Dorset County Canine Society

Dorset County Canine Society Members Limited Show

27th November 2022

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge the at their lovely show. Also, I would like to thank my two stewards, especially Barry Bull who not only kept things running smoothly was also training my other steward.

I would also like to thank all of the exhibitors who entered their dogs under me, this was my first-time judging a Limit Show and I was over the moon by my entry. I spent a lot of time before my appointment studying breed standards so I do hope that I have managed to judge each dog to that standard.

The overall quality of the entry was excellent, with some extremely difficult decisions for me to make. In some groups there were some outstanding dogs that on another day would have no doubt taken top honours and I was definitely splitting hairs in many of my decisions. Some exhibitors were still having issues showing their dogs teeth, a few putting their heads in the way making it impossible to see the bite. Others were fabulous and clearly junior or adult handlers – we can all learn a lot from these exhibitors! Whist presentation overall of the dogs was excellent on a few it was lacking; some were in need of a bath. I must also mention claws. Long claws are not good for the dog and can cause issues for them. They can alter the look of the foot or even how a dog moves and as a judge you never want to hear the dogs’ claws touching the floor when it moves.

Temperament was excellent with only a couple of dogs not too happy to be gone over. All exhibitors listened to my instructions which was great and not always the case! On the whole everyone took their placings with good grace, no one wants to hear what someone’s dog has previously won, as we all know, it’s the dog on the day. There were definitely a few dogs that I had previously seen and admired from ringside who sadly didn’t perform at their best today and therefore were placed to their performance.

AVNSC Hound

Puppy Dog or Bitch 2(0)

1 Rowe’s Boloria Sugar ‘N Spice - Dachshund (Wire Haired) 7-month-old bitch. A very pretty, well put together bitch for one so young. Caught my eye as she entered the ring with real purpose to her movement. She has a correct sized head, beautiful almond shaped dark eyes, high set ears which she used to her advantage giving her an alert expression. She has a correct, strong mouth, a scissor bite which is covered perfectly by her closely fitted lips. She has a feminine yet powerful neck leading to her fabulous, full chest. Her body is well muscled and of correct proportions, her front feet slightly larger than the rear, her tail is correctly set on and carried correctly on the stand and on the move. Her coat is harsh with a denser undercoat. Her movement won her the class; my notes say “fluid and effortless”, she moved with drive powered well from behind and was correct when viewed from all angles. A really honest bitch, I see a bright future for her. Best AVNSC Hound Puppy, AVNSC Hound Group 3 and delighted to award her Reserve Best Puppy in Show.

2 Cheke’s Jacapelli Drops of Jupiter - Rhodesian Ridgeback 7-month-old bitch. A nice bitch with a correctly proportioned head, dark soulful eyes, ears set high ands carried close to her head, her mouth is good with correct scissor bite. She has a lovely strong, feminine neck. Her chest is good and she has good rear angulation. Her feet are compact but her dew claws need some attention. Her coat is in lovely condition. It was difficult to assess her tail carriage as she was quite nervous and held it under her body for the majority of the time she was in the ring. This nervousness also made it impossible to assess her movement. I do hope that the owners are not put off by her experience, it’s a lot to take in for a puppy, so keep going, she’s a lovely girl.

Yearling Dog or Bitch 4 (3)

1 Reese’s Daisylawn Bettyboop - Whippet 19-month-old bitch. This pretty fawn & white girl has a correct long and lean head with powerful jaws and a correct scissor bite, her oval eyes are dark and alert. Her ears are of correct size, as the standard says, rose shaped which is so apt for this lovely breed. Her neck is beautifully long, she has a deep chest, her back gently arched and her tail is correctly set on and carried well on the move. Her nails could do with some attention. Her movement is correct, with along effortless stride looking correct fore and aft. AVNSC Hound Group 4.

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 2 (1)

1 Cheke’s Kinabula’s Gitana of Jacapelli - Rhodesian Ridgeback 4-year-old bitch. A very nice well-made bitch with a lot to like about her; Correct feminine head, sparkling brown round eyes, her ears are correctly set on and of correct size and shape, she has a strong neck, a good deep chest, and her rear angles are correct, she was well muscled all over, very lean. Her tail is correctly set on and carried well on the move. Her movement was correct, moving with power seemingly effortless viewed from every angle. AVNSC Hound Group 2.

Open Dog or Bitch 3 (0)

1 Rowe’s Boloria’s Aramis - Dachshund (Wire Haired) 4-year-old dog. This strong, masculine chocolate and tan dog is a lovely example of the breed. He has an excellent head of the correct proportions, lovely dark almond shaped eyes, an excellent mouth, correctly set ears which he uses well. He has a good reach of neck, which is strong and muscular. He has a fabulous forechest and his depth of rib is excellent. His body is well muscled and of correct proportions. His coat is harsh with a dense undercoat. This young man excels on the move. He has a long stride and moved with attitude. This dog really is fit for purpose. From the same kennel as my Best AVNSC Hound puppy and you can see the similarities. Very happy to award his AVNSC Hound Group 1.

2 Reece’s Pteridium Bracken - Whippet 4-year-old bitch. Fawn and white of correct size. Feminine head, bright oval eyes, well set ears. She has a good mouth with correct scissor bite, her neck is long and elegant. Her front is of correct proportions and her body is well muscled but not overdone. She has strong hindquarters, correct feet yet another who’s claws need some attention. She has lovely movement, effortless and rhythmic looking correct from all angles.

3 Whitelock’s Rumuruti Rather Hopeful - Rhodesian Ridgeback 5-year-old bitch

AV Hound Import Register Open Dog or Bitch - No Entries

AVNSC Gundog

Puppy Dog or Bitch 8 (2)

1 Baird’s Etheridge Penarth – Spaniel (Clumber) 6-month-old dog. Whilst I was judging the Hound group, I could see this lad playing around outside the ring, he was not behaving at all and I have to say it was quite funny to watch. So, he had already caught my eye before coming into the ring, maybe not for the right reasons! He has a correct head; deep stop, square muzzle and lovely heavy brows over his amber eyes. His mouth is strong with a scissor bite. He has correctly sized, heavy ears carried slightly forward which help to give him his particularly mischievous expression. He has a strong, powerful neck with an excellent front and he is certainly well off for bone. He is well bodied, muscular, has a deep chest and has powerful hindquarters which he displays well on the move. His tail is set low on and carried level on the move and his coat is already quite abundant, silky with his furnishings coming along nicely. He really made his very patient handler work hard today, but when he got going, he took my breath away. This young dog has fabulous movement, totally effortless, keeping his shape on the move looking beautiful from all angles. The breed standard says they should be “capable of a day’s work of beating in heavy cover” and that they should be “great hearted, highly intelligent with a determined attitude”. Well, this puppy encompasses this perfectly. When I think of a Clumber, this is what I think of. I think this boy has a very bright future. Best AVNSC Gundog Puppy and I couldn’t deny him Best Puppy in Show in a very tough line-up.

2 Henson’s Cinderbank Move It – Retriever (Golden) almost 7-month-old dog. This lovely dog was very unlucky to meet 1 in this class and on another day the places could have been swapped. He has a well-balanced head which is in proportion, a lovely dark nose, the darkest of eyes framed by dark rims, strong jaws with a scissor bite and his ears are well set on giving him such a kind expression. He has a clean muscular neck, a deep capacious chest, straight forelegs with plenty of bone. He is a tad bum high today but that’s only to be expected in a puppy, he has excellent cat feet, his tail is well set on, of correct length and carried level on the move. He has a lovely slightly wavy coat and his feathering is coming on well. On the move he was powerful and moved with drive looking correct fore and aft. Another who I am sure has a bright future.

3 Harris’ Zakhan’s Rough Diamond by Konakakela – Irish Setter 9-month-old dog

Yearling Dog or Bitch 4 (1)

1 Purves’ Grousehill Dream Boy – Irish Setter 19-month-old dog. Rich chestnut in colour, this dog has the most masculine of heads, he really catches your eye, its lean and long but with no coarseness. He has the most beautiful dark almond eyes giving him a kind expression, his ears are of correct size and held close to his head. He has an excellent mouth with scissor bite. His neck strong, he has a correct front with a deep chest, a firm topline and excellent rear angulation with good feet. His tail is well set on, strong and is carried correctly. His abundant coat is the icing on the cake with ample feathering in the correct places. His movement is effortless, free flowing and rhythmic looking correct from all angles. AVNSC Gundog Group 2.

2 Morgan’s Benoveor Endless Love – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) 22-month-old bitch. This girl has a beautiful head of correct proportions with dark eyes, well set on ears carried correctly and an excellent mouth with correct scissor bite. She has a deep brisket with a strong loin and excellent rear angles. Her tail is well set on and carried correctly with correct feathering. Her feet are round and catlike. Her coat is abundant with silky feathering. Her movement was powerful and she moved with drive. Another unlucky to meet 1 today.

3 Kibby’s Trimere Taylor Maid at Pinhays JW - Spaniel (English Springer) 18-month-old bitch

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 4 (0)

1 Kibby’s Trimere Turn Back Time JW - Spaniel (English Springer) 18-month-old bitch. This pretty girl has a strong head without losing femininity, she has lovely dark eyes, her ears are well set on and carried correctly with beautiful feathering, she has strong jaws and a correct scissor bite. She has a strong, muscular neck with strong well boned front legs with her elbows set close to her body. She has a strong body, well-muscled but not at all over done, with good feet with a low set tail. I’m glad that I had studied breed standards before judging as the movement of this breed is very different than other breeds and this bitch exhibits this well, throwing her feet forward and moving with power. Her lovely deep liver and white coat has ample feathering on her ears, forelegs and rear legs. AVNSC Gundog Group 3.

2 Rorke’s Zakhan’s Dream Believer – Irish Setter 3-year-old bitch. This girl has a lovely feminine head of correct proportions, lovely dark eyes, low set on ears of correct size. She has a good mouth with correct scissor bite, a strong yet feminine neck, and excellent front with correct small feet. She has a deep chest, a lovely level topline, excellent rear angulation and a correctly set on tail, carried well on the move. Her coat is a lovely deep chestnut and silky to the touch. I would have preferred a less wavy feathering for a better overall picture but that’s being picky. Her movement is lovely and free flowing, looking correct fore and aft. My notes say “mischievous”, this girl definitely has a little glint in her eye!

3 Luczynski’s Fabelsfee Nothing But Fun for Kanara (Imp Fin) – Spaniel (American Cocker) 3 year old bitch

Open Dog or Bitch

1 Rorke’s Zakhan’s the Red Le Baron – Irish Setter 3-year-old dog. There is so much to like about this lovely boy, he has a very masculine head, correctly set on ears carried close to his head, a good mouth with correct scissor bite and beautiful dark eyes. His neck is elegant and muscular, he has a deep capacious chest, an excellent front assembly, a lovely level topline and fabulous rear angles. His feet are small but in proportion with the rest of him, his tail is well set on and carried correctly on the move. His coat is his crowning glory, silky, abundant and excellent feathering in the correct places. He comes into his own on the move, gliding around the ring, totally effortless. AVNSC Gundog Group 4.

2 Wallace’s Tiaja Love in The Sun – Retriever (Labrador) 5-year-old bitch. This girl has a very feminine but strong head, with lovely dark eyes, a good mouth with correct scissor bite and well set on ears. Her neck is strong and powerful, she has an excellent deep chest and a good front assembly. She has a good level topline and is solidly built without losing her femininity, she has good rear angles with a strong thick tail, well set on and carried correctly on the move. Her coat is dense and hard to the touch, perfect for her to be out in the rain all day working. She has good movement; she covers the ground well and looks correct fore and aft. This young lady also has lots of attitude!

3 Harris & Hoeksema’s Bridgella’s First Edition with Konakakela JW ShCEX OSW – English Setter 5 years old dog

AV Gundog Import Register Open Dog or Bitch

1 Swanston-Murphy’s Gooseleys Zelda Sparkler AZ1 - Korthals Griffon almost 2-year-old bitch. This is a totally new breed to me and after researching the breed standard before my appointment I was looking forward to seeing one in the flesh. This lovely girl did not disappoint. Don’t let the fact that she stood alone take anything away from her fabulous assets. She catches your eye as soon as she enters the ring, she has a correct head, with dark brown soulful eyes, correctly set on ears and a correct scissor bite. Her neck is strong, her chest is deep and she has a straight front with excellent feet. She has long powerful thighs with plenty of muscle. Her tail is correct and carried exactly as the breed standard says “with the tip slightly raised”. Her liver roan coat is harsh with a really dense undercoat. Her movement took my breath away, my notes say “fabulous, like on rails” which is what it should be. She covered the ground effortlessly. Best AVNSC Gundog Import and very happy to award her Gundog Group 1.

AVNSC Utility

Puppy Dog or Bitch 5 (1)

1 Rutley’s Araki Not on Your Nelly at Javey – Tibetan Terrier 8-month-old bitch. What a cracking puppy this is! She has an excellent feminine head, a strong muzzle with a correct bite, dark round eyes, her ears are of correct size, set on well giving her a delightful expression. She has a strong, muscular neck, well laid-back shoulders, straight front legs and fabulous large round, feet. She has a compact and well-muscled body, a level topline and lovely rear angles. Her tail is carried correctly and well feathered already. Her coat is coming on really well and belies her young age. Her movement is fantastic; she glided around the ring with ease, totally effortless, keeping her shape perfectly presenting an excellent overall picture. Best AVNSC Utility Puppy, I couldn’t deny her a place in the adult group either despite her tender age – AVNSC Utility Group 3. She was so unlucky to meet some other top-quality puppies in the BPIS challenge.

2 Cann’s Sunmarca Secret Agent – Poodle (Miniature) 8-month-old dog. This delightful lad was unlucky to meet 1 today. Full of character, masculine and elegant – a true Poodle. He has a lovely masculine head, well chiselled but not overdone, He has dark almond shaped eyes, a good mouth with correct scissor bite and long ear leathers that he carries close to his head. He has a strong neck with an excellent straight front, a deep chest, a short body with excellent real angulation. He has beautiful round, tight feet, his tail is set on well. His coat is profuse and he is well on the way to getting his adult coat, being already quite harsh and is the darkest of blacks. He moved with purpose and drive and didn’t put a foot wrong. Unfortunately, today he was just out moved by 1.

3 Moorcroft’s Tammux Elementary Watson – Miniature Schnauze r 11-month-old dog

Yearling Dog or Bitch 3 (1)

1 Edens’ Steyndal Diamond White at Dalens – Dalmatian 15-month-old bitch. This girl I have seen many times from the outside of the ring so it was nice to be able to get my hands on her. She is a good honest bitch with a correct head, the darkest of eyes, good mouth with correct scissor bite and her ears are set on well and she uses them to her advantage. She has a strong but feminine neck, a good straight front, she has tight cat feet, a deep capacious chest and well sprung ribs. She is well muscled and has a good topline. Her rear angles are excellent and she has got a well-developed second thigh. Her tail is well set on and is carried well on the move and on the stand. Her dark spotting is dense on her face but well-spaced and of correct size on the rest of her body. She had a touch of Dally rash today, the bain of a Dalmatian exhibitor’s life. Her movement is excellent moving with power and drive keeping her topline on the move. She really needed a bigger ring to show off her movement to her full extent. AVNSC Utility Group 2.

2 Bridge’s Akoni Athos Comte de la Fere – Dalmatian 17-month-old dog. This boy is a real stallion of a Dalmatian and he has matured well since I first judged him in February. He has a lovely masculine head, not at all overdone. He has dark eyes which give him such a soft expression, his ears are correctly set on but he does have a tendency to fly them on the stand. He has a correct scissor bite, a strong, powerful neck, an excellent straight front and the deepest of chests with good spring of rib. He has excellent tight cat feet, is well bodied, lean but solid muscle, he has good rear angles with well-developed second thighs and his tail is well set on. He wasn’t wearing his best coat today, suffering from Dally rash. He has dark black spotting but has a large amount of secondary spotting. However, the spotting is only the icing on the cake and this boy is well made. He was very nervous today and I did struggle to get my hands on him as much as I would have liked. Unfortunately, this nervousness carried over slightly into his movement and he didn’t really want to be in the ring. Such a shame because when he was concentrating, I could see flashes of excellent movement.

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 4 (1)

1 Silsbury’s Jahunas Expecto Patronam for J’adoremy (ATC AW03011401) - Shih Tzu 3-year-old dog. This lovely boy really catches your eye when he walks into the ring. He has an excellent broad head with muzzle of ample length, wide nostrils, his mouth is correct, slightly undershot and he lovely dark round bright eyes. His ears are large with long leathers set on well and they blend perfectly into his neck hair. He has a great neck, well laid-back shoulders, correctly sized muscular legs and excellent round feet. Under his coat is a powerhouse of a dog, he is well muscled, well coupled with a broad and deep chest. He has strong round well-muscled thighs and his heavily plumed, set on high tail is carried over his back. His coat is dense, perfectly straight and he is perfectly presented. I love to see a well-made Shih Tzu move and this boy did not disappoint. He glided effortlessly around the ring, showing himself off with arrogance, literally saying “look at me”. Very pleased to award him AVNSC Utility Group 1.

2 Diffey’s Marhilway Explored the Edge – Shih Tzu 22-month-old bitch. This pretty girl has a lovely broad yet, feminine head, with correct length of muzzle and wide nostrils, her eyes are dark and round and her mouth is correct. She has long ear leathers, a good neck and a strong front with good round feet. She is well bodied with a good chest and well-muscled rear legs. Her tail is well set and carried correctly over her back. Her outer coat is dense and thick with a moderate undercoat. Her movement was fluid, she moved with drive from behind. She was just out moved today by 1 who as an older dog had the edge on maturity. She is a lovely bitch though and she has time on her side.

3 Cole’s Keiradal Syrena – Dalmatian 4-year-old bitch

Open Dog or Bitch 7 (1)

1 Silsbury’s Jadoremy Thunderbolt Zuse ShCM – Shih Tzu 8-year-old dog. This boy has a good head, with ample muzzle length, dark, bright eyes and wide nostrils. His ear leathers are long, set well and their coat blends well with the coat on his body. He has a good strong neck, correctly sized legs that are well muscled, he is well bodied with a good chest and is a sturdy workhorse. He has strong, well-muscled rear legs and lovely round compact feet. He has a spectacular coat and was presented beautifully; the outer coat is long, profuse and straight and he has a moderate under coat, my notes say “wow – excellent”. He excels on the move and literally didn’t put a foot wrong, he moved around the ring like he was on rails, moving with drive and purpose. I was not surprised to learn he was sire to the winner of Post Graduate, they share many of the same excellent traits. AVNSC Utility Group 4.

2 Cole’s Keiradal Mel’s Destiny – Dalmatian 8-year-old bitch. I have judged this bitch before and I still like her very much. I know it’s a cliché, but she was very unlucky to meet 1 today who was on top form. Liver and white with a feminine head of correct size, her dark ears are well set on and she uses them to her advantage giving her a beautiful expression. She has dark amber eyes and a correct scissor bite. She has an elegant neck and a good straight front with excellent chest and well sprung ribs. She has a good topline, good rear angles with good cat feet and her tail is well set on and she carries it well on the move. Her coat is clear white with evenly spaced deep liver spotting. Her movement is what I love to watch, she is a true carriage dog moving rhythmically, pushing with drive from behind and looking correct from all angles. She was such a happy girl today, this dog loves being in the show ring.

3 Bridge’s Keiradal Moulin Rouge at Akoni – Dalmatian 5-year-old bitch

AV Utility Import Register Open Dog or Bitch - No Entries

AVNSC Terrier

I feel I must comment on this group as sadly there were only a handful of entries. However, these entries were all of very good quality and I had to make some very hard decisions while judging them.

Puppy Dog or Bitch – no entries

Yearling Dog or Bitch 2 (0)

1 Ebdon’s Flashback Aston Martin – Fox Terrier (Wire) 15-month-old dog. A very smart dog with a masculine head with a correct topline of skull, the darkest of eyes, strong jaws with a correct scissor bite and well-set ears dropping forward with the fold of ear well above the top of the skull. He has a clean, muscular neck shoulders sloping down, a broad chest, a straight front and good, round, compact feet. His body is lean but well-muscled, not an ounce of fat on him. He has strong hindquarters with well let down hocks and a correctly set on tail that he carries well on the move and on the stand. He is a really happy boy and was wagging the whole time! His coat is harsh and wiry. His movement is excellent and he moved with purpose and attitude and drove from behind. AVNSC Terrier Group 1.

2 Williams’ Alkinra Gossip Gal - Fox Terrier (Wire) 17-month-old bitch. This girl has a lot to like about her, she entered the ring full of attitude and on her toes. She has a correct head, dark eyes, a good mouth with strong jaws and correct scissor bite. Her ears are well placed with the flaps falling onto her cheeks, she has a muscular yet feminine neck, a broad chest with straight front and compact, round feet. She has a short back which is level and strong, muscular hindquarters and her tail is correctly set on high. Her coat is dense and wiry with the correct furnishings. I struggled to be able to assess her movement properly as her handler kept pulling her lead causing her front feet to come off of the floor. The brief moments I did see were good.

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 1 (0)

1 Joy’s Byzantine Brouhaha – Bull Terrier (Miniature) 20-month-old bitch. This is a breed that I have always had a soft spot for so it was lovely to actually get my hands on one! This pretty girl has a strong, deep head with the top almost flat decorated with thin erect ears, alert, dark triangular shaped eyes she has a strong under jaw with a correct scissor bite. She has a beautiful strong, long neck, her elbows are held close to her body, she has correct upright pasterns and her forelegs have plenty of bone. She is well bodied and absolutely solid muscle with a good chest. She has well developed second thighs, so defined in fact I can see them in the picture I took! Her tail is well set on and carried high. Her coat is short and harsh to the touch but to the eye is has great gloss. When I moved her she went around the ring with ease, showing the power comes from the rear. The breed standard says “with a typical jaunty air”. This sums up this pretty girl perfectly. Don’t let the fact that she stood alone detract from her qualities. AVNSC Terrier Group 2. She pushed the winner all the way and it was a hard decision.

Open Dog or Bitch – no entries

AV Terrier Import Register Open Dog or Bitch – no entries

AVNSC Pastoral

Puppy Dog or Bitch 4 (0)

1 Sparrow’s Tulipe Bleue de la Baie D’Adonis (Imp Fra) – Briard 7-month-old bitch. Correct head shape and size, strong muzzle with a good mouth with correct scissor bite, dark ears giving a gentle expression, well set on ears of correct size and carried slightly forward on her head. She has a good strong neck, excellent forequarters with plenty of bone and good feet. Her body is firm, she has a level back, a good broad chest and is slightly higher at the croup showing the correct outline despite her young age. She has excellent rear angulation, her tail is set on well and carried low. Her coat is lovely which is the icing on the cake of this lovely girl. She has very nice steady movement, even and with plenty of drive. Best AVNSC Pastoral Puppy.

2 Steele’s Rocpen Juro Twill – Bearded Collie 6-month-old bitch. Good feminine head of correct size and shape, correct eyes framed by arched eyebrows, her ears are well set on of medium size, she has a good mouth, a nice muscular neck and a straight front with plenty of bone. She has good feet, well covered with hair, a lovely level back and a good chest. She has correct rear angles and her tail is set on low and carried correctly on the move and on the stand. Her coat is coming on nicely, already quite abundant. Her movement is steady and effortless just not as good as 1 today.

3 Walmsley, Frost, Frost & Treadwell’s Frostisen Zeta (IKC) – Norwegian Buhund 10-month-old bitch

Yearling Dog or Bitch 2 (0)

1 Creamer’s Lyngarso Captain Tom – Shetland Sheepdog 22-month-old dog. A very smart lad with an elegant, masculine head with lovely alert ears carried correctly, his eyes are dark and bright and beautifully framed by dark rims, he has a good mouth with scissor bite and a strong under jaw. He has a good neck, a fabulous front with a deep chest, I would like to have seen a tad more weight on his body. He has excellent feet, a well set on tail and correct rear angles. His coat is beautifully groomed and he was presented perfectly. His movement is effortless and graceful. AVNSC Pastoral Group 3.

2 Morton-Hadley’s Kingsfrome End of an Era (ATC AY08039606) – German Shephard Dog 18-month-old bitch. She has a lovely clean cut feminine head, dark, intelligent almond shaped eyes, correctly set on alert ears, a strong muzzle and jaws with a correct scissor bite. She has an excellent, strong neck, a good front with strong round bone and lovely strong round feet. She has a good chest, her body is of correct length and her back is strong with a slightly sloping coup, she has a strong rear end with upright pasterns. Her tail is full and carried well on the move and on the stand. Her coat is harsh with a soft undercoat. Her movement was hard for me to assess as she was very unsettled on the move. It is a shame as she is a nice, well put together bitch with lots to like about her.

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 4 (0)

1 Pigott’s Gilcoru Amour D’Brie – Briard 2-year-old bitch. Correct head, well set on ears of correct size, well covered in hair, nice large dark eyes, a good mouth with correct scissor bite. Her neck is of good length and strong, she has excellent forequarters, is well off for bone and has strong, rounded feet. She is well bodied with a broad chest and a level back, her tail is well set on and carried correctly and she has good rear angulation. Her coat is of correct length and texture. Her movement is steady and even, looking correct from all angles and she moves with drive. AVNSC Pastoral Group 4.

2 McShane’s Blenmerrow Ring of Roses – Shetland Sheepdog 2-year-old bitch. A pretty girl with a lovely feminine head, muzzle of correct length and in proportion with the rest of her head with a correct mouth and scissor bite. She has well set on ears, nice dark almond eyes, a good neck, excellent front, correct oval feet, her chest is deep, she has a level back and good rear angles. Her tail is full and carried well, her coat is harsh with a soft undercoat and she was well presented. Her movement is steady and even, but today she out moved by 1.

3 Lock’s Chrisvale Made Me Smile – Belgian Shephard Dog (Groenendael) 3-year-old bitch

Open Dog or Bitch 5 (1)

1 Creamer’s Clanavon Touch of Blue at Lyngarso – Shetland Sheepdog 4-year-old bitch. This lovely bitch caught my eye initially by her beautiful coat, and when I got my hands on her what was underneath didn’t disappoint. She has a gorgeous head totally in proportion, with lovely dark eyes, beautifully set on ears which enhance her alert expression perfectly. She has a good mouth with correct scissor bite. Her elegant, muscular neck eases into her level back. She has an excellent front with a deep chest, straight front legs and good oval feet. She is well bodied, without losing femininity and is well muscled. Her rear angles and excellent. Her coat is immaculate and abundant, with a fabulous mane. The standard says the coat must not detract from the outline of the dog and this bitch fits that perfectly, what you see is what you get. She brings all of this together when she moves. My notes say “excellent”. She moved with ease around the ring, covering the ground as if she was gliding, an absolute pleasure to watch. AVNSC Pastoral Group 2.

2 Hall’s Estjak Riodouro at Kayarrach – Estrela Mountain Dog 4-year-old dog. Correct size head with a tapering muzzle, strong jaw with correct scissor bite, correct sized ears, carried close to his skull, lovely dark oval eyes giving him an intelligent expression. He has a strong short neck, an excellent front with plenty of round bone and good oval feet. He is well bodied with lots of muscle and he has moderate rear angles. His tail is low set on and very well furnished, carried well on the move. His coat is well presented with a lovely dark mask. He has fabulous movement, covering the ground with ease. There is a lot to like about this dog. He was unlucky to meet 1 on great form today.

3 Sparrow’s Marguerite Bleue de la Baie D’Adonis (Imp Fra) – Briard 6-year-old bitch

AV Pastoral Import Register Open Dog or Bitch 1 (0)

1 Ridgewell’s Brigam Snow Blanket – White Swiss Shephard 21-month-old dog. I absolutely love this dog. I first saw the breed at an open show during the summer when I was stewarding and it immediately caught my eye. I was delighted to see a White Swiss Shephard entered today and to discover it was the same dog. His masculine head is finely chiselled, he has strong jaws with correct scissor bite. He has gorgeous dark almond shaped eyes, a jet-black nose, high set triangular ears, erect and alert. His neck is strong and muscular, his front is excellent, with a prominent fore chest. He has correct oval feet with arched toes, he has a good topline with a gently sloping croup, his rear is well muscled with correct angles and strong vertical pasterns. He has a full, thick tail, low set on and carried correctly. He is perfectly presented with coat in excellent condition. He brings this all together perfectly on the move. He is an absolute joy to watch, he makes his movement look totally effortless, he moves like he is on rails, with extension from the front and excellent drive from behind, looking correct fore and aft. The breed standard says that this breed should give the impression of soundness and capability to work. This dog fits that to perfection. A really top-class dog. Best AVNSC Pastoral Import, AVNSC Pastoral Group 1 and couldn’t deny him Best in Show in very good company.

AVNSC Toy

Puppy Dog or Bitch 2 (1)

1 Makepeace’s Cedilla Cherry Jubilee at Sandigara – Pug 10-month-old bitch. I really liked this excitable little girl. “Happy and lively disposition” is what the standard says and this girl exhibited this excellently! Head of correct size and in proportion to her body with a blunt muzzle, correct slightly undershot bite, dark round eyes and velvet soft ears of correct size. She has correct and well defined wrinkles on her forehead. She has a thick neck, strong straight front legs with correct feet and black nails. She has a good level topline, a broad chest and excellent rear quarters with a lovely turn of stifle. Her tail is set on high and curled over her hip. She has a soft coat. She was having an absolutely lovely time so it took her a while to settle but when she did her movement was excellent, moving with purpose. I could have taken her home! Best AVNSC Toy Puppy and also very happy to award her AVNSC Toy Group 2.

Yearling Dog or Bitch 1 (0)

1 Hawkins Featherfalls Sweet Kiss for Pendralier – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 13-month-old bitch. Pretty girl with such a feminine head of correct size and proportion, well developed nostrils, strong jaws with correct scissor bite, dark, round eyes, beautifully long high set on ears and a correct neck. She has a straight front with enough bone, correct feet with ample feathering, a level topline with a correctly set on tail carried well on the move. Her coat is full, silky soft with plenty of feathering. On the move she is balanced looking correct fore and aft. AVNSC Toy Group 4.

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 3 (0)

1 Makepeace’s Sandigara Sweet Dreams – Pug 4-year-old bitch. Feminine head of correct size and proportion and in proportion with her body, she has alert ears of correct size, lovely dark round eyes, open nostrils and a good mouth with correct bite. She has clearly defined wrinkles on her forehead. Her neck is strong, she has a broad chest, a straight front with correct feet and black nails. Her body is short and cobby, she has strong rear legs and her tail is set on high with a curl over her hip. Her movement was excellent. AVNSC Toy Group 3.

2 Hawkins Lexody Shenanigans JW – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 22-month-old dog. He has a correct masculine head, dark round eyes, correct scissor bite, lovely long ears, set high. He has a slightly arched neck, a moderate chest, good feet with ample feathering. He has good rear angles, his tail is well set on and carried well. His coat is silky and he has ample feathering. His movement is good with drive from behind. Just preferred the overall picture of 1.

3 Crump’s Cedilla Maskerade Pigalle – Pug 10-month-old bitch

Open Dog or Bitch 3 (1)

1 Lane’s Starleisha Midnight Kiss – Havanese almost 4-year-old bitch. This girl wants you to look at her when she walks into the ring, she oozes personality. She has a lovely feminine head, broad and moderately round. She has dark almond eyes with a sweet expression, black nose and lips, strong jaws with a correct scissor bite and correctly set on ears. She has a correct neck, an excellent straight front with good bone, small, tight feet. She has a lovely topline with a slight rise over her loin, well sprung ribs and just the right amount of angulation in her hindquarters. Her tail is set on high and she carries it over her back. Her coat is beautifully presented, soft, silky and abundant. On the move she really is a picture, sailing around the ring without effort looking correct from every angle. AVNSC Toy Group 1.

2 Makepeace’s Sandigara Second Thoughts – Pug 4-year-old dog. A smart lad with a good head which is in proportion to his body, defined wrinkles on his forehead, dark round eyes, a correct mouth and bite and correct ears. He has a thick neck, straight front legs and lovely feet with black claws. He has a broad chest, is short in body and has a good topline, strong long back legs and a high set tail curled over his hip. He was a really happy chap which he exhibited well on the move, looking correct from all angles.

AV Toy Import Register Open Dog or Bitch – no entries

AVNSC Working

Puppy Dog or Bitch 3 (1)

1 Chapman’s Astra Fidelis (ATC NAF) - Russian Black Terrier 7-month-old dog. Another breed that I have admired for years but have never had the opportunity to get my hands on. This gorgeous boy did not disappoint. He has a stunning masculine head with correct proportions, with jet black lips and nose, strong jaws and a perfect scissor bite, he has dark oval eyes and triangular shaped, high set eyes held close to his head. He has a strong, powerful neck, a straight front, large round feet, a lovely deep chest a well-muscled body, lovely rear angles, his tail is in proportion with his body and set on well. His coat, as a puppy, is obviously a work in progress but it is already feeling of correct texture. His movement is totally effortless, he has great reach and moves with drive from behind. He paints a really lovely picture. Best AVNSC Working Puppy and couldn’t deny him a place in the adult group – AVNSC Working Group 3.

2 Eynott’s Jazeve Perfect Storm at Bohannons – Rottweiler 8-month-old dog. He has a good head, personally I would like it to be more masculine, but he is young so this may change with maturity. He has dark almond shaped eyes, a strong mouth with correct scissor bite and correct size ears carried close to his head. His neck is strong, he has a straight front and strong round feet. He has a broad chest and is starting to muscle up well on his body. His tail is well set on and carried correctly. He is quite leggy at the moment and I do think this affected his movement which wasn’t very coordinated. He is only young and has time on his side.

Yearling Dog or Bitch 2 (1)

1 Wickers Sweet Dreams des Sarmentins (Imp Fra) – Siberian Husky 19-month-old bitch. This girl really made her handler work hard today. She has a pretty feminine head of correct size and proportion, strong jaws with scissor bite, dark almond eyes, correct size ears set high on her head giving her an alert expression. She has a correct neck, a straight front with ample bone, strong wrists and correct feet. She has a good chest, a lovely level topline that she keeps well on the move, her tail is fox-like, set on correctly and she carries it well on the move. She has good rear angles and a lovely thick, double coat. When she settled, she moved excellently, she is light on her feet and moved with purpose. This girl could do a day’s work with no effort. AVNSC Working Group 4.

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch 1 (0)

1 Parker-Moore’s Muzoku My Voodoo Child – Alaskan Malamute 20-month-old bitch. I have judged this bitch before when she was just a puppy. She impressed me then and its lovely to see her again a year later and to see that she has improved with maturity. She is shorter on the leg than others but you must take into account what the breed standard says “consideration of size should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and any other functional attributes”. She has a beautiful feminine head, broad at the ears are narrowing to her eyes, her muzzle is large, her jaws strong and broad with a scissor bite. She has dark almond eyes, a jet-black nose, triangular ears in proportion to her head, set on correctly and always alert. Her neck is strong, she has a fabulous front with heavy bone, lots of muscle and she has large but compact neat feet. She has a strong body, a deep chest, strong hindlegs, her tail is set on well, full and carried correctly over her back. She is presented in excellent condition, with thick guard hairs and a dense undercoat. She excels on the move, driving with power from behind whilst making it look totally effortless. AVNSC Working Group 1 and very happy to award her Reserve Best in Show.

Open Dog or Bitch 3 (1)

1 Wickers Vukasin’s Jack O’Lantern – Siberian Husky 2-year-old dog. It was very interesting for me to judge a dog and a bitch and to see the differences as this seems to be one of the only breeds that gives differences in general appearance for both sexes. This dog has a very masculine head of correct proportion with a rounded nose, dark almond shaped eyes, erect ears set high on his head. He has a good mouth, strong jaws and a scissor bite. His neck is strong, he has a straight front with adequate bone for his size, oval, compact feet, a deep, strong chest, is well bodied and has well-muscled upper thighs. His tail is fox brush shape, is set on well and is carried well on the move. His coat is of correct length and consistency. He is very good on the move, showing excellent rhythm, with good reach and drive. I would like to see him ay work. AVNSC Working Group 2.

2 Darling’s Debbollinby Pepsi Max – Leonberger 5-year-old dog. He has a strong head in proportion to his body, strong jaws and a scissor bite, dark oval eyes and a well feathered correct sized ears that he carries close to his head. His neck is strong, straight well bones front legs with feet pointing straight. He is well bodied, with a deep chest, a firm back, well-muscled rear legs, his tail reaches to the hock and is well furnished, on the move he carries it well. He has ample coat, a lovely mane and thick feathering on his front legs. He really needed more room to move so he couldn’t show himself at his best, he covered the ground well and moved with drive, I just preferred the movement of 1.

AV Working Import Register Open Dog or Bitch – no entries

AV Veteran

All of the exhibits in these two classes were a credit to the longevity of their breeds. I have a huge soft spot for veterans so thoroughly enjoyed seeing these wonderful dogs still loving the show ring.

Veteran (7-9 years) Dog or Bitch 9 (4)

1 Silsbury’s Jadoremy Thunderbolt Zuse ShCM – Shih Tzu 8-year-old dog 1st in AVNSC Utility Open

2 Cole’s Keiradal Mel’s Destiny – Dalmatian 8-year-old bitch 2nd in AVNSC Utility Open

3 Williams’ Alkindra Wizard – Fox Terrier (Wire) 8-year-old dog

Veteran (10 years & over) Dog or Bitch 2 (0)

Both of the bitches in this class were lovely examples of their breeds and truly defied their age with their performances today.

1 Evans’ Glensanda Girl on The Go VW – Shetland Sheepdog 13-year-old bitch. What a stunning girl she is, I genuinely cannot believe she is 13. She has a beautiful elegant, feminine head in proportion to her body, a good mouth with correct scissor bite and full dentition, dark almond shaped bright eyes and small, correctly set on alert ears. Her neck is well arched, she has a straight front with strong bone and excellent oval feet. Her chest is deep, she has a level topline leading into a slight slope at her croup and she has strong rear legs. Her coat is her crowning glory; a long outer coat, giving her an ample mane, lovely feathering and she was presented beautifully, a real credit to her owner. Her movement was graceful and smooth and she had drive from behind. I was delighted to award this beautiful lady Best Veteran in Show.

2 Lock’s Flambards Debutante - Belgian Shephard Dog (Groenendael) 12-year-old bitch. A confident lady with a feminine head of correct proportion and shape, she has a correct scissor bite, brown kind eyes or correct shape, alert vertical ears giving her an attentive attitude. She has a well-muscled neck, strong, muscled, long straight legs with cat-like feet, a good chest, square body, moderate rear angulation with more oval feet and a correctly set on tail. Her coat is not too harsh with a lot of undercoat and correct furnishings. She moved with speed and purpose.

AV Bred by Exhibitor - 8

1 Silsbury’s Jadoremy Thunderbolt Zuse ShCM – Shih Tzu 8-year-old dog 1st in AVNSC Utility Open, 1st in veteran (7-9)

2 Ebdon’s Flashback Aston Martin – Fox Terrier (Wire) 15-month-old dog 1st in AVNSC Terrier Yearling

3 Diffey’s Marhilway Explored the Edge – Shih Tzu 22-month-old bitch

AV Not Bred by Exhibitor - 13

1 Morgan’s Benoveor Endless Love – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) 22-month-old bitch 2nd in AVNSC Gundog Yearling

2 Sparrow’s Tulipe Bleue de la Baie D’Adonis (Imp Fra) – Briard 7-month-old bitch 1st in AVNSC Pastoral Puppy

3 Silsbury’s Jahunas Expecto Patronam for J’adoremy (ATC AW03011401) - Shih Tzu 3-year-old dog

Beginners Dog or Bitch - 7

1 Moorcroft’s Tammux Elementary Watson – Miniature Schnauzer 11-month-old dog. This smart lad was in three classes today and this was definitely his best performance of the day. He has a strong masculine head, a powerful muzzle with a correct scissor bite, he has dark oval eyes and correct bushy eyebrows, his high set ears are of correct shape but he has a tendency to fly them on the stand. He neck is strong and of correct length, he has a straight front with plenty of bone and good cat-like feet. He has a good chest and his tail is carried correctly. His coat is harsh and wiry. He is very enthusiastic on the move and certainly lives up to the “vigorous” that the breed standard describes, he has good reach.

2 Steele’s Rocpen Juro Twill – Bearded Collie 6-month-old bitch 2nd in AVNSC Pastoral Puppy

Sarah-Jane Finch (Dalticino)