Okehampton & District Canine Society

Okehampton & District Canine Society

30 April 2022

My thanks to the Committee for the invitation to judge at this well run show.  It may be quite a lot of years now since I last showed a Cavalier, but that does not mean that I have no longer have any interest in the breed, nothing is further from the truth, it was and is my first love - with my husband as Webmaster for the Cavalier Club it is impossible to remain oblivious!  The South West was a stronghold of the breed and home to so many of our earlier top breeders and kennels; ‘history’ in this context has much to help us move forward, please do not ignore what went before, we owe them a huge debt and should not squander the progress they made.  I can only echo the criticisms I am seeing in the show reports from so many others these days.  Those who know me are very well aware that correct construction and movement are paramount as far as I am concerned.  Correct front construction needs not only good lay of shoulder, but also angulation and length of upper arm to bring elbows beneath the withers, which helps to correct pelvic angles and reduce fall over the croup and allow for correct tail set and carriage. A good turn of stifle and well let down hocks complete the picture.  I understand that you can only show the dogs you have, but please be selective, it is as easy to have a reputation for poor as for good dogs.  Of course the head, expression, temperament, coat and marking are important, but for me they are the ‘finishing touches’. This is just my view, and the comments are meant to give understanding to my decisions, not offend.

SY  (5) A class of mixed sizes and ages, mostly puppies.

1 Hawkins’ Lexody Shenanigans, larger blenheim several months older than all others, rangy, would prefer better upper arm, but moved freely and accurately.  However his head properties do him no favours.  

2 Player’s Ellemich Hands Of Time at Anickily, Ruby puppy, very immature, promising, but needs to settle into hindquarters and use her angulation on the move, BP.  

3 Pike’s Daltonian Rose In Bloom.  

PG (1)

1 L. Shenanigans.

 L (1, 1abs)

OD (2)

1 Blackie & Knapp’s Cridensa Conrad ShCM, ShCEx, a ruby dog I have done well in the past and could not deny again today, he stood ahead of all. So well put together, giving balance and elegance, lovely head and soft kind expression, good length of neck, level topline, lovely tailset and carriage, so sound and free on the move, easy BOB.

2 Player’s Granasil Piccolo at Anickily JW, a really nice boy, but a little happy with his tail, and I found he lacked the elegant flow of lines from neck to shoulder and hind quarters.  A little careless in hind movement today.  

OB (5, 1abs)

1 Player’s Anickily Pandora JW, happy little bitch and I forgave her naughtiness on the table as she really came into her own on the floor, showing her balanced outline and true movement.  RBOB I preferred her overall outline over 2 in Open Dog.

2 Randle’s Chicariad Havana Sunrise with Underknoll VW, at 11 years old, well put together with nothing to dislike, she is as sound as a bell still, although her age is starting to take its toll she deserved her place.

3 Liverton-Ovey’s Bon Ray Of Hope.

Papillons

PG (2)

1 Orchard’s Panspayon Natasha,  

2 Orchard’s Panspayon Northern Lights, 7 month old litter sisters, both really nice, happy temperament, good use of ears, at this stage I just preferred overall balance of first, and felt 2 needed to fill and tighten compared to 1.

O (1)

1 Orchard’s Nightfire’s Be Unique In Style at Panspayon (imp Deu), extrovert puppy with so much to like, really well put together and well coated for age.   Once he settled he sorted his movement out to be so accurate and true, BOB, Group 4 and Puppy Group 2.

Open Stakes

There was the temptation of fabulous prize money on offer 1st to 5th, but thank you for the privilege of hands on so many stunning dogs from groups I am not directly involved with!  As breed judging was continuing I was not surprised you all disappeared immediately, but sadly I did not get a chance to make notes on the dogs in the ring.  I can say that my winners all impressed first and foremost for balance, sound construction and movement.

1, Smith’s Malamute, Ch Snowshoes The White Witch, she just filled my eye,  

2 Fenn & Foster’s GSD, Chalksville Cool Running over Jandeburn ShCM ShCEx, he so impressed with the strength and power in his hindquarters, so sound,

3 Willcock’s Samoyed, Dynar First Love RSM JCH BE JCH NL JCH BJWNL’19,

Res. Robinson’s Sheltie, Lavika Lucky Star JW,   

VHC Pilgrim’s Doberman Swnydwr Snapchat at Woodbriar JW ShCEx OSW.

Mrs Jo Norris

Judge