Bournemouth Canine Association

BOURNEMOUTH CANINE ASSOCIATION – CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW - 9TH AUGUST 2026 

FLATCOATED RETRIEVERS – JUDGE HILARY BUCKLEY

My sincere thanks to Bournemouth Canine Association for their invitation to judge Flatcoated Retrievers at their Championship show on 9th August 2026. It was an honour and a privilege to be given this opportunity to award my first set of tickets.

I would also like to express my particular thanks to my hardworking steward Sharron who worked tirelessly in the extremely challenging circumstances created by the recent heatwave. She was exceptionally well organised and ensured the ring ran smoothly throughout the day, allowing me to concentrate fully on my judging.

My grateful thanks also go to all the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to assess their dogs and who accepted my decisions in such a sporting manner. I was humbled to have such a good entry, particularly given the exceptionally hot conditions. In terms of my observations on the day, level bites appeared to be almost the norm, and a general lack of forechest. A number of exhibits lacked adequate muscle tone which was very disappointing to see. That said I was pleased with my winners and my BPIB was shortlisted in a well filled puppy group. As always our flatcoats were full of fun and enthusiasm and their love of life made me smile throughout the day.  

Temperatures rose steadily from early morning, reaching approximately 35 degrees by mid afternoon. I was extremely impressed by how well the Flatcoats coped with the heat – considerably better than us humans! The Flatcoat ring provided a good area in which to judge, however the hard, very uneven ground, and the heat of the day made conditions very challenging. Every effort was made to keep the dogs under cover and in the shade as much as possible and I was extremely grateful to everyone for their patience and cooperation throughout the day. What could have been an extremely difficult day was made so much easier by the positive attitude, good humour and sportsmanship of everyone. You rose admirably to the challenge and made it a very memorable occasion for me. 

Puppy Dog. Two promising youngsters in this class, both of differing types

1st. Llantrussa Hawk at Karaholme – Mrs R Teirling

Lovely 10 month old male, nicely balanced throughout and presenting a very pleasing overall picture. One piece head with almond shape eyes giving a lovely soft expression. Good length of neck flowing into correctly placed shoulders. Well boned with neat feet tight feet. Good rear angulation and well muscled for his age. Moved steadily and with drive and purpose. A promising young male. BPD

2nd. Braemist Chase the Ace at Samaria – Miss J Reading

11 month old lively male, full of enthusiasm and character. Nicely balanced and very pleasing overall. Excellent head with dark eyes giving a gentle expression. Good neck flowing into correctly angled shoulders. Good rear angulation and sufficient muscle for age. Moved enthusiastically with drive. Just lacking some of the maturity and finish of first place today but another very promising puppy with plenty of potential.

Junior Dog

1st. Touch of Power Black Brianna (Cze Imp) – Whittaker Mrs R,Mr N and Miss S

Lovely young dog and well balanced throughout. Pleasing head with dark correctly shaped almond eyes giving a soft expression. Neck of good length flowing into excellent front with well developed forechest. Loin short and hindquarters well muscled. Stood four square on neat feet with good bone. Moved straight and true maintaining a level topline on the move.

2nd. Flatcharm Mr Potato Head – Woodhams Mrs J and Mr S

Another quality boy with super head and correctly shaped eyes of good colour and gentle expression. Good length of neck and well constructed front and rear angulations Good bone and neat feet. Moved well but not quite the drive of first place today

3rd. Culcriff’s Ferntower Glen of Wetnoses – Salt Mrs M

Yearling Dog

1st Gemswin Raining Men - Jacob’s G & Taite C

A very promising male who is beautifully balanced throughout. Excellent one piece head with correct eye shape and colour giving a lovely kind expression. Very good front construction with good length of neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Good depth to chest ribs flat and short in loin. Good bone and tight feet. An excellent mover covering the ground straight and true with drive and enthusiasm. Should have a bright future.

2nd. Flaltcharm Bing a Ling at Shennanjay - Miss V Scaife

Another well balanced boy with a pleasing one piece head, good eye colour and shape Good overall construction with ribs flat and short loin. Not quite the depth of chest as first placing. Good hind angulations and a strong topline held on the move. Moved well throughout although he lacked the drive and animation of the first place today.

3rd Cladrift Make It Funky. JW – Mrs V Bowen

Reserve Touch of Power Black Brianna (Cze Imp)

Novice Dog

1st. Taranbeck Sorrel Rebel – Oxford Mrs S

Very pleasing well balanced liver dog of good substance. Attractive head with correct eye shape and excellent colour for liver giving a lovely soft expression. Good depth to chest, gradual spring of rib and short loin. Well muscled hindquarters. Would prefer tighter feet but he moved soundly with drive.

Novice Dog - continued

2nd Willowsend Countryman – Gale Mrs T and Miss C

A finer made dog than first place but nevertheless he was well balanced. Pleasing head with good eye shape and colour and ears neatly set. Neck flows well into correctly laid shoulder. Adequate depth of chest with short loin. Moderate rear angulation. Neat feet. Moved well but lacked the drive of the class winner

Graduate Dog 

Glenturret Wet My Whistle - Durrant Mrs C Mr A and Mr M

Stood alone but a pleasing medium sized well balanced boy throughout. Masculine one piece head with almond shaped eye of good colour and ears neatly set. Good front and hind angulations. Chest was deep with spring of rib and short loin. Neat feet and good bone. Well muscled hindquarters. Moved true out and back maintaining a level topline.

Postgraduate Dog. Two quality dogs in this class with similar attributes

1st Ronvorg King of Attitute – Brown Miss M &Campbell Mrs J

Very well constructed boy presenting a really balanced outline throughout. His head is masculine but has lovely almond shaped dark eyes giving him such an appealing expression. Neat ears held close to the ear. He has good front and rear construction and excellent depth of chest. Ribs well sprung and loin short. Thighs well muscled and overall shown in good hard condition. He moved true out and back holding his topline well. In the challenge he stepped up a gear and powered round the ring with free flowing purposeful movement which gained him the RCC 

2nd Curlicrest’s Sweet Home Chigcago (Imp Nor). Bell Mrs M and Mr M

Another really well balanced male of medium size. He has a very pleasing head with correct eye shape and colour giving the typical soft Flatcoat expression. Good length of neck flowing into chest of sufficient depth. Well constructed throughout, he stood four square on neat compact feet. He moved soundly and steadily but lacked the drive of the class winner today.

Mid Limit

1st Jazzanaga Adventurer – Gribble Mrs J

A very pleasing well constructed dog who headed this class. Quality lively exhibit with a classical head, correct eye shape and colour and kind expression. Neck flowed smoothly into well laid shoulders. Well sprung rib and short loin. Good depth to chest with correct rear angulation and muscle tone throughout. Moved soundly with plenty of drive from the rear, best mover in the class

Mid Limit – continued 

2nd Ronevorg Can You Be Serious at Inglewidden

Well balanced quality dog with a pleasing one piece head, correct eye shape and colour. Prominent forechest with well placed shoulders. Good quality bone and neat well shaped feet. Fully deserved his placing, unlucky to come up against 1st today

3rd Ronevorg Firefly Fantasy – Brown MissM & Campbell Mrs J

Reserve Gemswin I Am Sailing – Broadbent Mr B & Mrs G

Limit Dog

1st Bramist Bootlegger at Ravenhall – Kearton Mrs S D

A very enthusiastic boy, full of quality and breed type. Super head with correct eye shape and colour giving a melting expression. Neck flows freely into correctly placed shoulders. Deep through the chest with good spring of rib and short loin. Good rear assembly with well developed muscle. Stood four square on good feet. Strong level topline held when he moved soundly with enthusiasm.

2nd. Esined Bright Idea of Inglewidden – Clark Mr D

Another lovely flatcoat of good breed type. Well balance throughout and similar qualities apply. Well angulations fore and aft although not quite possessing the forechest of first place. Stood on neat feet and moved out soundly. A quality dog unlucky to met winner in such good form today

3rd. Hoed in Daddy;s Eyes at Montechor – Hessing Mrs M

Reserve Kulawand Casanova – Woodhams Mrs J and Mr S

Open Dog

My winner from three quality dogs in this class

1st Moontorn Black Magic – Harvey Mrs C

A masculine moderate sized dog, well made and balanced throughout. Pleasing one piece head with correct eye shape and colour giving typical soft expression. Chest deep with ribs well sprung and short loin. Well angulated throughout. Good bone and neat feet. Moved the best in the class with sound purposeful movement and drive.

2nd Ronevorg Dark Angel at Lussac – May Mrs S

Another quality exhibit of lovely breed type with a very pleasing head and correct eye colour and shape giving a gentle expression. Well put together throughout with good depth to his chest. Ribs well sprung and loin short. Moved soundly keeping a level topline but not quite the drive of first placing today

3rd. Flatcharm Serious Pig – Ramunno Ms C

Veteran Dog. Lovely class of veterans, still full of Flatcoat enthusiasm and a credit to their owners

1st. Gamerights Troyte – Taite Mrs C

Loved this boy, so full of breed type and quality. He presented a beautifully balanced outline and so well constructed all through. Classic head with melting expression from his dark almond shaped eyes. Neck flows freely into correctly placed shoulders. Well angulated fore and aft with good forechest and strong level topline. Thighs well muscled, quality bone and the neatest feet. Presented in excellent condition with plenty of furnishings to complete the picture. He moved effortlessly with lots of enthusiasm displaying excellent movement despite the challenging hard ground conditions today. My dog CC and Best Veteran Dog

2nd Cassblaid Island In the Sky - Hewison’s Mrs C and Mr C

Another lovely flatcoat veteran who was clearly enjoying his day out. He has the typical melting flatcoat expression from his dark almond shaped eyes. Neck was of good length and flowed well into his shoulders. Well constructed through the body with deep chest and well sprung ribs. Good hind angulation. Moved out well presenting a pleasing overall picture but lacked the drive of first placing. A very worthy second place.

3rd. Hopevalley Morning Circus – Romeo-Dieste Mrs M E

Reserve. Flaltcharm Mr Fix-It for Shannanjoy – Scaife Mrs V

Special Beginners dog/bitch

1st Tikkidui Life Is But A Dream – Hollingdale Mrs E A

A nicely balanced bitch with a pleasing head, almond shaped dark eyes giving a soft expression. Good length to neck flowing smoothly into correctly placed shoulders. Level topline,short in loin and good rear angulation. Moved well keeping level topline on the move

2nd Gemswin Angel in Blue Jeans avec Daisyhome – Fresle Miss G and Knox Mr D

A nice bitch of smaller type, nicely balanced presenting an attractive outline. Good forechest with plenty of bone and neat feet. Not quite the maturity of the winner today 

3rd. Flanova Black Magic – Warren Miss E

Veteran Bitch. Three quality bitches headed this class and close decisions between all three. A very strong class.

1st. Sh Ch Evening Mist Black Brianta (Cze Imp) VW, ShCE – Whittaker Mrs R, Mr N & Ms S Whittaker

Quality bitch with a classic head with lovely soft expression from her almond shaped eyes. Neat ears sitting close to head, Neck flows smoothly into the chest with well angulated fore and hindquarters. Good spring of rib and short loin. Stood four square on good feet and bone. Covered the ground well on the move.

2nd. Sh Ch Woodfinch Highland Fairy at Flatcharm – Holland Miss. L

A close decision between these two ladies. Both well balanced and classic bitches and similar attributes apply. She is slightly finer all through but very feminine with classic head and melting expression. Good depth to chest and good angulations both front and hind. Strong topline. She has good bone and neat feet. Moved well but not quite the drive of first placing today

3rd Hopevalley Morning Rainbow JW ShCEx,OSW, VW – Romeo-Dieste Mrs M E

Minor Puppy Bitch

1st. Ursina Black Brianta at Tikkidui – Hollingdale Mrs E A

A very raw baby at present as would be expected at her age but showing promise. Nicely balanced with a feminine head and sweet expression. Neck flows well into the shoulders. Good angulations with sufficient bone and neat feet. Still very much a baby and needing time to mature but once settled she moved well.

Puppy Bitch 

1st Braemist Chase the Stars – Jones Miss L S

A really promising young bitch with much to admire. Beautiful classic head of one piece. Dark almond shaped eyes giving such a soft expression. Very well balanced for her age with good length of neck which slowed nicely into well laid back shoulders Good front and rear angulations and she stands on firm well shaped feet. Good muscle tone for her age. Moved soundly with good drive maintaining her topline. She should have lots of potential. BPB & BPIB

2nd Hototo Edge of Glory – Chambers Miss C

Another lovely puppy although less mature than the class winner. She is well balanced throughout with a classic head and lovely eye shape giving her a kind expression. Still developing but processes sufficient bone and has neat feet. Presented a pleasing outline and held her topline on the move.

3rd Ursina Black Brianta at Tikkidui – Hollindale Mrs E A

Junior Bitch

1st Lussac Bewitched – May Mrs S

Stood alone but a worthy placing. Nice size with a well moulded head and is very feminine. Lovely eye shape and colour. Neck flowed well into correctly angulated shoulders. Sufficient bone and super tight feet. Well muscled hindquarters. Moved well keeping a level topline

Yearling Bitch

1st Gemswin Handbags N Gladrags JW - Jacob’s Mrs M & Mr M and Knight Mrs 

Close decision between first two places, this bitch winning on movement. She is very feminine with a well moulded one piece head and melting expression from her dark eyes. Good length to neck and correct angles all through. Well off for bone and stands on very neat feet. She moved out well maintaining a level topline and with drive.

2nd. Flatcharm Smelly Cat to Benover – McIlwaine Mrs V & Reynolds Miss H an Mrs J 

Classic head on this young lady with a one piece head, correct eye shape and colour giving a soft expression. Slightly longer in body than first place. She had a neck of good length with good front angulation. Flat rib and short loin. Well muscled hind quarters. Stood on neat feet with quality bone. Moved out well

3rd May’s Lussac Bewitched

Reserve Osbourne-Brown’s Perrimal Pearl Mist

VHC Bowen’s Clandrift Funky Angel

Novice Bitich

1st Gemswin Honesty at Candiliz – Merriman Mrs C

A nicely balanced young lady with a classic one piece head, dark eye and gentle expression. Good length to neck and correct front angulation. Prominent forechest Level topline with well ribbed body and short loin. Good hind angulation. Stands on neat feet. Moved out well presenting a pleasing overall picture.

2nd. Gemswin Angel in Bl Jeans – Fresle & Knox 

Placed 2nd in Special Beginners

3rd Flanova Black Magic Woman – Warren Miss E

Graduate Bitch Two lovely bitches and close decisions between them

1st Benvellyn Marakele SGWC, JW - Hewison’s Mrs C & Mr C

Lovely medium size and very feminine. She is so well balanced throughout and full of qualaity. Classic head and correct eye shape and colour giving such a melting expression. Good depth of chest, sufficient bone and stood on neat feet. Well muscled rear hindquarters and moved out well with reach and drive maintaining a level topline.

2nd Jetstarski Run Like Hell JW – Whittaker Mrs R, Mr N and Ms S

Another quality bitch but slightly longer cast than the winner. One piece head with correct eye shape and colour and she has a sweet expression. Good length of neck flowing cleanly into shoulders. Ribs flat and sort loin. Stood on neat neat. Moved out well but preferred the drive of the winner today

3rd Vynsbrook Sapphirea – Stevenson Mrs R

Reserve Flanova Black Magic Woman – Warren Miss E

Postgraduate Bitch

1st Aylawbrook Noones Perfect at Tikkidui – Hollingdale Mrs E

A quality bitch with much to like. Really well balanced throughout with lovely one piece head and super dark eye and melting expression. Enough length of neck cleanly flowing into correctly placed shoulders. Good front angulation. Level topline, good forechest and well muscled through the hindquarters. Good bone. Moved with excellent ground covering stride.

2nd. Kalexas Upper Class at Greenbayhill – Douglas Mr R

Another lovely medium sized bitch with a classic one piece head, good eye shape and colour and pleasing expression. Neck flows well into well placed shoulders. Pronounced forechest, level topline and short square loin. Correct rear angulations and well muscled. Moved well but preferred the drive of first placing.

3rd. Bryshot Starlight Express – Izzard Mr B & Mrs G

Reserve: Tikkidui Life is But A Dream – Hollingdale

Mid Limit Bitch. Quality class and close decisions between them but first took the class on her classic head and excellent movement

1st. Rydannah Devils in the Detail – Holmes Mrs J

This girl is so well balanced. She has a classic one piece head, eye shape and colour with melting expression. Neck flows cleanly into correctly placed shoulders with excellent front angulation and prominent forechest. Stands four square on excellent feet. Good depth to chest with flat rib and short square loin. Correct hind angulation and well muscled. She maintenance a level topline on the move where she excelled. RCC

2nd. Moontorn Chasing the Dream – Bellamy Miss A JW 

Another lovely bitch possessing many of the same attributes as the winner. Slightly longer cast, she has a classic head and lovely soft expression. She is well off for bone and has neat feet. She moved out well but did not quite match the drive of the class winner

3rd. Cody lean Bambino Caro JW – Simons Mr D & Mrs G

Reserve. Dymex My Cherie Amour JW – Moxey Mrs D & Mr M

VHC. Feldkirk Rose N Roses – Stevenson Mrs R

Limit Bitch Another quality class and close decisions between first and second places. 

1st. Hopevalley Morning Xanadu JW – Romeo-Dieste Mrs M E

Quality bitch with lots to like. Classic well proportioned head, almond shaped eye of good colour and shape and soft expression. Neck flows well into correctly placed shoulders. Deep through the chest, ribs flat and gradual spring with short loin. Well angulated front and rear angulations and stands on excellent neat feet. Moved soundly and with purpose maintaining a level topline throughout.

2nd. Thurwitt Tamara – Thurgood Mrs S J

Another well balanced quality bitch sharing many of the desirable attributes of the winner. Slightly longer cast. Good length of neck and balanced angulations all through. Would prefer slightly more compact feet. Moved well and soundly but not the positivity of the class winner today

3rd Aylawbrook Noones Perfect at Tikkidui

Reserve. Ruddlebury Phoenix Song – Legg MrsJ

Open Bitch Super class and two lovely bitches headed this strong class

1st Sh Ch Braemist Witches Fire – Jones Miss L S

What a pleasure to assess this bitch who I’ve admired ringside for some time. A beautifully balanced quality Flatcoat bitch presenting such a pleasing overall outline. Super one piece head with dark almond shaped eyes and melting expression. She is so feminine. Neck of good length flows smoothly into well laid back shoulders complimented by correct angulations. Deep through the chest, ribs flat and good spring with short loin. Well off for bone and stands on excellent neat feet. She moved effortlessly with excellent reach and drive maintaining her balance and outline throughout. Full of flatcoat enthusiasm and a lovely example of the breed. CC & BOB

2nd. Sh Ch Gemswin’s She’s Got the Look 

Another quality bitch of excellent overall balance, free from exaggeration and possessing many of the attributes of the class winner. Classic head with soft pleasing expression. Deep through the chest and good angulations with lovely outline. She moved out well but didn’t quite have the positive rear action of first place today

3rd. Finhamspride Cleo – Thursgood Mrs S J & Holmes Miss EMC

Reserve. Ronevorg Whispering Angel SGWC KCWGC – Campbell Mrs J

VHC. Hototo Pretty Ballerina – Chambers Miss C

DOG CC : TAITE’S GAMERIGHTS TROYTE

DOG RCC: BROWN & CAMPBELL’S RONEVORG KING OF ATTITUDE

BITCH CC: JONES SH CH BRAEMIST WITCHES FIRE

BITCH RCC: HOLMES RYDANAH DEVILS IN THE DETAIL 

BEST OF BREED: JONES SH CH BRAEMIST WITCHES FIRE

BPIB: JONES BRAEMIST CHASE THE STARS

BEST VETERAN: TAITE’S GAMERIGHTS TROYTE

BEST SPECIAL BEGINNERS: HOLLINGDALE TIKKIDUI LIFE IS BUT A DREAM