LESLEY CHALMERS
“MERTHYR” – NEW ZEALAND
Lesley bought her first corgi in 1969 and bred her first litter of Merthyr corgis in 1972.
Actually, it was “corgi” – it was a singleton! Since that time she has never wavered in
her total love of the Pembroke and their delightful companionship.
Her second attempt at breeding was a bit more inspiring and produced an All Breeds BIS
winner and two champions.
In the mid 80’s she visited UK for the first time and was very impressed with the late
Connie Lewis’ Bulcorig bitch lines. While there she was able to purchase the lovely NZ
Ch Bulcorig Zola of Cordach. She came to NZ in whelp to UK Ch Belroyd Nut Cracker.
Zola was followed by UK Ch Belroyd Puffin; UK Ch Bulcorig Zenita; NZ Cordach
Chieftan; NZ Ch Belroyd Emperor, NZ Grand Ch Belroyd Friarbird & NZ Ch
Woodhenge The Dream Keeper. Puffin, Chieftan, Emperor, Friarbird, & The Dream
Keeper, while only used in a very limited capacity at stud had a very significant input to
the Merthyr corgis as sires. Friarbird and Puffin were also to have very stellar careers in
the show ring with multi BIS (all breeds) wins.
The first Merthyr corgi to go to USA was purchased by Michelle Doherty-Vinall and he
became BISS Am & Can Ch Merthyr And So It Is. Although not heavily used at stud,
Taz produced 9 American Champions and undoubtedly would have achieved his ROM
had his last son not gone to NZ at 11 months old with his majors and 11 points. He was
to become Can Ch, NZ Grand Ch & Aust Ch Boitano President of Merthyr. Sadly, Taz
died with bloat at just 6 years old. Taz blazed the trail for Multi BISS winner Am Ch
Merthyr So It Should Be; BISS Am Ch Merthyr I Thought So Too (Westminster BOB
2008); Am & Can Ch Merthyr Harvey Nuff Will Do, NZ; and Am & Can Ch Merthyr
Wanda Be Jean Valjean.
In New Zealand, Merthyr corgis still hold the record as being the only ones to have won
the Puppy of the Year Contest – not once, but twice, plus almost did it again in 2009 with
Ch Merthyr Oliver Time of My Life winning Reserve Best in Contest. Friarbird was
also Runner Up Supreme Show Dog in 2000.
There are now over 50 Merthyr
champions in NZ, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, USA, & Canada.
Lesley has always been essentially an exhibitor, but bred to give herself the dogs to
exhibit. It seemed a natural progression for her to take up judging and this now
commands a large part of her life.
Lesley awarded her first Championship points to Corgis in 1984 and since then has had
the absolute honour of judging the breed in twelve countries including specialties in the
United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Czech Republic, Finland & of course in New Zealand.
She is licenced by the NZ Kennel Club and now approved by the AKC to award points in
all breeds and also by The Kennel Club (UK) to award CCs to Pembroke Corgis, Pugs &
Basenjis.