Bath Canine Society

Bath Canine Society Championship Show 28th May 2022

Flatcoated Retrievers

I would like to thank Bath Canine Society for asking me to judge my first Championship show and for their excellent hospitality. As expected, my ring was perfect and flat, and my stewards ran it like clockwork so thank you.

The breed standard asks for a medium sized dog, I found a number of exhibits who were close to and over the standard. There were also a few dogs carrying a little too much weight. This really spoils the outline of the dog, and how they move, and ultimately affected my placings in some classes.

I was really thrilled with my winners, and proud to watch my Best of Breed and Best Puppy in their respective groups. I was delighted that my Best Veteran was awarded 3rd in the Veteran group, a testament to our lovely breed. Lastly thank you to all the exhibitors, I know for some it was challenging going between rings, but I appreciated your stamina.

Veteran Dog 2

1st Berend Uit de Zwarte Polder for Withybed (IMP NLD) (Mrs A Kilminster) 

This boy does not show his age at all, he is such a joy to watch. His tail kept wagging the whole time he was in the ring, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. Well moulded head, clean neck with good length, excellent bone, and super tight feet. Good depth of chest and moderate bend of stifle. He moved with such drive and didn’t seem to tire. Presented in excellent coat and condition. Pleased to award him Best Veteran in Breed and thrilled he was awarded Veteran Group 3. 

2nd Gunoak Obsidean (Mr D Ashcroft)

Lovely medium sized dog, nice dark eye and well-set ears. Good bone and tight feet, lovely spring of rib and short loin. Well set on tail which he used to his advantage. Just preferred 1s drive and power on the move.

Minor Puppy Dog 5

1st Gloi Dubh Kristofer Robin (Mrs EJ Walker & Dr L Roberts)

Really liked this young man, he caught my eye straight away. Lovely size and shape. Well moulded head with a lovely soft expression. Good layback of shoulder and lovely depth of chest for his age. Well-made hindquarters, with lovely topline and tail set. Moved well for one so young. Best Puppy Dog.

2nd Telurn Final Attraction (Ms S Pingree)

A Larger set dog, lovely head with dark eye and well set on ears. Good length of neck and front construction. Strong rear quarters with well set on tail. When settled moved well, just preferred 1s overall balance.

3rd Bochilbarley Goblet of Fire (Mrs P Bellamy)

Puppy Dog 8 (1abs)

1st Telurn Each to his own with Chalway (NAF) (Mrs J Clarke)

Up to size liver dog, lovely outline and super tight feet. Long and well moulded head, with clean neck. Deep chest and good length of body, lovely tail set. Held his topline on the move.

2nd Telurn Final Attraction (Ms S Pingree)

3RD Bochilbarley Goblet of Fire (Mrs P Bellamy)

Junior Dog 4

1st LLantrussa As Big As The Ritz (Mr & Mrs L Nicholls & Mrs C Price)

Loved this boy’s medium size and super outline. Lovely head with such a soft, gentle expression, neat ears, and good reach of neck. Good front construction with nice length of body and strong hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle. On the move he really showed himself off and had lovely reach and drive which won him the class.

2nd Braemist Bootlegger at Ravenhall (Mrs S Kearton)

Another workmanlike sized dog. Super head with a dark almond shaped eye. Lovely layback of shoulder and return of upper arm, excellent depth of chest and spring of rib. Moved well, straight and true, but was making the handler work hard with his exuberance.

3rd Jazzanraga Adventurer (Mrs J Gribble)

Yearling Dog 4

1st Napada’s Gift From Llantrussa (IMP NOR) (Mrs C Price)

Up to size dog who is well off for bone. Lovely dark eye with a well moulded head. Good forechest and layback of shoulder. Moderate bend of stifle with lovely topline and tail set. Won this class with his strong positive movement.

2nd Hameldowntor Pedro Ximenez (Mr A Wilson)

Nice dog with lovely tight feet, good bend of stifle and width of second thigh. Moved well when settled. Shown in lovely coat and condition.

3rd Jazzanraga Adventurer (Mrs J Gribble)

Novice Dog 4

1st LLantrussa As Big As The Ritz (Mr & Mrs L Nicholls & Mrs C Price)

2nd Gunoak Emerald’s Highlander (Mr D Ashcroft)

Lovely sized workmanlike dog, kind expression with well set ears. Good depth of chest and length of body. Strong hindquarters but just preferred 1s bend of stifle. Lovely thick coat, moved well.

3rd Wheathold Reynard The Fox (Miss B Ponsford)

Graduate Dog 4

1st Ronevorg Dark Angel at Lussac JW (Mrs S May)

Lovely medium sized dog that still needs some time to mature. He did not stop wagging his tail or stop showing. Nicely moulded head with a dark eye, and an elegant clean neck. I would prefer a little more upper arm, but good length of body and moderate bend of stifle. Lovely stride and action on the move and powered around the ring which won him the class.

2nd Wistaston Love is Dark Black (Mr M Mayne)

Heavier set of dog with a lovely non-stop tail action. Well off for bone, leading down to super tight feet. Good layback of shoulder and depth of chest. Beautiful coat and shown in good condition.

3rd Wistaston Love Minus Zero (Mrs S Hart)

Post Graduate Dog 6 (1abs)

1st Lussac Xcape Artist (AI) (Mrs S May)

I liked this dog, not overdone in any way and very balanced. Lovely long moulded head, with a dark almond shaped eye. Super layback of shoulder with return of upper arm. Good bend of stifle with well set on tail. Beautiful coat and condition. When he concentrated he presented a lovely outline. Moved true fore and aft.

2nd Hopevalley Morning Circus (Mrs M Romeo-Dieste)

Another super dog, with a lovely outline and shape. I loved his head; he definitely had a twinkling smile in his eye. Clean and elegant neck, I would just prefer a little more upper arm. Good bend of stifle and strong powerful hindquarters. Moved with drive.

3rd Calzeat Gentleman’s Agreement to Heatheridge (IMP SWE) (Ms S Pingree)

Limit Dog 6

1st Ch Lussac Winter Wizard JW (Mrs M & Mrs I Trotter)

This dog really took my eye, he had a lovely outline and balance. Loved his head, he had such a gentle expression and dark eye. Super depth of chest and spring of rib. Good bend of stifle and width of second thigh. Lovely coat and condition. He really flowed around the ring and was such a picture. He was making his handler work quite hard today. Considered him for further honours.

2nd Seaheart Crian at Gloi JW (Miss G Smitherman & Dr L Roberts)

Another super dog, had to split hairs between 1 and 2. Lovely head with dark eye and elegant neck. Good layback of shoulder and upper arm, excellent depth of chest. Moderate bend of stifle with super bone and feet. Lovely topline which he held on the move, loved his enthusiastic tail wagging.

3rd Bochilbarley Blue Moon (AI) (Mrs P & Miss A Bellamy)

Open Dog 6 (1abs)

1st Woodfinch Masquerade (Mr D & Mrs R Bellamy)

This dog exuded a glass half full attitude. I was really taken with him. He had a lovely moulded head with such a gentle expression and a little glint to his eye. Super front angulation with lovely depth of chest. Moderate bend of stifle, well let down hocks with excellent muscle and second thigh. Beautiful coat and condition. His tail did not stop wagging, he was loving his day and was such a showman. He covered the ground with such ease, and didn’t tire, I got the impression he could of moved all day long. He flowed around the ring and was handled to perfection. Pleased to award him the Dog Challenge Certificate.

2nd Deringwood English Oak (Mrs R Macdonald)

Another quality dog, lovely head with neat well set on ears. Elegant neck and good layback of shoulder. Moderate bend of stifle with excellent bone and feet. Lovely topline and tail set which he held on the move. He moved effortlessly around the ring, and equally to 1 looked like he could move all day long. Moved straight and true, fore and aft. His excellent power and drive on the move gained him the Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate.

3rd SA Ch Trevena Master Chef (IMP) ZAF (Mrs D Holman)

Special Beginners Dog/Bitch 3 (1abs)

1st Hameldowntor Pedro Ximenez (Mr A Wilson)

2nd Raynestone Catherine (Miss I Grenville-Payne)

Sweet, happy bitch who was really enjoying her day. Lovely head with neat ears well set on. Super tight feet, and good muscle. Moved positively.

Veteran Bitch 4 (1abs)

1st Madelea Magic Tricks (Mrs A Milton)

Really liked this girl’s size and shape, lovely depth of chest and upper arm. Good bend of stifle with a lovely tail set. She was really enjoying her day and covered the ground with such ease which gave her the class.

2nd Candiliz Pina Colada (Miss C Wells)

Size larger than 1, lovely head, super front angulation, and tight feet. Good bend of stifle, and topline. Moved straight and true.

3rd Seaheart Bronte of Everblack (Miss I Kulczycka)

Minor Puppy Bitch 4

1st Seaheart Diva (Miss G Smitherman)

When this little girl concentrated, she presented a lovely outline. Pretty head, and dark eye. Good layback of shoulder and length of body. Moderate bend of stifle and well let down hocks. When settled she moved well for one so young.

2nd Hightyne My Blue Heaven (Mrs C Huyton)

Smaller set bitch with a beautiful head. Lovely eye shape and length of skull. Would prefer a little more depth of chest but good rear angulation. She moved well, covering the ground with great ease.

3rd Hightyne Blue River (Ms J Scott)

Puppy Bitch 8 (1abs)

1st Hototo Pretty Ballerina (Miss C Chambers)

Lovely sized bitch who has such elegance about her. Very pretty head with a well set, clean neck into well placed shoulders. Good length of body and well muscled hindquarters. She is so balanced for her age and this shows in her movement. She is very clean and precise in her action which gave her Best Puppy Bitch and Best Puppy In Breed.

2nd Llantrussa La Traviata (Mrs C Price & Mrs L Nicholls)

This bitch really took my eye, lots to like about her. Good depth of chest, and length of body. Moderate bend of stifle and stood fore square when viewed from behind. When she concentrated and showed herself off, her tail came up and she had a beautiful profile. When moving she had a lovely length to her stride and moved with such ease. I will follow her progress with interest.

3rd Buprham Lotties First Love (Mrs L Strudwick)

Junior Bitch 9

1st Braemist Witches Fire (Miss L Jones)

Difficult to split 1 and 2, both quality bitches that I’m sure can change places on another day. Beautiful head with a lovely dark eye, good depth of chest and upper arm. Super bone and the tightest of feet. Good length of body, with a short loin, moderate bend of stifle, and good width of second thigh. Super topline and tail set, with that ever constant wag of her tail. She was such a joyful, happy girl, and she really excelled on the move. She covered the ground with ease and looked lovely in profile.

2nd Blacktoft Caress of Steelriver JW (Miss S Stevenson)

Very similar comments to my winner. Lovely head and eye, good depth of chest, would prefer a little more upper arm, but she presented a balanced picture and lovely outline. Super bone and feet, good bend of stifle. Another very happy girl who showed her socks off.

3rd Moontorn Better Half of Me (Miss A Bellamy)

Yearling Bitch 5

1st Kazval Thing Called Love with Kulawand (Mrs P Lane Ridyard & Mrs S & Mr R Lane)

I liked the style of this bitch, lovely outline. Nicely moulded head, dark eye, good depth of chest or though a touch heavy over shoulders. Lovely bone, and good bend of stifle. Loved her tail action, moved with purpose, and liked her side profile gait.

2nd Moontorn Better Half of Me (Miss A Bellamy)

Smaller set bitch, pretty head with dark eye, clean neck and good layback of shoulder. Would prefer a little more depth of chest and spring of rib. Strong hindquarters, with a well-set tail. She moved with drive.

3rd Coedylan Bambino Caro (Mr D & Mrs G Simons)

Novice Bitch 3 (1abs)

1st Jetstarski If I Can Dream (Mrs E & Mr R Hollingdale & Miss S Whitaker)

I liked this bitch’s size and shape, she had a lovely depth of chest and good upper arm. She had the right length of body, and a good bend of stifle and tail set. She moved out well.

2nd Burpham Lotties First Love (Mrs L Strudwick)

Another lovely bitch of correct size. Pretty head with a good depth of chest and tight feet. Good rear angulation standing fore square, and lovely happy wagging tail action. She held her topline on the move. Just preferred 1’s length of body.

Graduate Bitch 10 (1abs)

1st Llantrussa O’Sole Mio (Mrs L Nicholls & Mrs C Price)

This bitch really stole the show. She was not overdone in any way, and she showed her socks off. Pretty bitch with an excellent depth of chest and spring of rib, well off for bone and super tight feet. Good upper arm, and nice length of body with a short loin. Moderate bend of stifle and hocks well let down. She excelled when she moved, free and flowing, moving straight and true. She held her topline on the move and covered the ground with such ease. She was thoroughly enjoying her day and did not stop wagging. She was exactly the type of bitch I was looking for. She was presented in excellent condition and had the best of coats. Pleased to award her the Bitch Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed.

2nd Jetstarski If I Can Dream (Mrs E & Mr R Hollingdale & Miss S Whitaker)

3rd Tygwyn Rhiwbina (Mrs J Thomas)

Post Graduate Bitch 9 (1abs)

1st Candiliz Funky Monkey at Clandrift (Mrs V Bowen)

Larger bitch, but undeniable quality. Lovely head with a dark eye, good depth of chest and upper arm. Moderate bend of stifle and a good topline. She was really enjoying herself and had a lovely tail action. Lovely side gait with good reach and drive.

2nd Swantonwood Gold Leaf (Mrs L Swan)

Pretty bitch with a lovely dark, almond shaped eye. Good upper arm and a nice deep fore chest with lots of heart room. Moderate bend of stifle, she moved out straight and true. Just referred 1’s outline and length of body.

3rd Go with the Flow Dreams can be Joyful by Hightyne (Mrs C & Mr P Huyton)

Limit Bitch 15 (3abs)

This was my class of the day, a pure joy to judge. A class of such quality, it was a tough job to separate them.

1st Never Say Never Oasis of Peace (Mrs S Phipps-Baker & Mr I Baker)

Caught my eye as soon as I saw her, lovely workmanlike size. Pretty head with lovely length of neck and layback of shoulder. Good length of body, moderate bend of stifle and well let down hocks. On the move she covered the ground with such ease and moved straight and true. She had the wonderful Flatcoat spirit, she was loving her day and it really showed. Had no hesitation in awarding her the Reserve Bitch Challenge Certificate.

2nd Gwenadillo Tweetie Pie (Miss J Calverley)

Another bitch of such quality, lovely head with a dark eye and a melting expression. Good length of body and short loin. Being picky I would prefer a little more upper arm. Excellent rear angulation standing square with super tight feet. She moved effortlessly around the ring and covered the ground well with a lovely side gait.

3rd Caehaidd Lets Go Crazy with Braemist (Miss L Jones)

Open Bitch 7 (1abs)

1st Sh Ch Hightyne Ramblin Rose (Mrs C & Mr P Huyton)

Very pretty bitch with a dark eye and neat well set on ears. She has good front angulation and a short square loin. Super feet and moderate stifle, she moved with purpose around the ring covering the ground well.

2nd Hopevalley Morning Rainbow JW (Mrs M Romeo-Dieste)

Similar size to 1, really liked this bitch, beautiful well moulded head with good length of neck. Good upper arm, just preferred 1’s depth of chest. Good hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle. She moved straight and true and held a beautiful topline and shape.

3rd Jade Vom Wildforstersee of Gloi JW (Mrs E Walker & Dr L Roberts)

Rachel Deacon (Judge)