Golden Retriever Club Of Scotland

Golden Retriever Club of Scotland

Open Show

07.06.26

Thank you to the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland Committee for the kind invitation to judge at their Open Show. It was a privilege to be asked and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.

My sincere thanks also go to my steward, Gillian, whose efficiency and organisation ensured that the ring ran smoothly throughout the day.

Finally, I would like to thank all the exhibitors for bringing their lovely dogs for my consideration and for accepting my decisions in such a sporting manner. 

Best in Show - Carlton, Miss L, FHAIRMHOR MOONLIGHT SONATA AT THISTLEGATE 

Reserve Best in Show - Cuthill, Miss I, MESSANO POP MASTER OF MOUSSEGLEN JW 

Best Puppy in Show - Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

Reserve Best Puppy in Show - n/a

Best Veteran in Show - Neil, Miss M, GILDAS AMORI INFINITI

Best Baby Puppy in Show - Clarkson, Mrs F M, DRUMKILTY TRUE COLOURS

Best Dog - Cuthill, Miss I, MESSANO POP MASTER OF MOUSSEGLEN JW

Reserve Best Dog - Neil, Miss M, GILDAS AMORI INFINITI

Best Puppy Dog - Laidlaw-Good, Mrs J, FHAIRMHOR WHISKEY MAC

Best Veteran Dog - Neil, Miss M, GILDAS AMORI INFINITI

Best Bitch - Carlton, Miss L, FHAIRMHOR MOONLIGHT SONATA AT THISTLEGATE 

Reserve Best Bitch - McCormack, Miss S, FLYNGALEE DILLY DALLY

Best Puppy Bitch - Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

Best Veteran Bitch - McDonald, Miss M, LAMANCHA NEW ADVENTURE JW

Baby Puppy Dog (0 Entries)

Veteran Dog (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Neil, Miss M, GILDAS AMORI INFINITI

He caught my eye on my first look around the ring. A quality 9 year old boy with a masculine head, dark eyes and a pleasing overall expression. He has a rich dark golden coat and was presented in excellent condition. He is well balanced with correct front and rear angulation. On the move, he covered the ground steadily, maintaining a firm, level topline and correct tail carriage throughout. He moved around the ring with purpose and drive. I was pleased to award him Best Veteran Dog, Reserve Best Dog and Best Veteran in Show.

2nd McCormack, Miss S, FLYNGALEE SIGNATURE JW

Another quality boy who impressed with his overall balance and breed type. He has a masculine head with a kind, pleasing expression and dark eyes. Presented in a lovely mid golden coat and in excellent condition, he was fit and well-muscled throughout. He has a good length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, with straight forelegs, strong bone, and neat, cat-like feet. On the day I preferred the movement of my winner. 

3rd Warden, Mrs A R, NOBLEMOON TAK THE HIGH ROAD TO GLENTOCHY VW

Minor Puppy Dog (4 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Laidlaw-Good, Mrs J, FHAIRMHOR WHISKEY MAC

I loved this minor puppy, who had only just turned 6 months old. He is just right for his age, showing all the qualities to suggest a bright future. He has super bone, stands on tight cat like feet and presents a lovely outline. He moved confidently for one so young, maintaining a correct topline and tail carriage. I was delighted to award him Best Puppy Dog. Unfortunately, he was absent from the challenge for Best Puppy in Show, which was a shame.

2nd Evans, Mr R M & Mrs M J, MARDARGOLD TRICK OR TREAT

A promising 7 month old mid golden minor puppy. He has straight forelegs, good bone and excellent, tight cat like feet. Presented in good condition, he moved out confidently with his handler, he showed himself well throughout and should continue to improve as he matures. 

3rd Lewis, Miss L A, ORKNEY MIST OF CAMIANS’S AT CRAMMONDKIRK

Puppy Dog (1 Entries, 1 Absent)

Junior Dog (2 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Carlton, Miss L, THISTLEGATE SONOMA MOON

Stood alone in the class but was a very worthy winner of his first place. A masculine dog with a strong, well proportioned head, good pigment and a kind, typical expression. He was presented in a lovely mid golden coat and in excellent condition. He has plenty of bone, good length of leg, tight elbows and neat cat like feet. Short coupled with good body proportions, he presents an attractive outline. On the move, he covered the ground with ease and purpose, maintaining a level topline and moving soundly both coming and going.

Special Yearling Dog (3 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st McCormack, Miss S, FLYNGALEE TOPSY TURVY JW

A well balanced dog who presents an appealing outline. He is well muscled throughout and shown in good coat and hard condition. He has a masculine head with a kind expression and is set off by a good length of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. His front and rear assemblies are well constructed, giving him balance. On the move, he covered the ground with ease.

2nd Warden, Mrs A R, HOLINBRAE EURASTAR AT GLENTOCHY JW

Another lovely mid golden boy with a well constructed front assembly. His good length of neck flows into well laid shoulders and he has a firm, level topline. He moved soundly and steadily with his handler. A quality exhibit but on this occasion I preferred the head of my winner. 

3rd McGuffie, Mr D, AURISTELA CLARK GABLE WITH MILLTIMBER

Maiden Dog (1 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Paterson, Miss I, PURPLE AMETHYST HOGMANAY AT TRABBOCH (IMP NLD)

Placed fourth in the minor puppy dog class. Although he was the only exhibit in the class, he gave a much more settled performance than previously. A happy, mid golden youngster presented in good coat and condition. He is still very much a baby and just needs time to develop. 

Novice Dog (2 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st McGuffie, Mr D, AURISTELA CLARK GABLE WITH MILLTIMBER

Presented in a beautiful mid golden coat, he has a masculine head with a kind, typical expression, dark eyes and good pigment. He has straight forelegs, neat cat like feet and a lovely, friendly temperament. He moved ok with his handler. 

2nd Paterson, Mrs I, PURPLE AMETHYST HOGMANAY AT TRABBOCH (IMP NLD)

Under Graduate Dog (6 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Carlton, Miss L, THISTLEGATE SONOMA MOON

2nd Evans, Mrs K S, RATHCLOON BOOM N BANGIN (IKC)

He has a masculine head, good bone and balanced front and rear angulation. He gave his handler a little bit of a hard time on the move but once settled he demonstrated quality attributes. A lovely dog with an excellent, friendly temperament. 

3rd Fraser & Sear, Mrs L & Mr L, BLUE MULL OF APOLLON AT FRASERLEA

Graduate Dog (6 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Evans, Mrs K S, RATHCLOON BOOM N BANGIN (IKC)

2nd Fraser & Sear, Mrs L & Mr L, BLUE MULL OF APOLLON AT FRASERLEA

A pale boy with a pleasing expression, dark eyes, and good pigment. He has straight forelegs and strong, well-placed hocks. On the move, he covered the ground well with his handler, maintaining a level topline and correct tail carriage throughout. 

3rd Warden, Mrs A R, HOLINBRAE EURASTAR AT GLENTOCHY JW

Post Graduate Dog (3 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Cuthill, Miss I, MESSANO POP MASTER OF MOUSSEGLEN JW

I absolutely loved this dog and found so much to admire. He is a beautifully balanced and well proportioned exhibit, with excellent front and rear angulation that creates a very pleasing overall outline. He has a lovely head with a kind, typical expression, dark eye and excellent pigment. He was presented in a thick, golden wavy coat and excellent condition, he has lots of bone, straight forelegs, and neat, round cat like feet. His construction allows him to move with purpose, maintaining a firm, level topline and correct tail carriage throughout. I was delighted to award him Best Dog and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd MacLeod, Miss F, BLUEBRAES BIDEY IN AT ROCAMAR

I have judged this boy previously when he was younger and it was lovely to see how beautifully he has matured. He was presented in a full mid-golden coat and excellent condition, with a masculine head, good pigment and a pleasing expression. He has a good length of neck, a well-developed fore chest and a balanced overall construction. Straight forelegs and correct hocks complete the picture. He moved out steadily with his handler and showed his qualities well however, I preferred the tail carriage of my winner.

3rd Carson, Mr D & Mrs A, BLUEBRAES BROCH TUARACH

Limit Dog (2 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Warden, Mrs A R, HOLINBRAE ZOOM TIME AT GLENTOCHY 

A masculine head with a kind expression, showing good strength without any coarseness. He has dark eyes, good bone and is short-coupled with balanced front and rear angulation. He moved out well.

Open Dog (3 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st McFarlane, Miss K, KING OF SWING QDORE OF LABGOLD TO BLUEBRAES (IMP POL)

The most lovely head with a soft, kind expression. He has excellent bone and stands on tight feet. His neck flows beautifully into a good depth of chest, creating an attractive overall outline. When freestanding, however, his topline dipped slightly. On the move, he covered the ground well with power and drive. 

2nd Warden, Mrs A R, HOLINBRAE ZOOM TIME AT GLENTOCHY 

Baby Puppy Bitch (3 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Clarkson, Mrs F M, DRUMKILTY TRUE COLOURS

A beautiful pale baby puppy who was very much right for her age and presented a lovely picture. She has the sweetest of feminine heads with dark eyes, lovely pigment and a soft, appealing expression. Well balanced throughout, she has excellent bone for her age and neat cat like feet. She moved confidently around the ring with a happy attitude. A very promising youngster. I was delighted to award her Best Baby Puppy Bitch and Best Baby Puppy in Show. 

2nd MacLeod, Ms S, DRUMKILTY TRUE STORY

Another lovely baby puppy who appealed for many of the same reasons as my winner and I can understand why, as they are litter sisters. She has a pleasing outline, a sweet feminine head, kind expression and is well balanced throughout. However, on this occasion, I preferred the movement of my winner. 

3rd Walker, Ms F A, CARDRONA CRIKEY ME

Veteran Bitch (5 Entries, 2 Absent)

1st McDonald, Miss M, LAMANCHA NEW ADVENTURE JW

A lovely pale girl presented in excellent condition and shown to perfection. She has a sweet, feminine head with a kind expression and dark eyes. She possesses a good length of neck leading into well laid shoulders, straight forelegs, strong bone and neat cat like feet. Well balanced in profile, she has a level topline and correct tail set, giving a pleasing overall outline. On the move, she covered the ground with good drive and maintained her balanced profile. I was delighted to award her Best Veteran Bitch. 

2nd McFarlane, Miss K, BLUEBRAES JACOBITE LASS

A pleasing mid golden girl with a pretty, feminine head and a typical kind expression. She has a good reach of neck flowing smoothly into well laid shoulders. A touch longer in body than my winner, she nevertheless has a firm, level topline and correct tail set. On the move, she maintained her outline, demonstrating sound and balanced movement. 

3rd Bradley, Mrs M P, CEILCAESAR CALENDAR GIRL

Minor Puppy Bitch (4 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

A minor puppy I admired greatly. She is a beautiful youngster, very much right for her age and presented in a lovely mid golden coat in excellent condition. She has a pretty, feminine head with the darkest of pigment, kind eyes and a soft, typical expression. Well boned throughout and standing on neat cat like feet, she is balanced, with matching front and rear angulation creating an attractive outline. She moved confidently around the ring, showing great promise. I was delighted to award her Best Puppy Bitch and subsequently, Best Puppy in Show. 

2nd McCulloch, Mrs L, CAMUSDARRACH SILVERSANDS

Another lovely minor puppy, still very much a baby. She has a feminine head with a kind, appealing expression and presents a pleasing, balanced outline. Shown in a lovely coat, she made a very attractive picture. She moved confidently with her handler; however, on the move, I preferred the firmer topline of my winner. 

3rd Paterson, Miss M, PRECIOUS PERIDOT HOGMANAY TO TRYSTINTHORN (INP NLD

Puppy Bitch (6 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

2nd McFarlane, Mrs W & Miss K, BLUEBRAES VOYAGER

Another really lovely puppy who appealed for her overall quality and breed type. She has a pretty head with good pigment and a kind expression. Presented in a lovely mid-golden coat, she has a good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. She has a firm, level topline, which she maintained both standing and on the move. She moved freely and soundly. Another very promising puppy with much to like. Unfortunate to meet my winner today, and I am sure that on another occasion these two could easily change places. However, today, my winner just had the slight advantage in movement. 

3rd Davidson, Mrs M, BLUEBRAES BAN DRUIDH

Junior Bitch (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Turnbull, Miss H, ALIBREN FIRE STAR

Although not in her best coat today, she nevertheless impressed with her lovely, balanced outline and overall quality. She has a feminine head, dark eyes and good pigment. Her straight forelegs are set well beneath her fore chest and she stands on neat, cat like feet. She has a firm, level topline, which she maintained both standing and on the move. She moved soundly and with purpose, giving a pleasing overall picture. 

2nd Lowther, Mr I & Mrs N D, VERA’S MYSTERY AT EVENMINT

A pleasing pale, feminine girl presented in a good coat. She is balanced throughout, with a sweet, feminine head, dark eyes and a kind expression. She has good bone and neat cat like feet. She held a level topline both standing and on the move. However, on the day, I preferred the movement of my winner. 

3rd Johnstone, Dr L, CREMECREW I’M THE ONE

Special Yearling Bitch (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st McCormack & Russell, Miss S & Mrs J, FLYNGALEE DILLY DALLY

A lovely mid golden girl with a pleasing feminine head and typical kind expression. She was presented in a beautiful coat and has good pigment, dark eyes and an attractive overall appearance. Well balanced throughout and of pleasing proportions. On the move, she covered the ground confidently, maintaining a firm, level topline and showing sound, effortless movement. I was delighted to award her Reserve Best Bitch. 

2nd Turnbull, Miss H, ALIBREN FIRE STAR

3rd Halkett, Mr S, LILLIESLEA QUEEN IDUNA OF GARRELLGLEN

Maiden Bitch (6 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

2nd McCulloch, Mrs L, CAMUSDARRACH SILVERSANDS

3rd Johnstone, Dr L, CREMECREW I’M THE ONE

Novice Bitch (7 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

2nd McCulloch, Mrs L, CAMUSDARRACH SILVERSANDS

3rd Johnstone, Dr L, CREMECREW I’M THE ONE

Under Graduate Bitch (6 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Neil, Miss M, MOLOKO LAAMER

2nd Turnbull, Miss H, ALIBREN FIRE STAR

3rd Purdie, Mrs G, THORNYWAIT BRING ME LUCK

Graduate Bitch (5 Entries, 2 Absent)

1st Halkett, Mr S, LILLIESLEA QUEEN IDUNA OF GARRELLGLEN

A lovely pale girl, presented well, with a pleasing head and soft, kind expression. She has a good reach of neck flowing into a sound front, with straight forelegs. On the move, she showed herself well, moving freely and confidently while maintaining a firm topline. 

2nd Campbell & Robertson, Miss S & Miss K, MILLIEMAGS SHE’S A RAINBOW

Another lovely pale girl presented in a beautiful coat. She has a sweet, feminine head with excellent pigment and a kind, appealing expression. She has well laid back shoulders. Her topline is firm and level, which she maintained on the move. She moved out freely with a correct tail set. However, I felt my winner had the slight advantage in overall balance.

3rd Purdie, Mrs G, THORNYWAIT BRING ME LUCK

Post Graduate Bitch (4 Entries, 2 Absent)

1st Harper, Miss L A, TULLOCHMHOR RAY OF SUNSHINE AT GLYNERVA JW

A mid golden girl presented in a lovely full coat. She has a compact outline with a sweet, feminine head and soft, kind expression. She has a level topline and correct tail set, contributing to her balanced appearance. She stands on neat, tight, cat like feet with straight forelegs and good, clean hocks. She moved steadily around the ring.

2nd Evans, Mr R M, Mrs M J, MARDARGOLD THE LOOK OF LOVE

Of similar type to my winner, this is another compact girl. She has a pretty feminine head with dark eyes and a pleasing expression. She has a good length of neck flowing into a deep chest, with straight forelegs and neat feet. She moved adequately; however, I preferred the tail carriage of my winner.

Limit Bitch (8 Entries, 3 Absent)

1st Carlton, Miss L, FHAIRMHOR MOONLIGHT SONATA AT THISTLEGATE

My star of the day! There was so much to admire in this beautiful girl. Free standing, she was a picture of happiness, constantly wagging her tail and showing herself with such confidence. She was presented in a lovely mid golden coat with excellent feathering and was in wonderful condition. She has a pretty feminine head with a kind, appealing expression, dark eyes and excellent pigment. Her good reach of neck flows smoothly into well laid shoulders, giving her a lovely balanced outline. She has well bent stifles, straight hocks and good overall construction. On the move, she floated around the ring with reach and drive while maintaining her beautiful straight topline and correct tail carriage. A very eye-catching girl. I was delighted to award her Best Bitch and subsequently, Best in Show.

2nd Campbell & Robertson, Miss S & Miss K, LINIRGOR CUDDLE IN

Another lovely girl who is beautifully balanced. She was presented in a beautiful mid golden coat and in superb condition. She has a feminine head with dark eyes, good pigment and a gentle, kind expression. Well constructed throughout, she has balanced front and rear angulation, good bone and neat, cat like feet. She moved out with drive; however, on the day, I felt my winner had the slight advantage in overall outline and presence. 

3rd McCormack, Miss S, FLYNGALEE BUSY BOO

Open Bitch (5 Entries, 3 Absent)

1st Harper, Miss L A, TULLOCHMHOR SHOOTING STAR AT GLYNERVA JW

A compact girl with a sweet feminine head and kind expression. She has a good reach of neck flowing smoothly into well laid back shoulders. She has a straight front with neat, tidy feet, good bend of stifle and a firm, level topline. She moved out well with correct tail carriage.

2nd Paterson, Miss M, TRYSTINTHORN MISS ELIZA

An attractive girl presented in a rich golden coat, with a pretty, feminine head, good pigment and a pleasing expression. Another compact girl of similar type to my winner, she has a lovely balanced outline and much to admire. However, on the day, I preferred the tail carriage of my winner. 

Judge – Suzanne Palmer (Cairnglen)