Minehead & District Canine Society

Minehead & District Canine Society 29th July 2026.

My sincere thanks go to the committee and all of the hardworking society volunteers whose dedication ensured the show ran so smoothly despite the exceptionally high temperatures. Their thoughtful efforts to keep both exhibitors and dogs as comfortable as possible throughout the day were greatly appreciated and did not go unnoticed. Thank you also to the exhibitors for supporting the show, for presenting your dogs so beautifully and for the excellent sporting atmosphere around the ring. The overall quality of the exhibits was consistently high, making my decisions far from straightforward, particularly in the final line-ups for Best in Show. It was a genuine privilege to judge such a strong entry, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to making the day such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

Bouvier Des Flandres

P - no entries PG - no entries 

O (1) 1st De Boo ZHORA-VIPER VD VANENBLIKHOEVE (IMP NLD).

A quality 4 year old bitch of pleasing breed type, presenting a compact, powerfully made outline with excellent substance and bone without any hint of coarseness. Feminine whilst retaining the strength so essential to the breed. Well-proportioned head with flat skull, parallel planes and a broad, strong muzzle, enhanced by a harsh beard and moustache giving the characteristic forbidding expression. Dark, alert eyes with correct pigmentation and high-set ears completing the picture. Strong neck flowed into well-laid shoulders and a short, broad, deep body with a level topline and correctly developed croup. Well-muscled forequarters and powerful hindquarters with moderate angulation provided the strength and balance. Moved with a free, easy, driving action, maintaining a firm topline and showing excellent reach. Coat was harsh, abundant and weather-resistant with correct texture and dense undercoat, presented in excellent condition. A calm, sensible bitch who displayed herself confidently throughout and was a worthy representative of the breed. BOB. 

Boxer 

P (1,1) PG (1,1) O(2,2)

Bullmastiff

P- no entres

PG (2) 1st Cox BLUE THUNDER OF BLACK HUNAR AT RAINWILDS JW (NLD). A most impressive 3 year old red male of excellent breed type, combining strength, balance and soundness. Presented a powerful, symmetrical outline with good substance and a compact frame. Masculine head with a broad, deep skull, pronounced stop and correctly proportioned square muzzle, complemented by well filled cheeks, dark expressive eyes and correctly set ears, all contributing to the classic Bullmastiff expression. Strong, well arched neck flowed into muscular, well laid shoulders and a broad, deep chest with excellent forechest. Straight, heavily boned forelegs and strong pasterns supported his substantial frame. Short, level back, wide muscular loin and well-developed hindquarters provided both power and balance. On the move he covered the ground with purpose, maintaining a firm topline while displaying strong drive from the rear and a true action coming and going. His clear red coat was short, harsh and well presented, enhanced by the essential black mask. A confident, reliable male who exemplified the breed standard. BOB and really pushed hard for a top spot in a strong group. 

2nd Cox DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT OF BLACK HUNAR AT RAINWILDS. (IMP NLD) 17 month old brindle male with plenty to like and all the exuberance expected of his age. Balanced with good bone and substance, presenting a masculine head with broad skull, square muzzle and correct black mask. Dark eyes and well-set ears completed a pleasing expression. Strong neck, good depth of chest and a short, level back. Muscled quarters fore and aft with good feet. His short, harsh brindle coat was in excellent condition. On the move his youthful, playful and mischievous nature occasionally got the better of him, affecting his overall presentation, but when he settled he showed purposeful movement.

O (2,1) 1st Horton & Williams GERTLUSH POLISHED EBONY ShCEx. 4 year old brindle bitch with lovely proportions throughout, combining femininity with the strength and substance. Her excellent ratios gave a harmonious outline, with a broad skull, well proportioned square muzzle and pleasing expression enhanced by dark eyes and correctly set ears. Strong, muscular neck flowed into well laid shoulders, a deep chest and a short, level back. Wide loin and well muscled hindquarters completed a balanced picture. Moved with purpose, maintaining a firm topline and showing good reach and driving power from behind. Short, harsh brindle coat was presented in excellent condition. A quality bitch whose overall balance and symmetry were her greatest attributes. RBOB. 

Dobermann

P (2,1) 1st Billington SHALISSA’S LOUIS VUITTON AVEC AQUEPINS. 10 month old black and tan male of pleasing breed type, showing an promising outline and developing balance for his age. Clean, well-proportioned head with correctly parallel planes, good depth of muzzle and alert, dark almond-shaped eyes. Strong neck and firm top line. Well boned, straight forelegs and muscular hindquarters provided a sound framework for maturity. On the move he was slightly coltish, as expected for his age, but still demonstrated good reach and encouraging rear drive while maintaining a firm back. Short, close-lying coat was presented in excellent condition with sharply defined rust markings. A confident youngster with plenty of promise as he continues to mature.

PG (2) 1st Webb SHALISSA’S CHANEL 10 month old black and tan female of excellent breed type, displaying pleasing balance and femininity throughout. Clean, elegant head with correctly parallel planes, dark almond-shaped eye, well-set ears producing the alert, intelligent expression typical of the breed. Well arched neck flowed into correctly angulated shoulders, a firm top line and compact, square body. Straight forelegs with good bone and well developed hindquarters gave her a balanced outline. Her greatest asset was her movement, covering the ground with an effortless, elastic stride, displaying good reach, strong rear drive and a firm top line throughout. Presented in excellent condition. BPIB, RBOB & WPG1. 

2nd Bowdler ROSEBEBE BEAM ME UP FOR INVERTEIGN. 15 month old male of pleasing breed type with good substance while retaining the elegance expected of the breed. Masculine head with clean lines, correctly proportioned muzzle and alert expression. Well carried neck, firm topline and compact, square outline with good forequarter and hindquarter development for his age. On the move he showed flashes of balanced, elastic action with good reach and rear drive. At times he became unsettled, which affected his overall performance, but with a little more confidence and a relaxed partnership with his handler, I feel his true quality will be seen to much greater advantage.

O (1) 1st Caldicott ARITAUR CIRILLA WITH PHILMONT JW ShCEx OSW. Elegant 3 year old black and tan female who appealed immediately for her overall feminine package, combining refinement with sufficient substance. Beautifully balanced throughout with a clean, wedge-shaped head, dark almond eyes and an alert, intelligent expression. Well carried neck flowed into well-laid shoulders, a firm topline and compact, square body. Good depth of chest with well developed, muscular hindquarters completing a harmonious outline. She carried herself with confidence, positively strutting her stuff throughout the class and never stopped showing. Her movement was free, balanced and elastic, displaying excellent reach, strong rear drive and a firm topline. Expertly handled to show her many virtues to their fullest advantage. A quality, stylish bitch. BOB & WG2. 

Great Dane

P (1) 1st Tovey ROYCHAMP FORTUNATE SON.10 month old harlequin male with an attractive outline and plenty of scope for development. Masculine head of good length with a broad muzzle, well-defined planes and a kind, alert expression. Long, clean neck flowed into well-sloped shoulders, a deep body for his age and a strong top line. Straight forelegs with good bone and well-muscled hindquarters provided a balanced framework. Moved with a free, springy action, covering the ground well while carrying his head proudly and maintaining a steady topline. His short, sleek harlequin coat was presented in excellent condition. A friendly, confident youngster displaying both elegance and substance, with much to look forward to as he matures. BOB & BPIB. 

PG - no entries O - no entries 

Leonberger 

P - no entries 

PG (1) 1st Sharkey JANTONELY ZINGALONG BALOO. 3 year old male of excellent breed type, combining strength, substance and elegance in a well-balanced outline. Masculine head with correct proportions, slightly arched skull, equal muzzle to skull ratio and a kind, intelligent expression. Strong neck flowed smoothly into well laid shoulders, a firm topline and deep, broad body with excellent ribbing. Well boned forequarters and muscular hindquarters gave him a powerful yet balanced appearance. Moved with an effortless, ground-covering stride, maintaining a level topline with good reach and strong drive, true both coming and going. Coat was of correct texture and presented in excellent condition. A confident, self assured male who displayed the noble character and dignity expected of the breed. BOB & WG4.

O (1) Sharkey JANTONELY ZINGALONG BALOO.

Rottweiler 

P (1,1)

PG (1) Davies SHALKATO FIRE AND WATER. Promising 14 month old female with a balanced, compact outline and good bone for her age. Feminine head with correct proportions, dark almond-shaped eyes and a calm expression. Strong neck, firm topline and well developed body, with good depth of chest. Well angulated quarters enabled her to move with purpose, maintaining a stable back and showing positive hind drive. Presented in good coat and condition with rich tan markings. BOB. 

O (2,2)

Siberian Husky

P - no entries

PG 1st Caudy SUSIKUU KILLER QUEEN AT SNODRAGON. Attractive 14 month old white bitch of pleasing breed type, displaying a feminine outline with balanced proportions and moderate bone. Well shaped head with keen yet gentle expression, correctly carried ears and good neck flowing into a firm topline. Well laid shoulders, balanced angulation and compact feet. Moved with a light, effortless action, maintaining a level topline while showing good reach and encouraging drive. Presented in great coat and condition, her clean white jacket enhancing her overall appeal. A promising young bitch with much to admire as she continues to mature. RBOB

2nd Morris CWNHAPUS DENALI. 16 month old grey of good breed type, showing balanced proportions and moderate bone. Well proportioned head with a pleasant expression, correctly set ears and a good neck flowing into a firm, level topline. Good shoulder placement, balanced angulation and adequate muscling throughout. Moved with a free, easy action, although a little close coming and going, which detracted from the overall picture. Maintained a steady topline with reach and drive. Presented in good coat and condition. A young exhibit who should continue to develop with time and maturity.

O (3) 1st Rees AMICAL MOSTA TAF. A Quality 2 and a half year old male of sound breed type, presenting a balanced, athletic outline with good proportions and moderate bone. Different in style to some of the other exhibits in the class, but this did not detract from his overall quality or adherence to the breed standard. Masculine head with a keen, friendly expression, correctly set ears and a good neck flowing into a firm, level topline. Well-laid shoulders, balanced angulation and good muscling throughout. Moved with the free, effortless action expected of the breed, maintaining a steady topline with good reach and driving power. I was later told he is relatively new to the show ring and still earning his spurs, making his assured performance all the more commendable. Presented in excellent coat and condition. BOB & WG3. 

2nd Caudy ARCTICTREKS GOLDILOCKS AT SNODRAGON (AI) JW. Quality 4 year old female whom I have had the pleasure of judging previously, and one whose virtues I continue to admire. She presents a beautifully balanced, feminine outline with correct proportions, moderate bone and athletic construction. Feminine head with a keen yet gentle expression, well set ears and a strong neck flowing into a firm, level topline. Well laid shoulders and balanced angulation allowed her to move with the effortless, ground-covering gait so typical of the breed, maintaining excellent reach, drive and topline throughout. She was presented in excellent coat and condition and made a very determined challenge for the class win. 

AV IMPORTED BREED REGISTER WORKING

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

AVNSC Working

P (1,1) PG (2,2)

O (5,4) 1st Smith SNOWSHOES SWEET SYMPHONY. Outstanding 20 month old bitch whom I have had the pleasure of judging previously and rewarding with top honours. It was a delight to see her again, and she has continued to mature exactly as I had hoped. Feminine yet powerful, she presents a balanced outline with excellent substance, sound construction and true breed type. Her beautiful head, correct proportions and confident, outgoing temperament complete a very appealing picture. On the move she excelled, displaying the effortless, ground covering gait, reach and powerful drive so essential in the breed, while maintaining a firm topline throughout. Presented in first class condition and expertly handled, she was fully deserving of BAVNSC, Working Group 1 and a well earned Reserve Best in Show. A bitch with a truly exciting future ahead.

Working Group

G1 Smith SNOWSHOES SWEET SYMPHONY - see class critique 

G2 Caldicott ARITAUR CIRILLA WITH PHILMONT JW ShCEx OSW - see class critique

G3 Rees AMICAL MOSTA TAF - see class critique 

G4 Sharkey JANTONELY ZINGALONG BALOO - see class critique 

Working Puppy Group

G1 Bowdler SHALISSA’S CHANEL - see class critique 

G2 Tovey ROYCHAMP FORTUNATE SON - see class critique 

AV Working P(6,4) 

1st Tovey ROYCHAMP FORTUNATE SON - see class critique 

2nd Billington SHALISSA’S LOUIS VUITTON AVEC AQUEPINS - see class critique 

AV Working PG(8,6)

1st Billington SHALISSA’S LOUIS VUITTON AVEC AQUEPINS - see class critique 

2nd Cox DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT OF BLACK HUNAR AT RAINWILDS (IMP NLD) - see class critique

AV Working O (7,5)

1st Caudy PENKHALAS AMKA. Quality 6 year old bitch of pleasing breed type, combining femininity with the strength, balance and moderation essential in the breed. Attractive head with a keen, friendly expression, correctly set ears and a strong neck flowing into a firm, level topline. Well-angulated fore and hindquarters enabled her to move with the effortless, ground-covering gait expected of a working sled dog, maintaining good reach, drive and overall balance. Presented in excellent coat and condition, she remains a worthy representative of the breed. Best AV.

2nd Cox DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT OF BLACK HUNAR AT RAINWILDS (IMP NLD)

AV Working Veteran (6,4)

1st De Boo ENJOY-PEARL VD VANENBLIKHOEVE VW (IMP NLD). A worthy veteran of 9 years who still possesses many of the qualities so characteristic of the breed. Compact, powerfully made and well balanced, with good bone and substance without losing femininity. Strong, well-proportioned head with a broad muzzle, dark expressive eyes and the harsh beard and moustache giving the typical forbidding expression. Strong neck flowed into well-laid shoulders, a short, broad body and well-muscled hindquarters. She had a tendency to pace at times, but once she settled into her natural rhythm she displayed the free, easy, powerful movement, maintaining a firm topline with good drive. Presented in excellent coat and condition, her harsh, weather-resistant jacket completing the picture. A sound, honest veteran who continues to do her breed proud. Sad to see she didn’t stay for BVIS. 

2nd Morris CH CWNHAPUS INNOKO JW ShCEx OSW. 7 year old male of good breed type, presenting a balanced outline with moderate bone and sound proportions. Masculine head with a pleasant expression, correctly set ears and a good neck flowing into a firm, level topline. Well laid shoulders, adequate depth of body and balanced angulation throughout. Moved with a free, easy action, maintaining a steady topline and showing sufficient reach and drive. Presented in good coat and condition, with a well furnished jacket of correct texture. A sound, honest exhibit that continues to uphold the essential characteristics of the breed.

Open Stakes (43,24)

1st Blaber OAKMARSH LAURAL JW (Retriever - Chesapeake Bay) Quality 2 years old bitch of excellent breed type, presenting a balanced, athletic outline with the strength and substance expected of this hardworking breed while retaining femininity. Feminine head with a broad skull, moderate stop and correctly proportioned muzzle, complemented by clear amber eyes giving an alert, intelligent expression. Strong, muscular neck flowed into well laid shoulders, a deep, well-developed chest and a firm, level topline. Well boned forequarters and powerful hindquarters provided the strength and endurance essential for a working retriever. Her outstanding movement was smooth, free and effortless, displaying excellent reach, strong driving power from behind and maintaining superb balance throughout. Coat was of correct harsh, oily texture with a dense undercoat, presented in excellent condition. A sound, capable bitch who fully demonstrated the breed's working qualities. Loved her!

2nd Rees AMICAL MOSTA TAF - see class critique 

Best in Show 

Cadmore SOLETRADER SYBIL FAWLTY. An outstanding Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen who immediately commanded attention with her breed type, balance and effortless style. Beautifully proportioned throughout, she presented the correct compact outline with ample substance, yet retained the lively, carefree attitude so typical of the breed. Her feminine head was carried proudly, with a slightly domed skull, well defined stop, square muzzle and large dark eyes radiating the warm, intelligent expression called for in the standard. Correct low set ears framed her head perfectly, while her strong neck flowed into clean, well laid shoulders. She possessed an excellent forehand, deep chest with prominent sternum, level topline and strong loin, all supported by well-muscled hindquarters with correct bend of stifle and well let down hocks.

Her greatest virtue was undoubtedly her movement. She covered the ground with an effortless, free flowing stride, displaying excellent reach in front and powerful drive from behind while maintaining a firm, level topline throughout. Viewed from every angle she remained true. She never stopped showing, carrying her tail proudly and giving the impression that she could happily work all day, exactly as the breed was intended. Her harsh, weather resistant coat was presented in first class condition. Combined with her happy, outgoing temperament and superb ring presence, she was impossible to overlook. A thoroughly deserving Best in Show winner, excelling not only in breed type but also in soundness, balance and the effortless movement that ultimately secured the top honour.

Reserve Best in Show 

Smith SNOWSHOES SWEET SYMPHONY - see class critique

Best Puppy in Show

McNeish PEVRILPOINT DONT STOP ME NOW. An outstanding Golden Retriever puppy bitch who captivated from the moment she entered the ring. Beautifully balanced and proportioned, displaying all the hallmarks of the breed while retaining the unmistakable exuberance of youth. Feminine, well chiselled head with a kind, intelligent expression, dark eyes and a powerful muzzle, all carried proudly on a clean, muscular neck. Well laid shoulders, straight forelegs with good bone, deep body for her age and a firm, level topline combined with strong, well angulated hindquarters to create an exceptionally balanced outline. The highlight of this exhibit was undoubtedly her movement, it was effortless, ground covering stride, excellent reach in front and powerful drive from behind, all while maintaining her topline. She moved true both coming and going, displaying the free, level action so essential in the breed. Equally impressive was the partnership between this delightful puppy and her handler. The trust, understanding and enjoyment they shared was a genuine pleasure to watch and elevated an already outstanding performance into something very special. Presented in immaculate condition with a correct coat, she combined quality, soundness and breed type in abundance. A thoroughly deserving Best Puppy in Show winner with a wonderfully exciting future ahead.

Reserve Best Puppy in Show

McLoughlin ZANTESCWTCH PINBALL WIZARD. A quality Standard Poodle puppy who immediately appealed for overall balance, elegance and style. Presented a beautifully proportioned outline. Long, refined head with a well chiselled foreface, dark almond shaped eyes full of intelligence and correctly set ears framing an attractive expression. Good length of neck flowed into well laid shoulders, a deep chest and strong, short back with well muscled loins. Straight forelegs and balanced hindquarters completed a sound construction. On the move, this youngster excelled, displaying the free, light, effortless action, with plenty of drive while maintaining excellent carriage and balance throughout. Presented in immaculate condition with a profuse, correctly textured coat, expertly prepared and shown to advantage. A happy, confident puppy who never stopped showing and thoroughly deserved Reserve Best Puppy in Show.

Best Veteran in Show

Ergis CH SIOUXLINE RACHEL JW. A truly outstanding 8 year old Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund who exemplified the virtues of the breed and fully justified her Best Veteran in Show award. Beautifully balanced throughout with correct proportions, she presented a classic outline, moderately long, well muscled and with sufficient ground clearance to demonstrate her continued working ability. Her feminine head was of excellent length with a slightly arched skull, dark almond shaped eyes full of intelligence and correctly set ears, creating a typical, alert expression. Strong neck flowed into well laid shoulders, excellent forequarters and a prominent forechest, with well sprung ribs, a firm topline and strong loin. Powerful, well-muscled hindquarters completed a thoroughly functional picture. On the move she excelled, covering the ground with a free, flowing, purposeful stride, displaying excellent reach in front and powerful drive from behind while maintaining a level topline throughout. She moved true both coming and going, demonstrating the soundness and construction essential in a working Dachshund. Presented in superb condition with excellent muscle tone and a correct smooth, dense coat, she belied her years in every respect. A wonderful ambassador for the breed and a thoroughly deserving Best Veteran in Show.

Langford CAPRIAN THE VIXEN JW VW. A quality Cardigan Welsh Corgi who has retained all the virtues of the breed and was a thoroughly deserving Reserve Best Veteran in Show. Sturdy, well-balanced and of correct proportions, presenting a strong yet agile outline with ample substance without losing mobility. Typical foxy head with a broad, flat skull, well-proportioned muzzle and dark, kindly eyes giving the alert, watchful expression so characteristic of the breed. Strong, muscular neck flowed into well laid shoulders, a prominent forechest, deep brisket and firm, level topline. Well angulated hindquarters completed a balanced and functional picture. On the move she was free, active and purposeful, with good reach in front and strong hind drive, maintaining a level topline throughout. Presented in great coat and condition, she carried herself with confidence and enthusiasm, belying her years. A sound, honest veteran whose quality, breed type and overall construction earned her well deserved Reserve Best Veteran in Show.

Kat Copley-Holland 

Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes.