A LARGE signboard announcing Baytor Kennels Chow-Chows once stood at the foot of The Lea at Broadmeadow, writes Viv Wilson.

In the 1950s, my childhood curiosity concerning chows was ignited when my uncle explained they were big furry dogs with wondrous blue-black tongues. I doubted him then but eventually, his description was confirmed.

Originally from China and known to have been around for 2,000 years, the chow translates as puffy-lion dog. Like the Lhasa Apso, it is one of only a handful of truly ancient breeds surviving today.

Sadly, the sign and the kennels vanished years ago, after a whimpering end to an otherwise hugely successful story. A conversation with Judith Pratt whose grandfather had worked there provoked some digging.

Baytor was the dynasty founded by Arthur Westlake, an international judge of dogs who served for many years at Crufts.

The world-famous dog show, run by the Kennel Club since 1948 was first televised at Olympia by the BBC in 1952. Since then it has blossomed to its current state of hundreds of breeds and tens of thousands of visitors.

- SEE THE TEIGNMOUTH POST, DECEMBER 29 EDITION, FOR FULL STORY