Mika the Tibetan Terrier in CI Dog of Year final
About 25 dogs from Guernsey were among more than 70 who put their best paws forward at the Royal Jersey Showground on Saturday as part of the Channel Islands Dog of the Year Show.
The furry participants, accompanied by their owners, competed across a range of categories, including agility, obedience and breed showing.
Among the best-performing Guernsey dogs was two-year-old Tibetan Terrier Mika, who made it onto a shortlist of four for the overall Dog of the Year title. Her owner, Paige Le Moignan, who is also Guernsey Kennel Club vice-president, said the pair had enjoyed a lot of success at other recent dog shows, which meant that they had done enough to qualify for this competition.
‘There are several events in both Guernsey and Jersey throughout the year, and Mika has done very well and won on several occasions which allowed us the chance to compete this weekend,’ she said.
She added that preparing for the competition involved many hours of grooming and de-knotting Mika, as well as training her once a week at the Vale Douzaine with several other dogs and their owners.
‘We’ve been doing this for 12 years now. Mika and I have a good bond and I’m proud of how well she’s done again.’
Fellow Guernsey Kennel Club member Bettina Yabsley also took part in the event with her Belgian Shepherd Delta. They reached the final of the pastoral group. ‘The competition can get quite intense, sometimes the judging will come down to the real nitty-gritty and very small details,’ said Mrs Yabsley. ‘Delta is already an English champion dog because he’s gained enough tickets from different judges from when he’s competed in England. Hopefully he will become a Jersey champion this year.’
The pair regularly travel to compete in dog shows. Mrs Yabsley was looking ahead to their next competition.
‘We’ve got Crufts in three weeks’ time, where because of our previous success we are qualified for life. It’s something we are really looking forward to nevertheless.’
