did what he thought was right.

When you answer the door at any time, but particularly at times like this, it's a good idea to put your dog in another room first.  After all, it’s not your dog's job to decide who can or can’t come into the house, is it? Play safe, and nothing can go wrong for you, your visitors or your best friend.

For Bonfire night, and the period of firework displays around it, you will hopefully already have a system in place to keep your dog safe and as relaxed as possible while all the noise is going on. If not, perhaps you’d better arrange a consultation with a dog listener before next year.  Of course, that is not going to help your dog now.  If your dog is not concerned with the noise then that’s fine, just carry on as normal.  If your dog sees you unconcerned he’ll be relaxed.  Under no circumstances comfort your dog - you will give him the signal that you are terrified too and he is right to be frightened.  If he does show signs of fright or stress, just take him by the collar and hold him at your side with no speech or eye contact.  He will, at first, continue to shake or bark.  Ignore it until he relaxes.  How long will this take? Who knows?  Every dog is different, but relax he will.  You can then silently release him.  It may be that shortly after there is another loud bang, and your dog becomes stressed again.  Repeat as above.  Each time you hold him by your side the time it takes for him to relax will decrease.

Which only leaves Christmas, another stressful time. So much to do, so little time and it’s started already. Money is in short supply, tempers get frayed. By the time the big day arrives, in some homes it’s a war zone.  Rowing parents, unwanted relatives, spoilt children and burnt turkey.  It can be bad for the humans - and we know what’s going on!  The poor old dog just wants to be left alone. Give him a bit of peace if you can, somewhere he can just go and chill out.

© 2004 - 2010 Robin Glover, PURE Dog Listener.  Reproduced by permission. 

Hands On Breed-Specific Judging Assessment Seminar Announced

6th September 2010 - We're delighted to announce that we'll be holding a Hands On Breed-specific Judging Assessment Seminar on Sunday 31st October. For full details please, follow this link to our seminar page.

June Open Show Judges' Write-ups Added To The Show Results Page

30th June 2010 - We're pleased to inform you that Dave Manito's and Mark Marshall's write-ups have now been added to the show results page.  Click on the link to see them.

RAMBLIX REVISIONIST AT KHANSPRIDE JW is Best In Open Show

7th June 2010 - Congratulations to Mr J. R. & Mrs S. A. Lowe and Mr A. Hedges, whose bitch Ramblix Revisitionist At Khanspride J.W. was judged Best in Show at the Downlands June 2010 Open show, held on 6th June at the Bohunt Centre, Liphook.  Best Dog and Best Opposite Sex was awarded to Miss J. Essex's Javawolf Mighty Mouse.  Best Puppy In Show went to Mr. N. & Mrs.Z. Robinson's Leger Son of an Irishman.  As ever, for full results please see our show results page where full placings and awards can be found.

Your Dog Needs YOU!

26th May 2010 - We have had an urgent request to pass this on to you all.  It comes from our friends at the Southern Counties SBT Society.

It is with grave concern and urgency that we feel it crucial to contact you and ask you to spread the word.

Are you aware of the Dog Control Bill that is currently on its second reading in the House of Lords and the effect it will have on all our dogs?
We believe this bill is aimed at status, illegal and dangerous dogs but it actually affects every dog in the country.
It is intended to replace the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) and other legislation, but actually extends the power of the law into your home and gardens.

SO WHAT?

Having taken legal opinion, it is imperative that you visit the DEFRA website and complete their online questionnaire which addresses a number of dog issues as well as this bill.

www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/dangerous-dogs

If you want to read the proposed bill, go to www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldbills/009/09009.i-i.html

WHY?

As the bill stands, there would be a far greater chance of your dog committing an offence that would be subject to the law, seizure and possible destruction.  For example:

• Any act of aggression by your dog towards another animal or person can be deemed a reportable offence - with potentially fatal consequences.

• How is your dog to know the difference between a trespasser and a burglar?

• If your dog chases a cat that could be deemed an offence

• Should your dog react to a child entering your garden to retrieve a lost ball, is that an offence?

This bill would remove your right to a trial by jury in a dog biting case, as it would seem that such offences could only be tried in the Magistrate's Court.  Also, if you wanted to appeal against a Dog Control Notice, then there would be no form of Legal Aid available to do so.

Even those responsible for the most serious dog biting incidents would only face a reduced maximum fine of £5000 instead of the current unlimited fine and a maximum of 6 month jail as opposed to the current 2 years.  Although the bill refers to a maximum 51-week sentence, magistrates are currently only able to impose a maximum 6 month sentence.

It is great that this bill would rescind breed-specific legislation.  However, the worst case scenario would be that during the committee stages this is reintroduced and then leave us with both BSL and the increased powers permitted by the bill.  DEFRA is currently consulting on dangerous dog related matters.  Whilst not specifically looking at this particular bill, DEFRA does ask for opinions on the law on breed specific legislation, dangerous dogs cases, Dog Control Notices as well as micro-chipping and insurance matters.  It is vital that as many of us as possible make DEFRA aware of our views on these matters, especially as this bill is already before the House of Lords.

WHO WILL ENFORCE THIS BILL?

In all likelihood, a local authority employee - who may have had only a few days training

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL 1^ST JUNE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.

DEFRA is conducting a consultation on this bill and other dog related matters.  It is vital that as many of us as possible make them aware how seriously this bill could affect us, the responsible dog owners.

Get involved, and tell as many people as possible about this.

This request originates from the SCSBTS Dog Control Bill sub-committee.

NOTE  - When completing the DEFRA questionnaire, please be aware that when you reach the end and press ”DONE” it will close, so make sure you have said all you want before pressing “DONE”.

There is no “print” option so if you want a record of what you have said try to “screen print” as you go.

Percy Tottman

8th May 2010 - We're sorry to inform you that we have today been advised that one of our life vice-presidents, Percy Tottman, passed away at the age of 89 on 15th April.  Percy was a founder member of the club, and our first show manager.  Our thoughts are with his family at this sad and difficult time.

Breed Council Health Seminar Announced

24th March 2010 - The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is holding a Health Seminar on Sunday 9th May at the Kennel Club building, Stoneleigh Park, Warks CV8 2LZ.  For further details, please see our diary page.

Jamie Mace Confirmed as President

08th March 2010 - We're pleased to announce that Jamie Mace was elected President of the Downlands Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club at the club's 2010 Annual General Meeting.  Jamie has been serving as acting President since the sad death of Pat Pritchard.  Jamie will now serve a two year term as President, in addition to continuing his duties as Show Manager.  Congratulations to Jamie, the club wishes you well.

Top Dogs 2009 Announced

07th March 2010 - The Top Dogs of 2009 have been announced.  As you know, there are three trophies which are available to members only.

As the top scoring dog, Fantazmic Megaboon takes the Perleen Shield.  Ramblestaff Jorja On My Mind wins the Oakshire Salver (as top scoring bitch) and the Larry Cup (as top scoring puppy).  Congratulations and well done! 

Show Cancelled

28th February 2010 - For the first time in its 21-year history, the Downlands Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club has had to cancel a show.  Despite having done much of the set-up for the show on Saturday night, on 7.30 on Sunday morning committee members arrived at The Bohunt Centre, Liphook, to find that due to heavy rain overnight the sports hall was flooded.  The water was up to an inch deep in some areas.  The caretaker and members of the committee tried to mop up the water, but it was still raining, and as quickly as one area was dried it was soon back under water.  As the Bohunt Centre were unable to offer a suitable alternative facility, the show manager at this point reluctantly took the decision to cancel the show.

Committee members then remained on site at the Bohunt Centre until 10:30 to explain the situation to any exhibitors who made the journey.  The treasurer will be contacting all exhibitors over the next few days to arrange refunds or the transfer of entry fees to future shows as appropriate.

We apologise for the inconvenience and share your disappointment and frustration.  We will be seeking assurances from the venue that steps will be put in place to prevent this situation from recurring.  

Committee member Gill Thomas endures her second hour in the cold and wet,
 breaking the news to exhibitors that the show has been cancelled.

Happy New Year

3rd January 2010 - The officers and committee would like to wish the members of the club - and indeed their dogs - a very happy new year.  2009 was a challenging year, which the club has negotiated in good shape.  There will doubtless be further "interesting" times in the coming year, but the club remains firmly committed to its primary aim to further the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a breed.

A few wishes for the new year:

• A good turn out at the AGM on March 7th

• A full committee - i.e. no vacancies

• The election of a worthy successor to Pat Pritchard as President of the club

• Well-supported shows (28th February, 6th June and 28th November)

• That the media and press cease their tireless and inaccurate vilification of our breed - what is a so-called "Staffordshire Cross" anyway?  If it's not a purebred pedigree, it's not a Stafford - it's a mongrel

• Interesting articles and input from the membership such that the club can publish another Newsletter

Announcement

21st November 2009 - All members will be aware that in the current "credit crunch" and recession climate, virtually all organisations are struggling.  Whilst the Downlands is in a healthy state financially, the committee is determined to ensure that the club remains so for the foreseeable future.  At the committee meeting held on 15th November 2009, it was agreed that sensible precautions should be taken to control costs and ensure that any expenses incurred are reasonable and of maximum benefit to the aims of the club.  This subject remains under discussion, but one major area of expense was identified - postage.  Therefore, with your renewals or confirmation of renewals for those members who pay by standing order, the membership secretary will be contacting all members to request e-mail addresses.  This is to ensure that any communications suitable for sending via e-mail can be distributed this way, thus reducing postage costs.  However, those members who do not have e-mail addresses will continue to receive communications via the Royal Mail.  It is hoped that this will realise significant savings.  A further change is that receipts for memberships will now no longer automatically be sent - they will be sent if requested only, and where possible, via e-mail, or handed out at shows and other events.  The committee trusts that these simple and easy to implement measures meet with the membership's approval as we seek to ensure the financial health of the club for years to come.     

A Stressful Time For Dogs

20th October 2009 - The following is reproduced with the kind permission of Robin Glover.  Visit his website at www.robinglover.com for more good advice and information.

We are now approaching the time of year that puts dogs (and other family pets) under more stress that at any other. Halloween, Bonfire night and then the run up to Christmas.

Halloween, that wondrous time of the year when gangs of small, and not-so-small children travel from house to house demanding protection money. “Okay, Old Woman!  What’s it going to be, the sweets or your front window?”

The temptation is to go to the door with your dog.  Bad move, and potentially very dangerous for the dog.  He doesn’t know it’s Halloween and when he goes to the door with you and is confronted by loud, squealing, strangely-dressed creatures, he may well fall back into defence drive. All your dog, any dog knows, is how to be a dog. When a dog is threatened, angry, frightened or just hacked off; they don’t call their lawyers - they bite. It’s called survival.

If your dog bites, or even has a near miss with a child on your doorstep, even if the callers are at fault, you will be looking at a lot of grief and potentially fatal consequences for your dog - who, after all, only did what he thought was right.

When you answer the door at any time, but particularly at times like this, it's a good idea to put your dog in another room first.  After all, it’s not your dog's job to decide who can or can’t come into the house, is it? Play safe, and nothing can go wrong for you, your visitors or your best friend.

For Bonfire night, and the period of firework displays around it, you will hopefully already have a system in place to keep your dog safe and as relaxed as possible while all the noise is going on. If not, perhaps you’d better arrange a consultation with a dog listener before next year.  Of course, that is not going to help your dog now.  If your dog is not concerned with the noise then that’s fine, just carry on as normal.  If your dog sees you unconcerned he’ll be relaxed.  Under no circumstances comfort your dog - you will give him the signal that you are terrified too and he is right to be frightened.  If he does show signs of fright or stress, just take him by the collar and hold him at your side with no speech or eye contact.  He will, at first, continue to shake or bark.  Ignore it until he relaxes.  How long will this take? Who knows?  Every dog is different, but relax he will.  You can then silently release him.  It may be that shortly after there is another loud bang, and your dog becomes stressed again.  Repeat as above.  Each time you hold him by your side the time it takes for him to relax will decrease.

Which only leaves Christmas, another stressful time. So much to do, so little time and it’s started already. Money is in short supply, tempers get frayed. By the time the big day arrives, in some homes it’s a war zone.  Rowing parents, unwanted relatives, spoilt children and burnt turkey.  It can be bad for the humans - and we know what’s going on!  The poor old dog just wants to be left alone. Give him a bit of peace if you can, somewhere he can just go and chill out.

© 2004 - 2010 Robin Glover, PURE Dog Listener.  Reproduced by permission.
 

  About Downlands.....

The Downlands Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was founded in 1989 and recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1990.  Operating primarily in the Southern Coastal Counties of England, its aims are to further the welfare of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a breed, by organising shows and other activities to encourage owners and breeders to maintain the high standard of the breed in the area covered.  In 2004, the hard work of the committee of The Downlands Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was rewarded when the club was approved by the Kennel Club to hold Championship Shows, the first of which was held in 2007.

New members are welcomed, both nationally and worldwide.  For further information please see the 'Memberships' link on the left.

Due to other commitments of our webmaster, certain areas of this Web Site (especially the Newsletter Section and Show Results Archives) remain under construction, and are likely to remain so for some time.  We apologise for any inconvenience that this causes and will have things fully up and running in the fullness of time.

Meanwhile, should you be unable to find what you are looking for on this site, or have any other queries, please contact our Club Secretary:

Mrs. Ann Gatenby
10 Hemplands Lane
Privett
ALTON
Hants
GU34 3NU

Telephone: 01730 828048

We very much look forward to hearing from, or meeting, you soon.

DOWNLANDS:

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The first breed club to donate £1000 to the Hereditary Cataracts Fund
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