• Show Date: 13/10/2019
  • Show Type: Open/Limited/Sanction
  • Judged by: Darren Clarke Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 27/07/2023

Kennel Club Ltd

Kennel Club Junior Warrant Semi-Final Competition

13th October 2019

Having judged the JHA final the day before, it was an honour to be asked to judge the KC JW semi-final competition the following day, making an enjoyable and unforgettable weekend. Thanks to the organisers and stewards for their hospitality, efficiency and slick running of the ring.

There were approximately 60 qualifiers split into 2 groups of 30, one group judged by myself and the other by my co-Judge, Gundog aficionado, Mr Jonathan Daltry.

Due to time restraints we were only required to shortlist 10 and from those select 5 to go forward to the Crufts final in 2020.

A good group of youngsters paraded before me and my initial shortlist included: the Chow Chow dog, Lhasa Apso bitch, English Toy Terrier dog, Newfoundland bitch, Bearded Collie dog, Briard bitch, Samoyed dog, Pembroke Corgi bitch, Gordon Setter dog and Pointer bitch. Missing the cut by a whisker, the Cocker bitch and the Dalmatian bitch.

One final lap for each of the shortlist and those 5 selected (in no order) were: the Chow Chow, Janqbu Valentino. Really eye-catching youngster. Masculine but not overdone in any department. Super head piece, clean eyes, excellent pigment and moderately angled. Moved soundly with a typical gait. Super coat and presentation. The ETT, Ch. Witchstone Place Your Bets At Capledrae. Another young star from this successful kennel. Super clean-cut outline. Lovely head, eye and expression. Correct ears, Good conformation and gave a good account of himself on the move. Excellent colours and markings. The Briard, Ch. Fosterbrie Precious Hope. Being ‘my breed’ this bitch was only one of a couple here that wasn’t completely new to me. Have admired her from ringside and was pleased to find she is as good to go over as she looks. Very typical and completely functional for type, could visualise her in the field tending the flock. Excellent, effortless profile movement. The Pembroke Corgi, Twinan Tight Squeeze. Personality-plus that defies you to look past her. Feminine but with substance and bone and stands on excellent tight feet. Good head and eye with typical ‘foxy’ expression. Uses her well set ears and arched neck to best advantage at all times. Firm topline and drives off well from the soundest of hocks. Presented in immaculate form and thoroughly deserved her place in the final selection and the Pointer, Medogold Bamalam At Heartbury. Feminine, shapely and a classic outline. Good shaped head, well proportioned and excellent overall conformation. Scopey mover with plenty of reach and drive. Another absolute show girl, using her tail well and giving her all. Her handler was clearly thrilled!

Very proud of those selected and wish them all the very best at the final.

Darren Clarke (Judge)