Posted on 9th Mar
A Newark woman won The Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition final at Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show.
Rachel Salter’s team of bearded collies won the ultimate breeder’s title at the NEC, beating 39 other breeders who qualified for the final.
The competition, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, involved teams that accrued points at group and general championship shows in 2024. Points were compiled by Our Dogs, which published a regular leader board within the newspaper.
The judge of the final, Moray Armstrong, selected Irisaddition kennel for the prize as the breeders with the best overall quality evident in their dogs. Each team comprised three or four dogs of one breed, all bred by the same breeder or breeding partnership.
Speaking about the win, Rachel said: “It means everything, and this really is a family affair. Just to be shortlisted from 40 teams was amazing… we will have a party and cake and champagne.”
Reserve best breeder was awarded to Chris and Cheryl Satherley, of Staffordshire, with their team of soft coated wheaten terriers, which they breed under the name Silkcroft.
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts show manager, said: “Many congratulations to Rachel and her bearded collies for this prestigious achievement. Rachel is clearly a talented breeder who has put a lot of time and effort into developing sound breeding practices to produce healthy and happy dogs for the show ring. Her dogs are testament to her hard work and dedication to the breed.”
Sarah White, breeder channel manager at Agria Pet Insurance, added: “Well done Rachel on winning this prestigious title. It takes such an incredible amount of dedication, care and passion to be among the UK’s most responsible and successful breeders, and the Breeders’ Competition truly showcases this.”
