Crufts

Thank you to everyone who entered under me, it was an honour and privilege to have your support at this most prestigious show. I was delighted with my principal winners and mainly in the depth of quality in my entry. The two open classes in particular were a joy to behold with multiple worthy champions vying for the top spots. However not all exhibits were ideal and I hope the following will clarify my decisions. As a judge I am appointed to make my assessments against the Breed Standard, fairly and evenly in every case without exception. First and foremost breed type has to be unmistakable with absolutely no resemblance to another breed or cross. Unfortunately, the puppy bitch class did not fulfil that basic criteria and all three places were regrettably withheld.

GCD, PD, JD (0 entries)

PGD (3,0) 1st Grinhams FORYD CAPTAIN SOUL*** overall correct breed type, long attractive head, head planes could be better, good mask, chiselling, pigment and split, lovely length and arch to neck, good withers and top line, good angulation in front a shade open in rear, chest still to develop in depth, well-muscled throughout, stands four square on parallel limbs, oval bone, when settled into his stride had light brisk movement in profile, a little tied coming, excellent character

2nd Fauveau’s UGH DE LA BERGERIE DES BONS SOINS tall rich red dog pleasing for type, head is of good length with a shade extra strength in skull, good strength underjaw, good mask, would prefer a little more chiselling, well used ears, good reach and crest of neck, good top and under lines, good bone and muscle, good stance, exuberant temperament, out to play hence erratic on the move

3rd Foster’s GOLDMALI UNSUNG HERO good outline, neck and wither on this lad, level top line, good tail set, slightly short and steep in upper arm, better rear angulation, high stepping somewhat on the move, a little cautious of his surroundings initially however otherwise nice character

LD (1,0) 1ST Fauveau’s UGH DE LA BERGERIE DES BONS SOINS

OD (7,1) 1st Davis, Davis & Gaffey’s CH FORYD EL CAPITAN*** tall, impressive and masculine boy of lovely breed type giving the impression of strength with elegance. Excellent length of head, tall ears a little low set but used well. Dark obliquely set eyes, enquiring expression. Mask could be better filled, good chiselling and split, excellent pigment, excellent head carriage onto correctly arched neck, distinct withers, harmonious flow of top and under lines, balanced angulation fore and aft. Very good coat and muscle condition, moved well all ways on strong parallel limbs, standing four square on the tightest of feet. He was alert and showy with a super temperament, commanding both attention and appreciation DCC

2nd Totesaut’s CH FORYD SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN AT HEIDRON, nicely sized very typical male with a most beautiful head and expression from dark almond eyes, good mask, excellent chiselling, deeply pigmented well drawn back lips, ears could be slightly better set and he was reluctant to use himself to full advantage. Elegant and harmonious proportions, good length and crest of neck, firm top line, good croup and tail set, gently sweeping under line. Nicely balanced angulations front and rear, appealing construction, movement and temperament; lacking a little sparkle in this class today however couldn’t be denied his place and later RCC

3rd Sutton’s CH FORYD MYSTIC SOUL*** another very typical male that pleased my eye. Very good length of head, correct parallel planes, mask is well set, good chiselling under the eyes, good strength of muzzle and underjaw, skull a shade strong for balance, very good ear set shape and size, good top and underlines, nicely balanced angulation, good muscular condition, he is certainly built well but just couldn’t get his act together on the move as he was pacing. A quality boy with a lovely nature

VD (1.0) 1st Davis’ CH FORYD ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH a dog of good size and substance although his head is rather strong for my taste, his skull is rounded and deep through, muzzle slightly hooked. Dark eyes, a little full, good mask and sufficient chiselling. Ears could be higher set but are of good shape and size, good neck and withers flowing onto good back, croup and tail set. Angulations are balanced front and rear; stance is four square on straight limbs and muscles well developed. Open friendly character, initially over excited but when settled moved very well

GCB (3,1) 1st Ashenden’s GOLDMALI UNBELIEVABLE OF CODECANIS, of good make and character. I’d prefer a slightly longer head, good strength to muzzle, lacks a little chiselling. Tall ears well set and used, dark eyes somewhat full, good mask and pigment. Lovely coat colour and texture, feet rather long and splayed. Slightly short in neck, good withers and top line, sloping croup, could be shorter coupled. Erratic movement on a slippy carpet but when settled had a light brisk stride and held her top line

2nd Fenby’s GOLDMALI SOMEBODY TO LOVE, head a little short and needs better strength in muzzle, good pigment, mask, dark eye, very good length of neck and sufficient height at withers, level top line, loin could be shorter and stronger. Her angulation is slightly open in front, well bent stifle, feet flat and long, not quite as together as 1st, nice temperament

PB (3,0) all awards withheld

LB (1,0) 1st Fenby’s GOLDMALI SOMEBODY TO LOVE (as in GC class)

OB (6,1) 1st Mackie, Lester, Smith & Preddy’s CH FORYD DENALI AT HAWKSFLIGHT*** an outstanding bitch that excels in breed type and femininity. For me she is everything a BSD bitch of any variety should be. An elegant, shapely female of super proportions and attitude, classic head piece, long, well chiselled, flat cheeks, good strength of muzzle and under jaw, near perfect parallels. Tall ears of excellent set used constantly. Lovely dark almond shaped eyes giving a lively and intelligent expression, very good mask. Excellent arched neck flowing on to accentuated withers, level top line, short firm loin, good croup and tail set. Beautifully balanced angulation with straight limbs she stands four square and is foot perfect in all directions. In beautiful coat and dry muscular condition. To complete the package, she has a wonderful temperament and a style that fills the eye, CC & BOB

2nd Mitchell’s CH FORYD SOUL SURVIVOR AT YORVIKMALI*** the best I’ve seen this bitch look, she is really maturing well, obviously feminine with lovely breed type. A long and beautiful head with the most wonderful expression from dark, almond, obliquely set eyes. Tall high set ears a little wide at base, good head planes, set mask, excellent chiselling and pigment. Her silhouette flows beautifully; all in proportion she has a natural stance on straight elegant limbs. Very balanced angulation which saw her move with a light brisk gait, holding her top line; could be a little shorter coupled, good muscle tone front and rear with well-developed second thigh. Didn’t stop showing, super character, RCC

3rd Gaffey & Snell’s CH FORYD KITT AT D’LUXUEUX*** another very feminine bitch with excellent type, beautiful head for length and fill, lovely strength of underjaw, good mask, pigment and split, excellent dark almond eyes with gentle expression, ok ears but a little reluctant to use them today; nicely arched neck flowing on to good withers, top line and gently sloping croup, good chest and tuck-up. Correct proportionate bone on straight limbs with parallel stance. Very balanced for angulation, would like in slightly harder condition, moved well enough all ways but seemed a little jaded, sweet character, a top quality girl

VB (1,0) 1st Brett’s CH GOLDMALI OVER THE RAINBOW a petite sized bitch, lovely shape and proportionate substance; rich red in colour, would like a little more refinement in head. Extended mask, tall ears well used, lovely soft expression from medium dark eyes, deep pigment, well split mouth, just enough chiselling. Elegant neck onto compact body, good chest, well laid shoulder and return of upper arm, balanced rear, stands four square, excellent light brisk movement all ways retaining her shape. Very open character, lively and friendly, showed beautifully BVIB

TERI BURKE (Judge)