Horley & District Show Society

Horley And District Premier Open Show 

August 30 2026

Part I - Utility Breeds

I was grateful for the entry support across all breeds despite the whimsical weather forecast which lived up eventually. It is an honour when exhibitors choose to enter under me and allow me the privilege of going over their dogs. All exhibits presented with correct bite and dentition in good condition; I did not encounter any poor mouths. A few youngsters were new to the ring, outdoor show ground always testing handler’s skills in distracting environment nevertheless they all put up a good show during examination and proved themselves at group judging. My sincere thanks to my two ring stewards Rachel and Nick, who kept the ring running efficiently and remained cheerful throughout.

Japanese Akita Inu 

My winner was the 9-month-old puppy dog who, despite his age and immaturity, best captured the essence of the breed. The two white females were presented in superior show condition but lacked the breed type, expression and overall characteristics required to challenge him.

Class 237 Puppy (1)

1st Bennett’s Seijitsu Chikahiko (201) – 9-month-old red fawn moderate male. Correct urajiro markings. He is well-boned, and presenting a masculine outline despite lacking undercoat. Clean head displays good breed type, being broad with a defined furrow, developing cheeks, and high set triangular ears. Dark, slightly triangular eyes obliquely set and provide an alert expression. Muzzle is of correct proportion to skull, with tight black lips and strong jaws. Muscular neck. Shoulders well-laid. Forelegs are straight with elbows close to the body. Forechest is developing well. Firm topline and relatively broad loin. Tail is well set and curled. Hindquarters are strong, with broad thighs, moderate angulation and well-let-down hocks. Tight feet and guard hair stand-offish complete the picture. Playful and unsettled on the day, affecting his stack and movement assessment. Once settled, however, he showed balanced, fluid side gait with good reach and drive. A promising youngster with many desirable breed virtues and a promising future. BOB, BPIB.

Class 238 Junior  (1)

1st Davis’ Kimetsu Ayuki Kori Go At Kasaishiro (202) – 17-month-old white bitch, slightly short in body length and finer in bone than preferred, although carrying considerable substance for her age. Presents a somewhat square outline and would benefit from greater femininity. Blunt wedge head however lacks the desired breed type details, there’s no furrow definition, overly small eyes with prominent eyelids and visible sclera resulting in a rather dull, plain expression. Muzzle slightly short; whilst the flesh-coloured nose is acceptable in a white dog, together with slightly loose lips it detracts from overall head strength and expression. Shoulders well placed, with straight forelegs. Level topline, well-muscled loin and correctly set tail, although greater coat volume on tail would improve the breed silhouette. Hindquarters would benefit from more rear angulation and rear drive was limited. Undercoat not in full condition which is forgivable in this weather. However there’s no guard hair of desired harsh, stand-off texture. Well-handled and presented, but unable to match the winner for head qualities, sexual dimorphism, expression and overall breed type. RBOB

Class 239 Post Graduate (2) 

1st Davis’ Kimetsu Ayuki Kori Go At Kasaishiro – Repeated entry

2nd Davis’ Ryuukita Danu At Kasaishiro (IKC) (203) – 5-year-old white bitch of good height and adequate body length, presenting a feminine outline. Although balanced in body proportions, she lacks the correct head shape and eye definition. When viewed from above, the head lacks the broad, blunt triangular shape called for by the standard. Dark, untypical shape of eyes, not sufficiently obliquely set lacking the femininity desirable in a bitch. Good length of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, with adequate body development throughout. Maintains a level topline both standing and on the move. Soft coat which lacks the desired harsh, stand-off texture, and the undercoat was not in full condition, affecting the overall silhouette. Forelegs are straight; however, weak pasterns and paddling front action detract from movement. Moved cooperatively and was attentive to her handler, delivering the most polished performance in the ring on the day. However, despite her ring presence and presentation, the narrow skull, lack of breed expression and absence of correct stand-off coat combine to create a less typical appearance, detracting significantly from overall breed type.

Japanese Spitz

Class 245 Puppy (0)

Class 246 Junior (0)

Class 247 Post Graduate (0)

Class 248 Open (1)

1st Ferry’s Ferrybelle’s Take It Easy - 4-year-old white bitch of excellent proportions, well boned without appearing heavy, and presenting a beautiful, graceful feminine outline. Head balanced and typical of the breed, with a moderately broad skull, defined stop, high-set triangular ears and dark, oval eyes set obliquely, creating a sweet yet lively expression. Muzzle of correct length and proportion, tapering to a black nose, with tight black lips, strong jaws and correct dentition. Moderate neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Chest well developed, forelegs straight and parallel, level back and firm loin. Well-plumed tail correctly set and carried over the back. Hindquarters strong and well muscled, with broad thighs and well-let-down hocks. In full coat, displaying the desired profuse stand-off texture. Brisk, stylish and effortless on the move. Extremely attentive to her handler. BOB.

Keeshond

Class 249 Puppy (0)

Class 250 Junior (1)
1st Axford’s Watermyth Gota Lota Sass - 1-year-old grey & black bitch of pleasing proportions, compact in body and presenting a feminine outline. Well-balanced wedge-shaped head with a moderately broad skull and defined stop. Small, correctly set ivy leaf-shaped ears of velvety texture. Dark, almond-shaped eyes set obliquely and framed by well-defined spectacles, presenting the typical alert and intelligent expression. Moderate muzzle with black nose, tight black lips and strong jaws. Moderately arched neck enhanced by a developing ruff, well-defined harness markings. Well-ribbed body, straight and parallel forelegs with good bone and feathering. Level topline, short loin and a high-set, well-plumed tail carried closely over the back, completing a typical silhouette. Hindquarters well-muscled, with good turn of stifle, well-let-down hocks and profuse trousers. Excellent coat volume and harsh texture. Moved briskly and true. Promising young bitch of excellent breed type. RBOB.

Class 251 Post Graduate (0)

Class 252 Open (1)

1st Axford’s Watermyth Calypso – 5-year-old grey and black mature bitch of compact proportions, presenting a feminine yet substantial outline. Typical wedge-shaped head with defined stop, dark almond-shaped eyes displaying correct spectacles and the characteristic alert expression. Small, well-set ears complete the picture. Excellent forequarters with well-laid shoulders, straight front and good bone. Deep chest with well-sprung ribs and compact body. Well-defined harness markings across the shoulders. Strong, level topline and correctly carried tail, completing a typical breed silhouette. Harsh, stand-off coat with profuse ruff and trousers, presented in excellent condition. Strong hindquarters with muscular thighs and correct hock placement. Moved cleanly and briskly coming and going. Excellent attention to her handler. A quality mature bitch combining soundness, femininity and excellent breed type. Best Female and BOB.

By Tina Johnson 

Teikokusou

Pastoral breeds critique to be followed in Part II.