Sandicam This Is Me wins Best in Show at 2024 Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Show

On Saturday, 5 October, the Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Show crowned its champions for 2024, celebrating the finest in Australian dog breeding and handling.

Leading the pack was Cameron Cavallo and his remarkable English Springer Spaniel, Sandicam This Is Me—affectionately known as Reuben—who claimed the prestigious Best in Show title.

For Cavallo, the win was deeply personal and professional, representing decades of dedication to the craft of breeding and handling.

“Most breeders aspire to win a Best in Show at a Royal, but undeniably the Melbourne Royal Show has long been regarded as the pinnacle achievement in Australian dog showing. Being born and raised in Melbourne, achieving this in my hometown made it even more special. It’s the culmination of years of skill development, tenacity, and passion for producing top-quality purebred dogs.”

Reuben, who turned three in June, embodies the very best of Cavallo’s Sandicam breeding program, which focuses on classical type, soundness, and temperament.

“Reuben comes from an outstanding lineage, combining two of my most influential champions: Multi Ch. Sandicam The Look Of Love and Ch. Sandicam Royal Rendezvous. This careful planning has produced Springers with exceptional breed type, soundness in mind and body, and the conformation we strive for in every generation.”

Reuben’s charisma and excellence were evident early in his career.

“From the moment he stepped into the ring as a baby puppy, Reuben commanded attention. He’s sound, moderate, and possesses the ‘joie de vivre’ that defines the English Springer Spaniel. His movement and outline are outstanding, and he has a personality that ensures he’s never ignored.”

Cavallo tells us that Reuben is fed a premium diet and is constantly exercised to keep his mind and body in optimum form. He is on the grooming table every couple of days nurturing his coat condition and staying on top of his trimming.

“Given the amazing outcome, it’s safe to assume that all the effort was worth it!”

Cavallo’s journey to this year’s victory is a testament to his dedication. He has been a regular exhibitor at the Melbourne Royal Show since childhood, making the event a cornerstone of his career. Reuben himself has a history of success at the Show, earning 3rd Best in Show in 2023 and securing Best Gundog Exhibit at Sydney Royal earlier this year.

“[The Melbourne Royal Show] holds a special place as one of the most prestigious events in the Australian dog showing world. Throughout my journey as a breeder and exhibitor, this show has always represented the pinnacle of achievement—a true test of dedication, skill, and passion.”

This year’s win was particularly emotional for Cavallo, as it coincided with the passing of his mentor, David Rickard, who bred a Melbourne Royal Best in Show winner in 1988.

Cavallo remains passionate about breeding and showcasing English Springer Spaniels, striving to preserve and enhance their hallmark qualities.

“The challenge of producing ‘the next one’ keeps me inspired. In an era where breeding purebred dogs is increasingly challenging, I’m committed to promoting this fabulous breed both in Australia and internationally.”

Melbourne Royal congratulates all winners for their exceptional achievements and extends its gratitude to all participants for making the event a success. For full results and more details, visit www.melbourneroyal.com.au/dogs.

Best in Show: Mr C Cavallo – Sandicam This Is Me
Best Puppy in Show: N Rule-Steele & M Burton & A Taylor & S Turay – Taejaan On Your Mistletoes
Best Baby Puppy in Show: Dr E M Greenway – Jollygaze Vitality
Best in Show Runner Up: Miss N Pearson – Shetland Sheepdog Hartly Crystal Clear.