Bernese Mountain Dog Club Of Scotland

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF SCOTLAND

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Saturday 1st August 2026

I was truly honoured to accept the prestigious invitation from the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Scotland to judge at my favourite show and venue of the year. I was delighted with the huge entry and the range of characters in the ring, from the happy babies to the veterans still showing themselves beautifully. There was real depth of quality in my upper classes, making some placings very close. In the final challenges, I kept returning to the dogs whose type, movement and presence stayed with me on the day.

A very special thank you to the carters who opened the show. Their display was fantastic. Seeing some of the same dogs take part in the carting parade and then enter the championship ring was wonderful—a lovely demonstration of Bernese Mountain Dogs being fit for function.

My sincere thanks to John, my steward, for his help throughout the day, and to every exhibitor for bringing their dogs for me to judge. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

In these critiques, I have tried to do more than repeat the breed standard. I hope I have painted a picture of the dogs as I saw them on the day, so that readers can understand how I came to my decisions and why.

BABY PUPPY DOG (1entered, 0 absent)

1st Hartley-Mair, Meadowpark Change O’ Pace

What a delightful baby, with a wonderfully happy and confident attitude. Very nicely marked, he stood naturally foursquare and showed a head that is developing well, with a dark eye, correct muzzle and flews, and correct dentition. He was correctly proportioned and well angulated throughout, with his body maturing nicely for his age and already well ribbed. Presented in lovely coat and condition, he displayed cracking movement for one so young. I was delighted to award him BBPD and, ultimately, BEST BABY PUPPY IN SHOW

BABY PUPPY BITCH (4,0)

1st Fairclough, Monalou Devil Wears Prada

A very pretty five-month-old girl with a sweet, feminine expression, enhanced by a dark eye. Nicely marked and possessing a happy temperament, although understandably still a little raw at this young age. She had a good bite, pleasing chest, good bone and straight forelegs. Well proportioned, with a good turn of stifle, she was nicely presented and my choice for BBPB.

2nd Edge, Monalou Lucky Devil 

My first three placings were litter sisters, all closely matched in type and overall quality. This girl was nicely angulated throughout and well ribbed, carrying her tail well on the move. Her front movement was a little looser than that of her winning sister today, which ultimately decided the placing.

3rd Wilson, Monalou Devil In Disguise At Blumental

VETERAN DOG (4,1)

1st Benson, Ir Ch/Ch Semus De Zandvijver At Bernervalley

A super example of a wonderfully well put together veteran male, presented in good condition and possessing great ring presence. He had a lovely headpiece, enhanced by a dark, almond-shaped eye, with a strong neck flowing into good shoulders. Well off for bone, his correct angulation allowed him to power around the ring and secure the class win. He was a very strong contender in the challenge, where he received serious consideration for the RDCC. I was delighted to award him BEST VETERAN DOG and ultimately BEST VETERAN IN SHOW.

2nd King, Bernershaw It Must Be Love

Another seven-year-old looking very well for his age. He possessed a pleasing head with a masculine expression and dark eye, together with good bone and neat feet. He was shorter in body than my winner and I would have preferred a little more rear angulation. Well presented and handled.

3rd Macleod, Torridonian Mr Solo

MINOR PUPPY DOG (3,0)

1st Baldwin, Fortonpark Hot Mail

A happy, chunky puppy who created a very good first impression. His pleasing head, with a good stop and muzzle and dark, almond-shaped eyes, now just needs time to mature. He presented a nice overall shape, being well angulated throughout and well ribbed, with a good length of tail. He moved well for his age, maintaining his topline as he went. A cheerful youngster who was very well handled. BEST PUPPY DOG

2nd King Fortonpark Hot Pursuit

Litter brother to my winner and sharing many of the same qualities, although slightly finer in head, which separated them today. Another happy puppy who was clearly enjoying his time in the ring and still carrying his baby coat. He presented a good topline and a well-set tail of good length, and was shown in good condition.

3rd Norfolk, Fortonpark Hot Date

PUPPY DOG (1,0)

1st Baldwin, Fortonpark Hot Legacy

Standing alone, this six-month-old was still a raw baby but presented a pleasing overall shape and was a worthy class winner. His promising head featured a dark eye and nice muzzle, with ears that he used well. He had a good length of neck and depth of chest, pleasing rear angulation and a good tail set, carrying his tail well on the move. A happy youngster with good ring presence, he was presented in good coat and very well handled. He moved well in all directions.

JUNIOR DOG (3,0)

1st Manix & English, Waldershelf Fine ‘N Dandy

An impressive young male of good make and shape who stood naturally foursquare. He possessed a lovely, masculine head and expression, with a good stop, dark almond-shaped eye and good muzzle. A good neck led into a deep chest and well-ribbed body, complemented by lovely front angulation and a good tail set. Presented in good coat and condition, he made a particularly impressive profile on the move.

2nd Watson, Etterbern Goran To Stepdasher

Another quality young male with a wonderfully happy temperament. He possessed a pleasing head and expression, with neat flews and good ears. A nice neck led into a deep chest, with straight forelegs, although I would have preferred a little more strength through the pasterns. Nicely balanced and angulated throughout, he had a good tail set and pleasing hocks, and moved well. He was well presented and handled. His quality was further underlined when he went on to win two more classes.

3rd Pettorells, Fortonpark Hot Date

YEARLING DOG (1,0)

1st Watson, Etterbern Goran To Stepdasher

MAIDEN DOG (0,0)

NOVICE DOG (1,0)

1st Edge, Malindibeach Harlequin

Although standing alone, this promising young male was a worthy class winner. He stood naturally foursquare and presented a masculine head and expression, with a dark, correctly shaped eye, good muzzle, clean lips and correct dentition. He had good bone, a strong back and strong hocks, although his chest still needs time to develop. A happy boy with a lovely temperament, he was handled well and moved nicely, maintaining a firm, straight topline and good tail carriage.

GRADUATE DOG (2,0)

1st Watson, Etterbern Goran To Stepdasher

2nd Taylor, Husheen Satara

A taller two-year-old male with a super, happy temperament, shown in a pleasing coat and presented well. His head is maturing nicely, with a dark eye of correct shape and a correct bite. He had a level topline, neat hocks and feet, and moved well in all directions. He still needs time to mature through the chest. His tail was of correct length, although he carried it a little proudly today.

POST GRADUATE DOG (2,1)

1st Hartley-Mair, Meadowpark Angelo

This nicely presented, strong male made a very pleasing first impression. He possessed a strong head with a flat skull, a lovely expression from dark eyes and a good muzzle. His good topline and strong loins completed a balanced outline, with well-matched angulation throughout. Strong pasterns and neat feet supported him as he moved well in all directions, although he carried his tail a little high today.

MID LIMIT DOG (2,0)

1st Baldwin, Fortonparkpark Top Tones

A well-made, nicely shaped male who created a very good first impression. He had a flat skull, dark eye, correct muzzle and neat lips, giving a lovely expression, with ears that he used well. Well off for bone, he possessed good depth and breadth of chest and was well ribbed, although I would have preferred a little more length of leg. Pleasing rear angulation and strong hocks contributed to lovely movement behind. He had good ring presence and was handled well, although he carried his tail a little proudly today.

2nd Connelly, Tickbern Jackleberry

A happy three-year-old male, presented in good coat. He possessed a pleasing head with a dark eye and ears that he used well. His level topline, strong pasterns, good hocks and neat feet were all positive features. Further development through the chest would complete the picture and, I feel, will come with maturity. A little more rear angulation would enhance his movement.

LIMIT DOG (6,0)

1st Gurney, Monalou What Ho Jeeves

This was a particularly difficult class of six, all good-quality males with much to commend them. My winner was a masculine male shown in full coat with lovely feathering. He possessed a lovely head with a flat skull, dark eye, good muzzle and neat flews, together with good ears. Well off for bone, he had a pleasing neck and good topline, ample depth and breadth of chest and was well ribbed. Nice rear angulation and good length of leg completed a balanced picture. He displayed a good temperament and moved well in all directions. He was also a strong contender for the RDCC.

2nd Givens & Reid, Fortonpark Senator At Mytrue

A very impressive male with excellent ring presence and temperament, presented in good coat and condition. He possessed a broad head with a good stop and good ears and was very strong in muzzle. He stood on neat feet and had a good chest, well-sprung ribs, strong coupling and a good topline. Well angulated throughout, with good pasterns, he moved well.

3rd Dickson, Fortonpark Gabriel’s Way

OPEN DOG (3,1)

1st Green, Green & English ESP Ch Devael Think Big Start Small At Waldershelf

A happy male who was well handled and presented in good coat and condition, with super-rich tan markings. He possessed a flat skull, dark eye, correct muzzle and good ears, although I would have preferred tighter flews. A nice neck led into a well-ribbed body with good depth of chest and a strong loin. Superbly angulated throughout, with a correct turn of stifle, he had a good length of tail which he carried correctly. Moved well.

2nd Baldwin & Hartley-Mair, Ch Auseire Come And Go (AI) IKC

Another quality male of good make and shape. He possessed a flat skull, pleasing stop, a dark eye of correct shape, strong muzzle and good ears. His good topline and strong back were supported by strong pasterns and good feet, while his balanced angulation completed the overall picture. Beautifully presented, he carried his tail a little proudly today, which detracted from his otherwise pleasing outline on the move.

CHAMPION DOG (4,1)

1st Manix & English, Ch Waldershelf Bjorn To Be King JW

What an impressive male! From the moment he entered the ring, he caught my eye with his excellent breed type, super energy and grand ring presence. His impressive head carried an unmistakably masculine expression, with a dark eye, strong muzzle and correct ears, which he used well. He possessed substantial bone, straight forelegs, strong pasterns and a broad, deep chest. Well balanced and with good angulation throughout, he excelled on the move, maintaining his super topline and carrying his tail correctly. Presented in superb coat and condition, he was my choice for the DCC from a very strong final line-up. In the Best in Show challenge, he found another gear and really pulled it out of the bag, leaving me delighted to award him BEST IN SHOW.

2nd Atherton, Ch Valentinn Vom Dürrbächler Wald

Another quality stunning male, with an exceptionally kind yet unmistakably masculine expression. His lovely head featured a dark eye, good muzzle and tight lips. He presented a pleasing overall shape, with an excellent chest and angulation throughout, complemented by a good turn of stifle, good pasterns and neat feet. I would have liked just a touch more length of leg. His happy, wagging tail and great ring presence added to the overall picture. Beautifully presented and well handled, he was a steady mover who excelled in profile. Second behind my eventual BIS winner, he was called back into the challenge, where I was delighted to award him the RDCC.

3rd Copeland, Ch Kernow Dollar Promises At Maxjabar ShCEx

VETERAN BITCH (5,1)

1st Atherton, Arvella Penny Lane

What a delight it was to see these veteran bitches performing so beautifully. My winner today was a super ten-year-old with brilliant ring presence, who moved wonderfully, particularly behind. A lovely, strong yet distinctly feminine bitch, she had a heart-melting expression, pleasing stop, good muzzle and tight lips. Her good neck led into a well-developed chest, and she was well angulated throughout with neat, short hocks. She presented a super topline, which she maintained on the move. Very well handled and a true credit to her owner, she was my choice for BEST VETERAN BITCH.

2nd Watson, Stepdashar Winters Wish

Another quality veteran bitch and a lovely, happy girl in the ring, presented in super coat with rich tan markings and a great expression. She possessed good depth and breadth of chest, good length of leg and a pleasing turn of stifle, finishing with a lovely rounded rump. Strong pasterns and neat feet completed the picture. She was a touch longer in body than my winner, which separated them today. Very well handled, she moved superbly with a lovely, fluid action.

3rd Rossall, Stormberne Classic Storm

MINOR PUPPY BITCH (5,1,1w/d)

1st Givens & Reid, Fortonpark Hot Pink

A gorgeous young lady on her first outing since graduating from Baby Puppy. A happy girl with a super temperament, she presented a lovely make and shape. Her strong yet feminine head, framed by darker markings, featured a dark eye and correct muzzle. Straight forelegs, strong pasterns and neat feet supported a chest that was developing well for her age. Her tail was of correct length and carried well. Immaculately turned out, this very promising puppy caught my eye with her ring presence and ever-wagging tail. She was my BEST PUPPY BITCH and, in the puppy challenge, just had the edge over her litter brother to take BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

2nd Davidson, Fortonpark Hot Gossip

Litter sister to my winner and sharing many of the same qualities. A very happy girl with a charming expression, dark eye and tight lips. She was well ribbed and stood on neat feet. Still very raw at this young age. She lost out to her sister today as her front action was not quite as settled, but she showed happily and was well handled throughout.

3rd Spalding, Kinelarty Rambling Rose

PUPPY BITCH (4,2)

1st Horn, Westholincar Vaderstad Way

A larger girl with good length of leg and pleasing proportions, who moved with balance. Her head is developing well, with a dark eye, good muzzle and pleasing ears. She presented a good topline, although she carried her tail a little proudly today. Still in her puppy coat, she was a happy girl, but a little more confidence would allow her to show herself to full advantage.

2nd Spalding, Kinelarty Rambling Rose 

A nicely marked, more finely made bitch with a pleasing shape, dark eye and a well-set tail of good length. She was a touch longer through the muzzle than my winner, though still feminine in expression, and I would have liked a little more angulation through the front. Shown by a different handler today, she was not quite at ease and was therefore unable to show her movement to full advantage. Time and experience should help her gain confidence in the ring.

JUNIOR BITCH (4,0)

1st Baldwin & Hartley-Mair, Valleriita Bijou De La Source

This 16-month-old bitch made a very pleasing first impression, standing naturally foursquare. She possessed a lovely headpiece and expression, with a good muzzle and correct bite, complemented by a nice length of neck. Her firm topline, well-ribbed body and strong loin completed a balanced outline, with a good bend of stifle and neat hocks. Displaying a lovely temperament, she was well presented and handled, and moved well.

2nd Jefferies, Fanatic Unstoppable At Esslinbern 

Similar in many respects to my winner, she possessed a lovely feminine expression, with a dark eye and correct muzzle, complemented by a good length of neck. Strong pasterns and neat feet supported her balanced angulation. A bitch with a good temperament, she was well handled and moved positively around the ring. She was slightly longer in body than my winner, which separated them today.

3rd Martin, Oakbern Rose Gold

YEARLING BITCH (3,1)

1st English & Hallam, Waldershelf Prim’N Proper

A well put together bitch who made a pleasing first impression. She had a gorgeous feminine expression, a pleasing head and skull, dark almond shaped eye, lovely muzzle, tight lips and ears that she used well. Her straight forelegs stood on strong pasterns and neat feet. She had good depth and breadth of chest for her age, was nicely ribbed and strong through the topline and loin, finishing with a pleasing croup and correct tail. Good rear angulation and short hocks completed the picture. Groomed to perfection, she had great ring presence and excelled in profile movement.

2nd Martin, Oakbern Rose Gold

A smaller bitch with a lovely feminine expression, dark eye and rich tan markings. Unfortunately sporting her “bikini” today, she still presented a pleasing picture with a nice length of leg. She was a little longer through the loin than my winner and moved well.

MAIDEN BITCH (3,1)

1st Hartley & Walton, Beraisy Somebody To Love

A happy girl, another sporting her “bikini” today, which made her appear finer in outline. She had a dark eye and tight lips. Her head still needs time to mature; I would like a little more stop, and she was a tad longer in muzzle. A neck of medium length led into a good topline. She had adequate bone and good hocks, although I would have liked more rear angulation. Moved ok.

2nd Baldwin, Fortonpark Hot By Design

Litter sister to several of my quality puppies seen earlier in the day, this was a lovely youngster with a pretty head and pleasing muzzle. She was nicely angulated throughout and had a good length of tail. Unfortunately, a ringside disturbance startled her, and she was unable to show her movement to full advantage today.

NOVICE BITCH (3,0)

1st Baldwin & Hartley-Mair, Tjofselinas Vilma (IMP)

A very pretty 15-month-old bitch of pleasing make and shape. She had a lovely head and expression, with eyes of correct shape and colour and neat flews. Good bone, a pleasing chest and strong pasterns supported her balanced outline, finished by a beautifully shaped rump. I would have liked a touch more length of leg, but she moved with lovely balance. Expertly handled, she remained attentive to her junior handler throughout.

2nd Jefferies, Fanatic Unstoppable At Esslinbern

3rd Hartley & Walton, Beraisy Somebody To Love

GRADUATE BITCH (3,1)

1st McCormick, Etterbern You Can Make It

A nicely bodied bitch rising two years, with a kind, pretty expression, dark eye and correct ears. She stood on neat feet and moved with good balance. I would like to see more development through the chest and a little more length of leg. She stood slightly high over the rump today, giving the impression of a bitch who has still to finish maturing.

2nd McAllister, Staubach Ulla Von Der Wald (IMP HUN)

A pretty five-year-old bitch, sporting her “bikini” today and appearing finer throughout. She had good ears and a pleasing length of neck leading into a super topline. Well angulated throughout, with nice hocks, she moved well and maintained her topline as she went.

POST GRADUATE BITCH (6,1)

1st King, Green & Dedman, Arvella Busy Bea JW

An impressive bitch and a clear winner of this class. Beautifully made and correctly proportioned, she showed a happy temperament and a stunning head and expression, with a correct eye and neat lips. Her shapely neck led into a good chest with sufficient depth and breadth for her age. She had good bone, strong hocks and neat feet, and was well angulated throughout. Presented in a super jacket, she maintained her excellent topline as she moved with lovely balance, particularly strong behind. I gave her serious consideration for top honours.

2nd Watson, Stepdasher Magical Wish

A very pretty bitch, smaller than my winner, with a gorgeous headpiece, lovely expression, dark eye and correct lips. She had a good neck and topline, with pleasing angulation throughout. Lighter in tan, she was a little longer in loin than first and I would have liked more length of leg. A happy girl whose lovely movement secured her placing today.

3rd Jefferies, Esslinbern Curtana Mercy

MID LIMIT BITCH (3,1)

1st Hartley-Mair, Meadowpark North Moonlight

A five-year-old bitch with a pleasing expression, flat skull, dark eye, correct ears and lips. She had a nice neck, strong shoulders, good bone and strong pasterns. I would have liked a touch more rear angulation. Well presented, balanced and moved well.

2nd Jefferies, Esslinbern Heir Of Fire

A happy, strong bitch of pleasing type, with a dark eye of correct almond shape and a strong muzzle. Her good neck led into a nice chest, giving her a pleasing overall shape. She was carrying a little more weight than I would prefer today and moved a touch close behind.

LIMIT BITCH (6,1)

1st Gurney, Monalou Devil Woman

This bitch caught my eye on entering the ring, with her strong breed type, pleasing make and shape, and confident ring presence. She excelled in head: a flat skull, dark eye of correct shape, neat flews and a super expression. Her strong neck of medium length led into a good chest, while balanced angulation and a level topline gave her an attractive outline that she maintained on the move. Shown in good coat and condition, she displayed a lovely temperament and moved soundly throughout. In the final line-up, her combination of breed type, overall balance and movement kept drawing my eye and gave her the edge among my shortlist, therefore I was pleased to award her the RBCC.

2nd Green & English, Devael Dees N Dose At Waldershelf (IMP ESP)

A strong bitch sharing many qualities with my winner. She had a pleasing head and expression, with a flat skull, dark eye and attractive muzzle. Super bone, strong legs and pasterns led down to neat feet. Well ribbed, she held a level topline and finished with a rounded rump, good turn of stifle and super short hocks. Shown in good coat and condition, she was well handled and moved out well. One I shall watch with interest.

3rd Bailey & Williams, Seanri Hello Again At Timbarai

OPEN BITCH (8,2)

1st Green & English, Ch Waldershelf Gin and Tonic

This quality bitch outshone the competition in a very strong open class. Standing naturally foursquare, she was attentive to her handler and showed herself to full advantage. Her feminine expression was framed by correct ears and clean, tight lips. A lovely length of neck flowed into a super front assembly and well-developed chest, supported by strong pasterns and neat feet. She presented a firm, faultless topline, which she maintained on the move, finishing with a well-shaped rump and correct tail carriage. A beautifully put together, correctly proportioned bitch who moved with great cleanness. Her tremendous ring presence caught my eye from the outset, and in the bitch challenge she completely owned the ring. I was delighted to award her the BCC and ultimately, BEST OPPOSITE SEX & RESERVE BEST IN SHOW.

2nd Worrall, Ch Fortonpark Sweet Dreams At Oakbern

Another quality champion bitch displaying many excellent breed attributes. Stronger in head than my winner, with a more pronounced stop and stronger muzzle, yet still retaining a distinctly feminine expression, enhanced by dark, almond-shaped eyes. Strong in chest and well ribbed, she presented a substantial yet balanced picture. Her movement was balanced throughout, called back into the challenge, where she received consideration for the RBCC.

3rd Benson, Truly A Girl Van De Klaverhoeve At Bernervalley

CHAMPION BITCH (5,1)

1st Green & English, Ch Waldershelf Can’t Ignora

What a class of five super-quality bitches, all worthy of their titles! My winner was a true showgirl who clearly enjoyed her time in the ring. Standing naturally foursquare, she showed off her balanced construction, which was just as evident in her fluid movement. She had a beautiful headpiece, with correct skull, eye, muzzle and lips. A lovely neck led into a good front assembly and chest of pleasing depth. She maintained her level topline on the move, carrying her tail well, with nice rear angulation completing the picture. Presented in super coat and condition, she was well handled throughout. She made my shortlist and was a contender for top honours.

2nd Baldwin, Ch Fortonpark Valentallina

Having recently returned to the ring after maternal duties, she was another cracking example of breed type, with lovely ring presence. She had a good head and expression, dark eye, correct muzzle and pleasing neck. A good chest, well-ribbed body, nice topline and rounded rump gave her an attractive outline. Well presented in a super jacket, she moved nicely, although she was carrying a touch more weight than I would have preferred today.

3rd Green & English, Sp/Pt Ch Devael Shame To Fame At Waldershelf

Judge:- Julie Ann Wright (Roesilbern)