Richmond Dog Show Society

It was an absolute honour to judge my first Championship Group at Richmond, my local show – one I have attended since I was 12 years old. Little did I believe when I was watching my piers such as Ferelith Somerfield, Liz Cartledge and Zena Thorn Andrews, to name a few, that I would have the honour to stand centre stage. Thank you to the Society for this invitation, which will live long in my memory! Now, the dogs! The breed judges had sent through some fantastic BOB’s and I made a shortlist of 8. This included the Bearded Collie – Cope’s Ch Menander Special Edition – and I certainly thought she was a very special edition - fab on the move, just got a little bored at the end, Rough Collie – Cronk’s Chelborn Tell Me Your Wish – a very fit, sound moving bitch of a type I admire, Pyrenean – Gibson’s Ch, Ir Ch Febus Anapeou JW OSW Shcex – elegant, graceful, super moving bitch who was very close to the top honours, Samoyed - Jebson’s Ch Vandreem Imperial Ripasso JW, a very impressive, well-made dog with that typical smiling expression, and silver tipped coat. Just needs a little more maturity for me. Ultimately, 4 dogs stood away for me here.

Group 1: Lester, Mackie & Smith’s Ch Domburg Made By Hawksflight. Tervueren. A truly stunning bitch, who just oozes with quality. So typical in every way with marvellous expression. Head is long without excess, and she has perfect parallel head planes which are so important in this breed. Muzzle tapers gently to nose. Dark eyes and super high set ears which are of the correct shape. Medium length of neck leading to very well-constructed body. Excellent proportions resulting in the desired outline for this breed. Firm topline, muscular loins and as fit and muscular as they come. Tail is set well and lifts slightly accentuating that slight curve towards the tip which just enhances an already incredible outline. In super coat of medium harshness. Brisk, light, typical Belgian action. She never put a foot wrong. She shone from the moment she walked in the group and she proved to be my standout winner. What a cracking bitch!

Group 2: Forsey’s Ch Arianrhod Black Sun Aeon At Muzoku. Finnish Lapphund. A dog I awarded the CC & BOB to when I last judged this breed, and here he put in a super performance. All masculine with strong features and excellent bone. Melting expression with the softness of expression judges should be seeking. Excellent eyes for shape and set and his ears are wide set, medium sized and set well apart. Super construction throughout. Deep chest of correct length. Strong topline. Tail carried over the back on the move. In excellent coat which is also of the correct harsh texture. This breed should not just be a mini, coloured Samoyed or AV Spitz and he is certainly all Finnish Lapphund! I have never seen him move so well, covering the ground effortlessly without exaggeration. Fantastic!

Group 3: Hensley’s Ch Desjiem Van De Herdesfarm (Imp) Deu. GSD. What a fabulous dog! The first thing that hits you is his awesome outline. He stands there proud, majestic and full of power, just willing you to take your eyes off him. Full of masculinity, without being overdone, and so well constructed throughout with strength. Clean cut head with correct degree of tapering to skull and muzzle, and perfect parallel head planes. Almond shaped expressive eyes of dark brown colour. Ears are medium sized, broad at base and very well set. Fantastic angulation of shoulders and return of upper arms. Great bone. Deep chest. Excellent proportions and strong, firm topline. Strong hindquarters with perfect angulation to complement the front. Super reach and drive and as sound as they come out and back. I absolutely loved him!

Group 4: Blance & Blance’s Ch Penliath Bill Me Later (AI). Welsh Corgi (Pembroke). Another cracking bitch. Femininity personified, but, as you go over her, you are certainly left feeling that she could do her job of work! Low set, strong and, just as the standard says – alert and active. Excellent head with the correct proportions of skull to muzzle and set of ears that distinguishes the breed. Lovely medium sized eyes. Great angulation and bone. Elbows are well set and she has enough daylight under her for me. Well sprung ribs. Strong, firm topline. Well angulated stifles. Perfect tail set and carriage. Such a free and easy mover, going around as if she owned the ring. In superfluous condition. An inspiration to judge.