Southampton & District Canine Association

After what seemed like an eternity, we were finally back at a show. What a show it was – so well organised by the excellent Committee. It’s such a super venue. It was great to be judging again and particularly for Southampton! There were so many good dogs today through the entries. Thank you to everyone for coming. Once again thanks to Amanda and her team for all their hard work to get the show off the ground. A big thanks too to my excellent stewards! You made the day so easy! 

Basset Fauve De Bretagne

Special Yearling (1,0)

1st Horn’s Mochras Marta. Head is medium in length with moderate dome and well-defined occiput. Slightly oval eyes. Ears are set level with eyes. Quite short neck. Balanced angulation fore and aft. Firm enough in topline. Tail set on high. Sympathetically handled by her young handler. BOB

Basset Griffon Venden (Grand)

Open (1,0)

1st Buchanan, Maclaren & Oday’s Tarmachan Black Ice WW18. An upstanding hound. Very well balanced all through with a gorgeous outline. Skull is domed and long enough. Well defined occiput and stop well defined. Muzzle is long. Large oval eyes. Ears set low and of correct length. Very well balanced in body. Longish neck set into well laid shoulders. Longer than tall in body. Prominent in forechest. Deep chest carried well back. Stifles well bent. Tail set on high and carried in the typical fashion of the breed. Movement displayed a free action with great reach and drive. Coat of correct texture. Looking great here. BOB

Bernese Mountain Dog

What a superb entry, with quality dogs. Many thanks to the exhibitors. Shame there were only two classes, which made it a challenge for the younger dogs to really compete against the adults. 

Special Yearling (8,0)

1st Cotton’s Shirdees Greatest Showman at Jukesbern. Only 18 months old and a real eye catcher. Already displaying good bone and body, but rightly still lots of maturing to do. Head is strong with the desired flat skull with slight furrow. Well defined stop. Muzzle shows good breadth and depth. Dark eyes of almond shape. Very expressive. Ears are high set and complete the picture. Markings are symmetrical. Strong muscular neck leading into very well laid shoulders. Good depth of chest and width is developing nicely for age. Strong bone without being overdone. Ribcage carried well back. Well coupled with strong loins and not looking over long. Well bent stifles and hocks well let down. Smoothly rounded rump. Tail is bushy and carried well on the move. Compact feet. Paws are white in colour. Super moving dog, displaying a very easy long stride. Coped so well with the heat. Really loved him. Superb coat and condition. Has that touch of class and really took my eye to win BOB in strong competition. BOB. 

2nd: Rothery’s Kernow Goin Back To My Roots at Glamrock. A nice young bitch. Displays many attributes of this breed. Perhaps just a tad narrow in skull and muzzle at the moment, but no doubt this will develop. Flat skull. Symetrical markings. Dark almond eyes. Ears set a little lower than 1st. Muscular neck. Moderate angulation fore and aft. Firm topline and rump is slightly rounded. Chest of good depth Slightly longer in foreleg and looking just a tad square in outline. White paws. Rich markings. Tail set and carried well. Moved very soundly. Another good prospect.

3rd: O’Toole’s Fortonpark Talk Of The Town.

Open (7,0)

1st: Bird’s Cullumbern Milano. A dog I liked as a puppy, indeed awarding him BPIB. Has developed into a super Bernese. Strong, handsome head with great width of skull and muzzle. Flat skull. Wonderful expression with lovely dark almond eyes. Rich coloured markings. High set ears. Neck is long enough and muscular. Well angulated shoulders. Upper arm angles well back and forelegs are set well under him. Great bone and substance without being overdone in any way. Good width through chest and is carried well back giving the desired strength. Loins so firm and well-muscled. Not quite as good in stifles as 1st in Special Yearling and rump not quite as smoothly rounded. Would prefer slightly more definition at the hock. Tail set ok and carried well. Moves so soundly in all directions, but not as smoothly as the BOB winner on the day in the heat. A super dog who should make up. RBOB

2nd: Sutton & Davenport-Willis’ Nelstephbern Dior Foreva. Another I have awarded 1st and looking super again here. Unlucky to come up against the two boys. Feminine but with enough strength desired for her original function. Flat skull. Well balanced muzzle and skull. Eyes are dark and almond shaped. Ears are high set. Good symmetrical markings. Just preferred the expression of the winner. Muscular neck. Well laid shoulders. Good depth of brisket. Body displays the correct proportions. Bone is the correct calibre for a bitch of her size. Ribs carried well back. Firm topline. Smoothly rounded rump. Stifles well bent. Strong, low set hocks. Moves with ease and power. Very elegant. Another that I am sure will win her crown. 

3rd: Cotton’s Kernow Billy No Mates at Jukesbern.

Boxers

Special Yearling (3,1)

1st: Pearn’s Bonmac Little Bo Peep. A young bitch showing promise. Head is developing well and typical of the breed. Neck could be longer and I’d prefer slightly better shoulder and upper arm, but this could well come, Good overall shape. Is very well balanced as is not over done in rear and clearly matches the front. Topline firm and slightly sloping. Tail set on well. Moved soundly. BOB

2nd: Sherry & Marsden’s Finity Time To Shine with Sherbin. Not quite as good in head as 1st. Again, a little short in neck. For me, far more scope in angulation than 1st, and has an eye-catching outline. Forechest good. Not as collected on the move as the winner, which is where she gave ground. Moved very close behind on the day.

Open (1,0)

1st Pearn’s Bonmac Jacknory. Good head. Muscular neck, but rather short for my preference. Balanced. Moderate angulation. Good overall body shape. Lacked the degree of forechest I was looking for. Topline firm. In great condition. Moved soundly. RBOB

Bullmastiff

Special Yearling (2,0)

1st Porte & Bowser’s Araucaria Sambucus Nigera. An upstanding young man. Skull is large and square. Well filled cheeks. Correct ratio of length from tip of nose to stop. Dark eyes which are set well apart. Correct ears. Well angulated with good bone. Firm topline. Deep chest. Moved with purpose and drive. Promising lad. RBOB

2nd: Johns’ Coubymoor Major Tom. Young and very immature. Eyes a tad light in colour for me. Moderate angulation. Presents a balanced picture. Moved well when settled. Will develop on and mature.

Open (2,0)

1st Pleats’ Osha The Wildling At Roycepride. A very nice bitch indeed. Square head but retains her femininity and strength. Correct muzzle. Good stop. Ears well set. Good dark eyes. Very expressive. Beautiful neck. Well laid shoulders. Well angulated upper arm. Good depth and width of chest and carried well back. Super loins. Well turned stifles. Super strong hocks. Tail well set- only just reaches hock. Well arched cat like feet. In super condition and moves so soundly and with little expenditure of effort. Was rather hot in the group. BOB

2nd: Trim’s Roycepride Juno. Preferred the head of 1st. Bigger all through than 1st and not quite the elegance of 1st. Head is square. Slightly longer in muzzle and has more wrinkle. Neck could be more arched, but it is muscular. Good front and rear angulation. More mature and heavy in body than 1st. Like 1st, moved very soundly, but just preferred the litheness of 1st which combined with strength gave her the edge. 

Dobermann

A super entry with some quality youngsters. 

Special Yearling (5,1). Great class

1st: Jones’ & Ushakova Korifey Vanquish. This young dog really took my eye with his superb outline. Head is in proportion to body. Good length and clean cut. Top of skull flat and good parallel lines. Almond shaped dark eyes. Well set ears. Long, lean neck set into very well laid shoulders. Forechest is developing nicely. Good upper arm bringing legs well under body. Short back and firm topline with slight slope to rear. Good turn of stifles. Croup well filled. Cat like feet. Moves with much scope showing good reach and drive. This one must have a great future ahead. BOB

2nd: Santoriello’s Rafthouse Amulets Child. Another I liked very much. In many respects, similar in shape to 1st, but built on slightly bigger lines. So much to like. Masculine head, which is obviously still developing, but is very typical. Skull is flat and head has enough length. Wedge shaped. Neck moderate in length. Slightly more moderate in angulation than 1st at present. Forechest is developing well. Pasterns just need to strengthen. Topline firm with slight slope to rear. Croup well filled. Like 1st, presents a most lovely outline and was so well presented. Great mover in profile. Should do very well on maturity. BPIB. 

3rd: Thorn’s Grafmax Sergeant Pepper – Another who presented a great outline and shows much promise.

Post Graduate (2,0)

1st: Bishop’s Korifey Oksana. Feminine in head, which presents a blunt wedge, flat skull and good parallel lines. Ears well set. Dark, almond shaped eyes. Neck perhaps a tad short and could have slightly more arch. More open angles in front. Forechest ok. Topline firm and showing slight slope to rear. Moderate angulation behind. Well filled croup. Moved with purpose and drive. RBOB

2nd: Evans’ & Bloore’s Amazon Alcumlow Love is Life. Not as typical in head as 1st. Quite heavy through the muzzle. Moderate angulation fore and aft. Topline firm. Well filled croup. Moved soundly.

Open (1,0)

1st Gallagher’s Izralight Firedancer JW ShCM. A classy looking bitch built on very good lines. Great head with excellent skull, muzzle and shape overall. Neck just about long enough. Shoulders moderate. Upper arm a little upright. Chest deep, but perhaps ribs a little too rounded. Excellent rear angulation. Well filled croup. Moved so well in profile, but, unfortunately, very wide in front on the day.

Newfoundland

Lovely entry.

Special Yearling (2,0)

1st Archers’ Fable Of Sweet Dark Caramel For Tallisbay (Imp Rom). 10 months old. Very lovely baby with delightful expression. Head developing well. Skull good with correct occipital bone. Muzzle is short enough. Degree of stop ok. Small eyes of good colour and set. Ears ok for size and well set. Lovely length to neck. Very good shoulder and excellent upper arm. Enough width and depth of chest for age. Bone coming along nicely. Well ribbed and chest carried well back. Not too long. Loins firm and well-muscled. Well bent stifles. Tail set correctly and carried well. Moves like a consummate professional covering the ground effortlessly. Lovely baby. BPIB

2nd: Furnell’s Bebecova Blankety Blank. Another with a wonderful expression and very typical head. Really did everything to make her handlers life a nightmare! Just 6 months and very much a baby that is still developing. Nicely put together and developing well. Well balanced. Movement was hard to assess, but what I did see looked very sound and light. 

Open (2,0)

A really nice class.

1st Hunt’s Tallisbay Theodore. Masculine boy. Good head with very typical expression. Eyes small and well-spaced and dark in colour. Muzzle shorter than skull. Slight stop. Ears could perhaps be a tad smaller but are very well set. Great neck leading into excellent shoulders. Upper arm has a lovely slope, setting legs under the body. Chest reaches to the elbows. Good width and depth to chest. Long ribcage. Strong, firm loins. Straight topline. Well bent stifles and low set hocks. Tail set excellent and carried well on the move. In great condition. Most excellent on the move with good reach and drive and typical light, effortless stride with a slight roll that I expect of this breed. BOB

2nd: Mills & Chatburn’s Zentaur Drop It Like Its Hot for Oialt (AI) JW. One I liked as a youngster and has matured very nicely indeed. Excellent type. Feminine head with strength. Shorter muzzle compared to skull. Feel she could just do with a slightly longer neck for perfect balance. Moderate angles fore and aft. Lovely deep chest of good width. Firm topline. Good bone. In the most excellent coat and condition. Great mover - very sound in all directions. Top class. RBOB

3rd: Cotton’s Tom’s Tender Moment Vom Burgseeli (Imp NLD)

AVNSC Working

Puppy (2,0)

Super class

1st: Blaney’s Fenrirkin Can’t Be Late. (Greenland Dog) A top class young sled dog. Has everything I look for in a quality Greenland of this age. Head displays a good wedge and is already of good width. Skull flat. Muzzle medium in length. Eyes set slightly obliquely giving a very gorgeous expression. Ears short and firm as required. Neck not too long. Excellent construction with beautiful angles all through. Firm topline and strong couplings. Tail set high with a loose curl over the back and to the side – so important to not have a snap tail. Bone developing well and she already has large feet. In gorgeous condition. One of the soundest sled dogs I have had the pleasure to judge. Super reach and drive. Wonderful outline. She must have a great career ahead. Best AVNSC. Best AVNSC Puppy

2nd: Cranfield’s Zefather’s Rumour Has It (Great Dane). Wow. Another top quality youngster. Most beautiful head - regal and elegant with good length all through. Well chiselled. Muzzle has good width. Very clean cut. Eyes good for shape and set. Ears set high. Neck is moderate in length and does show a slight arch. Well laid shoulders and well angulated upper arm. Strong topline and body and chest developing well. Stifles are well bent and hocks firm and well defined. Moved super in profile and reasonably precise out and back. An exciting prospect.

Special Yearling (7,1)

1st Blaney’s Fenrirkin Can’t Be Late. (Greenland Dog)

2nd: Cranfield’s Zefathers Turning Tables. (Great Dane) Litter sister to 2nd in previous class and found this one even better. Many of the same qualities with a super head. This one had the longer neck with elegant arch I look for. Great shoulders and upper arm. Super body with good depth to ribcage, which is also carried well back. Super strong topline with no hint of a dip. Strong loins. Excellent turn of stifles. Super mover in profile. Will watch this one’s future with great interest.

3rd: Cleary’s Eternal Summer Ginger Heaven For Benellieson (Imp Pol) (Leo)

Post Graduate (4,1)

1st: Parkin-Russell’s Tamarackgsmd Coral Pour Spaclere (Imp Can). (Great Swiss Mountain Dog). A breed I very much like and it was a pleasure to judge a good one here. Lovely head with correct proportions and very good markings. Broad, flat skull. Skull significantly broader than muzzle. Muzzle strong and square. Dark eyes. Ears set on high. Shoulders sloping. Upper arm forms correct angle. Good body proportions. Deep chest. Well bent stifles. Croup was gently sloping. Tail to hock. Moved extremely well given the heat. Sound and good to go over.

2nd: Cranfield’s Verano Viceroy of Zefather. (Great Dane). Strong and sturdy but still with elegance. Longish head with typical expression. Shoulders moderate in angulation. Upper arm could angle back slightly more. Topline firm. Underline displays good shape. Good turn of stifle. Good tail set. Moves nice in profile, not quite as precise out and back.

3rd: McFarlane’s Micador Will I Am (PWD)

Open (5,0)

1st: Cranfield’s Zefathers Sweet Child O’Mine JW BJWNL’19. (Great Dane) Feminine Dane with long head and good skull /muzzle proportions. Neck long and elegant. Shoulders well set and upper arm angles back very nicely. Good bone. Firm topline. Underline is very shapely. Well bent stifles. Great mover in profile.

2nd: Blaney’s Suna-Sanik’s Electric Noah of Fenrirkin (Imp Nor) (Greenland Dog). Totally naked and hiding absolutely nothing here. Large sled dog of good all-round type and construction. Up on his toes and stepping out very well indeed once settled. Perhaps looking a tad long here. Lots to like and so well presented.

3rd: Cleary’s Mystic Char, Ginger Heaven for Benellieson (Imp Pol)

AV Working

Puppy (7, 5)

1st: Wickers & Munday’s Vukasin Pumpkin Spice. (Siberian Husky) A most attractive young pup. Very foxy head, with almond oblique set eyes and lovely high, alert ear set. Slightly arched neck leading into very good shoulders. Upper arm of correct length and nicely angled back. Good daylight under her with lower leg longer than depth of chest. Topline firm. Slight arch over the loins. Well bent stifles. Lovely croup and tail set. Really excels on the move with an effortless and wonderfully lightfooted profile gait. I particularly liked her long stride and correct lower positioning of the head when she moves. Should do very well in the future. Best AV Working Puppy

2nd: Charlton’s Bullmisias Glory. (Bullmastiff). Really enjoying her day. Rightly immature but coming together nicely. Has the makings of a nice type and looks really sound and balanced in body. Well handled. 

Special Yearling (1,0)

1st: Snelson’s Azgard Monticristo at Ashtrax. (Siberian Husky). Of a super type. Shape and make in this breed that I value highly. Masculine, yet refined head giving a very typical expression. High set ears. Lovely almond shaped eyes. Lovely arched neck leading into extremely well laid shoulders. Super upper arm which angles back to set the legs under the body. Good lower leg length. Chest developing well. Firm topline. Body proportions are good. Very good turn of stifles and low set hocks. Pasterns slightly sloping. Croup is ok. Lovely fox brush. Movement here was excellent being lightfooted but also displaying super reach and drive.

Post Graduate (6,3)

1st: Cooper & Thomson’s My Brave Warrior (Newfoundland). A quality Newf. Good skull. Muzzle is short. Maybe a tad too much stop. Neck of medium length. Moderate angulation fore and aft. Deep chest of good width. Good bone. Really well presented here and moved out to perfection. Best AV Working

2nd: Snelson’s Salazka’s Mr Abernathy at Ashtrax. (Siberian Husky) Very striking black. Medium sized. Very refined through the head. Could be slightly more masculine for my preference. Eyes good for shape. Ears correct for shape and well set. Body is nicely constructed but could do with just a shade more bone all through. Firm topline. Good arch over the loins. Croup a little flat. Tail touches the back. Pasterns appear rather long because of the markings, but they are ok. Moves soundly. 

3rd: Pearn’s Bonmac Jackanory JW (Boxer)

Working Group

This was one of the strongest working groups I have judged in a long time! Credit to breeders/owners and judges. I pulled out the Alaskan Malamute, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Greenland Dog, Dobermann, Bernese and Newfoundland.

Those that just missed out on a place were the Malamute, Muzoku You’re My Obsession, who was of a most lovely type, make and shape. She was just a little ‘flighty’ when I went over her due to her season. Moved beautifully in profile and will have a great future. The Canadian Eskimo, Qimugta Harpist. She was one I have liked before as a puppy. How she has come on! Great type, feminine and well put together. Moved out perfectly. Was just totally naked on the day. 

WG1: Bernese: Cotton’s Shirdees Greatest Showman at Jukesbern. Critique as above. Really stood out here and moved to perfection even in the heat. Super dog.

WG2: Newfoundland: Hunt’s Tallisbay Theodore. Critique as above. Did not put a foot wrong and moved an absolute dream as he went around the ring.

WG3: Greenland Dog: Blaney’s Fenrirkin Can’t Be Late. Critique as above. I’ve seen several very good Greenland’s over the years, but this one, even at her young age, rates amongst the very best. 

WG4: Dobermann: Jones’ & Ushakova Korifey Vanquish. Critique as above. This young dog looked better and better the more I looked at him. Must have a super future ahead.

Working Puppy Group

WPG1: Greenland Dog: Blaney’s Fenrirkin Can’t Be Late. Critique as above. I’m told this result made breed history. Thoroughly deserved and I shall follow her career with great interest.

WPG2: Newfoundland: Archers’ Fable Of Sweet Dark Caramel For Tallisbay (Imp Rom). Critique as above. A long day for this pup, but she still looked super and didn’t put a foot wrong.

WPG3: Rottweiler: Lefebvre-Kings & Josalyn’s Buttonlove SantaBaby. Nice for type and showed very well here. Well constructed and presented.

WPG4: German Pinscher: Henderson’s Falkor’s Artax. Engaging little chap. Felt he represented his breed very well here. Well made and sound as they come.