Carluke & District Canine Society

Carluke & District Canine Premier Open Show - Saturday 20 December 2025

Utility breeds; Group & AVs; Flatcoated Retrievers; Adult Handling

My thanks to the Carluke committee for the invitation to judge at their Christmas Premier show. It was very well attended and had a super atmosphere.

Thank you to my lovely stewards, Gillian Fewster (Gundogs) and Elaine Newton (Utility) for their company, efficiency and good humour. Lastly thank you to the exhibitors for supporting my appointment and braving the cold to give me the most enjoyable day with super dogs.

Flatcoated Retriever Graduate (5,3)

1st Mackessack-Leitch’s BADCALL MIDWINTER DREAM AT INCHSTELLIE 17-month-old bitch. Nicely moulded head, of good proportions and with kind expression. Correct bite. Typical racey outline and tail carried straight off her back. Correct body proportions and okay for bone. Balanced angles front & rear ensured she moved out with purpose and retained a strong level topline.

2nd McConnell’s THURWITT BLACK JACK AT TORRWEAVING. Loved this 10-month-old lad for breed type. Strong level back with good tail. Well off for bone. Fills the eye and presents a most pleasing outline standing and on the move. Clean neck into good body. Nicely moulded head, dark eyes and neat ears. Decided to clown about on the move which ultimately cost him the class today; a lovely boy he surely has a bright future. BPIB

Flatcoated Retriever open (5,2)

1st Hall’s HIGHTYNE NIGHT TRAIN. 2-years-old very handsome dog of good size with excellent bone. Nicely moulded head with kind dark eyes well shaped and placed, neat ears. Good neck into correct front assembly, good depth of chest with gradual spring of rib and short coupled. Exuding happy Flatcoat temperament wagging the whole time. Thoroughly sound on the move demonstrating a free flowing gait from all angles. A real quality dog. BOB

2nd Mackessack-Leitch’s FINHAMSPRIDE KIA AT INCHSTELLIE. 4.5-year-old bitch of nice type and another that was exuding Flatcoat charm. Racier in appearance than 1 with enough bone for size. Pretty moulded head. Moved well on side gait, though lifting her front legs and carrying her tail slightly higher than ideal.

Akita Open (3,1)

1st Hunter, Allen & Hunter’s SHANABURN ABOUT DAMN TIME AT CASAKURA 2.5-year-old well proportioned bitch of nice type. Matching angles front and rear allowing a purposeful powerful movement. Nicely proportioned head, well shaped and placed eye and good ears. Well handled and presented in good condition. BOB

2nd O’Neill’s IR CH GEILSAVEN SINGIN ‘N’ DANCIN Large 19-month-old male, presenting an imposing picture. Strong masculine head of good proportions, excellent dark eye, good ears and strong neck into firm well proportioned body, good tail. He covered the ground with a powerful sidegait, clean coming towards, slightly close away. RBOB

3rd Hunter & Allen’s WHITEWREATH CASHMERE CASAKURA

Boston Terrier PG (1,0)

1st Connell & Neilson’s GLENAULD MANHATTEN VIA BORESTONE. 13-month-old male. Good for size with correct bone. Positive front movement, good side gait though not as positive on rear today. Well proportioned head. Okay in body, would prefer a touch more elegance. RBOB

Boston Terrier Open (4,2)

1st Harkin’s CH KIARZO SIDE BY SIDE JW. 2-year-old male full of breed type. Well proportioned body, presenting a pleasing outline stood and on the move. Nice head proportions with adequate under jaw, good brow and furrow, well set & shaped ears, correct eyes. Good for bone whilst retaining elegance. Moved out soundly from all angles showing power and grace. BOB

2nd Cox, Cox & Cox’s RUCIONA MOR’DU THE BRAVE HALLOXWISHES. 6.5-year-old male. Of very different type to both my class winners. Very cobby and heavy in head. Bone proportionate to size. Well handled and moved okay.

Japanese Shiba Inu Limit (2,1)

1st Best-Rawling’s NATSUMIHIME GO RYUKYU URUMA AT TRIXWOOD (imp Jpn). 16-month-old Black and Tan bitch with required urajiro markings. Lovely breed type. Well proportioned in body presenting desired outline, well set tail. Good for bone and neat feet. Balanced wedge shaped developing head, good eyes and ears well set. Moved out well, just couldn’t quite match that of her kennelmate in the challenge. RBOB

Japanese Shiba Inu Open (3,1)

1st Best-Rawling’s TAPENA NO RYUU TOMODACHI AT TRIXWOOD SHCEX. Almost 4-year-old red male with required urajiro markings. Well constructed sturdy lad, with well proportioned body, muscular neck and good tail and good feet. Masculine head of correct proportions with well developed cheeks, correct size and shaped dark eyes, small triangular ears inclining forward. Moved soundly demonstrating a purposeful and energetic sidegait. BOB

Toy Poodle (1,0)

1st Tollin’s LAUNIX RISING FROM THE ASHES. 6-month-old male. A delightful little showman with an outgoing personality, wagging his tail throughout, just not quite 100% confident on the table at the moment. Nicely proportioned head, with good foreface and evident chiselling, lovely dark eye all combining to give a pleasing expression. Well made body with balanced angles front and rear, he covered the ground with ease moving positively to fro and on the sidegait. BPIB & RBOB & PG4

Toy Poodle Open (4,2)

1st Grant & Murphy’s SILVORA AMORECANO. A really stunning bitch of almost 3-years-old. Immaculately presented in full black coat. Underneath she has a well proportioned body with good neck, and correct front and rear assembly. Her tail is well set and carried. Very pretty in head, with nice chiselling and a balanced foreface with decent chin, good dark eyes with intelligent expression. Moved out soundly from all angles. Another very happy showgirl with her tail wagging constantly. BOB

2nd Tollin’s DORIAN GRAY’s ACE UP MY SLEEVE (IMP DEU) 3-years-old bitch of nice type, presented in first class coat and condition. Good overall body proportions and with good bone. Pretty head of good balance, good chin with enough chiselling and nice eyes. Moved typically but couldn’t match the front of 1 today. Tail carriage not ideal. Sympathetically handled to show of her virtues.

Miniature Poodle Open (3,0)

1st Hunter & Murphy’s SILVORA CRISTAL STAR Glamorous black male of 2-years-old, I judged as a puppy and found him exciting back then. He has a stunning headpiece, good chiselling, beautiful eye, balanced foreface, and good chin. He really pleases the eye. Absolutely immaculate on the stand, so balanced in body, with good feet and correct front and rear assembly which he uses to advantage on the move with grace - so sound and light with plenty of drive. Presented in full coat and tip top condition. A real quality dog that refuses to be ignored; topping the hugely competitive Utility Group. I later discovered he recently gained his crown, I am not surprised. BOB & UG1

2nd Watt’s DORIAN GRAYS KISSING COUSIN AT ANGELANDS (imp deu). Silver 6-years-old quality male, with lots to like. Lovely shape and size with good bone. He has a pleasing head of good proportions, adequate chiselling and expressive dark eyes. He moved out soundly, with a typical action, good head carriage and retaining his topline. A lovely dog of good type, just unlucky to come up against 1st. RBOB

Dalmatian Post Graduate (8,2)

1st Christie’s SOPHSPOT WILD CHILD. 10-month-old black spotted bitch, chock full of personality. So balanced in body, nicely arched neck, well sprung ribbing, depth to chest and strength in loin, nicely boned with decent feet. Strong level back, correct front and rear assembly. Very pretty feminine head of good proportions and balance, with lovely eyes showing a mischievous glint. Very elegant standing and on the move, which she did soundly and freely. Presented in good condition. BPIB & RBOB

2nd Pratt’s LYNDALLA BAIL ME OUT. 20-month-old liver spotted male. Nice breed type. Nicely balanced in body showing strength without being overdone. Nicely ribbed with short strong loin, strong level back. Balanced masculine head of good proportions and correct eye. Good bone for size. Moved out with a powerful rhythmic action and overall a lovely dog. Just preferred the more outgoing personality of the youngster.

Dalmatian Open (8,4)

1st Valentine’s DVOJICA FIZZY POP 2.5-years-old. Quality bitch of excellent breed type with lovely black spotting. Absolutely in tune with her handler and schooled to advantage. On the stand she presents a most elegant and pleasing outline without any hint of weakness, nicely arched neck, excellent in body, strong level back, good bone and lovely feet. Very pretty balanced head with beautiful eyes and good ears. Shown in super condition she covered the ground with ease and balance. BOB

2nd Pratt’s LYNDALLA BELLE OF THE BALL 20-month-old liver spotted bitch, litter sister to 2nd in PG and many of the same comments apply. She is well balanced with nicely arched neck and good bone. Has a feminine head of good balance with correct eyes and ears. She moved well and did enough to secure this placing but despite her kind handlers efforts she wasn’t always making the best account of herself - I think due to the cold. Overall a nice bitch of good type.

Keeshond Post Grad (2,0)

1st Parker’s PEEDIEPIES HEIDI FARA almost 3-years-old bitch of nice breed type. Balanced wedge shaped head of good proportions, with pleasing expressive eyes and spectacle markings. Good ears. Correct body proportions, well angled front and rear allowing her to move out with a sound balanced action. Presented in lovely full coat. RBOB

2nd Craig’s FLATMEER FLEUR’S DELAY. 10-month-old bitch. A lovely youngster with plenty of character. She has a wedge shaped head with good markings. Would prefer a slightly smaller ear. Nicely boned on good feet she presents a pleasing shape. At one with her handler and moved well when settled. BPIB

Keeshond Open (1,0)

1st Gates and Gates’ CH WINKLESTAR ALSEPHINA VIA LACETROM JW 3-years-old bitch. Stunning bitch; this girl really fills the eye and is presented in first class condition with fantastic correct coat and excellent muscle tone. She presents a most pleasing balanced outline, has good bone and lovely neat feet and a super tail. Pretty balanced head with textbook markings and beautiful eyes and neat ears. On the move she excels - so clean and brisk from all directions. Love her. BOB; UG2

AVNSC Post Graduate (4,2)

1st Pike & Woods’ PENBRO SEIZE THE DAY AT EIVISAH. 8-month-old Miniature Schnauzer dog. A real quality youngster that caught my eye straight away. Immaculately presented and handled to advantage. He has a well proportioned body, good length of neck, and well set tail, well boned with good feet. On the move he carried himself with an air of arrogance covering the ground with reach and drive. RES BAVNSC & BEST AVNSC PUPPY & PG1

2nd Whyte’s NUJAX STORM A BREWIN. Not quite 3-years-old male Miniature Schnauzer. Very handsome lad, unlucky to meet 1st in such fine form. A nice type, presenting a pleasing square outline, has good bone and a firm topline. Moved well RBOB

AVNSC Open (6,3)

1st Todd’s CH WITCHGAIT TOASTED CHEESE JW SHCEX OSW. Shar Pei. Not quite 4-years-old male of such obvious quality that he cannot be overlooked. He is so typical, good for size, compact with a strong masculine head of desired breed proportions, lovely bone and good substance. He is so well schooled and handled to advantage and moves effortlessly with a clean, vigorous action. As his many titles indicate he is a very accomplished show dog and deservedly so. BAVNSC & UG3

2nd Paterson’s CICISCHOWS MISS SCARLET. 7-month-old Chow Chow bitch. Lovely proportioned puppy, short and compact, nice for bone with neat feet. Correct front and rear assembly with balanced angles front and rear, allowing her to move soundly with required short striding action.

3rd Stephen’s KAMARRI STEP AHEAD

Utility Group

This was an incredible group, absolutely full of quality and I was spoilt for choice. Easily one of the best groups I have judged in Scotland. My sincere thanks to the exhibitors for bringing along such great quality dogs for me to enjoy.

1 Miniature Poodle. Hunter & Murphy’s SILVORA CRISTAL STAR

2 Keeshond. Gates and Gates’ CH WINKLESTAR ALSEPHINA VIA LACETROM

3 Shar Pei. Todd’s CH WITCHGAIT TOASTED CHEESE JW SHCEX OSW

4 Boston Terrier. Harkin’s CH KIARZO SIDE BY SIDE JW.

Utility Puppy Group

1 Miniature Schnauzer. Pike & Woods’ PENBRO SEIZE THE DAY AT EIVISAH

2 Dalmatian. Christie’s SOPHSPOT WILD CHILD

3 Lhasa Apso. Logan’s SPYANKI NOAH NUTHER BOY

4 Toy Poodle. Tollin’s LAUNIX RISING FROM THE ASHES

AV Utility Veteran (7,6)

1st Adams’ CH BALGAY OKURIMONO SHCEX Just 7-year-old bitch. Stunning breed type. Most typical head of good proportions, with nice cushioning and good chin depth and width. Dark expressive eyes of good set and shape. Neat well shaped and placed ears. Excellent overall balance, good spring of rib and level topline. On the move she sailed around ring with a quick positive action. Stood alone in this class but thoroughly deserving of it and I was delighted to see her later crowned RBVIS

AV Utility Junior (24, 12)

This was quite a class; I was spoiled for choice, some very exciting youngsters! Thank you all for staying on for the class especially as it was so cold.

1st Duncan’s SUSU APPLEBY EVER AFTER JW. Tibetan Spaniel. A very promising young lad of lovely breed type. He has a balanced masculine head of good proportions, good cushioning and required width and depth to chin. He has well placed dark eyes, well set ears of good size, all combining to a pleasing expression. Nicely made in body, he was presented in good coat and condition. Moved with a typical action and was at one with his handler.

2nd Logan’s SPYANKI NOAH NUTHER BOY 8-month-old male. Gold Lhasa Apso, held his own in this competitive class. Full of character he has a handsome head of good balance, dark eyes and good pigmentation. Firm level back and body of good proportions. He was a picture standing and on the move covered the ground freely with typical jaunty action.

3rd King’s KARAMYST SHOWSTOPPER JW Tibetan Terrier

AV Utility Champion (9, 4)

1st Keenan’s CH CHELMBULL RETURN OF THE MAC AT NERROS. Almost 3-year-old male Boston Terrier of great quality that demands your attention. Excellent breed type who appeals for size, shape and overall balance. He has a well balanced masculine head, good skull, clean cheeks with width to muzzle and enough underjaw. On the stand he presents a pleasing almost square outline, with enough neck, a level topline and strong body without heaviness. Moved typically with a sure-footed action. Delighted to see him awarded Reserve Best Champion in Show.

2nd Gates and Gates’ CH WINKLESTAR ALSEPHINA VIA LACETROM

3rd Adams’ CH BALGAY OKURIMONO SHCEX

Adult handling classes

It has been encouraging to see the growth of competitive adult handling in the UK over the last 20+years and with it an exhibitor’s greater appreciation of how their own presentation and handling forms part of the complete package of a skilled show team.

Today I was looking for a smart team, in sync with each other with a genuine rapport and understanding of one another. I chose to test skills like showing teeth (an important 'life skill); handler awareness of how their dog is stood (moving a leg on the stand); and used standard ring patterns. A couple of handlers broke the 'golden rule' - although this did not affect the overall placing today, on another day, in different competition this could have become a deciding factor, so I would encourage all to add that to your knowledge bank.

Adult Handling 25-49yrs

This was a hugely competitive class with worthy handlers having to leave the ring empty handed; I do hope none are too discouraged and instead use this to drive your motivation to hone your craft further.

1st Erin Logie handling a Large Munsterlander. A very accomplished handler that has grown up in the dog world; today Erin knew exactly what she had to do - clean, slick, proficient. She used the large ring to her advantage to really get her dog moving out purposefully, the two together completing a seamless picture. On the stack she had her dog stood to perfection, keeping an eye on positioning and making minor adjustments in an unobtrusive way. Pattern work was tidy and flowing. Erin's timing was spot on meaning her dog was looking its absolute best at the key moments. The connection between this pairing was evident and the use of gentle vocal encouragement from Erin throughout was lovely to hear. Sympathetically handled throughout. Was pleased to award her Best Adult Handler and then later in agreement with my co-judge Best Handler in Show.

2nd Stacy Mason handling a Pointer. Another very talented handler Stacy was charged with an extremely buoyant and boisterous youngster today that at times was doing his best 'Tigger' impression. I was hugely impressed with Stacy's calm, composed, unflustered manner and the kind way she managed her dog, got 4-feet back on the floor and all with good humour. On the move they presented a most pleasing picture, gaiting at the correct pace and as one. Presentation of teeth was clean and unobstructed. On the stack she presented the dog and made sure he was the main attraction. Pushed Erin hard, just couldn't match her more polished performance on the day.

Adult Handling 50+yrs

Two very proficient, capable handlers with not a lot to separate them.

1st Dawn Simpson handling a Whippet. Smartly dressed to complement her dog, Dawn used the ring to show off movement and completed the pattern work neatly and accurately. On the table she was kind and showed the teeth nicely and cleanly. Throughout the class Dawn offered gentle vocal encouragement and kept her dog engaged.

2nd Agnes Murphy handling a Toy Poodle. Another lovely handler that completed all that was asked accurately, teeth shown cleanly and empathetically. Agnes used enough of the ring to demonstrate her dog’s sound efficient movement and her pattern work was good. Today I just felt that Dawn had a slightly neater performance overall.

Judge Lisa J. Moir