Stafford & District Canine Society

Stafford & District Canine Society Open Show 26th September 26’.

My sincere thanks to Secretary Sue Riley for the kind invitation to judge. My appreciation goes to my ring steward for doing an excellent job and to the committee for their hard work in keeping the show running smoothly. Thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing their dogs and for the sporting spirit in which they competed. The welcoming atmosphere made the day particularly enjoyable, and I was grateful to be part of such a well-organised and friendly show.

Australian Shepherd 

P - no entries J - no entries PG - no entries O - no entries 

Bearded Collie

P (2) 1st Waldron & Gray’s SNOWMEAD SECRET SERVICE. 9 month old male of excellent overall quality and balance, presenting a lovely combination of substance, elegance and youthful maturity. He has an attractive, expressive head with good proportions, dark eye and correct dentition. Good length of neck into well-laid shoulders, with a pleasing topline and well-developed hindquarters for his age. Correct bone and substance throughout, with good feet and a coat of excellent texture. What particularly impressed me was his movement. He moved exceptionally well in all directions, with a clean, effortless and purposeful action that is exactly what one hopes to see in this breed. Excellent reach in front, strong drive from behind and, importantly, good coordination between the two, maintaining a firm topline both coming and going. Viewed from the side, he demonstrated lovely balance and freedom of movement without exaggeration. He was handled sympathetically and showed himself extremely well for one so young, maintaining focus and composure throughout. His overall construction, balance and outstanding movement suggest a very bright future ahead. A delightful young dog with outstanding quality and one I would be very happy to watch develop over the coming months/years. BPIB, BOB, G4, PG1 & was thrilled to see him take the ultimate prize BPIS!  

2nd Woolley’s ASTUCE DE VAUBOISON FOR ARATIKA (IMP FRA). Lovely 10 month old bitch, very feminine and well balanced. Good skull and muzzle proportions, correct stop and lovely large, dark eyes giving the desired soft, enquiring expression. Good pigmentation and ear set. Well placed neck leading into good shoulders, with a firm topline and correct length of ribcage. Good forechest and developing spring of rib. Strong, well-angulated hindquarters and good feet. Coat of good texture and developing length, with the correct harshness and undercoat. Particularly pleasing, free and supple movement, showing good reach and drive while maintaining a level topline and correct tail carriage. A delightful young bitch, showing considerable promise.

J - no entries 

PG (1) 1st Sewell & Gray VICTIME D AMOUR DE CHESTER WITH KEMELSTOWE (IMP FRA). A pleasing 2 year old bitch with good overall breed type and a feminine, balanced outline. Good head proportions with a pleasing expression, correct eye and ear placement. A good length of neck leading into well-laid shoulders, a sound topline and good length of ribcage. Good bone and feet, with suitably angulated hindquarters. Coat of good texture with developing furnishings. Movement is sound, with reasonable reach and drive, although could benefit from greater freedom and consistency of action. Correct tail carriage maintained on the move. A pleasant, well-presented bitch with many desirable breed characteristics and a good overall picture.

O (2,1) 1st Wood’s PEPPERJAY BARTHOLOMEW JW. Mature male of 7 years presenting well-proportioned head with good skull and muzzle, correct stop and a warm, expressive eye. Good neck and shoulder placement, leading into a pleasing topline and well-sprung ribcage. Strong loin and suitably angulated hindquarters, with good bone and neat feet. Excellent coat texture with the characteristic harsh outer coat and good undercoat. Moved with a steady, purposeful action, showing adequate reach and drive while retaining a level topline and correct tail carriage. Presented in excellent condition for his age, with a pleasing overall balance and typical breed character. Best Pastoral Veteran 

Belgian Shepherd dog (Malinois)

P (1) 1st Davenport’s BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY DEI BACI DI DAMA (IMP ITA). 7 month old, very feminine and beautifully balanced, with much to admire for one so young. Good breed type throughout, with a pleasing head, parallel planes, well-set ears and an excellent dark eye giving the correct alert, intelligent expression. Good neck leading into well-placed shoulders, a firm topline and good body proportions. Correct bone and substance without coarseness, with good feet and developing forechest. Hindquarters are nicely angulated and promise plenty of future power. Coat of correct short texture and excellent pigmentation, with a pleasing black mask. Initially somewhat tentative in her presentation, requiring sympathetic handling and reassurance, but once settled her true quality became evident. Her movement was simply poetry in motion, light, free, rhythmic and beautifully coordinated. She covered the ground effortlessly while maintaining a firm topline and characteristic tail carriage. For me, her movement was a real highlight and demonstrated the athleticism and functional construction so important in this breed. A beautiful young bitch whom I thoroughly enjoyed judging and one I would love to watch develop. BPIB & PG2.

J - no entries PG - no entries 

O (3,1) 1st Davenport’s CH VEGAS V D VAARDEKENSHOEVE (IMP BEL) JW. An impressive 4 year old male, strongly embodying the athleticism and unmistakable breed type. Excellent masculine head with correct proportions, well-set ears and a keen, dark eye conveying the desired alert and intelligent expression. Good neck leading into well-placed shoulders, firm topline and excellent overall proportions. Strong bone and substance without any suggestion of coarseness, with good feet and a well-developed forechest. Excellent hindquarter angulation, strong loin and correct body construction, all contributing to his functional appearance. Correct short, hard coat with excellent pigmentation and a well-defined black mask. He moved with real purpose and athleticism, remaining balanced and coordinated both coming and going. His movement was efficient, ground-covering and effortless, demonstrating the construction expected of a working shepherd. An impressive male who oozed breed type, combining strength, elegance and functionality in a very convincing package. A thoroughly enjoyable dog to judge. BOB. 

2nd 2nd Brett’s CH GOLDMALI OVER THE RAINBOW VW. A delightful 9 year old bitch who was an absolute joy to have in my ring. It was particularly special to see two Champions competing in a class at an Open Show, a wonderful testament to the commitment of their owners and the quality within the breed. This mature lady retains excellent breed type, with a feminine, well-shaped head, alert expression and correctly set ears. Good neck into well-placed shoulders, a firm topline, strong loin and well-angulated hindquarters. Correct short, hard coat with excellent pigmentation and a well-defined mask. For her age, she remains remarkably athletic, moving freely. A credit to her owner, she was beautifully presented and clearly enjoying her time in the ring. A lovely Champion and a pleasure to judge.

Briard 

P(1) 1st Foster’s FOSTEBRIE EVA DIVA. 9 month old bitch, very feminine and full of youthful character. Lovely head with good proportions, pronounced stop, dark expressive eyes and well-set ears, with developing beard and moustache adding to her expression. Good neck into well-placed shoulders, firm topline and good body proportions. Correct bone and feet, with nicely angulated hindquarters and the characteristic double dewclaws. Excellent coat developing in length and texture, with the desired slight wave and good undercoat. When she settled to business, she demonstrated the characteristic supple, ground covering movement. She was certainly enjoying herself, being rather giddy and exuberant throughout, but this added to her youthful charm. A promising young lady. BPIB & BOB. Sadly didn't stay for the groups.

J - (2,2) PG - no entries O - no entries

Rough Collie 

P - no entries 

J (1) 1st Hanson’s JARDS CUDMIRRAH SPECIAL. 17 month old tricolour bitch with good breed type and a feminine, balanced outline. Lovely head with the desired long, clean, wedge-shaped profile, good skull-to-muzzle proportions and a sweet, intelligent expression. Good neck, well-placed shoulders and pleasing topline, with good ribcage and suitably angulated hindquarters. Excellent coat texture, with good mane and furnishings. Good bone and neat, well-shaped feet. Moved well in profile with pleasing reach and drive, although she was a little close both coming and going.

PG (2,1) 1st Beardsworth’s WICANI DULCIBELLA GYDA MAYSINDER. 2 year old blue merle bitch, beautifully feminine and presenting a very pleasing overall picture. Particularly lovely head, with the correct long, clean, well-blunted wedge, flat skull, defined stop and parallel planes. Excellent dark, expressive eyes giving the desired sweet, intelligent expression, with correct ear placement and carriage. Good neck leading into well-laid shoulders, pleasing topline and good body proportions. Lovely bone and neat feet, with well-angulated hindquarters. Excellent blue merle colouring with attractive silver-blue ground and clear black markings. Coat has good texture, length and abundant mane and furnishings. Moved with well, maintaining her outline. BOB

O (3,1) 1st Farthing’s DIDEK ONCE IN A BLUE MOON. 3 year old blue merle male. Good head with a pleasing wedge shape, adequate skull and muzzle proportions. Good neck and shoulder placement, reasonable topline and body proportions, with adequate bone and neat feet. Coat has good texture and colour. Hindquarters are suitably angulated. Moved steadily with reasonable reach and drive, maintaining his outline well. A well-mannered male with several pleasing breed characteristics. 

2nd Pullin’s BARRENCLOUGH DIAMOND DAWN AT MYJACKS. 6 year old sable male with a number of pleasing qualities and a kind, typical expression. Good head proportions with a pleasing wedge shape and correctly placed ears. Good neck and shoulder placement, with adequate topline and body proportions. Coat has good texture. Good bone and feet, with reasonable hindquarter angulation.

Smooth Collie 

P - no entries J - no entries PG - no entries 

O (2) 1st Jerrett COLDELEE BUSY BEIN FABULOUS. A fabulous 18 month old sable bitch who certainly lived up to her name! Beautifully feminine, well balanced and showing excellent breed type throughout. Lovely head, with the characteristic long, clean, wedge-shaped profile, flat skull, defined stop and good parallel planes. Excellent dark, expressive eyes giving the desired sweet, intelligent expression, with correctly placed and carried ears. Good neck leading into well-laid shoulders, firm topline and pleasing body proportions, with good depth and spring of rib. Excellent bone and neat, well-shaped feet, with strong, suitably angulated hindquarters. Lovely sable colouring and a good, close-fitting, harsh-textured coat. Her movement was a real highlight, effortless, free while maintaining a level topline. Particularly pleasing was her soundness coming and going, with good straight, coordinated action and no wasted movement. A beautifully balanced young bitch who combined elegance, functionality and excellent breed type. BOB & G3

2nd Seager’s BLAMORDER MAGIC MAKER WITH FREEJACK JW. Nearly 4 year old sable male, with a very pleasing combination of masculinity, elegance and soundness. Good, well-shaped head with the characteristic clean wedge and lovely dark eye giving the desired intelligent expression. Well-placed ears, good neck and shoulders, with a strong topline and nicely proportioned body. Good ribcage, bone and feet, with well-developed hindquarters. Correct close, smooth coat with attractive sable colouring. He showed himself particularly well on the move, with a light, economical action. Good coordination and stability both coming and going, retaining his outline throughout. Close call with the class winner, both a joy to judge and a credit to their breed. 

Hungarian Puli

P - no entries J - no entries PG - no entries O (1,1) 

Hungarian Pumi 

P (2) 1st John’s ALEPENKYE RAYA MYKEEPER. A very promising 6 month old grey bitch, particularly well handled and presented for one so young. Lovely breed type, with the characteristic square outline and alert, lively character. Good head, with the required long, narrow proportions and tapering muzzle. Dark, oval eyes giving the desired intelligent expression, with high-set, erect and mobile ears, their forward-tipped carriage already evident. Good neck and firm topline, with pleasing body proportions and adequate chest development for her age. Good bone and neat, compact feet, with suitably angulated hindquarters. Coat developing well, showing the characteristic curly texture and mixture of harsher and softer hair. Moved with the lively, energetic action, showing good freedom and coordination. For such a young puppy she remained remarkably attentive to her handler and presented herself beautifully. BPIB

2nd Broadhurst’s ALEPENKYE EZE STAR STRIKER. 6 month old black bitch, litter sister to my class winner, and clearly sharing many of her sister’s desirable qualities. Lovely breed type with the characteristic square outline, good head proportions and a lively, intelligent expression. Dark oval eyes and high-set, erect ears with the characteristic forward tip. Good neck and firm topline, with pleasing body proportions and developing chest. Good bone and neat feet, with suitably angulated hindquarters. Excellent black coat, developing the characteristic curly texture and correct mixture of harsher and softer hair. A very giddy and excitable youngster who was thoroughly enjoying her day, making assessment of her movement rather challenging on this occasion. What I could see was encouraging, but she would benefit from learning to settle and focus on her handler. A lovely puppy with plenty of character and much promise as she matures.

J (2) 1st John’s ALEPENKYE RAYA MYKEEPER - see puppy class critique 

2nd Broadhurst’s ALEPENKYE EZE STAR STRIKER. - see puppy class critique 

PG (1) 1st John’s BREEZELYN EARS A TOP TIP AT ALEPENKYE. A mature 6 year old bitch with good breed type and a pleasing square outline. Good long, narrow head with a slightly rounded skull and tapering muzzle. Dark, oval eyes, with high-set, erect ears, although today she seemed reluctant to use them to their full effect! Good neck into well-placed shoulders, firm topline and good depth of chest. Good bone and compact feet, with suitably angulated hindquarters. Coat of correct profuse, curly texture, showing the desirable mixture of harsher and softer hair. Correct tail set and carriage. Sadly, she did not appear to be enjoying her time in the ring today and this understandably affected both her attitude and presentation. Movement was consequently difficult to assess fully. I hope she returns another day in a happier frame of mind and allows her qualities and those lovely ears to shine.

O (1) 1st John’s INT/IT/LUX/BEL/NLD/IR CH BREEZELYN EARS A BREAKTHROU FOR ALEPENKYE ShCEx. One of those exhibits that really caught my eye. This 4 year old bitch has a lovely combination of breed type, quality and soundness, with a pleasing square outline and excellent overall balance. Beautiful head, long and narrow with the characteristic slightly rounded skull, defined stop and tapering muzzle. Lovely dark oval eye and excellent high-set, erect ears with the typical forward tip. Good neck and shoulder placement, firm topline, good chest and strong, neat feet. Coat has the desired curly texture and correct mixture of harsher and softer hair. What I particularly admired was her movement. She was exceptionally clean and coordinated coming and going, with excellent freedom and no wasted action. She remained balanced and purposeful throughout, demonstrating the agile, efficient movement. A genuinely lovely bitch whom I greatly admired and thoroughly enjoyed judging. BOB & G2.

Norwegian Buhund

P - no entries J - no entries PG - no entries O - no entries

Old English Sheepdog

P - no entries J - no entries PG- no entries O (1,1)

Samoyed

P (1) 1st Rojowska’s DYNAR LADY SLIPPER TO ARCTICUNO. 9 month old bitch with lovely breed type and plenty of promise. Very feminine, with a pleasing outline and good overall balance. Attractive head with good skull and muzzle proportions, well-set ears and the characteristic dark, almond-shaped eye. Good neck into well-placed shoulders, firm topline and developing body proportions, with good bone and neat feet. Good hindquarter angulation and excellent tail set. Lovely white coat developing well, with the correct dense undercoat and harsh outer coat. A cracking little mover for her age, showing excellent freedom, efficient action. Particularly pleasing was her balance and coordination, maintaining her topline and outline while moving. A very promising youngster who should develop beautifully with maturity. BPIB & PG4.

J - no entries PG - no entries 

O (3,1) 1st Rogowska’s FROM OSLO WITH SNOW WHITE TOUCH OF THE SKY TO ARCTICUNO (IMP POL). 20 month old male with good breed type and a masculine, well-balanced outline. Good wedge-shaped head with a pleasing stop, strong muzzle and excellent dark, almond-shaped eye giving the characteristic smiling expression. Small, thick, triangular ears correctly set and carried. Good neck into well-laid shoulders, firm topline and good depth of chest, with adequate bone and neat, slightly oval feet. Good hindquarter angulation and correct high-set tail, carried over the back. Coat developing well, with the desired profuse, weather-resistant outer coat and dense undercoat. Movement was the deciding factor for me today. He showed the characteristic free, powerful and rhythmic action, while remaining balanced and efficient. His clean, coordinated movement gave him the edge in a close class and ultimately secured the win. BOB

2nd Gwynne’s ROSNORSKE ROYAL KYLO JW. A quality 2 year old male with pleasing wedge-shaped head, dark almond-shaped eye and characteristic friendly expression. Good ears, neck and shoulders, with a firm topline, good depth of chest and sound bone. Correct tail set and pleasing hindquarters. Lovely white coat with developing density and texture. Moved freely while maintaining his outline and showing the efficient, purposeful action expected of the breed. A very pleasing exhibit.

Shetland Sheepdog 

P - no entries J - no entries 

PG (2,1) 1st Hateley’s MOHNESEE’S THE DREAM MASTER JW. A very smart 2½-year-old sable dog who immediately caught the eye for his lovely overall quality. Excellent head proportions with a clean, refined wedge, flat skull and gentle stop, complemented by a beautiful dark, almond-shaped eye and correctly carried ears. Good neck and shoulders, nice topline and pleasing body proportions, with good bone and tidy feet. Beautiful sable colouring and a well-developed double coat with the desired mane and frill. On the move he showed good lightness, purpose and clean, coordinated footfall. A very attractive male with the elegance, refinement and soundness.

O (3,1) 1st SOROCKJ’s SHELTISHA THE ONE AND ONLY JW. An outstanding 20-month-old blue merle dog who made a superb overall impression. Beautifully refined and wonderfully balanced, with the elegance and quality. Excellent head, a clean, well-defined wedge with flat skull, slight stop and lovely blue/brown, almond-shaped eyes and alert expression. Correctly placed ears, beautifully carried. Excellent neck and shoulder placement, firm topline, good depth of chest and well-angulated hindquarters. Good bone and neat, oval feet. Particularly striking blue merle colouring with clear, well-distributed markings and an excellent double coat, with abundant mane and frill. Movement was equally impressive, combining lightness, freedom and drive with excellent coordination and balance. He covered the ground effortlessly, maintaining his outline and topline throughout. The overall picture was enhanced enormously by outstanding handling and presentation; he was shown with great understanding, allowing his many qualities to be seen at their best. A genuinely exceptional young Sheltie with excellent breed type, construction and ring presence. A pleasure to judge and an exhibit I greatly admired. BOB & G1. 

2nd Hateley’s MOHNESEE’S MELIYA JW. A beautiful 3 year old tricolour bitch with many of the attributes as the class winner. Lovely refined, wedge-shaped head with a flat skull, slight stop and beautiful dark, almond-shaped eyes. Correct ear placement and carriage, good neck and shoulders, pleasing topline and well-developed hindquarters. Good bone and neat oval feet, with a lovely tricolour coat, abundant mane and frill and excellent texture. She showed herself well and moved with good freedom, reach and drive. However, in a very strong class, it was ultimately her movement that separated her from the winner today; I preferred the winner’s overall balance and efficiency on the move. Nevertheless, a beautiful, quality bitch. 

AVNSC Pastoral

P (2,1) 1st Allen’s PENLAITH FRANKIE GOES TO ALLENIE (Welsh Corgi Pembroke). 8 month old male presenting good breed type and a pleasing, compact outline. Good head, with broad, flat skull, moderate stop and tapering muzzle, well-set eyes giving a lively expression. Large, erect ears correctly carried. Good neck, well laid shoulders and firm topline, with good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. Good bone, neat oval feet and strong, well-angulated hindquarters. Correctly set tail. Good coat with correct texture and attractive colouring. Particularly pleasing was his movement for one so young; free, active and effortless, with good reach and drive, maintaining a firm topline. BP & PG3.

J (3) 1st Lea’s JERSEYWOOD LOVE IN THE DARK (Border Collie). 12 month old black/white bitch with good breed type and pleasing overall balance. Good head, with broad skull, defined stop and strong muzzle, lovely oval dark eye giving the desired intelligent expression. Ears correctly set and carried. Good neck and shoulders, firm topline, deep chest and well-sprung ribs. Good bone, oval feet and strong, muscular hindquarters with good bend of stifle and let down of hock. Correct double coat with good texture and pleasing condition. Her movement in profile was a real highlight; smooth, free and tireless, maintaining a steady, flowing stride and characteristic low, effortless carriage. BP.

2nd Jones CHALKSVILLE’S MAVERICK LUX JCH (GSD). 16 month old male with excellent breed type and a strong, masculine outline. Well-shaped wedge-like head, with good skull to muzzle proportions, defined stop, dark almond-shaped eye and correctly set, erect ears. Good neck into prominent withers, well-laid shoulder and firm back, with good length of croup. Good depth and spring of rib, strong bone and good feet. Powerful hindquarters with correct angulation. He really came into his own on the move; the more he moved, the better he became, developing the desired long, ground-covering stride with good reach and powerful hind propulsion, while maintaining a firm, balanced outline.

PG (7,1) 1st Horton’s VALLTINEYA THE OUTLAW (Swedish Vallhund). 3 year old Swedish male, with excellent breed type and the characteristic short, compact body. Good wedge-shaped head with well-defined stop, strong muzzle and high-set, prick ears. Lovely expression, although I would have preferred a darker oval eye. Good neck, level topline and well-developed chest with good spring of rib. Strong bone, good feet and suitably angulated hindquarters. Correct double coat with good texture. His movement was a real highlight; free, ground-covering and purposeful, maintaining his topline and balance throughout.

2nd Lea’s JERSEYWOOD LOVE IN THE DARK (Border Collie) - see Junior critique. 

O (3,1) 1st Evans HORTONPOINT BLUE LAGOON AT ELORENCE (Welsh Corgi Pembroke). 2 year old male who immediately appealed for his honest, workmanlike qualities. He has the substance and character I associate with a good working Pembroke, without being overdone. Pleasing head with broad skull, moderate stop and tapering muzzle, dark eyes and correctly carried erect ears. Good neck and shoulder, firm topline and useful depth of chest with well-sprung ribs. Good bone, neat feet and strong hindquarters. Correct coat texture and rich red colouring, and a correctly set tail. Moved with purpose and efficiency, covering the ground well and showing good drive. BAVNSC.

2nd Lea’s JERSEYWOOD KEEP ON LOVING JW (Border Collie). 12 month old bitch, litter sister to my Junior class winner, with many of the qualities I admired in her sister. Lovely breed type and pleasing proportions, with a good head, broad skull, defined stop and strong muzzle, complemented by a lovely oval eye giving the desired intelligent expression. Correctly set ears, good neck and shoulders, firm topline, good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. Good bone, neat oval feet and strong, well-angulated hindquarters. Good coat texture and condition. Sadly, she became spooked during the class and never really recovered her confidence, inevitably affecting her presentation and making assessment more difficult. What I did see, however, was a genuinely exciting young bitch, already holding her Junior Warrant. I sincerely hope this was simply a minor blip in what is already a very promising show career.

AV imported Breed Register Pastoral

P (1,1)

O (4,1) 1st Newton’s HEARTS OF DESTINY H’GLORIOUS PURPOSE OF CELSIOREX (IMP DEU) Miniature American Shepherd. A well presented 17 month old merle bitch. Feminine head with clean lines, moderate stop and tapering muzzle, attractive almond-shaped eyes and correctly placed ears. Good neck and shoulder assembly, level topline, adequate forechest and well-sprung ribs. Correct bone for age, oval feet and good bend of stifle. Beautiful rich colouring with coat of correct texture. She showed herself well, moving freely and efficiently maintaining her topline and balance. A smart young bitch. Best Import.

2nd Huntley’s VAR DES MONTS LOKIRALGRIS AT PUIDELUP JA (Icelandic Sheepdog) A smart 21 month old bitch with sound breed type and characteristic slightly rectangular proportions. Feminine, wedge-shaped head with slightly rounded skull, moderate stop and well-developed muzzle. Good neck, firm topline and well-developed chest with good spring of rib. Good bone, oval feet and suitably angulated hindquarters. Correct double coat with dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat of good texture. High-set tail correctly curled over the back. Moved with the characteristic lively, free and energetic action.

AV Pastoral Veteran

(6,2) 1st Wood’s PEPPERJAY BARTHOLOMEW JW (Bearded Collie) - see class critique 

2nd Brett’s CH GOLDMALI OVER THE RAINBOW VW (Belgium Shepherd Malinois) - see class critique.

AV Pastoral

P (6,3) 1st Allen’s PENLAITH FRANKIE GOES TO ALLENIE (Welsh Corgi Pembroke) - see class critique.

2nd Foster’s FOSTEBRIE EVA DIVA (Briard) - see class critique. 

J (4) 1st Lea’s JERSEYWOOD KEEP ON LOVING JW (Border Collie) - see class critique. 

2nd Jones CHALKSVILLE’S MAVERICK LUX JCH (GSD) - see class critique.

PG (3) 1st Jones CHALKSVILLE’S MAVERICK LUX JCH (GSD) - see class critique.

2nd Lea’s JERSEYWOOD LOVE IN THE DARK (Border Collie) - see class critique. 

O (3,2) 1st Jerrett’s CH COLDELEE ETERNAL SUNSHINE JW (Smooth Collie) A distinguished 4-year-old Champion bitch, an excellent example of the breed’s elegance and soundness. Beautiful, long, clean wedge-shaped head with flat skull, slight but definite stop and parallel planes, lovely dark almond-shaped eye giving the characteristic sweet, intelligent expression. Small, correctly placed ears, carried well. Excellent neck and well-laid shoulders, firm topline and good length of body, with well-sprung ribs and good chest depth. Good bone, neat oval feet and strong, well-angulated hindquarters. Excellent short, harsh, flat-lying coat with good texture. Her movement was particularly impressive; light, free and effortless. A beautifully balanced Champion, combining refinement with genuine soundness.

Pastoral Group

G1 - SOROCKJ’s SHELTISHA THE ONE AND ONLY JW - Shetland Sheepdog - see class critique.

G2 - John’s INT/IT/LUX/BEL/NLD/IR CH BREEZELYN EARS A BREAKTHROU FOR ALEPENKYE ShCEx - Hungarian Pumi - see class critique 

G3 - Jerrett COLDELEE BUSY BEIN FABULOUS - Smooth Collie - see class critique. 

G4 - Waldron & Gray’s SNOWMEAD SECRET SERVICE - Bearded Collie - see class critique.

Puppy Group

G1- Waldron & Gray’s SNOWMEAD SECRET SERVICE - Bearded Collie - see class critique.

G2 - Davenport’s BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY DEI BACI DI DAMA (IMP ITA) Belgium Shepherd Malnois - see class critique.

G3 - Allen’s PENLAITH FRANKIE GOES TO ALLENIE - Welsh Corgi Pembroke - see class critique 

G4 - Rojowska’s DYNAR LADY SLIPPER TO ARCTICUNO - Samoyed - see class critique. 

AV Champion Stakes (10,4)

1st Adam-Slomkowski’s Multi CH FRANK DREAMED A DREAM AT SKYLAX JW (Lhasa Apso) 3 year old Champion male, beautifully presented and expertly handled to showcase his many qualities. Excellent breed type, with a characteristic head having a narrow skull, good forehead and well-defined stop, strong muzzle and lovely dark, oval eyes giving the desired oriental expression. Ears well feathered and correctly carried. Good neck, firm topline and well-developed body, with good ribcage and strong hindquarters. Excellent bone and neat, compact feet. Superb coat of correct texture and abundant length, with excellent furnishings and superb condition. A highly accomplished Champion, expertly handled and a wonderful representative of the breed. A pleasure to judge.

2nd Shipton’s BEL CH HEARTWOOD MISHULES ALL IS POSSIBLE WITH CALICO JW (IMP USA) Field Spaniel. A quality 4 year old bitch, an excellent example of the breed with outstanding construction and soundness. Lovely head with a well-defined occiput, moderate stop, good muzzle and beautiful dark almond-shaped eyes giving the characteristic gentle, intelligent expression. Long, clean neck into well-laid shoulders, firm topline and good depth of chest, with well-sprung ribs and strong loin. Excellent bone, compact feet and well-angulated hindquarters. Beautiful, flat, dense coat of correct texture with good feathering and condition. Particularly impressive was her movement; long, free and effortless, with excellent and powerful drive from behind, maintaining a level topline and balanced outline.

AV Ian Sparham Memorial Members’ Open Stakes (20,13)

1st Jenning’s JEVIVON’S STARFINCH (Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund ) 2 year-old male, expertly handled and in excellent condition. Masculine head, elongated and tapering uniformly towards the nose, with a slightly arched skull, well-defined stop and dark, oval eyes giving a kindly expression. Moderately long, well-set ears carried close to the cheeks. Long, low body with a prominent breastbone, well-laid shoulders, ample ribbing extending well back and a strong loin. Short, well-boned legs and compact feet. His smooth coat is short, dense and glossy, with rich black and tan colouring and clearly defined tan markings. Presented beautifully, he combines correct proportions with excellent condition and a polished ring presence.

2nd Ree’s AMICAL MOSTA (Siberian Husky). 3 year old male I have had the pleasure of judging previously, and it was wonderful to see how much the partnership has developed. He has matured in confidence, with a ring presence that commands attention. Masculine head with well-proportioned muzzle, almond-shaped eyes and correctly set ears giving the keen, friendly expression. Good neck, level topline and well-balanced proportions, with strong bone and well-developed hindquarters. His coat has the correct double texture, suited to the breed’s Arctic origins. Movement was free, effortless and ground-covering, demonstrating the efficient, tireless action essential in a working sled dog. A very rewarding progression to witness.

Pet Blood Bank Registered Charity AV Graduate Stakes (9,6)

1st Riley’s STRETTONHILLS QUEVEGA (Golden Retriever) 14 month old bitch with much to admire. Feminine head with a kind, dark eye, good pigmentation and the soft expression. Well-set ears, good length of neck, well-laid shoulders and a firm topline. Good depth of body, spring of rib and strong, well-muscled hindquarters. Correct golden coat with good feathering and texture. Where she truly excelled was in movement. Exceptionally clean coming and going, with sound, coordinated action and no wasted effort. Her side gait was wonderful, displaying excellent reach and powerful drive while maintaining a level topline. A young bitch whose movement was a real highlight.

2nd Prouder’s KIMAPA KUROMI KARROT (Cocker Spaniel) 12 month old bitch, presenting an attractive, balanced picture for her age. Well-developed nose, square muzzle and cleanly chiselled head, with a defined stop and dark, full eyes giving the characteristic soft, melting expression. Low-set, lobular ears with good feathering. Good neck into sloping shoulders, compact body, firm topline and well-sprung ribs carried well back. Strong, muscular quarters, good bone and tight, cat-like feet. Silky coat of correct texture with appropriate feathering. She moved with the merry, purposeful action, showing good drive and freedom in profile. A little wide coming towards, possibly a temporary growth-stage issue, but an appealing youngster overall.

Kat Copley-Holland 

Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes