Bournemouth Canine Association

Bournemouth Championship Show: 10.08.25

Golden Retrievers

Judge: Julie Merrick

Having not judged for a few years, I was really looking forward to my entry today. I would like to thank the society for inviting me, and my two stewards who worked through the sweltering heat to keep the ring running smoothly. Dentition was good with only a couple of misaligned teeth. Tail carriage however, was not so positive. To have tails carried up above the back, some even with curls at the tip, really spoils our breeds’ outline and would not be good when working through a field of maize. When combined with low tail sets, this really does not please the eye. Thankfully, over-angulated rears were less prevalent and movement, as a result was much improved. As a breed we need to ensure that we focus on good shoulder angulation (in particular upper arm), unexaggerated stifles and getting those tails sorted. All that being said, it warmed my heart to see such quality in my line-ups – especially when my winners were so well received in strong Gundog groups - and I thank every single person for allowing me the privilege of evaluating your dogs.

MPD (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1ST Davis Mrs L LYNSTE DREAM BOY (AI)

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍Standing four square, this‍ 8 month old is very together. Excellent pigment with his head perfect for his age – not overly strong, yet clearly masculine. Lovely‍‍‍‍‍ shoulder angulation‍ and good reach of neck. ‍ ‍‍‍‍‍His coat will give his owner a challenge as it has a strong wave. Stifles strong and well bent without exaggeration, into straight rear pasterns. His level topline flowed into a well-set tail which he carried level. He moved soundly and confidently for this, the next class and also in Special Beginners. Very pleased to hear that he won 3rd in the Special Beginners group later in the day, still going strong, congratulations! Hopefully his owners will have a lot of fun with him. BPD

2ND Poile Miss V & Blackboro Mr P CHERRIMAR VINCENZO

This lad had a lovely soft, masculine head, good pigmentation and dark eyes. Not quite as ‘together’ as the winner today, he has a straight front, deep in the chest. Fairly balanced, he has good stifles and has a well-set tail. His rear pasterns, although straight, need to tighten in the hock which is indicative of his age and development.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

PD (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1ST Davis Mrs L LYNSTE DREAM BOY (AI)

As previous class.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

2ND Gorse Mrs D LEIGHSHAM LARK SONG

This lad won his place on his shoulder angulation, particularly his upper arm which allowed him to show sound movement – he went extremely well for his handler. He has a good reach of neck into a straight topline although his tail is set a little low. His stifles are well bent and he has super, neat feet.

 ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

JD (8 Entries, 0 Absent) The first two were so very close in this class!

1ST Winsor-Williams Mrs P & Williams Mr A AURGENTIOUS MENA DHU

At the moment, this lad has slightly more length of leg which inched him above the second placed dog. He has a lovely masculine head, with good pigment. He stood on tight feet and had good bone. Shoulders were balanced, he held a level topline into a good tailset, and his bend of stifle was not exaggerated. Straight rear pasterns allowed to him to move with accurate footfall and drive. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍

‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

2ND Ellis Ms K TENFIELD DUNKELD DINGO JW

He greeted me with a beautiful, gentle head, good pigment and dark eyes. His shoulders were balanced, his topline was level, into his well-set tail and he had the perfect bend of stifle. Again, straight rear pasterns allowed for driving movement. Super feet. Just needs to come up a little on the leg which he has both the time and bone to do.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

YD (8 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST Jackson-Haines Mrs J LEIGHSHAM THE CHEEKY ELF JW

Gorgeous head and expression on this lad, with great shoulders, reach of neck, ribbing, topline, tailset, bend of stifle, rear pasterns and feet. Super, rich, golden coat. In all of these, he shone. Being a yearling, he is still developing and, for me today, he is too long in the loin, which showed when he moved. There was a distinct roll over the loin and space in his footfall which pipped him for top honours.

‍‍‍‍‍‍2ND Mace Mrs J TILLSUN MISTLETOE MAESTRO AT TELANJAN

Lovely head and expression on this lad with his gentle, dark eyes. Great feet and (under all that hair) he has good shoulders. With his level topline held on the move, stifles that were not overdone and super, strong rear pasterns he won his place well.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

UGD (7 Entries, 0 Absent)

1ST Main Mrs SL PUTJADE PERRAN BY GWYNGALA JW

This well put together boy has a lovely, masculine yet gentle head. Standing on nice feet, his shoulders have balanced layback and upper arm. He has a good ribbing, short loin and carries a level topline. Great bend of stifle into straight and strong rear pasterns with good second thigh. Turned out really well, he moved straight and true.

‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍2ND Fenn Mrs D FULVIA JUST MAGIC AT JANDEBURN

This lad was slightly smaller all round, being shorter on the leg. He has good layback of shoulder but was beaten on upper arm today. Good topline and tailset, which he kept on the move. He has good ring presence and his coat shone in the sun as he moved with drive from strong rear pasterns.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

PGD (9 Entries, 3 Absent)

1ST Gulliver Mrs S TONARA MOON WALK

This lad was extremely well balanced with no exaggerations and everything exactly how it should be. He stood on beautiful feet, with a straight front, well developed‍ depth of chest. Perfectly balanced shoulders and good reach of neck into a dead-level topline and well-set tail. He moved with purpose, drive and accuracy, keeping his topline and tail carriage. Topped off with a gentle, masculine head with such a lovely expression. He did not put a foot wrong and deserved the RCC. ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

 ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

2ND Harvey Mr DJ & Anderson Mr P ALIBREN ROCK LEGEND FOR ASHIQUA

This lad won his second place by standing with a straight front, into good shoulders with an excellent reach of neck into a level topline. His stifles are, for me, over-angulated making him stand long, with his pasterns well beyond his body. He moved soundly, although his footfall reflected his length, and he carried his tail well.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

MLD (9 Entries, 1 Absent) I was sad to see over-angulated stifles in this class, which seriously affected movement and strength in the rear.

1ST Bolton Mr RC & Mrs J MEGARVEY STILL GAME FOR SHIRESMILL JW

Well aware that this lad is top of standard for size, he was made so well fore and aft that he could not be denied this win. He stood four square, with great shoulder angulation and a lovely reach of neck. Dead straight front with good feet and bone. His super, well-held topline and tailset showed on the move, as did the strength in his unexaggerated stifles as he powered round the ring despite the building heat. Really loved his gentle head and expression.

2ND Harris Miss A & Ball Mr N WEMCREST OUT OF THIS WORLD JW

Another beautifully balanced boy but this time with a smaller frame. Loved his shoulder angulation and his stifle was spot on. Strong, short rear pasterns. This lad does not show himself standing but completely came into his own when moving. Holding his level topline and with his good tailset, he had perfect footfall.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

LD (8 Entries, 0 Absent)

1ST Williams Miss KJ BERRYMEADE COEUR BLIMEY AT BUSHEYHALL SGWC WGC JW)

My notes say ‘Wow. A top-notch boy’! I loved his balance, from his toes to the tip of his tail. His head is broad, masculine, gentle and the epitome of a Golden Retriever. Tight feet, straight front, deep chest and text-book shoulders and stifles. He does not always give his handler an easy time standing, however when he moves… Wow! His hard, fit condition (second thighs that were second to none today), powered him round the ring, carrying his head, topline and tailset perfectly. Topped off with a well turned-out mid-gold coat that shone in the sun. CC. He later met the beautiful bitch which made my job a difficult one, however his ring presence carried him to Best of Breed.

2ND Foreman Mr G & Mrs T AMBERSUN HEART AND SOUL

Another well-made lad here, with tight feet, well-angulated shoulders and good reach of neck. More angulated in stifles, he was not quite a balanced as the winner. When standing, he tucks himself under, over-reaching for bait and this makes him look more exaggerated however, when moving, this does balance out. He moved out soundly, carrying himself well.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

OD (6 Entries, 0 Absent)

1ST Loverock Mrs MC & Waldron-Smith Mrs L SH CH THORNYWAIT SPACE COWBOY AT LOVISSA JW

A lovely, gentle head greeted me on this deep gold lad. Standing four square, he was balanced fore and aft. Strong bone, tight feet and deep chested, his shoulder angulation was great, followed with a level topline and super tailset. He moved extremely well from strong rear pasterns, holding that topline firmly. Considered for top honours.

2ND Taylor Mr JM & Mrs BM ALIBREN ECCLES AT TANNADICE JW

With his gentle head and expression, this smaller-framed yet still balanced dog, showed himself very well. Good shoulder angulation and unexaggerated stifles, ensured that he moved soundly with ring presence, keeping his topline and showing good tail carriage.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

VD (5 Entries, 0 Absent) A class of mixed sizes… two top of standard and two smaller!

1ST Maynard Mr RC & Mrs LJE CH CHINNORDALE CUE CARD JW SGWC

This gorgeous, 8 year old lad has a lovely, gentle head and the best shoulders in the class. He stood dead level, moved deal level and carried his tail perfectly. A tad over-angulated in stifle for me, his rear pasterns were straight and strong and he moved straight and true, both fore and aft. Turned out in a beautiful dark gold coat which really shone.

2ND Fenn Mrs D CHALKSVILLE HIGHLANDER AT JANDEBURN

Although a much smaller lad all round, he has tight feet, good bone and lovely layback of shoulder. His stifles are strong and unexaggerated, with straight rear pasterns. He stepped out really well, holding his level topline, shining in the sun.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

SBD/B (15 Entries, 6 Absent)

1ST Davis Mrs L LYNSTE DREAM BOY (AI)

Winner of Minor puppy, Puppy & BPD.

2ND Winsor-Williams Mrs P & Williams Mr A AURGENTIOUS MENA DHU

Winner of Junior dog.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

VB (9 Entries, 2 Absent)

1ST Lewandrowski Mrs H INT CH/MULTI CH SEQUINS SABIHA (ATC NLD)

This beautiful, pale gold girl has a very pretty head with good pigment. Super shoulder angulation and correct stifles, with strong, straight rear pasterns. Short-coupled and strong through the loin, she maintained her topline on the move which she did with a flowing stride, carrying her tail well. In full coat, she carried herself with presence and beat some strong competition to the RCC. Was thrilled to hear that she was placed 3rd in the Gundog Veteran Group, well done!

2ND Pounds-Longhurst Mrs SH ROSGAR DOLLY O'DARE AMONG MOSSBURN VW

From the palest in first place to this beautiful rich, dark gold girl. Another feminine, lovely head, she had a similar frame to the winner, good front, shoulders and rear angulation. Having a good length of leg to frame balance, she moved with strength and power around the ring.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

MPB (5 Entries, 1 Absent)

1ST Hill Miss P & Smith Mr D MEGARVEY COCOMELON

This little girl completely won my heart. My notes say that I was jealous of her owner! She is a very pretty, four square, mid-gold girl, with super bone. Currently very balanced fore and aft, with correct angulation – no exaggerations here. She had a level topline and held this on the move, which she did with confidence and plenty of joie de vivre. Her rear pasterns are straight and strong which made for good drive from the rear. BPB and, after challenging the lovely puppy dog, BPIB. She then thrilled me to go and win Gundog Puppy Group 3! I shall watch her progress with interest.

2ND Poile Miss V & Blackboro Mr P CHERRIMAR ELECTRA

This girl has done a bit of a growth spurt, making her taller at present, especially at the rear. Her shoulders are balanced‍, and she has a nice reach of neck. Although not level, her topline is straight with a good tailset. She needs to drop into her stifles and lengthen in body to suit the length of her tail. She has a pretty, feminine head with good pigment.‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍

PB (12 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST Hill Miss P & Smith Mr D MEGARVEY COCOMELON

Repeat of MP.

2ND List Ms L HAYDENGOLD LATEST GOSSIP JW

This girl was unlucky to meet the first as she is very glamorous and stood herself four square. I know glamour is not in our breed standard but it is lovely when a well-made Golden has that little bit of sparkle too. Standing on good feet, she was balanced and level. She moved very well in profile, although currently she was a little loose behind. Her rear pasterns were straight so it is her hocks that need to tighten a little.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

JB (11 Entries, 2 Absent) This class of girls will no doubt changes places many times as they were all at very different stages. The first two each had a lot to recommend them.

1ST Porter Mrs MA & Miss S SHEARSTONE HASTA LA VISTA

This girl had a sweet head, good pigment and dark eyes. Standing on lovely feet, she had good shoulders, not exaggerated in any aspect and with more to come. I would not want her stifles to develop any more but they were strong and used well on the move, there was no weakness there at all. Straight coming and going, she used her rear pasterns to drive well. When standing she has a balanced shape although she currently rolls a little on the move.

2ND Winsor-Williams Mrs P & Williams Mr A AURGENTIOUS ROS AN GWEL

Very close up to the first, she has a lovely head, straight front and good shoulders. Holding a level topline standing, she is slightly longer cast and this showed in more roll on the move today. Her stifles need to be a little more developed but she had strength in the rear pasterns which ensured that her movement was sound.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

YB (12 Entries, 2 Absent)

1ST Cole Mrs LP ROOKSBURY AURORA

This girl moved beautifully to win this closely contested class. Her lovely head had a gentle expression, aided by good pigment and dark eyes. Straight in front, her chest is deepening. Her layback and upper arm were balanced, with a nice reach of neck flowing into a level topline. Her rear angulation matched her shoulders, giving an unexaggerated, pleasing outline.

2ND Scuffle Mrs J & Ennis Van Maren Mrs CT RAMCHAINE A RED RED ROSE (ATC NLD)

Another lovely head, with good pigment, this girl seemed to be feeling the heat (which was considerable by this time). She too, presented a balanced front and rear although she is a little longer cast than the winner. Accurate and sound in her movement, she carried herself well, if at a slower pace.

UGB (14 Entries, 7 Absent)

1ST Porter Mrs MA & Miss S SHEARSTONE HASTA LA VISTA

Winner of Junior.

2ND Ellis Ms K TENFIELD WOOLAMAI WALLABY

This well-made girl was 3rd in a strong Junior class. A really lovely head (very much my type), she is well balanced with good angulation both fore and aft. It is always tricky when handing over to a different handler for movement and this did not quite suit her. With this being said, I was able to see that she moved soundly and she certainly had plenty of energy.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

PGB (10 Entries, 5 Absent)

1ST Brewer Mrs S STRADCOT POETRY IN MOTION

This mature-looking girl had a straight front, neat feet and a pretty head. She had good shoulder placement and a moderate bend of stifle, holding a good topline. She carried her tail well on the move. She looks lovely when free-stood as she tends to overstretch when stacked.

2ND Morrison Miss AE KAYZAELLE KIND SPIRIT

This girl won her place on her shoulder angulation and free movement, despite being naked! For me, she is somewhat slight in bone, but her angulation is accurate for the breed standard. She held her level topline and tail carriage on the move which she did accurately, using her straight rear pasterns to drive forward.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

 MLB (5 Entries, 2 Absent)

1ST Hill Miss P & Smith Mr D MEGARVEY CLEMENTINE JW

This mature, mid-gold girl was very balanced, with super shoulders, a good reach of neck flowing into her level topline and well-set tail. Her front is straight and she has lovely neat, tight feet. Her bend of stifle was spot on, with strong hocks and straight rear pasterns which she used to drive round the ring, showing a good reach in front. Topped off with a nice head, pretty expression and good pigment, plus a gorgeous coat, beautifully presented, she pushed hard for top honours.

2ND Ellis Ms K TENFIELD SPARKLING SUNRISE JW

What a lovely head this girl has. Being smaller all through, she was no less balanced than the winner and had similar attributes. To repeat myself, her shoulder placement and rear angulation was great and fit the standard. She was looking for her owner when moving but still drove forward well.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍

LB (9 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST Chan Mrs J & Mr R LOVISSA HELLO DOLLY OF WEMCREST

A lovely head with soft expression on this dark golden girl. She was in full bloom, her coat shining. She had the best shoulders in this class, with her straight front, good bone and nice reach of neck all combining well. Her stifles were well angulated (not overdone) and her rear pasterns were straight on the move, with a little width through the loin. She kept her level topline as she moved round the ring really well.

2ND Pounds-Longhurst Mrs SH MOSSBURN GOLLY MISS MOLLY JW

Smaller and more compact, this very pretty girl had super, tight feet. Good front angulation led through a lovely reach of neck into a level topline although she had a slight dip into her tailset. Another who moved with grace and accurate footfall.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

OB (9 Entries, 2 Absent) A super class of mature, beautiful girls here.

1ST Foreman Mr G & Mrs T AMBERSUN HEART OF GOLD

This fully mature, deep gold girl presented a superb outline. Short-coupled and in full bloom, with the most feminine head, every angle was exactly what I wanted to see, matching the breed standard so very well. No exaggerations, everything fitting together to flow from the tip of her nose to her tail. She held her topline and tail carriage on the move which she did with perfect footfall and a little added ring presence, her head held with grace. She stole my heart. She had to be special to beat the second placed girl in the class, and then the veteran in the challenge. Pipped by the dog in the final challenge by his super freedom of movement. BCC & RBOB.

2ND Falconer Mrs AE SH CH CONTEMPORARY BEGUILE AGAIN VIA SIATHAM JW

Such a lovely, pretty head on this girl, with a little cheekiness in her expression. She is a super example of the breed with well angulated shoulders and rear. Straight in front with lovely feet, she still has some maturing to do. Longer cast than the winner but by no means long in loin, she was not in her best coat today but that did not hamper her sound, accurate and driving movement. Seriously considered for top honours, the finished picture of the winners just pipped her at the post.

‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍