• KENNEL:

  Swiftgait

Ron and Dianne's first involvement in the sport of dogs was with the purchase of an Afghan Hound in 1970 but it was to be the successful show career of a Dalmatian bitch purchased in 1973 that was to set the pattern for their future. Since then their dogs have not been outside the winning circle, having won over 400 Best in Shows at both All Breed and Specialty Level. The success of their breeding kennels is just as well known with over 100 Champions either owned or bred by them. Dogs from their Kennels have been sent to all Australian states and many exported to Europe, Asia and New Zealand that have had significant influences on the breed in those places. They have also owned, exhibited and bred two of the greatest winning Dalmatians in Australian breed history. " Champion Swiftgait MyLord Duke" who won 46 Best in Show awards at both Specialty & All Breeds level. Their current top Dalmatian is a female "Grand Ch Swiftgait In Thefastlane" - she has won 105 All Breeds Best in Shows and was the Number One Dog All Breeds in Australia for 2000. She also holds the world record for Best in Show wins by a Dalmatian and the record for the Greatest Best in Show Winning Dog All Breeds in Australia of all time. Whilst their major involvement is in Dalmatians, they have both owned and exhibited Best In Show winning English Pointers, Boston Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers. They have also been involved in breeding and exhibiting Labrador Retrievers, British Bulldogs and Doberman that have all been Best in Show winners. Involvement in Club administration has been extensive having held most club positions at one time or another. Currently Ron is President and Dianne Secretary of Cessnock All Breeds and Obedience Kennel Club, Ron President and Dianne Treasurer of Lake Macquarie ABKC and Dianne is President and Ron is Secretary of The Lakes District Canine Club the three Clubs running two major Championship dog shows each, each year with entries around the 1000 dogs. Ron has also been an executive officer of the Combined Northern Canine Committee which overseas the operation of a permanent Dog Showground utilised by 32 Dog Clubs in the Newcastle area. They are also responsible for the organization of Championship Dog Shows for four local Agricultural Societies. Both Ron and Dianne have written extensively for local and international dog publications. Lecture's, notes and seminars have been provided in Australia and overseas. Ron has been a correspondent for National Publications including Oz Dog and National Dog Magazine. They have also been involved in lecturing and examining at Judges Training Schemes and Ron was Chairman of the Hunter Region Committee of the Royal New South Wales Canine Council. First licensed to judge in 1980, they are both now licensed to judge all breeds and have judged extensively throughout Australia, and on numerous occasions throughout New Zealand, Canada and America. They have also judged in French New Caledonia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Korea, India, South Africa, England, Wales and Ireland, Both Ron and Dianne enjoy judging, travelling and meeting new people.