Six Months On: Rachael Salter Reflects on Her Crufts Breeders’ Competition Win

“Sometimes I watch the footage back and can’t quite believe it really happened,” says Rachael. “I still get very emotional. The win wasn’t just about my dogs, it was about the whole journey with our team. Breeders’ Competition is so special because you’re not alone; it’s about teamwork, consistency and friendship. On the day I had three others with me in the ring,  one an owner all the way from Holland, it felt like a real family effort.”

Victory was the pinnacle of years of dedication to her breed. For Rachael, whose kennel is synonymous with quality, type and temperament, it was also a chance to showcase the very best of Bearded Collies. And while the team has taken a break from the competition this year, she hopes to return in the future with descendants of her winning dogs: “No team has ever won two years in a row; it’s like the Premier League of the dog world. I’d rather go back in a couple of years with the next generation and keep striving for the very best for the breed.”

The impact of victory was immediate. “Our socials blew up, people recognise us at shows, and we’ve been lucky enough to welcome a new sponsor,” says Rachael. “But with Crufts behind us, the challenge has been proving we aren’t a one-trick pony. A week after Crufts, I had a new litter, and raising puppies is always hard work. Winning put Bearded Collies in the spotlight, which is so important for a breed with fewer than 300 puppies registered annually.”

As chairman of the Midshires Bearded Collie Club, Rachael feels a deep responsibility to ensure the breed’s future. “If there’s no demand for Beardies as pets, then where is our breeding stock coming from? That’s why outreach is vital, from buddy schemes and educational stands at country shows, to talking honestly about what living with this breed involves. They’re labor-intensive because they are heavy-coated, but they’re also incredible companions.”

Rachael and her team haven’t let the momentum slip. From summer successes at Windsor to plans to compete in Brussels this winter, the friendships forged through the Agria Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition remain strong. “When we win, we celebrate with beers or ice cream, depending on the weather. It’s that sense of fun and community that I love. More people should get involved in the Breeders’ Competition; the team aspect brings a different level of excitement, and it’s about celebrating consistency across generations.”

The next chapter of the Irisaddition story is already taking shape. Puppies that originate from Rachael’s foundation bitches are preparing for the show ring, including Beau, who makes her debut this autumn with James, and Esme and Letitia in Scotland.  Overseas, dogs from her lines are competing with great success, Sidney has not only continued to stay at the top winning a number of CAC’s / CACIB’s in 2025 whilst producing litters in Europe, and his son Romeo, whom Rachael has kept , is set to bring valuable new bloodlines into the kennel in future in the UK. 

At home, Prim, one of the stalwarts of Rachael’s show team, is preparing for a well-earned retirement after a glittering career that includes a Junior Warrant, a Veteran Warrant and 3 x RCC’s. Meanwhile, new hopefuls like Ophelia’s puppies (Baue & Esme) are beginning their own journeys. “For me, it’s about keeping type, temperament and consistency, while also planning carefully for genetic diversity,” she explains. “Every breeding decision has the breed’s future in mind.”

With Bearded Collies on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Breeds list, Rachael sees Crufts as an invaluable platform. “The group win at Crufts gave us a chance to show the wider public just how special these dogs are. Competitions like the Breeders’ Final really do make a difference; they prove the strength, soundness and beauty of breeds that might otherwise go unnoticed. The more visibility, the more chance we have of securing a future for the Beardie.”

For Rachael, the accolade remains a career highlight – second only, she says, to having her children. “It was the best day of my life. Agria’s support makes the competition even more special. They don’t just put their name to it, they genuinely celebrate the role of breeders and the importance of welfare. That’s what makes winning under their banner so meaningful.”

"I love this competition, and I believe this event truly showcases the very best of our community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for breeders to celebrate the quality, health, and temperament of their dogs, while sharing their passion and dedication with others. The competition not only highlights excellence in breeding, but also brings people together in a spirit of pride and camaraderie." Sarah White Agria Breeder Channel Manager and Proud sponsor.