Richmond Dog Show Society

I would like to thank the Richmond CDS Committee for their very kind invitation to judge the Working Group and the Working Special Beginners Group at their 2019 championship show. 

After having reviewed the Group I short listed the Boxer, Neapolitan Mastiff, Alaskan Malamute, Bullmastiff, Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, Dogue De Bordeaux, and Rottweiler for further consideration. 

Group 1 was the Boxer Griffiths' Lanfrese Argento a wonderful example of the Breed who continues to mature to advantage from the first time I judged him as a puppy, and awarded him the RCC in a very strong entry. A well proportioned head with good cheek and chin, correct reach of neck, powerful shoulders and an overall impression of 'squareness' and ideal proportions. On the move he is parallel throughout and covers plenty of ground with good reach and drive. Shown in excellent condition. I really am delighted that this exhibit has gone on to achieve such success this year.

Group 2 was the two year old Neapolitan Mastiff Mafi's Tomasso Goffredo's Taro. For a Breed that has been one of a number of breed's that has been the subject of significant attention over recent years it is a great pleasure to have had the opportunity to judge such a fine example. Still to fully mature this male free stands absolutely four-square, has a good standard fitting head without any exaggeration and a clean eye. In profile a good shoulder is complemented by a nice turn of stifle. However the most impressive aspect of this dog is his parallel and easy ground covering gait, as athletic as you are likely to see in a giant breed. An excellent prospect for the future.

Group 3 was the Alaskan Malamute male Ellis' Ch Chayo Cause Celebre. A very well proportioned example of the Breed, good head and expression, shown in excellent coat and condition and with a free and easy ground covering gait. 

Group 4 was the Bullmastiff Myers and Morgan's Ch Optimus Daffyd JW - Excellent head, good reach of neck, powerful throughout, shown in good 'hard' condition and free and easy on the move, indeed well capable of jumping a five bar gate! 

Working Special Beginners Group 

Ironically the four breed's I placed were the same as those I shortlisted in the Group with the Boxer first, the Alaskan Malamute second, the Bullmastiff third and the Portuguese Water Dog fourth. 

The Boxer Loasby's Sashbob Le Sorcerer JW is a very sound male, with a good head and in spite of the current strength of the Breed will hopefully come through a gain success in the future.

The Alaskan Malamute Pitcher's Marahootay Linx Under Tatkresiwok, possesses good angulation, excellent movement and has an attractive head - an absolutely sound example of a sled dog.

The Bullmastiff with no exaggeration was absolutely sound on the move and Portuguese Water Dog certainly moved to good effect and has excellent angulation. 

Simon Luxmoore