Crufts

My sincerest thanks to the Crufts Committee for their invitation to judge this breed here today. It was the greatest honour and I was truly thrilled by the size of my entry. My two stewards - Sam Tydeman and Debbie Clarke were totally wonderful and worked extremely hard to keep the ring running very efficiently all day.

My greatest thanks however are to all the exhibitors for affording me the honour of judging your dogs - I truly had one of the best days judging ever and greatly appreciated the sportsmanlike atmosphere that prevailed throughout. It is always interesting to read the catalogue after the event and I was delighted that both my CC winners are by the same dog who won the RDCC and BV and that my Best Puppy is a daughter of my BOB winner. Thank you all for coming - despite the atrocious weather conditions - it was a truly humbling experience.

Veteran Dog

Entries: 15 Absentees: 1

1ST Sh Ch Erikachen Conaire at Tollisty JW ShCM ShCEx VW (Miss H Strevens). I have judged him on several occasions and I think that today he looked better than ever. He has excellent overall balance and not overdone in any way. His head is clean cut with smooth cheeks and moderate stop. High set ears. Strong muscular neck leading to exemplary layback of shoulder and corresponding return and length of upper arm. Good depth of chest with correct length in ribcage. Level topline leading to powerful, well muscled hindquarters. Well defined second thigh with well bent stifles and hocks well let done. Excellent bone and good light feet. On the move he showed good reach and drive with his tail carried correctly above the level of the back. In gleaming coat and condition. A great credit to his owner who has kept him at the top of his game for many years now. RDCC and BV.

2ND Katmistsky's Soul Dream Rl6 Ex (Miss M J Davies): Another very workmanlike dog of correct overall size and balance. True head shape with moderate stop and high set ears. Well laid shoulder and return of upper arm with forelegs nicely placed under the body. Well ribbed with strong loin. Powerful hindquarters with rear pasterns parallel to the ground. Not quite the strength in front pasterns as the winner. Moved with drive carrying his tail correctly.

3RD Danehaven Roscoe (Mr N W & Mrs R A Steer)

Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST Afonbach Balerion (Miss A J Stait): Smart, well balanced puppy - litter brother to my eventual BP. Clean cut head with muzzle slightly tapering towards the nose. Strong neck. Scores in his forehand construction with shoulder well laid back and corresponding length and return of upper arm. Elbows placed close to the body. Well ribbed back. Hindquarters developing correctly with strong hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Movement slightly loose at the moment but good drive and tail held well. All there for the future.

2ND Camusmor Mak Siccar NAF (Mr D & Miss A Smyth & Edwards): Another promising puppy - not just quite as forward and together as the winner. Clean head - I would prefer a little less stop. Excellent layback of shoulder and return of upper arm. Well ribbed back. Level topline. Little straighter in stifle than the winner. Moved on a good stride with tail held well.  

Puppy Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Coedhelyg Son Shine (Miss S D Greenwood): Very good overall balance. At 11 months he has done all his growing. Excellent head shape with slight stop and clean cheeks. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding length and return of upper arm. Chest of good depth. Ribs well spring leading to short loin and showing moderate tuck up. Well placed hindquarters, would prefer just a fraction more let down in hock. Excellent bone and the best of feet. Moved well on a good positive stride holding his well furnished tail correctly.

 2ND Afonbach Balerion (Miss A J Stait) - Repeat 1st MPD

 3RD Redmanhey's Comte De La Fere (Miss S E, Mr & Mrs J E Burgess)

Junior Dog

Entries: 10 Absentees: 0

1ST Up in The Field Uchù of Chicquera’s Crown (Miss N Vantorre): Very workmanlike, no fuss youngster who looks totally fit for purpose. Excellent overall balance. Head of good shape with tapering muzzle and high set ears. Strong neck. Well laid back shoulder. Could have a tad more length in upper arm. Elbows close to the body. Well ribbed back leading to strong loin and slight tuck-up. Scores in his hindquarters with strong well placed hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Strong movement with excellent tail carriage.

2ND Coedhelyg Son Shine (Miss S D Greenwood) - Repeat 1st PD

3RD Afonbach Balerion (Miss A J Stait)

Yearling Dog

Entries: 18 Absentees: 4

1ST Grandma's Secret Weapon of Red Glory (Mrs K & Ms T Snepvangers & Snepvangers). Good overall balance. Clean head with moderate stop and well set ears. Strong neck. Scores in his forehand construction with shoulders well laid back and correct length and return of upper arm. Good depth of chest and length of ribcage. Loin strong, showing slight tuck up. Well muscled hindquarters with parallel rear pasterns. Excellent bone feet. Moved well on a good stride holding his tail correctly. In excellent coat and condition.

2ND Tollisty Moet En Chandon JW (Miss A Dorrell): Very well balanced all through. Clean head with good breadth of skull and well set ears. Strong neck. Not quite the forehand construction of winner. Excellent depth of chest. Short back with level topline and well sprung ribcage. Scores in his hindquarters which are well muscled with good with good width of second thigh. Excellent bone and feet. Moved out on a good stride holding his tail well.  

3RD Tollisty You Can't Decline (Miss H Strevens)

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 21 Absentees: 

1ST Tollelkin Dream Harbour JW (Miss M L Elkin): I see from my catalogue that he is out of the same bitch as my eventual BOB and he has many of the same attributes - just needs more time to come to his best. Very well balanced all through. Head clean and of width tapering towards the muzzle. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and return of upper arm. Elbows placed close to the body. Ribs well sprung leading to strong loin with moderate tuck up. Level topline held stacked and in movement. Strong hindquarters with parallel rear pasterns. Would just like a fraction more slope to his group but tail carried correctly when moving. In excellent coat and condition.

2ND Katimba Panti Rippa (S Savory): Another very workmanlike, super sound dog. I particularly liked his head which is clean cut with smooth cheeks, slightly taping muzzle and moderate stop. Well placed ears. Strong neck of moderate length. Well laid shoulder. Not quite the return of upper arm as that of the winner. Deep chest. Well sprung ribcage. Powerful hindquarters used to advantage on the move. Excellent bone and feet. Shown and handled to advantage - In tip top coat and condition.

3RD Danehaven Macdonalds (Miss A Fincham)

Limit Dog

Entries: 11 Absentees: 1

1ST Afonbach Winter Is Coming JW (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead): Very impressive dog of excellent overall balance. True head shape with good breadth of skull, moderate stop and clean cheeks. Strong neck leading to excellent lay of shoulder and corresponding length and return of upper arm. Good depth of chest with elbows close to the body. Well sprung ribcage leading to strong loin and powerful hindquarters. Excellent bone and feet. Very powerful movement. He has a very thick, profuse coat which can detract from his outline. But none the less he is a first class dog who was close up in the challenge for top honours.

 2ND Afonbach The Great Prince (Mrs S K Edwards). Well balanced all through and very workmanlike. Head of good length and breath with tapering muzzle. Clean neck. Not quite the forehand construction as the winner in that he is a little short in upper arm. Good depth of chest. Scores in ribcage and topline. Strongly made hindquarters with well turned stifles. Excellent bone and feet. Moved on a good stride using his tail well. In excellent coat and condition.

 3RD Camusmor Crown Royal (Mr O M & Mrs R J Wright)

Open Dog

Entries: 19 Absentees: 0

What a class! For quality in depth it was the best of the day. I would happily award a CC to my top placed dogs.

1ST Ch Tollelkin Caife Americano Sgwc (Miss M L Elkin): A truly impressive dog and excellent example of the breed. He is perfectly balanced and can’t stand wrong. His head is clean cut with good breadth of skull, clean cheeks, moderate stop and slightly tapering muzzle. Strong neck leading to exemplary forehand construction. His chest is of good depth with elbows close to the brisket placing his forelegs nicely under the body. Level topline. Well sprung ribcage of good length leading to strong loin with moderate tuck up. Very powerful hindquarters with well bent stifles and good width of second thigh. Hocks well let down with parallel rear pasterns. Well boned with the best of feet. On the move he has a powerful, springy gait demonstrating good reach and drive using his tail well. In excellent coat and condition. His handler got the absolute best out of him. No fuss - no exaggerations - just a truly lovely workmanlike dog who left me in no doubt that he could work quite happily out in the field all day. A well deserved CC and BOB.

2ND Sh Ch Eusanit Silvr Dream Machine (Mrs P Barker). Another worthy champion straight out of the top draw and very close up for top honours. Excellent overall balance. Scores in his head which has a good breadth of skull, moderate stop and clean checks. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder. Well sprung ribcage leading to strong loin and moderate tuck-up. Powerful hindquarters with well turned stifles and well set hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Strong movement with correct tail carriage. In excellent coat and condition. Another who was handled to get the very best out of him. Close call between the two.

3RD Se/no/fi Ch Tollarbos Malliga Otto Se Vch (Miss A Axelsson). Completed a trio of absolutely top class dogs.

Special Working Gundog Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Ch Tollelkin Caife Americano Sgwc (Miss M L Elkin) - Repeat 1st OD

 2ND Katimba Trebbiano at Dkai (Miss C Chapman): Good overall balance. Scores in his head which is of good breadth, clean checks and tapering muzzle. Powerful neck. Correct forehand construction, but a little loaded over the shoulder today. Good depth of chest with well sprung ribcage and strong loin. Well muscled hindquarters. I would like a little more width of second thigh. In good coat and condition. Moved soundly on a good stride.

 3RD Int Ch Praetorium Latobicorum's Rusty (Mrs Iris Ursula Jorda-Raddatz)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog

Entries: 14 Absentees: 1

1ST Eusanit Peaky Blinder (Miss P A Rogers): Placed in a good limit class. Excellent overall balance. Head of good breadth, moderate stop and clean cheeks. High set ears. Strong neck. I would like a little more angulation in the forequarters. Good depth of chest. Level topline. Well sprung ribcage leading to strong loin with moderate tuck up. Well made hindquarters with moderate turn of stifle. Excellent bone with the best of feet. In super coat and condition. Moved well on a good stride with correct tail carriage.

 2ND Clegane Inferno to Breakerswell (Mrs D A Sewell) I liked this dog for his overall size and shape. He is just apt to give his handler a hard time on the move which cost him a place in an class. Very pleasing head with good breadth of skull and moderate stop. Ears well placed. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding length of upper arm. Good depth of chest with elbows close to the body. Well sprung ribcage. Strong hindquarters - just not quite parallel in rear pasterns. When settled he showed good movement. Please do persevere with him as he is a very good type. In excellent coat and condition.

 3RD Arthundur Dream Come True (Mrs A Ryder)

Veteran Bitch

Entries: 13 Absentees: 2

Three of my great favourite bitches headed this class - it was a real treat to have the honour of judging them again.  

1ST Sh Ch Tivalake More Than Wishes (Ms D & Miss T Newson): I awarded her a CC 4 years ago and she still looks wonderful - obviously a little heavier now (but age does that to one!). She is beautifully balanced. Scores in head with good breadth of skull and gradually tapering muzzle. Well laid shoulder with corresponding length and return of upper arm. Front legs placed well under the body. Well sprung ribcage with strong loin. She still retains her level topline. Strong, well made hindquarters with good width of second thigh and well let down hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Super sound movement with correct tail carriage.

 2ND Sh Ch Danehaven Vermilion for Afonbach ShCM (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead). I see from my records that when I last judged this lovely bitch I placed her second behind the same bitch as today! Another very worthy champion who is beautifully balanced and very workmanlike all through. Head of good breadth with clean cheeks and well set ears. Strong neck. Well laid shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Good depth of chest with elbows close to the brisket. Well sprung ribcage. Level topline. Would like just a fraction more length of croup. Powerful hindquarters with strong well set hocks. Excellent bone and feet. Powerful movement with good tail carriage.

 3RD Sh Ch Eusanit Naughty But Nice for Croftwell JW (Mrs S A & Mrs S J Savory & Moult). Completed a trio of very lovely “senior citizens” who all do the breed great credit.

Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST Afonbach Syrax (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead): I loved this naughty puppy whom I am sure has a very bright future. Well balanced all through. Super head shape with skull at the right breadth for her age, clean cheeks and gradually tapering muzzle. Clean neck leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding length and return of upper arm. Chest of good depth with elbows well placed. Well sprung ribcage with loin showing moderate tuck up. Level topline. Scores in hindquarters with well bent stifles and parallel rear pasterns. Excellent bone and feet. Super coat and condition. On the move she demonstrated a lovely springy gait. She has all the attitude and confidence in the world! BP 

2ND Eusanit Pride and Joy (Ms K & Miss E & Miss J & Mr P Kindell & Instead Kindell & Anstead Kindell & Anstead) Another very promising puppy who I am sure also has a bright future ahead. Well balanced all through. A little stronger in head than the winner. Scores in her forehand construction with excellent lay of shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Well sprung rib leading to correct loin with moderate tuck-up. Level topline leading to well made hindquarters with good width of second thigh. Excellent bone and feet. Presented in tip top condition. Moved out well on a good stride holding her tail well.

3RD Eusanit Orchard Thieves (Mrs T M & Miss S Westwood)

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST Afonbach Syrax (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead). Repeat MPB

2ND Eusanit Pride and Joy (Ms K & Miss E & Miss J & Mr P Kindell & Anstead Kindell & Anstead Kindell & Anstead). Repeat MPB

3RD Eusanit Orchard Thieves (Mrs T M & Miss S Westwood)

Junior Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 1

1ST Cfyre's High Tea at Tollpepper (Imp Can) (Mr A J & Mrs J M Trickett). A very impressive young bitch whose handler really got the best out of her. Good overall balance. Super head shape with good breadth of skull, clean cheeks and gradually tapering muzzle. Ears set high. Clean neck leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Chest of good depth with elbows close to the brisket. Well sprung ribcage. Just needs to strengthen in loin but this will come. Scores in her hindquarters with well turned stifles and good width of second thigh. Excellent bone and feet. In tip top coat and condition. Moved out really well with correct tail carriage. Definitely one for the future.

2ND Manitou's Ruby Red for Too Smart Swi Jch (Dame Cc Compagno): Another very impressive bitch who was close up to the winner. Very good overall balance. Clean head - just a fraction too much stop for my idea preference. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Good depth of chest with elbows close to the brisket. Well sprung ribcage leading to strong loin with moderate tuck up. Strong hindquarters with well turned stifles and hocks well let down. Moved out on a good stride making good use of her tail.

3RD Afonbach Syrax (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead)

Yearling Bitch

Entries: 10 Absentees: 0

1ST Cfyre's High Tea at Tollpepper (Imp Can) (Mr A J & Mrs J M Trickett). Repeat JB.

2ND Tollisty Couldn't Careless (Mrs K Smith): This bitch just needs time before she really shines but she has everything there for the future. Beautifully balanced all through. Excels in her head with good breadth of skull, moderate stop and clean cheeks with gently tapering muzzle. Well laid shoulder with corresponding length and return of upper arm. Chest of correct depth for her age. Needs just to develop more through her ribcage but this will come. Level topline. Well made hindquarters with good width of second thigh. Excellent bone and feet. Moved out well on a good stride with correct tail carriage.

3RD Sawbridge Lochbuie (Mr C & Mrs K How)

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 24 Absentees: 1

1ST Afonbach First Sign O' Spring at Deltandamba JW (Miss C Hipkiss). Very impressive bitch whom I am sure will soon be knocking on the door for higher honours. She is so well balanced and workmanlike - no fuss or exaggerations. Excellent head shape with good breadth of skull moderate stop and clean cheeks. Well set ears. Strong neck of correct length leading to well laid back shoulder. To be ultra picky I would like a fraction more angulation in the upper arm. Good depth of chest with well sprung ribcage. Level topline. Strong doing with moderate tuck up. Scores in her hindquarters with well bent stifles and hocks set low with parallel rear pasterns. Really powerful movement using her tail well.  

2ND Gingafing Forget Me Not (Miss R Tester): Another bitch whom I liked a lot. Well balanced and very workmanlike. Clean cut head with moderate stop and gently tapering muzzle. Well laid shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Well ribbed with a good loin. Strong hindquarters with well turned stifles. Good bone and feet. Moved well on a good stride - just not quite as tidy coming towards as the winner. In very good coat and condition.  

3RD Tollelkin Dream Dancer JW (Miss M L Elkin)

Limit Bitch

Entries: 20 Absentees: 2

1ST Tivalake Anything Goes at Tollisty JW (Mrs K Smith). A large class in which this lovely bitch stood out straight away. The first thing you notice is her excellent overall balance and breed type. Excellent head with slightly rounded skull, moderate stop and clean cheeks. Ears well set. Neck clean and of moderate length leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding length and return of upper arm. Chest of good depth with elbows close to the brisket. Well sprung ribcage leading to strong loin and moderate tuck up. Powerful hindquarters with well turned stifles and good width of second thigh. Hocks strong and well placed. Excellent bone and feet. In excellent coat and condition. On the move she shows tremendous drive using her tail well. I liked her as a youngster and she has continued to fulfil her early promised. A very worthy CC winner - I hope her title won’t be far away.

2ND Deveron Duchess of Danehaven (Miss D & Miss C Collins & Powley). Very workmanlike bitch of good overall balance. Head is of good breadth with moderate stop and clean cheeks. Strong neck leading to excellent layback of shoulder and corresponding length of upper arm. Chest of good depth and ribcage is well sprung. A little straight in stifle for my preference and therefore lacking the requisite rear angulation. Excellent bone and feet. In good coat and condition. Sound movement with good tail carriage.

3RD Catch First Ylva Garonera of Arelechen (Imp Cze) (Miss M J Davies)

Open Bitch

Entries: 19 Absentees: 7

Another cracking class with some really lovely bitches.

1ST Wakaduze Wah Pen Dah Ska (Miss S Pashley). I do love this bitch and despite her not wearing her best dress she had the breed type and construction to win this good class. She is so well balanced and workmanlike. Her head is super - good breath of skull with moderate stop, clean cheeks and gently tapering muzzle. Copybook forehand construction with well laid shoulder and equal length and return of upper arm with forelegs placed well under the body. Excellent spring of rib leading to strong loin and moderate tuck up. Strong hindquarters with well turned stifles. Hocks strong and well placed. And then she moves - probably one of the best movers of the day - she just eats up the ground. Just accurate and effortless. I could watch it all day. I forgave her lack of coat in the class but in the challenge she had to pay the price. That is not to take anything away from the very lovely CC winner but my decision would have been undoubtedly harder. A well deserved RCC 

2ND Eusanit Ever Fallen Love (Mrs T M & Miss S Westwood). Another top quality bitch. Very good overall balance demonstrating correct breed type. Very good head shape with moderate stop, clean cheeks and tapering muzzle. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Her elbows are close to the brisket with forelegs nicely placed beneath the body. Well ribbed back with strong loin and moderate tuck up. Strong hindquarters with good width of second thigh. In excellent coat and condition. Moved well with good tail carriage just not quite the drive of the winner today.

3RD Stellenbosch Sausaulito (Mrs A Foster-Brown) 

Special Working Gundog Bitch

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST It/hu Ch Perfect Lighting Star Di Casa Toller (Mr M & Mrs C Guolo & Ludovico). Good overall balance. Head of good shape with good breadth of skull and moderate stop. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder. Deep in chest with well sprung ribcage. Strong loin. Well muscled hindquarters with good width of second thigh. Little long in hock. Excellent bone and feet. Sound mover with good tail carriage.

2ND Decoymans The Dreamworker Sgwc (Miss C Chapman). Thicker set all through than the winner although well balanced all through. Good head shape with broad skull and moderate stop. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and return of upper arm. Deep chest. Short back with level topline and well sprung ribcage. Little overangulated in hindquarters. Coat of good thickness but rather unruly. Sound movement with good tail carriage.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

Entries: 19 Absentees: 1

1ST Deveron Duchess of Danehaven (Miss D & Miss C Collins & Powley). 2nd LB

2ND Stellenbosch Specularis (Miss S Chantler). Good overall balance. Scores in her head which has good breadth and clean cheeks with tapering muzzle. Strong neck leading to well laid shoulder. She is a little deep in chest and well ribbed back. Topline held well standing and on the move. Well made hindquarters - just closer going away than the winner. In excellent coat and condition. Super bone and feet.

3RD Rosettia Shining Light (Mrs V & Miss L Sharpe)

Becky A Johnson.