Southampton & District Canine Association

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at their delightful show set in the most beautiful of locations. This has always been one of the best shows for me to attend as an exhibitor, so it was a real honour to be judging for the society. They provided me with two very able stewards, Jane and Sarah who did a fabulous job of organising the ring for me, thank you ladies. Last but not least thank you to the exhibitors who brought their beloved dogs under me, it was a pleasure to go over them. All exhibits had correct mouths and all temperaments were excellent. Coats were also of excellent condition, on the whole, which is often a challenge for our breed.  

P(3,0) 1. Kaal & Rance’s Dallydyl Dream of Manderley to Olbero. 9 month old black bitch. Beautiful feminine yet powerful head, correct dark eye, ears well broken and set on well giving her a soft expression. She has a good neck, well laid back shoulders, straight legs with plenty of bone. She has an excellent chest, a good topline and a well set on tail. She is carrying a bit of puppy weight but at this age this is what I would expect. She has excellent rear angulation and excellent cat feet. Her coat is in perfect condition which was the icing on the cake. Initially her movement was a bit erratic but as she settled it became what I am looking for, powerful with a long stride. BPIB and thrilled to see her get Best AV utility puppy and then PG3.  

2. Blissett’s Kystuno Warners King. 6 month old black dog. Correct powerful & masculine head with gorgeous dark eyes. His ears are well set on giving him an inquisitive expression. He has straight legs with loads of bone and an excellent chest. He’s slightly bum high at the moment but he is very young, so this is to be expected. He has strong well-muscled hindquarters, excellent cat feet. He has fantastic pigment, really dark black on a perfect white coat. Like 1 he was initially unsettled but settled to a good powerful stride. Unlucky to meet 1 today on top form.  

3. Cole’s Keiradal Syrena. 

J(1, 0) 1. Hill’s Pandamax Mariner. 16 month old dog with dark liver spotting. Good broad & powerful head, not overdone at all. His ears are correctly set on and well broken. He has a strong neck, a good chest and a powerful body. He has a good topline, good rear angles and is extremely well muscled. His tail is well set on. He was a bit out of coat today. Another who took his time to settle, but when he did he gave his all, showing powerful, smooth movement seen from all angles. Even though he stood alone, he very much deserved his placing today.   

PG(5,1)1. Bridge, Meyer & Britton’s Keiradal Moulin Rouge at Akoni. 2.5 year old black bitch. A bitch I have judged twice before and she improves every time. She has dark eyes, well set ears and the most feminine of heads. She has a lovely neck and an ample chest with correct feet. She is well muscled but not at all overdone, her rear angles are good and her tail is well set on. Her coat was in excellent condition. She comes to life on the move, she has great drive and extension and looks correct from all angles. Close call between her and the winner of open, who is her dam, for BOB. RBOB and Best AV utility under the group judge.  

2. Hill’s Nospar’s Shaded Cristal. 4 year old black bitch. Very pretty feminine head with correct eyes and heavily spotted well set on ears framing her face. She has a lovely tapering neck leading to a good chest. Her topline and tail set are excellent. She has good rear angles and her coat was in excellent condition. I would like to see her with a bit less weight and a bit more muscle but that’s being very picky. Another who was a bit erratic on the move initially but settled to show good, flowing movement. 

3. Howard-Riddle’s Shydally Wish Upon a Star 

O(3,1)1. Keiradal Mel’s Destiny. 4.5 year old liver bitch. Another bitch who I have judged before. She reminds me very much of a bitch I bred and the more I see of her, the more I like her. She has a strong but not overdone head with correctly set on ears giving her a curious expression. Her eyes are a really lovely amber. She has a good length of neck, correct forequarters, good cat feet and an ample chest. She has a good topline, a well set on tail and her body is well muscled. Her rear angles are good, her coat is in lovely condition. She is such a powerful mover showing correct movement from all angles. She could easily run behind a carriage all day. I actually wrote in my notes “moves like a train”. Very similar in type to her daughter who was my RBOB. Happy to award her BOB and watch her get G4.  

2. Howard-Riddle’s Shydally Annie Power. 4 year old black bitch. Pretty, feminine head with well set ears. She has an ample chest, good straight forelegs and cat feet. She is carrying too much weight at the moment which spoilt her outline somewhat. She has good rear angles and her coat was in excellent condition with dark pigment. She has good powerful movement, very fluid and correct from all angles.  

Sarah-Jane Finch (Dalticino)