Golden Retriever Club Of Scotland

Critique:  20th July 2018 

Golden Retriever Club of Scotland Championship Show   Mrs. M. Morphet (Australia) 

The dust has now settled and there are just memories of the most wonderful time celebrating 150 years from the time of the first litter of Golden Retrievers. So many Golden folk from around the world have already acknowledged the herculean effort put in by the GRCS. It is always dangerous singling people out for fear of overlooking others, but the efforts by Mrs Doreen McGugan, Mr Jim Richardson and Miss Linsey Dunbar were outstanding. Thank you too to all the committee and members of the Club. Acknowledgement to Mrs Helen Davenport Willis for her commitment in producing a comprehensive article in Dog News just in time for the week of celebrations.  

Thank you to my great stewards on the day Mrs Dianne O’Rourke and Mrs Jennifer McDonald. Dianne has been unwell, and Jennifer’s famous Ch Flyngalee Northern Lights had to celebrate his 15th Birthday without his Mum. Many were very sad to read of this great dog’s passing just a couple of days later. 

Many thanks to all the exhibitors, many of whom travelled great distances, for giving me the honour of judging your beautiful Golden Retrievers. 

The weather at the start of the show on Friday was quite unpleasant but did improve and thankfully didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits.  How wonderful it was to have friends from many countries, throughout the day, supporting my co-judge and great friend Mrs Ainslie Mills and myself as well as all the exhibitors. I am sure I speak for both of us in saying it was the highlight of our judging careers. 

Preparation for the Show included reflecting back to the early years of the Breed to see what was most important to the old timers, such as Mrs Charlesworth, who, as we know, was instrumental in writing the original Breed Standard. It has been said more than once, that it was the ones who wrote the Standard who truly understood our breed. 

Here is what a few had to say. 

The Golden Retriever’s kindly benevolent expression, character, temperament and working abilities are primary features of the Breed. Don’t let us, in our quest of shows, forget that a Retriever must be able to gallop, jump and be supple. Judges should choose the dogs of best type and then find the soundest of these. True breed characteristics coupled with that, all important, intangible in all livestock - quality, the stamp of a thoroughbred -are what breeders want. 

It was of some concern to receive a “Breed Watch – Fit for Function” form from the Kennel Club prior to judging to fill in later. 

The form asks to report on the following: 

1. Legs too short in proportion to depth of body and to length of back. 

2. Significantly overweight 

3. Other 

These guidelines are used below to give an overview of what was found on the day.  One must remember when reading through it that no dog is perfect and as Mrs. Charlesworth said, “Lucky is the breeder who produces one truly outstanding specimen in a lifetime.” 

 My Answer to No 1. We know that the depth of body should equal the length of leg so no, in more than 90% of cases, legs did not appear too short. However, a number of dogs did have a back which was too long for the leg length. The difference being, if the length of leg was made longer to balance the length of back, the dog would then be oversize. 

A measurement Mrs. Charlesworth stressed in the 1930s was that the tip of the nose to the stop is equal to the distance from stop to the occiput and the tip of the nose to the occiput is equal to length from the occiput to the wither. Twice the distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput is equal to the length from the wither to the root of the tail. It is this final measurement which appears to be of greatest concern everywhere. The length of back of a Golden Retriever should be short. 

My Answer to No 2. On the day, there were a small percentage that were overweight, but I believe this proportion has decreased in recent years. Probably the most obvious place for extra weight being carried was over the withers. Although not carrying extra weight, a number were unfit, which is not the same thing. When judging, it is always obvious when comparing dogs in a class, which ones feel in hard working condition. When watching the dogs move in profile, there were quite a number with weak front pasterns, some who rolled and some lost their toplines when moving. These problems can be checked by taking a few photos close together of a dog moving around the ring. How many Goldens, in their condition on the day, could have worked all day in the field?  Today’s Goldens are successful in so many different disciplines: obedience, conformation, working, agility, assisting the blind and deaf and other therapies, search and rescue, to name a few. Given this, is it then justified to be put on Breed Watch for “Fit for Function”? My answer is yes, and I am sure Mrs Charlesworth’s and Lord Tweedmouth would also agree. 

In the foreword of Mrs Charlesworth’s book of 1937, Walter Bexendale wrote that “Golden Retrievers are first rate water dogs, charming companions in the field and are absolutely distinctive in type”.  It is interesting to note that in 2017 no Field Trial Championships were awarded for Golden Retrievers, only 2 Full Championship and 15 Show Championships.  As recently as 25th July 2018, Country Life (UK) published an article entitled “The Great Gundog Debate” and at no stage in its six pages were Golden Retrievers mentioned. Our current Breed Standard, under the title of Characteristics states “possessing natural working ability”, and of course, if we see a fat, slow, listless dog in the ring it certainly doesn’t portray the characteristic Golden Retriever image. It is great credit to our breed that they have the most outstanding temperament, are so beautiful to look at and are so versatile. No doubt this why they are so revered around the world. However, it is important to remember what our Golden Retrievers were originally bred for by Lord Tweedmouth; and that is to be a Gundog.  

My Answer to No 3: Any other concerns: 

Temperament - Absolutely no concerns. All breeders should feel extremely proud that a picture can be taken of 361 Golden Retrievers on the grass outside Lord Tweedmouth’s Guisachan without a cross word. 

Expression – No concerns. There was only one Golden entered I felt had an expression unbefitting of a Golden Retriever. 

Heads, including muzzle, mouths, ears and pigment - A few tended towards being a little wedged shaped instead of being the classic, two-piece head, where the muzzle is like a pound of butter, being squared off at the end. There were no bad mouths, although a few had dropped incisors in the lower jaw.  A couple were a little cheeky, which does not add to a soft expression. Pigmentation was generally very good. Mrs. Charlesworth used to say, “large hound like ears were a disfigurement”. Many of these ears can be seen on social media, but there was no problem in this cohort. There was a beautiful Golden in Veteran whose eye was droopy which may, based on personal experience, have been caused by a middle ear infection.  

Forequarters and Neck - Round bone was good. There was variation in width between forelegs, which should be a distance of the palm of the hand, a few being a little narrow.  There were no problems with shape of feet. A couple stood a little east west. This was penalised according to the degree. A few fronts were pushed forward due to incorrect front assembly, thereby preventing the legs being placed well under the body. Neck varied according to strength, throatiness and the blend into the shoulders. Spring of rib and depth of body for heart and lung room were commendable in many exhibits. When stacked, toplines were excellent, particularly in the place getters. Not all were short coupled or strong over the loin.   Difference between front and rear angulation was observed in a number of cases. Tail sets were good. A few tails were curved at the tip when standing free and a few were slightly proud of their tails. Many judges are unforgiving of this trait, but Mrs. Charlesworth used to say that “neither colour nor a gay tail could prevent a Golden Retriever from doing the job it was bred for”. That said, once again, this is dependent upon the degree. A small number were cow hocked and as mentioned in the Standard this fault is highly undesirable. 

Coat - There was variation in coat textures and condition. A couple of high quality dogs were not in full bloom, a small number without their undercoat. A few small matts where they couldn’t be seen were felt on one exhibit. In general, the presentation was lovely.  It was a shame that one beautiful Golden in such full bloom was found to be lame, and therefore couldn’t be considered in the placings. 

No dogs were found to be undersized. One was borderline at the upper end but was given the benefit of the doubt. 

Colour - All fell within the correct range as stated in the Standard. “Novices are frequently concerned when they come across variation in colour and yet are called Golden Retrievers. Our Club Standard of Points, if carefully studied, will show no cause to worry, the forbidden colours being red or mahogany therefore any colour between these extremes is correct” (Mrs, Charlesworth, 1937). 

Another of our breed greats Mr. Mervyn Philpott once made the following remark “Anyone who is prejudiced by colour should not be judging”. Of course, part of the beauty of our breed is the full range of cream right through to rich gold.  If one looks at a population as a whole, there may be a time where a bottleneck in creams may occur in certain areas.  Looking again at the large sample in front of Lord Tweedmouth’s “Guisachan” in Scotland we are probably still a long way off such a bottleneck.  However, even if this did occur, there would always be other countries where this does not, so it appears our colour gene remains safe. 

Individual critiques of first two places in each class of Males appear below. 

VETERAN DOG (16 Entries, 0 Absent)  

1st   Wibbelink Mrs KM MULTI CH MAJIK TRUTH OR DARE [FIN] 

      (Multi Ch Majik Finders Keepers x Majik Vissi D'Arte)  

A stunning masculine, powerful, blond, 9 year - old thoroughbred with great presence. Classic Golden Retriever head and expression, lovely dark pigmentation, correct ear size and placement. Beautiful reach of neck blending perfectly into textbook front assembly. Extremely well boned with feet of such a beautiful shape. Deep chest and well sprung ribs. His ideally balanced angulation front and rear, short back correct tail set and carriage and fitness enabled him to move effortlessly and happily round the ring in great style, at one with his expert handler. A photo will never capture the aura surrounding this aristocrat. It was a great honour to award him the class, the CC and later in total agreement with co-judge Mrs Mills, Best Exhibit in Show, a fitting conclusion for what was reputed to have been a truly outstanding show career. CC Best in Show 

2nd   De Haar Mr PT & Mrs MH CH KISS KISS V T KEIJSERSHOF [NLD] 

      (Swi Ch/Ger Ch Rosselle Keanu For Romidas x Vdh Ch Sequins Semine)  

A lovely rich gold eight year - old boy of the older style. Beautiful head with broad skull and deep square muzzle, correct amount of stop and pigmentation. Good reach of neck shoulders sloping well back with upper arm placing legs well under body. Nicely boned with straight forelegs. Well bent stifle. Straight when viewed from the rear. Sound easy movement with correct tail set and carriage. A very worthy place getter in such a strongly contested class. 

SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG DOG (3 Entries, 1 Absent)  

1st   Callegari Mrs C TEN DAYS AFTER DELLA VAL D'AVETO [ITA] 

      (Ch Napoleon Uber Volken x It Ch Dontcryformeargentina)  

Only a young boy of two years who has yet to fully mature and reach his full potential. That said, he was very well suited to this class for his fitness and workmanlike style. Pleasing head and expression, balanced moderate angulation front and rear standing four square with level topline. Correct tail set and carriage. An attractive athletic gold dog whose effortless free movement and strong pasterns were commendable. 

2nd   Kloek Miss ECM MESSANO YIN OR YANG 

     (Int Ch/Multi Ch Majik Truth Or Dare x Messano Expialidocious JW)  

A quality masculine cream Golden Retriever with so much to like about him. Lovely head and expression. Deep square muzzle. Well-developed chest with well sprung ribs. Standing straight when viewed from front and rear. Good double coat of correct texture. Unfortunately, on the day, he was not happy moving around the ring which influenced the decision in this working dog class. 

 MINOR PUPPY DOG (6 Entries, 2 Absent)  

1st   Warden Mrs AR NOBLEMOON TAK THE HIGH ROAD TO GLENTOCHTY 

      (Eyevalley Macallan Of Glentochty ShCM x Noblemoon Bossy Boots)  

A very attractive young dog of eight - months, with pleasing head and expression. Good bone down to well-shaped feet. Symmetrical angulation front and rear with correct short back. Standing straight when viewed from all angles he had plenty of leg under him which will allow him to mature in good time. He moved soundly and was handled so nicely by his handler who this little boy was obviously wanting to please. 

2nd   Murray Ms O M RATHCLOON SHOP TIL U DROP 

      (Rathcloon Lord Of The Dance x Soft Soul Gift For Rathcloon)  

A compactly built puppy of just seven months who also appealed very much. Symmetrical, with broad skull and well-defined stop. Well pigmented with soft expression. Beautiful reach of neck sloping beautifully into well sloped shoulders and good return. Level topline. Well bent stifle. Correct tail set and carriage.   

PUPPY DOG (6 Entries, 1 Absent)  

1st   Pastusiak Miss K PRINCE CHARMING QDORE OF LABGOLD [POL] 

      (Haydengold Keepa Secret with Garvin JW x Maybe Forever Canto De Amor)  

A masculine, extremely well balanced, athletic looking puppy almost 12 months old presented in this class at the optimal time. Alert, intelligent expression, his head set perfectly onto a strong muscular neck which sloped gently into well placed shoulders. Straight front, well off for bone, well shaped feet, short couplings, lovely turn of stifle with well let down hocks, correct tail set and carriage. His commanding ring presence blew me away and he was so beautifully presented and handled to perfection.  I see a great future for this young dog and congratulate his breeder, owners, handler and all connections on being involved with a young animal of such outstanding quality. Puppy in Show. 

2nd   Greig Mrs G LARGYMORE LINGER IN THE MIND AT CRANNGARY 

      (Ch Alibren Best Mate To Westervane JW ShCM x Sh Ch Largymore Lingaigh JW)  

A blond Golden Puppy of 11 months of high standard. Nicely chiseled head with just the right amount of stop and correct square muzzle. Nicely pigmented. Beautiful length of neck with no sign of throatiness. Straight front, good depth of chest. Nicely boned. Straight forelegs. Tight feet of correct shape. Standing foursquare and sound when moving. It would be lovely to see this handsome boy again once his undercoat comes through. 

JUNIOR DOG (10 Entries, 7 Absent)  

1st   Zubair Mrs SM & Loach Miss SA CARNAVAL DORADO DELUXE STYLE (IMP ESP)      (Int Sh Ch Vestafjell's Magic Elf x Dolicissimo Amore de Ria Vela)  

A very beautiful young cream male of 12 and a half months who seems to have it all with respect to type and soundness. I was particularly taken with his conformation when stacked and that this lovely shape remained when on the move with his dead level topline and great reach and drive. Gorgeous head and expression with dark eye and pigmentation. Well balanced front and rear angles, plenty of substance with strong round bone, correctly shaped feet and in great condition with respect to coat and fitness.  It was a privilege to judge a young dog of such quality who, on the day, took out a total of four classes as well as the prestigious Reserve CC award. Res CC 

2nd   Wells Mrs J PEARLBARN PERONI 

      (Sh Ch Thornywait McShay At Ritzilyn JW x Pearlbarn Pandemonium)  

A masculine 15 months-old Junior Dog presented in beautiful condition. Lovely balanced outline. Pleasing head with ears set on level with the eye and of good length. Typical soft Golden expression. Plenty of substance.  Standing foursquare. Short coupled with moderate angulation. Level topline. Correct round bone with nicely shaped feet. Moved out well on the up and back and in profile. Also placed in another class the owner should have fun in the future with this quality youngster. 

YEARLING DOG (7 Entries, 1 Absent)  

1st    Loach Miss SA & Zubair Mrs SM JEWELHOPE OVER THE RAINBOW (IMP CHE)      (Jewelhope Jovian Jeff x Bojangels It Must Have Been Love) 

A very promising, gold dog of almost two years. Symmetrical, short coupled and balanced. Broad skull and strong foreface. Straight forelegs with good bone. Standing foursquare with beautiful turn of stifle, good second thighs and strong hocks. Short back. Level topline Moved soundly fore and aft and in profile. So much to like about him. 

2nd   Younie Mrs L & Mr RA GLENRIOCH STORM TROOPER 

      (Sh Ch Putjade Pajazzo x Sh Ch Thornywait My Girl At Glenrioch)  

A masculine youngster of 20 months in beautiful condition. Glorious pale gold double coat. Well chiseled head with soft expression. Moderate length of neck showing no sign of throatiness. Straight front, neat feet and good depth of chest.  Level topline and correct tail set painting a very nice picture in profile. Although a slight roll over the topline when moving, he did so effortlessly and thoroughly deserved the placings received in the three classes he was entered in on the day. 

MAIDEN DOG (7 Entries, 1 Absent)  

1st   Zubair Mrs SM & Loach Miss SA CARNAVAL DORADO DELUXE STYLE (IMP ESP)      (Int Sh Ch Vestafjell's Magic Elf x Dolicissimo Amore de Ria Vela)  

Please see Junior Dog 

2nd  Pickup Dr RJ & Mrs WJE BLENSTONE HENDRIX 

      (Sh Ch Thornywait McShay At Ritzilyn JW x Blenstone Tessa Dream)  

A lovely young boy of twelve months of true Golden Retriever type who painted such a nice picture on the stack. Standing foursquare with pleasing head and expression. Good length of neck with moderate balanced angulation front and rear. Correct tail set which was carried well as he moved soundly fore and aft and around the ring. This little boy was entered in a number of classes and was also placed in the following class. It was obvious as he moved in his final class that he was getting tired which prevented a position on the pegs at that time.  

NOVICE DOG (9 Entries, 1 Absent)  

1st   Zubair Mrs SM & Loach Miss SA CARNAVAL DORADO DELUXE STYLE (IMP ESP)      (Int Sh Ch Vestafjell's Magic Elf x Dolicissimo Amore de Ria Vela)  

Please see Junior Dog 

2nd   Wells Mrs J PEARLBARN PERONI 

      (Sh Ch Thornywait McShay At Ritzilyn JW x Pearlbarn Pandemonium)  

Please see Junior Dog 

TYRO DOG (7 Entries, 0 Absent)  

1st   Zubair Mrs SM & Loach Miss SA CARNAVAL DORADO DELUXE STYLE (IMP ESP)      (Int Sh Ch Vestafjell's Magic Elf x Dolicissimo Amore de Ria Vela)  

Please see Junior Dog 

2nd   Younie Mrs L & Mr RA GLENRIOCH STORM TROOPER 

      (Sh Ch Putjade Pajazzo x Sh Ch Thornywait My Girl At Glenrioch)  

Please see Yearling Dog 

UNDERGRADUATE DOG (1 Entries, 0 Absent) 

1st   Younie Mrs L & Mr RA GLENRIOCH STORM TROOPER 

      (Sh Ch Putjade Pajazzo x Sh Ch Thornywait My Girl At Glenrioch)  

Please see Yearling Dog 

GRADUATE DOG (5 Entries, 1 Absent)  

1st   Dunbar Miss L & Ms I LINIRGOR TOMICH JW 

      (Can Ch Linirgor Spin The Bottle JW x Sh Ch Linirgor Violets Are Blue JW) 

A symmetrical, pale gold boy of twenty-two months. Extremely well balanced with such an eye catching clean outline. He holds himself so well. Masculine well proportioned head with soft intelligent expression. Beautiful reach of neck, Well off for bone.  Nicely angled front and rear.  Perfect topline.  In no way short on leg. Standing foursquare. Effortless movement with plenty of reach and drive. With such a confident happy disposition this boy will go far and, on the day, certainly held his own in the competitive CC line up.  

2nd  Harper Miss LA GLYNERVA INDIANA JONES JW 

      (Ch Tesoro De Ria Vela For Thornywait (Imp Esp) JW x Glynerva Leading Lady)  

An athletic Golden boy of almost three years who I also liked very much. Beautifully presented and handled. Animated and masculine. With his deep chest and well sprung ribs this boy also oozed quality. Well balanced, symmetrical and powerfully built he moved so effortlessly in a workmanlike fashion. Very little between first and second and this boy would not have looked out of place in the lineup for the CC. 

A lovely class. 

POSTGRADUATE DOG (14 Entries, 2 Absent)  

1st   Walker Ms F A CARDRONA CALEDONIA JW 

      (Largymore Galeas Salazar x Kanteal Camomile Lawn of Cardrona)  

A four-year old rich Gold coloured boy of the older style. Masculine and short coupled with strong round bone. Lovely soft expression with dark pigment and correct scissor bite. Straight front with feet of correct shape. Strong neck of good length. Deep chest with well sprung ribs. Short back. Beautiful turn of stifle with well let down hocks. Correct tail length and carriage. A slight roll over the topline but moved easily and confidently with reach and drive and soundly fore and aft. A correct coat of good texture with undercoat and attracting contrasting feathering.   

2nd Bradwell Mrs J & Mr DM BEAMSLEY PADDINGTON BEAR 

      (Ritzilyn Diamond Jack At Millesime x Gartraith Honey Mink at Beamsley)  

A blond boy of three years who painted a picture of a handsome Golden Retriever in full bloom. Full of quality this boy is so very nicely balanced with a table top topline. Masculine head with good chiseling, dark pigmentation and typical Golden expression. Standing foursquare with lovely bone, correctly shaped feet and strong quarters. Very little between the placings but a decision was made at the last minute where the winner appeared just slightly more short-coupled on the stack. I believe this lovely boy, who is young, is worthy of his title, and wish the owner all the very best of luck with him. 

MID LIMIT DOG (7 Entries, 0 Absent)  

1st   Gray Mrs C KNOCKOTHIE FAIRWAY 

      (Ch Napoleon Uber Den Wolken To Chinnordale (Imp Deu) x Knockothie Daisy Dunnit)  

A beautifully presented masculine athletic boy, of five years. Powerful and workmanlike with moderate balanced angulation front and rear. Lovely head planes with good length of muzzle. Standing foursquare with a dead level topline this stylish boy painted such a lovely picture being in no way short on leg.  Although just slightly proud of his tail going around the ring he moved with great ease having plenty of reach and drive. This is another dog that I liked very much.  What I remember most about him is his soulful expression which seriously stole my heart as much as any other Golden throughout the day’s judging. 

2nd  McAleese Mr J & Mrs A LOCHTAYMOR CONQUISTADOR FOR GLORMHORCU 

      (Sh Ch Thornywait McShay At Ritzilyn JW x Lochtaymore Billie Jean )  

An eye catching symmetrical, four-year old, light gold dog of a different style. Pleasing head and expression. Good reach of neck with level topline. Straight front and powerful hindquarters which were straight when viewed from the rear. Moved powerfully round the ring. At the top end of the height standard this dog with his scopey outline and “look at me demeanor” was a worthy place getter in this nice class. 

LIMIT DOG (20 Entries, 2 Absent)  

1st  McDonald Miss M LAMANCHA JUST MEANT TO BE JW 

      (Ashbyglen Zut Alors JW x Lamancha Incredible Mole JW)  

A very attractive symmetrical cream boy teeming with quality. Masculine head but with such a soft gentle expression. Correct ear placement and correct head proportions help paint a picture of classic Golden Retriever, the head of course being the index of the breed. Well boned, good length of neck, table top topline which remained so when moving beautifully round the ring. Lovely tail set and carriage. Nicely balanced angulation front and rear, deep chest, strong bone, attractive coat. It was obvious this lovely dog was at one with his handler who presented him in such a gentle manner and in such beautiful condition. A lovely first place in a highly competitive class 

2nd  De Haar Mr PT ANGEL LIKE YOU V 'T KEIJSERSHOF [NLD] 

      (Int Sh Ch Majik Finders Keepers x Robannas Elegant Elisa Rayleas)  

Interesting to see that this Golden is a half brother to the CC winner being so different in style. However, this boy also has great appeal. A very sound dog whose overall balance was obvious as soon as he entered the ring. Standing foursquare, with level topline and deep chest, short back and correct tail set coupled together with his beautiful classic Golden Retriever head piece, it was a very close decision of which way round the first two placings would be. Although only two years old he was right up there with some of the best on the day. 

OPEN DOG (12 Entries, 2 Absent)  

1st  Trinder Mr A THORNYWAIT SAN VALENTINO JW ShCM 

      (Sh Ch/Multi Ch Il Travotore Della Val D'aveto x Thornywait Pixie Crunch JW)  

What can I say about the quality of this stunning eye catching young Golden Retriever. Just wow! Although only two and a half this dog seems to have all the makings for a wonderful show career. Handsome, attractive, glamorous, beautifully proportioned, sound, well angulated, level topline, deep chest. Standing foursquare with correct tail set and carriage this young dog was so well handled by his owner who should be very proud. He will no doubt have such a great journey with his special boy.  

2nd  McCormack Miss S SH CH FLYNGALEE ALONSO 

      (Touareg De Ria Vela For Invergoil (Imp Esp) x Linirgor Candy Luv At Flyngalee JW)  

A very athletic, energetic, masculine, workmanlike gold dog of six years. Powerful with plenty of substance and beautiful angulation. Presented in super condition, he certainly did exude a presence as he moved effortlessly around the ring with great reach and drive. Certainly, one of the best movers, this beautifully made dog looked like he could work all day in the field and would have to be among the top half dozen of all the dogs who came into the ring on the day. 

SPECIAL OPEN DOG (4 Entries 0 Absent) 

1st Younie Mr R and Mrs L LARGYMORE LIVE TO LOVE YOU ShCM 

(Shapiron Jokers Wild JW x Largymore Lady Brachla JW) 

A quality three-year old Golden Retriever who was placed in an earlier class. Beautifully presented. Clean outline with pleasing head and expression. Level topline, straight forelegs, good bone, plenty of substance. Well ribbed up with very nice turn of stifle. Moved soundly. 

2nd Warden Mrs A EYEVALLEY MACALLAN OF GLENTOCHTY ShCM 

(Moloko McAdoo SGWC x Eyevalley Eyecatcher) 

An athletic active powerful gold 7 year-old with strong forequarters. Good reach of neck, short back and level topline, lovely turn of stifle and neat hocks. Straight when viewed from behind. Another lovely dog in beautiful condition. Very little between the first two placings. It was just that unfortunately he did not move out as well when the final decision was made. 

SPECIAL BREEDERS DOG 

1st Walker Ms F A  CARDRONA CALEDONIA JW 

     (Largymore Galeas Salazar x Kanteal Camomile Lawn of Cardrona)  

Please see Post Graduate Dog 

2nd McGuffie Mr D and Mrs E  MILLTIMBER ISLAND MIST  

(Ch Alibren Best Mate to Westervane JW x Velvenya Vivid of Milltimber) 

Sound nicely presented and handled 5 years-old Golden boy who stood four-square. Pleasing head and expression. Good reach of neck. Moderate balanced angulation. Well-developed body. Moved soundly with reach and drive. 

Congratulations to all winners and placegetters. It was my absolute privilege.  

Marilynn Morphet