Fife German Shepherd Dog Club

Fife GSD Club Championship Show
Saturday 18th July 2026
Judge: Sharon Bowen

My sincere thanks to Fife GSD Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship Show. With glorious sunshine, spacious grass rings and a hardworking committee, there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day.

I was especially grateful to the club for observing a minute’s silence in memory of Kevan Mee. It was a deeply poignant moment, and David and I reflected on a truly special friend with whom we shared so many treasured memories.

My thanks also go to Karen Tyrell for her excellent stewarding throughout the day, and to David for helping everything run smoothly. Shonagh Reid, it was a pleasure to have you in the ring as a student judge, and I wish you every success as your judging career develops.

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to every exhibitor for accepting my decisions so sportingly and taking the time to listen to my verbal critiques.

BCC & Best In Show
CHARBONNEL PAMMY

DCC & Reserve Best In Show
BENZES VOM ARMUR IMP DEU

BPD & Best Puppy
ZAROMAK ALBIE

BPB
ZAROMAK ARIA

MINOR PUPPY DOG (1,0)

1st MacZenzie’s ZAROMAK ALBIE Well-pigmented black and gold male, presented in excellent condition. Of good size and development for his age, with strong bone and substance. Masculine head without coarseness. Well proportioned, with normal withers and a firm back. Long, well-angled upper arm, although the shoulder could be better laid. Good depth of chest, with a slightly short underline. Sound on the move, with strong hindquarters. Initially rather frenzied on entering the ring, once settled he composed himself and produced a balanced gait with good drive and forward reach. A very promising puppy whom I was delighted to award BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

PUPPY DOG (1,0)

1st Stevenson & Yates ZETAYS BATMAN Strong black and gold long-coated male puppy, presented in excellent condition. Above medium size, with good bone and substance. Masculine head and pleasing expression; neck could be cleaner and longer. Compact in body proportions, with a firm back and a pronounced rise over the topline, falling away towards the croup. Well-developed forechest, well-angled upper arm and good width of thigh. Strong hindquarters. Moved with great enthusiasm, although his coordination and overall balance in movement still need time to develop.

JUNIOR DOG (1,1)

YEARLING DOG (2,1)

1st Williams-Starkey STARKWILL COOPER Above-medium-sized black & gold male of pleasing type, with a good head, expression and balanced height-to-length proportions. High withers and firm back; croup long but somewhat flat. Upper arm is long though steep, and the shoulder could be better angled. Forechest requires further development. Slightly sprung pasterns accentuate the elevated appearance in front. Good turn of stifle, broad thigh and strong hindquarters. Moves with good drive and adequate reach. A sound, well-proportioned dog overall, though greater flow of outline and refinement would enhance the finished picture.

POST GRADUATE DOG (4,1)

1st Turner’s RAFAYE RIKKOR AT TASELLA Well-presented black and gold male in excellent condition. Pleasing head, although the eye could be darker. Good reach of neck flowing into well-defined withers, with a firm back and well-laid croup. Very good forehand assembly, with good depth of brisket and a well-developed forechest. Correct height-to-length proportions and a very good underline. Strong hindquarters with broad, well-muscled thighs. He worked willingly throughout, displaying a fluent, ground-covering side gait with very good drive and good forward reach. His pleasing overall type, excellent deportment and ability to retain his outline at all speeds secured him the class.

2nd Rogerson’s SISKIVA MR BRIGHTSIDE Black & gold male of very good type and pleasing proportions. Good head and expression, normal withers and a well-constructed forehand. Back firm, though slightly elevated, falling away to a short croup. Good hindquarters; moves a little close behind. In side gait he displays powerful hind drive and good forward reach. However, at full extension the back rises, which affects the deportment and retention of his outline. This was the deciding factor in placing him second to the class winner.

LIMIT DOG (4,2)

1st Brownlee’s NEERLAW’S GATSBY A well-constructed sable male of very good type, presented in excellent condition. Pleasing masculine head with a dark mask and highly expressive outlook. Good reach of neck flowing smoothly into a clean, firm topline and well-moulded croup. Long, well-angled upper arm with a good lay of shoulder, complemented by a well-developed forechest and good depth of brisket. Underline could be slightly longer. Very good hindquarters and sound both coming and going. In side gait he moved with enthusiasm, showing good forward reach and strong hind drive, while retaining a very pleasing outline at all speeds. Today the winner of the two, through his cleaner outline, overall balance and convincing performance.

2nd Hanley’s NEERLAW’S VADAA Another sable male with a good head and pleasing expression. Good reach of neck into well-defined withers, with a firm back and a long, though somewhat steep, croup. Good forehand construction, with good depth of brisket and a well-developed forechest; pasterns a little steep. Strong hindquarters with broad thighs, and sound both coming and going. He extends into a fluent side gait, although he doesn’t use his strong hindquarters as well as he could and did not match the winner for hind drive. At full extension, the back rises slightly, affecting the overall outline and deportment in movement. 

OPEN DOG (4,2)

1st Bibby & Cox’s BENZES VOM AMUR IMP DEU Well-presented, richly pigmented black & gold male of excellent type and correct size. Attractive masculine head with an appealing dark mask, good expression and well-placed ears. Good reach of neck flowing into a firm back, with correct height-to-length proportions and a long, well-laid croup. The upper arm is long, although a little more angulation would further enhance an otherwise good forehand. Straight, well-boned forelegs and very good hindquarters. Moves slightly close going away, in side gait he is energetic and enthusiastic, using his powerful hind drive to produce a fluent, ground-covering performance with good forward reach. He has a slight tendency to peak over the back, but this was a small distraction from the overall impression. In stance he presented the size, pigmentation, balance and overall type I particularly value, and his construction and convincing performance made him my clear choice for the CC and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd Keen’s CLOKELLYS DUCATI Black & gold male of good type and proportions, with considerable substance and a pleasing masculine head. Very mature in appearance, with normal withers, a firm back and a somewhat flat croup. Good forehand assembly, with a well-developed forechest and good depth of brisket. Strong hindquarters and sound both coming and going. He extends into a fluent side gait, although the hind drive was not sufficiently effective to produce a truly dynamic performance. As the class progressed, he was unable to sustain the same level of energy and performance as the winner. Nevertheless, a sound, substantial and commendable male with much to appreciate.

SPECIAL LONGCOAT OPEN DOG (4,0)

1st Gray’s KAIZUKA BOMBER A richly pigmented black and gold long-coated male of excellent breed type, presented in first-class condition. Very good bone and substance, with a masculine head and good reach of neck flowing into a firm back and well-positioned croup. Very good forechest development, good depth of brisket and an excellent underline combine with his correct height-to-length proportions to create a particularly pleasing, balanced outline. Well-constructed fore and hindquarters, with a very good turn of stifle. Sound both coming and going, he moved with purpose and conviction, covering the ground fluently with very good hind drive and forward reach. He retained his balance and outline throughout, giving a confident and convincing performance at every stage of the class. A clear and most deserving winner.

2nd Britnell’s BLAVEN VOM WANAKON Sable male of very good type, with a pleasing head and high withers. Firm back and long croup. Long upper arm, the shoulder could be better angled. Good forechest development and depth of brisket. Compact through the middle piece, where a little more length of loin would enhance the height-to-length proportions and create a more flowing outline. Good turn of stifle, with strong, broad thighs. Sound both coming and going. Moves with good hind drive, although the back rises in extension and the forward reach did not quite match that of the winner. A quality male with many breed virtues, although for my preferred interpretation of the standard, the winner’s overall proportions presented the more balanced picture.

VETERAN DOG (1,0)

1st CH WAKEMATT MORTY AT STARKWILL An above-medium-sized veteran male of excellent breed type, presented in superb condition and displaying correct height-to-length proportions. Very good length and angulation of upper arm, with well-laid shoulder blades, normal withers and a firm back. Excellent forechest development, good depth of brisket and excellent hindquarters. Sound both coming and going, he extended into an effortless, ground-covering side gait while retaining a very pleasing outline. Although standing alone in his class, he proved his quality decisively in the challenge, where he just got better and better. Presented at the ideal pace, his soundness, balance and effortless movement could not be denied the RCC. A great credit to his owners, who brought this veteran in such fit, beautifully conditioned and impeccably schooled form. His nine-year-old handler also deserves the highest praise for a composed and accomplished performance. The rapport between dog and handler, combined with the handler’s skill, undoubtedly allowed the dog to be shown to his full potential.

MINOR PUPPY BITCH (5,1)

1st MacKenzie’s ZAROMAK ARIA A promising black and gold puppy bitch of excellent proportions, balance and breed type. Pleasing feminine head with a good expression. Strong neck of good length, flowing into well-laid shoulders and a firm topline. Good depth of chest for her age, with balanced fore and hind angulation. Sound throughout. She was a little overexcited and somewhat frantic at times, but when settled she displayed an easy, fluent side gait with good forward reach. Her quality, correct proportions and overall balance were evident despite her youthful exuberance, making her a convincing class winner. A very promising puppy whom I was pleased to award Best Puppy Bitch.

2nd KAIZUKA DARLA Black & gold long-coated female puppy of very good type, attractively presented in excellent condition. Strong yet feminine head, pleasing proportions, substantial bone and good depth of chest. Well constructed through the forequarters, with strong, broad and well-developed hindquarters. Pasterns could be firmer and feet a little tighter. A promising puppy already well advanced in development for her age, which gave the winner the advantage in overall balance and proportions today. An attractive, well-presented puppy with much to commend her.

PUPPY BITCH (1,1)

JUNIOR BITCH (5,3)

1st DeZutter’s LANGFAULDS EMMALINE A quality black & gold young female who impressed from the moment she entered the ring and set a high standard for those that followed. Feminine and full of class, she presents a beautifully balanced outline with very good proportions and a well-constructed forehand. Good length of neck flows cleanly into well-defined withers and well-laid shoulders, firm topline and balanced hindquarters. I would have liked slightly more length through the underline, but this did little to detract from the overall picture. She moved with very good forward reach and drive, remaining balanced, composed and true to her outline throughout. Her type, quality and effortless performance secured her the class and placed her in strong contention for the . Ultimately, the greater maturity of the CC winner proved decisive on the day, but this exciting young female was a most worthy winner of the Reserve CC.

2nd Betjane’s WHISPER TEAM LEGUND Substantial black and gold female with a good head and expression. Presented a mature picture and was sound throughout. Strongly developed through the forehand, although the hind angulation did not provide the corresponding balance, affecting the harmony of her outline and efficiency in movement. I would have welcomed a little more femininity and refinement in the overall picture. On the day, she did not quite match the winner in breed type, balance or performance.

YEARLING BITCH (2,1)

1st Betjane’s WHISPER TEAM LEGUND

POST GRADUATE BITCH (6,1)

1st Williams-Starkey JO DER ROTE KRIGER Well-balanced black and gold female of very good overall type and proportions. Attractive, feminine head with a pleasing expression. Good length of neck flowing cleanly into well-laid shoulders, with a firm topline and a particularly well-proportioned middle piece. I especially appreciated her moderate, unexaggerated outline and the excellent symmetry between her forehand and hindquarters. Sound both coming and going, she moved with great enthusiasm, displaying very good deportment, reach and drive while maintaining her balance, topline and pleasing outline throughout. A very sound, functional female whose overall construction and moderation closely reflected my preferred type.

2nd McCarvel’s DRAMA VON ARLETT A very good-quality black and gold female with good substance and correct proportions. I would have liked greater harmony through the forehand, with a better-laid shoulder and more angulation of the upper arm. Would like more development of the forechest and brisket at this age. Good turn of stifle, strong broad thighs, with the lower thigh at the limit for balance. She performed with excellent enthusiasm, showing good drive and a fluent side gait. The tendency to rise through the back affected her outline in extension, and, for me, did not present quite the same balanced, unexaggerated picture as the winner.

LIMIT BITCH (6,2)

1st Platt’s CHARBONNEL PAMMY A medium-sized, medium-strong black & gold female of excellent breed type, whose overall balance, moderation and construction impressed me greatly. Strong yet feminine head, with a very good reach of neck flowing seamlessly into normal withers, a clean, firm back and a long, well-positioned croup. The shoulder is well laid and the upper arm is long, although it could be slightly better angled. Excellent feet, firm pasterns and straight forelegs, correct forechest development, good depth of brisket and a clean underline. Particularly pleasing through the middle piece, with excellent hindquarters, strong broad thighs and short, firm hocks. Absolutely sound both coming and going. When settled into her stride, she produced a fluent, balanced and efficient ground-covering gait, retaining her firm topline and harmonious silhouette throughout. Her movement was not dependent upon excessive speed or exaggeration; rather, it was the product of sound construction, coordination and balance. Moderate in every department, she presented a functional and completely harmonious picture that closely reflected my preferred interpretation of the breed. Her cleaner topline, soundness and overall balance gave her the advantage over a very worthy male CC winner, making her my CC winner and ultimately Best in Show.

2nd Craid & McGough’s XIBOR B’YANKA A female of very good overall type and proportions, with a pleasing head and very good reach of neck flowing into high withers and a firm back. Good forehand construction, with a well-developed forechest and clean underline. The croup is long, though somewhat flat. Good hindquarters, with the lower thigh a little long. She moved with good reach, drive and coordination, working willingly and consistently for her handler throughout. Strongly challenged by the very good female placed third, she ultimately secured second place behind a quality winner through her steadier outline, sustained performance and composed presentation.

OPEN BITCH (7,4)

1st Bibby’s ARIEL DI SANTA VENERE Very good black & gold female of very good type, presenting herself confidently and to advantage in the ring. Good reach of neck flowing into a firm back. Well-constructed forehand, with good forechest development and appropriate depth of brisket. I would have liked a little more spring of rib and breadth through the body and loin to complete the picture. Good hindquarters. She performed with confidence and enthusiasm, covering the ground fluently. The topline showed a slight tendency to peak in movement and, on the day, she was not carrying quite the condition required to challenge for top honours. Her type, confident deportment and energetic performance secured her the class.

2nd DeZutter’s LANGFAULDS CHIC Another female of very good type and correct proportions, with a pleasing head and good reach of neck flowing into a firm back. The croup is somewhat short. Very good forehand assembly, complemented by good forechest development and depth of chest. Sound both coming and going, and presented to excellent advantage. A little more turn of stifle would improve the effectiveness of the hindquarters in extended gait. Although her topline is not maintained quite as cleanly in movement as in stance, she remains balanced and coordinated. A correct, honest female who performed willingly and consistently throughout, presenting a pleasing overall picture.

SPECIAL LONGCOAT OPEN BITCH (3,0)

1st Dixon’s FLUFFYCOX V SHOTAAN Black and gold long-coated female of excellent breed type, presented in first-class condition and performing with consistency throughout every phase of the competition. Clean and balanced in outline, with correct proportions, a very good middle piece and well-constructed fore and hindquarters. Short, strong hocks and absolutely sound both coming and going. Her movement was fluent, coordinated and ground-covering, displaying good rhythm and balance while retaining a pleasing outline. Excellent in temperament and presentation, she showed herself willingly and with very good deportment throughout. A quality female with much to admire who remained in serious consideration in the final challenge. Ultimately, the CC and Reserve CC winners held the advantage for me in their more classical proportions, balance and overall outline.

2nd Miller & Gouck’s HAUSMULLER DIXIE A good, honest long-coated female of pleasing type, presenting a clean outline and balanced proportions. Stands correctly on straight forelegs, with good withers, a firm back and a clean topline. Forehand and hindquarters work in harmony, producing a sound, efficient and fluent side gait. She moved with steadiness, balance and consistency rather than excessive speed or exaggeration, maintaining a pleasing overall picture throughout. A thoroughly sound and well-presented female who performed creditably, but on the day the decisive advantage was with the winner and her more dynamic performance.

VETERAN BITCH (3,3)