Boston & District Canine Society

Boston & DCS Open Show, 31st May 2022, Flatcoated Retriever critiques.

Thank you to the committee for my invitation to judge; having been postponed due to COVID it was wonderful to finally complete the appointment. Thank you to my steward and a big thank you to all exhibitors who kindly entered their dogs for me to judge.

Puppy 7, (1 abs)

This was a lovely class of puppies and a difficult decision.

1st - Hewison’s Selloana Monoceros

12 month old puppy, in profile she was balanced, not overdone and everything was in proportion. Feminine head with a pleasing expression, dark almond shape eye and small neat set on ears. Correct length of neck leading into well laid back shoulders and return of upper arm. Length was in her ribs with short couplings. Strong back end with correct rear angulation and width of thigh with well let down hocks. Tail was carried level with the back and never stopped wagging. Moved well at one with her handler. BP

2nd - Chamber’s Hototo Pretty Ballerina

Another lovely puppy bitch however she was very unsettled and acting worried on the stand and therefore she did not come across as bright and active as the winner. Pretty head with dark eye, correct angulation both fore and aft, standing on round arched feet. Shown in lovely condition and moved straight and true holding a level top-line.

Junior 9, (1 abs)

1st - Hewison’s Selloana Monoceros (1st in Puppy) 

2nd - Chamber’s Hototo Pretty Ballerina (2nd in Puppy)

Post Graduate 7, (3 abs)

1st - Tinker’s Bramatha Lockdown Blues

A masculine male who stood out as being the most balanced in the class, would have benefited from being moved at a slightly faster pace but once in stride his angles and outline were correct. I really liked this boys one piece classical head with kind dark eye. Correct layback of shoulder and adequate return of upper arm, with a pronounced fore chest. Lovely depth of chest with gradual spring of rib and short in the loin. Moderate bend of stifle with well let down hocks and good strong feet.

2nd - Tierling & Fewster’s Lizzlog Moonlighting at Karaholme

A more mature looking male than the winner, shown in lovely condition.

Head was long and nicely moulded, would prefer a tighter eye. Lovely length of neck and correct lay back of shoulder and adequate forechest. Fore ribs flat with gradual spring allowing elbows to move cleanly. Moderate bend of stifle with good width of first and second thigh. Moved well with drive.

Open 7, (2 abs)

1st - Hewison’s Casblaidd Island in the Sky SGWC KCWGV

 This boy to me epitomises a Flatcoat, correctly constructed enabling him to do the job he was bred for. A one piece head with correct length, depth and breadth of muzzle which would enable him to carry quarry effortlessly. Almond shaped dark eye and neat well set on ears. Well laid back shoulders with return of upper arm and pronounced fore chest. Correct length of rib with the fore ribs being flat leading into a gradual spring with correct depth and short couplings. Strong backend with good width of thigh and well let down hocks. He was well muscled and moved effortlessly around the ring holding a level topline, with no exaggeration showing power without lumber, raciness without weediness. Pleased to award him BOB

2nd - Carter’s Lizzlog Top Totty of Harmarlanda

A lovely bitch but was just carrying a bit too much weight today which affected her topline. Pretty head with kind dark eye and small ears. Well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm, with correct length of rib and short loin. Strong back end with well let down hocks and tight round feet. Moved well showing reach and drive in lovely coat and condition.

Sarah Egginton 

(Pajanbeck)