Scottish Kennel Club

Thank you to the exhibitors for accepting my decisions in such a sporting manner. I was honoured to judge an entry of such quality and depth, with several exhibits capable of changing places on another day. The overall standard was pleasing, and it was a privilege to assess so many typical Papillons that displayed the elegance, alertness and happy temperament so characteristic of this delightful breed.

Papillon Critique – Dog Classes

Minor Puppy Dog

1st: Owner: Whitehill M –  Amicae Spitfire- A promising youngster of 8 months, presenting a pleasing outline and displaying much to admire for his age. Attractive head with nice dark eyes creating a keen and alert expression. Muzzle of sufficient length and proportion, with correct dentition. Large ears with excellent carriage, enhancing the characteristic butterfly appearance so essential to the breed.Level topline maintained on the stand. Coat of good texture with appropriate furnishings for his age. Moved soundly and positively around the ring, showing good reach and drive for a young dog, maintaining his balance well. A pleasing exhibit who should continue to develop with maturity and warrants watching for the future.

2nd: Owner: Olof D –  Keomandi's Skys the Limit among Tarnock's-Another very nice puppy who pushed hard for top honours in the class. A close decision, but I preferred the larger ears of the winner on the day. Nice size and shape overall, presenting a balanced outline. Attractive head with good width between the ears, complemented by a refined muzzle and pleasing expression. Fine bone throughout, as desired for the breed, and a neck of moderate length flowing into a straight front.Good topline, held well both standing and on the move. Moved soundly and confidently around the ring, showing a positive attitude and good ring presence. A quality youngster with much to commend and one who should continue to develop nicely with maturity.

Puppy Dog

1st: Owner: Whitehill M – Amicae Blazing A Trail-An 8-month-old dog with plenty of quality and much to admire. Nice size and shape, presenting a balanced outline and full of spirit on the day. Pleasing head with good length of muzzle, dark expressive eyes, and large flaring ears which he used to excellent advantage, enhancing his typical Papillon expression.Good front construction with the fine bone desired in the breed. Moderate angulation fore and aft, and a good topline maintained on the move. Moved really well, covering the ground with confidence and showing himself to advantage throughout. A very promising youngster with a bright future ahead. I was pleased to award him Reserve Dog CC and Best Puppy in Breed, and was delighted to see him shortlisted in the Toy Puppy Group.

2nd: Owner: Morrell S –  Melangel Unforgettable for Temelora-A 9-month-old puppy who has many pleasing qualities. Slightly taller and a little longer in loin than I personally prefer, but nevertheless a sound and attractive youngster. Pleasing head with dark eyes and good pigmentation, including a dark nose. Correct dentition. Large flaring ears, well feathered and contributing to a typical breed expression.Good ribcage, straight front, and a level topline. Moved well around the ring, maintaining his shape and balance on the move. A promising puppy who should continue to mature and develop in the right direction.

Junior Dog

Absent.

Post Graduate Dog

1st: Owner: Olof D – Tarnock Love in Paris JW- A lovely tri-colour dog of pleasing size and overall balance. Appealing head with a refined muzzle, complemented by dark eyes and good pigmentation. Correct dentition. Large ears of correct placement, contributing to a typical and alert expression.Good length of neck flowing smoothly into a well-constructed front. Well-defined angulation, giving a balanced outline, and a level topline maintained throughout. Moved well around the ring with a free and positive action, carrying his tail correctly and to good effect. A quality exhibit who presented a pleasing picture both standing and on the move.

2nd: Owner: Black D & C –  Amicae Play with Fire- A nicely sized and shaped exhibit, presenting a balanced outline. Slightly rounded skull, with a correctly proportioned muzzle, dark eyes, and good dentition. Moderate length of neck leading into a pleasing overall picture.Presented in good coat with a pleasing texture and a level topline. Moved soundly and showed well throughout. In this company, I preferred the front movement and larger ear size of the winner, which ultimately decided the placing. Nevertheless, a quality dog with many good attributes.

Limit Dog

1st: Owner: Proctor C –  Springcroft Mardi Gras- A quality 2-year-old tri-colour dog of pleasing size and shape, presenting a balanced and typical outline. Attractive head with a well-defined stop and a muzzle of moderate length. Correct eye shape, complemented by good pigmentation, giving a keen and expressive appearance.Excellent ear carriage, with large, well-fringed ears that enhance breed type. Body well ribbed with a good topline, maintained both standing and on the move. Fine bone throughout with a straight front. Moved well with a free and positive action, holding his shape at all times.A very worthy class winner and one who was a serious contender for the top awards on the day.

2nd: Owner: Mann & Morrell –  Braunswood Mask of Zorro by Melangel- A nicely sized exhibit with much to like. Lovely head with dark, expressive eyes and good pigmentation. Moderate length of neck flowing into a straight front, with correct dentition. Balanced angulation and a good tail carriage, completing an attractive outline. Moved well with a free and positive action, maintaining his overall shape. A quality dog who showed many good attributes, but on the day I preferred the overall performance and finish of the winner, which decided the placing.

Open Dog

1st: Owner: Bogue M –  Adelays Brilliant Buddy (Imp Rus)-A superb 7-year-old dog presented in outstanding condition and immaculate order. A lovely size and shape, displaying the balanced, elegant outline so typical of the breed. Slightly arched neck flowing into a straight front with neat, tight feet. Maintained a firm, level topline throughout. Attractive head with a fine, refined muzzle, correct dentition, dark expressive eyes, and large flaring ears adorned with beautiful fringing, all contributing to a typical Papillon expression. Moved smartly and effortlessly around the ring, showing style, soundness and excellent carriage. It was only after judging that I realised I had previously awarded this dog Best in Show at a club open show some years ago. It was a pleasure to judge him again, and I was delighted to award him the Dog CC, a well-deserved achievement for such a quality exhibit.

2nd: Owner: Lee-Slater C –  Graycaz Etienne- Another attractive dog, well presented and of pleasing shape. Attractive slightly rounded head with dark, expressive eyes and a fine, refined muzzle. Good dentition, Straight front, straight feet, good ribcage. He has large, well-set ears and a moderate length of neck, giving a balanced outline. Maintained a good topline on the move and carried his tail well throughout. He was a contender for Reserve Cc.But today, his back movement let him down as it was slightly erratic but on the day I preferred the back movement and the overall performance of the winner, which decided the placing.

Veteran Dog

1st: Owner: Thornton C –  Milbu Ciciobello at Shevid JW VW (Imp Lva)- A lovely 8-year-old veteran presented in excellent condition and a credit to his owner. He retains his quality and breed type, with an attractive head and beautiful expression enhanced by well-set ears. Good front and well-developed chest, with a level topline and correct tail carriage, giving a balanced outline. Moved soundly and with confidence, showing himself well throughout. A quality veteran who has aged gracefully and thoroughly deserved his class win.

2nd: Owner: Taylor M –  Pamhurst Capriccio at Kanetayl- Another worthy veteran who was presented in good condition. Attractive head with well-set ears and dark almond-shaped eyes, giving a pleasing expression. Moderate length of neck leading into a good front and well-developed chest. Maintained a level topline with good tail carriage, creating a balanced outline. Moved soundly and confidently around the ring, showing himself well throughout. A quality veteran with many pleasing attributes, but on the day I preferred the overall finish and presence of the winner. 

Special Beginners Dog

1st: Owner: Macdonald J –  Elmaraine Guards Piper at Ladyoluss -A pleasing exhibit of nice size and shape, presenting a balanced outline. Attractive head with a lovely expression, enhanced by dark, expressive eyes and well-set, large ears, giving the characteristic Papillon appearance. Presented in a lovely coat of good texture. Good front with fine bone, and moved soundly and confidently around the ring. A promising exhibit who showed well throughout.

2nd: Owner: Taylor P – Pamhurst One and Only- A pleasing exhibit with many good qualities. Nice size and shape with an attractive head, dark expressive eyes, and good ear set, contributing to a typical Papillon expression. Good front with fine bone, a balanced outline and a pleasing topline. Moved soundly around the ring and showed well. A quality exhibit, but on the day I preferred the overall balance and finish of the winner.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme

1st: Owner: Walsh H – Purepixie Red Admiral- A well-balanced exhibit of pleasing size and overall shape. Attractive head with dark, expressive eyes and a correctly proportioned muzzle. Correct dentition. Good ear set, enhancing the typical breed expression. Straight front with a well-developed, deep chest and a good tail set, giving a balanced outline. Moved freely and soundly around the ring, maintaining a level topline and showing himself well throughout. A worthy winner of the class.

2nd: Owner: Taylor P – Pamhurst One and Only-Another pleasing exhibit with many good attributes. Attractive head with dark eyes and a pleasing expression. Good ear set, correct dentition and a balanced outline. Straight front, good chest development and a level topline, with good tail carriage. Moved soundly and showed well throughout. A quality exhibit, but on the day I preferred the overall balance and presentation of the winner.

Papillon Critique – Bitch Classes

Minor Puppy Bitch

1st: Owner: Olof D – Tarnock Enchanting Eevee- A beautiful puppy bitch of lovely size and overall balance, presenting a very smart outline. Attractive feminine head with dark, expressive eyes and well-set ears, giving the characteristic Papillon expression. Correct dentition. Straight front with fine bone, a good tail set and correct carriage. Maintained a super level topline both standing and on the move. Moved freely and confidently for her age, showing excellent promise. A very appealing youngster with a bright future ahead.

2nd: Owner: Watson D - Beaujolie Hot Lips- A lovely puppy bitch with many pleasing qualities. Slightly bigger than my personal preference, but nevertheless an attractive youngster. Lovely feminine head with good ear set and correct dentition. Good tail set and carriage, with a level topline maintained throughout. Presented well and moved soundly around the ring. A promising puppy, but on the day I preferred the size and overall ring presence of the winner, which decided the placings.

Puppy Bitch

1st: Owner: Olof D-Keomandis Sweet Dreams among Tarnock's- A very nice puppy bitch of pleasing size and overall balance. Attractive, feminine head with a gently rounded skull, dark expressive eyes, dark nose and well-pigmented lips, giving a typical Papillon expression. Correct dentition. Moderate length of neck flowing into a good front, with a level topline and balanced angulation. Moved soundly and confidently around the ring, showing herself well throughout. A promising youngster with much to like.

Junior Bitch

1st: Owner: Whitehill M –  Northlyte Under Boardwalk- A nicely balanced junior bitch of pleasing size and quality. Attractive feminine head with a slightly rounded skull between the ears, dark expressive eyes, and a finely pointed muzzle. Lovely head markings further enhanced her overall expression. Good ear set and size, with ears carried well. Good tail set, a level topline, and balanced angulation completed an attractive outline. Moved soundly and confidently around the ring, showing herself well throughout. A very pleasing youngster with much to admire.

2nd: Owner: Savage J- Zizula Love Shine Bright For Abbeyton-Slightly bigger than my personal preference, but a quality junior with many good attributes to admire. Large ears with lovely fringing, dark expressive eyes, and good dentition. Strong jaws with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Medium length of neck flowing into well-developed, well-laid shoulders. Maintained a level topline and presented a balanced outline. Moved soundly and confidently around the ring. A very pleasing exhibit, but on the day I preferred the overall size and finish of the winner.

Post Graduate Bitch

1st: Owner: Headley T & C –  Yeldaeh's Miss Havisham JW- A lovely bitch of pleasing size and excellent overall balance. Very smart on the stand, remaining attentive to her handler throughout. Attractive feminine head with large, well-set ears, beautifully fringed and carried correctly, enhancing her typical Papillon expression. Dark, expressive eyes and a moderate length of neck flowing into a straight front. Good tail set, balanced angulation, and a level topline, all contributing to an attractive outline. Moved freely and soundly around the ring, maintaining her shape and carriage. A quality exhibit with much to admire.

2nd: Owner: Olof D – Bitch: Tarnock Rosaline

Another good-sized bitch with many pleasing qualities. Slightly rounded skull with a finely pointed muzzle and a well-defined stop. Attractive round, dark eyes, large well-set ears, and correct dentition. Straight front with balanced angulation, a level topline, and good tail carriage, giving a pleasing outline. Moved soundly and showed well throughout. A quality exhibit, but on the day I preferred the overall balance, ring presence and smartness of the winner.

Limit Bitch

1st: Owner: Lees C –  Lafford Ninja- A beautifully balanced bitch, presented in immaculate condition and shown to perfection. Lovely head with a skull slightly rounded between the ears, a finely pointed muzzle, and a black nose. Attractive rounded dark eyes with well-pigmented eye rims, giving a typical, alert expression. Large, heavily fringed ears carried correctly and enhancing her overall breed type. Strong jaws with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Moderate length of neck flowing into well-developed, well-laid shoulders. Deep chest with well-sprung ribs, a straight front, and a level topline, all contributing to a balanced and elegant outline. Good tail carriage completed the picture. Moved freely and soundly around the ring, maintaining her shape and balance throughout. A quality bitch with much to admire and one I gave very serious consideration for the top awards.

2nd: Owner: Hector A –  Caramel Dream Perlowy Raj at Taisett-A lovely-sized bitch with much to admire and a well-balanced overall outline. Attractive head with a slightly rounded skull and a finely pointed muzzle. Medium-sized, rounded dark eyes with well-pigmented eye rims, and large, well-fringed ears enhancing her feminine expression. Well-sprung ribs, a level topline, and a balanced outline. Moved freely and effortlessly around the ring, maintaining her shape on the move. Unfortunately, her slightly undershot mouth prevented me from placing her above the winner today. Nevertheless, she is a quality exhibit with many pleasing attributes.

Open Bitch

This was undoubtedly one of the strongest and most difficult classes of the day. Two outstanding bitches, both of exceptional quality and fully deserving of top honours. On another day, either could easily change places, and I have no doubt they will continue to enjoy success. In the end, I had to make a decision, and it came down to the very smallest of details. To separate them, I had to be extremely critical and assess even the finest points of breed type, balance and overall finish.

1st: Owner: Ryan & Roosens & Goessens –  Ch Multi Ch Uppercut Daydream Believers with Feoglig (Imp Bel) JW WW'24- An outstanding bitch of lovely size and exceptional breed type, presented in immaculate condition and shown to perfection. She stood out for her balance, elegance and ring presence, remaining completely attentive to her handler throughout. A typical Papillon and one I would happily have taken home. Beautiful feminine head with a skull slightly rounded between the ears and a finely pointed muzzle, tapering gracefully from the skull. Black nose, medium-sized rounded dark eyes with excellent pigmentation, and very large, heavily fringed ears with fine yet firm leathers, all combining to produce the true Papillon expression. Strong jaws with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Good length of neck flowing into well-developed, well-laid shoulders. Deep chest, straight forelegs with fine bone, and a body slightly longer than height with a firm, level topline and well-sprung ribs. Well-turned stifles and hare-like feet. Tail set high and carried correctly arched over the back, with a beautiful plume falling gracefully to one side. Moved freely and effortlessly around the ring, displaying soundness, balance and elegance from every angle. A truly outstanding representative of the breed, and I was delighted to award her the Bitch CC and Best of Breed. I was equally pleased to see her shortlisted in a very strong Toy Group. I also learned that with this win she has set a new breed record, a remarkable achievement and one that is thoroughly deserved.

2nd: Owner: Robb G – Ch Gleniren Miracle Starmaker- What a beautiful bitch and one who made this class exceptionally difficult to judge. She entered the ring looking every inch the show dog, presented to perfection and completely attentive to her handler throughout. She never put a foot wrong and showed with confidence and style from start to finish. A dainty, well-balanced bitch with a beautiful head and the alert, intelligent expression so typical of the breed. Skull slightly rounded between the ears, finely pointed muzzle with a well-defined stop, and round, dark eyes with excellent pigmentation. Very large, heavily fringed ears enhanced her feminine expression. Her silky coat was in immaculate condition and beautifully presented. Strong jaws with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Medium length of neck flowing into well-developed, well-laid shoulders. Deep chest, straight front with fine bone, and well-developed hindquarters. Tail carried correctly over the back with excellent carriage. She moved with style and purpose, covering the ground effortlessly and looking as though she owned the ring.

To separate these two outstanding bitches, I had to be extremely critical. On this occasion, I just preferred the winner as she is slightly longer in body and have more of the desired hare-like feet. Those were the only details that influenced my decision. A beautiful bitch in every respect, and a thoroughly deserving winner of the Reserve Bitch CC.

Veteran Bitch

1st: Owner: Breen G –  Zoloto Skyla at Kylecroft- An impressive 11-year-old veteran who is still in lovely condition and a credit to her owner. Pleasing size with an attractive, feminine headpiece. Correct dentition, moderate length of neck, and large ears of good size and set, all contributing to a typical Papillon expression. Maintained a level topline with balanced angulation, giving a pleasing outline. Moved soundly and confidently for her age, showing that she still enjoys her time in the ring. A worthy veteran who has retained her breed type and quality remarkably well.

JUDGE BY:

JUDE THADDEUS REYES