Winning Ways

National Fun
May 23, 2023 / Ruth Marsh
Athercroft is proud of what the 2023 National Specialty dogs brought home!
Athercroft Sleight my Name ‘Alvin’ Best 4-6 Puppy
Athercroft A’Bat Damn Time ‘Jinx’ second in 6-9 puppy sweeps and first in Bred By Exhibitor puppy
Athercroft To the Moon and Bat ‘Buzz’ first in Bred by Exhibitor puppy
Fishercreek Athercroft Jackson five ‘Tito’ Third in Ambred
Alidar Cactus Flower ‘Goldie Hawn’ fourth in Ambred
Athercroft Lettuce Romain Calm ‘Benny’ second in Stud Dog
New Title!
May 22, 2023 / Patty & Joe Johnstone
At the FCRSA National Specialty, Betsy finished her Rally Novice title (in 5th place out of 30) with a 97! This also qualified us for the 2024 AKC Rally Nationals! We then competed in Team Rally and placed 2nd! Betsy is so much fun to work with!
Calder Earns RA Title at National Specialty
May 22, 2023 / Penny Woodward
Calder, Quillquest Yin Yang And Darkwater CD BN *RA* JH NA NAP NJP BCAT RATN DS AJ CGC earned his Rally Advanced title at the FCRSA Nationals in York, PA. Finally, after holding out for 3 years, it was a good time to finish it.
AOM at Westminster
May 9, 2023 / Ruth Marsh
So proud of GCH Athercroft Lettuce Romaine Calm “Benny” and his breeder/owner/handler AOM at Westminster. Benny is owned by Athercroft and Vicky Nickerson.
Emma earns 14th and 15th AKC Master Upland Pass
May 7, 2023 / Steve and Betsy Surprenant
At the Maryland Sporting Dog Association’s Spring AKC Spaniel Hunt Test, Emma (Victory’s “M”) earned her 14th master upland pass on Saturday, May 6, and her 15th master pass on Sunday, May 7. On Sunday, Emma was the only master level dog out of 10 entries to pass. Emma absolutely loves upland and has now qualified at 15 out of 17 master tests. AKC has confirmed that Emma has earned more master upland passes than any other retriever (not just flat-coats).
Bat babies fly!
May 7, 2023 / Ruth Marsh
At the Mid Atlantic supported, the Bat litter of:
Athercroft A’bat Damn Time “Jinx” was WB for first points
Athercroft Bateau at Tidelflats “Jon” was RWD at the supported
Athercroft To the Moon and Bat “Buzz” was WD both days for a major and more!
Sleigh it!
May 6, 2023 / Ruth Marsh
Athercroft Sleigh Goodnight “Yukon”, owned by Athercroft and Jenn Tower, has now placed in three 4-6 puppy groups!
Supported Entry Fun
May 6, 2023 / Dawn Buttion & Marty Archambeault & Colin & Bryce
Azula, GCH GROUSEMOOR BLUE FLAME A BLAZIN RI DCAT CGC, won Best of Breed under breeder judge Judy Gladson. She went on to win an Owner Handler Group 1 under Judy and Owner Handler Best In Show under Thomas Schulz!!

Azula is owned and loved by Dawn Buttion, Marty Archambeault, Colin Archambeault & Helen Szostak.
Stella Goes OS and BOB!
April 23, 2023 / Dana and Brendan Foley
CH Timberblacs North Star CGC WC JH owned by Dana and Brendan Foley had a nice weekend at the Baltimore County Kennel Club shows going OS and BOB! We are thrilled for her return to the conformation ring under the expert handling of Jessy Sutton. Love this liver girl!
Two Rally Novice legs!
March 31, 2023 / Patty & Joe Johnstone
Betsy competed in Rally Novice at The Talbot Kennel Club’s Rally trial. In the morning trial she earned a score of 94. In the afternoon trial, she earned a 99 and a 2nd place (by time)!