Modern Kerries of the United States
by Edith Izant
Reprinted with permission. From The Kerry Blue Terrier,
by Edith Izant, copyright 1982.
Published by Denlinger Publishing, available from Alpine Publications,
Inc.,
225 S. Madison Ave., Loveland, Colorado 80537. $14.95
In the early 1920s most of the American Kerry fanciers were concentrated in the East. Exceptions were the Jacksons, Miss Weiss, William Fox, and Miss Chesborough and Miss Shannon in California, and Cy and Lucy More in New Mexico. The late 1930s marked the beginning of the time when knowledgeable fanciers could be found in all parts of the United States and Canada, building with excellent stock from earlier importers and breeders.
As Kerrys spread across the country, local Kerry clubs were founded. A club was formed in Southern California in 1946, and another was formed in the San Francisco area about 1948. Among other local clubs are the Chicago club (one of the oldest); the Empire club in New York; the Greater Pittsburgh club; the Dallas club; the Hawaiian club (which holds its Specialty every second year); the Northern Ohio club (which had its first show in 1980); and the St. Louis club (which had its first Specialty in 1981). The United States KBTC holds two Specialties every year but in different areas.
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Ch. Bumble Bee of Delwin, by Ch. Ben Edar Bawcock ex Ch. Rackety Packety Kilmenskeg. Breeder: Edwin Sayres. Owner: John Mulcahy, later Joseph Urmston. |
Starting in the thirties, Joseph Urmston of California owned Ch. Sweetwater Masterpiece bred by Ellis Baron of San Diego, and Masterpiece sired Ch. Alain Again. Mr. Urmston bought Ch. Ben Edar Bull and Ch. Bumble Bee of Delwin from John Mulcahy's Cnoc-Luing Kennels. Bee was Best in Show eleven times and earned The American Kennel Club award for the most Terrier Group wins in 1938. One of the all-time top Terriers, Bee died in 1949 at the age of thirteen years at the home of her last handler, Harry Sangster. At Morris & Essex in 1941, Bee took Best of Breed and Group third, Ben Edar Bull was Winners Dog and Best of Winners, and Alain Again was Winners Bitch!
Mr. Urmston also bought Bee's brother, Ch. Blue Sensation of Delwin, and Bee's Cnoc-Luing championship litter sired by Ch. Princeton Hell of a Fellow. He imported Ch. Lisnalea Enchanta, and bought Topper of Belcrest, Ch. Conrad's Challenge, Ch. Erinblu's Delwin Delight and her sister Ch. Erinblu's Delwin Debutante (both Best-in-Show stars), Ch. Marberlane's Minuet, Ch. Kearnach Faltha, Ch. Ditton Prior's Carne Rhudi, and Champions Kerrypatch Dare and Dew of Dickens. He was the breeder of Ch. Alainn Again, Ch. Shamus O'Shay, Ch. Blue Crispin of Delwin, and Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity, a stud that has influenced the breed strongly.
Many of Mr. Urmston's Kerrys stayed at Mrs. Carl Johnson's Kerrypatch Kennels in the Midwest, and upon her death in 1948 more than seventy Kerrys were shipped to California in the dispersal of what was probably the last of the large Kerry kennels.
Mr. Urmston owned Ch. Deed's Show Off, bred from his stock, but sold him to Bill Fox for his show career, for Bill felt he needed more early color in his line. Show Off sired more than forty-five champions. Ch. Conrad's Challenge, bred by Marian MacClain, was one of our great show dogs, winning some twenty Best-in-Show awards with Harry Sangster handling him.
Nelle Smit of Trucote Kennels and Mr. Urmston were married eighteen months before his death. Nelle had many breeds of Terriers, and the famous Kerry sire Ch. Lisnalea Enbuska. She continued the careers of Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity and his daughter Ch. Trucote Bumblebee, Ch. Trucote Captain William, and Ch. Townshend's Flying Dutchman. The Kerrys went with her to Belgium and did much winning in Europe.
Dr. E. S. Montgomery of Monty-Ayr Kennels was given an English Kerry about 1921, but it was in the 1940s-when he was known for his kennel of sixty Bull Terriers-that he began to breed and show a few Kerrys. Blue Booties of Monty-Ayr was Best of Breed at Westminster in 1944 at fourteen months under William L. Day, went Best in Show at five Specialties, was first in the Group at Orange, and was Best in Show all breeds at Rochester. Dr. Montgomery believed in breeding sister to brother and daughter to sire. The Lloynds' Ch. Downpatrick Blue Serenade, bred to her sire, Ch. Kenmare Ace of Monty Ayr, produced the famous sire and winner Ch. Ace's Ace of Downpatrick and two other champions. Dr. Montgomery said that several of his Kerrys were capable of competing in field trials, and that one thirty-pound bitch was an excellent water retriever. Dr. Montgomery wrote two editions of The Complete Kerry Blue Terrier.
Gladys Titcomb registered her Blucote Kennels name in 1945, although she had owned Kerrys since 1936. Dabster of Delwin was her first champion. Her Ch. Hilarious of Gayterry was Best in Match five tithes, and then Pop Sayres handled her to Winners Bitch at the United States KBTC Specialty in 1944, and to Best of Breed and Group first at Onandaga. Hilarious was the dam of four champions, granddam of fifteen, great-granddam of twenty, and great-great-granddam of thirty. Her daughter International Ch. Blucote Deirdre of Ker Wel Aire went Best in Show at the Montgomery County Show and the New England KBTC Specialty.
Mrs. Titcomb imported Kenmare Winona and purchased Ch. Foxhill's Maoth, International Ch. Breeze's Blan of Homeplace, Ch. Trucote Dream Girl, Ch. Embargo's First Lady, and Ch. Deed's Show Off, who ended his days at her home. A member of the Board of the United States KBTC, Mrs. Titcomb compiled an extensive collection of books, pictures, and articles on Kerrys. Her scrapbooks were left to the United States KBTC and may be used for reference by Kerry club members.
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Ch. Foxhill's Rackety Kilta. Bred and owned by William Fox. Kilta was the dam of twelve champions. |
William L. Fox registered his Foxhill prefix in 1936, He owned German Shepherds until he purchased his first Kerry, Kiltamagh. He added Ch. Lerrig Prince of Killarney, bred by Todd Iverson, and Ch. Liam Prince of Killarney, bred by Cora Bank. He imported Tanis Tailteann, dam of his first champion, Barabia of Foxhills. He then bought Ch. Blue King II from Miss Freddie Weiss, and in 1939 King received the AKC award as the winner of the most Terrier Groups. Mr. Fox's most famous early purchase was the great winning and producing bitch, Ch. Rackety Packety Killmenskeg (Pidge), bred by Ben Watson. She was by Ch. Bed Edar Blaise ex Koko The Blue Quill. Pidge was Best in Show seven times, first in the Group twenty-nine times, and Best of Breed forty-eight times. She was the dam of many champions, including the Best-in-Show winning Ch. Bumble Bee of Delwin, who had five champions in her first litter. Another daughter was Ch. Foxhill's Rackety Kilta, dam of twelve champions.
| Ch. Foxhill's Thunderbolt, by Ch. Deed's Show Off out of Ch. Foxhill's Rackety Kilta. Beeder & owner: William Fox. |  |
Mr. Fox also purchased Ch. Blue Flame of Delwin, Ch. Fancy Free of Delwin, Ch. Commando's Cleftwood (from England), Ch. Sirarno's Indiscreet Lady, Ch. Maureen of Delwin, Ch. Rambling Pat of Delwin, Ch. Foxhill's Vixen, and Ch. Deed's Show Off. Two of the top winners bred by Foxhill were Ch. Foxhill's Marauder and Ch. Foxhill's Thunderbolt. Chris Shuttleworth handled the Foxhill Kerrys at first, but when he became a judge, Mr. Fox took over the trimming and handling, and became an expert at both. He judged Terrier and Toy breeds.
Jack and Nancy Cypress of Pennsylvania started their Ditton Priors Kennel with Maeveen Stock. They bought Ch. Breeze's Beth of Homeplace from Mrs. Britcher, and bred Beth to Ch. Montezuma of Maeveen, producing Ditton Prior's Cydaria, who became the dam of three champions by Ch. Topman. Ch. Ditton Prior's Dunsinane, from that litter, sired several champions.
Ozzie Kersting and Jack Rea of Ker-Rea Kennels were partners for several years; later Jack continued alone. Ozzie started with Ch. Kersting's Merrie Lady and her sister Kersting's Merrie Jane. Jane, bred to Ch. Thorndale Blue Bombshell, produced Ch. Castlebar Judy O'Rourke, and later Ch. Ker-Rea's Headman, Ch. Ginny Machree of Whiskerry, and Ch. Rocklin Rogue of Whiskerry. Headman, shown forty-nine times, was Best in Show seven times, first in the Group seventeen times, and Best of Breed forty-one times. He was the sire of at least fifteen champions. Jack Rea bred Ch. Castlebar Judy O'Rourke to Ch. Michael of Som'set to produce Champions Ker-Rea's Kilgallon, Kilroy, and Castlebar Michael, who continued Michael of Som'set's influence on the breed. Jack showed Kilroy, starting at the KBTC of Chicago Specialty, and Kilroy went from the Puppy Class to Best of Breed 1 Shown thirteen times in 1947, Kilroy was Best of Breed ten times, Best in Show twice, and first in the Group several times. Kilgallan was sold to Mrs. Dorothy Kenny of Paddywhack Kennels in Chicago, and Michael went to Floyd and Ida Mae Pierce's Kerryland Kennels in Los Angeles.
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Ch. Thorndale Blue Buddy. Bred by Horace Lepman, and owned and handled by Ed and Gerry Loebe. |
One of Kilgallon's puppies was Ch. Gered's Jim Dandy, of the Gered Kennels of Ed and Gerry Loebe. The Loebes started with Ch. Thorndale Blue Buddy early in 1944, and after a show career that included Best in Show three times, first in the Group seven times and Best of Breed at three Specialty Shows plus Westminster, Blue Buddy sired eight champions. The Loebe's foundation bitch, Ch. Gered's Candy (sired by Ch. That's That of Delwin), was bred to Ch. Michael of Som'set and produced three champions: Gered's Candy Lamb, Candy Tuft, and Candy Kid. Bred to Blue Buddy, Candy had Ch. Gered's Buddy's Bun, the second of four generations to finish with Best of Winners at Westminster and at the United States KBTC Specialty. Candy, bred to Ch. KerRea's Kilgallon, produced a great sire-Ch. Gered's Jim Dandy-sire of more than eighteen champions. Ed Loebe was president of the KBTC of Chicago and of the United States KBTC, and judges Terriers and other breeds. Gerry trimmed and handled their Kerrys, and she also was president of the Chicago club.
In 1934 Helen Larson of Kansas began using the prefix Sharonellen for her breeding. For a few years she was in partnership with Fern Rogers, and they bred the famous Best-in-Show winning Ch. Sharonellen's Skibbereen.
Fern and Bill Rogers used the kennel name Fellbrin, line-breeding from Tailteann stock, with more than fifty of their Kerrys earning the championship title. Fern trimmed and handled their dogs, and Skibbereen held the record in the breed for breeder-owner handled wins, with nineteen Best-in-Show wins, thirty-nine Group firsts, two Specialty Best-of-Breed wins, and two Specialty Bestof-Opposite Sex wins. Skibbereen sired seventeen champions. He sired his last litter at the age of twelve and a half, and died in 1972. Fern missed only one meeting during the twelve years she was on the Board of the United States KBTC, and she has served as president.
Henry Coughlan's Maeveen Kennels name can be found behind some of our top Kerrys. Ch. Sheila of Cognewaugh, the dam of International Ch. Miss Show Off of Cognewaugh, (owned by Tailteann), was sired by Bran of Maeveen, and Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity, one of our important sires, was sired by Dudeen of Maeveen. Henry Coughlan wrote many fine articles on Kerrys, and judged the breed.
The Fred Spikers of Canada purchased Ch. Netswell Ranee from
the Misses Henry in England. Later the Spikers imported Ben Edar
Buskin as Ranee's mate-but, unfortunately, he died. The Spikers
second choice was Buskin's son Lisnalea Enbuska. He was Best of
Breed at Morris & Essex in 1938, his first show in America.
Together, Ranee and Enbuska made a perfect combination and had
at least fifteen champion get, many of them Best-in-Show winners.
Buskin of Kenmare, owned by James Austin of Fox Terrier fame,
was one of the Best-inShow winners. Buskin won the Group at the
Garden in 1941 but was disqualified because he had not won a blue
ribbon previously.
Lew and May Wallace of Maylew Kennels bought their first Kerry, Dearborgil of Maylew, from Cliff Tushingham in Canada, about 1941, while they were living in Ohio. Moving to California, they purchased Foxhill's Tanis and Maylew Townshend's Kate and bred them to Ch. Kearnach Faltha, producing several champions. Ch. Maylew's Blue Flit and Ch. Maylew's Mardi Gras went to Eileen McEachren's Tailtearm Kennels in Canada and became important producers.
Horace J. and Virginia Perry of Massachusetts started their Kearnach Kennels in the 1940s. Their foundation bitch was Ch. Mi'Lady Maeve of Kearnaghan. She produced champions when bred to Ch. Blucote Bawcock, Ch. Deed's Show Off, Ch. Foxhill's Thunderbolt, and Dudeen of Maeveen. The Perrys purchased Ch. Calkerry's Defiant, one of our top sires with twenty-seven champions. The Perrys' Ch. Kearnach Faltha, sold to Joe Urmston, won Best in Show twice. One of our best Kerry handlers, Mr. Perry is also a skilled artist, designing silver pins with Kerry motifs, and dog statues that are almost life-size.
Horace Lepman of Thorridale Kennels, Chicago, started in Kerrys about 1938. He bred many top-winning champions, including Ch. Thorridale Blue Buddy, the sire of eight champions, who was discussed earlier. 'Me John Greggs of Arizona won the first Southern California KBTC Specialty with Ch. Thorndale Blue Brigadier in 1946. Mr. Lepman's Kerrys were all house dogs. In fact, he often said facetiously that he raised his puppies in his bedroom closet!
Heard and Edith Izant, of Townshend Kennels, bought their first Kerry in 1938 from Mrs. Casey, who owned one of Joe Urmston's bitches of Blue Leader stock. Edith started Banshee Blue in obedience in 1941, and was a founding member of the Pasanita Obedience Training Club. The Izants' foundation bitch came from the Sirarno Kennels in New York in 1943. She was Ch. Lady Dianne of Rob-Ett, C.D. Both her sire and her dam were Best-inShow winners, and she was from a litter of five champions-four females and a male who was a Best-inShow winner. The Izants have bred more than twenty champions-including two Best-in-Show winners, Ch. Townshend's Blue Blaise and Ch. Townshend's Lisduff Lady, each with two Best-in-Show wins and a Best-inBreed win at Westminster-Lady placing fourth in the Group there. Two other Best-in-Show winners bred by the Izants were Dr. Engle's Ch. Townshend's Danny Boy, Best in Show in 1974 at the Hawaiian Kennel Club Show, and Senor Marcos Antonini's Ch. Townshend's Dugan Manmas, Best in Show in Argentina in 1976. Edith was a founding member and president of the KBTC of Southern California and a member of the Board of the United States KBTC. For twenty-five years she wrote the Kerry column published in Popular Dogs, and she judges Terriers in conformation as well as all breeds in obedience and tracking.
Arnold and Sirene Rose had their Sirarno Kennels at their home in Rye, New York. Their foundation bitch, Ch. Sirarno's Sophisticated Lady, was sired by Topper of Belcrest and was a litter sister of Ch. Michael of Som'set. Sophisticated Lady won Best in Show three times, was first in the Group seventeen times and was Best of Breed fifty-five times in 1942. She was bred once to Ch. Ben Edar Blaise and produced three champions, including the Best-in-Show winning Ch. Sirarno's Impertinent Lady. The Roses also owned Conrad's Blue Michael, the sire of Ch. Sirarno's Investigator, a Best-in-Show winner. Investigator's Best-in-Show winning son, Ch. Royal Son of Rob-Ett, was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Betts of Chicago. Sirene did all of the grooming and Pop Sayres handled the Sirarno Kerrys. In 1943, of twelve dogs in the kennel, five were Best-in-Show winners.
Josephine Keene LeFebre of Kilkraney Kennels started in Kerrys with American and Canadian Ch. O'Dorney Magee, C.D.X., bred by Dr. and Mrs. C. S. Brown. Then about 1944 Jo purchased Ch. Tailteann's Pixie Susie. Bred to Ch. Foxhill's Rackety Ace, Susie was the dam of two champions, and one, Ch. Keene's Shawnee O'Shea, C.D., bred to Ch. Deed's Show Off, produced two champions, Ch. Kilkraney Kelleen and Ch. Kilkraney Ballina. Jo was a founding member of the KBTC of Northern California.
Harry and Libby Lloynd started their Downpatrick Kennels in 1937 with Ed Sayres' Breezing Home of Delwin. Bred to Dr. Montgomery's Ch. Kenmare Ace of Monty-Ayr, she was the dam of two champions. One of them, Ch. Downpatrick Blue Serenade, was bred back to her sire, producing the Lloynds' Ch. Ace's Ace of Downpatrick, who won many Group firsts and a Best in Show. Ace's Ace was the sire of more than fifteen champions, and his son Ch. Downpatrick's Dynamite won the United States KBTC Sweepstakes and went Best of Winners at Westminster in 1952 at the age of ten months. 'Me Lloynds' Ch. Downpatrick's Rory O'More was Best of Breed at the United States KBTC Show in New York in 1952 and won many Groups.
| Ch. Melbee's Chances Are, by Ch. Tregoad's Vicky's Victor out of Ch. Kerryglen's Nan-C-Lin. Bred and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Schlesinger. Handled by Rick Chashoudian. Chances Are sired some fifty champions, including many Group and Best-in- Show winners, and was Top Dog all breeds in the U.S, in 1968. |  |
Bea and Mel Schlesinger of Melbee Kennels in Missouri are breeders of many champions, including the famous Ch. Melbee's Chances Are. Shown by Bea, he finished his championship at the age of twelve months. With Rick Chashoudian, Chances Are won Best in Show thirty-six times and was top-winning dog, all breeds, in 1968, and won Best of Breed and placed fourth in the Group at Westminster in 1969. He entered the Kennel Review Hall of Fame in 1975, and died in October 1975. Chances Are sired more than fifty champions, many of whom were Group and Best-in-Show winners. His son Ch. Trucote Captain William sired more than twenty champions. Another son, Florence Coe's Ch. O'Connell of Kerry Oaks, won the Group at Westminster.
The Schlesingers started with Ch. Melbee's Blue Quink, sired by Ch. Ben Edar Tipton. In 1953 the Schlesinger's Ch. Blue Bluster of Melbee was Best of Breed at Westminster, Morris & Essex, the United States KBTC Specialty, and the Chicago Internationalwinning Best in Show nine times, first in the Group thirty-eight times, and Best of Breed sixty-four times. He was the sire of ten champions.
Mel Schlesinger has served as president of the United States KBTC and the Heart of America Kennel Club.
Catherine "Casey" Gardiner of Kerrycroft Kennels in Canada has many champions to her credit, and her book, The Kerry Norm, is of great interest to fanciers. Mrs. Gardiner developed a two-year course on dogs for the University of Guelph, which is now offered in ten colleges.
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American and Canadian Ch. Kerrycroft's Irish Sheila, by Ch. Gered's Candy Kid and Kerrycroft Blue Whiskers. Bred by Casey Gardiner and Erika Kelly. Owned by Ericka Kelly |
Ch. Kerrycroft's Irish Sheila, owned by Erika Kelly, became a top-producing Kerry with twelve champions; Ch. Kerrycroft's Mr. O'Rourke won many Groups and a Best in Show for Ram Run Kennels; and American and Canadian Ch. Kerrycroft's Benedict was a top winner and sire for Mrs. Fleisher.
Floyde and Ida Mae Pierce of California started their Kerryland Kennels in 1938 with bitches from Escondido Kennels, later purchasing Ch. Kerrypatch Dare of Dandy from Joe Urmston and Ch. Ker-Rea's Castlebar Michael from Jack Rea. Dare, bred to Ch. Michael of Som'set, produced Perfect Peach, Perfection, Miss Personality, and
Michael, all with the Kerryland's prefix and all of whom became champions. At the age of six months, Peach and Michael took Winners Bitch and Winners Dog at the Specialty of the KBTC of Southern California. Dare won a Best in Show, and, bred to Castlebar Michael, produced seven additional champions.
Justin and Agnes Mills started Justag Kennels with Ch. Kearnach Neno, who was purchased from Jud Perry. Neno bred to Ch. Foxhill's Thunderbolt produced two champions, and International Ch. Miss Burlington of Orr Murr bred to Botho Lilienthal's Ch. Bemel Cormac produced Ch. Justag's City Slicker, who in 1956 was Best of Breed at Westminster with twenty champions entered. From the Bettses of Canada, Mr. and Mrs. Mills purchased Ch. Tregoad's Vicky's Victor, a Best-in-Show winner who sired Ch. Melbee's Chances Are.
At the dispersal sale of Tailteann dogs, the Millses purchased Ch. Ninette, Ch. Shuette, and Ch. Jim's Show Off, the sire of fifteen champions. In 1958 the Millses and Jud Perry showed Ch. Truli-Blue Roxiana to Best in Show three times, Best of Breed eighty-three times, first in the Group fifteen times, and other Group placings forty times-and in one year Roxiana won every Kerry Specialty in the United States! Roxiana was bred by Roy Truly of Texas, and she was sired by a dog owned by Jud Perry.
Justin Mills judged several Kerry Specialties, was president of the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, and was Kerry columnist for the Gazette. Agnes was secretary of the United States KBTC.
Botho and Eva Lilienthal of Connecticut started Boliva Kennels in 1941 with Kerrys from William Day. They imported Bemel Ursula, a challenge certificate winner from the Puppy Class at Crufts, and Ch. Bemel Cormac, who sired at least seven champions. From Casey Gardiner in Canada they bought Ch. Kerrycroft's Gilfagan, and from the Izants, the Best-in-Show winning Ch. Townshend's Lisduff Lady. Botho was editor of the Kerry Yearbook, president of the United States KBTC, and the club's delegate to the AKC.
Mr. and Mrs. James Christ started their Ram Run Kennels with several Kerrys from Kerrycroft, including Ch. Kerrycroft's Mister O'Rourke, who was handled to his Best-in-Show and Group wins by Mrs, Christ, Champions of the Christs' own breeding that had Group and Best-in-Show wins include Ch. Lady Aed Allan of Ram Run, Ch. Lady Dal Cuinn of Ram Run, and Ch. Judy O'Rourke of Ram Run.
Bert and Peg Tormey of Marberlane Kennels started in Kerrys in 1947. Their first Kerry was a male purchased from Frank Kelly of New York. The Tormey's foundation bitch was a triple cross to Ch. Rackety Packety Kilmenskeg. Marberlane is one of the few kennels that has not bred out to other lines. Bert handled Ch. Marberlane Medicine Man for jean and Ed Underhill, finishing him in three Specialties and winning Groups. Ch. Marberlane's Citation sired eighteen champions, was top Kerry sire in 1962, and won the Empire Specialty in 1959 and 1960. Ch. Marberlane's Music Man, top Kerry in 1966, won Best in Show twice, the Group four times, and Kerry Specialties four times. Ch. Marberlane's Minuet won Best in Show eight times and is the dam of Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity.
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Ch. Vixen's Show Off, bred by Lou Guardella, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weil, and hown by Harry Sangster. Winner of the Quaker Oats Award in 1954 for most Group wins. |
The Robert Wiels of San Francisco started with Fox Terriers, Lakelands, and Scotties, but later concentrated on Kerrys, using the name Kerryall for their breeding. They owned six Best-in-Show winners: Ch. Foxhill's Topper, Ch. Gered's Candy Lamb, Ch. Vixen's Show Off, Ch. Dorcliff Damsel, Ch. Kerryacre's Sir Prize, and Ch. Tailteann's Tuan. All were handled by Harry Sangster. Show Off won Best of Breed one hundred and ten times out of one hundred twenty-three shows, was first in the Group sixty-five times, and was Best in Show eighteen times. He was the winner of the Quaker Oats Award for most Group wins in 1954. Bob Wiel was on the Board of the United States KBTC and judged Fox Terriers and Kerrys.
Eileen McEachren of Tailteann Kennels in Canada, aided by Sid Berryman at the kennel and by her handler George Ward, kept twenty to thirty Kerrys in show condition at all times. Puppies were usually kept until about ten months of age and shown to the championship title even if they were to be sold. Every dog was walked on lead every day, and three spent the day in the house in turn. Each dog had its own hook with collar, leash, brush, and blanket. To dry the rain or snow, the kennels had radiant heating in the cement runs.
Mrs. McEachren's father had given her a Kerry from the original Tailteann Kennels in Ireland, so she decided to use the name in Canada. Among the foundation stock were International Ch. Kenmare Masterpiece, Ch. Kenmare Dancing Daughter, Ch. Kenmare Tailteann, and Ch. Kenmare Sure Lad-all of whom came from the Spikers' kennel in Canada, Later Mrs. McEachren added Ch. Tailteann's Molly Ranee, Ch. Foxhill's Witch, Ch. Maylew's Mardi Gras and Ch. Maylew's Blue Flit, International Ch. Miss Show Off of Cognewaugh, and Ch. Michael of Som'set, Jr. Ch. Tailteann Widan Il and Miss Show Off produced nine champions, and with other bitches Widan sired at least fourteen more. The Tailteann Kerrys won more than a hundred and thirty Best-in-Show awards in the United States and Canada, and produced at least fifty champions-many of which were Group and Best-in-Show winners. Ch. Tailteann's Marcie's Son had eight Best-in-Show wins and was second in the Group at Westminster. Mrs. McEachren was president of the Canadian Kennel Club and judged Terriers.
Ed and Marie Greene founded their Edmareann bloodline on Tailteann stock, and after Mrs. McEachren's death they acquired several of her top dogs. Ch. Tailteann's Blue Crystal, owned and shown by Marie, was Best of Breed at Westminster in 1965. Blue Crystal's record in sixty-two shows was forty-one Best-of-Breed wins (including the Chicago International Show for three years, and eight Specialty Shows), four Best-in-Show wins, eleven Group first placings, and eighteen other Group placings. Ch. Edmareann's Rare Joe was Best in Show once, first in the Group twice, Best of Opposite Sex three times (including once at the United States KBTC Show in New York), and was Best of Breed fourteen times in eighteen shows. Mr. and Mrs. Sid Berryman took care of the dogs at Edmareann Kennels after Tailteann closed.
In 1965 the Greenes had nineteen champions, five of which were Best-in-Show winners. Their Ch. Tailteann's Jimmie Jo sired twenty-four champions. Two of Tailteann's top champions lived out their days with the Greenes. American and Canadian Ch, Tailteann's Widan II, sire of twenty-nine champions, lived to be almost fourteen years old. His daughter, International Ch. Tailteann's Rare Gem, a champion in seven countriesthe United States, Canada, Holland, Italy, Monaco, France, and Bermuda-lived to be twelve years old.
Elsie Betts of Tregoad Kennels started in Kerrys in Canada, but later she and her husband, Harold, moved to Southern California. From Tailteann Mrs. Betts obtained Canadian Ch. Bhoy's Brigid of the Bog (by English Ch. Bhoy of the Bog ex Brigid of the Bog) and bred her to Ch. Tailteann's Jim's Show Off, producing four champions: the bitch Ch. Tregoad's Pleasand; Ch. Tregoad's Vicky's Gallant, whom Mrs. Betts kept; Ch. Tregoad's Vicky's Victor, sold to Justin Mills; and Ch. Tregoad's Vicky's Cappy, sold to Barbara Keenan of West Highland White fame and sold by her to David Roche of Australia. After the quarantine in England, Cappy made his championship there, sired several champions, and then went by ship to Australia, where at age six, he went Best in Show at his first Australian show with four thousand dogs entered!
Mrs. Walter Fleisher, Jr., started her Ambruth Kennels in 1956 when she met Eddie Conrad, and he bought two Kerrys for her from Joe Plunket. These two litter sisters were from Bill Day's bloodlines and were by Bemel Cormac ex Ch. Bouncer. Mrs. Fleisher now trims and handles her Kerrys and has finished twenty-eight champions. With ten to fifteen Kerrys, she has one of the largest hobby kennels in the breed. Mrs. Fleisher was secretary of the United States KBTC for twelve years, stores the Gladys Titcomb Collection, and is AKC Delegate for the Rockland County Kennel Club. She has devoted years to the health of the breed.
Mrs. Fleisher was the final owner of the famous winner and sire, English, Swedish, Canadian, American, and Bermudian Ch. Carholme Charles, and she owned another Best-in-Show winner, acquired from Mr. Egeberg, American and Canadian Ch. Music's Right-OnTop.
Knut Egeberg of Canada started showing Kerrys in England. After acquiring English Ch. Carholme Charles, Knut moved to Canada. When an accident made it impossible for him to care for his dogs, he sent Charles to Mrs. Fleisher. Knut has recovered and has judged some of the largest Kerry Specialties in England. He owns English and American Ch. Granemore Slieve Gullion and is basing his breeding program on English bloodlines.
Roy S. Truly of Truli Blu Kennels in Texas, starting with Kearnach stock, bred the famous Ch. Truli Blue Roxiana. Others he bred were Truli Blu Debutante and Ch. Peg 0' My Heart.
Clonkilty was Silas and Lucille Webb's kennel name in Oklahoma. They bred Ch. Baroness Blue Kathy, winner of Best-in-Show awards and many Groups. They also bred Ch. Conkilty's Queen of Tarts, the Best-in-Show winning Ch. Clonkilty's Morning Star, Ch. Rob's Danny Boy, and Ch. Kokomo.
Mrs. Ruby Donnelley used the kennel name Donnelley. She was the breeder of Ch. Blue Charmer, Ch. Nelley Don, and Ch. Dungaree Doll. Doll bred to Charmer produced Ch. Dungaree's Tony, Ch. Danny's Kerrie Coed, and Ch. Blarney Boy Blue.
Dr. Thomas Martin and his wife Claire had Adair Gardens Kennels. They started with Ch. Donagayl Hurley McVaney, C.D., then added his younger sister, Ch. Donagayl's Leprechaun Kid, and showed them to Best in Show. Bred by Don Hutton, these two Kerrys were of Tailteann lines and produced eight champions in their four litters. The Martins' home-bred Ch. Adair Gardens Erica Cerulia was Best of Opposite Sex in an entry of eighty-two at the United States KBTC Specialty at the Chagrin Kennel Club Show in 1975.
Kris and Dorothy Ursin of Kerryacre Kennels purchased Ch. Vixen's Leading Lady from Lou Guardella. By Ch. Deed's Show Off ex Ch. Foxhill's Vixen, Leading Lady was the dam of six champions in two litters: Ch. Kerryall's Ace High, Ch. Kerryacre's Firecracker, Ch. Gypo M'Boy, and Ch. Kerryall's Jillean (all sired by Ch. Kerryall's Candy Cherub), and Ch. Kerryacre's Mighty Man and Ch. Kerryacre's Brigadier (both sired by Ch. Rambling Pat of Delwin). Kris was president of the KBTC of Southern California and the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kaehler's Kerry Oaks Kennels, starting with Foxhill's stock, have produced many champions in only a few litters. Best known is the Best-inShow winner, Florence Coe's Ch. O'Connell of Kerry Oaks, who won the Group at Westminster in 1971. Other champions were Revlin, Rogue II, Rogue's Girl, and Groghan of Kerry Oaks.
| Ch. O'Tamarac's Tomboy, by Ch. Melbee's Chances Are ex Ch. O'Tamarac's Kristal. Bred and owned by Ralph and Francesca Thorpe. Tomboy was Winners Bitch at the USKBTC Specialty in 1971 and Winners Bitch at Westminster the next day. |  |
Ralph and Francesca Thorpe, owners of O'Tamarac Kennels, enjoy their three or four Kerrys as house dogs, and produce quality champions. Fran does the grooming, while Ralph, Harry Sangster, and Rick Chashoudian shared the handling. One of the top sire*s of the breed was Ch. O'Tamarac's Statutory Merger, who sired nineteen champions and was owned by Henry Herwig. The Tborpes retired the Bette Larson Memorial Trophy at the United States KBTC Specialty with Ch. O'Tamarac's Fireball Clancy and American and Mexican Ch. O'Tamarac's Better Believe It. The latter also won four Group firsts and two Best-in-Show awards in Mexico City in December 1970. Ch. O'Tamarac's Tomboy was Winners Bitch in 1971 at the United States KBTC Specialty and Westminster, and Ch. O'Tamarac's Kachina won the Sweepstakes and was Winners Bitch at the 1958 KBTC of Northern California Specialty. Tlie Thorpes bred Maureen Thomann's foundation bitch for her Blackthorn Kennels-Ch. Blackthorn's Bit O'Tamarac, dam of five champions, two of which were Best-in-Show winners. Mrs. Lera McLemore's Ch. O'Tamarac's Beau Kelly was Best of Breed at the 1977 United States KBTC Specialty in New York.
Ray and Marylou Perry of Tontine Kennels purchased their foundation bitch, Ch. Donagayl's Shannon Sprite, in 1964. Sprite has produced eight champions in three litters. Since 1975 Ray has been a professional handler, taking top wins in Specialties all over the country with Kerrys of Tontine's bloodline. The Perry's home-bred Ch. Tontine's Something Else, a grandson of Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity, is one of the top Kerry studs.
Lou and Catherine Wright purchased Ch. Townshend's Searma, the foundation bitch for their Calkerry Kennels, in January 1959. The Wrights were joined later by Tony and Doris Tolone, who had bought a puppy from them.
Calkerry produced one of the breed's top sires, Ch. Calkerry's Defiant, purchased by Jud Perry. Defiant sired more than twenty-seven champions. Ch. Calkerry's Wildfire finished her championship going Winners Bitch, Best of Winners, and Best of Breed over champions at the Specialty of the KBTC of Northern California. She also was Best of Breed at the Chicago International Show. She was purchased by Botho Lilienthal. Ch. Calkerry's Muff O'Donegal was the dam of Ch. Calkerry's Megeen O'Kaigh, who was Winners Bitch at eleven months of age at the KBTC of Northern California Specialty, and of Ch. Calkerry's Darrin O'Kaigh, who finished with a Best-ofBreed win and second in the Group at the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills. Wildfire was the dam of Ch. Calkerry's Ben B, who sired the top-winning Ch. Doon-A-Ree's Roadrunner. Kay Guiney bought Pride of Listowel, bred by the Wrights, as her foundation bitch, and Listowel was the dam of Group winning Ch. Ahane's Mara. Another Group winner, Ch. Calkerry's Determined, was purchased by Patrick Corless of New York.
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Ch. Kilmarey Miss Showoff, C.D., by Ch. O'Tamarac's Statutory Merger ex Ch. Townshend's Pixie O'Toole, C.D-X. Bred, owned, and handled by Margo Steinman. Miss Showoff was Winners Bitch at the USKBTC Specialty, 1968. |
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Margo Steinman of Kilmarley Kennels conditions and handles her own Kerrys. She bought her first Kerry in 1946 but did not establish her bloodline until 1966, when she purchased Ch. Townshend's Pixie O'Toole, C.D.X., dam of four champions (three finished with Specialty majors) and three obedience titlists. One of Pixie's daughters, Ch. Kilmarley Miss Showoff, C.D., a Group winner, has produced six champions to date. Margo retired the Marian McKinney Trophy at the New York Specialty of the United States KBTC with Pixie (1968), Miss Showoff (1970), and Kilmarley Peggy O'Blujac (1978), who was shown by her co-breeder, Jaimie Ashby. Margo also retired the Henry Sayres Memorial at the Specialty of the KBTC of Northern California.
Bernice Kusch of Oregon was in high school when she bought her first Kerry in 1965 and showed her in obedience. Shawn B. Glory, C.D., was bred twice to Ch. Townshend's Terry of Tyrone, C.D.X., to produce three champions: Badge of Glory, Blaze of Glory, and the Group winning Crowning Glory. Bernie and Cory Klemperer bred their Ch. Trackways Maggie O'South County to Badge to produce Ch. Lonely O'Neil, who sired American, English, and Canadian Ch. Callaghan. Owner handled, he was Winners Dog and Best of Winners at the 1976 Associated Terrier Clubs Specialty and Westminster. Three times he was first in the Group from the classes. Leased to the Streatfields in England, he was Best in Show at Crufts in 1979 when he was more than six years old, and also won many Specialties and Best in Shows. Callaghan's granddaughter, Glory's Midnight Flyer, is owned and shown by Bernie. She was Best of Breed at the New York Specialty of the United States KBTC in 1981 and has several Group wins, and a Best in Show.
Maureen and Paul Thomann of Saint Louis, Missouri, bought their first Kerry, Ch. Blackthorn's Bit O'Tamarac, in 1970 from Francesca and Ralph Thorpe, after showing other breeds. Bit O'Tamarac, bred to Ch. Melbee's Chances Are, produced six champions-two of which, Blueprint and Erin O'Riebel, were Best-in-Show winners. Then bred to her son Ch. Blackthorn's Blue Blazes and to the Thorpes' Ch. O'Tamarac's Better Believe It, Bit O'Tamarac produced twelve champions, seven of which were Group winners. Paul trims and Maureen handlesmaking a good partnership.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Groenendaal of Kerrywood Kennels in Pennsylvania started in Kerrys in 1964. Their foundation Kerrys were four in number: Ch. Walmar's Miss Show Off, a Group winner and the number two Kerry bitch in 1965, was the dam of three champions: Ch. Kerrywood's First Edition, sire of three champions; Ch. Music's Oh Boy, sire of one champion; and Ch. Music's Long Wanted, dam of ten champions and other Kerrys that have points. Many of the get of Ch. Music's Long Wanted were Group and Specialty winners-such as Ch. Kerrywood's Blue Indigo, the number one Kerry bitch in 1973 and herself the dam of three champions. Wayne and Joan Wuerl's American and Canadian Ch. Kerrywood's Reflection was Winners Bitch at the United States KBTC Specialty in 1975 with eighty-two entered. The Groenendaals are working with Knut Egeberg, so their stock is almost entirely of English bloodlines.
For his Sundowner Kennels, Neil Hamilton of California imported his first Kerry, Armshead Bally Ross Kerrie O'Neil, in 1967. Ch. Sundowner's British Sterling, her grandson, is a Specialty winner. Neil is a member of the Northern and Southern California Kerry clubs and historian for the United States KBTC.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Croley of Casey Kennels in Colorado bought their first Kerry, Ch. Townshend's Fair Chance, from the Izants. He won his first Group in December 1970 at the age of eighteen months. He was first in the Group eleven times in his show career, and thirty other placements put him in the Top Ten Kerrys in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Groomed by Mrs. Croley, he was handled by Sally Terroux. Later the Croleys purchased Ch. South County Muffet, and from a breeding to Fair Chance they showed the brother and sister, Ch. Casey's Blue Tiger and Ch. Casey's Irish Mischief, to several Best-in- Show wins.
The owners of Kavanaugh Kennels, Neil and Kay Hudson, purchased Ch. Townshend's Michaela O'Kelly in 1966 as a pet, but when she won the Sweepstakes at the Specialty of the KBTC of Southern California, the Hudsons became fanciers, trimming her and showing her to finish her title the following year. In two litters she produced the Champions Kavanaugh's Sir Chalktaugh, C. D., Koko Kyla, Kinsman, Statesman, Krusader, and K. C. O'Kelly, C.D.X. The Hudsons bought Ch. Tontine's Kilamy of Kavanaugh, who has produced six champions. The Hudsons condition and handle their own Kerrys.
Lucille Myers of Morbleu Kennels in California started with Kilmarley Pixie Townshend in 1969. Bred to Ch. Trucote Captain William, Pixie produced Ch. Morbleu Queen Kelley, who was Best in Match at seven months, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex at Westchester in 1973, and Best of Winners at the United States KBTC Specialty in Los Angeles. Bred to Ch. Tontine's Something Else, Kelley produced Ch. Morbleu Studs Lonigan. From the Sweepstakes and Winners Dog at the Chicago Specialty in March 1975, Winners Dog at the Empire and Pittsburgh Specialties, Studs won Best in Show at the Dallas Kennel Club Show in 1976 with an entry of two thousand. Other Kerrys owned by Morbleu are Ch. Morbleu Toni O'Tontine, Ch. Tontine's Innkeeper, Ch. Tontine's Twenty Grand, Ch. Tontine's Money Man, Ch. Tontine's Irish Beau of Morbleu (Winners Dog at the United States KBTC Specialty at Chagrin in 1975 with eighty-two entered), and Ch. Tontine's Himself of Morbleu (top Kerry sire in 1980 with six champions). All Morbleu Kerrys were conditioned and handled by Ray Perry.
Roger Macha of Mac-Haven Kennels in Kentucky conditions and handles his own Kerrys. Ch. Mac-Haven's Kerry Masterpiece is the winner of several Best-in-Show awards and sired four champions who finished in 1975. Ch. Mac-Haven's No Regrets took first in the Group three times to become a Canadian champion, and sired several champions. Roger bred a Tailteann bitch, Ch. Belinda Blue of Paragon, to Ch. Tailteann's Jimmie-jo, to establish his line.
| American and Canadian Ch. Walmar's Irish Gleam, by American and Canadian Ch. Tailteann's No Regrets ex Canadian Ch. Tailteann's Nickey's Girl. Bred by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jacob, Canada. Owner and handier, Henry Herwig. Gleam is the dam of several AKC champions. |  |
Henry and Hella Herwig of Canada moved to Southern California with their Falconmoor Kennels' foundation bitch, American and Canadian Ch. Walmar's Irish Gleam, dam of eight champions. Gleam's daughter American and Canadian Ch. Falconmoor Irish Flit was the dam of nine champions. Bred to Kerryglen's Quinn O'Grady, Gleam produced a Group winner, Ch. Falconmoor Scarlet O'Hara. In that same litter was Ch. Falconmoor Sir Twist, who went Best in Show at the United States KBTC Specialty in New York in 1966 and Best of Breed at Westminster, with his litter sister Ch. Falconmoor South County Lass taking Winners Bitch. The Herwigs bought Ch, O'Tamarac's Statutory Merger, sire of nineteen champions. Among the many champions the Herwigs have bred is International Ch. Falconmoor Bold Ruler, the 1975 Europasieger, owned by Colonel and Mrs. George Watson of Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. Don Hutton, owners of Donagayl Kennels in Illinois, purchased their first two Kerrys, a brother and sister, in 1955. After attending obedience classes, the Huttons bought their first show bitch, Tailteann's Dor-jo, in 1958. Their first litter was from Ch. Tailteann's Swansong, a bitch from the last litter bred at Tailteann. Bred four times to Ch. Tailteann's Jimmie-jo, Swansong produced a total of twenty-eight puppies, with eight champions-of which three were Best-in-Show winners. The Huttons then purchased Ch. Kerryglen's Quinn O'Grady, who sired a total of twenty-four champions. Mr. Hutton is a past president of the United States KBTC.
Donna Goshen Purdue of Kerryglen Kennels purchased her foundation bitch, Ch. Erinblu's Toirse, from Arthur Hillery about 1960. Bred to Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity, Toirse produced Ch. Kerryglen's Nan-C-Lin (dam of Ch. Melbee's Chances Are) and Ch, Kerryglen's Quinn O'Grady. Donna bred several champions by Chances Are, and later purchased Ch. Ruan's Bold Venture and Ch. Kerryglen's Temecula Kid ' bred by the Hammons. The Purdues are members of the KBTC of Southern California, and Donna is on the Board of the United States KBTC.
Bob and Penny Belviso started their Ha'Penny Kennels in 1960 with Ch. Wonlock's jeopardy, C.D., who went Best in Match at her first show! Jeopardy was the dam of several champions. Then Bob and Penny bought Ch. Kearnach Dapper Dan, who finished in one month, won first in the Group, and went Best in Show at the United States KBTC Specialty in New York. The Belvisos went into partnership with Don Jacques of New York, buying Ch. Malone of Mayo's Moon Maid, who produced Ch. Ha'Penny Hold the Mayo, Ch. Ha'Penny Cincinnati Kid, Ch. Ha'Penny Butch Cassidy, and Ch. Ha'Penny Ms. Moonbeam, who went Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex from the Bred by Exhibitor Class at the Empire Specialty Show, The Kid's show career started at thirteen months with Winners Dog from the Bred by Exhibitor Class at the Empire and Pittsburgh Specialties, and a Best in Show and several Group wins in Canada, plus seven Group wins in the United States. Bob was on the Board of Governors of the United States KBTC and was the club's AKC representative.
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At right, Ch. Townshend's Mr. Chips, by Ch. Melbee's Chances Are out of Ch. Townshend's Fair Erin, C.D. Mr. Chips was bred by Heard and Edith Izant, and owned by Colonel Poor and Maryanne Schaeffer. Handled by Rick Chashoudian and Dora Lee Wilson, Mr. Chips was a Group winner. |
Margaret and Stephen Barry have had Kerrys since 1948, when they bought a male from the first litter bred by Edith Izant. It wasn't until 1968 that the Barrys became interested in shows and bought Ch. Calkerry's Tiger Rag from a litter produced by Doris Tolone's Ch. Galkerry's Bronwyn. The Barry's breeding has doubled up on 'he lines of Ch. Bluemore High Fidelity, Ch. Townshend's Seanna, and Ch. Kerryglen's Quinn O'Grady. Both Margaret and Stephen have served as president of the KBTC of Southern California, and Margaret became secretary of the United States KBTC in 1976.
Robert and Mary Ellen Kauffman of Seattle bought Townshend's Jetstream Kevin in 1958, and later American and Canadian Ch. Townshend's Jetstrearn Sir Rob, showing him to several Group wins. Bred twice to American and Mexican Ch. Falconmoor Daisy Mae, Sir Rob sired four champions.
Mrs. Brooke Postley of Elbrley Kennels bought her first Kerry Blue in the early 1950s from the old Topanga Kennels. Carol took Gay Gamon to obedience classes and later bred her to Ch. Deed's Show Off. From this breeding the Elbrley bloodline developed with many champions and obedience title holders, including Kerrys with the Tracking Dog title.
Maryanne and Richard Schaefer of Wedgewood Kennels bought their first Kerry, Ch. Kelly Girl O'Schaefer (sired by Ch. Melbee's Count To Ten) in 1962. Kelly was Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex in 1964 at the Specialty of the KBTC of Kansas City. A bitch from Kelly's litter by Ch. Sharonellen's Skibbereen was bred to Ch. Lowe's Skellig Gay Blade, producing Ch. Downtheak Cob Keepsake. Keepsake was the dam of two champions by Ch. Kerryglen's Quinn O'GradyWedgewood's Irish Lace and Wedgewood's Spoonful O'Sugar. Bred to Chances Are, Keepsake produced Ch. Wedgewood's Keepsake, who was Best of Breed at the United States KBTC Specialty in Saint Louis in 1967.
| Ch. Wedgewood's Leaps'N Bounds, by Ch. Townshend's Mr. Chips ex Ch. Wedgewood's Peppermint Pattie. Bred by Maryanne and Richard Schaeffer. Owned by Nancy Robards. Leaps 'N Bounds had numerous Group placements and ten Best-of-Breed wins. |  |
Spoonful produced six champions for Mr. and Mrs. Ray Modler's Ruan Kennels. Other champions from Wedgewood were Peppermint Patti, Kerry Grant, and Leaps'n Bounds.
Carl and Jaimie Ashby of Blujac Kennels started in Kerrys about 1973 when they purchased Ch. Kilmarley Irish Imp, C.D.X., from Margo Steinman. Imp was the dam of Ch. Blujac's Afternoon Delight, a Best-in-Show and Specialty winner, as well as of Ch. Blujac's Fuzzy Muggins. They later purchased Ch. Kilmarley Merry Kerry, C.D., from Margo, Afternoon Delight sired Ch. MacHaven's Baron O'Blujac, a Best-in-Show winner, and Ch. MacHaven's Blue Citation, a Group winner, Jaimie and Carl do their own trimming and handling, and Carl is treasurer of the United States KBTC.
Colonel and Mrs. Robert Powell of Kerrytrayl Kennels bought their first Kerry, a male, as a pet in 1962 in Atlanta. Later they bought Castleknock Bitsey Bea from Mrs, Jessie Robinson. The Powells moved to Indiana, where George Ward handled for them. Bred three times, Bitsey produced several champions, and her daughter Princess, bred to Quinn, produced Ch. Kerrytrayl Blue Challenger. Owned by the Seims, Challenger was number one Kerry and number eight Terrier in 1973 with four Best-in-Show wins, seventeen Group first placements, and the Best-ofBreed win at the United States KBTC Specialty in Montgomery. Other Group winners from Kerrytrayl were Ch. Kerrytrayl Patrick O'Grady and Ch. Kerrytrayl Gala Occasion. There were more than ten additional champions. One of Kerrytrayl's most famous winners was Ch. Kerrytrayl Luin Supreme.
Many other fanciers have contributed to the breed. Don Flavin of Bruree Kennels was president of the United States KBTC. Doug McClain, a Midwest handler, and his sister Marian used the name Maradoug, and Ed Conrad, another handler, specialized in Kerrys. Pearl Bank Steward of San Francisco wrote a Kerry column published in Western Kennel World in 1935. In the Midwest were Dorothy and Meredith Young of Four Acres, later Meredor Kennels, who started in the 1940s. Bernie and Margaret Molitor of Keighry Head Kennels founded their line on Castlerea and Kerrycroft, and Bernie later was president of the United States KBTC. Barbara Keenan, of Westie fame, owned Ch. Tregoad's Vicky's Cappy and the top-winning Kerry in 1976, Ch. Melbee's Feeling Groovy. Jessie Robinson of Castleknock Kennels founded the KBTC of Atlanta. Eileen Dreyspring of California was the breeder of the famous Ch. Trucote Captain William.
Many fine Kerrys came from Paul Mountcastle's Mountcastle Kennels; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Modler's Ruan Kennels; Madalyn Gutman's Jeralyn Kennels; and Margaret Shepherd's Aodair Kennels. Margaret can remember her grandparents in Ireland owning Kerrys in 1900. Carol Basler and Carol Dickinson both showed their own Kerrys to Best-in-Show wins, and spent many hours helping other Kerry owners.
Audree Weiland and the Charles Waindls worked hard for the Chicago Club; the Thomas Harrises and Mildred Towle in the Hawaiian Islands keep the club there going. Bernie and Judy Filler of Lidemara Kennels were active in house dogs that make the breed-but also the people who own and love Kerrys.
Chicago, where Bernie was president of the Chicago Club and also of the United States KBTC. Fran Reynolds and Jay O'Roark have served as secretary and treasurer of the United States KBTC for many years.
Aine and Ed Dalton of Doon-A-Ree Kennels, whose Ch. Calkerry's Ben B sired the Best-in-Show winning Ch. Doon-A-Ree's Roadrunner, visit their native Ireland every year. Lois and George Rodda own Ch. Melbee's Meredith, a Group winner. Martin and Mars Heller had seven champions in the first litter by Ch. Kavanaugh's Crackerjack ex Ch. Megan Macushla O'Barry.
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American and Canadian Ch. Kerrageen's Irish Royalty, C.D.X, by International Ch. Carholme Charles ex American and Canadian Ch. Kerrageen's Diamond jubilee. Royalty took a Best-in- Show and several Group wins in Canada, and many Group wins in the U.S. He sired Best-in-Show winning American and Canadian Ch. Kel-Tara's Jubilee. |
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American and Canadian Ch. Kel-Tara's Star Jubilee, by American and Canadian Ch. Kerrageen's Irish Royalty, C.D. X, ex Ch. Kel-Tara's Stormclaudia. Bred and owned by Mrs. Douglas Roy. Star topped all Canadian Kerry records with thirty all breed Bests in Show, one Terrier Specialty, and fifty-three Group firsts. |
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American and Canadian Ch. Ruan's Blue Knight, C.DX, by Ch. Ruan's Blue Victory ex Ch. Lady Blue Magic, C.D.X. Breeders, William J. Morris and John Novey, Jr. Owner, William J. Morris. Blue Knight was ranked fiftieth in 1973 in Terrier Type. Finished championship in five shows from November 1971 to April 1972. |
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| American and Canadian Ch. Morbleu's Marauder of Tontine, sired by Ch. Tontine's Himself of Morbleu ex Ch. Morbleu Toni O'Tontine. Breeders /owners: Lucille Myers and Ray Perry. Handler: Ray Perry. Marauder won one all breed Bcst-in-Show and seven Specialty Best-in-Show awards. Marauder was Best of Breed eighty times, Group first ten times, Group second eighteen times, Group third twelve times, and Group fourth nine times. |
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