Durham County Canine Association

Durham County Premier Open Show - 14th July 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed my day judging at this well run show. Thanks to all exhibitors for bringing your hounds and accepting my decisions in a sporting manner. I was looking for a balanced, elegant hound with a clean outline who moved out freely and was delighted with my winners, and quality of exhibits.

Whippet Puppy (6)

1st Hardcastle’s Dotalot Miss Honey

This pretty little fawn girl caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring. She is almost 12 months and oozes femininity and grace. Her head is a nice long shape, flat on top and is complimented by a dark, oval eye which I found to be heart melting. She has a strong jaw with the correct bite and I loved her fine, short coat which was presented perfectly. Her shoulders are correct and her chest is deep. She has a firm, well muscled back with an elegant arch over her loin. On the move, I found her pleasing to watch, with her forward, low action and her hind legs going well under and propelling power. She was shown in excellent condition and handled to really get the best from her. I was delighted to award her Best Puppy In Breed and later see her be awarded Puppy Group 2.

2nd Mckay’s Danluke Little Red Dress

Stacked, this 11 month red fawn with white trim looks the absolute picture. I loved her head which is the desired shape, her oval eye is attractive, and her ears are set and carried beautifully. She is mature for her age and has a super chest and well sprung ribs. Her presentation was excellent and she was well muscled with a perfect short, fine coat. Today I felt her topline was a little level and she did not match the movement of 1. Still lots to like about her.

3rd McEwan’s Kaymark Pollyana

Whippet Junior (3)

1st Smith’s Marvidara Baby Driver at Cardinghill

A red fawn with white trim male of 17 months. A balanced picture, though I would not want him any bigger. For me he combined power and strength and had the most beautiful, gentle temperament. He was sympathetically handled by his young handler who really got the best from him, particularly on the move where he powered round the ring. He has good bladed bone, a firm well muscled topline and a pleasing arch over his strong loin. Easily the best mover in the class.

2nd – McKay’s Gilnockie Hot Tottie

A much smaller and finer, fawn and white particolour bitch. Her outline is clean and presents a nice balanced picture. Her head is pleasing and is held by a strong elegantly arched neck which widened gracefully to her shoulders. She has a correct tailset and good dentition but just lacked the desired free flowing movement that I was looking for.

3rd – Marshall’s Bohosoul Lucia Leonora

Whippet Post Graduate (9, 3 abs)

1st – Johnston’s Danluke Della Rocca

Red brindle bitch of 2 years who caught my eye immediately. This classy lady felt like real quality the moment I laid my hands on her. She presents a super balanced outline, though carried a little extra weight today. Her head is so correct and she has a beautiful oval, dark eye. Her ears were rose shaped, small and fine complimenting a sweet face. I loved her deep chest, well filled in front and well sprung ribs. Her bone is correct and she has strong hindquarters with well developed second thigh. As eye catching as she was stacked, it wasn’t until she moved that her wow factor became apparent where her free and long strides really powered her round the ring. I found so much to like about this girl and she was presented and handled to perfection.

2nd – Lewis’ Shalfleet Silk ‘N’ Honey By Makem

A 3 year old brindle bitch from a smaller mould than 1 and she had so much to like about her. Her head is correct and she has a super neck which is elegantly arched. I loved her clean and curvy outline which emphasised her well filled in front and strong hindquarters. Disappointingly, she really lacked enthusiasm on the move which cost her today.

3rd – Driver’s Harropine Cordella

Whippet Limit (6)

1st – Glaholm’s Gazenorth Gan Canny

This 5 year old fawn bitch with a white trim was everything I was looking for. For me, she is the perfect size and shape and possess an elegance of grace which is so true to the breed. Her head is a wonderful feminine shape, she has an alert oval eye, strong jaw and correct stop. She has a well muscled, elegantly arched neck which leads to a superb front assembly, with well laid back shoulders and straight forearms. Her pasterns have a slight spring and are strong, and she stands on good feet. I particularly loved her deep chest and brisket, well muscled, slightly arched back and strong hindquarters. She was an absolute delight to watch on the move, stepping out with enthusiasm and alertness. In profile, her long easy stride was effortless with her forelegs moving forward and low and her hindlegs giving great propelling power. To complete this already wonderful picture, she was presented and handled to perfection. I therefore had no hesitation in awarding her Best of Breed and was delighted to see her win the Hound Group in strong competition.

2nd – Johnston & Wilson’s Cyangrange My Cuppa Tea of Danluke JW

Sweet brindle bitch of 22 months. Such an incredibly feminine lady who has a beautiful head with dark, oval eyes, strong jaw and perfect rose shaped, fine ears. Her neck is muscular and leads to a firm topline, deep chest and well filled in front. She has the desired curves and a good tuck up. Her coat is fine and short and she was another from this kennel who was presented and handled beautifully. On the move, she possesses an elegance which screams ‘look at me’ and she is true coming and going with a powerful rear of well muscled quarters which really came well under. Unlucky to meet 1 in such fine form. I was pleased to award her Reserve Best of Breed and I’m sure this bitch will have a bright future as she continues to mature further.

3rd – Hardcastle’s Collooney Nickers In A Twist

Whippet Open (6)

1st – Johnston’s Danluke Dicky Bird

Now a veteran, this 8 year old red brindle bitch with white trim still possesses a look of quality. She presents a wonderfully balanced picture and can certainly show the youngsters how to move! For me, she screams breed type and has an even disposition. Her head is long, lean and flat on top, complimented with an oval dark eye and desirable rose shaped, fine ears. Her neck is long and gracefully arched, widening to her well laid back shoulders. She has a well muscled, firm back which is long with a graceful arch over her loin. Her backend is strong with well bent stifles and well let down, firm hocks. As pleasing as she was stacked, this lady really impressed me on the move showing a great freedom of action, moving forward with great power, placing her forelegs forward in a low stride. So beautifully handled and presented.

2nd – Hardcastle Collooney Lizzie Giz Abit

A 5 year old fawn bitch who I have admired for some while and did not disappoint when I got my hands on her. Mother of the puppy bitch winner, it was easy to see that she has passed on her qualities. Her head is sweet and feminine with a slight stop, dark eye and strong jaw. She has good ears which she carries well. Her neck is well muscled and strong, leading to a good depth of chest and firm topline, which she also held on the move. She is longer in body than 1 and has a definite tuck up. I particularly liked her well bent stifles and broad thighs. She carried the perfect weight today and was handled sympathetically and presented in tip top condition. Just lost out to 1 on her outstanding movement.

3rd – French & Charlton’s Summertime Everlasting at Whipchase

Judge Lynn Bailey (Salenko)