South Queensferry pooch becomes top dog

Jul 23 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A POOCH has been named top dog after winning a title in a major championship.

Jet, a seven-year-old Flat-Coated Retriever from South Queensferry, fought off competition from thousands of other dogs at the East of England Championship Show last week.

He won Best of Breed at last year’s DFS Crufts but this is his biggest achievement to date and his first Best in Show title.

James Irvine, who owns and bred Jet, said he was surprised but delighted with his dog’s success.

He said: “I was astounded when Jet won Best in Show, especially considering his age.

“For a veteran to win such an accolade is truly remarkable. He won because, obviously, the judge saw what a happy, healthy dog he is and how much he loves life, both in and outside of the show ring.

“Jet is such a fine example of everything that is wonderful about the Flat -Coated Retriever and it’s remarkable that a dog of his age has won.

“I have been involved with ‘flatties’ for 27 years and he truly is a one-in-a -million dog.”

The East of England Dog show is one of 37 General Championship dog shows throughout the year that enable dogs to qualify for DFS Crufts.

And now James hopes that the win will mark the beginning of a run of success for Jet.

He added: “By winning at dog shows, where people can come along to see all the different breeds, we are giving people a chance to see what wonderful characters they really are.

“I am just hoping that this will be Jet’s year again and that he can go on to have a win at Crufts.”