Exhibitions in August 2026

We had actually entered the two-day speciality show in Wirges, Germany. However, two days before the show, the local council placed the venue under quarantine: oak processionary caterpillars had taken up residence there.

Now I was looking forward all the more to the CAC show on Sunday 16 August 2026 in Rotterdam. A lovely venue in the countryside, which is very cosy. Ms Cindy Kerssemeijer judges the OES, and I was keen to exhibit with her. On Friday, I washed ‘Heidi’ three times – she was so grey from all the dust on the parched meadow back home. Then an hour in the dryer and four hours of brushing. I did the same with “Peter” on Saturday, though I spent 4.5 hours brushing him. As a Bobtail exhibitor, if you want to turn up with dogs in top condition, it’s always a lot of work beforehand.

Only three OES were entered: “Peter”, the only male, the junior class entered by Peggy Kraaijenveld, and “Heidi”.

It was straightforward: “Peter” Best Male and “Heidi” Best of Breed.

Paul with “X-Texas El Paso aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal”; the judge was Ms Kerssemeijer; Best of Breed was “X-Texas Amarillo aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal”.

We were finished at around 11.15 am. Now we just had to pass the time waiting. The group judge was a Finnish woman I’d never heard of before. Mrs T. Finn – so unfriendly, no smile, nothing at all. She failed to recognise the qualities of our beautiful Heidi, and we weren’t even selected for the final six. It’s been a very long time since that’s happened to me. It doesn’t reflect well on this judge. The English have a great saying for judges like that: ‘He or she wouldn’t recognise a top dog even if they stumbled over one…’

In the meantime, we took the opportunity to take some more great photos of Heidi and Peter.

They’re both 29 months old now.

“Peter”

“Heidi”

A double show also took place in Ludwigshafen, Germany, at the weekend. Gesa Milde competed on both days, achieving excellent results

Saturday 15 August 2026 – Judge Mr E. Piskunovas (LT).

Best of Breed for

“Ch. Wanted you aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal”

BOS Mag Garits Bella Bertha

The following day, the Czech judge Mr Milan Krinke awarded ‘Floris’ Best in Breed once again.

Best in Breed went to ‘Ch. Wanted you aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal’.

Martina Weissmann won Best of breed with her ‘Ch. West Side Story aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal’.

Both ‘Elbe-Urstromtal’ dogs secured their final qualification for the International Champion title.

In Group 1, Gesa and “Floris”  took second place; the judge was Mr E. Piskunovas (LT).

An “Zet” had his very first show in his new homeland, Ireland. Only 1 week after arrival

“Zet, Game & Match aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal” owner: Mr. Martin Bailey

‘Zet’ and his owner, Martin Bailey, have enjoyed great success at Irish dog shows. On 22 August 2026, at the Tralee and District Show, ‘Zet, Game, Match aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal’ was awarded 4th Best Puppy in the Show.

On Sunday 23 August 2026, my dear Martina Weissmann had entered her “Tilly” for the show in Mechelen, Belgium. She had actually already won her final CACIB for the International Championship, but she simply fancied showing her.

The judge was an Italian, Mr A. Zeppi. Best of Breed for  Ch. “West Side Story aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal”

On the weekend of 29 August 2026, the Czech OES Club’s show took place in Valtice, the Czech Republic. The judge was Mr Nikolas Kanales from Italy, representing ‘Aryakas OES’.

“Y’Butterbrezeln aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal” was entered in the junior class and secured a very fine 2nd place, showing her superb gait. The owner is Ewa Furzak (Poland).

On 30 August 2026, “Y’ Lamborghini aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal” was shown at an exhibition in Lithuania. “Cooper” won the title of Lithuanian Junior Champion. Congratulations go to his owner, Ms Kaja Kirvinum (LIT).

Then it was time once again for the double show in Kirchberg, Luxembourg, on 29–30 August 2026. We didn’t need any qualifying entries for Peter and Heidi. We always find the show a lovely event; we meet lots of people and love Luxembourg. The list of judges was also very interesting. It was difficult to decide on which day I should enter Peter and/or Heidi. I decided to enter Peter AND Heidi with Ms Wagner (LUX) on Saturday. I wasn’t sure which of them she would prefer. That’s why I decided to enter only Peter with the Czech judge, Mr Krinke, on Sunday. Showing two dogs every day is quite tiring, and I wanted each day to be as relaxed as possible.

On Saturday, three males were in the Champion Class. The third male backed out and only turned up on Sunday, when it was just the two of us. It  was without risk to win the CAC for the Luxembourg Champion. “Peter” has this titel already, so beeing 2nd behind him was enough. I don’t understand that. You have to be convinced that your dog will win.

It did matter to me that I only came second with ‘Peter’, on the grounds that: he lacks substance (he weighs 39 kg), doesn’t have enough reach and wasn’t filled out behind the ribs.  This was news to me I never heard before about him. Dear Mrs Noll had no idea what was happening to her. I took it in my stride with a smile.

On the other hand, our “Heidi” won Best Bitch and was crowned

Best of Breed “Multi Ch. “X’Texas Amarillo aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal”, Judge Ms Wagner and Best Male Dog Ch. ” Kerjalee Tophat and Tuxedo” von Frau Noll

‘Heidi’ rounded off the day perfectly by winning the large, highly competitive Group 1 class. The judge was Mr R. Blessing.

‘Heidi’ once again demonstrated her superb gait.

Highlights from Saturday

Sunday was really relaxed; only ‘Peter’ was up for judging. Everything went as it should, and ‘Peter’ was named Best of Breed by Mr Krinke (CZ).

Best Male: “Ch. X’Texas El Paso aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal” and Reserve Male: Ch. “Melleonärs Keep your Tail up”, owned by Mrs M. Bekkötter, judged by Mr Krinke/CZ

Best of Breed: “Ch. X’Texas El Paso aus dem Elbe-Urstromtal” and Best Female: “Ch. Joy with Jive from Rocky’s Destiny”, owned by Pleuni Hoogwerf, with whom we once again had a very pleasant time.

‘Peter’ also performed well in what was once again a large Group 1, taking third place under judge Mr M. Krinke (CZ)

On the way home, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours, I made the mistake of starting to work out how much this weekend had cost me!

3 x registration fees for Peter and Heidi                           225.00

3-day dog-sitter at home                                                      250.00

2 nights’ hotel stay with the dog                                         400.00

3x dinners on Fri, Sat and Sun                                           210.00

500 km of diesel                                                                   100.00

That’s 1,185.00 euros for nothing. No puppy will be sold for more because of this, I can’t get any more famous than I already am, and ‘Peter’ won’t be asked to mate any more either.

“Heidi” and “Peter” love staying at the hotel

Ein teurer Spass.

Impressions from Sunday