Sally Duffin

United Kingdom

Sally began her dog showing career at just 12 years of age, handling a Rough Collie, before moving on to Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, with which she enjoyed considerable success both showing and breeding Champions and many Challenge Certificate winners. In the early 1970s, an Old English Sheepdog joined the household—a breed that was to become her lifelong passion. Showing them with great success, Sally took her foundation bitch from the famous Shepton Kennels to Best of Breed at Crufts in 1976, after also being Top Bitch in 1975 and 1976. These achievements came at a time when Old English Sheepdog entries regularly numbered 100–200 dogs at major shows. Her final Old English Sheepdog was campaigned extensively on the Continent, gaining six Champion titles. Showing abroad proved to be a particularly rewarding experience, thanks to the warm welcome and camaraderie shared with fellow exhibitors from the Old English Sheepdog fraternity. Sally’s first Challenge Certificate appointment for her beloved Old English Sheepdog came in 1979, at the Manchester Championship Show, then held at Belle Vue. Today, she is approved to award Challenge Certificates in 18 breeds across three groups, and she also judges the Pastoral Group. Alongside her judging commitments, Sally’s main role—one that keeps her very busy—is serving as Secretary to Bournemouth Canine Association Championship Show, a position she has held since 2016. She is very much looking forward to judging in Finland.