We just wanted to say a little about our experience last year at Rotterdam. Its a great show with an excellent venue where thousands of owners come with their dogs to exhibit at the huge International show. Our boy Emberez Apollo won the open male class then went onto winning Best of Breed under judge Dhr W Degenhardt from Brazil. We were thrilled with what Apollo had won and didn't expect what came next.

We waited to enter Apollo into the group and as the stewards got all the best of breed winners from group 2 into the holding ring, we could see the quality of these beautiful dogs and it would be an honor to represent our breed in that ring. The ring was huge and to see 37 best of breed winners all spread round the ring was a little nerve wracking. The judge went over every single dog and pulled out his final 8. He then went over the dogs again and pulled out 3, Apollo was in that final 3. The judge pulled the 3 winners out in reverse order, 3rd went to the Rottweiller and when the judge pulled out the St-Bernard for 2nd place the feeling for the few seconds Apollo was the only dog left in that huge ring was amazing! The judge then came over to Apollo shook Niks had and everyone watching cheered. Nik placed Apollo on the first place stand and lots of photo's were taken. "What a feeling"

When we returned to represent group 2 in the Best In Show ring the next day, we were treated so well by the people at the Rotterdam Kennel club and it was an honor to be there. The set up was exactly like it is a Crufts. All the lights go out as the group winners come out of a big archway, everything is in darkness except for the spot light on the winner. When it was Apollo turn it was wonderful to hear everyone on the stands and around the ring cheering as the spotlight followed him round the huge ring with "We are the Champions" by Queen being played.

Winning the group in Holland is something an English bred dog has never done and he is only the 4th Dogue de Bordeaux to have EVER won the group in Holland. Thank you for taking the time to read about our experience last year! Its one we will never forget!!

We cant believe that we got the chance to go in that ring again this year! 5th in the group this time round out of so many dogs was still unbelievable! I would like to say a special thanks to Betty, Gerard and Sheryl for being such great people, making our stay in holland even more enjoyable!!