Welsh Kennel Club

WELSH KENNEL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW 2022

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

It was an absolute honour to be asked to stand in for Ken Andrew (to whom I send sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery) and to replace him as the judge of the competition finale, Best Puppy in Show, at one of my favourite and best-run shows, WKC.

I would also like to extend a huge thank you also to Ann & Graham Hill and their fellow Officers and Committee, stewards, helpers and exhibitors at this excellent Summer show.

From a strong line-up of the seven Puppy Group winners, there were, on closer examination, in my opinion, two which really did stand away from the crowd. (Both of these two eventual winners were sent through by Ken Andrew)

Without any shadow of a doubt and with no hesitation at all, my winner was the truly sensational Clumber Spaniel VANITONIA SOLOIST.

Surely this enthralling youngster is a future star in the making! In fact, I would stick my neck out and say, he is perhaps even a world beater! For me, he encapsulates the breed standard in every way. I absolutely loved his obviously masculine head with not one hint of coarseness and he has the most intelligent and appealing expression which he knows will melt your soul. He has wonderful depth and firmness throughout and his movement was not only precise and accurate in every direction, he was electrifying and simply a sight to behold. I would love to own him!

Runner up and extremely unlucky to meet the winner on such hot form was another wonderful future prospect, the Briard, FOSTERBRIE JUST UNIQUE.

Handled to perfection and to highlight his many attributes, this substantially made youngster is another who fits the breed standard to perfection. Obviously a male, again with not a hint of being overdone in any way, he presents a picture of total balance and real quality. In tip-top condition, with a wonderful jacket and excellent muscle-tone plus those desirably low set double dew claws, all he had to do was move to advantage. He did this with minimum effort, covering the ground with such style and precision, extending and driving and never, ever, letting his guard down. He is another who I really did find exciting and I wish him all the very best for the future.

This was a fantastic opportunity and a wonderful way to finish four of the most enjoyable days of my judging experiences ever.

JONATHAN B DALTREY (JUDGE)