Berkshire Downs & Chilterns Golden Retriever Club

My sincere thanks to the Committee of the Berkshire Downs & Chilterns Golden Retriever Club for their kind invitation to judge at this well-run show. It was a real honour and privilege to officiate, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. My grateful thanks also go to stewards. I was very aware that, due to the unfortunate clash with the Championship Show of The Golden Retriever Club, some exhibitors found themselves having to choose between the two events or move between rings during the day. Despite this, I was delighted by both the quality and the depth of my entry, and I would like to thank all the exhibitors who supported the show and accepted my decisions in such a sporting manners.

D: 76/26/48 

B: 92/41/51 

Total Exhibits Entered/Total Exhibits Absent/Total Exhibits Present: 168/67/99 

Baby PD (4 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1ST Taylor Miss CA &Tenn Mr MD STRETTONHILLS TRUE NORTH   

A very promising youngster with a lovely head and kind expression. Excellent front construction with an ideal length of upper arm, allowing for good balance. Beautiful neck flowing into a firm topline, particularly pleasing for one so young. Well angulated behind and already showing a balanced outline. Moved freely and happily with plenty of enthusiasm, making the most of his many virtues. A baby with a very bright future ahead of him. Special mention must go to his young handler, who presented this baby with great confidence and sensitivity, allowing him to show to his very best throughout.

2ND Taylor Mr JM & Mrs BM CALACAREY OVER THE MOON BY TANNADICE

Another promising youngster of a different type, with a very pleasing head and kind expression. Good bone and presented in a quality puppy coat. His angulations are moderate but balanced throughout, giving a pleasing outline. At this stage he would benefit from developing more forechest and a longer upper arm, while his topline is still maturing, which is perfectly acceptable at this young age. He has plenty of time on his side and I look forward to watching his development.

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Baby PB (3 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1ST Clarkson Mrs FM DRUMKILTY TRUE COLOURS 

A baby very much my cup of tea, and it came as no surprise to learn that she comes from a kennel whose quality has impressed me over the years. She has a beautiful feminine head with the sweetest, true Golden expression. A dream of a neck flowing into an exceptionally well-constructed front, with excellent length of upper arm and lovely length of leg, creating the balanced outline that I so admire. Her rear angulation matches the front perfectly, giving her excellent overall balance. She did not quite give her best on the move today, which was entirely understandable given both her tender age and the hot conditions, but her quality was unmistakable. A very promising youngster with an exciting future ahead of her.

2ND Taylor Miss CA &Tenn Mr MD STRETTONHILLS TICKLED PINK

Litter sister to the winner of Baby Puppy Dog and another quality baby. She presents a pleasing outline with a particularly firm topline for her age and well-balanced hind angulation. A touch longer in loin than my winner and, at this stage, I would have preferred a little more length of leg to complete the picture. Nevertheless, she is a very promising baby with plenty to like, and I am sure she will continue to develop well. She was presented beautifully by her young handler, who did an excellent job of getting the very best from this very promising puppy.

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SVD (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1ST Phipps-Baker Mrs SE & Baker Mr IR MADDOUSE TOP HAT

A lovely veteran presented in excellent muscular condition and carrying a quality coat. Pleasing head with good pigmentation, giving a typical expression. Compact throughout, with well-balanced angulation front and rear, maintaining a harmonious outline. Moved exceptionally well, particularly when one considers his age, covering the ground with ease and soundness. Beautifully presented and a credit to his owner

2ND Roper Mr I CATNNELS INSIDE STORY FOR BRENSHAM VW SGWC

Another veteran presented in good coat and condition, with good bone and substance. Masculine throughout and standing on sound feet. He maintained a pleasing outline and moved steadily around the ring, giving his handler every opportunity to show him to advantage. It was nice to see him enjoying his day in the ring

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MPD (10 Entries, 1 Absent)

1ST Foreman Mr G & Mrs T AMBERSUN ANOTHER ADVENTURE (ai)

A very promising youngster with a lovely frame, which, quite naturally at this age, still needs time to fill out. He has an excellent head with the kindest expression and excellent pigmentation. Beautiful front construction, with good forechest and excellent length of upper arm, complemented by a lovely neck flowing into a firm level topline. Well angulated behind, giving him a balanced outline throughout. He moved soundly and confidently for one so young, covering the ground well while maintaining his shape. Very well presented, a puppy with an exciting future ahead of him.

2ND Cooper Miss AG AMILONE DON'T MIND IF I DO AT DIKEADAZE

A slightly younger and naturally rawer puppy than the winner, but one with much to admire. I was particularly taken by his delightful head and the gentle, intelligent expression that is so typical of the breed. Lovely length of neck leading into a pleasing outline, with particularly well-made hindquarters. Moved well for his age with a happy, positive attitude and was presented to advantage throughout. As he matures and develops, I am sure he will continue to improve.

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PD (9 Entries, 3 Absent)

1ST Bell Mrs FV & Mr M HOAALOHA SANDPIPER

This impressive blond youngster caught my eye the moment he entered the ring. A large frame, masculine puppy with the most outstanding head, full of quality and breed character. He has plenty of bone and substance without losing balance, together with an excellent front assembly and a powerful, well-developed body. Dead level topline and exceptionally well-made hindquarters, giving him a strong and balanced outline. Presented in excellent coat and condition and shown to advantage throughout. A very promising young dog with all the attributes to have a very bright future.

2ND Mr G & Mrs T AMBERSUN ANOTHER ADVENTURE (ai)

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JD (10 Entries, 2 Absent)

1ST Jackson-Haines Mr G & Mrs J LEIGHSHAM SWEENEY TODD

A very eye-catching young male who immediately appealed for his quality and overall balance. He has the most beautiful head with a melting expression full of breed character. Textbook front construction, with well-laid shoulders and an ideal return of upper arm, complemented by a beautiful reach of neck flowing into a balanced outline. Excellent length of leg, giving him the proportions I particularly admire, and strong, well-angulated hindquarters completing the picture. His movement was a real highlight, displaying outstanding reach in front, made possible by his textbook front construction. A quality youngster with a very bright future ahead of him. Presented to advantage throughout.

2ND Gerhold Mrs J NAVILIS SHCHEDRYK (IMP UKR)

This young dog had already made a very favourable impression on me when I awarded him Best Puppy at an earlier show, and I was pleased to see how well he has continued to develop. He remains a quality youngster with a pleasing head and expression, a good reach of neck and well-laid shoulders. Balanced throughout, with a firm topline and particularly pleasing hindquarters. He moved freely and with purpose, covering the ground well and showing himself to advantage. I would have preferred a more natural presentation of his coat, which on the day appeared rather over-blown. Today I just preferred the overall finish of the winner, time is very much on his side.

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YD (6 Entries, 2 Absent)

1ST Webb Mrs SJ & Smith Mr C WATERBABIES WALK TALL AT HECTSON (IMP ITA) Fourth in what I considered an exceptionally strong Junior class earlier in the day, this quality youngster came through to head a good Yearling class. He appealed for his excellent front assembly, with a well-laid shoulder, good forechest and plenty of heart room. Pleasing head, balanced throughout and presenting a harmonious outline. He moved soundly and with good purpose, making the most of his many virtues. Presented in excellent coat and hard condition and shown to advantage throughout. A thoroughly deserving winner of the class.

2ND Knight Mr JH & Cooke Miss MJ HAYDENGOLD BACKCHAT JW

Another quality youngster whom I admired very much. He has a beautiful head with a lovely, typical expression, combined with a firm, level topline and an overall balanced outline. Well angulated front and rear, giving him pleasing proportions throughout. His movement was a particular highlight today, flowing freely and accurately around the ring. On this occasion I just preferred the winner, who was carrying slightly better overall conditions, but this is nevertheless a dog of considerable quality and one I greatly admired.

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ND (9 Entries, 6 Absent)

1ST Bell Mrs FV & Mr M HOAALOHA SANDPIPER

2ND Foreman Mr G & Mrs T AMBERSUN ANOTHER ADVENTURE (ai)

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UGD (7 Entries, 3 Absent)

1ST Bell Mrs FV & Mr M HOAALOHA SANDPIPER

2ND Tweddle Mrs KJ BRUNWICKES SOLAR ECLIPSE

A masculine dog with a pleasing head and good pigmentation. Moderate in angulations, with a firm, level topline and a balanced outline. Presented in a good coat and moved soundly around the ring, covering the ground well.

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GD (9 Entries, 5 Absent)

1ST Grady Miss M & Young Miss K THORNYWAIT BRING IT BACK GLENRIOCH JW

A handsome, rich gold dog of excellent type. He has a beautiful masculine head with the kindest expression, carried on a strong neck flowing into an excellent front assembly with well-laid shoulders. Very soundly made throughout, with well-balanced angulation and a firm, mature body giving an impression of strength without coarseness. He moved freely and with purpose, maintaining his balanced outline at all times. Presented in excellent coat and conditions and shown to advantage.

2ND Wooden Mrs P & Mr K AMILONE SMOKIN BARREL AT SALAKO

Another quality dog, of a different type to the winner but with much to admire. He has a pleasing head, good reach of neck and a firm, level topline which he held at all times. Well-made hindquarters and an outstanding mover, covering the ground with effortless drive and maintaining excellent balance in profile. Today I just preferred the masculinity of the winner, but this is nevertheless a very worthy exhibit with many qualities. Showed to advantage. 

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PGD (10 Entries, 5 Absent)

1ST Middleton-Collins Mrs R & Mr D BERRYMEADE A FOOL IN LOVE OF JASPERLEIGH JW  

A very well-constructed dog with much to admire in his overall make and shape. Excellent front assembly, with well-laid shoulders and an ideal return of upper arm, complemented by a well-developed forechest and deep ribcage with plenty of heart room. Firm, level topline and well-angulated hindquarters, giving him a balanced and workmanlike outline. A very showy exhibit who never stopped using his tail, adding to his overall ring presence. Moved soundly and with good purpose, making the most of his excellent construction. Handled to perfection.

2ND Webb Mrs SJ & Smith Mr C WATERBABIES A SEA OF FACES TO HECTSON (IMP ITA)  

Another dog of considerable quality, and in many respects one whose construction appealed to me greatly. He has a beautiful masculine head, an excellent front assembly with well-laid shoulders and ideal return of upper arm, together with well-angulated hindquarters, giving him a balanced outline. On the day I would have preferred him in better coat and overall condition, and I also wanted his top line to be a little more solid on the move. Nevertheless, he is a quality exhibit with much to admire, and I am sure our paths will cross again.

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LD (11 Entries, 2 Absent)

1ST McGugan Mr J & Mrs DM & Miss K WESTLOW THE LEGEND OF FINGAL TO INVERGOIL CULZEAN   

Wow! This was the first word I wrote in my notes, as he entered the ring, and throughout the class I found it difficult to take my eyes off him. A masculine dog of outstanding breed quality, combining substance, balance and correct proportions. Beautiful masculine head with the kindest of expressions, carried on a strong neck leading into a well-laid shoulder and good return of upper arm. Mature forechest with excellent ribbing and plenty of heart room. Firm, level topline with an excellent tailset, outstanding bone and well-balanced hindquarters, completing a powerful yet harmonious outline. He absolutely oozes breed quality and moved with strength, purpose and excellent reach and drive, holding his outline at all times. A dog of great merit whom I admired enormously. Res Best Dog

2ND Brown Mr MR & Mrs S IPCRESS ORACLE

Another quality dog who appealed for his overall balance and sound construction. He has a beautiful masculine head with a kind, typical expression, carried on a strong neck leading into a well-made front. Firm, level topline, well-developed body with plenty of heart room and well-angulated hindquarters, all combining to produce a balanced outline. He moved with excellent reach and drive, maintaining his shape throughout and covering the ground with ease. Today I just preferred the greater ring presence and overall impact of the winner, but this is nevertheless a dog of considerable merit whom I was pleased to award second in such a high quality class.

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OD (10 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST Lewis Mrs S & Miss M FAIRWINDS IN SPACE MAN JW

Wow – my star of the day. A dog I have admired from ringside on many occasions, and today I was delighted to finally have the opportunity to go over him. I can honestly say he did not disappoint. A dog I like from the top of his nose to the tip of his tail, combining outstanding breed type with quality, balance, elegance and effortless masculinity. He has a magnificent masculine head with the kindest expression, a beautiful, elegant neck flowing into a textbook front assembly, with a perfectly laid shoulder and ideal return of upper arm. Well-developed forechest. Dead level and firm topline, finished with a perfect tailset. His hindquarters are powerful and beautifully constructed, giving him the drive to move with strength, purpose and excellent reach while maintaining his outstanding outline at all times. Presented in immaculate coat and hard conditions, and handled to advantage throughout. A truly outstanding representative of the breed. Best Dog, Best in Show

2ND Bates Mr J & Mrs H AKENSCALES WATERLOO

A quality dog with much to admire. He has a pleasing masculine head and kind expression, carried on a good reach of neck leading into a well-balanced outline. Soundly constructed throughout, with a firm topline and well-angulated hindquarters. He moved freely and with purpose, maintaining his shape well around the ring. On the day I would have preferred him in better coat conditions, but his underlying quality was still evident. Presented to advantage throughout and a worthy second in good company.

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SVB (6 Entries, 1 Absent)

1ST Fosdike Mrs M MEIEPERE YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE (ATC EST)   

A bitch I have admired on several time from ringside, and there can be no doubt about her quality. What struck me immediately today was the wonderful bond she shares with her owner and handler. She never took her eyes off her, displaying that will-to-please, biddable attitude that is so characteristic of the breed and such a pleasure to watch. Presented in immaculate condition, she has a lovely feminine head with dark eyes and the kindest of expressions. Exceptional neck flowing into a firm, level topline, excellent front assembly with well-laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Cat like feet. Well-balanced hindquarters completing a harmonious outline. Moved true, purposeful and with effortless style. A true showgirl who knows exactly how to command attentions in the ring. Best Veteran in Show

2ND McFarlane Miss K BLUEBRAES JACOBITE LASS

A veteran of a slightly different type to the winner, but undoubtedly a bitch of greatest quality. She appealed greatly for her most beautiful head, with dark eyes and the loveliest of typical expressions. Outstanding neck flowing into well-laid shoulders with excellent return of upper arm, creating a most pleasing front assembly. Excellent bone, firm topline and excellent bend of stifle, complemented by short, strong hocks which completed her balanced outline. Moved soundly and with purpose. Another lovely veteran who has so much to offer, just preferred the overall picture of the winner on the day.

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MPB (16 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1ST Nelson Mrs VJ CADWST ETERNAL EMBER   

Lovely youngster of excellent size and substance for her age. Feminine head with a delightful, kind expression and dark eyes. Already showing excellent depth of chest with plenty of heart room, giving the impression of a well-developed youngster. Clean neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, firm enough topline for her age and correctly set tail. Well up on pasterns and balanced throughout. Moved positively, maintaining her balance at all times. A very promising youngster who should continue to blossom with maturity.

2ND Brown Dr CA & Dr SA GLENLEDDON GENTLE BREEZE 

Elegant and feminine youngster with a lovely head and the sweetest of expressions. Excellent neck flowing into a level topline, with good shoulder placement and particularly pleasing length of leg, giving her a balanced outline. Well up on pasterns and showing good quality throughout. Excellent hindquarters. Moved soundly whenever she settled. Still at an earlier stage of development than the winner, which is only to be expected given the small age difference at this stage, but time is very much on her side. She certainly kept her handler on her toes today, but her quality was always evident. A very promising youngster with a bright future ahead.

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PB (20 Entries, 11 Absent)

1ST Falconer Mrs AE SIATHAM ESMERELDA

From the moment I first went over this lovely youngster I knew she was something rather special. She immediately gave me that wonderful feeling that only the very best ones can. I loved her size and substance, combined with a beautiful head, dark eyes and the sweetest of expressions. Excellent front assembly with well-laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm, standing on strong pasterns and neat, cat-like feet, with plenty of bone throughout. Firm, level topline for her age and well-balanced hindquarters completing a most harmonious outline. Presented to advantage throughout. The highlight came when she moved, for one so young, she covered the ground with such reach, drive and effortless style that she was simply poetry in motion. Once she finishes maturing and carries her full bloom coat, I have little doubt she will be unstoppable. A truly exciting prospect for the future.

2ND McNeish Mr M & Miss M PEVRILPOINT DONT STOP ME NOW

Another puppy of outstanding quality, already showing a remarkable degree of maturity for her age. She presents a lovely, balanced silhouette, with an excellent neck flowing into well-laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Stands on good feet with plenty of bone, firm level topline and particularly strong, well-developed hindquarters. Shown in excellent coat and presented to perfection throughout. Moved soundly and confidently, maintaining her outline at all times. A bitch with so much to admire, just had to give best to the winner today, whose exceptional movement made the difference.

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JB (12 Entries, 3 Absent)

1ST Clarke Mrs JM & Mr MP SUNNYOAK STRING OF PEARLS   

This lovely young bitch immediately caught my eye the moment she entered the ring. Her topline remained absolutely level at all times, whether standing naturally, stacked or on the move – you could almost have balanced a cup of tea on it, a quality I admire enormously. Lovely feminine head with a typical expression. Excellent front assembly with well-laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Strong, well developed hindquarters with excellent bend of stifle and short, strong hocks, complemented by perfect tail carriage. Presented in immaculate condition throughout. On the move she was a picture, carrying her head proudly while maintaining her dead level topline, making for a most impressive overall picture. A quality young bitch with a most exciting future ahead. Despite her young age, I had no hesitation in awarding her Reserve Best Bitch

2ND Lewis Mrs S & Miss M ZENEVIEVA MILLION DOLLARS FOR FAIRWINDS (AI) (IKC)

Another young bitch of greatest quality, with an excellent size and overall balance that appealed greatly. Attractive outline with a clean neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, firm level topline and strong, well-developed hindquarters, all supported by good bone and neat feet. She was particularly impressive on the move, covering the ground with freedom, purpose and excellent drive, always maintaining her shape. Presented beautifully throughout, although not carrying her best coat conditions on the day. Another quality youngster who pushed the winner hard and with a bright future ahead.

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YB (8 Entries, 3 Absent)

1ST Clarke Mrs JM & Mr MP SUNNYOAK STRING OF PEARLS

2ND Vernon Mrs DJ & Mr M GRACELEIGH HOOCHIE COOCHIE

Another bitch of outstanding quality who was unfortunate to meet the winner again in this class. This was one of those classes where you wish you had two red cards to give. She possesses one of the loveliest heads I judged all day. Outstanding neck flowing into excellent shoulder placement and matching return of upper arm. Good top line, excellent bone and ideal length of leg, with strong, well-developed hindquarters completing a balanced outline. Moved well, covering the ground with purpose and maintaining her shape. Presented in excellent condition throughout. On this occasion I just preferred the winner's exceptional movement and the unwavering firmness of her topline on the move, but I would be delighted to see her again further down the road.

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NB (15 Entries, 13 Absent)

1ST McNeish Mr M & Miss M PEVRILPOINT DONT STOP ME NOW

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2ND Bates Mrs H DOLLYMUDLEY MISS JASMINE

A feminine bitch with a pleasing head, dark eyes and a kind expression. Good depth of chest with plenty of heart room, well-angulated throughout and carrying good bone for her size. Stood on good feet and moved soundly, covering the ground with purpose. Presented in lovely condition and handled beautifully throughout, which allowed her many virtues to shine.

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UGB (10 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST Clarke Mrs JM & Mr MP SUNNYOAK STRING OF PEARLS

2ND Lewis Mrs S & Miss M ZENEVIEVA MILLION DOLLARS FOR FAIRWINDS (AI) (IKC)

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GB (7 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST Shaw Mr JS Robertshaw Mrs VA & Miss CA AURGENTIOUS MELION AN KI AT AKENSCALES JW

A quality bitch presented in excellent muscular conditions and carrying a beautiful coat. Lovely feminine head with a typical expression. Well-constructed front assembly, standing on strong pasterns and neat feet. Firm, level topline with excellent angulation front and rear, complemented by strong, well-let-down hocks. Moved freely and soundly, covering the ground with purpose while maintaining her balanced outline. Presented to perfection throughout, making a most pleasing overall picture.

2ND Hill Miss P DRUMKILTY ONE NIGHT STAND FOR SANDAULA   

Another bitch of immense quality, whose outstanding front construction appealed greatly, with beautifully laid shoulders and a perfect return of upper arm. Elegant neck flowing into a firm topline, lovely feminine head and excellent overall balance. Strong bone and well-developed hindquarters completed a most attractive outline. Unfortunately not carrying her best coat on the day and, on this occasion, I just preferred the winner's movement. Nevertheless, this is a bitch of considerable merit whom I admired greatly.

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PGB (5 Entries, 5 Absent) 

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LB (13 Entries, 7 Absent) 

1ST List Ms L HAYDENGOLD GOSSIP GIRL JW

A mature, quality bitch presented in excellent coat and hard muscular condition. Lovely feminine head with dark eyes and a typical expression. Particularly pleasing, firm topline which remained steady throughout, combined with excellent angulation front and rear. Well up on pasterns and cat like feat, with correct tail set and strong, well-let-down hocks completing a balanced and workmanlike outline. Moved freely and soundly, covering the ground with purpose. Beautifully presented throughout.

2ND Towers Mr D & Mrs S ALIBREN MAJESTIC DAWN JW

A bitch of a different type to the winner, presented in a slightly smaller frame, but one of undeniable quality. She particularly appealed for her beautiful breed type, with a most pleasing head and the kindest of expressions. Excellent front construction with well-laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm, complemented by tight elbows. Excellent bend of stifle and strong, well-developed hindquarters completed a balanced outline. Moved nicely around the ring. Presented in excellent condition with a rich gold double coat.

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OB (7 Entries, 4 Absent)

1ST May Mrs J CHERRYGOLD STORYTELLEN JW

She demanded my attention from the moment she set foot in the ring. A true showgirl in every sense of the word, standing naturally on four feet with complete confidence at once with her owner and handler, constantly wagging her tail and simply owning the ring. Nothing needed adjusting by her handler as she presented herself to perfection throughout. She possesses the most beautiful head with the gentlest of expressions, flowing into an exceptional reach of neck and outstanding front construction, with beautifully laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Standing on cat-like feet and strong pasterns, she carried a dead-level topline and was completed by excellent bend of stifle and powerful, well let down hocks. Once settled on the move, she covered the ground with effortless reach, powerful drive . A bitch of exceptional quality whom I had no hesitation in awarding Best Bitch, and she went on to take a well-deserved Reserve Best in Show.

2ND Baert Mrs J VDH CH DUNEHILLS XCITING DREAM GIRL (ATC BEL)  

A mature bitch presented in good condition. Her greatest virtue was undoubtedly her movement, covering the ground with freedom, purpose and a pleasing amount of drive. She maintained her rhythm well around the ring and always gave a balanced overall picture on the move. Presented to advantage throughout and shown in good condition

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Giovanni Monteverde