Cheltenham & District Canine Society

Cheltenham & District Canine Society  

23rd February 2020 

Judge: Lesley McDonald (Tusselstaff) 

A huge thank you to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The show was held at the Kennel Club Building which is a great venue with ample ring sizes. As always, a thank you to each and every exhibitor for entering your dogs for my assessment.  

Puppy (3, 1 abs) 

1. Beaufoy & Turner’s Harkline a Little Magic   

Pretty black brindle bitch with dark eyes, good ear set, deep stop and correct bite. At just 7 months of age she has a pleasing front with neat feet, level topline and good angulation all round. She is well balanced with a good amount of daylight under her and was shown in good condition for age. She very much appeared to enjoy her day in the ring. Best Puppy in Breed and Group 3 

2. Higgins, Ward & Rogers’s Berrystock Miss Firefly 

Black brindle bitch with the sweetest expression. She has a classic head shape of good proportions darkest of eyes, good cheek bumps, and correct bite.  She is well off for bone, with a good front, correct drop of brisket and tidy feet. She is short coupled with a good backend; movement was ok once settled. Just preferred the overall profile of 1st but a nice pup none the less 

Junior (5, 1 abs) 

1. Funnel’s Powerpack Tam O’Shanter 

Quality black brindle dog with white chest and front paw who caught my eye on entering the ring. He has nice head shape which is strong but clean, dark round eyes, neat rose ears, tight in lip and good dentition. He has such a cracking expression. Good length of neck widening to front which is straight and true with good lay of shoulder and upper arm., tidy feet and no weakness at pastern. Clean in profile, he has a level topline, short in the back, well tucked up and firm in the loin. He was presented in tip top condition with gleaming coat. Looked classy when viewed from any angle.  Both handler and dog work well together. Pleased to award him Best in Breed 

2. Prutton’s Jasamarch Ditsy Diva 

Eye catching black brindle bitch. She has a pleasing feminine head, dark eyes, neat ears, appealing expression, and correct scissor bite. She has a straight front, good shoulder angulation, enough depth of brisket and spring of rib and pleasing amount of lift. Super clean in profile and everything flowing without exaggeration. At just 13 months of age she is far from the finished article and I would like to see her in another twelve months; I liked her very much 

3. Hands & Freeman Gazstaffs Black Velvet at Skyestaff 

Post Graduate (3) 

1. Funnel’s Powerpack Alura Finvarra JW 

Attractive black brindle bitch who has a lovely head shape of correct proportions, feminine and clean, dark eyes, neat ears used well – all making for a mischievous expression. She has a good front assembly and depth of brisket with ample rib, good topline and rear angulation. Moved and handled very well. 

2, Gibson’s Holmane Moldavite 

Smart black brindle dog with well-defined head of good strength but still clean, dark eyes, deep stop, clean muzzle with correct bite. I have judged this boy before, and he has matured a lot since then. He has a good front although on occasion the handler stands him too close. He is a good blend of bull and terrier with ample rib, level topline, good tuck up and correct tailset. Well balanced throughout and presented in excellent condition. Just preferred the front and expression of 1st 

3 Hands & Freeman Gazstaffs Black Velvet at Skyestaff 

Open (4, 1 abs) 

1. Gough’s Manark Made to Measure 

Striking red dog with white, he has a classic head shape, clean and proportionate, eyes dark enough eye and tidy ears all making for keen expression. Another I have judged before and he has matured lots since I last saw him. He has a strong neck leading to correctly placed shoulders, nice front of good bone, good drop of brisket and spring of rib, Well balanced all round and good rear assembly. He does have a tendency to mess about when first setting off, but moved ok once he gets into his stride. Looked good from all angles. Reserve Best in Breed 

2. Funnel & Wiggins Powerpack Kilgobnet JW 

Classy black brindle dog with lots to like. Well-proportioned head, strong but clean, dark round eyes, neat well-set ears, clean lipped and correct dentition. Good width to front, correct shoulder placement, ample rib, clean in outline with no exaggeration.  Shown in good condition, moved and handled well. Close decision between 1st and 2nd.  

3. Karlsson’s Lackyle Banrion Uasul at Jewelstaff 

Black brindle bitch with pretty expression. She has the cleanest of heads, muzzle to skull ratio is good with dark eyes and correct bite. She is nicely balanced with a straight front, level topline, and nicely tucked up.  Nothing overdone with this bitch, she has great rapport with her handler and was presented in fit condition.