SIDMOUTH dog breeder could be one of the town’s best kept secrets

A SIDMOUTH dog breeder could be one of the town’s best kept secrets after producing five UK champions and notching up a regional record.

Jane Tunnicliffe’s latest canine companion was the first of its breed to be named top dog at Devon County Show.

Jane has been breeding champions for more than thirty years, and Shetland Sheepdog Inca’s Best in Show achievement ranks among her proudest moments. The Dippersmoor Noir et Blanche pedigree’s star turn at the event was the first time a Sheltie landed the prestigious award.

Cute Inca, who loves nothing more than chasing seagulls at Jacob’s Ladder beach, is now set for national recognition.

Success runs in the family as Inca’s dad was named the UK’s top Sheltie in 2009.

“Inca has not only beauty but brains,” said Jane, who lives near the Lower Woolbrook part of town.

“To go Best in Show at Devon County Show is a first and quite an achievement. Inca had to win her class and then compete against all the other winners- 65 Shelties were entered.

“She was awarded Best of Breed and then had to compete against 22 different breeds of dogs and bitches. She won, and then faced all the other group winners over three days. She came out as the winner over all the other groups.”

Inca keeps fit with weekly agility classes, according to proud Jane, who judges the breed at Championship level, and has sent dogs all over the world to become international champions.

“She has two Challenge Certificates in the breed and needs just one more to become a UK Champion, hopefully this will not be too far away, but unfortunately she has now decided to shed half of her coat,” said Jane.