Darwen Canine Society

Please find my critique for Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodles at Darwen Canine Society Open Show, 21.12.19

Thank you to the society for my invitation to judge at this very friendly show - your hospitality is second to none! My steward kept the ring running smoothly which was greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank all those who entered and supported the sponsored classes by the Northern Toy Poodle Club and the North Western Poodle Club.

TOY POODLE

PUPPY (1,0)

Huyton’s STEELTHORNE MAX FACTOR

Good tempered male,almost a year old.

Tight fitting lips and dark eye. Good length of ear leather. He has a good body and spring of rib. His coat has a harsh texture and he is presented well. He moved ok in this class but I would prefer a more proud head carriage. He moved so much better in the next class - a little more speed shows his rear angles and gave him more drive. BEST OF BREED, BEST PUPPY IN BREED

JUNIOR (1,0)

Huyton’s STEELTHORNE MAX FACTOR Critique as above

POST GRADUATE (0) 

OPEN (2, 2)

 MINIATURE POODLE 

PUPPY (0)

JUNIOR (3,2)

Smith, Wisniewski and McIntyre’s BONDOR STEEL THE THUNDER

Well balanced blue male, 16 months old. Beautiful refined head with moderate stop. Dark almond shaped eye full of poodle mischievousness. Strong neck of good length giving way to a good body and forechest. He has a good tail set and rear angles not overdone. He has a wealth of coat with a good texture and is presented well. On the move this dog gave his handler a hard time but when he settles you can see plenty of drive. He still has to mature up but deserved his Best of Breed. It was lovely to see him shortlisted later on in the Utility Group.

POST GRADUATE (2,1)

Smith and Wisnieski’s BONDOR SHE GOT A BLACK HEART

White 7 year old bitch. She is still in full coat which is of lovely dense harsh texture. She is a well constructed bitch with a great forechest and a good reach of neck. She has a strong loin and muscled thighs. Her pretty head and eye just matches her lovely poodle attitude. Was a bit unsettled on the move but still she showed her enthusiasm for the ring.

OPEN (3,3)

STANDARD POODLE

PUPPY (1,1)

JUNIOR (1,1)

POST GRADUATE (0)

 OPEN (2,0)

1. James’s IR CH AFTERGLOW WOLFBANE AT BLACKMINE JW IR JUN CH CW19 CJW19

Black male, almost 2 years old

Upstanding dog making a beautiful picture stacked, his head held proud just oozing that poodle expression of “look at me”. In continental trim, his coat is dense and harsh and presented beautifully. He stands on tight feet with well cushioned pads. He is in great body condition. He has a lovely head and eye with long leathers. His neck is strong and of good reach going into a deep chest and well sprung ribs. On the move he is balanced and his construction showed in his reach and drive. He held his topline and looked elegant throughout. I was pleased to see him get Utility group 1 later on. BEST OF BREED

2. Bull-Harris’s PENDREAM RISING STAR JW

Black dog, nearly 4 years old

A different type to 1, this dog is shown in continental trim and his coat texture is harsh. He has a nice head and long leathers. He is heavier boned than 1, nicely muscled, with a thick root to the base of his tail. Overall he is a well constructed honest dog with a good temperament. He moved and carried himself well.

Emma Hunter

 Judge