Chris and Bernadette Mellor
As a young boy, Chris fell in love with Bodger, the Bull Terrier in the film The Incredible Journey. He vowed that one day he would have one of his own. After years of trying to persuade Bernadette to get a Bull Terrier, she finally gave in for the sake of peace (or so she thought!)…
Barney joined the family in 1988 and quickly wormed his way into Bernadette’s affections – he was a charmer, and she was a pushover! Suddenly, the shrieks of ‘get that dog off the chair!’ and ‘look what he’s done to the carpet!’ became ‘let’s have a cuddle’ and ‘oh dear, never mind’.
Betty (Ramen Rebekka at Credetta) joined the family a month later, as a companion for Barney. Both were puppies with only a three-week age difference! What can we say – we survived – just!
It did not take us long to realise what a very special dog Betty would prove to be. She is the foundation of our success in Bull Terriers. She first entered the show ring as a puppy and did quite a bit of winning, which encouraged us to carry on. This led to us breeding our first litter, and we were blessed with some beautiful dogs, one of which was Credetta Devil in Disguise (Bullseye). He was owned by Martin Sowerby and handled by Chris. Bullseye took over where his mother left off and was very successful as a show dog, gaining his Junior Warrant at 14 months of age. He also went on to produce some excellent puppies.
It was now time for a second litter; a litter of five, the last of whom needed reviving, and it was touch and go. But as usual, Bernadette would not give up. A good job she didn’t – this tiny puppy came to be our first Champion: Ch Credetta Take It Easy (Daisy). Owned by Alan and Ann Coultas, she was handled by Chris.
Along the way, we have had many adventures, producing litters and eagerly watching our puppies progress, success in the show ring, and sharing in the success of other kennels who kindly chose to incorporate or start their own kennels with our bloodlines.
Chris is an International Show Judge qualified to judge both Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers at Championship level.
Aside from the show aspect, we have also been blessed with some wonderful people who have been only too happy to welcome our dogs into their homes as family pets. There they have lived a full and happy life as much-loved and cherished members of the family. For this, we are truly grateful.