Di first joined the Jersey Dog Club in 1957, where she has been heavily involved with the committee, being first elected on in 1960, becoming Vice-President in 1964 and later President in 1977 until 1985.  Di was one of the first ladies to be accepted as a full member of the club in 1979 and was also one of the first female members in the English Kennel Club.

Di’s first W/H Dachshund was Marfre Montana who was imported in 1958.  From there she established the ‘Gayteckels’ or ‘Happy Dachshund’ kennel which is known throughout the UK. She has bred many generations of Dachshunds and over the years she has picked up numerous BIS and RBIS. Di’s success as a breeder is shown with the fact that she has gained six Prix d’Honneur’s from Guernsey, the most any person has gained.

She was not just a breeder, but she was a judge up to a Group standard and also a Championship Judge in all varieties of Dachshunds. Di has also been honoured by judging W/H Dachshunds at Crufts, which every judge would do anything to be able to. She also set up her own Canine and Feline Beauty Business in 1958 in Gorey after working at a dog trimmers in Jersey. As well as setting up her well known business of trimming, Di also sold animal food and accessories.

Her interests did not only stand in Dachshunds, but also Cesky’s, where she had three successful bitches, who have also done a large amount of winning.  She first acknowledged this breed at a Continental Show, where they were pointed out to her and Di did a large volume of research since.  From then, Di has had a growing interest in this breed and has bred one bitch, Gayteckels Highflyer, the only Channel Island bred Cesky.

As well as the breed side of dogs, Di was also involved with Junior Handling, where she helped set up the well-known Jersey Junior Handlers Association, and was the President until her death. Over the years, Di has helped train many successful Juniors who have gone on to win high honours in both the Handling and Show ring.

11.10.1924-16.03.2004

Di Abbott