OVERMARSH LABRADORS
Show and working interests in Labradors
Overmarsh Labradors is a small hobby kennel interested in the show and working side of labradors. My first Labrador, Maximilllian Country Squire was acquired over forty years ago who was chiefly bred on working lines from the Gunstock kennel, but with good show dogs in the background of his pedigree. Max was a lovely looking black lad, who was shown with moderate success, but his main forte was that of Obedience Competitions.
Max was joined a few years later by Squire Robbie of Danecoat, from Mrs. Coates of Lymm. Robbie was a strapping yellow dog who was bred entirely on show lines from the Oakhouse and Glenarem kennels. He was only shown occasionally due to work commitments but also took part in Obedience Competitions.
When I lost Max and started to look for his replacement and I was lucky to find Margaret Litherland of Oakhouse Labradors. She let me have Fraser, Oakhouse Country Squire at Overmarsh and later Wallace, Oakhouse Obedient Squire at Overmarsh and then Broadie, Oakhouse Overmarsh. Many thanks must go to her for her help, advice and encouragement given over the years with the dogs.
I show my dogs at Open and Championship level where I have been quite successful. I have gained seven stud book numbers todate and Peeverwitch Twinkle for Overmarsh has gained a Challenge Certificate at Northern Ireland L.R.C. Championship Show and then went on to get Reserve Best in Show. A very proud day.
After welcoming a working bred Labrador to the family I have enjoyed successes with her and her offspring in Working Tests and competed in Field Trials. I also pick up with them and my show line labradors at a local shoot. We have gained places at Crufts with both types in the Gamekeepers Ring and also in the breed ring.
Since finishing work I have had the time to do a little studying and have achieved an O.C.N. Certificate in Dog Breeding and the following year passed the equivilent of the B.V.A. nurses exam, by passing with 'distinction' the Animal Nursing Assistant Course.
I judge at Championship show leve for Labradors and at Open Show level for other gundog breeds. I have also attended and passed breed seminars on various other gundog breeds. I was the secretary of The Gundog Club of North Wales for 8 years, where I organised the first Working Gundog Certificate to be held in Wales. I am now the General Secretary to Clwyd Retriever Club which I too enjoy,
I only breed the occasional litter to continue the line of my dogs so if you have one of my puppies you will have gone through a rigourous process to ensure that only the best has been put in place for them.
Wendy Manning
