Ria wins big in the breed’s homeland.

What an absolutely fantastic time we had in Spain at the weekend. And boy didn’t our dogs do well!

The crowning glory was the performance of our UK Show Champion Bitch Ria (Rayaragua Ria Del Chanderhill). To our absolute delight, Ria took top honours in what is probably Spain’s biggest dog show of the year, the International Exhibition of Otono at Talavera De La Reina, claiming the CACIB Bitch and Best Bitch accolade.

This must surely be one of the finest performances in Spain by any UK based Spanish Water Dog.

Ria is pictured here on the podium with Kate.

Our other more notable successes in the show ring included Ria’s daughter Pickle (Chanderhill Bit of a Pickle) taking the Reserve CAC at the same show, after winning first place in the Intermediate Bitch class.

Our puppy Lola (Ferrylands Hunting High And Low For Chanderhill) also did exceptionally well, taking Best Puppy in Breed at both of the shows we competed at and being placed third Best Puppy in Show at the second show, the National Exhibition of Spanish Breeds.

Both of the shows were what the Spanish call Obligatory Point shows. These are the leading dog shows in Spain. There are only a handful of these special shows each year.