Valerie Smith, Kennel Faymar, England
Firstly may I take this opportunity of thanking the WestieAlliansen for inviting me to Sweden to judge their 2016 Speciality Show.
To introduce myself: Valerie Smith, Kennel Faymar.
I started in the breed, native to my country of Scotland, owning my first West Highland in the 1970s.
I have successfully bred dogs which have gained their Stud Book Numbers and Kennel Club Challenge Certificates in total 34 CCs. Reserve Best in Show Firsts at Crufts.
I started Judging at Open Show Level in the 1990 s being asked by at that time our President Madeline Brownridge (Machylan) to judge her local Walsall Show. I have Judged The Black /White Terrier Show & The Southern whwt club open show, going on to be approved in 2002 to Judge Paignton Championship Show 2004, invited by Aileen Hodsall, secretary. Her breed was also the West Highlands. I have judged a total of 6 Championship shows, and have 2 forthcoming invitations. I was pleased to see my CC Winners at these shows go on to become Champions.
I have been involved with the running of a Ringcraft Training Class. I prepare and show my own dogs. I have also done trimming demonstrations for two of our Club events.
In the past 5 years I have successfully bred, to which is in all our dreams to one day own and breed, A Top Winning Westie to which I bred my Champion Faymar Fine Romance, Iona, to win her first CC as a puppy of 8 months, and a total of 26cc, 13 BOB, 12rcc Reserve, Best in Show at General ch Show. The last recorded win for the Westie was in 1976 Archives. Best Bitch in show at the WHWT Club of England & North of Ireland WHWT Ch Show. Iona was Winner of the Macconachie Trophy 2013, Glengordon Trophy 2013, Glengordon Trophy Joint Winner 2014.
Top Westie Female 2012, Top Westie UK 2013, Top Westie Joint 2014, Winner of Terrier Group.
Finally I would like to finish by remembering your very own the late Britta Roos-Borjeson (Sweden) who came on her only visit to the UK to Judge Manchester Ch Show 2013 and who awarded Ch Faymar Fine Romance CC Best of Breed. Then watched her go on to win
The Terrier Group under Jack Watson, to which she said how proud she was, and I was privileged to have met her.
I look forward to meeting you all.