Gay Widdrington, Brian Stanton (EDT) History of the Shih Tzus

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Gay Widdrington was Honorary Treasurer of the Shih Tzu Club in 1947 - 54, and Chairman of it in 1954 - 56. In 1956 there was a meeting at Crufts to establish a club for the smaller type of dog. She was founder member of the Manchu Club. From 1956 - 64 she was Chairman of the Manchu Club, and from 1964 - 77 she was President. In 1977 she became an Honorary Life Member. She was also Patron of the Shih Tzu Club of New South Wales with Sue Dobson and Patron of the Shih Tzu Club of Scotland. She was a Life Member of the American Shih Tzu and Honorary Member of the Finnish Shih Tzu Club. A Breed Columnist for 'Our Dogs' and 'Dog World', she also wrote articles for the Manchu Newsletter (N.E. News), and the Shih Tzu Club magazine, and wrote articles for Home and Overseas.She judged in her first Championship show in 1957 as a breed specialist, and made many trips in the 70's and 80's judging in overseas dog shows. Among her interests were genetics, colour breeding and pedigree research. At Crufts 1851 - 84, Lhakangs were 3 times Best of Breed. Fourteen British Champions have been produced by her Lhakang Kennel and fourteen more Cruft winners had one or more parent Lhakang. Lhakangs are behind many of today's winners.Mrs Widdrington retired as Judge in 1988 aged 72.