The Welsh Corgi League’s first show was an open event held at Tattersall’s, Knightsbridge, London on April 28, 1939. It was believed to be the first open or championship show ever held which was confined to Corgis.
Judge of the 25 classes was Sid Bowler of the famous Bowhit kennel in Pembrokeshire. There were 55 exhibitors and 275 entries – note that is entries, not dogs; most would have been entered in several classes as was the practice in those days.
Best in show was Flaming Lad David and best opposite sex Rozavel Wild Rose.
Obedience classes were judged by Margaret Osborne and Wild Rose was among the winners.
Then came the second world war… but the League did hold one more open show, on May 22, 1940. Pat Curties judged and her BIS was the great Ch Rozavel Red Dragon, now eight years old, with Crawleycrow Bisto runner-up.
Once peace arrived, the League wasted no time in holding a show, and an open show in London was run by the Southern Section in November 1945. Mr Bowler was again the judge and BIS from 113 dogs was the puppy, Crawleycrow Token, with Bud of Bentra best opposite.
Since then the sections have regularly run open shows while the League itself holds a championship show each year. For many years these were held alternately in North and South of England but nowadays a Midlands venue, convenient to all, is used.
Championship shows resumed in 1946 but conditions did not allow for all-breeds events, so the four sets of CCs available to Pembrokes were all awarded at breed club events, three run by the League and one by the Welsh Corgi Club.
The first was judged by Charles Lister-Kaye in London in June, with a total entry of 382 from 122 Pembrokes. The Cardigan Welsh Corgis Association held its show the same day with the same judge.
Dog CC was Formakin Orangeman; bitch CC and BIS Faireyhaze Clever Vixen. Reserves were Teekay Pendragon and Annette of Bucklow.
The next show was run in Wales by the WCC, while the League held an event at Stockport in October, judged by Barbara Douglas-Redding, which drew 123 dogs.
Here, Formakin Orangeman became the first post-war champion from the first three shows, and Rozavel Pax won the bitch CC and BIS. Broom of Ballybentra and Lees Coronet were the reserves.
The League’s third show of the year was again in London, judged by Jessie Fitzwilliams. Total entry was 338 from 138 dogs. The show was unique in League history as who should visit, and stay for two hours, but those great Pembroke lovers Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and her daughters Princesses Elizabeth (now the Queen) and Margaret.
Dog CC went to Broom of Ballybentra, bitch CC and BOB to Teekay Foxfire. Reserves were Ch Formakin Orangeman and Lees Coronet.
Although all-breed championship shows resumed in 1947, the League was still allowed to hold two shows. Principal winners at these, and in subsequent years, are as follows. *denotes best in show.
