St Margret

Mrs Cora Charters started breeding Griffon Bruxellois in the beginning of 20th century. This little breed as many of you know has always been and still are a favorite among sealyham breeders. Mrs Charters owned the first black Griffon champion.

In an article in ”Our Dogs” dec. 8 1922 she talks about her Griffons and also her knew breed the Sealyham. The Sealyhams that are mentioned here are Swank of St Margret, Ann of St Margret (Swank of St Margret - Sulks of St Margret) and Brag of St Margret a brother to Ann.

Mrs Charters got her first sealyham champions, St Margret Melody, Misfit and Surprise in 1926. Surprise was brought to the US by herself and became a champion there as well.

Ch St Margret Magnificent was one of the first big stars in our beloved breed. He was born 1933 and was exported to USA 1935 and got the prefix of Clairedale after his already famous name. This dog was Best In Show at Westminster 1936 under judge Frederich Neilson. Before this he had 17 Best In Shows during 1935.

Ch St Margret Magnificent of Clairedale 1935

Ch St Margret Statesman 1947

Ch St Margret Sensation 1939

Ch St Margret Moonstruck 1938

Ch St Margret Superlative 1937

Ch St Margret Superman 1935

Ch St Margret Shrew 1938

Ch St Margret Snowman 1932

Ch St Margret Sirius 1933

The most famous of all sealyhams from this kennel was Ch St Margret Steve. I remember always being told by old breeders that he was considered the most perfect Sealyham ever born.

Ch St Margret Steve 1959, dog of the year 1959

He was born 1957 after Ch St Margret Sceptre - Rhosmawr Rough and Tumble.

Ch St Margret Sceptre 1949

Ch St Margret Statesman 1947

During a 4.5 month period he was rewarded 10 CC´s, 10 Best of Breed awards, Best in Show at all breed dog shows 3 times and reserv Best in Show at Windsor. His father Ch St Margret Sceptre was undefeated in breed classes when he retired from the show ring at 18 months old. He was a winner of 9 CC and sired 9 champions. Steve´s grandfather Ch St Margret Rhosmawr Remus was undefeated in the breed after he was a year old and was the sire of 10 champions. His other grandfather Ch St Margret Statesman, sired no less then 26 Champions, and so it goes on in this famous sealyham´s pedigree.

But what was Britain´s loss was America´s gain when Steve was sold to Mr and Mrs Wimer of the Poolforge kennel in Philadelphia. There he continued his show and breeding career.

Above is Ch St Margret Steve handled by Mrs Charters presented with his Best In Show trophy at WELKS by the President Mrs M.Pritchard.

The 1959 Championship Show held at Ascot Wood, Ascot Friday, 3rd July.

From left Mrs Harris with Ch Lockington Trotaway, Miss Baylay-judge and Mrs Cora Charters with Ch St Margret Steve that won Best of Breed.

This is a photo that was taken at the 1957 Championship Show.

L-R (seated): Mrs Charters (St Margret), Mrs Chenuz, President (Eastfield), Miss Huntington (Binks) and the patron, Mrs Barber (Scotia).

L-R (standing): Mrs Gardner (Mardyke), Mr P.W Gardner (Mardyke) and Mrs Nicholson (Gunside).

Here are some more beautiful St Margrets.

Ch St Margret Sweetnes of Clairedale 1936

Ch St Margret My Selection 1950

Ch Glenrae St Margret Sparkler 1957

St Margret Septimus 1957

Ch St Margret Soloist 1953

The last champion from this extraordinary kennel was St Margret Suger Daddy, 1963.

Here he is saying goodbye as he left London Airport for the States. This record winning puppy of 1963.

Mrs Charters bred 38 champions all together (with St Margret prefix) and over 200 champions (in 1957) were sired by dogs from the St Margrets. She had to sell her home in 1969 and was taken to an elderly home where she died in 1971. She died in her sleep March 15 after a long illness.

There are very few Sealyhams today that do not carry the St Margret blood in their pedigrees and the good she did for the improvement of the breed is a lasting tribute to her memory.