Kooikerhondje Club Of Great Britain

Kooikerhondje Club of Great Britain

Championship Show – 13th July 2025

What a great honour it was to be invited to judge the second Championship Show for the Kooikerhondje Club of Great Britain. I have had the opportunity to judge this delightful breed on a number of occasions overs the years including Crufts and it is always a pleasure to be around Kooikers and Kooiker folk and today was no exception. Unfortunately on the day, the temperature was through the roof, however both dogs and owners coped remarkably well and there was a lovely atmosphere ringside with applause for all. My thanks to ring steward, Bill Molton, for his assistance on the day and all involved with staging a very successful show.

PD (2,1)

1. Forkert-Smith’s Taighmuilne Charaid. 11 mth old who turned out to be the only puppy present on the day which was rather disappointing. This youngster is in need of more socialisation and ringcraft would be beneficial too. He is nicely balanced with a moderate length of neck, level in topline and ribbing is carried well back. Head of good proportions, dark almond-shaped eyes, well feathered ears set on correctly with earrings and scissor bite. Pleasing angles front and rear and stands on good feet. On the move, he opened up well when viewed in profile with head held high, is true when going away and although straight when coming towards he is somewhat wider. Good coat. Best Puppy in Show.

JD/B (3,0)

1. Guy’s Middanwinter War Horse at Kerelkoor. Two 13 mth old littermates headed this class although they are really quite different to one another. This boy was my winner and although he has quite a bit of maturing to do, he has so much to like and was good to go over. Neck of moderate length, firm through the topline, pleasing rib development, correct croup and tail good for set and carriage. Balanced headpiece with expressive almond-shaped eyes, well feathered ears set on just above eye level, pleasing stop, narrow blaze and correct dentition. He stands true in front on correct feet and has more angulation in the rear than his brother. Impressive profile action and carriage and also pleased on the down and back. I understand this win gave him his JW.

2. Brook’s Middanwinter Trojan Horse. Well handled lad who is squarer in outline than 1. He has sufficient length of neck, excellent topline, pleasing rib and loin and tail is good for both set and carriage. Slightly rounded skull, super expressive eyes, well feathered ears of correct set with earrings, muzzle a tad shorter and correct dentition. Pleasing angulation front and rear and he stands well on correct feet and is good in forechest. When gaiting, he went well on the go around but could not match the down and back action of his brother. Good coat and presentation.

3. Caldwell’s Taighmuilne Macaomh

YD (2,0)

1. Marsden’s Gladsheim Opening Gambit JW. 14 mth old who very much appealed and was so good to go over given his correct construction. He is well balanced with muscular neck of correct length, firm in topline, good depth to brisket, excellent ribbing and loin and acceptable tail carriage. Quality head with masculine expression; skull and muzzle of approximately equal length, super eye and ear with desirable earrings, correct stop and scissor bite. Elbows are held close to the chest and he stands straight in front on correct feet. Gaiting freely all through with good carriage and very well handled. Well distributed patches of orange-red on body. Best Junior Dog & Best Junior in Show.

2. Brook’s Middanwinter Trojan Horse

ND (1,0)

1. Paterson’s Twybrook Fundevogel. This 2 yr old is another who pleased, is all male and presented a nicely balanced outline. Muscular neck, level topline, ribbing carried well back, slight slope to croup and tail good for both set and carriage. Well proportioned head with dark expressive eyes, well feathered ears with earrings, correct stop, good blaze and scissor bite. Well constructed both front and rear and he stands well naturally in front on correct feet and has a pleasing forechest. He impressed in the down and back and also pleased when viewed in profile.

GD (1,0)

1. Paterson’s Twybrook Fundevogel

PGD (1,0)

1. Davies’ Twybrook Barenhauter. 2 yr old who I see is the littermate to the winner of the previous two classes. Another soundly constructed lad who pleased for overall type and size and is very well balanced. Muscular neck of moderate length, firm topline and super ribbing but just a tad flatter in croup, however he has a pleasing tail carriage. Attractive, well proportioned head with correct skull, excellent eyes, well feathered ears, good blaze, dark pigmentation and correct dentition. Shoulders well laid, elbows close to the body, straight forelegs and stands on correct feet. Nice free mover and particularly pleased on the go around where he carries himself so well. Very well handled.

LD (2,0)

1. Gutteridge’s Benitin Trojan of Geduld. Two very different dogs challenged in this class with the nod going to this 6 yr old. He’s at the lower end of the standard and presented a pleasing outline with moderate length of neck, level topline, well sprung ribs, muscular loin, correct croup and tail good for set and carriage. Nicely balanced headpiece with correct skull, almond-shaped eyes of good colour, well feathered ears set on just above eye level with earrings and scissor bite. Pleasing angulation front and rear but can stand a little untidy in front. Moves out well on the go around, true when going away and ok coming towards.

2. Purser’s Twybrook Charming Prince. 3 yr old out of a larger mould and somewhat longer cast. Muscular neck of moderate length, firm through the topline, well sprung ribs, more length to loin, slightly sloping croup and tail set and carried correctly. Well proportioned head with pleasing expression; very good eyes, well feathered ears of correct set and with desired earrings, good blaze, nice dark pigmentation and scissor bite. Well constructed all through and stands straight in front with a good forechest. Gaiting freely fore and aft and also pleased when viewed in profile.

OD (4,2)

1. Wallis’ Gladsheim Veritas. Two top quality males competed here, both super examples of the breed and a credit to their owners. This 4 yr old was my winner, presented in excellent coat and condition, so very well handled and a delight to go over. I thought him so correct for overall type and he presented a super outline with muscular neck of correct length to give balance, firm through the topline, first class ribbing, slightly sloping croup and well feathered tail just right for both set and carriage. I thought his head and expression something special; correct skull which is proportionate in length to that of muzzle, he has the best of eyes, well feathered ears of correct set, dark pigmentation and scissor bite. Excellent layback of shoulder and return of upper arm, straight forelegs, correct feet and firm, muscular hindquarters with hocks well let down. Most impressive profile action and self carriage and shows himself off at all times. Super coat and markings. CC, his 3rd I was informed and also my choice for Best in Show.

2. Davies’ Millhanger Kemboy. 6 yr old who was also a pleasure to get hands on. Totally balanced and pleasing for size and so very well handled. Moderate length of neck, firm level topline, good depth to brisket, correct ribbing which extends well back, muscular loin, slight slope to croup and tail pleased for both set and carriage. Quality head and expression; good skull to muzzle proportions, almond-shaped eyes of good colour, well feathered ears with earrings, darkly pigmented and correct dentition. Well made both front and rear and he stands well naturally and has correct feet. When gaiting, he moved freely all through and carries himself well but winner just had the edge overall. Good quality coat and well marked. RCC.

VD (4,0)

1. Williams’ Cairnbraid Onwaba Lukimba of Gladsheim VW. Quality lad of 10 yrs who very much appealed. He is so well balanced and each part flows smoothly into the next. Excellent neck, firm topline, good depth to chest, correct ribbing, muscular loin, slightly sloping croup and well feathered tail of good set and carriage. Head of correct proportions, excellent skull, ears set on just above eye level with earrings, almond-shaped eyes and correct dentition. Soundly constructed all through and he stands true in front on correct feet and also pleased for forechest. Gaiting freely on the down and back and opens up well on the go around too with such good carriage. Best Veteran Dog.

2. Guy’s Gladsheim Eleodoro at Kerelkoor. This 8 yr old is another good one and he shows himself off fully at all times. He presented a pleasing outline with correct length of neck to give balance, nice and firm in topline, ribbing extends well back, slightly slope to croup and tail of acceptable carriage. Head of good proportions but quite different in expression to winner; very good eyes, well feathered ears with earrings, nice dark pigmentation and scissor bite. Pleasing angles front and rear and standing on super feet. Moves out well when viewed in profile but winner just went that bit better.

3. Whitehead’s Gladsheim Helios

SBD (2,0)

1. Harvey’s Kerfkooiker Gynn. 2 yr old who appealed for overall type and is very well balanced. He has a super neck, is firm through the topline, good depth to chest, correct ribbing and slight slope to croup. Nicely balanced headpiece with super expressive eyes, well feathered ears of correct set with desired earrings, dark pigmentation and scissor bite. Pleasing angulation both ends, elbows could be a tad closer to the chest but he stands well on excellent feet. Opened up nicely on the go around and carries himself well. Good coat. Very well handled. Best Special Beginners in Show.

2. Forkert-Smith’s Taighmuilne Charaid

JB (2,0)

1. Williams’ Gladsheim Phoenix Rising. Two 14 mth old litter sisters challenged here. This girl came out on top and for me she won with some room to spare. She presented a pleasing outline with medium length of neck, firm level topline, good depth to chest, ribbing well sprung, muscular loin, slightly sloping croup and tail good for set and carriage. Feminine head of pleasing proportions, expressive eyes, ears of correct set with earrings and scissor bite. She stands well naturally in front and has very good feet. One the down and back, she is pretty good coming towards and has excellent rear action. Distinct patches of orange-red on a pure white background.

2. Johnson’s Gladsheim Storm Chaser of Valleyrise. Feminine throughout, this youngster has a touch more length to her and therefore presents a differing outline. Excellent neck, firm topline, ribbing carried well back, pleasing rib and tail carriage. Nicely proportioned head with feminine expression, super eyes for shape and colour, well feathered ears of correct set with earrings, good blaze and dark pigmentation. She has correct feet but could stand tidier in front. When gaiting, she has a lovely length of stride and carries herself well. Some ticking evident.

GB (1,0)

1. Gutteridge’s Twybrook Rotkappchen of Geduld. 2 yr old who was very well handled here. Balanced in outline with muscular neck, nice and firm in topline, good depth to brisket and well feathered tail of good length with acceptable carriage. Super head with feminine expression; skull and muzzle of approximately equal length, clearly visible stop, excellent eye and ear, well pigmented and correct dentition. Standing straight in front on very good feet and elbows close to the body. Gaiting freely on the down and back but would have liked to see her open up a touch more on the go around, however she carries her head high. Good coat and presentation.

PGB (4,1)

1. Jones’ Gladsheim Savanna at Maplecoombe. I felt this was a rather varied class with three quite different bitches competing. This 4 yr old comfortably took the first spot, pleasing for overall type and outline. Muscular neck of moderate length, firm level back, well sprung ribs, good depth to chest, slight slope to croup and tail pleased for set and carriage. Feminine headpiece of good proportions, super expressive eyes, ears set on as they should be and with earrings and correct scissor bite. Pleasing angulation front and rear but toes out a tad and would like to see more forechest development. She moves out with good length of stride and also pleased on the down and back. Coat could be better.

2. Mar-Gerrison’s Valkira Whispering Hope. 3 yr old out of a smaller mould but she is well proportioned in outline with neck of moderate length, level topline, correct croup and tail set. Feminine head and expression with dark, almond-shaped eyes, well feathered ears with earrings and correct dentition but she has a touch more stop than preferred. Standing on correct feet and moving well on the go around. Well distributed patches of orange-red on a pure white background.

3. Cambridge’s Mooiekoois Dolly Dodge

LB (4,1)

1. Stewart’s Twybrook Sweet Princess RL1 Ex. This 3 yr old caught my eye straight away in this class, appealing for type, feminine throughout and very well balanced. She has a super neck, is nice and firm through the topline, good depth to chest, well sprung ribs, muscular loin, slightly sloping croup and tail pleased for set and carriage. Attractive, well proportioned head, correct skull, excellent eye and ear and scissor bite. Shoulders well laid, straight forelegs, good forechest and muscular hindquarters with well let down hocks. Pleasing action all through and very good carriage. Good colour and markings.

2. Jones’ Valleyrise Inspiration at Maplecoombe. 6 yr old who is also feminine but quite different in overall type to the winner. She has a pleasing length of neck, firm level back, brisket reaches the elbows, slight slope to croup and tail correct for both set and carriage. Good skull to muzzle proportions but skull a little more curved than the ideal, super expressive eyes, well feathered ears with desired earrings and scissor bite with good sized teeth. Pleasing angles both ends and standing on good feet. Moves out on the go around but could be tidier coming towards. Well handled.

3. Cambridge’s Mooiekoois Dolly Dodge

OB (3,0)

1. Johnson’s Ch Valleyrise Illustration. 6 yr old who is right out of the top drawer and was a delight to go over. Totally feminine, she presented a super outline with correct length of neck to balance, firm through the topline, excellent ribbing, good depth to chest, slightly sloping croup and well feathered tail which is correct for set and carriage. First class head and expression; well proportioned with correct skull, dark almond-shaped eyes, ears correct for set with earrings and scissor bite. Of sound construction both ends and she stands nice and straight in front on correct feet and also pleased in forechest. When gaiting, she moves out with a good length of stride and also pleased when coming and going. Shown in excellent coat and condition and very well handled to take the CC and Reserve Best in Show.

2. Stewart’s Int/Ned/Lux Ch Qunack’s Favor Light for Twybrook (Imp Nld) W’24 RL2 Ex. This 5 yr old was another who pleased for balance and outline with muscular neck of medium length, level back, good length to ribcage and ribbing well sprung, correct croup and tail pleasing for both set and carriage. Well proportioned head with feminine expression; correct stop, dark eyes of correct shape, ears set on just above level of the eyes and well feathered and correct dentition, however overall expression of winner had the edge for me. She has good angles front and rear and stands true on correct feet. Moving out freely when viewed in profile and with good carriage.

3. Mar-Gerrison’s Gladsheim Willow at Valkira

VB (3,0)

1. Williams’ Daniella Vom Thyrowberg to Gladsheim ShCM VW. I am pretty sure I have done all these girls very well in the past and what a credit they all are to their owners. This 13 yr old came out on top on the day and she certainly belies her age and was shown here in super coat and muscle-tone. Full of femininity, she was so good hands on and appealed for size and outline. She has a super neck, pleasing topline, brisket reaches the elbows, well sprung ribs, muscular loin, slightly sloping croup and tail just right for set and carriage. Just loved her head and expression; good skull to muzzle proportions, dark almond-shaped eyes, well feathered ears of correct set, nice dark pigmentation and good dentition. Soundly built both front and rear and stands true in front on good feet. On the moves, she opened up well on the go around and showed herself off to advantage. RCC and Best Veteran in Show.

2. Guy’s Cirtaps Prinses Bynton Ida Rose MK (Imp Swe). This 11 yr old also appealed but she is quite different to the winner. Balanced in outline with correct length of neck, firm in topline, well sprung ribs, good depth to chest, correct croup and tail good for length, set and carriage. Feminine headpiece with a super expression; correct skull, excellent eye and ear, muzzle proportionate in length to that of skull and scissor bite. Nice layback of shoulder and good return of upper arm, straight forelegs, good feet and muscular hindquarters. Showing good extension in front and with plenty of drive from the rear. Very well handled.

3. Johnson’s Sensation Vom Tempelkooi of Valleyrise VW

SBB (2,1)

1. Folan Murphy’s Mooiekooi’s Dizzy Delta. 2 yr old at the lower end of the standard height-wise and presenting a nearly square outline. Moderate length to neck, level topline, ribbing carried well back and well feathered tail of pleasing carriage. Feminine head and expression with dark eyes of correct shape, ears set on just above eye level and with desired earrings and correct dentition. She stands on good feet but elbows could be held closer to the ribcage and would like to see a tad more forechest. Moving out with moderate length of stride.

Judge: Tim Ball