British Briard Club

THE BRITISH BRIARD CLUB Special Award Classes 19th JULY 2025

I was delighted to have been invited by the committee to judge the SAC’s at the B.B.C summer show. I have enjoyed watching Briards (in the back-ground) at shows for many years, and it was lovely to be able to assess several here today. It was a shame that the weather changed after having weeks of lavish sunshine, but being ardent dog show people, we coped with it! Thank you for your entries, and good luck with them going forward, as I know like many other breeds they are suffering with the ‘sign of the times’ that dog showing is now sadly portraying.

SAC A– Junior D/B (1)

1st: FOSTERBRIE PURE BINOCHE for BADGERHURST (Ryan)

A fawn bitch of 16 months, quite feminine and of promising type who presents with a good outline and frame for her size. Her head is balanced, with a correctly placed dark eye, well set ears, and gentle expression. Good length of neck, and lay back of shoulder, developing well in front, with good let down of rib and chest, level back, with a moderate slope to the croup, and the correct tail set. She is sufficiently angulated at the rear, and has the correct length of coat, and moved well showing good reach and drive.

SAC B – Post-Grad D/B (3-1)

1st: TOUSLEFELL IN A FLASH (Fosh)

Another fawn, approaching 6 years, who also appealed for her body ratios in length to height, although I would prefer a shade more reach of neck, to complete the ideal balance. Her head is nice, and is also equally balanced and she possesses an attentive expression, all from a dark eye, and good ear set and carriage. She has a decent front assembly, with a broad chest, and firm back. Her rear is also well angulated and her legs are strong with ample bone. She moved okay, but nearly lost her place here today due to her mindset when being assessed.

2nd: CHAVELL SECRET AFFAIR (AI) (Taylor & Back)

A darker fawn bitch of just over 2 years. She is smaller in build than one, and was not quite so balanced in body or settled on the move today. But she has a lovely nature, and was quite enjoying the day, despite the awful weather.

SAC C – Open D/B (8-4)

1st: Ch. BARRONOAKS ETTA BAGEL – Shcex (Webb)

A 4.5 years black bitch who’s quality and breed type took my eye when she entered the ring. She has a balanced head, rectangular in shape with a slightly rounded skull and square muzzle. Defined stop, and dark open horizontally placed eye, with correct ears, all producing a gentle, kind expression. Her head is carried proudly on a well arched neck, merging into laid back shoulders, a broad chest and good ribbing with a firm back, and slight slope to the croup. Hindquarters are very well angulated with strongly muscled thighs, and hocks. She carries a full coat of correct texture, if a little long in length, (but maybe the length comes with age and maturity?). Her young handler was in excellent control of her as she moved her round the ring, so I was able to see a supple effortless gait which was strong but firm, and very sound covering the ground smoothly with plenty of reach and drive.

2nd: Ch. JANDADE SHOOTING STAR to HARTSWELIN (JW) – (Coleman)

Black/Slate-Grey, coloured bitch approaching 8 years who also has the quality and type required of the breed. She also has a nice feminine outline and is balanced through. Her head is rectangular in shape, with a clearly defined stop. Large dark expressive eyes, and black nose. Good length of neck which carries her head proudly. She has a good front assembly, with deep chest, medium spring of rib, level back, and slight slope to the croup with correct tail set, and length. She stands well and on strong legs and feet, and moved positively showing a supple effortless gait.

3rCd: TANT MYSTIQUE de la CHAUME du BOIS DIEU to BADGERHURST (imp Fra)

Black bitch approaching 3 years, who presents with a feminine outline, and nicely balanced head features. Her body is developing and filling out nicely, showing good angulations fore and aft. She has the correct coat in texture and length. She moved okay, if a little unsettled due to a noise that occurred just as the class was being judged, and therefore very sympathetically handled.

4th: SHEZMO LADY MIDNA (Barber & Gaskin)

Almost 10 years black bitch. Slightly smaller in frame and size compared to the other exhibits. Her coat is dry and harsh textured, and she is in excellent condition for her age, still retaining good bone and substance. She moved okay, if a little leisurely now than the others, but still quite sound and steady.

JUDGE: Lisa Pettitt