Bath Canine Society

I was delighted to be judging my first championship at this particular show, alongside the Southern Flatcoated Retriever Society Championship show. Thank you to all of those who brought their dogs under me, and to my efficient stewards Harry Nelson and Chris Whitmore. After such a long period away from shows I was pleased at how fit and muscled most of the exhibits were; clearly they had been getting plenty of exercise whilst other things in life had been on pause. I found heads and eye shape to be the most varied, and some high tails spoiling a few nice dogs. I was really pleased with both my dog and bitch final line ups, with several dogs in the running for top honours. It was also very nice to see my BOB being short-listed in the Veteran Group, BP going PG4 and SB class winner winning the SB Group.

VD (5)

1st: 756 ROBERTS, Mrs E J WALKER & Dr L Sh Ch Gloi Dubh Fingal JW Sh.CM - this boy has real ring presence, both in his mature profile and movement. He has a kind one-piece head, dark eye, neck flowing into well balanced body, good front, nice bend of stifle, stands all 4 square, moved true fore and aft, well muscled up, excellent coat and furnishings, and was the best mover of the class.

2nd: 716 FOX, Ms H Black Mica's Likes It Hot At Blacktoft - also a boy I like, slightly longer than 1, giving a little bit away in overall furnishings, has a kind head with soft expression, good front, nice bend of stifle, tight feet, wagging tail, moved and flowed well around the ring

3rd: 770 SMITHERMAN, Miss G Covellyn's Arctic Loon Of Seaheart JW

MPD (3)

1st: 737 KEARTON, Mrs S Braemist Bootlegger at Ravenhall

6 months old today, all very wriggly in this class of course, liked him for his moderate size at this moment in time, good bone, nicely balanced overall, well moulded head, dark eye, good lay of shoulder and width of chest, sprung rib cage leading to moderate loin, good turn of stifle, wagging tail, very happy boy, moved ok, just needs to settle more as he matures.

2nd: 723 GRIBBLE, Mrs J Jazzanraga Adventurer

6 months old liver boy just learning his ringcraft today but reasonably steady, lovely rich liver coat, kind head, decent front, moderate bone, nicely balanced, good turn of stifle, moved ok.

3rd: 768 SIMPSON, Mr I & SIMPSON, Mr I & SIMPSON, Mrs F Everblack Caught In The Act

PD (4)

1st: 682 ARMSTRONG, Mrs K Bitcon After Dark

Was the most together of all of this class, behaving well for his age, lovely moulded head, almond shaped dark eyes, ears well set on, good front, good bone, nice layback of shoulder, carrying a good amount of coat, nicely balanced, decent bend of stifle, tight feet, waggy tail, very happy boy, moved well.

2nd: 723 GRIBBLE, Mrs J Jazzanraga Adventurer

3rd: 760 BRIGHT, Miss H Hopevalley Morning Phantom

JD (5,1)

1st: 748 MOON, Mrs T & MOON, Mr R Llantrussa Sorrento Moon

Both 1&2 16 months old, the first just a bit more mature in balance and coat, with a more enthusiastic tail. Really liked this dog as he came into the ring, showing power without lumber, nice head, dark eyes, lovely front and really lovely bone. Nice strong well laid back shoulders, good balance of rib to loin, nice bend of stifle, stood all 4 square, moved true fore and aft, much to like.

2nd: 758 ROBERTS, Mrs E J WALKER & Dr L Gloi Dubh Just One Look

Slightly longer cast than 1, one piece head, dark almond shaped eyes, moderate front, good bone nice topline, moderate bend of stifle, stood all 4 square, moved well, not quite the enthusiasm as 1.

3rd: 694 BROOME, Miss A Benvellyn Amur Falcon Of Evingbriar

YD (5)

1st: 727 HOLLAND, Miss K L Flatcharm Mayhem Miller

20 month old, another moderate size well balanced boy, very calm as his excellent handler spoke soothingly to him throughout, kind one piece head, dark eye, good forechest, good bone, tight feet, nice bend of stifle, wagging tail, a little short on coat today but all in all a nice classical male Flatcoat, moved well and shown to advantage.

2nd: 758 ROBERTS, Mrs E J WALKER & Dr L Gloi Dubh Just One Look

3rd: 744 MAY, Mrs S Lussac Xcape Artist (ai)

ND (4)

1st: 787 WALKER, Mrs L Lizzlog Buzz Lightyear

Took my eye as soon as he entered the ring, a quality exhibit as usual from this kennel in terms of his overall balance, lovely one piece head, dark eye, good bite, best front of the class, level topline, moderate bend of stifle, super tight feet, really well off for bone, excellent coat, ever wagging tail, very fit and muscled, moved around the ring with real presence. Considered for higher honours.

2nd: 694 BROOME, Miss A Benvellyn Amur Falcon Of Evingbriar

This boy was 3rd in junior and I was splitting hairs between 2nd and 3rd here but this one had the better front and bend of stifle, although would prefer more refinement in head, dark almond shaped eye, level topline, nicely balanced overall, wagging tail, moved OK

3rd: 685 ASHCROFT, mr D GUNOAK EMERALD'S HIGHLANDER

GD (5,1)

1st: 778 TAITE, Mrs C Gamerights Troyte

At first pass I didn’t think this would be my winner after slightly erratic handling at the start but upon going over him I was really pleased with his overall construction, particularly his front which was very good, a one piece kind head with dark eye, really good layback of shoulder, nice rib to loin, moderate turn of stifle, good bone, tight feet, wagging tail, well coated, moved true.

2nd: 733 JONES, Miss L Hightyne Unforgettable At Braemist

Initially my class winner, a larger boy overall, cast a bit longer, just preferred the head and front of my winner, but overall nicely balanced, classic looking Flatcoat, good bone, good bend of stifle, nice wagging tail, well coated, moved well.

3rd: 697 BUCKLEY, Mrs & Mr H Steelriver Hit the Beach with Buckleyhill

PGD (6)

1st: 786 WALKER, Mrs L Lizzlog Shotgun Harry JW

Stood out first time around the ring, I think he glided on rails. On going over him he had the best front in the class although I was splitting hairs with 2nd, he has got a well moulded head, slightly broader back skull, kind dark eye, good forechest, nice bone, good bend of stifle, super feet, really holds his topline, stands all 4 square, moved true fore and aft, ever wagging tail, presented in tip top condition, a great showman.

2nd: 778 TAITE, Mrs C Gamerights Troyte

3rd: 717 FOX, Ms H Satinbaze Cracksman For Blacktoft

LD (9,1)

1st: 782 TROTTER, Mrs & Mr M Lussac Winter Wizard JW

I really liked both 1st and 2nd and was splitting hairs between them. Just preferred the stronger front and lay back of shoulder of the first, but very similar in type, both moderately sized males, this boy as an absolutely beautiful head, melting expression, good reach of neck into well laid back shoulders, nice bend of stifle good bone, strong feet, holds his topline well, wagging tail, moved well, a lovely picture. Considered for higher honours. He is relatively young and a little short on coat and finish at the moment.

2nd: 754 MACDONALD, Mrs R Deringwood English Oak

Very similar in type to number 1, also very well balanced, great one piece head, dark almond eyes, nice length of neck into well laid shoulders, good bend of stifle, strong topline, tight feet, excellent bone, enthusiastic tail action, moved very well

3rd: 773 STEVENSON, Miss S Plainfire's The Captain Of My Heart Is Steelriver

OD (5)

1st: 728 HOLMAN, Mrs D SA Ch Trevena Master Chef (Imp) ZAF

My surprise of the day, he is just my kind of dog, well developed all over, beautiful head with melting expression, great front, deep brisket into square loin, good bend of stifle, tight feet, wagging tail, moved really true, loved his classical workman-like type, with full coat and featherings. Powerful mover. In the final challenge he stood out for his presence and drive. Pleased to award him his first CC.

2nd: 783 WALKER, Miss H Sh Ch Lizzlog Granny Won't Like It JW

Slightly different in type to No 1, a shade longer and taller, still excellent in quality overall, well moulded head, almond shaped eye, good lay of shoulder into balanced rib to loin, strong topline, good bend of stifle, tight feet, good bone, nice picture, very enthusiastic showboy, his flowing reaching movement won him the RCC against strong competition.

3rd: 764 SAVORY, Mr D & SAVORY, Mrs S HOPEVALLEY MORNING ARIZONA (AS4)

SBD/B (4)

1st: 778 TAITE, Mrs C Gamerights Troyte. As above. Delighted to see him win the SB Group later.

2nd: 755 PROTHEROE, Mrs A Manteauplat Tom Putt for Ynysddu

Unplaced in PG but looked better second time around, moved better, just needs a bit more enthusiasm, nice head, eyes slightly round, decent lay of shoulder and turn of stifle, nice topline, good bone, well coated, moved truer than the 2 bitches in this class today

3rd: 710 DELAMERE, Ms C E Gamerights Deep River Blues

VB (4)

1st: 780 THURGOOD, Mrs S Ballyriver Snowflake At Thurwhitt

Lovely bitch, caught my eye as soon as she came into the ring with and at just past 8 doesn’t look her age, no grey and in super condition, albeit a little bit out of coat. Lovely one piece head, dark almond shaped eyes, well set on ears, lovely front, best of the class, strong shoulders laying into a nice topline and well sprung brisket, short loin, really nice bend of stifle, very happy wagging girl, looked a picture. Delighted to award her her first CC. Her flowing movement and reach of neck won her the BOB and I was pleased to see her go G4 in the Veteran Group later.

2nd: 765 SIMONS, Mr D & SIMONS, Mrs G Coedylan Visi d'Arte Sh.CM VW

Nicely made bitch, slightly smaller than 1, just not as show happy as the first one, still a very sweet head and everything in proportion, would like a bit more front but very nice overall and well balanced

3rd: 709 DELAMERE, Ms C E Gamerights Memphis Blues

MPB (3)

1st: 734 JONES, Miss L Braemist Witches Fire

Splitting hairs between the first 2, both just my type, beautiful sweet moulded heads, dark eyes into nice necks, first just won over more correct bite and front at this stage, well proportioned, lovely bone, nice topline, behaving so well for one so young

2nd: 767 SIMONS, Mr D & SIMONS, Mrs G Coedylan Bambino Caro

As above, almost my winner, presents a lovely picture, all in proportion, has a promising future

3rd: 740 KULCZYCKA, Miss I EVERBLACK CRAZY IN LOVE

PB (7,1)

1st: 731 JOHNSTON MPHIL, Mr T H Kazval Angel in Your Sky Over Feldkirk

Liked her on first time around, the most together in the class, beautiful head and expression, dark eyes, nice length of neck and excellent front, prow and lay of shoulder, held her topline well, nice sprung ribcage already, correct length of rib to loin, nice turn of stifle, good round bone, nice short tail, lovely picture overall. BP and pleased to see her go PG4 later

2nd: 730 HOLMES, Mrs J Rydanah Devils In The Detail

Some similarities in type as 1, compact bitch, nice head, adequate front, good substance and overall balance, holding it all together on the move, flowed well

3rd: 767 SIMONS, Mr D & SIMONS, Mrs G Coedylan Bambino Caro

JB (3)

1st: 742 LEWIS, Miss M & LEWIS, Mrs S Llantrussa Tea For Two At Fairwinds

A bit of a mixed class. This bitch looked nicely in proportion but unfortunately flew her tail perhaps because she got spooked but once she got herself together presented better. Head and eye OK, decent front, adequate bone, holds her topline well, good width of second thigh, tight feet, moved OK.

2nd: 720 GOGARTY, Miss K & GOGARTY, Mrs M Padend Just The Way You Are

4th in SB class, was a little bit overwhelmed, not wagging her tail, a little bit longer than 1 but got the makings of a nice girl with substance, just needs more practice and outings

3rd: 691 BELLAMY, Mrs P & BELLAMY, Miss A & ENTICKNAP, Mrs Bochilbarley Foolish Heart

YB (7,3)

1st: 726 HOLLAND, Miss K L Flatcharm Bianca Del Rio

Chose this girl over 2nd for her head and front, has got a very sweet head and lovely neck into well laid back shoulders and good front, adequate bone, level topline, spring of brisket into short loin, moderate turn of stifle, good featherings, happy girl, nice picture, well handled and moved really well

2nd: 750 NICHOLLS, Mrs L & PRICE, Mrs C Llantrussa O'Sole Mio

On first go round from her profile and movement I initially thought she was my winner but just preferred the head and front of my winner. However she has a lot to offer, lovely topline, well balanced everything in proportion.

3rd: 745 MCDONALD, Mrs A & MCDONALD, Mr I Skyloch Final Say

NB (7)

1st: 788 WALKER, Mrs L Lizzlog Fanny By Gaslight

Close call between 1 and 2, just found no 1 stood all 4 square and covered more ground when running round. Both very much my type, no 1 slightly longer cast, lovely head and dark eye, good front, strong topline, excellent bone, tight feet, wagging tail, everything to like and a great mover

2nd: 749 MOXEY, Mrs D P & MOXEY, Mr M Lussac Xpress yourself at Dymexe (ai)

Just my type, very compact, lovely head, good front, very workman-like, enough bone, tight feet, ever wagging tail coming straight off a nicely sloping croup, just wish she hadn’t consistently stood wide in the rear

3rd: 684 ASHCROFT, Mr D GUNOAK EMERALD'S CAPERCALEY

GB (10)

1st: 718 FOX, Ms H Blacktoft Dancing The Blues

3 nice bitches heading this class, the first having the most elegant head, nice dark eye, and overall balanced body, all in proportion, lovely bone and nice front, good bend of stifle, she moved so serenely on the move, just enough furnishings for her age, a very elegant bitch. In the challenge she presented the best picture and moved the most true, pleased to award her her first RCC

2nd: 686 BAKER, Mr I & PHIPPS-BAKER, Mrs S Never Say Never Oasis Of Peace

Very nicely proportioned bitch, moved really well, nice head, would prefer slightly darker eye, good front, good depth of brisket leading to short loin, really good width of second thigh, ever wagging tail, nicely feathered up, a very happy girl at one with her handler

3rd: 785 WALKER, Mrs L Lizzlog Nun On The Run

PGB (12,2)

1st: 743 MAY, Mrs S Lussac Winter Witch JW

Best on the move first time around and repeatedly going around, such a nice workmanlike girl, moderate size bitch with a lovely head and dark eyes, nice neck, good width of forechest, good front and layback of shoulder, moderate turn of stifle, strong topline, slightly out of coat today for higher honours but won on substance and movement, consistently looks just the picture

2nd: 775 SWAN, Mrs L Swantonwood Gold Leaf

Slightly bigger than 1 and not quite as animated but moved with drive, had a nice intelligent expression, good front, good spring of rib into short loin, good second thigh, stood all 4 square, well feathered just needs to be a bit more animated

3rd: 736 KEARTON, Mrs S Hopevalley Morning Dew At Ravenhall

LB (8,1)

1st: 746 MCDONALD, Mrs A & MCDONALD, Mr I Steelriver Dance in the Sun at Skyloch

First 3 all very similar in type all with pretty heads, this girl had the best movement around the ring which won her the class, good front, level topline, good spring of rib, good 2nd thigh, looked very elegant on the move and enthusiastic on the stack

2nd: 698 BURR, Mr P S & Mrs M Woodfinch Rubha Innis Of Scheindubh

Slightly heavier than 1 but still a very nice looking bitch with a really good front, excellent spring of brisket, square loin, good width of second thigh, nicely boned, neat tight feet, moved well and ever wagging tail

3rd: 732 JONES, Miss L Caehaidd Lets Go Crazy With Braemist

OB (8,3)

1st: 729 HOLMES, Mrs J Wiccanssage virtue at Rydanah

My type of bitch, workman-like, medium size, totally finished in terms of maturity and featherings , pretty head, really good layback of shoulder, good second thigh, good bone, tight feet, ever wagging tail, moved really well, very attentive to her handler. Considered her for higher honours but in the challenge the length of her undercarriage coat seemed to put her at odds with the others in contention and spoiled the final picture. Her day will come I’m sure.

2nd: 704 COLSON, Mr E W & COLSON, Mrs P & COLSON, Miss N Blacktoft Frozen in Time By Windyhollows (ai)

Different type of bitch which didn’t move with the same effervescent as 1st but I liked her for her smiley face, sweet head, really good front, strong topline, good balance, nice bone, tight feet, ever wagging tail, moved well and looked well finished enough to take 2nd place

3rd: 791 WARRINGTON, Miss D Bochilbarley Jasmine by Woodavens