Windsor Dog Show Society

Windsor Championship Dog Show, Thursday 26 June 2025

Golden Retrievers – Mr Wayne McGrath (Australia) -162 exhibits making 249 entries

I would like to thank the committee of the Windsor Dog Show Society for their much-appreciated invitation to judge at this prestigious show.  I was very happy to have a large entry of many beautiful Golden Retrievers to judge.  Thank you to all exhibitors who brought their dogs under me.  My decisions were well-received, and there was a nice atmosphere of congeniality around the ring.

I must comment on a couple of things that I found in judging that day.  Firstly, the bites on nearly all exhibits today were correct, so I did not mention bites in my critiqued exhibits.  Some exhibits were carrying excess weight, which is something to be mindful of.  Unfortunately, some dogs were lacking coat which did impact their placings on the day.  I was very pleased to see the dark pigment of nose and eyes in the majority of exhibits.  Most animals were well-presented and handled, with feet and tails trimmed neatly, and very little excessive trimming of necks.  Temperament and expressions of nearly all exhibits were very pleasing to see.  A handful of exhibits were spoiled by their movement, either not moving with any purpose or moving very close behind which makes me query whether they could do a full day’s work in the field. I realise the temperature may have been in the upper ranges at times for the exhibitors, but I also admit the ring grass was very dry and not completely even in surface.

All in all I had a great day and there were many classes where placings could have been easily reversed. There were other classes that were so strong I was sorry not to have more ribbons.

Unfortunately, after making the group, the Best of Breed winner had to withdraw.  Sadly these things happen, and I'm sure he would have represented our breed very well.

Wayne McGrath

Veteran Dog 6 entries, 1 Absent

1st    891 - Sh Ch/int/nld/dk/pol Ch Prince Charming Qdore of Labgold Jww18 (Mrs Pastusiak)

The first Golden at the show I had the pleasure to examine. I was impressed by this almost 8 year old boy’s overall construction. A well chiselled masculine head with good pigmentation. The overall balance of this boy was evident on both the stack and fluid movement. Level topline with correct tail set. Coat in good condition, tight feet well-presented and handled. Certainly in the mix for top honours.

2nd       868 - Lovissa Space Dust ShCM VW (Mrs M C & Mrs L Loverock & Waldron-Smith)

Another well-constructed gold male in good coat who moved soundly and with good reach and drive.  Pleasing expression with a balanced head. Not quite the clean outline of number 1 when stacked, and slightly longer coupling. However still a quality veteran at his age.

Minor Puppy Dog 5 entries,0 Absent

1st  782 - Louellabrook Atlantic Star with Sansue (Mrs S & Mrs H Birkin-Green & Gripton)

A pale young dog full of potential. Head displaying all the proportions of a masculine head with a balance between skull and muzzle. Dark pigment accentuated by light colour of his coat. Good reach of neck flowing into a level top line and correct tail set. Good front and rear angulation with a pleasing turn of stifle. Moved well with happy attitude.

2nd  803 - Lynste Dream Boy (ai) (Mrs L Davis)

A gold boy of 7 months with a lot to like at this age. Masculine head and good pigmentation. Strong angles front and rear with short hocks. Quality new coat with good texture coming through down his backbone. On the stack not quite the top line of 1 as he tended to roll off in croup at this stage. 

Puppy Dog 10 entries, 1 Absent

1st  881 - Oppenheimer Olgarchia JW (Imp Pol) (Mrs H & Mr G Morss & Monteverde)

A young dog with loads of potential when he matures in the future.  A pleasing expression with a balanced head.  Good reach of neck set on well laid-back blades. Well sprung ribs with good depth, level topline and correct tail set.  Moved well with good reach and drive, straight and true, and when coming to a halt, he stood four square completing an eye-catching package.

2nd  782 - Louellabrook Atlantic Star with Sansue (Mrs S & Mrs H Birkin-Green & Gripton)

Refer critique above

Junior Dog 12 entries, 0 Absent

1st  935 - Amilone Smokin Barrel at Salako (Mrs P & Mr K Wooden)

A moderate dog in all ways, no part of his structure is over exaggerated in any way.  His overall balance and flowing movement won him this class of quality dogs. Well-proportioned front and rear angles accentuated by short hocks. Coat of good texture and sufficient length.  This boy was presented well and handled professionally.

2nd  911 - Trewater Watson at Goldrealm (Mrs M & Mr N Taylor & Teague)

Another quality young dog. Masculine head with dark pigmentation, neck of sufficient length flowing into level topline. Good front angulation with legs set well under his withers. Not quite the depth of chest of number one, however he has plenty of time to develop and drop into himself. I did like his short coupling which meant his footfall was very precise on the move. A little east west on the stack.

Yearling Dog 11 entries, 3 Absent

1st  790 - Double Willow Quid Pro Quo (Mrs C Callegari)

A light gold dog solid in bone with straight forequarters standing on tight catlike feet. He stood four square with the appearance of strength and quality. On the move he held his very level topline using the power of his balanced well-angled fore and hind quarters. Deep well sprung ribs carried back to a strong loin. On the day lacking full coat and feathering on the flanks which gave him a cut up appearance, otherwise he would have been challenging for top honours.

2nd 806 - Altamont High Hopes (Mr C & Mrs F & Miss R Dyer & Appleyard-Dyer & Dyer)

Another beautifully presented dog who was well handled.  Skull and foreface in balance, and has tight eyes with good pigmentation and correct ear placement. Coat of good texture, level topline, moved out with deliberate and even gait. Good solid bone with deep ribcage. A close decision.

Novice Dog 14 entries, 1 Absent

1st  806 - Altamont High Hopes (Mr C & Mrs F & Miss R Dyer & Appleyard-Dyer & Dyer)

Refer critique above

2nd  931 - Aurgentious Dearov Im (Mrs P & Mr A Winsor-Williams & Williams)

A young dog that was lacking the maturity of number one.  Well-presented and handled, moved out well on the day. Masculine head with excellent pigmentation and dark eye. Tight feet with solid straight bone. Did tend to carry tail gay which can give the appearance of a high back end.

Graduate Dog 10 entries, 2 Absent

1st  920 - Wise King Tywin of Sunshine's Valley Bel/lux Jch (Mr V.d. Vincent)

A gold boy of 2 years who had the maturity of a much older dog. Shoulders well laid back with equal length of upper arm and blade. Well sprung ribs that carried well back to a strong loin.  Good length of neck that flowed into such a level topline.  His overall appearance was one of balance with no exaggeration. A very promising  young dog with a big future. 

2nd  806 - Altamont High Hopes (Mr C & Mrs F & Miss R Dyer & Appleyard-Dyer & Dyer)

Refer critique above

Post Graduate Dog 11 entries, 5 Absent

1st  831 - Wemcrest Out of This World JW (Miss A & Mr N Harris & Ball)  DCC and BOB

This 3 year old boy took my eye when he first entered the ring. He moved with confidence and ease covering the ground without rushing his gait. On examination, I found his structure of course was the reason for his ease of movement. Good front angulation with his front legs set well under withers. His deep well sprung ribcage continuing back to a strong loin. His whole body was in good proportion giving him the correct length of coupling for his height. Level topline, good width of second thigh, well bent stifle with well let down hocks. He has a masculine head with good chiselling under his dark brown eyes. I was pleased to award him top honours in the quality of his competition. 

2nd  861 - Silver Passion Glam Fashion at Nunsbrook JW (Imp Deu) (Miss J & Mr S Liggins & Hodges)

This cream boy really came up against tough competition today. A sound example of the breed with no overexaggeration in any part of his well-constructed body. Skull and foreface in balance and he has tight eyes and dark pigmentation contrasting with his light-coloured coat. Head set on a clean and muscular neck of good length. Level topline, well-balanced angles fore and aft, tail set and hindquarters completed a picture of balance and fit for purpose. His movement was not quite as fluid as number one on the day.

Mid Limit Dog 9 entries, 1 Absent

1st  783 - Bencoe Just in Time del Avrain JW Ir Jch (Mr I M & Mrs A Black)

A cream 3 year old boy in reasonable coat. Pleasant head and expression. Perfectly level topline, well-turned stifles with short hocks. Well angled front and hind quarters.  Moved steadily and with ease on the day. When stacked the appearance of strength and maturity, however just a touch long in body to contest top honours.

2nd  859 - Fairwinds in Space Man JW (Mrs S & Miss M Lewis)

Another 3 year old with lots to like. Balanced head on strong neck and forequarters. Masculine head with good pigment, ear set and eye placement.   Ribcage set well forward placing his legs well under his body. Good level topline, however lack of feathering under the loin gave him a tucked up look in the underline which tends to accentuate his longer frame. Still a beautifully presented dog that was handled to perfection. A close decision in the placings.

Limit Dog 6 entries, 1 Absent

1st 824 - Navilis Vivat Vivaldi JW (Imp Ukr) (Mrs J Gerhold)  RDCC

A solid boy with a kind masculine head and biddable expression. His well angled front assembly was in balance with the rear.  His very level topline which he maintained on the move was a feature that caught my eye.  There was nothing overdone about this almost 4-year-old boy. Everything was in proportion and he did use his structure to full advantage when on the move. His short coupling meant that footfall was almost perfect as well as covering the ground with reach and drive. Pleased to award him Reserve with some tough competition.

2nd  928 - Berrymeade Coeur Blimey at Busheyhall Sgwc Wgc (K J Williams)

A gold boy with a pleasing expression on a broad skull without coarseness. Deep well sprung ribs continuing back to longer but strong arched loins. His rear end was really a feature that stood out to me. The angulation of his hind quarters combined with the width of second thigh and his turn of stifle was a feature of his structure. His happy demeanour was evident as he moved around the ring with purpose, his tail was going the whole time he was in the ring.  A longer cast boy who didn’t quite have the balance of body of number 1. 

Open Dog 10 entries, 1 Absent

1st  917 - Wild Wild West of Sunshine's Valley (Mrs N Vermander)

A 3 year old who really moved around the ring with ease and at a good pace with reach and drive, worked so well with his handler, “the team” is what I look for.  Some of his attributes include masculine head of great balance, kind expression, dark pigmentation, clean flow of neck into level topline, correct angle of croup and well set on tail. His angles are matched front and back, lay of shoulder matched with equal length of upper arm. Well sprung ribs, strong loins, nice width of second thigh with low hocks. His attitude was biddable and happy. I would have liked to see him with all the furnishings to complete the picture as he looked a little long and “cut up” without a full coat.  He was in the mix for top honours.

2nd  816 - Ambersun Alive and Kicking (Mr G & Mrs T Foreman)

Another good specimen of the breed.  Almost 6 this boy was full of energy and vitality. He moved with purpose at a steady pace and appeared that he could keep it up all day. Again another masculine head without coarseness, dark pigmentation with correct eye shape and ear placement. Good reach of neck, spring of rib and level topline. I particularly took note of this boy’s coupling as he was just the right length for his height. In good coat with the underline matching topline.

 The open class was full of quality dogs and it was a pleasure to judge. 

Special Beginners Class 20 entries, 5 Absent

1st  806 - Altamont High Hopes (Mr C & Mrs F & Miss R Dyer & Appleyard-Dyer & Dyer)

Refer critique above

2nd  788 - Brazenbeacon Artemis (Dr L K Buckles)

A 13 month old girl with a very promising future. Lovely feminine head, pigmentation very dark contrasted against the honey gold coat. Good reach of neck, well sprung ribs, sufficient angles at this age, level topline. New coat just coming through. All in all a neat package with lots of potential.

Veteran Bitch 5 entries, 3 Absent

1st  801 - Sh Ch Quakerhall Pandora's Bounty JW (Mrs D S & Mrs R J Crookes & Jenkinson)  BCC. BOS, BVIS

This girl is in beautiful condition for a veteran. I must admit I am partial to a veteran who holds their age well and can move like a young one. This young lady was all such a deserving winner on the day. Her structure was all I am looking for, good length of neck flowing beautifully into a completely level topline, short coupling, with matching angles front and rear. She has cat like tight feet, well let down hocks, wide second thigh and that beautiful turn of stifle sets off a wonderful rear assembly.  She used her structure so well and economically on the move. Her movement just topped off the complete package. Congratulations to all concerned.

2nd  901 - Sh Ch Rojillair Evening Magic of Odarla JW (Mrs M Rodgers)

Another beautiful girl who didn’t show her 9 years of age. A solid bitch who was heavier than number 1.  She has good matching angles front and rear and her level topline is really striking.  Great head shape with good reach of neck. This girl has a rear assembly like the winner, good width of second thigh, nice turn of stifle with well let done hocks however didn’t move as well as the winner. 

Minor Puppy Bitch 8 entries, 2 Absent

1st  821 - Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace (Mrs L Furbank)

A cream 7 mouth old well-constructed young girl. Feminine head with balanced proportions, dark pigment. Strong straight front with good bone, good lay of shoulder and equal length of blade and upper arm.  Level topline with good tailset and well-turned stifles. Her movement was very adequate for a young puppy. Coat coming on well and she looked a picture on the day. Everything about this fine example of the breed was what I am looking for in a young bitch, what a promising show career she has ahead of her.

2nd  867 - Lovissa Seeing Stars (Mrs M C & Mrs L Loverock & Waldron-Smith)

Another 7 month old of honey gold in colour. Not quite the coat or maturity of number 1 but still nicely constructed. Good length of neck and well angled front assembly. Straight strong bone up front with tight feet. Another girl with an exceptional level topline and tail set. Again she moved out well for a puppy of this age.

Puppy Bitch 10 entries, 1 Absent

1st  821 - Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace (Mrs L Furbank)

Refer critique above

2nd  867 - Lovissa Seeing Stars (Mrs M C & Mrs L Loverock & Waldron-Smith)

Refer critique above

Junior Bitch 6 entries, 1 Absent

1st  788 - Brazenbeacon Artemis (Dr L K Buckles)

Refer critique above

2nd  884 - Cadwst Song of Spring (Mrs V J Nelson)

A nicely constructed young 13 month old light gold girl. Dark pigment with a pleasing expression. Moderate angles both fore and aft, deep chest with ribcage carrying well back to strong well arched loins. Moved out well and seemed to be happy on her day out.

Yearling Bitch 11 entries, 4 Absent

1st  852 Ashbyglen I Put A Spell On You JW (Mrs King)

Quite a feminine bitch with good length of leg underneath giving her the balance in body. Strong in body which was evident when she moved with good reach and drive. I was taken with this girl’s front assembly, as her good front angles placed her legs well under the withers.  Strong hind quarters as well gave her the drive in her movement. Tail set correct, blending well into her topline. and ribs deep through with well sprung ribs giving her the lung and heart room needed for field work.

2nd  788 - Brazenbeacon Artemis (Dr L K Buckles)

Refer critique above

Novice Bitch 14 entries, 1 Absent

1st  821 - Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace (Mrs L Furbank)

Refer critique above

2nd  933 - Aurgentious Ros An Gwel (Mrs P & Mr A Winsor-Williams & Williams)

This young 14 month old gold girl, like many other bitches of the day, had the such a beautiful level topline.  She had dark pigment and a kindly expression. While freestanding she showed her many attributes.  Her front and rear angles were excellent, combined with the good reach of neck giving her a strong symmetrical balance. Moved well with her handler and enjoyed her time in the ring. This was a very close decision between two promising young bitches.

Graduate Bitch 11 entries, 4 Absent

1st  829 - Tullochmohr Ray of Sunshine at Glynerva JW (Miss L A Harper)

Again another girl that fits the mould. Like so many others on the day, her structure was really typical of a well-constructed GR bitch.  Feminine head with gentle expression, clean neck flowing into the beautiful level topline, well-set tail on correct angle of croup. Chest of sufficient depth and spring, elbows tight, strong bone, well turned stifle and short hocks. Well angled front and back which she used to full advantage when moving with ease and purpose.  A  top quality 2 year old.

2nd  802 - Thornywait Royal Story for Quakerhall JW (Mrs D S & Mrs R J Crookes & Jenkinson)

Another quality 2 year old with good pigmentation, ear and eye shape. A solid and deep body with an overall appearance of strength. Good reach of neck, level topline and well angled front and back. Turn of stifle not quite that of number 1, but certainly acceptable. Moved with good reach and drive, straight when coming and going with a correct footfall. Well-presented and handled.

Post Graduate Bitch 11 entries, 4 Absent

1st  797 - Warrentor Nohkalikai JW (Miss K Clunie)

This 3 year old girl won the class on movement. A fit and athletic young girl who moved with a happy attitude, straight and true. Clean outline, well angled, straight topline with matching underline. Another feminine head with enough muzzle strength and under jaw. Well-presented and handled.

2nd  934 - Fleur So Sweet at Aurgentious (Mrs P & Mr A Winsor-Williams & Williams)

A slightly longer body than number one, however a frame of strength and depth throughout. She was handled well and gave her best in the ring on the move. Good topline with deep chest and good feathering gave the look of a substantial Golden that is built for work. Just one point when standing her, be mindful of the feet turning out. 

Mid Limit Bitch 8 entries, 1 Absent

1st  812 - Soneve Simply Special for Siatham JW (Mrs A E Falconer)  RBCC

This young lady was obviously pushing the point. All that I said about my BCC winner applies here as well. She, like the veteran, moved with a very easy and happy attitude. I thought her skull proportions were excellent and given the dark pigmentation it was just the head type I am looking for when judging. The front and rear angles were well balanced, and she used this to best advantage when covering the ground. When making the final decision maturity was in the veteran’s favour.

2nd  830 - Tullochmohr Shooting Star at Glynerva JW (Miss L A Harper)

The quality of the bitches just kept coming in my classes. This girl really met top opposition on this day. Another good mover with a great attitude. Again, a great head and expression, good pigmentation and length of neck. Body length was ideal for height, topline super with angles to match. Her movement not quite as fluid as Number 1 and in appearance not the furnishings of the winner today.

Limit Bitch 9 entries, 5 Absent

1st  818 - Ambersun Heart of Gold (Mr G & Mrs T Foreman)

A rich gold bitch in good coat with correct undercoat and texture. Like many of the exhibits today, the good length of neck flowing into a beautiful level topline was evident again. Pleasing to see croup and tail set required of the breed. Angulation of the rear slightly better than the front, however she used both to move fluently. A nice package.

2nd  785 - Sansue Love Note at Louellabrook (Mrs A L & Mr M L Brown)

A well-constructed cream girl with the same good points of neck and topline of Number 1.  Balanced angles front and rear with a good lay of shoulder. Deep chest with good spring of ribs. Strong loins and good width of second thigh. Her movement let her down today. 

Open Bitch 13 entries, 3 Absent

1st  866 - Sh Ch Thornywait Starstruck with Lovissa JW (Mrs M & Mrs L & Mrs S Loverock & Waldron Smith & Zubair)

A gold bitch of 3 ½ years. Beautifully presented and handled. Again that topline was so level on the stack and on the move. Speaking of movement, she moved out well with good reach and drive, and with her handler they formed a team in unison. Lovely feminine head and expression, with great balance between rear and front assemblies. Lacking full coat today and I would not over accentuate her length of neck by pulling her head too far forward on the stack.

2nd  800 - Sh Ch Quakerhall Flare by Pandora (Mrs D S & Mrs R J Crookes & Jenkinson)

Nearly 5 yrs old gold bitch who was very similar to Number 1 in many ways, and the decision was a close call. I liked her short coupling, topline, and shape.  Beautiful feminine bitch with loads of breed type. Well-presented and handled.  On the day she did not move as freely as number 1.