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Introducing Amelia & Annette Siddle, Wilchrimane Pointers

UK CORE Ambassador

 

Amelia and Annette Siddle joined the CORE Breeder Family as CORE Ambassadors earlier this year. We are proud to have them on board to share their knowledge and expertise.

We've asked Amelia some questions so our CORE Breeder Family can get to know her better!

Read what she has to say about Wilchrimane Pointers and their experiences as well as Amelia's career, not only in the ring, but as a successful artist and sculptor.

 

Tell us how you became involved with Pointers

As a child I wanted nothing more than a Border Collie; after doing some research my parents decided a Smooth Collie would be a better fit, so they went and purchased a Smooth Collie from Aileen Speding and Carol Smedley of “Antoc’ - ‘Fred’. He didn’t like me much, he adored my parents and had little to no intention of ever being my agility dog. He hated showing and enjoyed nothing more than being a farm dog – scratching around at home with the sheep and enjoying the simple things in life! This resulted in me taking a more forward role with the Pointers.


I fell into Pointers by proxy of my mum, Annette Siddle, already having them. Her first was a liver and white rescue, she then subsequently went onto purchase a bitch from Cicely Robertshaw ‘Crookrise’, and a third bitch from Malcolm and Betty Leslie ‘Stonebridgelees’ who became the foundation for our kennel.


Together with my mum, we own and breed Wilchrimane Pointers. Our affix is an amalgamation of the family’s names – Chris, Annette, Amelia and William.


We have been lucky enough to enjoy considerable success with our dogs and pride ourselves on producing quality, happy, healthy animals with temperament and the breed standard always at the forefront of our breeding programme.

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW WW’13
"Flo"
Amelia, Annette & Ria Nelis (Freebreeze Pointers) at Blackpool Champ Show 2015
Photo Credit: Siddle 

What is a Pointer’s character like?

Obviously, I am completely biased; I genuinely don’t believe there is a better breed – they will share your skin if you allow them to! They can spend hours sat on the couch watching a film, or happily climb a mountain with you and walk for days; they really are so much fun.  Our dogs are subjected to various spectacles, all in the name of art, and only ever want to please. They are incredibly sensitive souls, and definitely come under the category of ‘thinkers’. As family members they are loyal, kind and unafflicted.

 

Wilchrimane Pirouette
"Tulip"
Photo Credit: Siddle


Wilchrimane Vinnie Vincent
"Vinnie"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Why do you love Pointers?

I find them completely captivating. They are the epitome of class and elegance, and nothing exemplifies this more than watching them do what they are bred for. In the show ring they still hold that aristocratic demeanour, but when watching them in the field, galloping and on point it goes up another notch. A Pointer on point is a beautiful thing to observe. Their poise and concentration is amazing, and this is when the ‘series of graceful curves’ really comes into play and can be understood in its entirety.

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Wilchrimane Paloma
"Roo"
Photo Credit: Siddle


I have a penchant for the short-coated breeds as a rule, there is nothing to hide on any of them - their construction and muscular form is a joy for any artist to behold. I have learned a great deal in terms of anatomy and construction by watching both my own dogs, and others in the ring, at home and in the field.

Wilchrimane Vinnie Vincent
Amelia with "Vinnie"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Am/Can/Sh Ch Seasyde Chesterhope Bingo!
Amelia with "Bingo"
Photo Credit: Chris Wilson

How did you get into showing and what do you enjoy most about it?

I fell into showing as a junior handler as my mum was already attending shows. I had some notable success in handling, but always enjoyed the breed classes far more.

I found junior handling stressful - a stressy fourteen-year-old girl isn’t a pleasant thing for anyone. That said, junior handling taught me a huge amount about how you present yourself, your dog, ring etiquette and other elements that I still carry with me now. I attended Young Kennel Club camp multiple times and had a huge amount of fun within the YKC. I also received an incredible amount of support as an emerging artist from the YKC and subsequently the KC and that is something I will forever be grateful for.

I love the rapport with your dogs that showing gives you, putting the time in at home, to spending those precious few minutes in the ring together gives you a fantastic bond and makes any wins even more special. Growing up and sharing the hobby with my mum as well adds another thoroughly enjoyable dimension to it as well.

 

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Snapple
"Maisey"
Amelia with Maisey at Birmingham National 2021

Photo Credit: Siddle 

What would a judge look for in a Pointer?

Pointers are widely known as ‘aristocratic’, and most importantly should be a series of graceful curves. There should be no straight, hard lines on a Pointer. The curves we look for together with the symmetry and impression of strength, without losing elegance, is what makes them unique. Their heads should give the impression of a slightly dish faced appearance that is so unique to our breed and further exemplifies that aristocratic, and dignified presence; but without turning them into caricatures. Nostrils should be wide and eyes dark. Ears thin, slightly pointed at the tips – never heavy or thick. Oval bone, and as a galloping breed they should show excellent muscular development which they should be able to use to advantage when moving. Hackney action is a huge fault, the breed should cover the ground effortlessly with reach and drive, this, is when they come alive – heads carried high enabling them to scent the air, whilst the hallmark tail, which should be medium in length – thicker at the root to taper to a point, resemblant of a ‘bee sting’ lashes from side to side.

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW WW'13
"Flo"
Amelia with Flo at Crufts 2013
W
inning her first CC under John Evans

Photo Credit: Debbie Fuller 

What achievements have you had with your Kennel, Wilchrimane?

We have bred and campaigned multiple champions and group winners in our breed.

Most notably Flo – Sh Ch Wilcrimane Ice Maiden JW WW'13, who we campaigned to a total of 31 CCs, 12 group wins; and 2 RBIS - we had a stellar time together in the ring, a journey which also took us to the World Dog Show in Hungary where she won the breed under late, esteemed breed specialist Pepe Haro Haro and went onto take second in the group. It was a time when there were a set of beautiful bitches being shown in the UK – Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW, Sh Ch Sharnphilly Juici Cuture JW and Sh Ch Kanix Chilli. All three were beautiful and all three enjoyed incredible and well-deserved success in the ring. Looking back, it was a privilege to achieve the success we did, with the quality that was in the ring at the time.

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW WW'13
"Flo"
Amelia Siddle with Flo at World Dog Show in Budapest 2013
Photo Credit: Chris Wilson

Frankie - Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel (ai) enjoyed phenomenal success as a puppy - most remarkably winning the adult Gundog group at Windsor championship show at just eight months old under world renowned Ann Ingram. She became a ‘baby champion’ at eleven months, and then cemented it with her fourth CC under breed specialist Linda Westron (Aurichalcum) at just twelve months old – making her the youngest show champion in breed history to our knowledge.

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Amelia with Frankie at Windsor 2017
Making breed history winning the Gundog group and Gundog Puppy group winner at 8 months old under Ann Ingram and Jenny Dove respectively

Photo Credit: Anna Szabo 

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Amelia with Frankie at Windsor 2017
Winning BPIS under Jenny Dove

Photo Credit: Siddle 

I must give a mention to my honouree Pointer - Arthur, Sh Ch Copper’s War of Roses, who I co-owned and campaigned with Blake Crocker. We enjoyed great success in the breed classes, and through to Group and BIS level during my time campaigning him. Whilst Pointers are my ‘heart breed’ – I am incredibly proud of our achievements together. He also gave me an appreciation for hairy dogs and the work that goes into producing and presenting coated breeds to show ring standard.

Sh Ch Copper's War of Roses
"Arthur"
Amelia & Blake Crocker with Arthur at Three Counties 2016
RBIS under Keith Baldwin

Photo Credit: Crocker

What has been your highlight with Pointers?

This is difficult! I have enjoyed all our notable achievements; they have all come at different stages and each one has been undeniably special in its own right.
The pinnacle if I had to choose would probably be Crufts, with Flo (Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW WW’13). Both, her very first CC under breed specialist John Evans (Joneva) and her 27th CC, together with BOB under breed specialist Mick Howes (Medogold), she also went on to take second in the group that year. There is just something about Crufts…

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Ice Maiden JW WW'13
"Flo"
Amelia Siddle with Flo at Crufts 2013
Junior Warrent Final Winner under Jeff Horswell

Photo Credit: Oleg Bochkov

If you didn’t have Pointers, what breed would you have?

I have always adored sighthounds in general, in particular Whippets. I think it’s the artist in me, but the curves and elegance of them as a breed I find completely mesmerising – they are one of my favourite breeds to feature in my work. I’d love a Great Dane, but there is no room left on our couch at the moment because the Pointers refuse to lie on the floor, so he’ll have to wait! Irish Setters will always hold a special place in my heart as well. They look so beautiful when out together with the Pointers. I definitely prefer the clean-up of the Pointers when they’ve been galloping through mud to the Irish though!


Tell us a funny or embarrassing story that has happened to you at a show!

My tights fell down in the ring when I was 16 in a stakes class during my triangle, literally one leg around my ankle and a puppy in the ring - that wasn’t great!

Another time I jumped over a rogue dog poo at Malvern, and my leap was so utterly spectacular that my skirt split up the back. Taught me more than one valuable lesson that day!


What advice would you give to someone looking to join the showing community?

Do it! Dog show folk are a breed all their own, but I can certainly speak for Pointers that we are an incredibly welcoming bunch. I have grown up within the breed and consider a large proportion of the people I have spent every weekend with for the last twenty odd years to be some of the best people I’ve ever met. Do your research, visit various kennels, and learn what you like. Go and visit breeders and see the dogs out and about, galloping and out exercising – don’t just go to a dog show!

Why do you feed Wellness CORE to your Pointers?

Pointers as a breed can be notoriously and frustratingly fussy. Since feeding CORE their appetites have increased ten-fold. We aren’t wasting food and feeding times aren’t a roulette of who is going to eat their dinner. Furthermore, our dogs have never looked better. Ocean puts coat condition on them like I have never seen, the black dogs we own their coat is now like glass. Without having anything to hide with coat and furnishings on a Pointer, the coat condition is imperative; it is the final touch and accentuates the best of our dogs. Their muscle condition is highlighted, and we can confidently know that they are conditioned to the best of our ability, from the inside out.

Shop CORE dry recipes

What is the best thing about being a UK CORE Ambassador?

Being an ambassador is something we are so proud of. Our dogs are at the heart of everything that we do, so to be able to condition them and represent Wellness CORE through our kennel, working with a fantastic team of people is something we are passionate about. The ethics the company holds dear, along with the quality of the product makes it unquestionable to us.

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Amelia with Frankie
Photo Credit: Siddle

What advice would you give to a Breeder or Pet Parent who is thinking of switching to CORE?

Go for it! You won’t look back – our recent litters, together with their mums have thrived on CORE. They never hit the 6-week fussy stage we have experienced with other foods, and subsequently have developed beautifully. The morning “clear up” (!!) has been more civilised since we made the change as well!
As a responsible owner, it is so important that what we put into our dogs is of the highest quality with none of the excessive fillers commonly associated with other brands. We want our dogs to have the best, feel the best, and look their best – feeding them CORE is the perfect way to do this.

Wilchrimane Pointer Puppies
Photo Credit: Siddle

And finally… please tell us about your career as an artist

I work fulltime as an artist and have done since a very young age. Growing up within the dog show community gave me a tremendous platform to meet likeminded people, who loved their dogs and gave me encouragement and support for my work that has been invaluable. My work – bronze sculptures and paintings are showcased around the world and in private collections. The Kennel Club have been a huge support to me all the way through my career; I am incredibly proud to have pieces on display and commissioned by our UK Kennel Club, including a sterling silver sculpture of a Pointer, commissioned by the Crufts dog show committee in 2016.

"Leaping Pointer" by Amelia Siddle 2019
Photo Credit: Siddle

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Photo credit: Siddle

Life-Size Bronze Sculpture
Photo Credit: Siddle

Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankel 
"Frankie"
Photo Credit: Siddle

My work is also my passion, so on that basis alone, that - as well as the dogs takes up most of my spare time. When I’m not ‘working’ I spend my time winding down by working on pieces that are not commission specific. I thoroughly enjoy photography, so that would probably be up there as well – following my dogs around with the camera or coming up with hairbrained ideas for photoshoots. My favourite thing to do is to load up the van and descend on the beach with all the dogs - they have the best time, and it never fails to make you smile watching them all crash through the waves.

Website: www.ameliasiddle.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmeliaSiddleArt
Instagram: amelia_siddle_art

 

Amelia's Photography Collection

 Sh Ch Wilcrimane Snapple
"Maisey"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Sh Ch Wilcrimane Ice Maiden JW WW'13
"Flo"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Wilchrimane Piri Piri
"Piri"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Wilchrimane Vivaze
"Cedric"
Photo Credit: Siddle

Wilchrimane Piri Piri
"Piri"
Photo Credit: Siddle

 Wilchrimane Vinnie Vincent
"Vinnie"
Photo Credit: Siddle