Curly Coated Retriever Club Championship Show, 11 July 2026
We have an important update regarding the start time of the show. With less than a week to go and taking into account the weather forecast as it currently stands, the CCRC Committee in agreement with our Judge, Tiina Illukka, have decided on an earlier start time.
The Show will open at 9.00am, and Judging will commence at 9.30am.
This will hopefully mean we are through before the higher temperatures in the afternoon. Please keep a look out for any further updates.

For those wishing to bring shade / shelters / gazebos / pup tents you are welcome to bring them but please ensure they are securely tied down and at least 1m away from the sides of the ring. All of the barn doors on the pavilion will be open so there will be shade in there. There is a breeze forecast. Cool coats can be worn in the ring prior to and after judging. We hope to have a gazebo for shade whilst waiting in the ring and a fan in the pavilion.

Sunday Gundog training – for those booked on the gundog training. Heather will be in touch regarding what is happening

We’re going to have lots going on, on the day….

We start with an introduction to our International Breed Specialist Judge, Tiina Illukka.

Tiina Illukka – Caballus

Thank you very much for inviting me to judge at the Club Championship Show on 11 July.
My involvement in dogs spans more than 50 years, encompassing both breeding and exhibiting. I began with Dalmatians, which is why my kennel name, Caballus, is derived from the Latin word for horse. Since 1986, however, my primary passion has been the Curly Coated Retriever.

My first Curly, Darelyn Tamara, a beautiful daughter of Rifleman, came to me from Audrey Nicholls and provided an excellent foundation for a successful breeding programme built on quality and soundness. In 1990, I further broadened my breeding stock by importing a male from Gladrags and another from Australia, through Viki Knowles’ Blazeaway line. Throughout the years, I have always ensured that my Curlies were trained for work, and working ability remains a key consideration when selecting dogs for breeding. In addition to Curlies, I have also bred Gordon Setters and Jack Russell Terriers from Australian bloodlines.

I was first approved to judge Retriever breeds in 1993 and subsequently qualified to judge the entire Gundog Group (FCI Groups 6, 7 and 8). Over the years, I have had the privilege of judging at many prestigious events, including the Curly World Seminar Championship Show in the UK (2010), the American Curly-Coated Retriever Club National Specialty (2016), and the Victorian Curly Championship Show in Australia (1997). I have also judged numerous breed specialities and international all-breed shows throughout Europe.

Between 1990 and 2026, I bred 49 litters of Curly Coated Retrievers, producing 55 Finnish Champions with Working Certificates, alongside champions in countries across Europe, North America and Australia. As a breeder, some particularly proud achievements have been the production of three UK Full Champions—Caballus Grand Slam, Caballus Kingfisher, and Caballus Waterman—together with Sh Ch Caballus Valentino. Another notable achievement was Caballus Ebonie Adonis, a Gordon Setter who held the breed CC record for many years.

Alongside my breeding programme, I have worked extensively to increase genetic diversity within the breed through the importation of frozen semen from Australia and the United States. This has enabled me to incorporate both historic and contemporary bloodlines, helping to preserve and strengthen the breed’s gene pool. The two Curlies I currently own are three and four generations removed from these imports, carrying valuable Australian, New Zealand and American ancestry.

I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to combine my profession as a veterinarian with my lifelong passion for dogs. Above all, I am grateful for the friendships and support I have received from the Curly Coated Retriever community around the world. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Elaine and Anthony Robinson, whose dedication in campaigning Caballus dogs in the UK has contributed significantly to their success.

I very much look forward to judging at your Championship Show and meeting fellow enthusiasts of this wonderful breed.

As usual we will have rosettes for class placings 1st to VHC, and special rosettes for the main winners.
This year our show is sponsored by Skinners so there will also be:
-Goodie Bags for 1st to 3rd in each class
-Reserve Best In Show wins a 2.5kg Skinners Food Voucher
-Best In Show wins a 15kg Skinners Food Voucher

We will also have:
– The Curly Coated Retriever Club Shop ran by Heather Driscoll – she can help you with all your shopping needs.
– Our Raffle where there are always great prizes kindly donated by those who attend. Donations will be greatly received.
– Our Curly Coated Retriever Club Rescue Stand, where sales will raise money for Curly Rescue.
– Anne Russell & Marie Gill with their stunning handmade greetings cards.
– There will also be a picnic hosted by the club members should anyone wish to join in.

We look forward to seeing you all there….