Scottish Kennel Club

SKC

Labradors

Judge: Anthony Allen

My thanks to the committee for inviting me and the exhibitors for entering. My DCC winner came from the junior dog class in SANDYLANDS HIT THE ROAD with the RDCC coming from the yearling class in A SENSE OF PLEASURE'S EL TORO AT BALLADOOLE JW (IMP DEU). My BCC winner again from the yearling class with NAIKEN DANCE RHYTHM JW IR JUN CH which it transpired was her fifth CC in quick sucession. My RBCC was second in yearling, the Irish bred PHILIPSTOWN LEXINGTON JNR CH CW19 [ATC AV01397IKC]. My Best Puppy was the PB winner TISSALIAN HI SOCIETY, Best Veteran to the ever young VELVETINE SHAWNEE SHCM and B SPEC BEGIN to GLENBROWS PARAPHRASE. I must say that I think the initiative to award a Best Special Beginner is a great idea and it was super to watch Paraphrase in the big ring.

In comparison to the last time I judged there were a few issues that concerned me. The first was the lack of depth of quality in the younger classes and this is a real concern for the future, where is the next generation of top class Labradors coming from?

An issue that remains is the shortness in upper arms as this means incorrect front angulation and restricts the ability of the dog to stride out on the move, which is necessary for them to do their job in the field. I was pleased that my principal winners were able to demonstrate the correct Labrador action.

I am also concerned about large, round eyes creeping back in to the breed as my notes indicate that a number had them. I know that eye shape is not implicitly mentioned in the standard but to me round staring eyes do not give the expression on intelligence and we must be careful with our breeding it doesn’t just become the norm.

In terms of coats, being the time of year many were on ‘the blow’ so I didn’t penalise as much I would normally do for those that did not have correct coat texture. In general most had a decent undercoat.

Minor Puppy - Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST NAIKEN ELITE ENVOY (AI) (MR & MRS A R V & MISS R HODGE)

Smart young man nearly 9 months. Lovely pleasing head and expression. Clean reach of neck which led in to well-placed shoulders, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Correct front angulation, good return of upper arm. Needs to drop in to his chest which he will as he matures. Proportionate length of body with a good level top line, ribs springing nicely. Well-made quarters with good angles. Really profuse coat at this age which I hope sorts itself out. He moved round the ring positively and once settled in to his stride was the best in the class in that respect. I was delighted to be able to award him Best Puppy Dog.

2ND DANRU SARYGUL SNOW BUDDY (MRS BARTHRAM MCMANUS)

Only six and half months old and slower in maturity than the winner but he has all the essentials. Pleasing masculine head and expression, clean reach of neck, OK through the shoulders but would like a little more return of upper arm. Good length of body. Level top line and good rear angulation. Presented a balanced picture. Not as positive on the move as the winner but held his shape well which gave him this place.

3RD WARRINGAH'S OPOSSUM BAY (MR D COODE)

Puppy - Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

1ST NAIKEN EAST MEETS WEST (AI) (MR & MRS A R V & MISS R HODGE)

Smart young man plenty of leg on him at this age, scored in outline and balance over the second place dog. Good head and expression. Clean reach of neck which led in to well-placed shoulders, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Correct front angulation, good return of upper arm. Proportionate length of body with a good level top line, ribs springing nicely. Well-made quarters with good angles. He moved round the ring positively once settled and was the best in the class in that respect. Gave way to his brother for best puppy dog as he just wasn’t as together.

2ND BINNAIG BENAVIE (MS C CAMPBELL)

Another smart dog who I have seen for the ringside and liked, today he just lost his angles and wouldn’t get in to a shape, he just wasn’t having a good day. He has a good head shape and masculine expression. A clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders. A decent length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters, hocks well let down. Movement was sound, good both fore and aft and in profile just needs to tighten up to complete the picture, which he will in time.

3RD KINCHYLE HEATHERINGTON (MESSRS C & R CARSON & MARSHALL)

Junior - Dog

Entries: 10 Absentees: 1

1ST SANDYLANDS HIT THE ROAD (MR E & MRS E CASEY & JAYES)

Yellow male 14 month old who presented a clean outline, I loved his masculine head and expression, strong reach of neck which led in to well-placed shoulders. Good depth of chest for his age. Correct body proportions, ribs springing nicely. Quarters well angulated, with a reasonable bend of stifle and well-let down hocks. He was a bit of a teenager on the stack giving his handler a hard time but really together on the move for his age, with good accuracy of footfall. I am never fond of giving youngsters top honours but in the challenge he just stepped up a gear and the more mature class winners could not match his accuracy or side gait. He just looked a picture going round the ring and I was thrilled to award him his first CC. With a maturity on his side I think he could well take a few more, good luck.

2ND EXELBY SALSOLA (MRS K COOK)

Different type to one but still pleasing to my eye. He has a good head shape and masculine expression. A clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders, would haved like a shade more return of upper arm. Standing on good legs and feet. Plenty of depth to his chest. A decent length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters, with good overall angulation and second thigh, hocks well let down. Movement was sound, good both fore and aft and in profile with plenty of drive. Not in his best jacket today.

3RD A SENSE OF PLEASURE'S GET LUCKY (IMP DEU) (MISS K DRUGGAN)

Yearling - Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

These two dogs gave me a real conundrum, both on top of their game at the moment, of differing types but excellent examples of the breed.

1ST A SENSE OF PLEASURE'S EL TORO AT BALLADOOLE JW (IMP DEU) (MISS K DRUGGAN)

Impressive chap who looks smart on the stack. He has a pleasing head shape and masculine expression, would like a little more work but has plenty of time for that. A super clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders. Plenty of depth of chest, hopefully he has done his growing as I wouldn’t want any more depth. Good legs with a decent amount of bone, correctly proportioned length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters with good angulation, hocks well let down. Movement was sound and the correct action fore and aft and in profile. In better coat that the second which gave him the class. In the challenge I thought he had the edge over the open winner on the final run round so took the RCC, many congratulations.

2ND TALARD CEE THREE PEE OHH (MR A, MRS L & MISS T DOUGLAS)

Another smart dog but out of a bigger mould than the winner, he has a good head shape and masculine expression, personally I hope this is the finished article as I wouldn’t want it any stronger. He presents with a clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders. A decent length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters with good angulation and second thigh, hocks well let down. Not in his best of coats today. Movement was sound, good both fore and aft, he was just a tad soft in topline in profile which cost him the top spot. Another I consider is destined for the top drawer.

3RD KIDROCK FOR MARY AT GLENALLAN (IMP RUS) (DR C S G & MR A R GREASLEY-ADAMS)

Graduate - Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1ST HALSHIMOOR PITCH BATTLE AT SHANORRELL JW (MRS J & MESSRS M, J, MR D & MRS P RAWLINSON & BALSHAW)

Well-made yellow dog, with good overall balance and movement. He has a masculine head and expression, a clean outline, good reach of neck and front angulation. Well-developed chest with good depth. Proportionate length of body with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Good profile action.

2ND WINDUP BARBERRY EARL GREY (MR A & MRS C THOMSON)

Different type to one but still pleasing to my eye. 22 months old. He has a good head shape and masculine expression. A clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders. Standing on good legs. A decent length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters, would like a better croup, good overall angulation and second thigh, hocks well let down. Movement was sound, just needs a little more drive and to tighten up a little in front to complete the picture.

Post Graduate - Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 2

1ST GLENBROWS PARAPHRASE (MRS S E DAVIS)

Chocolate boy who won this class on the move. He has a pleasing head, refined with a good shape, decent eye colour. Well made through the neck and shoulders and has good front angulation and a good depth of chest. Body well-proportioned with a good spring of rib. Quarters well-made and overall presenting a balanced picture. Movement was sound.

2ND CRICKLECREEK CADDRIS AT STRATHHUNKER (MR A & MRS C THOMSON)

Yellow dog, with good overall balance and movement. He has a nice dark eye and has a clean outline, good reach of neck and decent lay back if shoulder just would like a tad more return of upper arm. Standing on well boned legs and feet. Well-developed chest with good depth. Proportionate length of body with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Not the best on the move today.

3RD SHAYMILONEY SCHINUS AFINMORE (MRS T A & MR M J MULLETT)

Limit - Dog

Entries: 8 Absentees: 1

1ST PONIEL REASON TO BELIEVE AT BRUADARACH SHCM (MRS S PARKER)

This is a dog you really need to get your hand on him to appreciate his qualities as he doesn’t really leap out at you but he has all the essentials. He has a pleasing head shape and masculine expression. A super clean reach of neck, shoulder placement is OK. Good legs with a decent amount of bone, correctly proportioned length of body with enough spring of rib. Well-made quarters with good angulation, hocks well let down. Not in his best jacket, lacked undercoat, but I forgave that today as most were changing coats. Movement was sound and the correct action fore and aft and in profile.

2ND MILLROSEGLEN MAKE MY DAY WITH MEADOVILLABS (MR P & MRS T MCCRORY)

Smart yellow dog, with good overall balance and movement. Well-made boy, with a masculine head and expression, he has a clean outline, good reach of neck and good front angulation. Well boned legs and neat feet. Length of body OK with well sprung ribs, personally I would like a little more length of loin. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Super coat. Positive mover, very accurate fore and aft, but to me lacked front extension in profile which cost him the top spot today.

3RD RAMSAYVILLE REST MY CASE (MR A, MRS M & MISS M BROWN)

Open - Dog

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1ST SH CH TISSALIAN HI JACK JW (MRS C BAILISS)

Smart dog with a clean outline, presenting a balanced picture. He has a pleasing head shape and masculine expression. He has a super clean reach of neck. Standing on good legs and neat feet. A decent length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters with good angulation and width of second thigh, hocks well let down. Movement was sound and he covered the ground well, I would have like him a little tidier as he came towards. He was in my mind for top honours but in the challenge he just threw in the towel on the move and gave way to the younger boys. It transpired the CC winner was his son.

2ND CH WARRINGAH'S PERTH JW SHCM (MR D COODE)

This is a good honest dogs did well under me before and delighted to see him again. Nothing flash about his but he an honest Labrador who is made right. He has a pleasing head shape and a lovely masculine expression. Neck into well placed shoulders was good, just a little untidy today. Good depth to his chest with ribs well sprung, strong through the loin, Quarters ok with good angulation. Movement was sound and fluid, a little more oomph and he would have taken the class.

3RD SANDYLANDS OVER THE MOON TO LUDALOR JW (MRS L TOOTH)

Veteran - Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1ST KNOYDAR REAGAN (MR W & MRS P GARTLAND)

Grand yellow chap who was really enjoying his day out. He has a pleasing head and the kindest of expressions, a clean reach of neck and well set shoulders. Correct front angulation with correct depth of forechest. Level top line and good length of body. Well-made quarters which he used to advantage on the move, sound on the move but he didn’t stride out with the fluidity of the veteran bitch winner today in the challenge for Best Veteran.

Special Beginners - Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST GLENBROWS PARAPHRASE (MRS S E DAVIS)

2ND SHAYMILONEY SCHINUS AFINMORE (MRS T A & MR M J MULLETT)

Tidy boy, well-made if a shade more of him that I would normally like. Decent head and expression, good angle front and rear, Ribs well sprung and firm through the loin. Quarters well developed with a good bend of stifle. Good enough on the move, could have just done with a bit more drive.

3RD EXELBY NEATH (MR M & MS E BERRY & LARSEN)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme - Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST FLYENPYG PORKY PIG (C M SMITH)

Yellow male, rising two, well-made boy, with a masculine head and expression, he has a clean reach of neck and good front angulation, just would like a little more length of upper arm. Needs to drop in to his front but will do that with age. Good overall body proportions with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Positive mover, great in profile.

Minor Puppy - Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 1

1ST SAORSA UPWARDS LIGHTING (MRS Z & MR B GAJDA-MEISSNER, MEISSNER)

A lovely seven month old black puppy to start the bitches with. Well put together for her age, not overdone in anyway. She is clean in outline and has a lovely pretty head and expression, still needs to break but it is as she should be at this age. Lovely neck into well set shoulders. Body developing well for her age, good through the ribs and into her loin. Well-made quarters. Best mover in the class. One who should do well in my opinion.

2ND DRIFFWOLD ALBA (MRS W J & MR A J SOUTHWELL)

This one was very much a baby, I liked this lady’s overall type and the cleanness of her outline. She is well made with a pleasing expression for her age, good clean reach of neck which was set in to well-placed shoulders. Good size for her age, in overall proportion. She has a well turned stifle and well-let down hocks. Needs to find her feet on the move which she will do as she grows.

3RD NAIKEN ETOILE (AI) (MR & MRS A R V & MISS R HODGE)

Puppy - Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST TISSALIAN HI SOCIETY (MRS C BAILISS)

A very pretty bitch with a pleasing head and expression. Loved her outline on the stack with a clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders. Good front angulation and standing well boned legs and neat feet. Good length of body, ribs correct for her age and a super outline. Quarters well made. Shown in good condition. She held her outline on the move and had decent footfall, need to tighten in front but will do that with age. Very promising puppy, I was delighted to award her Best puppy bitch and subsequently Best Puppy.

2ND BINNAIG ESKIMO BLONDE (MS C CAMPBELL)

Another good one who could have easily swapped places also very appealing to my eye. 10 months old she is well made with good overall proportions with a pleasing expression, good clean reach of neck which was set in to well-placed shoulders. She has a decent turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Move out well with a decent action. Preferred the head of the winner today but never-the-less she is another promising puppy whom I am sure will have a bright future ahead of her.

3RD TANTADECORUS ISLE OF SHUNA MUSUBI (MR C J & MRS P AYRES)

Junior - Bitch

Entries: 10 Absentees: 4

1ST SANDYLANDS HIGH TIME (MR E & MRS E CASEY & JAYES)

A pleasing bitch with a good overall outline. She has a pretty head and expression with a good reach of neck and a lovely deep forechest. Shoulder placement is good and she has a proportionate length of body, good well developed quarters for her age. As with her brother best mover in the class so took the top spot. Possibly a little bit much of her for my tastes but I am sure that she will do very well.

2ND ALKARUSS SIMPLY THE BEST (MR R & MRS K FAIRGRIEVE)

I liked this bitch’s over all shape and balance. Head and expression pleasing, would prefer a better eye shape. Her neck is clean and well set in to her shoulders, front construction good with well boned legs. Ribs correct for her age, firm in loin into well-made quarters. Moved out well, a shade close behind but a good front action and in profile.

3RD PRECIOUS MISS CHARLOTTE (MRS L & MR J FERGUSON)

Yearling – Bitch

I very much liked both the first three in this class, could easily have put them in a different order so it came down to the final run round to decide on the placings.

Entries: 10 Absentees: 2

1ST NAIKEN DANCE RHYTHM JW IR JUN CH (MR & MRS A R V & MISS R HODGE)

A very stylish black bitch who presents a super clean outline on the stack. She has a lovely head and expression, a good reach of neck, which led in to correctly placed shoulders. A good length of body and well-made quarters with a nice turn of stifle and well let down hocks. She has super profile movement and was accurate in footfall. A super young lady, in the challenge she just lifted her game and out moved the rest, I could not deny her the BCC and subsequently BOB. It transpired that I awarded both her sire and grandmother a CC some years back, so clearly a type of bitch that appeals to me. Well done on your group shortlist.

2ND PHILIPSTOWN LEXINGTON JNR CH CW19 [ATC AV01397IKC] (J CULLEN)

A new one to me but this young bitch took my eye when standing. Twenty-one months old, very feminine in head and expression, she has a clean reach of neck, which led on to a well set shoulders. She stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Good spring of rib and length of body. Correct top line and well-made quarters with a decent bend of stifle. Good on the move, she has a lovely free flowing action. I thought her very appealing and called her back in to the challenge where she just had that extra sparkle against the open bitch and took the RCC. I hope to see her again on this side of the water soon.

3RD SHANORRELL SENTIMENTAL AT HALSHIMOOR (MRS J & MESSRS M, J, MR D & MRS P RAWLINSON & BALSHAW)

Graduate - Bitch

Entries: 12 Absentees: 4

1ST TREWINNARD PICCADILLY (MRS L J KENT)

I liked this bitch as she entered the ring and she did not disappoint when I put my hands on her. She has a feminine head and expression, a lovely clean reach of neck which led on to correct well placed shoulders. She has a good spring of rib and length of loin, excellent rear angulation. She was shown in full coat. Moved out well to win the class, a promising youngster.

2ND WINTER STAR LEMINISCATUS AT JOHDINE (POL IMP) (MRS MEEK)

Completely different type of bitch to the winner, but very appealing. Well-made bitch, just two, with a lovely outline. She has a good reach of neck which led in to well-placed shoulders. Well boned legs, would just like a little more height. Good length of body leading on to powerful quarters. Movement was good and driving. In good coat condition.

3RD BINNAIG BLACK ON BLONDE (MS C CAMPBELL)

Post Graduate - Bitch

Entries: 15 Absentees: 1

1ST CRAMMONDKIRK ROGUE GOSSIP JW (MISS L A LEWIS)

Another really nice bitch, she is refined, exactly what I like and so well handled to get the best out of her. Two and a half years old, very pretty in head and expression, good proportion enhanced by a lovely dark eye. I like her clean reach of neck in to correctly placed shoulders, would have liked a tad more return of upper arm. Stood on good legs and has super feet. Good depth to her chest for her age, ribs well sprung and firm through the loin. Moderately angulated quarter, stifles well bent. Good little mover with a driving action. Ran her off for the RCC, promising youngster.

2ND LUDALOR BLUE SAPHIRE (MRS L TOOTH)

Another really nice bitch very different style to the winner. Just two years old, very pretty and a pleasing expression, head of good proportions enhanced by a lovely dark eye. I liked her clean reach of neck in to correctly placed shoulders. Stood on good legs and has super feet. Good depth to her chest for her age, ribs well sprung and firm through the loin. Good moderately angulated quarter, stifles well bent. Good little mover with a driving action.

3RD JOHDINE LEMON PUNCH (MRS MEEK)

Limit - Bitch

Entries: 7 Absentees: 0

1ST FOULBY KRISTA (MR A, MRS M & MISS M BROWN)

This black bitch is very appealing. She is well made with a pleasing expression enhanced by a lovely dark eye. Decent reach of neck which was set in to well-placed shoulders, standing on good well boned legs. Good size for her age, in overall proportion. Ribs well spring and firm through the loin. She has a well turned stifle and well-let down hocks. Held her top line well throughout. Accurate on the move with good foot fall, would like a little more drive and just a shade untidy behind.

2nd WARRINGAH'S GULWARRA JW (MR D COODE)

Nice type of chocolate bitch, who I have admired before. She has a lovely feminine head and expression. Good overall front construction and length of body with well barrelled ribs. Her outline is clean and she slows from her neck to her tail. Ribs well spring and she has super quarters. Close decision with the winner who just looked more balanced on the stack.

3RD RAMSAYVILLE RIA AT FARBRAE JW (MS S H & MR R A HOLLIDAY & AULD)

Open - Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 1

1ST RAMSAYVILLE RHUBARB ROCK AT KINCHYLE (MRS L PARK)

I liked this yellow bitch, she is right up my street. She has the most beautiful head and expression, a lovely clean reach of neck which led in to correct well placed shoulders. She has a good spring of rib and length of loin, excellent rear angulation. Correct amount of bone and standing on neat feat. She was shown carrying the correct amount of weight. Moved positively in the class with lovely forward reach and held her shape throughout. She won the class over some lovely bitches on that basis. In the challenge she was front of my mind for top honours but she just threw in the towel and wouldn’t play ball, which was a big shame.

2ND LOUGIN SECRET SPY AT SUNDYKE J W (MISS WOOD)

Another bitch who has done well under me before. Close decision between the winner and this one. A refined lady with bags of breed type. She has a pretty head and expression, a good reach of neck leading on to well set shoulders. A good depth of body, super rear angulation and overall presented a lovely clean outline. Coat was in good condition. Liked her on the move, she just didn’t have the forward reach of the winner in the run off and that was the deciding factor.

3RD MY FIRST LOVE OF LABGOLD [ATC AQ01444POL] (MRS PASTUSIAK)

Veteran - Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST VELVETINE SHAWNEE SHCM (MISS M SCRIMGEOUR)

A grand lady who was certainly enjoying her day out now ten and a half. She is beautiful black bitch with a pretty feminine head and expression. Excellent reach of neck and shoulder placement, good deep chest and correct spring of rib. Good length of body and rear angulation, clean lines and balanced throughout. Best Veteran bitch and later Best Veteran in Breed

2ND WILENMORY ARMANI DIAMOND JW (MESSRS R & R LENNOX & MORGAN)

Nice type of bitch rising eight years. She has a lovely feminine head and expression. Good overall front construction and length of body with well barrelled ribs. Well-developed quarters with well bent stifles in lovely condition for her age and a credit to her owner. Not as together on the move as the winner today and lost her topline a little.

3RD TRENDLEWOOD PERFECT TEN (MISS A A LAWRENCE)

Special Beginners - Bitch

Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

1ST MALLENDYKE PAVE THE WAY (MR P J & MRS J M THORNTON)

I liked this lady’s overall type and the cleanness of her outline. Sound mover who covered the ground well, which gave her this class. She is well made with a pleasing expression, good clean reach of neck which was set in to decently placed shoulders, would have just like a shade more return. Good size for her age, in overall proportion. She has a well turned stifles and well-let down hocks. Moved out well.

2ND I PREDICT A RIOT AT PONIEL (MRS A MCKAY)

Six month old chocolate puppy with a lovely attitude, her tail never stopped wagging Coming along nicely, head well portioned, eyes shape good but need to darken a little. Well made in body with good angles fore and aft. Moved out well with a positive action.

3RD GULSARY GRAND DESIGN (MS G R THREADER)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme - Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1ST HALSHIMOOR PITCH PERFECT WITH SHANORRELL (MRS J & MESSRS M, J, MR D & MRS P RAWLINSON & BALSHAW)

A stylish yellow, with a pleasing head and expression, good shoulder placement, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Good depth of forechest for her age and spring of rib, proportionate length of body and well-made quarters. Movement was positive and free flowing, she has a super side gate. Clean in outline. Moved well. I think she is a really nice type of bitch who should do well. Certainly in contention in the challenge.

2ND TULLOCHMOHR DREAM OF ME AT BALCRIST JW (MRS C HOOPER)

She is a pleasing yellow, five years old and today was shown in good condition. She has a lovely head and expression, with a decent reach of neck, good depth of forechest and well-placed shoulders. Proportionate length of body and good quarters with a sweeping turn of stifle. Movement was adequate but pinned a bit in front with gave the winner the edge today.

3RD FLYENPYG WHERE YA BIN (C M SMITH)