Local Tibetan terrier Mika is crowned CI Dog of the Year
A local dog has been crowned Channel Islands Dog of the Year.
Tibetan terrier Mika, 3, saw off canine competitors from both Guernsey and Jersey at the event held at Trinity Royal Showground in Jersey.
Guernsey Kennel Club vice-president Paige Le Moignan, who shares ownership of Mika with her mum Chrissy, said they had earned their place at the competition by virtue of their results at competitions during the previous year.
‘It’s invitation only, so it’s the best against the best,’ she said.
Competing against other duos in the utility group – a section generally used to catch dogs that do not fit into other groups – the pair made it down to a shortlist of seven.
The dogs were judged across several metrics including their structure, build, head shape and presence in the ring.
When Mika was announced as the winner, Miss Le Moignan said she was ‘gobsmacked’.
‘This year was one of the toughest yet as there were many champion dogs taking part, and the judge was an expert on over 90 breeds.
‘Mika has done really well, she’s beaten the best utility dogs from both islands and has stood out to a judge of real calibre, I’m so proud of her.’
Miss Le Moignan said she believed that Mika's ‘sass’ – or cheekiness – that made her stand out.
‘She’s once of the nicest dogs you’ll ever meet, just the type of dog she is I think made the difference.’
