Midland Golden Retriever Club

MIDLAND GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Kennel Club Building

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LZ

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Sunday 2nd December 2018

My thanks to the Midland Golden Retriever Club committee for inviting me to judge the bitches at this their 40th Anniversary Show, and of course to those who gave me an entry. I have a few observations to comment on which I hope will stimulate some discussion.

Firstly I was astonished to go over so many puppies with bad mouths! I do wonder if their owners have actually looked... over the years of judging I have seen many dogs with the two bottom incisors dropped, I am not too worried about that so long as the jaws are a correct scissor, and I have seen dogs with broken teeth, I am not worried about that either but minor puppies with higgledy-piggledy teeth really needs to be taken seriously. For a bitch to have an accurate scissor bite is important when they come to deliver their puppies and need to severe cords, and it is one of the points of the breed standard.

Secondly, a personal ‘thing’ is when moving your exhibit in a straight line into a corner do consider that for a two legged handler to pivot and return to the judge, moving the dog around themselves in a continuous flowing movement is far more effective as the dog keeps its cadence and balance, rather than scrunching the dog to a complete standstill while the exhibitor moves around and then stops while the dog turns only to have to get back into their stride again. I appreciate for the those who may have done Junior handling etc that the rule was always to keep the dog between yourself and judge but for the one stride that the dog moves around the point/handler is less of an obstruction that the dog coming to a complete standstill, having to turn around and then get back into a flowing stride. Trying to get exhibitors to move in an accurate triangle is generally hopeless. Unless the movement away from the judge is totally straight as should be the return then actually assessing the dogs rear and fore movement is a challenge at best. So I have preferred for some years to ask for a straight up and down to the furthest corner and then keeping the pace, move round to the rear of the class.

Last but not least, my hands were filthy after judging. It does make a huge difference when Goldens are freshly bathed and groomed for a show, and it shows! why pay the money to enter, put petrol in your car, get up at the crack of dawn to drive to a show and then fail to present your dog in the best possible condition, to me that just doesn’t make sense.

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SPECIAL VETERAN BITCH (9+) (2 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Mell Mr ML & Mrs HJ SH CH MELOAK TIP TOP JW Such a pretty bitch, beautiful dark eyes and the softest of expressions. Straight front, good neck and shoulder placement. Carries herself very well on the move, a very worthy title holder looking great for her years.

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VETERAN BITCH (7+) (2 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Hudson Miss DJ AYMSBURY AKAYSHA This is such a vibrant and animated veteran. Feminine in all respects, light on her feet and enthusiastic on the move. Sporting a winter nose, but she has a dark eye with a twinkle! Well made with lovely quarters, correct bend of stifle into neat hocks.  

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MINOR PUPPY BITCH (21 Entries, 5 Absent)

1st O'Gorman Mrs P & Mr S THORNYWAIT TOP NOTCH FOR BERRYMEADE What a little poppet. She is solid and balanced with a great neck and forehand. Lovely feet, good bone and a level topline, correct dark pigmentation. Strong quarters which she used well to move out with drive and oh that attitude, she has showmanship by the bucket load. I just loved her and wish her every success. A joy to watch, and a pleasure to judge. BEST PUPPY BITCH and reserve BPIS

 2nd Turner Miss R MOONSHINE DE RIA VELA OVER AMILONE (IMP ESP) A more elegant bitch all through than my winner, who will take a little more time to fill her frame, but she has quality marked through every aspect of her and did extremely well to stand second in a large class of outstanding minor bitch puppies. A delightful class with so much promise for the future.

3rd Hodgson Mrs A RIKITA JAZZEENA

Res Hill Miss P & Smith Mr D MEGARVY SANTORINI

Vhc Birch Mrs D & Mr TF MALBEX PERSEPHONE

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PUPPY BITCH (22 Entries, 7 Absent)

1st Clarkson Mrs FM GLITTERS RAINBOW OVER DRUMKILTY (IMP BEL) This bitch really comes into her own on the move. Covers the ground so very efficiently with a long and effortless stride. Her angulation both fore and aft is text book, presented beautifully I would have liked a little more coat but that will come.

2nd Hill Miss P & Smith Mr D MEGARVY SANTORINI A beautifully made pale gold bitch. Excellent pigmentation and soft dark eyes giving her a most gentle expression. Has time on her side and everything I would want in a minor puppy, one to watch.

3rd Jolly Mrs SA KERRIEN SOME LIKE IT HOT

Res Phipps-Baker Mrs S & Baker Mr I & Ellis Ms K TENFIELD ALCOR

Vhc Kirkman Mrs AS TSARMONT STAR QUALITY

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JUNIOR BITCH (12 Entries, 3 Absent)

1st O'Neil Mrs L LINIRGOR MISTY MORNINGS AT STRATHLON This bitch presents the most stunning outline. Good in front, well bent stifles and straight hocks. Well up on her pasterns and strongly muscled throughout, all coming together when she moves... an absolute joy to watch as she was taken through her paces at the right speed and accuracy. Very well handled, confident and impressive.

 2nd Campion Ms A FENPINQUE GLITTERGLOW Superb construction on this quality junior. Loved her set on of neck, shoulder lay and topline. Showed herself to greater advantage on the move when she came into her own. A very very nice bitch.

3rd Douthwaite Miss AM & Wharfe Miss SM GRACEWOOD NIGHT FEVER

Res Haxton Mrs C DANTASSIE DANCING MOONBEAM

Vhc Hewitson Mrs G SERUILIA SPLASH OF CLASS

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YEARLING BITCH (22 Entries, 5 Absent)

1st Anderson Mrs L LINCHAEL LIVIA JW A strong class with many outstanding bitches. Superb construction on this blonde yearling took her to the front of the line, a heavenly head and expression, great neck and shoulders. Strong through the ribs with good depth of body. Powerful quarters and well bent stifles with good second thigh. Straight hocks. A great attitude on the move, she has the quality to take her to the very top.

2nd O'Neill Mrs L STRATHLON SWEET SENSATION Great body on this bitch, dead level topline well held on the move. Stands well into her knees, strong with good muscle tone.

3rd Foster Mr B & Mrs C MOCKINGJAY V D CORNER BROOK TO AURISTELA [IMP NLD] JW

Res Oldring Dr J & Mrs C FLAXENGOLD COULD IT BE MAGIC

Vhc Hanrahan Mrs HM HELSORA HEART OF GOLD

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NOVICE BITCH (15 Entries, 7 Absent)

1st Clarkson Mrs FM GLITTERS RAINBOW OVER DRUMKILTY (IMP BEL)

2nd Phipps-Baker Mrs S & Baker Mr I & Ellis Ms K TENFIELD ALCOR Pretty head and expression with excellent pigmentation. Straight front, tight elbows. Short coupled and a correct double coat. Very light on her feet, looks fit and ready for anything.

3rd Hewitson Mrs G SERUILIA SPLASH OF CLASS

Res Cook Mrs W CALAROSE PRECIOUS GEM

Vhc Kirkman Mrs AS TSARMONT LAKESIDE STAR

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UNDERGRADUATE BITCH (12 Entries, 4 Absent)

1st Clarkson Mrs FM GLITTERS RAINBOW OVER DRUMKILTY (IMP BEL)

2nd Oldring Dr J & Mrs C FLAXENGOLD COULD IT BE MAGIC Lovely type, a melting expression with the most beautiful eyes. Straight front, good rib and body, correct bend of stifle. Lovely on the move and handled to advantage.

3rd Hanrahan Mrs HM HELSORA HEART OF GOLD

Res Hewitson Mrs G SERUILIA SPLASH OF CLASS

Vhc Allsop Mrs CD CHRISPER CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

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GRADUATE BITCH (9 Entries, 5 Absent)

1st Oldring Dr J & Mrs C FLAXENGOLD COULD IT BE MAGIC The more she moved the better this bitch looked, delighted to be able to give her a red rosette in this class. Well done.

2nd Youngson Mrs DA LINIRGOR TEACHERS PET AT TREEVEVILLE JW So much to like about this bitch, excellent construction, beautiful head but would prefer a darker eye.

3rd Carrington Mrs V LARGYMORE LUSTRE JW

Res Hewitson Mrs G SERUILIA SPLASH OF CLASS

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POSTGRADUATE BITCH (13 Entries, 2 Absent)

1st Gayler Mrs PD CAROLAKE REMEMBER ME JW A quality bitch well presented. Double coat, good bone. Straight in front with tidy elbows and well sprung ribs. Stood well on neat feet, and moved with drive and style.

2nd Russell Miss S ROSINANTE TAKE A CHANCE ON ME JW Stunning outline on this lovely bitch. Excellent forehand and good through her body, well ribbed and plenty of heart room. Moved correctly but would have needed a bit more enthusiasm to take the class.  

3rd Smithies Mr AR & Mrs CF ALFIRO HOPES AND DREAMS

Res Harvey Mr DJ & Anderson Mr P ALIBREN HOT SPICE FOR ASHIQUA JW

Vhc Enevoldsen Mrs J VOLDENE SOLAR STAR

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MID LIMIT BITCH (19 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Murray Ms OM & Macdonald Mrs J RATHCLOON THYME N PUNISHMENT JW Think this bitch is quite outstanding. Carries just the right amount of weight, in absolutely top form. She had everything it needs to take on todays excellent entry and win. Glorious double cream coat in full bloom, clean as a whistle, tremendous stifles and second thigh, with good muscle tone. Well up on her pasterns, she stands well on good feet. Very feminine in head and expression, lovely dark eyes. Handled to full advantage, she was my star of the day and with the referee’s decision took BEST IN SHOW, well done.

2nd Griggs Mrs J MULFIELD AMETHYST Unlucky to come up against the winner of today’s class in such top form. She pushed hard to take her place in this line up. Excels in her excellent quarters, used to full advantage on the move. A very nice bitch from any angle.

3rd Jones Mrs VE & Athey Mrs BE NINELL GWENDOLYN

Res Hudson Miss DJ AYMSBURY ASHISHA JW

Vhc Johnson Mr RH & Mrs CP CHORIAND COUNT ME IN

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LIMIT BITCH (10 Entries, 6 Absent)

1st Seamons Mr PD & Mrs JL MESSANO EXPIALIDOCIOUS JW

A mature bitch with excellent construction. Good head and expression. Well sprung ribs with good depth of body, plenty of heart room. Not quite the sparkle of my ticket winners today but a top quality bitch with much to offer. Moved and handled very well.  

2nd Campion Ms A FENPINQUE PRADA MAYFAIR Quite a strong head on this bitch, well laid shoulders and a level topline, short coupled, good ribs and correct tail set.

3rd Gleadell Miss RAMCHAINE UMBRELLA ELLA [NLD]

Res Wilcock Ms RV CAMROSE TACITA

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OPEN BITCH (8 Entries, 3 Absent)

1st Towers Mr D & Mrs S ALIBREN TIGGY WIGGY JW This gorgeous gold bitch pushed very hard for the top spot today. Shown in superb condition, dead level topline with text book forehand assembly. Straight front standing correct all through... she looked an absolute picture. She was awarded the reserve bitch CC and then went on to take reserve BEST IN SHOW very well done.

2nd O'Neill Mrs L DASMAKS GALADRIEL AT STRATHLON not quite the bloom of my winner, but carrying just the right amount of weight. Good reach of neck and well laid shoulders. Dead level topline with excellent tail set, well held on the move. Well bent stifles.

3rd Hill Miss P & Smith Mr D SH CH MEGARVEY ONCE UPON A TIME JW

 Res Enevoldsen Mrs J VOLDENE WEATHER GIRL

 Vhc Robbins Mrs D & Rowark Mrs P LARGYMORE LILYGLOVES OF BREKSWOOD

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CHMPION BITCH (2 Entries, 1 Absent)

1st Douthwaite Miss AM & Wharfe Miss SM SH CH GRACEWOOD LILIBET JW Very sound and co-ordinated on the move, well made and in good form. Mid gold coat and a wagging tail to show that she is happy to please, outgoing and well made, everything a title holding Golden should be.

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SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG BITCH (3 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Clarkson Mrs FM CH DRUMKILTY HIBERNIA JW I love this bitch, judged her as a youngster and she has fulfilled all her promise. A credit to her owner/breeder and so pleased to see that she not only holds her title but has her SGWC as well. Congratulations, she was today my class winner and BEST WORKING IN SHOW

2nd Douthwaite Miss AM & Wharfe Miss SM CH GRACEWOOD LAKESHA JW

3rd Phipps-Baker Mrs S & Baker Mr I TENFIELD LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE AT MADDOUSE JW

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KC GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME BITCH (6 Entries, 0 Absent)

1st Hocking Mr PA & Mrs SJ KASPURGOLD RIZZINI A very neat well constructed bitch just coming back into new coat. Looking very fit and light on her feet she shone on the move. Handled to full advantage, she has much to offer. Delighted to hear she has her final Junior Warrant point today with a couple to spare. Well done.  

2nd Hudson Miss DJ AYMSBURY AKAYSHA

3rd Kirkman Mrs AS TSARMONT STAR QUALITY                                                          Res Kirkman Mrs AS TSARMONT LAKESIDE STAR

Mrs Heather MORSS                                                                                                           Judge