• Show Date: 11/03/2022
  • Show Type: Championship Show
  • Judged by: Dawn Inett Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 28/07/2023

Crufts

Breed: Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier, Crufts 2022, Dawn Inett Judge

As a breed specialist, judging at Crufts is the pinnacle of ones judging career. It was a great honour and obviously, a day to cherish. The entry was 76 dogs, making 79 entries. This was down somewhat on previous years but with covid, a significant reduction in overall entries, Team Carradine’s absence and NFC’s not being included in the total, all was acceptable. There were only 7 absentees.

The Cairns present were varied, and I just want to cover a few points… Heads - we need to watch stops, a lack of stop creates an alien expression and whilst creative grooming can to some degree, create the impression that all is well, as soon as you lay your hands on the dog, the fluffed-up coat disappears and there is little or no stop. Infill under eyes and cheeks - these areas, on far too many dogs, were sadly lacking. We need infill and cheek to give strength and help create that beautiful typical Cairn head. With a simple laying of hands, the head furnishings disappeared, and my hands came far too close together; we need substance and strength, not weakness, as I often found. Please remember Cairns are terriers and were bred to kill. Just because they kill soft toys now and not rats, does not mean they can be “lacking” in these areas. Fronts were mixed, very few had the required forechest. Remember a Cairn is to stand well forward on forepaws. Rears on most were acceptable but many lacked muscle tone. Far too many were overweight. As exhibitors please be aware of what this does to overall balance. If your dog is broader in rib and loin then it will look shorter in back. If your dog is shorter coupled and overweight, it will look even shorter and consequently out of balance. A Cairn is not a short backed breed and several exhibitors spoilt otherwise very nice exhibits by allowing them to be overweight and ruining their overall balance. We should have length of back and good body condition which will then allow a Cairn to be agile, thus fit for purpose!

When judging one must always compromise – I love his head but oh his front…. Where the one with the better front has an alien head… you go back and forth. When I judge I attempt to stay true to what I believe is a Cairn that could work all day. A Cairn has to be fit for purpose and that purpose is working outside in all elements, not sat a top a chocolate box looking pretty!

BOB and DCC Coharra Be More (Miss L Alexander)

RDCC and BP Cherrycrack Horatio (Mrs M E J Shopland)

BCC Cairnsters Voodoo Lily (Mrs Jarvinen)

RBCC Cairngold Chiquitita (Mr A & Mrs L & Miss A M Firth)

BV Lindcoly Holwing Mad Murdoc (Miss K Saich)

Veteran Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1ST Lindcoly Holwing Mad Murdoc (Miss K Saich)

I just love this dog. He has, all the qualities to be up there with the best of them. I awarded him RCC last time I judged and was delighted to give him 1st and Best Veteran today. He is the sire of my RCC dog! He shows steadily and moves as he is made, correctly! Correct head, neck and shoulders and as you go over him, it all just flows, through good ribs and correct loin into well-muscled hind quarters. Thank you for allowing me to go over him again, couldn’t believe he is now a Veteran!

2ND Glenrood Trojan Prince (Mrs J Paige)

Has a lovely head and balanced body, showed very well and moved out well around the ring. He was doing all he could to please his handler and they obviously had a great bond together. He was just unfortunate to meet 1st who was in such good form.

Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST Seveek Guilded Dream (Mrs J Keeves)

Stood alone. Was not settled on the table and was much happier when he could be on the floor. Moved out well but left his jacket at home today. As usual from this kennel he was well made throughout but he just needs time – will enjoy seeing how he matures.

Puppy Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

Not a lot to split 1st and 2nd here. Both had correct coats, good heads with lovely, yet different, expressions. 1st is larger but maintains balance and held his topline on the move.

1ST Cherrycrack Horatio (Mrs M E J Shopland)

He won this class on movement and he is made right throughout. He needs to go at quite a pace otherwise he doesn’t flow! Everything where it should be; good shoulders and correct rear end. Watching him go around the ring in the challenge, to see a young dog striding out, holding his topline and with prescense was a joy to see. Won the RCC on that final performance where he out moved all but the CC winner – one to watch and I certainly will be!

2ND Brenndarcy It's Magic (ai) TAF (Miss B M, Mr D & Mrs M Shannon, Storr & Middlehurst)

One I have often admired but today he met his match and was quite simply out moved. This boy has a fabulous head with typical expression and is well made but just could not match the striding forward driving movement of 1st. I am sure he will have a bright future in the show ring!

3RD Seveek Guilded Dream (Mrs J Keeves)

1st in Minor Pup

RES Seveek Country Lad (Miss R C & Mr I A Lucas & Tobutt)

Junior Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

Two young males and I will watch their future development with interest. Sometimes males at this age “go off” and it will be interesting to see them again in 18 months time when they have matured.

1ST Svendalens May Be Milo (Mr R & Mrs C Gardener)

Put on a good performance and scored over 2nd in movement. Has a good texture to his coat and carried good body tone throughout but is long in loin and that throws his overall balance.

2ND Kanawha Spy Man (Mr T & Mrs G Morley)

Has a beautiful typical head but is shorter coupled and this throws out his balance. Presented well but was a little overcome by the atmosphere.

Yearling Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST Tom Trick's Jocan Ty Cadno (Imp Swe) (Mr G Thomas)

Presents a lovely picture when standing. Wouldn’t settle on the move, often high stepping and losing his topline. Despite his handlers best efforts, he would not get into stride and had to miss out on top honours. Nonetheless he is “out of the top drawer” and has the most beautiful eye and head properties. He wins Best Tail in Show – it was so right! Lovely chunky tail! Credit to his breeder who has produced several winners today! Further credit to his owner/handler for managing that coat, there was so much of it but it was correct and a great undercoat too!

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Lentrica Mystic Warrior (Miss S C & Miss E S Munday)

All male. I would prefer a stronger stop which would make his expression more masculine, and it would give better fit to his overall masculine appearance and attitude. He is a great showman, just needs anticipating at times as he get can a little too “full of it” and bring his tail over. Shown in great condition and has well-muscled quarters, which so many were lacking! A smart dog!

2ND Tweedisle Charismatic Guy (Mr G S, Mrs H & Miss L E Peers)

Upstanding and showy but would like more substance throughout. Scored higher than one in movement but just couldn’t match 1st for overall masculinity. A good sound dog.

3RD Peregrine Plum (Miss A J Leek)

Well put together but looking longer cast today and had to stand 3rd.

RES Kimmi A Coestar (Mrs M R Coe)

Limit Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1ST Tom Trick's Incredibly Ilay of Uniquecottage (Imp Swe) (Miss A R Parker-Tucker)

Judged this one as a puppy and enjoyed him very much then, as I did today! He is sound to go over and has grown into himself. Lacked focus in the challenge and had to forego top honours today but he is more than capable and getting his title! Was shown in natural workmanlike condition and coat!

2ND Hjohoo's Yes Hjo Can (Miss Theodorsson)

Very smart male and ultra showy. He was sound to go over but front assembly couldn’t produce the forward reach of 1st. A quality male from this top producing kennel.

3RD Good Times Ahead with Oudenarde (S, A & A Dennis, Waites & Goddard)

A sound dog to go over but today was carrying far too much weight which not only threw his balance but meant I couldn’t feel his ribs either. A Cairn, fit for purpose, should be nicely covered, not thin nor fat! A diet will sort him out and show off his many virtues!

RES Stoutheart Einstein for Lindcoly (Miss A J Saich)

VHC Tweedisle Jaunty Lad (Mr G S, Mrs H & Miss L E Peers)

Open Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 0

This was an excellent class.

1ST Coharra Be More (Miss L Alexander)

This was the first time I have seen this young man and he took my eye as he strode into the ring. He has a great head with typical expression and one I would describe as having a craggy masculine look to him, strong flowing neck into well placed shoulders, level topline that he held on the move, powerful well made hind quarters that drove him around the ring. To top it all, he has presence! He was so showy. It was a delight to watch him in the Group and he never gave up showing. I was delighted to award him the CC & BOB

2ND Multi Ch Cairnsters Mr Don Juan (Mrs P & Mrs S Clarke & Jarvinen)

I have often seen this mature male and was really pleased to finally be able to judge him! He has a tremendous head but its a different type of head to the winner. Don Juan’s head is more charming than craggy masculine. Both heads are correct, it’s just personal preference. He moved out well with driving rear but was loose in front action. Nonetheless he is an outstanding male of bang on correct size and balance. A dog worthy of his many titles!

3RD Ch Cairngold Chico JW (Mr A & Mrs L & Miss A M Firth)

A smart red dog that I have often admired. Great head and well put together.

I was presented with 3 really great dogs, all worthy of top honours and its frustrating as a judge to have to compromise! 3 excellent exhibits all worthy of their titles.

RES Se Uch/no Uch/fin Uch Hjohoo's Hjo Take What Hjo Want (Miss Theodorsson)

VHC Ch Winetta Quest for Fame (Mrs J Percy)

Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST Tom Trick’s Little Hot Kiskadee at Cherrycrack (Imp Swe) NAF (Mrs M E J Shopland)

Another youngster from a top producing breeder. Very pretty bitch and with beautiful balance. Moved out well and will certainly keep her handler fit! Well made throughout and shown in workmanlike coat.

2ND Airytykes Socialite (Miss R Tester)

A pretty puppy with everything where you would want it at this age.

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Lindcoly Witches Brew NAF (Mr C J & Mrs L M Saich)

Sweet headed puppy who was balanced throughout, shown as is always the case from this kennel, in good condition both coat and body wise.

2ND Lindcoly Miss Custard NAF (Miss K Saich)

Another sweet puppy just not putting in the performance of 1

3RD Cannwood Can't Get Enough (Mrs J A Metcalf-Sault)

Smart puppy of different type to first 2, was not always obliging to her handler but I was pleased when she decided she might just participate by the end of the class

RES Lindcoly Put A Ring On It (Miss A J Saich)

Junior Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Winetta Frankly My Dear (Mrs J Percy)

My notes said “naughty but nice” which just about sums her up! Would prefer a stronger stop to complete her head but she is lovely to go over and did enough correct movement to win this lovely class of youngsters.

2ND Tweslam Be Gin The Magic (Mrs A & Mr A Osborn)

A young bitch with a smart outline but couldn’t produce the rear extension to win 1st place today. A lot to like about her and when presented with 2 good Cairns it is down to the nitty gritty when choosing 1st!

3RD Seveek License to Dream (Mrs J Keeves)

She lost her coat on the way to the show but didn’t have much to hide!

RES Lindcoly Turning Back Time (Mr C J & Mrs L M Saich)

Yearling Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 0

A quality class!

1ST Hjohoo's Crush On Hjo (Miss Theodorsson)

Loved this bitch! She is spot on for size, pretty, showy and balanced but her front action prevented her from taking top honours today. She is quality and just had to head up this very strong class

2ND Ariom Full of Sass (Mrs M Jobling)

And wasn’t she just! Longer cast and taller than 1st so quite a different type BUT she was balanced and she is quality. Loved her and am sure her title will come along. She has the attitude we need in bitches – just like her name she is full of sass!

3RD Doonrae Rebel Rebel among Brenndarcy (Miss B & Mr D Shannon & Storr)

Presents a very smart picture and is well made throughout. She was unfortunate to meet 1st and 2nd in such good form. I really liked her size and balance and she put on a good performance. A 3rd in a class of this quality is no shame!

RES Rough Wroughts Piperi (Mr M & Mrs R Van Den Brink & Bogers)

VHC Lindcoly Golden Mercedes (Mr C J & Mrs L M Saich)

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 12 Absentees: 0

A great class and one to really challenge my decision making processes! The 5 placed females were all very much worthy of winning but of course we can only have one first!

5th was bang on for size and feminine throughout

4th was lovely throughout but a little out of condition today

3rd is definitely able to pick up tickets but needs a serious shot of enthusiasm as she just ambles across the ring

2nd was very together and well made throughout and another contender for top honours but just couldn’t match the femininity of 1st place

1ST Castleline Maitree (Mr S Thompson)

This was the girl to beat! She was well presented in full coat and was shown in great condition. Pushed hard in the challenge for top honours! Everything is exactly where it should be when you go over her. A lovely bitch!

2ND Rasken's Joan Jett for Doonrae (Imp Swe) (Mr C & Mrs J Petts)

Another top-quality bitch who put on a good performance. She is balanced and well made but for me, she is just not as exquisitely feminine in head as 1st but that is not to say she is masculine in any way. Moved out well and shown in great condition

3RD Cornton Fyne Hope (Miss Hmp Miller)

Oh, this bitch breaks my heart! She is so feminine and so well made. She is more than capable of winning her title, but she ambled across the ring not using herself to advantage. She is sound moving, as of course her spot-on construction dictates, but today she had to be placed down the line as those above her moved with the required drive.

RES Elitecharm Showgirl (Mrs C Soper)

VHC Tweedisle Enchanted Lady (Mr G S, Mrs H & Miss L E Peers)

Limit Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

Yet another quality class!

1ST Cloverbrook Maid for Gold (Mrs J Ballinger)

Shown in wonderful condition and of correct balance. These two factors won her the class today. She moved out well, is feminine throughout and well put together. She holds her topline on the move and reaches and drives. She comes alive on the move, a pleasure to watch her go!

2ND Landbuck La Voix (Mr A & Mr R A Felters & Rumens)

I have often admired this female but today she was carrying extra weight which shortened her back, if we were in a puppy class, I would have forgiven it but we are up with the big girls now and such things make a difference! She is lovely to go over but I was saddened when I felt her ribs and loin which made her too square and shortened her off. She is pretty and very showy and of course more than capable of being a Champion but for me, today she had to stand 2nd to a bitch that was in better condition

3RD Seveek Everlasting Dream (Mrs J Keeves)

Very smart bitch with everything where it should be!

RES Hjohoo's I Can´t Get Enough of Hjo (Miss Theodorsson)

VHC Airytykes Excuse Me (Miss R Tester)

Open Bitch

Entries: 12 Absentees: 5

I really don’t enjoy having to compromise but we, as the old saying goes “only have one first”!

In this class it was splitting hairs between the first 3. I have often admired 2nd and 3rd but never seen 1st before. When I judge I want to see the difference between males and females. I want a feminine pretty female with as little dogginess as can be. So 1st was, for me, ultra-feminine with a sweet head and held her perfect balance on the move. 2nd was equally as balanced but taller on the leg, that is in no way a criticism and she is far from “too big” she is balanced but 1st was for me, a more typical size. I love the sassiness of 2nd and she has such a wicked expression. 1st won on overall performance and really a day when 3 CC’s would have been lovely!

1ST Cairnsters Voodoo Lily (Mrs Jarvinen)

Very smart and so feminine. I loved her as she entered the ring and didn’t disappoint on the table, nor on the move. She moved out well and is bang on for size and balance. Loved her!

2ND Cairngold Chiquitita (Mr A & Mrs L & Miss A M Firth)

A favourite of mine and so unfortunate to meet 1st today. A real quality bitch.

3RD Ch Cloverbrook Unbreakable at Woodthorpe (Mrs S Kinton)

Another favourite who was so well put down and in great condition.

3 bitches all worthy of their titles

RES Am/se Uch/fin/dk Uch/no Uch Hjohoo's All Hjo Ever Wanted (Miss Theodorsson)

I loved this bitch for size and balance but she was given a lot of way in age and maturity today.

VHC Cairngold Brandy Snap by Jorvikairn (Mr T J & Mrs K E Lund)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST Cairngold Brandy Snap by Jorvikairn (Mr T J & Mrs K E Lund)

A bitch of good size and shown in great condition and coat. Well handled!

Dawn Inett

Judge