STEBEL LABRADORS AT A GLANCE
A Distinct Identity
Stebel Labradors were founded on the Bradking and Balrion lines. Our breeding and purchase policy has been to retain that style and quality: good looking dogs that meet the breed standard and are fit for purpose.
How it all started!
We obtained our first labrador (a black male) in 1978 and were persuaded by a friend to start showing him. He was not top show quality but he introduced us to the show world, gave us a lot of fun, moderate success, and was our dear companion for the next 13 years.
Once embarked on the show scene, we decided that we would like a quality black bitch, and in February 1980 we were fortunate to be able to purchase Bradking Black Bess, then 9 weeks old, from Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kelley. Her sire was Sh. Ch. Balrion King Frost and her dam was Sh. Ch. Bradking Black Charm, who subsequently went to Canada and had a great influence on labradors there. Bess was a delightful bitch who won a C.C. and a Reserve C.C., quite an achievement, we felt, for newcomers very much on a learning curve! We were desolate when she had to be put to sleep at the all-too-young age of nine-and-a-half years.
Bess's first litter, to Ch. Keysun Krispin of Blondella, produced Stebel Little Em'ly, a Junior Warrant Winner. Her second litter, to Sh. Ch. Wishwood Shaft, produced Sh. Ch. Stebel Hollyberry. Holly won her Junior Warrant, three CCs (two with Best of Breed), 1 Reserve C.C., and, in Ireland, a 10 Point Green Star.
In August 1991 Holly produced a litter of 5 to Sh. Ch. Balrion King's Ransom. Three of the litter were show dogs, and won Reserve CCs (Stebel St. Lucy (2) and Stebel Mustique Princess (1), owned by us; and Stebel Caribbean Calypso (1) owned by John and Glenda Crook.
In the intervening years we are proud to say that most of our bitches have achieved their Kennel Club Stud Book Numbers, but above all we have valued the friendships we have made at home and overseas as a result of showing our labradors and breeding the occasional litter.
Colin and Pat are members of The Labrador Retriever Club, East Anglian LRC, Kent, Surrey & Sussex LRC, Midland Counties LRC, the Labrador Club of Scotland and the United Retriever Club.
In 1997, Pat was elected a member of The Kennel Club and was honoured to be invited to become a Patron of the South African LRKC in 2009.
Both have served on dog show committees; in particular that of Mid Herts Gundog Club, where Pat was Cup Steward and Assistant Secretary for many years. Colin also held the posts of Secretary and Show Manager for the Club.
Pat is currently a Helper for Labrador Rescue in East Anglia.
PAT JUDGING
Pat judging around the world
Pat first awarded CCs at the Belfast Dog Show Society in 1994 and has been fortunate to be invited to judge at that level in the UK on a regular basis since then.
She judged abroad for the first time in 1995 in Holland and again in 2012 at the International Dog Show, and has also judged in Australia; Belgium (twice), including the EuroDogshow; Czech Republic; France; Italy; Finland;
Germany (twice); Ireland; South Africa (in 1997, 2008 and again in 2018); Sweden (twice) and Switzerland (three times).
Pat was invited to Judge Labrador Dogs (males) at Crufts, probably the most famous Dog Show in the world, in 2019 and had an entry of 232 - such a great honour.
Pat judging in South Africa in 2018
Pat judging Dogs at Crufts 2019
COLIN JUDGING
Colin has judged at Open Show level for many years now and has notched up more than 200 classes!
He was privileged to judge the Open Show of the South African Labrador Club in 2003.
Colin was honoured to judge the North West Lab Club Open Show 2014.
He has judged widely across England, Wales and Scotland at Open Show level.
In 2021 he decided that retirement was due and so stopped judging activities, however, he still enjoys being "kissed" by the puppies!
STEBEL LABS IN SOUTH AFRICA
DURING PAT'S FIRST JUDGING APPOINTMENT IN SA WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE COUNTRY AND BOUGHT A HOUSE IN PENNINGTON IN KZN ON THE INDIAN OCEAN. AFTER NEARLY 20 YEARS THERE WW DECIDED TO MOVE A COUPLE OF MILES TO A NEW VILLA ON THE SELBORNE PARK GOLF ESTATE.
HERE WE HAVE ACCESS TO A FULL 18 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE, A HOTEL AND RESTURANT AND THE GOLF CLUB HOUSE - SO PLENTY OF FOOD ALL DAY LONG!
THERE ARE ALSO MANY WALKS AND JUST DOWN THE ROAD ON PENNINGTON BEACH THERE IS THE BEACH CLUB.
We spend as much time there as we can and welcome friends both from the UK and SA (and their dogs!)
PENNINGTON BEACH
A friend with her Lab and Flatcoat who were staying with us enjoying the beach and sea.
IT'S THAT TIME OF DAY!
Food, wine and friends and sunshine
CONTACT STEBEL LABRADORS
Contact us at : labs.stebel@me.com
and mobile : 07802745114
Cherry Trees, Warehouse Road, Stebbing, Essex, CM6 3ST
colin.harrison@mac.com Mobile: 07710280781