Taunton & District Canine Association

Taunton & District Canine Association Open Show

Sunday 15th June 2025

Tibetan Spaniel

Judge: Mrs Hailey McKnight

My sincere thanks to the show committee for the kind invitation to judge and for the warm hospitality extended to me throughout the show. It was both an honour and a pleasure to assess such a high-quality entry. I am deeply appreciative of the exhibitors for their support and for the sporting manner in which they accepted my decisions. Thank you also for the privilege of going over your dogs, it was a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.

TIBETAN SPANIEL

PUPPY

1st: Smith’s, LACORAL ANYA; a very eye-catching young bitch who immediately drew attention with her balanced, typical outline and confident ring presence. Lovely breed type with a feminine and refined, slightly domed head, dark expressive eyes, and well-set ears contributing to a soft, intelligent expression. Muzzle of correct length with good cushioning, excellent width and depth of chin and correct bite. Neck of good length, flowing into well-laid shoulders. Firm, level topline and well-sprung ribs developing as expected for her age. Moved with a light, brisk action, free and sound, demonstrating good reach and drive while consistently maintaining a balanced and harmonious outline. Shown in pristine condition, with a promising coat beginning to come through. A quality youngster full of promise. Delighted to award her BP.

2nd: Bevis’, LACORAL DUKE OF YORK AT STARLANCE; litter brother to the winner and another quality puppy, presenting a pleasing and balanced outline. Masculine head with good breadth of skull, well-set ears, and a muzzle of correct length, showing strong underjaw and superb pigmentation. Lovely ear fringing enhanced his true Tibetan expression. Strong neck into a level topline, held well on the move. Good bone and developing good depth of body. Well-angulated fore and aft contributing to steady, purposeful movement. Tail well-set and correctly carried. Shown in immaculate condition, with correct hare feet and overall very neat presentation.

GRADUATE

1st: Bevis’, SOUSKA TOUCH THE SKY OVER STARLANCE JW; a quality male with a balanced, harmonious outline and an assured presence. Masculine yet refined head, with a well-proportioned skull, moderate stop, and dark, well-shaped eyes giving a keen, intelligent expression. Ears correctly set with ample feathering, framing the head beautifully. Slight bow to front with well-laid shoulders, flowing into a strong, moderately long neck and a firm, level topline held consistently on the move. Mature, well-ribbed body with correct angulation fore and aft, allowing smooth, ground-covering movement with excellent reach and drive. A sound, well-made male of lovely breed type, showing great potential.

2nd: Smith’s, RICOX LOOK OUT COS HERE I COME WITH LACORAL; a feminine and elegant bitch with correctly proportioned head and slight dome to skull. Dark oval eyes and well-set ears contribute to a gentle, typical expression. Chin shows good width and depth with correct bite and a plush, well-cushioned muzzle of ideal length. Ears well-set and carried of correct size and shape. Compact, well-made frame with moderate bone and firm, level topline held well on the move. Excellent angulation fore and aft, providing balance and soundness. Good spring of rib, well-set tail, and shown in superb condition with a coat of correct texture and sufficient feathering, enhancing her elegant outline without excess.

LIMIT

1st: Smith’s, PURE SOUL LUCY’S SECRET AT LACORAL (IMP CZE); a striking male who impressed with his balanced outline and sound overall appearance. Well-constructed with moderate bone and a well-proportioned frame, presenting a firm, level topline both standing and on the move. He possesses an appealing, masculine head with dark, expressive eyes and well-set, correctly shaped ears. Correct bite with good width and depth to the chin completes a strong and typical head. Strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, complemented by a slight bow to the front. Good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. Moved with confidence and purpose, maintaining his flowing outline, with correct tail set and carriage. Shown in full coat and expertly handled to full advantage. Delighted to award him RBOB.

2nd: Emery’s, OLDCHARM SAVE MY LOVE; a masculine male without exaggeration, exuding a soft, gentle expression. Well-proportioned head of moderate width with a slight dome to the skull. Correctly shaped ears and dark, oval eyes contribute to a look that is both soft and unmistakably masculine. Moderate bone, supporting a compact and well-balanced frame, with well-laid shoulders, a firm topline, well-sprung ribs, and good angulation both fore and aft. Moved soundly with purposeful reach and drive, and was handled with skill, presented in excellent condition.

OPEN

1st: Hall’s, BALGAY SHAB TRA; an outstanding male who immediately captured attention with his exceptional breed type and commanding ring presence. Presented in pristine condition with a coat of excellent texture. Classic, well-balanced outline, underpinned by a masculine yet refined head typical for the breed. Broad skull with correct slight dome, complemented by dark, expressive eyes of ideal size and shape, enhanced by rich pigmentation. Well-cushioned muzzle, strong chin, and correct bite. Strong, moderate neck flowing cleanly into well-laid shoulders, leading to a firm, level topline and a slight bow to the front. Excellent angulation both fore and aft, supporting a deep, well-sprung ribcage, substantial chest, and a well-muscled loin. Correct tail set and carriage contribute to his overall structural balance. Light, effortless and fluid movement from all angles, exhibiting true front extension and powerful rear drive. Expertly handled and impeccably presented, this male exudes quality and true breed type, and it was a pleasure to award him BOB.

2nd: Smith’s, TIBBIESTARS TUTTI FRUTTI AT LACORAL JW; a beautifully elegant and thoroughly feminine bitch. Compact, well-proportioned outline, reflecting correct breed type and overall structural balance. Well-balanced head with skull and muzzle in pleasing proportion. Correct mouth with excellent width and depth of chin, contributing to an attractive and refined typical Tibetan expression. Ears of correct size and well-set. Well-constructed throughout demonstrating sound, purposeful movement with good reach in front and drive from behind. Super level and firm topline held steadily on the move, supported by a well-sprung ribcage. Tail well-plumed with correct set and carriage, which contributed to her graceful outline. Shown in excellent condition and a lovely representative of the breed. Pleased to award her BOS.