Bournemouth Canine Association

Bournemouth General Championship Show 2025

Utility Group

From a pleasing line-up, I made a cut of eight dogs for further consideration, the Akita, Bevis, Corr & Venezia’s Ch Stecal’s All Guns Blazing, the Boston Terrier, Quick’s Multi Ch Primo Cavaliere Goffredo at Havance (Imp Ita), the Japanese Shiba Inu, Dunhill-Hall’s Ch Vormund Xmas Bonus, the Miniature Schnauzer, Lowton-Humphries’ Lumillion Crazy In Love, the Miniature Poodle, Lee-Morris’ Ch Michandy It’s Showtime at Pupstar JW, the Standard Poodle, Pine-Haynes & Harris’ Vicmar’s Press Play, the Shih Tzu, Howard’s Ch Tameron Mr Penhaligon’s and the Tibetan Terrier, Marley’s Myrlea Just An Illusion JW.

For Group 1 I couldn’t see past the outstanding Akita. This 3 yr old dog was bang on form and handled to perfection. All male, excelling for bone and presenting a beautifully balanced outline with muscular, crested neck which blends smoothly into well laid shoulders, firm level back, super ribbing, well-muscled loin and curled tail set on high. First class head and expression with broad, flat skull, almond-shaped eyes, ears just right for size and set, breadth to muzzle and correct dentition. Standing true in front on the very best of feet and firm, muscular hindquarters. On the go around, he held my attention with his powerful, yet seemingly effortless action and self-assured carriage. I was thrilled to see him go on to take Best in Show under Martin Sanders; thoroughly well deserved.

My choice for Group 2 was the exciting Shih Tzu youngster. Just 15 mths old, this pale gold/white dog ticked all the boxes for me; sturdily built and so good hands on. Excellent neck of correct length to give balance, firm through the topline, well sprung ribs which extends well back, muscular loin and tail spot on for set and carriage. I adored his head and expression; breadth to skull, super eyes set well apart, square muzzle of correct length, well open nostrils and good width to underjaw. Soundly constructed both front and rear and his movement and carriage are a delight to behold. To complete the picture he was beautifully presented.

Coming into the third spot was the Boston Terrier. A 2 yr old dog of great quality, presented with firm, hard muscle-tone and another who was so good to go over. I thought him an excellent type, correct for size and he was so good in outline with slightly arched neck, short firm back, first class ribbing, excellent couplings and rump curving as it should to low set tail. Super headed lad with square skull, flat cheeks, excellent eye and ear, pleasing width to muzzle and good underjaw. Correct angles both ends and he stands nice and straight in front on compact feet and with good width to chest. Gaiting cleanly on the down and back and with such good carriage.

Finally, my Group 4 was found in the 2 yr old black Miniature Poodle dog. Another who was full of quality and with the desired elegance of the breed, excelling in outline with a good length of neck, lovely short back, ribbing extending well back, short in the couplings, firm croup and tail good for both set and carriage. Masculine headpiece with dark expressive eyes, clean through the cheeks, leathers correct for length and set, well defined chin and scissor bite. Excellent lay of shoulder and firm, muscular hindquarters with well bent stifles. When gaiting, he is accurate on the down and back and opens up well on the go around with superb carriage. Quality coat of excellent texture, first class presentation and so very well handled.

Judge: Tim Ball