Daubhill bulldog judge achieves high prestige

Martin Jones, 59, from Daubhill, has achieved the rank of an A3 List Judge, also known as Breed Specialist, for bulldogs.

It is safe to say Martin is well-versed in bulldogs, having shown them for almost 50 years and judged them for more than two decades.

To achieve breed specialist, judges must have a minimum of seven years of judging experience in a specific breed and have judged a minimum of 180 dogs. 

They also must have owned or bred at least three dogs when they first gained entry to the stud book and to attend and pass seminars on judging.

Martin judging a bulldog open show at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry earlier this month (Image: Martin Jones)

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Martin said: “I’ve only just got over the 180. I’m chuffed, I’ve done it, it’s just a pity my mum and dad couldn’t see it.

“If they were here, they’d be over the moon with it, because they were the ones who got me started.

“It’s a relief because I was saying to my wife and daughter and son, if I wasn’t accepted this year, I would most likely not carry on.

Martin with the bulldog he is currently showing, Bulls Camelot Barrow at Bretednek (Image: Martin Jones)

“It’s a lot to do, you can’t do that in just two or three years.”

Martin also had kind words to say about his mentor in bulldog showing.

He said: “Dennis Shaw, he taught me everything I know. I rang him up and spoke to him, he was overwhelmed, he had tears in his eyes.

Martin with another dog he has shown, Jasmin Cymru Dancer of Daubhill. (Image: Martin Jones)

“I learnt everything from him, it’s all because of him really, my parents as well, but him especially.”

For more information about bulldogs and bulldog judging, visit: https://www.bulldogbreedcouncil.co.uk/

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at zach.harrison@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @zachhjourno.