Blackpool & District Canine Society

Firstly, thank you to everyone who entered. I was greatly honoured and I hope you take my comments at the start of my critique in the spirit they are meant. There are certain prerequisites I expect in showdogs before you get into the nitty gritty. These are to be clean, to be in great condition and able to be handled. All here were super clean, but many really lacked any degree of muscle and some I certainly couldn’t handle, which was very disappointing but probably quite understandable given the extended lock downs. These things can be put right. I did not have any dogs I’d consider to be underweight or overweight. Then, we get to the nitty gritty. I always try to be positive in any preamble to a critique, but I’m afraid, I can’t, and I wont when it comes down to the serious lack of basic breed fundamentals. At shows we have to set aside the natural ability of a dog to be able to work due the fact it has the right ‘brain’ for it, and we have to assess other factors. One of the most important of these is construction, and I was quite shocked at the general level of construction. Upright shoulders and upright upper arms were just so common it seemed normal – and this is what greatly concerns me, as people then expect this is what dogs should look like and put down dogs who have the correct forehand angulation. Rears were then so often better angulated that there was no overall balance and the consequential effect on movement was easy to see. Movement out and back was also generally untidy. Short necks without any slight arch were commonplace. Tails –the correct sickle curve if carried up was hard to find. Then there was the excessive narrowness of fronts and splayed front legs – particularly in the males. Yes, this is a slow maturing breed and we are not looking for excessive width, but when both front legs virtually touch, there is something wrong. Type was very variable and I was seriously worried at some points during the day that I may have to withhold the CC’s. Luckily, I had some terrific dogs who warranted those. Bitches were of much higher quality than the dogs, and there were some real tussles for the top places. I just urge breeders to really think about ALL areas of the standard, they all knit together to make the beautiful, workmanlike dogs we all admire. All that said, I thoroughly enjoyed my day, though it was the most challenging appointment I think I have completed.

Minor Puppy Dog (1,0)

1st: Taylor & Taylor-Morris’ Pelenrise Don’t Stop Moving. 7month dilute b/w. Very attractive young boy. Eyes of very good almond shape, obliquely set. Ears look tad big at present but his head will grow into these. Ears have rounded tips. Muzzle looks a tad long as stop is still to develop more. Skull ok. Tight lips. Enough chiselling to foreface. Neck could be slightly longer with more arch. Moderate lay of shoulders and upper arm angles back just enough. Chest reaches to elbow and is developing very well. Excellent pasterns. Firm topline with sight rise over the loins. Stifles are well bent and he has well defined hocks. Tail set and carriage good. Good foxbrush. Overall, pretty well balanced young pup and a very sound mover. Promising young man. BP

Puppy Dog: (2,0)

1st Taylor & Taylor-Morris’ Pelenrise Don’t Stop Moving.

2nd: Ken & Sutton’s Lyfearon We’re All Mad Here. Red with very nice almond shaped eyes, but overall, quite strong in the head for me at this age. Muzzle appears quite deep though lips are tight. Ears are of a nice shape and set with rounded tips. Neck just about ok for length. Shoulders are well laid. Upper arm angles back nicely. Chest developing. Good slope to pasterns. Just off square in outline. Loins rather short and rigid. Topline firm. Stifles are well bent and very nice low set hocks. Well off for bone. Preferred the elegance and freedom of action of the winner. Needs to go up on the leg and fine down.

Junior Dog (4,0) – Really difficult class

1st Thomas’ Eversepp Ulysses of Sledsuka. Head looks rather elongated with a muzzle too long and lacking somewhat in stop and refinement at present. Skull needs to develop to balance the muzzle. Eyes are of a super almond shape and are obliquely set. Ears appear slightly too large and rather pointed, but he will probably grow into these. Has a mischievous expression. Shoulders more upright than I look for and upper arm is slightly too long compared to shoulder blade and straight leaving him with what looks like excessive length of foreleg. Chest still to drop and broaden. Topline lovely and firm with super arch over the loins. Lovely athletic body. Well-turned stifles which just leaves him a little unbalanced. Croup angles slightly. Tail does come over a little too far to touch his side. This one has a lot of maturing to do. Movement is sound. Beat 2nd here on really being more workmanlike and with more elegance and freedom of structure.

2nd: Ken & Sutton’s Lyfearon We’re All Mad Here.

3rd: Sargent’s Homer’s Keriquel Slip Anchor

Yearling Dog (6,0)

1st: Snelson’s Azgard Monticristo at Ashtrax. Piebald developing along nice lines. Like his body proportions. Eyes are almond in shape and somewhat obliquely set. Muzzle and skull correct for length. Skull is quite rounded for this age, I hope he doesn’t develop more here. Stop acceptable. Tight lips. Cheeky expression. Neck looking a tad short. Shoulders are ok. He does have a good upper arm which angles back to bring his legs well under him. Chest reaches to elbows and width is ok for this age. Pasterns slightly sloping. Perhaps a tad short and straight in upper thigh with proportionately longer lower thigh. Hocks show moderate definition. Good fox brush. Lovely bone for size and very sound on the move. Has many breed characteristics I like but needs to mature on lots. Moves soundly.

2nd: Anderson’s Azgard Cohiba To Uriakin. Skull rather strong and rounded. Eyes quite level set and bold. Muzzle tapers nicely with lovey tight lips. Ears tall and rather pointed. Lovely neck with slight arch and, for me, better overall angulation and shape than the winner, but he is just too narrow all through at present. Firm topline with slight arch over the loin. Tail set and carriage ok. His narrowness was displayed in his movement, but he had a decent side gait. Well handled.

3rd: Bryson’s Azgard Padron of Inukshuk

Post Graduate Dog (7,3).

1st: Cooper’s Janskcoo’s Merciful. Easy winner here. Stood out for his easy free flowing gait. Not the most confident, but I was able to go over him. Lovely almond shaped eyes which are obliquely set. Masculine but with the correct degree of refinement. Moderate lay to shoulder and upper arm angles back enough. Correct proportions. Chest is well developed and ribs are carried back enough. Slopes a little from withers to croup and he does tend to display a quite a rounded croup with tail a tad low set. Great for bone. Pasters sloping and nice shape to feet. Moves with the accuracy and degree of freedom I was looking for.

2nd: Bryson’s Azgard Padron of Inukshuk. Put up a much better performance here. I prefer his head to both his brothers. Masculine and has the correct balance of skull to muzzle and his skull is slightly flatter and not so bold. Very handsome with the most beautiful eyes for shape and set. Neck ok for length. He’s quite straight in angles at present. Correct length compared to height. Nice bone. Topline firm with slight arch over the loins. Moves soundly but not with the reach and drive I look for at present.

3rd: Boswell’s Cryanreuch Stargazer

Limit Dog (5,0)

1st Amphlett & Sym’s Eskamara Five Star. My notes say finally! A most handsome R/W male who really took my eye here. Quality from head to toe. Masculine head, with beautiful almond shaped eyes which are obliquely set. Correct balance of skull to muzzle and the muzzle tapers gently as it should. He is all male but with refinement and a foxy expression. Ears high set and of correct height. Lovely arch to neck leading into very well laid shoulders. Upper arm of correct equal length and angles back to brings his forelegs back under his chest. So many lacked this today! Perfect bone calibre for size. Chest is deep. I wouldn’t want it any broader. Ribs are flattened on the side. Lovely proportions of height to length. Firm topline with slight arch over the loins. Great underline which didn’t display a herring gut appearance that seems to be becoming the norm. Perfect turn of stifles with low set, well defined hocks. Pasterns are sloping and feet are of a very good shape. Lovely fox brush and carried perfectly on the move. Super side gait covering loads of ground with great reach and drive. What a superstar he was today. In super muscular condition. Most gorgeous outline. Easy CC winner and had he settled more, could have pushed the BOB harder.

2nd: Ranby, Hughes, Hughes Siberiadrift Secret Realm. Another of quality with a lovely athletic body. In truth, I didn’t care much for his head, which is rather strong through the skull for my liking, but everything else knitted together so well that it took him to the top. Eyes are very good for shape and are set obliquely. Ears are correct for size and shape with slightly rounded tips. Neck displays a lovely arch. Shoulders are well laid and upper arm slopes back. Good length of foreleg compared to depth of chest. No 1:1 here! He has good width and depth to chest with ribs carried well back. Very strong topline with arch over the loins. Lovely turn of stifles and well-set hocks. Feet nice for shape and pasterns are sloping. His movement is lightfooted and elegant though not quite the scope and degree of reach and drive of my winner here. Deserving RCC winner here.

3rd: Sargent’s Keriquel Orinoco

Open Dog (6,1)

1st: Cooper’s Janskcoo’s Fortitude JW. Very attractive g/w boy who shows himself off so well. Very cheeky, mischievous expression which I like. Eyes almond in shape and obliquely set. Ears correct for shape and set. Perhaps a little wider set than ideal. Neck a tad short. Shoulders a little upright. Upper arm of good length and angles back enough. Chest deep and of correct width. Very good proportions and size overall. Topline slopes down from withers to croup and he does tend to tuck his back end under himself. He has well bent stifles. Nice foxbrush. Pasterns slightly sloping and feet of correct shape. Very free and easy mover. Glided round the ring. Not quite the construction or overall balance of my main winners here today.

2nd: Wakker’s Shaytaan’s Doctor Watson at Ceannabeinne (Imp Can). Not on his best form today. Very nice head with lovely eyes and gorgeous expression. Ears were a little low on the day, but of correct size and shape. Neck ok for length. Balanced angulation fore and aft. Chest deep and ok for width. Ribs carried well back. Perhaps a tad too long in body compared to height. Tail set on correctly. Lovely foxbrush. Moved with lightfooted ease. Not quite as precise as the winner out and back.

3rd: Robinson’s Frostynights Bloodraven

Veteran Dog (4,1)

1st: Platt’s Rykalov’s Sparks at Wightflight. This dog was presented in tip top condition. He has a nice overall size. For me his head is slightly too narrow and elongated, but skull and muzzle are in proportion. Ears are high set but look rather big and pointed. Eyes are almond in shape and set obliquely. Neck is of correct length. Shoulders are pretty well set. Upper arm is a little short and straight. Correct body proportions. Lovely arch over loins. Deep chest and ribs are carried well back. Well -turned stifles which means his rear legs can interfere with his forelegs at times and he looks just a little off balance on the move for me. Croup is quite steep and tail then a little low. Well-muscled and has many attributes I like, but they didn’t quite come together as a whole for me. Superlative conditioning and performance. A great credit to his owners. Best Veteran

2nd: Redwood’s Rigrunner Jubilee Flotilla. This is an old fave of mine and he has a lovely conformation for me. Attractive masculine head with lovely almond shaped eyes. Ears are of a correct size. Perhaps just set a little wide set. He has lovely balanced angulation and bone. Tail set is a little high. Looking just a tad heavy round the chest today. Really moves with much vigour in profile. Could be tidier out and back. Again, presented in tip top condition. Out moved the handsome dog in 3rd.

3rd: Evans’ Eversepp Arizona at Demoneira.

Minor Puppy Bitch (1,0)

1st: Taylor & Taylor-Morris’ Pelenrise Don’t Let Me Go. A promising young lady. Attractive head with good eyes of correct almond shape and set obliquely. Ears correct for shape and size and set high on the head. Neck could be longer with slightly more arch. Shoulders and upper arm a little straight at present. Chest is deep enough for age and shows a correct width for age. Good length through the ribcage. Rather more angulated behind with a lovely sweep of stifle. Low set, strong hocks. Topline is firm with slight arch over the loin. Tail is well set and with lovely fox brush. Feet nice for shape. Very well presented. Very sound on the move, just needs to balance front and rear.

Puppy Bitch (6,1)

1st: Allen’s Moon Eclipse Wilcza Dusza of Zimavolk. An ultra-attractive bitch with the best of eyes which are almond in shape and of a lovely oblique set. Correct skull to muzzle ratio. Head is refined and foxy but would still like to see it develop more with age, else she may end up looking too refined. Beautiful mischievous expression. Didn’t really use her ears to advantage, but when I did attract her attention, they were of a good shape and set. Good neck and better shoulders than 2nd at present. Upper arm is of a good length. Preferred the depth of chest of 2nd, but this is just the difference in speed of development. Like 2nd, ribs carried well back. Strong firm loins. Topline is strong with slight rise over the loins. Lovely rear angulation with nice even bone lengths. Low set hocks. Croup slopes nicely and tail is well set on. Lovely fox brush. Very even, sound mover.

2nd: Taylor & Taylor-Morris’ Pelenrise Don’t Let Me Go.

3rd: Bellcourt’s Xinakyii’s Blaidd Bach ay Hysgiyddraig

Junior Bitch (5,1) 2 super young bitches headed this class. My heart leapt!

1st: Platt’s Wighflight Einich. My notes say, ‘what a cracking young bitch!’ Oh, I just loved her! Gorgeous monochromatic bitch with foxy, feminine head. Eyes are almond shaped and set obliquely. Skull to muzzle ratio is perfect and she has a gently tapering muzzle. Well chiselled foreface. Tight fitting lips. Gorgeous cheeky expression. Ears are high set and slightly taller than width at base. Lovely arched neck of just the right length. Super shoulders and upper arm angles back to bring forelegs under her. Correct bone for size. Chest reaches to elbows and she is slightly longer in lower leg than depth of chest. Good long ribcage with very nice underline which does not show excessive tuck up. Firm, level topline with slight arch over the loins. Stifles are well bent and hocks are low to ground. Croup slopes to the correct degree and her tail is set well and is carried perfectly on the move. Feet of good shape. Pasterns slightly sloping. She is still to firm up and become more precise on the up and down but her side gait is for me quite stunning – exactly what I look for and couldn’t really find here today – super reach and drive, but with such easy movement and flexibility of limbs and just so flowing and unfussy. For me, she had the best side gait of any dog here today, and she only lost out by a gnats whisker on top honours here based on maturity. An absolute star of the future who I have no doubt will win many CCs on full maturity.

2nd: Sargent’s Keriquel Rose Royale. Another little star of the future. Displaying so much femininity but without any weediness. Most super head with very similar attributes to 1st. Such a wonderful mischievous, foxy expression. Ears are set perfectly and are of correct shape. Neck is a little shorter than 1st and shoulders are not quite as well laid as 1st. Upper arm is of lovely length angles back just enough. Lovely correct medium bone. Chest is still developing and will drop slightly more to advantage. Already shows good width. Topline is firm. Loins are muscular. Tail is set on correctly. Again, this bitch displays the correct underline without that sharp rise. Beautiful sweeping stifles to low set strong hocks. Lovely foxbrush. Super sound and moves with enough scope and power. In super condition. Lost out to 1st on overall balance and the side gait of 1st which is just so exemplary. Another cracker who should have such a great future like her beautiful sire and dam.

3rd: Bellcourt’s Tsaritsa Pantera At Hysgiyddraig

Yearling Bitch. Such a disappointing class where I had to unfortunately withhold 3 prizes.

1st: Jones’ Icynight Devils Desire. A beautiful, understated girl who grows on you the more you look at her. Very typical head with almond shaped, oblique set eyes. Well chiselled foreface giving a very typical expression. Very feminine without weakness. High set ears which are of very good shape and well furred. Neck is of good length and leads to very well laid shoulders. Upper arm is of equal length to shoulders and angles back nicely to set the forelegs in the correct position under the body. Perfect bone. Good length to lower leg displaying the correct proportions. Chest is deep and very good depth. Ribcage is carried well back and ribs are slightly rounded and flattened on the sides. Perfect underline. Topline is firm with slight arch over the loins. Excellent bend to stifle and low set hocks. Croup is just ok and tail is set well and carried very well on the move. Pasterns are slightly sloping and feet are correct for shape. She’s a most super profile mover covering lots of ground so gracefully. She scored over the junior bitch in being that little more precise out and back. She looked just that little immature against the CC winner, but she so nearly had it! Super quality here and so well presented. This is what medium looks like! RCC

2nd: Hay’s Inneska Cinnabar of Sura. This is another very promising young lady who was very unlucky to meet 1st. Feminine head, Eyes are almond in shape and set obliquely. Love the bi-eyes – you don’t seem to see any these days! Ears are ok for shape but could be set higher. Head is well balanced with skull to muzzle ratio about equal and the muzzle tapers gently without being snipy. Neck is moderate in length. Shoulders moderate for set. Upper arm is good for length but could angle back just a fraction more for my preference. Chest is still to drop, but width is coming nicely. Topline firm with lovely arch over the loins. Moderate turn of stifles which balances the front. Hocks ok for set. Croup could slope more, and tail is a little higher set than ideal. Great foxbrush. I felt her movement was very free and even and when she settled was precise out and back. Lots of promise here as she matures.

3rd: Withheld

Post Graduate Bitch (8,4).

1st: John’s Azgard Kastella for Alepenkye. Took my eye immediately. She has a lovely feminine head without being weedy. Almond shaped eyes which are obliquely set. Skull to muzzle ratio just about right, muzzle is perhaps a tad longer. Ears nice for shape and set. Really lovely expression. She wills you to like her! Markings on her neck could make it look a little short, but hands on confirms it isn’t. Shoulders moderately laid. Upper arm angles back enough and is of good length. Good for bone. Pasterns sloping. Chest still to drop a tad more as her underline looks all rather one depth at present. Topline firm and slight arch over loins. Steepish croup. Well bent stifles. Low set hocks. Good foxbrush. Feet a tad flat. Moves soundly with enough scope and is precise out and back when she concentrates.

2nd: Norman’s Skimarque Shades of Midnite: Pretty bitch of moderate build. Has lovely eyes for shape and set. Refined enough and foxy in expression. Ears high set and well furred. Very well angulated all through. Chest and body are well developed and she’s in wonderful condition. Tail set and carriage is typical. In excellent coat. Moves with enough reach and drive. Just prefer the body shape and type of the winner who also has slightly more elegance overall.

3rd: Hughes Siberiadrift Secret to Keep.

Limit Bitch (14,4)

1st: Shelford’s Joy Av Vargevass at Polarquest (Imp Nor). An ultra-attractive grey bitch with the most perfect head. Feminine, foxy and so textbook typical of a Siberian Husky. Beautiful almond shaped eyes and the oblique set that helps give her that typical expression. Ears are high set and perfect for shape and are very well furred. Very well balanced all through the head. Lovely tight lips. Muzzle tapers gently. Neck is medium in length with a graceful arch. Upper arm is long enough but could angle back more. Medium bone. Lovely length to lower leg and typically slightly longer than length from withers to bottom of chest. Lovely sloping pasterns. Feet are very typical for shape. Chest has the correct degree of width and rib cage is carried back enough. Topline firm with slight arch over the loins. Croup slopes to the correct degree and her tail is well set. She tends to bring her hindlegs too far under her body on the stand but looks great when she stretches out. Being critical, I’d like slightly more angulation and length to upper thigh to set the stifle slightly better. Lovely foxbrush. Beautiful underline. Has many virtues that come together very nicely as a whole. Very sound and lightfooted mover but perhaps not as free and expansive in reach and drive as I prefer. That said, she looked a picture here and all in all, beat off all the others on maturity and level of performance on the day. Handled to absolute perfection and in tip top condition and muscularity. I understand she was made up on the day. Very well done. CC and BOB.

2nd: Goodwin’s Valkyrie Siwash Legend (Imp CZ). Altogether smaller in stature than 1st. So much to like about this monochromatic bitch, and she pushed 1st all the way here. Beautiful feminine head and expression. Perfect almond shaped eyes which are set obliquely. Ears are high set, alert, well-furred and of a lovely shape. Neck a tad shorter overall. Very well angulated fore and aft. Perfect bone calibre for her size. Lovely sloping pasterns and correct shape to feet. Her topline is firm and she has a slight arch over the loins. Deep chest and it is carried well back. Tail set and carriage are very good. Low set hocks. Lovely foxbrush. Again, in super condition and very well handled. Very sound mover who covers the ground with great ease. Just preferred the overall outline and scope of the winner here, but very close up.

3rd: Spruce’s Mysticwolf’s Diesel’s Dream

Open Bitch (13,2)

1st: Sargent’s Ch Keriquel Aqualight. One of my favourites and so pleased to meet her again here. Lovely typical feminine head with all the elements that make a very good Siberian indeed. High set ears with inner edges almost parallel. Neck ok for length. Shoulders well laid. Upper arm of good length. To be hypercritical, could angle back slightly more. Great bone and balance throughout. Lovely deep chest of excellent width without being overdone. Ribs carried well back. Topline so strong and with lovely arch over the loins. Gorgeous turn of stifles with excellent length of upper and lower thighs. Low set hocks. Feet lovely for shape. Tail set is good and carried well on the move. Lovely foxbrush. On the day, she exhibited an exceedingly sound gait in all directions, but she was just a little unsettled and not as smooth and free as I know she normally is, and it was only this that set her behind the CC winners today. A real cracker who I was willing on but didn’t quite perform on the day. Super muscular condition.

2nd: Cooper’s Janskcoo’s Strength & Honour JW. A little wary and stands rather rigid, but she is so high in quality than you can not overlook her. The most classic head with gorgeous eyes, expression and femininity. Perfect ears for set and shape and they are well furred. Neck is ok for length. Sometimes stands a little wide in front, but she’s ok and not overdone. Super, well laid shoulders and slightly better upper arm than 1st. Ideal bone for size. Medium in all respects. Pasterns are slightly sloping. Feet looking a little flat. Ideal proportions of height to length. Well ribbed. Firm topline with slight arch over the loins. Well turned stifles. Low set hocks. Tail set on correctly. Very free on the move but tends to ‘rush’ which can just spoil the overall picture. Sound as a pound and everything I like to see in a Sibe. Top quality and her day will come. Beat another very good bitch in 3rd who was just moving very close behind on the day.

3rd: McInnes Hushwing Happy Feet at Inneska

Veteran Bitch (6,2)

1st Wakker’s Ch Icynights Sparkle in The Mist at Ceannabeinne. When she came in the ring, I thought she’d be my CC winner. A stunning girl in every way. Moderate, medium and so typical. Gorgeous head with the most typical expression. Almond shaped eyes which are obliquely set. Perfect length and arch to neck leading to wonderful shoulders which are well laid. Upper arm angles back so well. Bone lengths are equal. Ideal bone and proportions. Pasterns slightly sloping. Topline firm with arch over the loins. Excellent underline. Ribs carried well back. Excellent turn stifle and well set, low hocks. Croup slopes to the correct degree and tail is set and carried well. Superb, typical coat. Today I unfortunately only saw glimpses of the super gait I know she has. At times, she seemed to be struggling on one foreleg and whilst she did enough to win this class, she could not really compete for any other awards. Very disappointing, but what a top quality Siberian. One of the best in the world I’d say.

2nd: Shaw’s Norste Gazelle. A wonderful youthful white 11-year-old. Of a type I greatly admire but was so hard to find today. Gorgeous feminine head. Wonderful foxy expression and still has that sparkle in her eyes. Beautiful length and arch to neck. Great build, make and shape and super proportions. Topline is still firm and she moves with lovely reach and drive. Not quite a precise now on the out and back. Very well handled and a joy to judge today.

3rd: Shelford’s Snowtrekka Enchantress