History was well and truly made.
SA’s first Merle Champion was crowned (subject to KUSA verification at time of writing).
Merle is a new colour in SA’s show ring, only accepted as a show colour from 1 January 2025. Usually “new” colours struggle in the ring. It is thus quite something for a Merle to become a champion so soon after being accepted as a show colour.
Veterans are not known for becoming champions, especially not when they start their show career as an eight year old. For an old dog to compete and beat younger dogs in the show ring, the dog must be something really special.
It is not easy for a dog to become a champion. It is even harder to do this in less than four months. Becoming a champion in such a short time is quite the achievement, for any dog, any colour, any age.
Blossom did it all. This gorgeous, white-faced grand dame came in, saw and conquered the show ring.
This particular breeder and merle duo has made history.
Blossom earned all her champion points in less than 4 months. Read that again – LESS than four months! This is no small feat. She did it as an eight-year-old veteran, who only started her show career at a FCI show in November 2024. Her run for champion started in January 2025 when Merle was officially accepted as a show colour in South Africa.
Eight years is OLD for a Great Dane, and to kick butt like this in the show ring really and truly says something about the dog in question (and her breeder).
Congratulations to Saxony Kaleidoscope (Blossom), her breeder and handler Shannon McKay and proud owner Sara Boulle.
