Ecirp Kennels is a family affair.

Pictured above Anthony and Keven Price

As Anthony stated in his recent interview in Vicdogs. "I dont think I would enjoy dog showing as much if my family were not involved".

Showing dogs was an absolute joy, especially when the whole family was involved. When my children Anthony, Ashley and Corey were young, Audrey my mum would mind the children and allow my father Keven and I to pursue our love of handling smooths at the shows. Many wonderful memories of children in portacots and prams will be remembered. One of my fondest memories would be Anthony running to me whilst I was competing for BIG with Ch. Ecirp Reward. I did my triangle with child on hip and still managed to show my dog. This was certainly a crowd pleaser and a handling feat in and of itself.

The children were all involved in Child handlers and Ashley recieved 4th place in the finals in two consecutive years. My philosophy was never to force the children to get involved that had to be their own choice. One thing I did ensure however was that I always gave them dogs they could win with. Corey won BIG with Ch Ecirp Endeavour and RUIG with Ch Ecirp Corey Rose. Ashley also won BIG with Ch Ecirp Mystical Charm. As the girls grew older other interests and studying for school took over. However Anthony is hooked.

Anthony has has wonderful reviews in Vicdogs regarding his excellent stewarding and his help with child handlers. He is also a fabulous handler winning BOB and being selected in the group two finals at the 2007 Melbourne Royal with his dog Ch Ecirp Reknown. He also won top smooth dog in Victoria (SFTC point score) with  Ch Ecirp Ambassador. He also showed Ch. Ecirp Sensation through to her Grand Champion title at only two years of age. Sensation was Number 1 Smooth Fox terrier bitch in Australia in 2008

I also loved showing Supreme Champion Ecirp Royalist, who became Australia's No. 1 Rising Star 2008 (Dogz On LIne). He also won Best In Show the day before his first birthday at Ballarat Championship show under the judges Ms P Freeman/Mrs L Watson VIC. At one year old he had won 1BIS/6 BIG and 7 RUIG/1BPIS/32PIG/11PIS/3JIG. Some say this must be a record. Royalist was also No.1 smooth fox terrier in Australia in 2009, No 2 in 2010 and No.1 Smooth fox terrier in Australia 2011. A highlight would be when ECIRP won every class, challenge and reserve challenge at the 2012 Melbourne Royal.

At the moment I am showing Supreme Ch Ecirp Keepers Image AI from 22 year old frozen semen, his father being the great Ch Grenpark Keepers.  Keepers Image has won a BIS 1st and BIS 3rd, 10 BIG1 and 11 BIG2. I am also showing Ch Ecirp Heaven Sent who has had 3 Best in Show 2nd placings, 8 BIG1 and is close to her Grand Champion.

Audrey still continues to cook her famous sponges for the family to share with their friends on special occassions at the shows. Keven can still be seen sitting ringside watching his beloved dogs being shown.

I have my Toys, Terriers, gundogs, Hounds and working dog licences. I am currently studying my Non-Sporting licence,  Anthony has his Terrier,  Working dog and Utility licences.

What I love most about dog shows is the family connection, the community spirit of the village and the sharing of our highs and lows.

Written by Robyn Price

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