Our Great Dogs

In This Issue, National Dogs Series on top show dogs of the past goes back to the 1960s to profile Ch. Myoene Prima Donna bred by NSW Collie Club life members Dr. Erle and Mrs Helen Cramer

During the 1970s the Collie Rough challenge bitch at the Sydney Royal was presented with the Ch. Myoene Prima Donna memorial trophy.
Helen and Erle Cramer donated the award after poisoned bait killed 'Donna' in 1969 at their Oyster Bay kennels, near Sydney.

    Four Collies - including one of Donna's progeny, Ch Myoene Melody Mischief - received the trophy before it was withdrawn in 1974.
    Mrs Cramer remembers Donna's death as a tragic end to a brilliant career as a show dog and brood bitch.
    "Younger Collie exhibitors remember her son (Ch. Myoene Big Daddy) as being a top Collie, but Donna was the dog that really stood out," Mrs Cramer said. "There are no Collies around today that could equal the winning she did."
    Prima Donna, born in 1960, managed successful show and breeding careers in tandem, which was no mean feat for a coated breed, Mrs Cramer said. "She was an excellent brood bitch and much of her winning was done when she was not even in full coat after having had a litter."
    When Prima Donna died, aged nine, Mrs Cramer had several puppy orders to fill and had considered whether to mate her again. Donna was a very healthy and energetic bitch. She was a wonderful mother and seemed at her happiest when in whelp and later rearing her normally large litters. The Cramers exported a number of Donna's pups that were used in US breeding programs.
    "Her pups were rarely shown in the US, apparently considered not big enough at the time, but in Australia they did a lot of winning," Mrs Cramer said.
    The most notable of her pups was Big Daddy, sired by Ch Glendallo Gamblin Man and whelped in 1967. Big Daddy, won the Sydney Royal Best Working dog ribbon twice, the first at the age of 20-months.
    Glendallo kennels, along with Ces Pascoe's Glenissa Collies, combined to produce the Cramer's first show dog in 1957.
    Their first homebred BIS winner, Ch Myoene Charmer, was born in 1958. Charmer mated with UK import, Ch Limerick Of Lady Park two years later and whelped Prima Donna."It was a golden decade for Collies - a lot of very good dogs were being shown at the time." Mr. Moonie said. "Prima Donna had a beautiful head and what 1 most liked about her was that she was very feminine," he said.
    "Donna was winning best in show awards when she was less than a year old," Mrs Cramer said. "My husband, Erle, handled her as a pup in the 1961 Sydney Royal under renowned US All-Breeds judge, Percy Roberts," she said. "In the challenge line-up Mr Roberts said, "She's a great little bitch. Too young today for the challenge but she will have her day. Mark my words."

That 'day' lasted several years and reached a climax in 1965 when she was All Breeds Best Bitch at the Sydney Royal.
    ‘She was shown in top form, could have carried a little more coat which is a seasonal problem in this breed at this time of the year,’ a newspaper report of the Royal claimed.
    ‘Prima Donna moved well and was at attention practically the whole time.' the article read.
    Veteran judge, Allan Moonie, who had appraised Prima Donna at other events, said, "she won the Royal ribbon ahead of some extremely good competition.
Bill Spilstead, who judged Donna several times, said she had an outstanding coat and beautiful head, eyes and ears.
    Mrs Cramer kept few records of Donna's achievements and in 1981, after the death of her daughter and the theft of several dogs from her kennels, threw most of the remaining documents away. However she did keep a few newspaper clippings about Prima Donna's victories at some of the state’s biggest shows.
    She was twice group winner at the Garden Island Show, which attracted an entry of about 1500 dogs each year, and gained her sixth BIS ribbon at the Toy and General Show. The clippings also report victories at a Lidcombe and Southern Highlands shows. A report of the Lidcombe event said she had a nice ruff, abundant coat, very typical head, eye and ears.
    "Donna was winning everywhere and beating some of the top dogs of the day," Mrs Cramer said. "She loved the show ring and had a beautiful temperament. Judges would always say she was an outstanding Collie. They said she had a magnificent head carriage, good reach of neck and was a beautiful mover."
    Erle Cramer handled Donna during the first half of her show career, including her first challenge at seven months of age under Collie specialist and Club Life Member, Fred Stocker.
    "Donna was a delight to handle – she had no fear of the show ring and would hold herself upright like a queen," he said.
Craig Malin

*****

This was 'Donna' just after her Best Bitch win at the 1965 Sydney Royal.

Aust. CH. Myoene Prima Donna
Best Bitch All Breeds In Show
1965 Royal Easter show
Sire:- Imp. Eng. Ch. Limerick of Lady Park Dam:- Ch. Myoene Charmer

Prima Donna excelled not only in the show ring but also as a brood bitch, being the dam of many champions who also became Best in Show All breeds winners. She had a wonderful temperament, excellent movement and in full bloom a magnificent coat. She was the top winning Collie of her day with many Best in Show All Breeds awards. Two of her bitches were exported to America for breeding purposes. She was given poisonous bait and died at the age of nine. Despite her agony she managed to thump her tail as a last goodbye. We loved her.

**************

COLLIES SYDNEY ROYAL 1965
ROYAL EASTER SHOW CATALOUGE

Special Prize No. 67-Best Bitch
–Dr. and Mrs. E. W. Cramer's Ch. Myoene Prima Donna
Best Dog or Bitch Working Group Dr. and Mrs. E. W. Cramer's Ch. Myoene Prima Donna
Best Opposite Sex in Show Dr. and Mrs. E. W. Cramer's Ch. Myoene Prima Donna

Class193
- Puppy Dog.
Miss M. Allison's Drambuie Diplomat 1
Mrs G. A. Ashton’s Sanoni Scarramouche 2
Mrs. G. A. Ashton's Sanoni Sir Valiant 3
Class 194 – Junior Dog-
Mrs B. Goodfellow's McGregor Scotch Mist 1
J. Smith's Wyndara Gay Cavalier 2
G. L and Mrs. Sharman's Kimglen Superb 3
Class 195 - Intermediate Dog.
L. and Mrs Whimore’s Raeglen Playboy 1
Mrs. R. Richter’s Glendallo Cold Crest 2
R. C. and J. E Lane's Ch Montmorag Musketeer 3
Class 196 - Open Dog
R. Campbell's Ch. Glendallo Grand Duke 1
R. C. and J. E. Lanes's Ch. Clairvyn Comedy King 2
1. N. and Mrs. Rand's Ch.Brongai Blaze 3
Challenge Dog R. Campbell’s Ch. Glendallo Grand Duke
Reserve Challenge Dog Miss M. Allison’s Drambuie Diplomat

Class 197 Puppy Bitch
Mrs M. kavanagh’s Hylinden star Gold 1
K. Evans Maringa Miss Muffet 2
H. J and Mrs. Amos' Lentoray Lady Cha Cha 3
Class 198-Junior Bitch,
Mrs 1. and Miss A Drambuie’s fairy Gold 1
R C and J. E. Lane’s Montmorag Mardi Gras 2
Mrs. A. C Green'. Lynmarra Gay Mischief 3
Class 199 Intermediate Bitch
I.N. and Mrs. Rand's Ch. Brongai Bambee 1
R. J. Lock's Ch. GIendallo Goldilock 2
Mrs W. Osborne and A. Sorenson’s Glendallo Gay Duchess 3
Class 200 Open Bitch
Dr. and Mrs. E. W. Cramer's Ch. Myoene Prima Donna 1.
Mrs. K. Phillips' Ch Glyntwood Santa Anita 2,
Mrs. W Osborne's and A. Sorensen's Ch Glendallo Gay Duchess 3.
Challenge Bitch Dr. E.W. and Mrs Cramer’s Ch. Myoene Prima Donna
Reserve Challenge Bitch I and Mrs Rand’s Ch. Brongai Bambee
BOB Dr. E.W. and Mrs Cramer’s Ch. Myoene Prima Donna

**************

DOGS General Specials 1965

Judge:

Mr F Cross. Bedford Park London

BEST IN THE SHOW

₤100 and ribbon for the Best Challenge Winning Dog or Bitch in the show; D.J.K. and Mrs Roche’s Eng Ch. Mazari of Carloway (imp) Afghan
£50 and ribbon for the best challenge winning dog; D. J. K. and Mrs Roche’s Eng. Ch. Mazari of Carloway (imp) Afghan
£50 and ribbon for the Best Challenge Winning Bitch; Dr. and Mrs E.W. Cramer’s Ch. Myoene Prima donna (Collie)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Puppy All Breeds dog; Miss M. Allison’s Drambuie Diplomat (Collie)
£10 and ribbon for the best puppy All Breeds bitch Mrs O. and Mrs J. Herbert’s Karinhall Bryahne (Dachshund)
£20 and ribbon for the Best Puppy All Breeds Dog or Bitch; Miss M. Allison’s Drambuie Diplomat (Collie)
£10 and ribbon for the best Working Dog, dog, Mrs P. Giles Winooks Dodger (Kelpie)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Working dog, bitch, Dr. E.W. and Mrs Cramer’s Ch. Myoene Prima Donna (Collie)
£20 and ribbon for the Best Working Dog; dog or bitch Dr. and Mrs E.W. Cramer’s Ch. Myoene Prima Donna (Collie)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Toy Dog; dog Mrs K.F. Hilton’s Ch. Tientsin Aladdin’s lamp (Pekingese)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Toy dog; bitch, O. Steer and R.T. Forster’s Windermere Alcheringa (Pekingese)
£20 and ribbon for the Best Toy Dog; dog or bitch, Mrs K.F. Hilton’s Ch. Tientsin Aladdin’s lamp (Pekingese
£10 and ribbon for the Best Gun Dog; dog R.C.Clarke’s Ch. Karnmore Ruler (Labrador)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Gun Dog; bitch, K.R. and Mrs Daniel’s Ch. Dandaul Dominique Two (Cocker)
£20 and ribbon for the Best Gun Dog or Bitch R.C.Clarke’s Ch. Karnmore Ruler (Labrador
£10 and ribbon for the Best Non-sporting Dog; dog; Miss P.T. Greenwood’s Ch.Marsail the Astronaut (Poodle)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Non-sporting Dog; bitch K.J. and R.D. Brown’s Ch. Verde Zipper (Schnauser)
£20 and ribbon for the Best Non-sporting Dog or Bitch Miss P.T. Greenwood’s Ch.Marsail the Astronaut (Poodle)
£10 and ribbon for the Best Hound Dog; dog D.J.K. and Mrs Roche’s Eng. Ch. Mazari of Calaway (imp.) Afghan. -----------------------------

£10 and ribbon for the Best Hound Dog; bitch, L.E. Barker’s Portia of Clendon (imp. N.Z) Basenji
£20 and ribbon for the Best Hound Dog or Bitch, D.J.K. and Mrs Roche’s Eng. Ch. Mazari of Calaway (imp.) Afghan
£10 and ribbon for the Best Sporting Terrier; dog D.J.K.Roche’s Gosmore Paddy (imp.) Kerry Blue
£10 and ribbon for the Best Sporting Terrier; bitch P. Brunell’s Ch. Kitchmann kiltartan (Scottish)
£20 and ribbon for the Best Sporting Terrier; Dog or Bitch D.J.K.Roche’s Gosmore Paddy (imp.) Kerry Blue
BEST PUPPIES
Harry Maude Trophy for Best Puppy (all breeds in show) Miss M AIIison’s Drambuie Diplomat (Collie)
The Le-Vean memorial trophy (value 50 guineas and memento) for the best puppy all breeds opposite sex to the winner of the Harry Maude trophy; Mrs O. and Miss J. Herbert’s karinhall Bryahne (Dachshund)
CATTLE DOGS AND KELPIES The Round Hill trophy for the best exhibit In Australian Cattle dogs Australian Kelpies and Border collies Mrs P. Giles Winooka Dodger (Kelpie)
GUN DOGS
The B.G. Bertie Jacob’s trophy for Best Gun Dog, dog or bitch; R.C. Clarke’s Ch. Karnmore ruler (Labrador)
The Harvey Press trophy for Best Gun Dog; dog or bitch; R.C. Clarke’s Ch. Karnmore ruler (Labrador)
NON-SPORTING DOG
The K9 trophy for the best non-sporting dog or bitch; Miss P.T. Greenwood’s Ch. Marsail the Astronaut (Poodle)
O.W.L (Ossie) Walker memorial for the best Non-sporting dog or bitch; Miss P.T. Greenwood’s Ch. Marsail the Astronaut (Poodle)
BEST DACHSHUND
K.M. Olver Perpetual Cup for the best Dachshund. Dog or Bitch (all varieties) Mrs K. M. Olver and Miss Cunningham’s Urangelline panacea (Stand- Smooth).
Alfred L. George memorial cup for best hound. Dog or Bitch. D.J.K. and Mrs Roche’s Eng Ch. Mazari of Carloway (imp) Afghan
BEST DOG OR BITCH
Barko Cup, for the Best dog or bitch (all breeds). D.J.K. and Mrs Roche’s Eng Ch. Mazari of Carloway (imp) Afghan.

-----------------------------------

AUST. & NZ CH. MYOENE ARISTOCRAT born 16^th June 1960 sable & white Reg. 37986
Sire: Ch. Limerick of Lady Park (imp. Eng.) 35927/55 S.A. 8384
Dam: Ch. Myoene Prima Charmer 28870
Bred and Owned by Dr. E.W and Mrs H. C. Cramer

Aristocrat was a litter brother to Prima Donna and therefore frequently had to take second place to her in the show ring. Old records show him winning the dog Challenge certificate at many shows but then giving way to Donna for Best of Breed. However, he still notched up an impressive number of General Specials awards and Royal Show wins. He was an outstanding golden sable dog, with a beautiful temperament. He was a good stud dog and stamped his mark on many of the Collies at that time. Most of the top Collies of the era will have his name prominent in their pedigrees.

Canine Registration Certificate
Breed Collie NO 28870 Sex FEMALE

MYOENE CHARMER
Sable and White born 30^th May 1959
Sire Limerick of Lady Park (Imp.UK) 8384 S.A Dam Glenissa Contessa 17894
Bred and owned by Dr. and Mrs E.W. Cramer 30 Malvern Rd., Miranda NSW
I hereby certify that the above-mentioned dog has been duly recorded in this
Club’s Canine Register
Endeavour House,
33 Macquarie Place, Date 22^nd Sept 1959 F.H. Berryman
SYDNEY

Canine Registration Certificate
Breed Collie NO 37987 Sex FEMALE

MYOENE PRIMA DONNA
Sable and White born 16^th June 1960
Sire. Limerick of Lady Park (Imp. Eng.) 35927/55 Eng. Dam Myoene Charmer 28,870
Bred and owned by Dr. and Mrs E. Cramer 30 Malvern Rd., Miranda NSW
I hereby certify that the above-mentioned dog has been duly recorded in this
Club’s Canine Register
Endeavour House,
33 Macquarie Place, Date 14^th Oct. 1960. F.H. Berryman
SYDNEY

Home

Dog Index

Back

Next