North Eastern Whippet Society

North Eastern Whippet Society Open Show 21/11/21

I would like to thank the North Eastern Whippet Society for inviting me to judge their breed Open Show and for the exhibitors bringing their dogs under me. To say I was flattered with my entry would be an understatement. Not only was this show so incredibly well ran, I found the atmosphere to be delightful and it really reminded me of the ‘good old days’ of dog showing, with sportsmanship and applause. Thanks also, to my steward Bob who kept everything in order! I could not have enjoyed my day more and upon reflection, I feel incredibly honoured to have judged top class exhibits in this very strong breed.

Veteran Dog (3,2 abs)

1st Smith’s Collooney Sea Eagle at Lorbri

A masculine brindle boy of 8 years. I loved his curves, clean outline and balance. He was well muscled with a strong, elegantly arched neck. One of the best toplines today with the correct rise over his loin. He moved out well from powerful quarters. Shown in tip top condition and handled sympathetically to get the best from him. Delighted to award him BVIS.

Minor Puppy Dog (2)

1st Winkley-Balmer & Poole’s Afterglow Royal Stuart with Edenwhip TAF

A very raw youngster of 8 months. He was well presented and fills the eye with a pleasing outline. He has a sweet disposition and stood on excellent pasterns which lead to well knuckled feet. He looked eye catching when moving in profile demonstrating powerful rear movement.

2nd Driver’s Way Day In my Whiskey

Another raw young male who I believe was attending his first show. At 7 months of age, there is lots to like about him and it was impossible to ignore his happy and affectionate nature. If there was a prize for waggiest tale, this is where it would have been awarded!

Puppy Dog (1)

1st Poole & Winkley-Balmer’s Edenwhip Macallan

A 10 months of age, nicely shaped fawn boy. His head shape is pleasing and he has small, fine ears. His chest is a good depth, there is a definite tuck up and a well defined rise over his loin. His pasterns had spring which showed when he moved out well. He has a super coat which was short and fine. Please to award him Best Puppy Dog.

Junior Dog (5, 1 abs)

1st Dargue & Halliday’s Brochinbelle Wee Dancer with Jalwhipp

This 14 month old brindle boy is eye catching and impressive on the stack. He has a masculine and lean head, powerful jaw and fine ears. His neck is long and muscular and leads to a deep brisket. He is well balanced with a perfect tail set and carriage. As attractive as he is still, it is not until he moves out in profile that he comes in to his own, displaying a graceful long easy stride. He was handled beautifully to really get the best from him.

2nd Allen’s Zoraden Aladdin

 A red fawn boy of 16 months who presents an image of power and masculinity. He is balanced and I’ve no doubt built for speed. He has a bright and alert oval eye which adds to his melting expression. I loved his outline, from his strong neck, through his muscular back down to his correct tail set. He stands on super feet and has a great spring of pastern. On the move he is true and parallel. Unlucky to meet 1 who moved out so well.

3rd Winkley-Balmer & Poole’s Edenwhip Can I Be Him

Yearling Dog (4, 1 abs)

1st Bell’s Aarminias Change the Game at Drumburn

A 14 month old brindle dog I have admired from the ringside and was delighted to have the opportunity to get my hands on him today. He oozes elegance and grace whilst being masculine and muscular. I loved his size, shape and overall balance. His head is simply stunning, with a dark oval eye, strong jaw and small, fine ears. He has a strong neck with an elegant arch which flowed to his muscular firm back. His chest is deep and ribs well sprung. I loved his excellent back quarters with his well bend stifle, broad thighs and strong hocks. On the move, he reaches out long and low with a free stride being true both coming and going. Handled to perfection, I had no hesitation awarding him Best Dog and ultimately Best in Show in strong competition. I am sure he will have a very bright future!

2nd Winter & Yeates’ Lolani Café Amore

Another lovely male who was a nice size and shape. At 21 months he is very together and presents such a pleasing and balanced picture. There is so much to like about him from his long and lean head, his strong neck down to his well angulated rear quarters. He has a super short, fine coat and was in excellent condition. His shoulders are well laid back and forearms straight. I felt that a larger ring would have suited him better and I would have loved to have seen him move out more.

3rd Poole & Service’s Crosscop Twist & Shout

Novice Dog (6, 3 abs)

1st Hope’s Demerlay On A Promise

This red fawn of 17 months was 4th in the junior class. He had settled much more by novice. His expression is very appealing with a kind, dark oval eye. I liked his clean outline, depth of chest and well sprung ribs. He is in great condition and is well muscled. His movement is good but could be great with a little attention.

2nd Walton’s Gazenorth Gugh

A fawn boy of 27 months. From a larger mould than 1. He has a handsome and masculine head, was well handled and shown in great condition. His movement could be improved.

3rd Dobson’s Kaymark Kaptain

Post Graduate Dog (8, 3 abs)

1st Samson’s Zoraden Surprise Edition at Romaclove

Wow what super condition this white trimmed fawn boy is in. At 5 years of age he looks incredibly well built for speed and work, without being exaggerated in any way. He was smaller built than 2, but was a powerful package. I loved his sweet disposition and how much he wanted to please his handler. He presents a nice picture on the stack, but for me, excelled on the move where his stride was free. He is true coming and going from his athletic hind quarters. Preferred his head shape to that of 2nd.

2nd Hope’s Demerlay Charming Charlie

A very sound 3 year old fawn male. Larger and longer than 1, but balanced. He stands on lovely feet with a great spring of pastern . I liked his deep chest, strong neck and clean outline. Shown in super condition with a definite tuck up. He moves out well and is very true.

3rd Winkley-Balmer & Poole’s Edenwhip Wayne’s World

Limit Dog (10, 4 abs)

1st Gibbon’s Osterfan Janus

This 17 month old fawn and white particolour boy has the sweetest expression and did everything he could to please his mummy today! He pleased me too, particularly on the move where I found his footfall to be perfect. He has a terrific free stride and looked effortless in profile. His outline is clean and was the best in the class. He felt a quality male to go over with a good chest, ribs and length of loin. His stifle is well bent and he has a super second thigh. He looks a delight to show and has that ring presence which really makes the difference. Won the class with ease and I was pleased to award him Reserve Best Dog. I am sure he will do very well.

2nd Uggeri’s Collooney Tartan Toffee at Bohosoul

A totally different type of male to 1. Lacked the show attitude of 1 but overall was a nice example of the breed. At 4 years old, this dark brindle male is smaller and more compact than 1 but still masculine. He has a long and lean head with a strong underjaw. His depth of chest and spring of rib is very good. His back is well muscled and his neck is strong. He pleased on the move.

3rd Rogerson & Dalgarno’s Silkridge Ohno Reason

Open Dog (4, 3 abs)

1st Darque’s Supeta’s Just Call Me Special

This 5 year old brindle and white particolour stood alone but this did not deter him from powering round the ring like he owned it today! He has an attractive, masculine and lean head with a dark oval shaped eye. My notes say “super neck!!” which I found to be long, muscular and carried well. He has a muscular, broad back and was shown in excellent condition. His handler really had him down to a tee, moving out at suitable pace to show off his excellent rear action from a well muscled, powerful backend.

Special Racing/Lure Coarsing Dog (1)

1st Winter & Yeate’s Zoraden Bright Star

A red fawn male with white trim. He presented a much more compact picture than some of my other winners today. At 2 years old he has a masculine head, with an excellent front assembly. He has laid back shoulders, well sprung ribs and a definite tuck up. His outline is clean but for me fell away at the croup. On the move he is powerful but with grace and his hind legs propelled him round with ease.

Veteran Bitch (4, 1 abs)

A super class with 3 bitches of outstanding qualities. There was so much to like about all 3 of them.

1st Whitaker-Crosby’s Mulcair Meerkat Marble JW ShCM

A fawn bitch that I have had the pleasure of judging in the past. Her qualities still shine through and she excels in breed type. At 8 years of age she has a lovely, clean outline and those lovely whippet curves. She is so sweet and moves at one with her handler. Her movement is true and she has excellent muscle tone.

2nd Mycroft’s GER CH Shiny Sensations Spirit of Love for Supeta ShCM (IMP)

Another absolute cracker. From a different mould than 1, this 7 year old brindle bitch looked an absolute picture on the stack. She is so curvy and screams quality. Showed her socks off and was handled to perfection.

3rd Winkley-Balmer’s Crosscop Me and My Girl for Edenwhip

Minor Puppy Bitch (7, 1 abs)

1st Maxwell’s Maccus Rosa Gallica Daphne

This 8 month old red fawn bitch felt like my find of the day. There is so much to like about her from her feminine lean head down to her perfectly set tail. She has a gorgeous expression with appealing dark, oval eyes and her super head is framed with small, fine ears. Her outline is so clean emphasising a muscled back and rise over a strong loin. She has good bone, well knuckled feet and super rear quarters. On the move she is free, low striding and effortless.

 She presents as having a very sweet disposition whilst remaining alert and doing everything her skilful handler asked of her. Their bond was something beautiful to watch and I am sure she will have a very bright future. I had no hesitation awarding her Best Puppy in Show.

2nd Short’s Collooney The Little Tease

Another quality youngster but from a completely different mould to 1. At 7 months this brindle and white particolour presents a mature picture. She is shapely and feminine with a sweet head, good depth of chest and length of body. Her bone is moderate and forearms straight. I felt she excelled on the move, where she was easy moving and true. In profile she looked a picture.

3rd Lipscombe’s Selinko Cherise

Puppy Bitch (9, 1 abs)

1st Gibbin’s Osterfen Kanti

I found this 9 month fawn bitch to be the sweetest little lady. A half sister to Reserve Best Dog and that same quality shone through. Overall she is very moderate and oh so balanced. I loved her type. She has a very correct head, fine ears and a strong neck which led to a firm back. She stands on good feet with a beautiful spring of pastern. On the move, she strode out with an easy low stride which was a joy to watch. I can’t wait to see her when she has matured.

2nd Whitaker-Crosby’s Mulcair Dun and Dusted

Another sweet feminine bitch. This fawn bitch of 11 months has lots to like. I particularly liked her depth of chest, length of back and well sprung ribs. Her bone is correct and she has super pasterns. She has well bent stifles and is in smashing condition, being so well muscled and ‘fit for function’. Another sound moving bitch, but when it came to my decision, I preferred the topline of 1 on the day.

3rd Cannon’s Pursenet Love Me Tender

Junior Bitch (6)

1st Mycroft’s Supeta’s Little Darlin’

My notes read “stand out winner of class”. A quality bitch of 15 months, she is so well schooled and has that real ‘look at me’ attitude which added to her overall appeal. I loved her size and shape. She was well bodied and in excellent condition. Her head is feminine with an oval eye and fine ears. She has a strong neck, good chest and has an excellent spring of rib. Her shoulders are well laid back with a good upper arm. She has a definite tuck up and a strong loin. On the move she was very true coming and going and used her powerful rear well. I felt that she was such a showgirl who I have no doubt will go on to greater things.

2nd Jones’ Silvergarth Andromeda

Another 15 month old girl. This blue fawn was from a larger and longer mould than 1. I found her to be a very honest bitch who was sound on the move. She was handled well to get the best from her and showed herself off well. I particularly liked her head which was feminine, long and lean. She was shown in super condition and was very well muscled.

3rd Allen’s Zoraden Enchanted

Yearling Bitch (5, 2 abs)

1st Mycroft’s Supeta’s Little Darlin’

2nd Allen’s Lolani Mocha Martini at Zoraden

I really liked this red fawn bitch who, at 21 months presents a complete package. Not as ‘flashy’ as others but can be really appreciated once you get hands on. She is nicely matured and scores on construction. Everything is in the right place and she is moderate throughout. Another from this kennel in superb condition with excellent muscle tone. Well handled and presented. Another quality bitch but on the day I preferred the topline of 1 who had more rise over the loin.

Novice Bitch (5, 1 abs)

1st Whitaker-Crosby’s Mulcair Dun and Dusted

2nd Wilson’s Nicola’s Star

This blue bitch of 3 years presents a nicely balanced outline. She is in great condition and has very nice skin and coat. Her head is feminine and a nice shape, though I would have preferred more stop. She is well constructed and has pleasing curves in the right places. She was lovely to go over and I found her really quite charming.

3rd Rowe’s Stonefox Hattie Hot Lips

Post Graduate Bitch (12, 6 abs)

1st Head’s Demerlay Magical Mitzi

I found this fawn bitch of 3 years of age to be a truly lovely example of the breed. Her outline is so sleek and clean and really filled my eye. She was full of breed type and has such a true whippet head with a strong underjaw. She carries her ears well and has a super strong, muscled neck. With curves all in the right places, I felt she was wonderful on the stack, however on the move she really shone and was a powerhouse! In profile she was simply lovely to watch and was very true coming and going.

2nd Green & Hallidays Brochinbelle A Wee Floosie

Another fawn bitch, this pretty lady of only 14 months. She was longer and taller than 1 but still very balanced. Her head is to die for – so pretty with a beautiful oval shaped eye. She has an excellent depth of chest, well sprung ribs and definite tuck up. She moved out well, with free movement and long, low steps. I would prefer more spring of pastern to complete the look of a lovely bitch. She was presented and handled to perfection.

3rd Allen’s Zoraden She Walks In Beauty

Limit Bitch (8, 2 abs)

1st McKay & Mycroft’s Envisage This at Supeta

This 2 year old brindle bitch caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring and did not disappoint. She has a feminine head with a good underjaw. Her shoulders are well laid and lead to a pleasing topline. I loved her excellent spring of pastern, feet and well angulated rear quarters. She was impressive on the move and presented a powerful picture, moving round the hall easily and like she could go all day. So expertly handled to complete a very grand picture.

2nd Langcake Short’s Danluke Love Affair at Langshor

At 3 years old this red fawn bitch has so much to like about her. She has such an elegant head which is long, lean and so very feminine. Her outline is so smooth and my hands flowed over her on the table. I really liked her long, strong neck, depth of chest and definite tuck up. She stands on good feet with an excellent spring of pastern. Her back is strong though I would prefer more rise over the loin. Could not match 1 for movement today.

3rd Samson’s Romaclove The Power of Love

Open Bitch (13, 1 abs)

Wow, what a class this was. Quantity and quality where some bitches I really liked went unplaced due to the sheer calibre of exhibits. Upon reflection, this was the best class of whippets I have judged to date and I felt truly spoilt for choice – a judges dream!

1st Short’s Collooney Dita Von Tease

I judged this brindle bitch when she was just 6 months and was delighted to get my hands on her again at now 2 years old. She has matured into a truly super example of the breed. Upon entering the class she stood out and was the complete package that I was looking for. Her head is feminine with an alert oval eye. She has a strong neck which lead to a deep chest and elbows tucked nicely under. Her spring of pastern is excellent and she has good bone. She has a super topline and nicely angulated rear quarters. Stacked, she is impressive but I felt that she really was something special on the move where she was shown to her advantage on a loose lead. Her footfall is perfect and in profile has a long, low stride which was my pleasure to watch. A top quality bitch who I was delighted to award Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd Smith’s Lorbri Mistletoe Magic

Another exceptional brindle bitch that I have had the pleasure of judging previously. From a smaller and finer mould than 1, she is so balanced, feminine and graceful. At now 5 years of age, I really appreciated her curves, pretty head and excellent shoulders. There really is so much to like about her from her beautiful expression down to the tip of her perfectly carried tail. Judging ‘the dog on the day’, she was less settled than 1 and despite her sympathetic handling, did not have as much ring presence, being unsettled at times. That said, I love this bitch and her qualities still completely shone through and I was pleased to award her Reserve Best Bitch in tough competition.

3rd Turner’s Gilnockie Have Faith

Special Racing/Lure Coursing Bitch (2)

1st Wilson’s Nicola’s Star

2nd Jones’ Kenaiteen Blizzard at Silvergarth

This blue brindle part colour of 4 years was shown in hard condition and I could really see her putting in a hard days work. She has a pretty head with a beautiful eye and a very curvy outline. I felt that she fell away more than 1 and was narrower throughout, but was well handled and put in a good performance.

Judge: Lynn Bailey