North East Of England Toydog Society

North East of England Toy Dog Society

What a fabulous show at the North East of England Toy Dog Society! The beautiful venue at Newcastle Racecourse, coupled with the glorious weather, put everyone in good spirits and made for a truly enjoyable day.

This was my second time awarding CCs in English Toy Terriers, and I was very pleased with my entry of 35 dogs. My heartfelt thanks go to my two very capable stewards, who kept the ring running seamlessly and kept a smile on my face throughout — your help was invaluable.

As we all know, in a small breed like the ETT, friendships inevitably form — which is one of the joys of our breed community. However, once I step into the ring as a judge, all friendships are left at the entrance. My role is, and always will be, to assess the dogs and the dogs alone, against the breed standard.

That said, I do feel we are entering a slightly concerning era. Many exhibits today displayed traits of the English Toy Terrier, but what was lacking — across too many — was the correct topline, which is a hallmark of our breed. The standard calls for:

“Back very slightly curving from behind shoulder to loin, falling again to root of tail.”

Too many today showed breaks in the topline, or appeared level, which risks eroding what makes our breed unique.

Similarly, our breed is distinguished by its front movements “akin to an extended trot.” What I saw today was more dogs with excessive lift in front, rather than the desired low, reach. These points are what set the ETT apart from other breeds. 

Finally, a few practical notes — I came across several poor mouths, which I did not find last time, as well as dirty teeth and long nails. These small details do matter, and they are within everyone’s control to maintain.

Thank you again to the Society for inviting me, and to everyone who entered and brought their dogs for me to assess. It was a privilege to judge your dogs, and I hope my observations are taken in the constructive spirit intended — to help preserve and improve this wonderful, unique breed we all care so much about. 

DCC, BOB & BV - Ch Witchstone Not Apache On Me For Peopleton Vw

RDCC - Lasagesse Dazed N'confused

BCC - Amalric Coco Chanel With Dalmonde Jw

RBCC- Ch Witchstone Minnehaha Vw

BP - Witchstone Nasabe Strike Up The Band

BSB - Galvizach Royal Amethyst Of Regalriver

Special Beginners Dog (1,0)

1st - PENDLEBURY, Mrs C - Ettology Small Gods Of Pendlethrine. A dog that is of good size. A pleasing headpiece with good wedge shape. Eyes are set well and of almond shape. Would like a stronger ear set to finish the overall expression. Shoulders good with a straight parallel front. Neck is long and arched. Slightly croup high at the moment but being only 14 months should balance out as he develops. Topline flatter than preferred. Good depth to chest and spring of ribs. Rear is muscled well with good angles and strong hocks. On the move presents an element of low extension just needs to reach a little more. In the rear can be a little untidy at times. 

Veteran Dog (3,0)

1st - FRANCIS & BLATCHFORD, Mr & Miss Jw & W - Ch Witchstone Not Apache On Me For Peopleton Vw. This was my find of the day. Yes there is a lot of dog here, but he has everything absolutely where it should be. A series of curves throughout without being overdone. A masculine headpiece with correct candle flame shaped ears set high. Good length to muzzle with enough stop to balance the headpiece. Strong under jaw which would be capable for dispatching any rat. Almond shaped eyes set well in head. Graceful neck set into well laid shoulders with a good return of upper arm with elbows close to a deep well developed chest and straight limbs of good bone. Good tuck up. Topline is superb which is held on the stand and the move. Good length to loin with a well angled croup, rounded rump and a low set tail carried well. Rear angles are good with a good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. On the move this boy impresses with the rear drive and produces the breed typical extended trot. Pleased to award this 10 year old the DCC, BOB and BV and I look forward to competing along side him in the veteran classes. 

2nd - IMRIE, Mrs W Norris - Ch Witchstone Black Hawk At Amalric Jw. A dog that is absolutely worthy of his title as he has a lot to offer. A masculine headpiece with correct almond shaped eyes set well giving a keen expression. A balanced head piece creating a wedge shape to skull and good underfill. Ears are of good shape and size, to be ultra picky I’d like them a fraction higher to really finish off the headpiece. Good length to neck with a good shoulder placement. Limbs are straight and of good bone finished with well arched compact feet. Lack of definition in Thumbprints. Super depth to chest and spring of ribs with a lovely underline. Topline could be stronger. Strong muscular loin with a well angled croup and well rounded rump. Tail set low but can be a little proud of it on the move, being a typical male. This boys strength is his rear assembly. A good turn of stifle with well let down hocks and super muscle throughout. Handled to perfection which really gets the best out of him. On the move he has super rear drive, can get a little untidy in front. 

Minor Puppy Dog (1,0)

1st - FRANCIS & BLATCHFORD, Mr & Miss Jw & W -Witchstone Nasabe Strike Up The Band. Offspring of the DCC and RBCC. I really don’t want him any bigger. Head is developing well with good wedge shape. Ears are set well and he now needs to grow into them for the overall balance of the head. Eyes are a lovely almond shape of good size and colour set well in head. Neck of good length leading into well laid shoulders. Straight parallel front, would like to see a little more definition in thumbprints. Standing on compact well arched feet. Enough depth to chest for age. Topline has the correct rise and fall leading into a well rounded rump with a low set tail. Angles in rear are good with ample muscle tone. Moves out well covering the ground. 

Junior dog (3,0)

1st - DIXON, Mrs Lisa Jane & DIXON, Mr Graeme - Lasagesse Dazed N'confused. I judged this dog last year when he was a puppy and he’s come on since then. Up to height but fine boned throughout. A masculine headpiece of good proportions with enough stop to give the head balance. Ears set good on a well developed back skull. Eyes are dark and of almond shape set well in head. Enough depth in muzzle to finish the wedge shape to head. Neck of good length. Would like a slight more lay of shoulder. Straight parallel front with good feet and strong pasterns. Topline has enough rise from wither over a muscular loin leading to a well rounded rump. Tail set low. Enough depth to chest and good tuck up. Rear well muscled with enough angulation. Moved out parallel with good drive. RDCC

2nd - ROSKELL, Mrs Belinda & WOOD, Mr Jack, - Nasabe Special Brew In Rahima. Very different type to 1. Heavier in bone. A good wedge shape to a well developed skull. Ears of good shape and size set well. Eyes are a correct size shape and colour set well, full of keen expression. Good length to neck, would like more lay of shoulder. Straight parallel front with good feet. Topline ok. Tail set low of good length. Enough turn of stifle with well let down hocks. Would like a little more coverage over pin bones. On the move there is more lift in front that I prefer and can get a little untidy in rear. 

Post Graduate (1,0)

1st - HOWARD, Mrs Cecilia Margaret & HOWARD, Mr Donald, - Lasagesse Jumpin Jack Flash. Presents a good shape and size. Skull slightly broader than preferred. Good length and depth to muzzle with enough stop. Eyes have a wicked expression with a good almond shape, dark in colour and set well. Ears are set well, could be a fraction bigger to finish the overall expression on head. Good length to neck leading into a good shoulder placement and enough return of upper arm. Limbs are straight and parallel and good for bone. Would like more definition in Thumbprints. Topline good which is held on stand and on the move. Well rounded rump with a good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. I asked the handler to move slightly quicker and there was then a good rear drive and enough evidence of the correct front movement whilst covering the ground. 

Limit (4,1)

1st - PARTINGTON-PALMER, Mrs C & PALMER, Mr Leslie Roy - Etruria Hear The Word. This dog presents a lovely silhouette on the stand with a series of curves. Pleasing headpiece of a good wedge shape. This boys needs to develop in confidence. Ears are set well and of good shape and size, could use them a little better to finish the overall expression. Neck of good length leading into a shoulder placement that’s well laid. Straight parallel front. Lack of thumbprints and tan is paler than preferred. Lovely topline with rise from behind wither to a well rounded rump. Good depth to chest and tuck up. Tail is set and carried low. Rear is muscled well with enough turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Moved out well to win the class. 

2nd - ROSKELL, Miss C - Witchstone Silent Wish With Rahima Jw. Masculine dog that is good for size. Muzzle to skull ratio good with enough stop. Ears are a good size, prefer them set higher to finish the expression. Super eye placement and correct for shape and dark in colour. Well arched neck. Shoulder ok, would like a better return of upper arm. Straight parallel front with compact well arched feet. Topline ok with good length to loin. Good depth to chest and good tuck up. Rear angulation ok. Well let down hocks with good muscle tone throughout. Moved out with drive, just steps a little high in front. 

Open (4,1)

1st - IMRIE, Mrs W Norris - Ch Witchstone Black Hawk At Amalric Jw see 2nd in veteran. 

2nd - WHITEHOUSE, Mrs & Mr N & S - Twowayshouse Tudor King For Dalmonde. This dog presents a pleasing silhouette. A masculine headpiece with good width to skull and a well developed back skull. Ears are of a good shape and size, would prefer them set slightly higher to finish the overall expression. Eyes are set well and of good almond shape and dark in colour. Would like just a little more underfill to balance the headpiece out. Arched neck with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm with a fine boned, straight parallel front with evident thumbprints. Super topline with correct rise from behind the wither and finished with a well angulated croup. Tail set low of good length. Rear has a good turn of stifle and let down hocks. On the move he had good drive in rear and covered the ground well. 

Special Beginners Bitch (3,0)

1st - MARSDEN, Mrs Clare - Galvizach Royal Amethyst Of Regalriver. A feminine headpiece that presents a good wedge shape. Flat skull, although would like ears to be set a little higher to finish off the overall expression. Eyes are a lovely almond shape of good size and colour set well. Good strength to under jaw. Neck is of good length leading into clean well laid shoulders. I’d like to see more rise from behind the wither to loin. Loin has good strength and length. Chest is of good depth with enough tuck up. Rear angles ok with ample muscle tone throughout. Moved with purpose with good drive in rear. 

2nd - PENDLEBURY, Mrs C - Wykewoks Autumnal Sunsetta Of Pendlethrine. This youngster gave her handler a hard time the whole time she was in the ring. Pleasing shape to headpiece with good muzzle to skull proportions and strength to underjaw creating that wedge shape to skull. Eyes good in shape, size and colour set oblique. Ears are shaped well set high on back of skull. A little narrow throughout body. Shoulders ok. Fine boned with well arched feet. Chest good for depth with enough tuck up. Angles in rear ok, enough turn of stifle with well let down hocks and ample muscle tone. Moved out ok. 

Veteran Bitch (2,1)

1st - HAFFENDEN, Mrs Hazel & WOOD, Mr Jack - Ch Witchstone Minnehaha Vw. A bitch that I couldn’t wait to judge again as she really didn’t perform last time I saw her. A beautifully balanced headpiece with everything where it should be and not showing her age in the slightest. Ears are set high on the back of skull, well developed back skull, correct proportions to create wedge balanced with enough stop. Eyes are set obliquely and of correct shape and size. Neck is good for length, and leading into a super front assembly with well laid shoulders, good return of upper arm and parallel straight front finished with well arched feet. Good length to body with correct top line on stand. Would like the top line to be held better on the move. Good length to loin with a well rounded croup. Rear is well constructed with a good turn of stifle, super muscle tone and well let down hocks. On the move she really knows what she’s doing, there’s drive and then you have the desired front movement all whilst covering the ground. Pleased to award her the RBCC 

Minor Puppy (1,0)

1st - HAFFENDEN, Mrs Hazel & WOOD, Mr Jack - Nasabe Strikes Again. Presents a lovely silhouette when stood. As far as the head profile goes I’d like to see more length and strength to the underjaw to give the head the wedge shape. That said she has a flat skull with correct shape and size to ears set high on the back of skull. Eyes are well set which are good for colour, shape and size. Neck is long and slightly arched leading down into a good front assembly with well laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm with elbows close to a well developing chest. Parallel straight front with good width and finished with well arched feet. Top line is secure for one so young which has the correct rise and finished with a well rounded rump finished with a low set tail of good length. Rear is well balanced with a good turn of stifle, good length to thigh and well let down hocks. On the move had super drive with a correct movement in front, unfortunately had to give way to her litter sibling today as I preferred the finished headpiece which is fit for function. 

Puppy (2,0)

1st - KIRTON, Mrs Christine - Wykewoks Megga Dawn. At 10 mo there is a pleasing shape, just needs to develop in confidence and that will really help show off her attributes. Pleasing proportions from muzzle to skull. Foreskull slightly more rounded than preferred. Enough stop to balance the head. Ears are of correct shape and size, would just like them set a little further forward. Good length to neck and good for shoulder placement with enough return of upper arm. Straight parallel front with good bone throughout and finished with compact well arched feet. Top line has enough rise to loin with a well rounded rump. Tail set low. Rear angles are good with a series of curves. A good turn of stifle, good length to thighs with well let down hocks. As she develops in confidence I’m sure she will gain more balance on the move, but moved with enough drive and purpose to win this classes 

2nd - PENDLEBURY, Mrs C - Wykewoks Autumnal Sunsetta Of Pendlethrine 2nd SBB

Junior (1,0)

1st - IMRIE, Mrs W Norris & LEONARD, Mr A - Fera-Mitis Argante Of Avalon With Witchstone. This bitch appealed to me in so many ways but unfortunately today she didn’t move as parallel coming and going as the BCC and RBCC on the move otherwise she would have been a contender for a green card. Good for overall shape and size. A feminine headpiece with super proportions creating a good overall wedge shape. Ears are of correct candle flame shape, set high on back of skull. Eyes set oblique and of super shape and size. Neck is good for length and shoulders are well laid with a good return of upper arm. Front limbs are good for bone with well arched tight feet. Would like to see more definition in thumbprints. Super top line which was held on the stand and in the move with a good length to loin and well angulated croup and rounded rump with a low set tail. Angles in rear are well matched to front, with a good turn of stifle and well let down hocks and is well muscled throughout. 

Novice (2,0)

1st - MARSDEN, Mrs Clare - Galvizach Royal Amethyst Of Regalriver. See 1st SBB 

2nd - REEVE, Mrs P - Gillings Chiffon Black. Good for bone. Shorter in muzzle than preferred, good width to skull with ok ears set high. Eyes good almond shape set well and of good colour. Neck of good length leading into shoulders that are laid ok. Straight front and is good for bone. Rather croup high which comes from the straighter angulation in rear. Tail set low. 

Limit (5,0)

1st - LOVE, Mrs V A - Lasagesse Whole Lotta Love With Tettoy. Loved the size of this girl and was handled beautifully. Head piece demonstrates a pleasing wedge shape with good width and depth throughout all whilst maintaining femininity. Ears are set well. Eyes are obliquely set of good almond shape and dark in colour. Lovely reach of neck. Shoulders are well laid with a good return of upper arm. Straight is straight with good pasterns and tight well arched feet. Top line has enough rise and is met with a loin that is good for length and finished with a low set tail. Got owner to change hands away and back as she was slightly unsettled, however once changed she demonstrated a lovely rear drive and enough front movement to win the class. 

2nd - GOODFELLOW, Mrs Maria - Nasabe Royal Rose Airambech. Loved this girl for overall shape and size and will swap places with 1 I’m sure on another day. Balanced headpiece with good proportions. Ears are set high on flat skull and are of correct size and shape. Eyes of correct shape and good for colour set well in head. Neck is of good length leading into well laid shoulders into a straight parallel front. Feet well arched. Top line has a good rise from behind the withers and met with a well angulated croup and a low set tail. Good depth to chest and evident underline. Angulation in rear has a good turn of stifle well let down hock and muscled well throughout. Moved with lovely front movement, just preferred the drive in rear of 1. 

Open (5,0)

1st - WHITEHOUSE, Mrs & Mr N & S - Amalric Coco Chanel With Dalmonde Jw. One of the best shapes that was presented today. A super feminine headpiece which demonstrates a wedge shape. Ears are set well on top of a well developed skull presenting correct candle flame shape. Enough stop which gives the head balance and well filled under the eye. Good strength to under jaw. Neck is well arched and sits well on shoulders that are well laid with a good return of upper arm. Straight limbs which are Fine boned throughout. Super top line which was held on the stand and move at all times with correct rise from behind the withers to a muscular loin to a well angulated croup and a well rounded rump. Tail set good. Lovely depth to chest with good tuck up. Rear angles are well matched to front with a good turn of stifle, good length to thighs and well let down hocks. On the move this girl was super parallel demonstrating a rear drive and a lovely front movement all whilst maintaining her top line and covering the ground. Pleased to award her The BCC which I was told gives her her crown, lost out to the dog in the challenge who was on form from the moment he entered the ring. 

2nd - HAFFENDEN, Mrs Hazel & WOOD, Mr Jack - Ch Nasabe Play The Game Jw Shcex. There is no denying why this girl has her title, she has so many attributes to be admired. Beautiful headpiece with correct wedge shape. Ears are placed well and are of good size and present correct candle flame shape carried well at all times. Eyes are set obliquely and give a keen expression being correct shape and colour. Neck is of good length leading into super shoulder placement with enough return of upper arm. Super clean front with fine bone, parallel limbs, elbows close to a deep chest and finished with tight well arched feet. Fraction longer in frame than 1 with a lovely top line. Good angles in croup with a well rounded rump finished with a low tail set of good length. Good turn of stifle with well let down hocks and ample muscle tone throughout. On the move has the cleanest of front movements but today just was a little untidy in rear. 

Judge 

Richard Forsythe (RICHPIN)