Thursday, February 14, 2008

Terry Thorn - the end of an era....


It's with great sadness and a sense of shock , I blog that Terry Thorn has announced via the Kennel Club that he has retired from dog show judging due to continuous ill health - although I believe he is currently in remission. Terry is currently an enigma in the UK dog showing scene by being the only judge passed to judge all breeds in the UK where CC's are on offer (I think it's currently 96 breeds) . Incredibly Terry started judging in 1963 so I only imgine that this must have been an incredibly difficult decision. He has also retired as Crufts Chairman handing the mantel over to Eric Smethhurst.

A very familiar face around the championship dog scene, I dont think there can be one show in the perrenial dog scene that he doesnt attend judging at least one breed (usually many more) and usually acompanied by his wife Zena (Thorn-Andrews) who also judges as well as breeds the very successful Drakesleat Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds.

His retirement will certainly be a great loss to the dog showing scene and although I've never had that much success under him and not always agreed with his judging of Gordon Setters, he will certainly be missed around the ring - although I'm sure illness will not stop him visiting his favourite shows to meet up with friends. Fingers crossed for you Terry.

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