Gloucester & District Canine Society

GLOUCESTER & DCS

15TH FEBRUARY 2026

JUDGE: ANTHONY ALLEN

I was thrilled to be invited to judge Best in Show at Gloucester and District Canine Society, I am a grateful to the group judges who sent some super dogs through to the BIS competition. To my super stewards Celia Vines & Marg Garland who guided me through my pastoral breeds and Paula Hill who stewarded for BIS, thank you for enabling everything to run so smoothly.

My Best in Show winner was the superb Finnish Lapphund CH LAPPVIKEN KELTAINEN OF MANU JW who won the breed and group under me earlier on in the day and just got better as the day went on. For Reserve Best in Show and later Best Puppy in Show, I selected the very exciting 11 month old Siberian Husky WINTER MELODY I'LL JUST SIT AND LOOK CUTE AT PELENRISE (IMP POL), what an exciting youngster she is, so full of breed type and moved so well, I could not deny her. For my Reserve Best Puppy in Show I selected the very smart Cairn Terrier Carradine Kiss My Ace, another I thought was very promising and very much deserved this spot in a selection of super youngsters. For my Best Veteran in Show, I selected the Pekingese PEKEHUIS SCARLET WITH SHARDLOW, what a fabulous mover, she really showcased that typical rolling gait. For Reserve Best Veteran in Show my choice was the Bearded Collie PEPPERJAY BARTHOLOMEW JW, who had done well under me earlier in the day.

I was the replacement judge for these pastoral breeds; I wish Ali Stenhouse a speedy recovery and thank the exhibitors for accepting my decisions so sportingly.

PASTORAL GROUP

For my Pastoral Group winner, I selected the super CH LAPPVIKEN KELTAINEN OF MANU. FIN. LAP who I later awarded BIS to. In runner up spot was the Border Collie

ARRODARE NO WONDER who I thought was top drawer. For Group 3 I selected the super Smooth Collie BLAMORDER MAGIC MAKER WITH FREEJACK JW and for Group 4 my choice was the Cardigan Corgi HAVEBACK BEECH HAVEN.

PASTORAL PUPPY GROUP

In top spot was the Briard VALLONNE MAGICAL FLAME, who captured my attention in the AVNSC class, I thought she was really exciting. In second place the lovely Sheltie COCARO THE ENCHANTRESS, in third spot was the Bearded Collie TAMJENTA GHOST PROTOCOL AT KAYCEE and in fourth place the Border Collie ALIOLA’S THE SKYLARK. BORDER COLLIE.

FINNISH LAPPHUND

JUNIOR 1 entry

1ST STARLAPPS JAVRI JW

A very exciting youngster of 14 months, very pretty with a super feminine head and expression, enhanced by a dark eye. I thought she was well made, strong in neck into a well assembled front. Stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Body is well made with a good spring of rib for her age. Quarters powerful and moderately angulated. She is in super coat and condition. Moved out well with a typical action, just a tad close behind. I liked her a lot, I am sure she will have a bright future ahead of her.

POST GRADUATE 2 entries

1ST TABANYARUU CHRISTIE ALVI

Head is balanced and masculine, defined stop enhanced by dark oval eyes to give a pleasing expression. Good through the neck, shoulders well set and elbows fitting tightly. Depth in chest, well made in body with a moderate spring of rib. Good length of loin and firm topline, moderate quarters, well let down hocks. Moved out well in profile but would have like him a little tighter on the up and down.

2ND PAVOSKAS ILOMIELI

Two year old bitch with a lot to like about her just not moving as fluidly as the winner today. Her head is feminine with a pleasing expression, good overall shape. She has a good front assembly, shoulders well placed, standing on well boned legs but would like better feet. Good through the body, moderate spring of rib, depth to chest and moderate rear angulation.

OPEN 2 entries

1ST CH LAPPVIKEN KELTAINEN OF MANU JW. BOB.

My star of the day I thought him super. He presents a super outline on the stack. His headpiece is masculine, skull well shaped, super dark eyes, all giving a masculine expression. Muscular neck, shoulders have good layback and good return of upper arm. Stands on straight legs and oval feet. He has depth to chest, correct spring of rib and a firm back, good overall proportions. Powerful rear quarters with moderate angulation. Moved out well with that typical action. When he walked into the ring first thing I thought him very smart, but he just kept getting better as the day went on and finished the day winning BOB, G1 and BIS – thank you for bringing him, he is a super dog.

2ND TABANYARUU BOREALIS BLIZ

Very different in shape to the winner and just coming back from a litter and not in full coat yet. She has a good head piece, feminine with a good shape, correct skull and well set on ears and good eye colour. Well-made in body with good angles front and rear, stands on well boned legs and good oval shaped feet. Decent quarters on her which she used to advantage on the move, just a little close behind.

OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG

SPECIAL YEARLING 2 entries 1 ABS

1ST MERDELAINES CHIMNEY SWEEP

Another pleasing youngster who was full of life and enjoying himself. I liked his head piece, well defined with defined stop, muzzle developing. Good arched neck, stands on well boned legs and good feet. Hindquarters OK. Movement needs to settle. Good coat and temperament.

OPEN 3 entries

1ST CH QUEMERFORD MAGIC WISH BOB

A super bitch who stood out in the class, square cobby and very feminine. She has a super head piece, pleasing expression enhanced by a lovely dark eye. Super neck in to well set shoulders. Short coupled and rising topline, well developed quarters. Moved out well with reach and drive, Coat harsh and lovely colour. Please to award her Best of Breed.

2ND MOLYNEUX JUST YOU WAIT.

Another lovely bitch, well made, I really liked this lady. She has a pleasing head, super dark eye, well shaped, feminine expression, super arched neck in to well set shoulders. Compact body and good topline. Moved well with good head carriage, just would have liked her a little tighter in elbow as she came towards me. In excellent coat and well presented.

3RD FY NGHALON OR COED AT APPLEJEM

BEARDED COLLIE

JUNIOR 2 entries

1ST TAMJENTA GHOST PROTOCOL AT KAYCEE. BP.

A lovely puppy, bags of potential about him. He has a super outline on the stack. He is masculine in head with a pleasing expression, well-made front construction, shoulders well placed. Well-made in body, good length to ribs. Developed quarters with well bent stifles. Very balanced. Just needs to settle on the move. I thought he was promising and was delighted to make him my Best Puppy and Puppy Group Three – good luck with him.

2ND GWALLTAFWYN GWENLLIAN

Another nice youngster, just not very happy in the ring today. I liked her overall shape and proportions. Her head piece is pleasing and well proportioned and feminine. Just needs to find her feet on the move and a bit of maturity to complete the picture.

POST GRADUATE 3 entries 1 W/D

1ST TAMJENTA JEWEL OF THE NILE AT KAYCEE

Three years old and a lovely type of bitch, she presented a clean outline, lovely coat with super finish. Head is typical with a feminine expression, shoulders well laid back, good return of upper arm. Stands on good legs and feet. Good through the rib and loin. Well developed quarters, typical action on the move.

2ND BEARDORA ROLY POLY

19 months old and developing in the right direction, he has good overall type with a pleasing head, well-shaped with well set ears. Decent neck into a good lay back of shoulder and front assembly, body developing well, I would just like a little more fill throughout, ribs well back and good rear angulation. Moved out well, a shade untidy up and down but scored in profile. Coat coming along nicely.

OPEN 4 entries 2 ABS

1ST PEPPERJAY BARTHOLOMEW JW. BOB.

Striking boy, immaculately presented in full coat, just 7 years but not showing his age at all. On the stack he presented a smart outline. I liked his headpiece which was well proportioned, he has a good eye and a masculine expression. Good through the neck, good lay back of shoulder. Well made in body, good overall proportions. Moved out well, covering the ground well with reach and drive, held his shape well. BOB, Best Veteran and later Reserve Best Veteran in Show.

2ND BRAMBLEMEAD BOLLINGER BOY JW.

Smart young man, well coated slate grey. I like his head piece and balance, well-made front, although would like him tighter in elbow. Well-made in body, held his topline well throughout, would have like a little more of him all through. Well angulated hindquarters. Moved out well with a good action, a tad untidy as he came towards me today.

A.V.N.S.C. PASTORAL

JUNIOR 6 entries 1 ABS

1ST VALLONNE MAGICAL FLAME. BRIARD.

I thought this lady was very exciting, just seven and a half months and very striking on the stack. She has a super head piece with balanced proportions, eyes lovely and well set, square muzzle and well set on ears. Super neck in to well placed shoulders. Chest development is correct for her age, stands on well boned legs and rounded feet. Good through the body, slight slope at croup. Quarters well angulated with correct double dew claws. Very together on the move for her age, coat in good condition. I was delighted to award her the class and last Puppy Group 1; I am sure she will have a bright future ahead of her.

2ND BLAMORDER MASTERPIECE. SMOOTH COLLIE.

Another smart puppy of 7 months, just at that in between stage at the moment but developing as he should. Well-made, balanced with a good outline. Head is typical with a kind expression, well made in body, good proportions. Quarters developing nicely with well bent stifles. Had plenty of enthusiasm on the move but not quite a coordinated as the winner today, promising youngster.

3RD KASTINA HEART OF LUTETIA TO SUZDANS. GSD.

POST GRADUATE 2 entries 1 ABS

1ST PARABAR MONKEY PUZZLE. LANCS HEELER.

Smart bitch, 4 years old. Head is well proportioned, good shape and eyes well shaped, ears well set. Moderate neck in to well set shoulders, balanced angles front and rear. Body well made, decent spring of ribs. Decent quarters. Moved out well, a tad wide in front action, brisk gate.

OPEN 6 entries 1 ABS

1ST BLAMORDER MAGIC MAKER WITH FREEJACK JW. SMOOTH COLLIE.

A smart dog who I liked a lot, I liked his headpiece which was well proportioned, masculine in expression, wedge shaped, ears well set and used. Eyes of good shape.

Well, made through the neck in to well laid shoulders. Stands on good well boned, straight legs. Good depth of chest, well sprung ribs. Quarters well developed, stifles well bent, tail set on well. Moved out well with good drive, just a tad untidy in front action. Smart dog who I later placed Group 3.

2ND FOSTEBRIE PURE BINOCHE FOR BADGERHURST JW. BRIARD

Well made girl of good size and shape. Her head is well proportioned, good expression, eyes and ears well set. Lovely arched neck into well laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Depth of chest good, medium spring of rib, firm loin and level topline. Well made quarters, stifles well bent, good from hock to heel, double dew claws present. Tail well set, carried correctly and with upward hook. Super coat of good texture, moved out well to take this place.

3RD PARABAR POSY'S PAWNEE JW. LANCS HEELER.

A.V. IMPORTED BREED REGISTER PASTORAL

OPEN 3 entries

1ST CAVRONSCOURT UNTOLD DREAM. Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth Faced)

Very smart dog who present himself very well. Head is broad with muzzle slightly shorter, would like a darker eye colour. Clean in outline with a good reach of neck well set in to shoulders, enough depth of chest. Short in body, good through the ribs and short loin. Well made quarters, moderate turn of stifle. Excellent on the move, tidy on the up and down and in profile with a striding gait as required. Coat in excellent condition.

2ND VAR DES MONTS LOKIRALGRIS AT PUIDELUP. Icelandic Sheepdog

Another with a lot to like, looks very impressive on the stack but today was rather untidy in front action. I liked his head and expressions, which gives that required keen expression, good eyes and well placed ears. Well made in body, firm topline. Moved out with lots of enthusiasm.

3RD WHITEHEMI'S CHIMAERA. White Swiss Shepherd Dog .

A.V. PASTORAL

VETERAN 7 entries 5 ABS

1ST PEPPERJAY BARTHOLOMEW JW. BEARDIE.

2ND INT/IR CH BALTHAZAR PUMIDA AVEC SCHNAUBERN (IMP CZE) BW18. HUNGARIAN PUMI

Well known dog who is so full of breed type and it was a pleasure to judge him today, now 11 years old and still retains his quality. I thought him really typical and full of type, super shape and size, super head piece, masculine in expression and great ears. Moved out well, unlucky to meet the beardie on such form.

A.V. RARE BREEDS

JUNIOR 1 entry

1ST ANTARES DU DOMAINE DE BARONNIERE (IMP FRA). AUST. SILKY. BOB.BP.

A smart 7 month old puppy with a lot to like about him. I like his head piece which is well proportioned, muzzle slightly shorter than skull, ears well set on and eyes oval, giving a typical expression, has all the essentials to finish well. Shoulders fine and well set. Would like him a shade tighter in front, body of good proportions, ribs springing nicely. Hindquarters developing correctly, stifles well turned. Stands on small well padded feet. Moved out well for one so young.

ANY VARIETY STAKES

PUPPY STAKES 50 entries

1ST WINTER MELODY I'M TOO BUSY BEING PRETTY AT AMICAL (IMP POL). SIBE.

I was very lucky today, there were two very exciting Sibe youngsters entered, my notes say this one was just fabulous. She has a super headpiece, well chiselled, muzzle of good length and well tapered. Lovely eyes, almond shaped giving a super feminine expression and a hint of mischief. Good length of neck into well placed shoulders, well made in body, good depth of chest for her age and well ribbed up, level topline, well angulated rear. Super on the move to win this competitive class.

2ND TAFARI THE SHADOW KHALEESI UNDER DRUAVELLA. STAND. POODLE.

Another I liked, pleasing outline, lovely head piece with well-shaped eyes and pigment, giving her a feminine expression. Good through the neck into well set shoulders. Good depth of chest for her age, well made quarters. Once she settled, she really excelled on the move with a typical action, to take this place in this competitive class.

3RD COTON KARMA’S SHOOT ME DOWN BEAR AT CINDAIRES (IMP DNK). COTON.

JOAN WAYMAN MEMORIAL MEMBERS' OPEN STAKES 39 entries

1ST BLAMORDER MAGIC MAKER WITH FREEJACK JW. SMOOTH COLLIE

2ND AMICAL VALLETTA JW. SIBE.

A lovely bitch who really appeals for type, she scores in outline presenting a balanced picture on the stack. Pleasing head of good overall proportions, well shaped almond eye and set obliquely which gives her a feminine expression. Super though the neck and shoulders, good return of upper arm. She has depth to her chest and is well ribbed up, a tad long in loin. Well developed quarters, stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Correct coat with required undercoat. Moved out very well to take this place.

3RD CH IN TIME POMS NEW BEGINNINGS AT DIEMZS (IMP BGR) JW. POM.

JUNIOR HANDLING ASSOCIATION

6 - 11 YEARS

1ST ABIGAIL TWIGG - age 11. BEST JUNIOR HANDLER.

Super handler did everything I asked of her, her lines were straight, her corners and turns accurate and she was aware of me at all stages. Very competent handler. Made her my best junior handler today, well done.

2ND CONNOR MORRIS - age 9

Handler who I have judged before, constantly improving which is what we want to see. On the move paces his charge to perfection just needs to work on his awareness of the judge, if he keeps progressing he will have a bright future ahead of him.

3RD KAYCEE-MAE TURTON - age 10

A proficient young handler with a Scottie, got the most out of her charge, needs to work on cornering and cross overs to take things forward, has all the essential there just needs a bit of refining, please keep practicing.

12 - 16 YEARS

1ST ROWENA EDWARDS - age 14

ADULT HANDLING ASSOCIATION

17 - 30 YEARS

This was a tough class with some seasoned professionals; they made my judging very tough indeed.

1ST SAMANTHA WEBSTER. BEST ADULT HANDLER.

Another who I have judged at different times over her career and today was totally spot on, totally on point and delivered everything I asked of her today. I thought she presented her dog to perfection and was exactly as I would have hope. Delighted to make her Best Adult Handler.

2ND PAIGE EDENS

As with the winner a very competent handler, today one minor mistake cost her the top spot, I am sure that these will change place many times over the coming years.

3RD EMILY EVANS

31 - 45 YEARS

1ST KATIE DAWSON

This lady had a difficult challenge handling a Ridgeback but she was spot on with everything I asked her to do, her lines were straight, corners tight and always on point.

2ND VICTORIA NORTON

A super handler as with the winner she is very professional, today not quite as tight on corners as the winner which cost her the class.

3RD ZOE DAVIS

46 YEARS & OVER

1ST JANETT RICE

Smart handler who is very professional and delivers exactly on instructions, straight lines, tight corners and pacing her charge spot on. In the final run off she was checking her dog a little too much and this spoilt the fluidity of its movement, so she lost out but a close run decision for best handler.

2ND KAREN BAMBROOK

This lady got the most out of her charge on the move, pacing him perfectly. Unfortunately today she was a little untidy on her cornering and cross overs which cost her in this class.

3RD SHELAGH CROWTHER