Maidenhead & District Canine Society

I’d like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge Labradors at this well-run show. The sun kindly graced us with its presence, making the anticipated outdoor event extremely pleasant. I’d like to thank my steward for his patience, and the exhibitors for the sporting way in which placings were accepted. I had a lovely entry, making for some very difficult decisions. Overall movement was good, with no dogs carrying any excess weight, the majority looking capable of doing a day’s work. One thing I did notice is that, occasionally, when standing, some dogs were overstretched in the rear, upsetting their natural balance; and detracting from showing off their lovely well-built rear ends.

Puppy (1) 

1 King's Linthwaite Indiana – 8-month-old, light coloured feminine short coupled yellow of nice type, with good reach of neck leading into clean topline & tail-set with correct otter tail. In good coat, well developed rear and well let down hocks, moved nicely.

Junior (3)

1 Goodman's Lulukella's Hometown Glory – thought this bitch was beautiful, standing in profile she subtly shouted, look at me; 18-month-old well balanced black in good coat with an appealing feminine head, correct ear placement and nice kind eye. Good reach of neck leading into well placed shoulders, flawless topline and correct otter tail. Excellent front and rear angulation, well developed 2nd thigh with good turn of stifle, leading to well let down hocks, and strong front and rear pasterns – all used to full advantage on the move, not putting a foot out of place; very “at one” with her owner; delighted to later hear she’d acquired the remaining points for her Junior Warrant, well done. Best of Breed

2 King's Linthwaite Excalibur – I unashamedly lost my heart to this 9-month-old, mid yellow, well developed, short coupled male who announced his presence in the ring with oodles of enthusiasm; he has a gorgeous masculine yet gentle head and kind eye, with good reach of neck and lovely clean topline & tailset. In good coat and nicely balanced for his age, he was set on giving his handler a hard time, but I do like dogs with a bit of spark; moved and stood well when settled; was steadier in the RBOB / Puppy challenge beating his lovely “kennel-mate” from Puppy to take Best Puppy in Breed – definitely one to watch. 3 Lewis' Gamesmere Aleksia

Special Yearling (4, 1)

1 Goodman's Lulukella's Hometown Glory (See Junior). 2 Lewis' Gamesmere Strawberry Moon – very nice 21-month-old chocolate bitch of greater substance than 1st with well sprung rib, short coupled and well balanced, would have preferred slightly more front angulation. Very clean lined, in good coat, holding her topline steadily whilst on the move, and very clearly loving her time in the ring, using her tail to full advantage; nice eye colour, but overall preferred head of first – close contender in the Reserve BOB Challenge. 3 Tipson's Ffurador Charles Xavier

Post Graduate (5)

1 Goodman's Lulukella's Hometown Glory (Junior)

2 King's Linthwaite Cleopatra JW – Lovely 4.5-year-old balanced yellow bitch of nice breed type, with pleasing head and kind expression. In good coat with well sprung rib in keeping with her size, correct front and rear angulation with sufficient bone; nothing overdone about her, moved well, very much in harmony with her handler; also, a close contender in the Res BOB Challenge. I later learnt she was the dam of the gorgeous Best Puppy

3rd Tipson’s Ffurador Violet Extreme

Open (5, 3a)

1 Goodman's Lulukella's Hometown Glory (Junior)

2 Jenner's Rossacre Trail Blazer at Lyjansen – I love this 6-year-old black boy; I judged him as a youngster and liked him then, but he needed time to mature and balance out. Oh boy has he come on since; the same gorgeous head, masculine yet not too strong, with a gentle expression and kind eyes. Good reach of neck, correctly balanced front and rear in both angulation and substance, with good spring of rib, and lovely clean topline; overall in great condition, looking more than capable of doing a day’s work. Reserve Best of Breed.