Meet Australian Champion Thunderfire Crylthfogman, one of two blue Great Danes owned and loved by Diane McMaster and her family.

The McMasters have shown dogs for a long time, specifically Border Collies, but it took Diane some time to convince her husband to allow her a Great Dane.

The latest addition to their family is now a 23 month old dog basking in the spotlight of a second place at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which joins a Best in Show title at only 14 months old last year in Mudgee as a career highlight.

His unusual name is pretty simple when you explain it, according to his very proud owner.

“His father’s registered name is Thomas the Tank Engine, so that was the theme for his litter. His brother is Terry the Tractor,” explained Diane.

“Cyril the Fogman is a character found only in one Thomas story, but the breeder found him out. However as the breed registry only allows a certain number of

letters, she had to shorten the spelling.”

The 70 plus kilogram dog is just a

gentle giant, Diane said.

“Whoever wrote Scooby Doo, well, they knew exactly what Great Danes are like, goofy and very friendly.

“I just love them. They are the world’s gentlest giants. They have absolutely no idea of their size, trying to sit in your lap.

“Although we show him, he’s also a family dog.”

A multiple In Group and In Show

winner, Diane was extremely proud of his Sydney Royal result.

“His category was hard – the 18 months to three years section – and with an international judge, yet he came second against some of Sydney’s most successful dogs.“It was really pleasing to be in that calibre.

“Out here we are often on our own, with a Blue Dane, so for him to travel to Sydney, to stand and be counted against the best was great.”

Otherwise known as Felix – not the cat, but meaning happy and outgoing,

according to Diane – the dog is enjoying a bit of a break before the Cowra Kennel Club Show in May.

This year the show will have judges from New Zealand and Queensland and the club expects up to 600 dogs from across the state to compete throughout the two day event.

Felix is just one of many success

stories from Cowra at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. See Page 5 for the Guardian’s special coverage.