Irish Sisters Take Top Spots at The 2018 AV Spaniel Championship

Despite the heavy snow and tough conditions, the spaniels put on a great performance with some fantastic retrieves shown by many. Congratulations go to the Ireland based contestant Hollydrive Sally, a Springer Spaniel, who gained first place and owned by Mr M Walsh, followed by sister Hollydrive Abbey, owned by Mr D Donnelly.

Anne Greeves, Chairman of The Spaniel Club, said, “Rab Clark, Head Keeper, was undaunted by the snowy conditions and, in his usual calm way, adjusted his game plan each morning so that all the dogs had every opportunity to demonstrate their ability, which led to a truly memorable and successful championship. It is always a great relief, when the weather is against you, to know that the event is in such safe hands."

Paul Rawlings, official photographer of the spaniel championship said, “The conditions over the three days  were probably the most challenging that had been seen in years due to the tough terrain underfoot and extreme weather conditions.” He continued, “There were plenty of birds provided by the estate, and all the guns shot extremely well. It was great to see both first and second place go to the Irish”.

Skinner’s have been privileged enough to sponsor the championships for ten years and specialise in complete nutrition for working dogs with their specialist ‘Field & Trial’ range. Their Sales and Marketing Director, William Delamore said, “This was a tough championship; the weather was not in our favour and the conditions challenging both for the handlers and dogs. Huge congratulations go to Mr M Walsh and Hollydrive Sally on winning the Championship, and the rest of the competitors for their determination and perseverance throughout bitterly cold weather conditions”. 

For more information about Skinner’s Pet Foods and their specialist Field & Trial range go to  www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk or email them at info@skinnerspetfoods.co.uk.

About Skinners:
The Skinner’s Mill has been a traditional part of the Suffolk landscape since 1688. The Mill has belonged to the Skinner family for seven generations, but it was the idea of the current Chairman, Roger Skinner, to branch into complete dry dog foods in the early 1970’s – a time when there were very few competitors in this sector of the market. The manufacture of complete dry dog foods was a natural progression from animal feed compounding, and with an excellent reputation already well established the move proved extremely successful.

Through recommendation, the benefits and suitability of these diets for working & active dogs soon became more widespread, and before long many of the country’s top kennels were feeding Skinner’s foods with excellent results. In the early 1980’s due to customer demand, Skinner’s in conjunction with their nutritionists developed other foods to suit a wider range of dietary needs. Ruff & Ready instantly became a huge success, not only with working & active dogs, but customers with show dogs and pet dogs alike.

Skinner’s launched their Field & Trial range in the early 1990’s. Originally just two foods: Crunchy & Muesli, the range now comprises 14 specifically formulated diets, including the recent addition of three very popular hypoallergenic foods: Puppy Duck & Rice, Junior Duck & Rice and Light & Senior.