Scottish Kennel Club

What an honour to be invited to judge my first Toy Group at SKC; the show that I won my very first Toy Group at 13 years ago under the late Vanda Williams. I am most grateful to the Officers & Committee members for thinking me worthy and showing your support. A warm Scottish welcome awaited together with a very strong line up of Toy Group Best of Breeds. My shortlist consisted of the Coton de Tulear, the Pomeranian, the LC Chihuahua and the Japanese Chin; all very typical examples of their breed and worthy of further recognition. Two other youngsters I thought deserving of a mention were the 7 month old Min Pin and the newly crowned Junior Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Champion - both lovely examples of their breeds who I am sure will have even great success to come I’m sure. 

The top spots ended up being a battle between 4 of the UK’s most highly regarded die-hard breeder/exhibitors and their impressive charges. I have had the privilege of regularly competing against each of these talented handlers and their fabulous dogs; it was clear today the winner would have to not only put on a foot perfect performance but also have an extra ounce of star quality to reign victorious. 

Coad & Smith’s Bichon Frise Ch Regina Bichon You Rock My World at Pamplona (Imp Esp) is a great showman and clinched the number one spot today in the very final run-off – it was as if he knew he had to find a bit extra and did just that with a couple off last minute ‘I dare you not to’ glances once on final run off and with impeccable timing as the Boards were called. Under that impeccably presented coat is a beautifully constructed dog who cannot stand wrong and is therefore so impressive on the move. His body is so well conditioned which showed in his muscle tone and the quality of his coat. Ideal head proportions with dark expressive eyes – shows perfect contrast with his black pigmentation and gleaming white coat. 

In second spot by a whisker was Guy’s Griffon Bruxellois Donzeata Royal Viscount. Such a self- assured youngster with a great attitude. It’s hard to believe he is only just out of puppy as he is so focussed and alert. I have studied his glorious head many times as this cheeky monkey often prefers my dogs bait to his own when we stood as neighbours on a number of occasion earlier this year in Group competition. When you go over him you fully appreciate why he already has such an impressive track record. He is super square and cobby and in rock hard condition. On the move he shows great balance with accurate footfall, a level top line and perfectly set tail.  

Into 3rd spot was Jackson & Eagan’s eye catching Maltese Ch Benatone Gino D’Acampo who was put down to the minute by his super talented breeder. Under table examination he is calm and relaxed proudly allowing you to assess his many virtues and the quality of his coat and presentation which are exemplary. Ideal head proportions and dark eyes with desired black rims and halos; such a sweet expression….and then his feet touch the ground and he takes over!! Literally glides round the ring with his understandably proud head carriage.  

Easdon & Martin’s Pekingese, Ch Yakee The Aristocrat joins the famous ‘production line’ of champion dogs produced by these talented breeders. He has the very best head with width right through and wonderful large round eyes giving a magnetic expression – there is really nothing I would change in this beautiful head. Under that perfectly presented coat is a dog with good muscle tone, strong bone and a body that picks up like a concrete pear. He is certainly well named as he has a charming air about him evident none more so than when he moves with a typical noble saunter with a slight roll to his gait.