Luton Canine Association

Luton Canine Association Open Show

30 December 2019

Norwegian Elkhounds

Laura Stephenson - Brawdor

I would like to thank the association for making my first time judging a wonderful experience. I met some lovely people before going in the ring and they made all my nerves go away over a cup of tea and a chat. So, thank you.

Thank you to the exhibitors and Elkhound community for your support, I really appreciated such a lovely entry of high quality dogs and a friendly encouraging atmosphere. Even more so all the puppies that were entered, some also at their first show, every dog was a joy to look over and watch. I’m a strong believer that every day is a learning day and I look forward to improving my knowledge, with all your help, on the breed I love.

Puppy 4/0 

 1 – Mortimer’s Laakso Dana – Just over 6 months, this well presented girl stands to impress. Lovely gentle feminine expression with dark eyes and dark mask, ears slightly larger but nicely set on a correct wedge shaped head. Straight legs leading to neat feet, movement was effortless with a strong top line kept throughout. Good coat and colour. BP and Hound Puppy Group 4. 

 2 – Stone’s Laakso Eike – First time in the ring for this impressive young boy, also for his handler, you make a great team. Lovely colour coat and clear markings, masculine head, again ears slightly larger, short in back and balanced angulation. High set tail with a tight curl. Once settled, on the move I saw enough to be able to award him his second place. Carry on with training to get the best out of both of you, as I believe this boy to have a great future. 

 Special Yearling 2/0 

1 – Cowper’s Whittimere No Nonsense of Rothenborg – Attentive and eye catching 15 month old, correct coarse coat, attractive head with dark eye and mask. Nice length of neck and depth of chest, tight feet and well set tail. Marginally loose in the front when moving but meaningful from the rear. Slightly over extending on the move at points but covered the ground with ease and purpose. Look forward to seeing this boy fully matured. 

2 – Threadgold’s Norvin Joyeux Noel – 1 year old with a beautiful and kind expression, dark eyes that have a twinkle of naughtiness. A neat little girl, with a compact body, well laid shoulders and good angulation, movement was slightly harder to asses from the front as the floor was far more interesting for her, but pleasing from the rear. We never want them to grow up but I feel another year will see this girl come into her own. 

Open Dog 5/3 

1 – Mortimer’s Laakso Canute – This boy had my full attention as soon as he entered the ring. Powerful and muscular body, short back and loin, well curved ribs and balanced angulation. This accommodated his movement which saw him own the ring on the move with a solid top line and agreeable gait. Slightly too much tuck for my liking. Good length of neck, wedge shaped head and ears that remind me of black velvet. Lovely example of the breed. BD, BOB and Hound Group 4. 

2 – Maun’s Ned Ch Bowerhinton Brouhaha – Lovely 4 year old who displays good breed type, strong top line which he held on the move, nice wedge head, would prefer a slightly darker eye. Nicely set tail with a tight curl. Pleasing colour coat and markings, good leg length, movement was strong from the front but weaker in the rear; would like a bit more muscle. 

Open Bitch 3/1 

1 – Maun’s Bowerhinton Bettina – Nice, square bitch with good neck length and very feminine head, dark eyes and nicely set ears. Lighter in colour than second place but good coarse coat. High set tail with a tight curl. Good length of leg and tight feet. Nice movement and covered the ground well. BB 

2 – Laakso Belina – Lovely young girl, with pleasing head and friendly expression. Again nice and square just slightly longer than 1. Nice colour and markings to coat with correct texture. Movement was good, on strong straight legs, could just be slightly tighter in the rear. Very attentive to handler.