My career in dogs began in 1970 when I acquired my first Boxer. As I had asked for a show quality Boxer the breeder insisted I take him to at least one show. He won his class and we had our first “blue” ribbon. This was to influence the direction of my life for the next 38 years.
My judging career began in 1987 and am now an International all breeds judge.
My International judging career has taken me to many parts of the world. I have had the privilege of judging in the following countries – England, Ireland, Canada, the USA, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Russia, Japan and the Philippines.
Some of my more memorable and prestigious judging appointments include:
- Madras KC –National Show – on three occasions.
- Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers – Vancouver Canada – October 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2007 – this is billed as the largest dog show in Canada.
- Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada Championship Show – October 1999.
- American Boxer Club National Specialty – May 1997.
- Malaysian Kennel Association 164th Championship Show – 25th April 1999.
- Cotswold Boxer Club Championship Show – 3rd December 2000.
- Swedish Boxer Club (Stockholm) – 8th September 2001.
- Stockholm Kennel Club International Ch Show – 30/31 March 2002.
- SPARS Ch Show – St Petersburg, Russia – May 2003
- Europesieger Dog Show – Dortmund, Germany – May 2005
- LMDF Vancouver Canada – October 2007.
- French Bulldog National Canada – Vancouver – October 2007
- HUND07 –SKC- Stockholm – December 2007.
I have also met with some success as a breeder and exhibitor of Boxers and Boston Terriers. Having bred or owned over 100 champions and these dogs have won over 150 Best Exhibit in Show awards. In mentioning our dogs I would like to honour 2 Boxers in particular – Grand Champion Thasrite Prince Charming SOM winner of 27 BIS Championship Show awards. He was also NSW CC Show Dog of the Year in 1993 and Best Exhibit in Show at the Canberra Royal Show in 1992 and the Nation’s # 1 Boxer 1992/93/94. Grand Champion Thasrite Topless Bikini (AI)DOM won BIS at All-Breed Championship Shows on 26 occasions and was # 1 Boxer in Australia for 1998 and 1999 and among the top show dogs all breeds during those years.
Some more Best in Show winning homebreds – namely, Grand Ch Thasrite Melodrama (15 BIS) and Grand Ch/RSA Ch Thasrite The New Yorker SOM (BOB/Group 2 Sydney Royal 2003) a winner of some 20 BIS awards (in Aust and RSA) and Australia’s #1 Boxer 2003/04. Also successfully campaigned in Queensland in partnership, was the multi BIS winner Grand Ch Thasrite Angel’s Brat.
I have also been involved for many years in dog show administration. Having been involved as show manager, club secretary and until recently all breeds dog club president for over 10 years. I have also been involved in judges training and examination.
David A Strachan
Australia
