Kennels, Top Sires and Dams.

 Its not been possible to add photos of all champions mentioned, but the numbers in brackets are reference to the Cardigan Association book of champion, from which you can view the photo and pedigree.

By Peter Clifton and Sarah Taylor.

Period 1925-1939.

In 1925 the Kennel Club recognised the Welsh Corgi but did not distinguish between the two types. The Kennel Club recognised the Cardigan and Pembroke as two separate breeds in 1934 and the dogs registered were divided by type. Prior to the breeds’ division crossing of the two breeds had occurred, so the owners were asked what breed they wished their dog to be, and it is documented that one third of the Welsh Corgis became Cardigans.

The foundation stone dog of the breed was Bob Llwyd whose name can be found on all but two pedigrees in the Cardigan Association Champions’ book during the period 1928-1939. This may be due to the fact that one of the two had parents unregistered and the pedigree of the other, Ch My Rockin Mawer(6) born in 1931 is half Pembroke, as he was sired by Ch Bowhit Pepper who later became honoured as a founding stud of the Pembroke. Mrs Honey's forty year interest in the breed came via her parents who owned Rockin Mawer, and she registered her first Cardigan Champion Dinah of Wilmorton (14) in 1934. Mrs Honey passed away in the early seventies having served the Association and breed continuously and awarding her last C.Cs at B/ham national in 1969.

When one looks back at what the breed’s founders accomplished during the in between war years, with registrations hovering around the 100 mark, we should be thankful for their early wisdom, vision and achievements during this period of depression and high unemployment in heavy industry and coal, especially in Wales. The economy was lacklustre, high unemployment and roads and transport came 1920s style and one wonders if we today would have the breed’s founders’ vision.

1939-1969

Very few puppies had been bred during the war period, and the breed was not in great condition. The first show in 1946, the Association Ch show, drew an entry of 54 from 18 dogs and was judged by Charles Lister -Kaye. The first post war A.G.M was held in June 1946 at which the Welsh Corgi Association’s name was amended to Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association and between 1946-1950 the breed had just 26 sets of C.Cs

Thankfully Mrs Macdonell, who was well known in Clumber Spaniels, came into the breed in the late 30s and in 1941 bred a litter that produced the breed’s first great stud, Ch Withybrook Brock. Old Brock (17), as he became known, sired six champions between 1947-50 and became the grand-sire of 17 champions between 1949-57. From what I remember, seeing him as a veteran, he was upright in shoulder, too much turn of foot and did tend to knuckle over in front, so one wonders if anyone would have the insight to use him, if around today.

He was the foundation sire of the first great post war kennel of Kentwood Cardigans owned by Sonica Godden who, with some very clever breeding, produced 12 U.K champions by the end of the 50s, including the outstanding Ch Kentwood Curigwen who won 12 CCs.

The Greenfarm kennel of Mr & Mrs Davies played a big part in the breed’s history after purchasing from Ma Power in 1947 their first and only champion, Hannaford Cora (22), who was mated twice to Brock. From those litters they sold a puppy in 1947 to veteran Charles and Vera Lister-Kaye, named Ch Lisaye Rebecca of Greenfarm (27), who produced the foundation stock for other kennels, Hildenmanor, my parents Willowbeach, Gleghornie and Elkay. Rebecca won 6 CCs at successive shows in 1950 and later joining my parents’ kennels, and today her name will be found behind all my Joseter stock. Maureen Thomas made up her first of many champions and became a major breeder over the next forty years.

During the 1950s registrations reached the present record 360. In 1955 the Association’s first newsletter was produced followed in 1956 by the first handbook, and in 1961 the Association’s first independent championship show.

The period saw the first pre -war blue merle champion in Thelma Gray’s Ch Rozavel Blue Rosette. The kennel went on to make up 4 champions, the last in 1970, all blue merle.

The brindle and white Ch Kentwood Cymro (51) set the breed record at 21 CCs, sired 4 champions including the next breed record holder with 26 CCs, Ch Parmel Digger (93), for Agnus Parkinson. Entering the list of great bitches was Ch Gleghornie Blackthorn (58)collecting 17 CCs and one res CC from 18 Ch shows between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

The Dilwel Kennel produced 7 champions, all red and white, between 1962 and 1968, and their stock most certainly played a major part in the development of the breed in the years ahead for many kennels. Dilwel Gwilym was an extremely influential sire with outside bitches. He sired the lovely Ch Robgwen Black Beauty (98) for Gwen Roberts who was then mated back to her father and produced Ch Wendac Robgwen Midnight Special (109) who was purchased by Doreen Dodd and with whom she built the Wendac kennel.

In the later part of the 1960’s P.R.A was found in some lines. Thankfully, and an example for others to follow, breeders acted collectively through the Association and all stock was examined and passed under the BVA/KC test scheme. The problem was overcome worldwide at that time, but we did not know or claim that it was solved for ever.

1970 -1990

Moving on to the 1970’s and Midnight Special was bred to Tursdale Black Pearl, a fairly outcross breeding but it produced the next top winning bitch Ch Debs Delight of Grangefield. Doreen Page campaigned her to 35 CCs which was a record for the time.

As mentioned above his new owner Doreen Dodd bred several Champions by him including well known Ch Wendac Legionaire (172)and the Baileswood kennel also had success with a couple of Champions by him, 

one being Ch Baileswood Blodeuwedd who, bred to Mudwin, produced Ch Baileswood Geraint the leading stud in 1990.

The Baileswoods, owned by Sheila & Viv Bailes, and Keith & Joyce Littlefairs Doldrums unsurprisingly combined their lines, both being based in Cleveland. The first of the Doldrum Champions, Amanda (134), was interestingly bred being by Black Mawddach ex Baileswood Briallan a Midnight Special daughter. Black Mawddach was also the sire of the first Baileswood Champion Gwlithyn and Ch Echium of Hezelclose (100) himself the sire of the next Ch Baileswood Gwythyr (116). By the time you get to Ch Baileswood Dyddanwy (132) you find both her sire Ch Baileswood Gwythyr and dam Ch Baileswood Blodeuwedd (124) were both grand children of Black Mawddach who, although not a champion himself, must have been well thought of at that time. The Littlefairs bred litter brother Champions in Doldrum Brandy Snap (137)and Barron Knight (140) who were of Baileswood breeding and a bitch from that litter bred to Pharoah produced Ch Doldrum Edwina (174). This breeding combined with Ch Wendac Legionaire produced Ch Doldrum Hennessy (178). Baileswood produced 11 Champions during their years in the breed.

In 1971 along came a son of Ch Pantyblaidd Pip (photo) and Samantha of Joseter, Ch Joseter Mudwin who without question put his mark on the breed. He was leading stud dog in the breed in 1979 with 14 winning progeny of which there were 8 Champions.

Probably the best known and most influential of these was Ch Pharoah of Joseter (photo) who was actually bred by Annette and Jeff Finney from their Daleviz Inga. He enjoyed a marvellous show career that included Crufts BOB three years in succession.

Luckily he also turned out to be exceptionally good at passing on his qualities, producing the two Wendac Ch’s Javlin (151) and Jaunty (157), Ch Doldrum Edwina, Ch Beckrow Belle Suzanne (183) and Ch Jubilee Joseph (photo)

In 1980 we saw the Antoc & Bymil kennels each adding a litter sister Cardi to their established kennels. Lees Jet and Ch Lees Blue Rose of Bymil (163) were Pharoah granddaughters out of Lees Chevron who, together with her litter sister Lees Blue Emblem, became very influential broods. Jet combined well with Kentwood, Jezalin and Cardwyn dogs to produce a number of top Ch brindles whereas Rose was kept to blues and tris, with the tri Kerridas Ianto becoming the most influential sire during this period, not only to Rose but also to Beckrow Blue Sapphire. producing the well known Ch Beckrow Bue Cedar (189). To Rose he produced Ch Bymil Silver Lining (179) and Ch Bymil Bluebell of Gorthleck (201). The Deavitte and Gorthleck kennels also established their lines using the Lees sisters, Ianto, Beckrow & Doldrum/Wendac. Exports to Holland and Denmark were successful and their influence continues right up until the current time.

Looking to red breeding of influence during this period and two litter brothers who must be mentioned are Bridgemont Sentinel and his litter brother Suseman bred by Bessie Witheridge. Sentinel sired Ch Ringinglow Morys (141) who went on to sire Ch Ringinglow Morys Treasure (142) who enjoyed a wonderful show career. These two also bred on well through Treasure’s daughter Valentine who, when bred to Ch Jubilee Joseph, produced another great for Peter Clifton in Ch Joseter Joson (171). Suseman also sired Ch’s Kentwood Anwyl (153) and Arnallt whose dam Ch Kentwood Heulwen (118) was pure Kentwood breeding back through many generations. Bred to Downholme Golden Beauty he also produced Ch Downholme Serena  of Bridgemont (161). Beauty proved an excellent brood in that bred to Mudwin she produced Ch Downholme Silversand of Joseter (147).

Going back to the Kentwoods, Sonnica bred Ch Kentwood Taglys (149) to Arnallt to produce Chs Kentwood Elwyn (166) and Edwin (175), the latter being owned by Teresa Maddox. Elwyn was bred to Pam Walker’s Jezalin Gipsy Moth and produced the eye catching red dog Ch Jezalin Top Brass (176) who eventually went to New Zealand and became a Ch there. Elwyn also combined well with Lees Jet to produce Ch Antoc Cinnabar (177) and Arnallt, to Kentwood Pansi produced Ch Kentwood Bethan (180) and to Beckrow Beauty at Kentwood he produced Ch Kentwood Madoc (211).

1990-2009

was a depressing period, both for the breed and Association for many reasons. This period saw the passing of many breeders, Association President Sonnica Godden and her world famous influential Kentwood line dating back to 1948, Sandra Tonkyn, Beckrow who came into the breed in her early teens, sadly passed away in her 40s. Sandra contributed so much to the Association and breed, building a successful line which included the strongest blue line ever seen in the U.K to the present time. Maureen Thomas Ringinglow a most talented and very successful breeder from the 60s to the 90s and Helen Bole Jones grandaughter of the founder of the breed in the U.S.A. Helen worked closely with Peter Clifton and was delighted to hear that her home bred Kennebec Jolly Roger gained his U.K championship shortly before she passed away.

The North of England was a major hub of the breed from the mid 60s, so much so that the Association formed a Northern branch with CCs being shared between the two. Inevitably time saw the loss of many stalwarts of Northern members along with others giving up breeding and exhibiting, thus resulting in the Northern section being closed. Registrations dropped below 100, and the breed entered the Kennel Club’s vulnerable breeds register.

P.R.A, not seen in the breed since the mid 60s, re-emerged with cases in Holland and the U.S.A, and the Association set up a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Dr Ken Linacre to report under one voice to the membership. The breed was accepted onto the Cambridge university research project and within a short period a DNA test became available, and the Association membership passed a unanimous motion that all breeding stock must be tested clear.

During this period 80 champions were born, 70 born in the U.K , one by litter Ai from Australia, and 10 others from New Zealand, Demark (3), America (2), Finland(2) and Holland (2)

Eleven kennels produced 3 or more champions the top four being Joseter (9) plus 2 from U.S.A. Salvenik (6) Antoc (5) and Gowerston and Kerman (4)

Two big winners Peter left the UK, Clifton’s Ch Joseter Joson (171) produced his last two champions in his home kennel before leaving for the U.S.A where he sired over 50 champions, and Sandra Tonkyn’s Ch Beckrow Blue Cedar (189) followed a couple of years later gaining Am and Can titles.

Alisons Benson’s Ch Corben Tri Try  Again (212) entered the realms of great studs siring six champions to 5 different bitches, one Sandra Muckle’s blue merle Ch Gwenlais Idwina (218), produced the blue Ch Gowerston Gambler photo, and the tricolour Ch Gowerston Ghia (235).

Ch Baileswood Cynwrig Efaill (227) became the last of Baileswoods and Ch Ringinglow Magic Wand Photo the last of the Ringinglows, both lines contributed exceptionally to the breed continually from the mid 60s.

Ch Antoc Double-O-Seven (photo)for Salvenik sired 7 champions, bred by Aileen Speding and owned by Teresa Maddox, mated to Ch Salvenik Secrret Wish (260) he produced 3 champions in one litter.

Sandra Tonkyn’s Ch Willowglen Silver Cavalier (214) sired three champions in his first litter for Peter and Alison Hughes two of which Ch Trenwydd Blue Mirage (247) and Ch Trenwydd Goodnight Girl (237), became multi CC winners.

The great Ch Lanchester Statesman (photo) was sadly never allowed to be used until he was eleven, first on 

Thelma Taylor’s Joseter Regal (2CCs) which resulted in the Tamlin kennels first two champions Tamlin King Solomon (250) and Tamlin Black Baroness (266). Solomon went on to sire champions both at home and overseas and two other Stateman sons, 

Joseter Doublewood and La-Froygs, out of Regal’s sister Ch Joseter Chivas (241)sired champions, leaving one thinking what might have been. Thelma Taylor also won 15 cc’s with the red Ch Tamlin King George the First (photo).

The period ended making history with Sarah Taylor’s importing the puppy Ch Blondies Read My Lips for Bymil, bred in Demark by Moller and Nielsen her breeding traced back to DK Ch Bymil Blackberry who was exported to Denmark some years previously and to  Int Ch Bymil Black Treacle (photo 1) who went to Holland. Read My Lips, bred to Ch /Dan Ch Gowerston Jazz Singer for Pemcader, produced  Ch Bymil Picture (photo 2) This who became the first Cardigan to win a group in the U.K at Manchester in 2009, followed by group 1 at Crufts the following year. She went on to win six groups and became the first to go best in show at a group Ch show, and then produced the next generation in Ch Bymil Smile Please (Photo 3) who became a constant winner from puppy to veteran when she went best of breed at the UKs only Euro Corgi Ch show.

The Association held its first American style National speciality at Chesford Grange hotel in 1996 with Cardigan fanciers attending from around the world. The weekend proved so successful that the events continued to be held on the same scale every five years, and this period saw the publication of the first Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association book of champions from 1926 onwards, which sold out within weeks.

2010 – 2020

The end of the last period and start of this span saw the development of a line that was, and still is, extremely influential to the point that it moved the breed forward with several becoming serious contenders at Group level. Previously it had generally been the Pembrokes that got selected for top honours but suddenly the Cardis flourished and in the last year or two have even overtaken the Pembroke for entry numbers at many shows.

The dog that can probably be credited with making much of this happen was Aus Gr Ch Bethwyn Music Man (photo) who was sent to this country by Sue Hadley on loan to 

Kevin Dover, Allan Taylor & Idris Jones. He was bred to Sandra Muckle’s Casey May Brookview and produced the big winner Ch/Dan Ch Gowerston Jazz Singer for Pemcader who became the Top Stud in 2009, 10, & 15 with Ch Blondies Read My Lips for Bymil who was bred to him becoming Top Brood in 2009 & 10 as the dam of Picture This. 

Jazz Singer, bred to Llaneirwg Witches Brew at Belroyd, produced yet another great stud dog in Ch Belroyd Pemcader Cymro (photo) who beat his sire to become top stud in 2012 and won again in 2013,14,16 17 & 18.

The next two to put their mark on the breed were Ch’s Joseter Mr Blobby (photo)and litter brother Mr Parkinson sons of Cymro and Ch Joseter Popham . Blobby has been a consistent group winner in recent years and was Top dog in breed for 2014,15,16,17 & 18. He is currently the all-time breed record holder with 51 CCs and 31 Group placings. A repeat of this breeding produced Ch Joseter Frazer Nash who was Top dog in breed in 2019.

It is impossible to mention every line in this article and of those who are currently active and putting their mark on the breed mention must be made of Ros Gardiner’s Elmsmere kennel which has produced several Champions combining Antoc, Salvenik & Llaneirwg breeding plus imported stock from New Zealand and Europe, the first used with success by the Brynlluan kennel. Tamlin, who bred Ch Tamlin Starman by Parkinson and the red Ch dog Tamlin King George The First, with Ch Tamlin Dancing in The Street litter sister to Starman. Both of these carry the line back to Music Man.

Tracey Irving’s Twinan line based on Salvenik and Kerman breeding with Ch Antoc Double -O-Seven for Salvenik being influential, Jo & Martyn Lovells Liebehund kennel who bred Ch Liebehund Jakku JW joint Top Bitch in 2018 and Yvonne Caul’s Rhiwelli a well known kennel name from the past when Eddie & Maureen Young owned it. Yvonne’s Ir Ch Rhiwelli Out of the Blue has sired two CC winners for the Bymil Kennel. Other well known and successful kennels over many years are Margaret Aynscough’s Sanjas and Sheena Stalker’s Kincrofts. Other kennels that it is to be hoped will continue keeping the breed going in the right direction include Bwthyn, Caprian, Cardhew, Kalwig, Keebleway, Kilvroch,Tyci, Waterdeep and Wildcard.