Midland Counties Canine Society

Midland Counties Championship Show

Stafford County Show Ground

Friday 27th October 2023

Golden Retrievers

Many thanks to all exhibitors for such a quality entry. In most classes it was difficult to narrow the numbers down to just five, then the placing of those five was a whole new challenge too. A few that looked the part in outline were penalised for carrying too much weight and I do think that the number of gay tails both in dogs and in bitches is becoming ever more apparent. It would be good to see more of them ‘carried level with the back’. On a positive note presentation and handling were the best I have known but of course these are not hereditary characteristics. Thanks also to my two excellent stewards who helped things to keep moving so well. 

Minor Puppy Dog (9 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1 Vermander Mrs N WILD WILD WEST OF SUNSHINE'S VALLEY (ATC BEL)   

What a lovely class to start the day, headed by a real baby of six months at his first show. Just as he should be for his age and coping with it all happily and with confidence. In good gold coat and well made throughout he could not be denied the first place in very good company.

2 Williams Mr EE & Mrs PC GRASSYARDS HARBOUR LIGHTS OVER CESARKA   

Another very promising puppy, again only just six months and at his first show. Lovely head and expression with good reach of neck and well placed shoulders. Well off for bone and in lovely mid gold coat. Carrying the correct amount of weight and showing really well.

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3 Parry Mr D & Mrs PV MITCHARRON SEREN'S LEGACY   

Puppy Dog (9 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1 Loach Miss SA & Zubair Mrs SM PUTJADE POLDARK JW   

Best Dog Puppy, Best Puppy in Breed. A real star for the future, made well, moved well and handled to perfection. Loved his head and expression. A year old on the day he displayed a lovely confident but calm temperament just as a golden should. Such a pity there was not a Gundog Puppy Group.

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2 Vermander Mrs N WILD WILD WEST OF SUNSHINE'S VALLEY (ATC BEL))

Repeat

3 Vermander Mrs TA WONDERBOY TO SUNSHINE'S VALLEY OF VIPERS PRIDE (ATC BEL)   

Junior Dog (10 Entries, 3 Absent) 

1 Todd Mrs PT VAN GOGH OF SUNSHINE'S VALLEY WITH TODDROSA (IMP BEL)   

I didn’t realise that this was another lovely dog from the same kennel that won two places in puppy. What a credit they are to their breeder. Balanced blond boy with good angulation both ends and a pleasing typical head. Straight front with good feet. Beautifully presented in full coat, his driving movement was the icing on the cake.

2 Henson Mr K CINDERBANK MOVE IT JW   

Mid gold boy correctly angulated, with really good upper arm, neat parallel rear pasterns and tight feet. Excellent flow of neck into the shoulders. Liked his kindly expression and well shaped head. Again excellently presented and moving true: I liked him a lot and when I looked up his breeding I realise why.

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3 Harris Miss A & Ball Mr N WEMCREST OUT OF THIS WORLD   

Yearling Dog (11 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1 Todd Mrs PT VAN GOGH OF SUNSHINE'S VALLEY WITH TODDROSA (IMP BEL)   

Repeat

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2 Liggins Miss J & Hodges Mr S SILVER PASSION GLAM FASHION AT NUNSBROOK (IMP DEU) JW  

Close up to one and similar remarks apply, mid gold in full coat and hard condition. Excellent topline which he held on the move. Very balanced head with good pigment. Just right for his age but with time think he will trouble the best.

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3 Murray Mrs K SHEBELTA SWEET TALKIN' GUY JW   

Graduate Dog (9 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1 Plevin Miss SM BOWSHELLA ALL FIRED UP   

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This dark lad won the class on his sound and true movement. His lovely long effortless stride was controlled and accurate. Neat cat like feet and good angulation behind. A typical masculine and soft expression completed the picture.

2 Millington Mrs J GOLMAS GUARD OF HONOUR AT JARABEES JW   

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‍‍‍‍‍‍Gold and glamorous, again very close up to the first just not quite a settled on the move. In lovely coat and condition with text book bend of stifle, not overdone as some were today. Tight feet, straight front and with good depth of chest, there was a lot to admire. Presented and handled well. 

3 Swaine Mr P & Mrs DA OHANAGOLD APOLLO   

Post Graduate Dog (12 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1 Haines Mr D LEIGHSHAM TULLAMORE JW  

Two very different but fine examples of the breed headed this class: the first just as dark gold as the second was cream‍‍ but I suspect a bright future in the ring awaits both of them. Another lovely dog from this kennel that always seems to produce sound and well constructed dogs. ‍‍‍Well balanced throughout with a correctly shaped head and good layback of shoulder. His great construction resulted in powerful and accurate movement.

2 Kipps Mr G & Mrs L WHEATCROFT RAINBOW   

Blond and beautiful, just right for his age so still not the finish article. Again excellently presented in good coat. Correct bone and straight front with no flapping front feet evident in some dogs today. He moved effortlessly round the ring with good reach and drive.

3 Cooper Miss AG AMILONE CORSENDONK AT DIKEADAZE (AI) 

Limit Dog (11 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1 Towers Mrs S & Henderson Mrs M SH CH ALIBREN BAKER'S BOY   

Wow what a lovely dog he has matured into. Attractive blond coat, in super condition throughout. I loved his balance outline which presented the shape I was looking for but what stood out for me was his topline on the move. Sad that his sires owner not around to share his champion status and current success.

2 McGeoch Mrs AL NEDLEZAH LOCHLEA   

Smaller male dog but very well constructed throughout and presenting a most pleasing picture.‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍Good head with a bit of a winter nose but this didn’t spoil his lovely expression. Strong topline with correct tail set. Very well handled when moving round the ring with drive and enthusiasm.

3 Simms-Stelling Mrs PA PENBRIDGE PLAY FAST AND LOOSE FOR STVINCENT   

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Open Dog (7 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1 Bawden MBE Miss CL SH CH BALSAMINA BEACHCOMBER AT DARTHILL JW   

Dog CC and Best Opposite Sex. Lovely class of mature male goldens headed by the most beautiful example of our breed. Exceling in topline, very much ’my cup of tea’ being so balanced and powerful but in no way overdone. Masculine but not coarse his super construction allowed him to cover the ground with economy of effort and great style. Very happy to award him the Dog CC. 

2 Kipps Mr G & Mrs L SH CH CADWST FLASH FLAME TO WHEATCROFT   

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‍‍‍‍‍‍Beautiful pale dog with great ring presence. So close up to one and many of the same comments apply. Great angulation both ends, well ribbed back, tight feet, well shaped head with dark eye and correct tail set are among his many attributes that enable him the move so well. Reserve Dog CC

3 Morss Mrs H & Monteverde Mr G INT SH CH/IT CH/SWI CH OLVINGLAY SOOTHSAYER (IMP ITA) JW   

Veteran Dog (5 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1 Towers Mrs S & Henderson Mrs M CH ALIBREN GALILEO TO WESTERVANE JW SGWC  

Best Veteran in Breed. Another lovely dog from this kennel, he is still moving so well and looking very good for his age. Powerful and well off for bone, he is really well constructed. Again what a shame that there was not a Gundog Veteran Group.

2 Millington Mrs J CARNEVAL OF GOLDEN DUCK COBEY AT JARABEES (IMP SRB)  

I feel this dog has got better with age, as a golden should, he has taken his time to fully mature and for his overall balance to come together. He has now developed into a lovely example of the breed. I liked his strong, short coupled body complimented by his dense, very wavy coat.

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3 Webster Ms SE SH CH AMBLEMERE YOU SAY IT BEST AT BENJCROFT   

Special Beginners Dog (7 Entries, 1 Absent) 

1 Quill Mrs K HOSARVAR NINITO   

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I thought this dog moved very well and that he was unlucky to meet such strong competition for Best Special Beginner in that challenge. He is neat and compact with a straight front, well shaped head and strong topline. In full wavy coat that must be difficult to prepare, he stood out in this class and credit must go to his handler for showing him so well.

2 Ward Mrs L J MITCHNEL HE WHO LAUGHS LAST Nice gold dog again with a level topline and good neck into shoulders. Deep through the chest, well ribbed back he just needs to be steadier on the move.

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3 Harris Miss A & Ball Mr N WEMCREST OUT OF THIS WORLD   

Minor Puppy Bitch (15 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1 Williams Mrs M & Miss EL LAMHRYN STAR OF THE SEA 

Best Puppy Bitch Star of the Sea and star of this amazing class headed by three very promising puppies indeed. Pale and oh so pretty she has a beautiful feminine head and the sweetest of expressions. Super angulation, calm but animated attitude and excellent handling resulted in her moving round the ring as if she owned it. I loved her and I think others will too. A few weeks ago I was concerned about the lack of minor puppies and then suddenly 24 appear across the two sexes. Very many of them only six months and several at their first show. I was delighted to see, that without exception, they all coped with the enclosed, indoor venue and new experiences, so well.

2 Russell Mrs J GRASSYARDS FIELD OF GOLD  

Litter sister to the second in minor puppy dog and similar comments apply. Mid gold with good pigment, and tight feet. She has correct angulation which she used to advantage on the ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍day. Lovely length of neck into shoulders, stronger, slightly heavier type of girl but still feminine and with good bone. ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

3 List Ms L HAYDENGOLD MOMENT IN TIME   

Puppy Bitch (14 Entries, 5 Absent) 

1 Williams Mrs M & Miss EL LAMHRYN STAR OF THE SEA  

Repeat

2 Mrs J Russel GRASSYARDS FIELD OF GOLD   

Repeat

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3 Taggart Miss AE ALTINDAN USER FRIENDLY   

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Junior Bitch (9 Entries, 3 Absent) 

1 Moss Mrs B OUSEVALE ANGEL'S KISS AT CARIANJO   

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New one to me but this girl must surely have a bright future. So much to admire. Mid gold bitch with balance angulation, level topline, neatest of feet all topped off by well shaped head and enhanced by good pigment. Her young h‍‍‍‍‍‍andler showed her and moved her like she had been showing for years.‍‍ 

2 Stokes Mrs B FLYNGALEE ONLY OAKLEY AT JOBEKA   

Lovely blond young girl who is improving all the time and maturing just as she should. A little longer cast than the first but still balanced with correct angulation both ends enabling her to cover the ground well. Really good toppling and layback of shoulder. Her owner certainly gets the best out of her. ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ 

3 Clarkson Mrs FM DRUMKILTY YOURS TRULY JW   

Yearling Bitch (16 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1 Moss Mrs B OUSEVALE ANGEL'S KISS AT CARIANJO   

‍‍‍‍‍‍Repeat ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

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2 Haxton Mrs C DANTASSIE DIZZIE HEIGHTS  

 ‍‍‍‍‍‍Gold bitch typical of this kennel, being well made throughout ‍‍‍‍‍‍and at one with her handler. Smaller and so more compact than some. There is no need to ‘fiddle’ with this one she just stands herself four square‍‍. Her correct construction helped her to move round the ring with ease and great style.

3 Harvey Mr MJ & Mrs AH SHEBELTA SWEET CHARLOTTE JW   

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GB (10 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1 Ives Mrs T & Miss A BALSAMINA BELLINI JW again a very hotly contested class but this blond bitch had take first place on her ability to move with accuracy and soundness. Shown in super well presented coat. Good bone and the levelest of toplines completed the picture.

2 Wood Miss S STRATHLON SHIRLI VALENTINE JW   

Gold, animated bitch, full of quality. Handled and moved to perfection she must have a a bright future ahead of her. Not in her best clothes today though. Good length of leg so she might take her time to be at her best, just as it should be.

3 Nelson Mrs VJ CADWST AUTUMNAL MAGIC   

Post Graduate Bitch (13 Entries, 3 Absent) 

The first of three outstanding classes where the narrowest of margins separated not only the first two in each class but several more.

1 Manton Mrs AMA CHINNORDALE DANCING QUEEN    

Golden girl in full coat and looking lovely today I thought that her owner handled and presented her really well to get the best out of her. She has good angulation but without the over exaggeration that is seen on some. Being well made and carrying the right amount of weight gave her a head start on the move. 

2 Clarkson Mrs FM DRUMKILTY VENETIAN GLASS  

Another very lovely bitch from this kennel. Pale blond coat pleasing head with correctly shaped dark eye. Liked her rear construction with parallel back pasterns and the tightest of feet. Powerful and long striding on the move she looked like she could go all day.

3 Grindey Mrs VM BRAMSTEAD SUPER TROUPER   

LB (14 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1 Seamons Mr PD & Mrs JL & Beeson Mrs D MESSANO JUST DANCE

Lovely golden, beautifully presented and shown, she is a real showgirl that catches the eye. Well balanced angulation both front and aft allowed her to move really accurately and with drive. Just as our breed should be she is powerful made, strong without any sign of coarseness and in good hard condition.

2 Manton Mrs AMA CHINNORDALE DANCING QUEEN  

‍‍‍‍‍‍Repeat ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

3 Bufton Mrs L & Riley Mrs SF PHOSLAS POLLY FLINDERS   

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OB (16 Entries, 6 Absent) 

1 Macdonald Mrs J SH CH FLYNGALEE TEPPUM  

Ultimately my star of the day and what a super girl she is. Going over her was a real pleasure, with everything just where it should be, what you see with your eyes is what you feel with your hands, which isn't always quite the case. She excelled in movement too, so sound, she put up a great performance in the group. Both her owner and breeder must be extremely proud of her. Delighted to award her the Bitch CC and Best of Breed out of a excellent, quality entry.

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2 Archibald Mr FP & Mrs E & Miss EL SH CH/IR SH CH ABINVALE ARRIETA (AI) 

Another well deserved champion of a different type to one but also a lovely example of our breed. Blond and glamourous to look at but also very well made and in good muscular condition. Expertly presented, moved and shown, she strode happily round the ring as if to say ‘just look at me’. Pleased to present her with the Reserve Bitch CC.

3 Vermander Mrs N & Adam Mrs T AMILONE LEGEND OF THE STONE   

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VB (6 Entries, 2 Absent) 

1 Ives Mrs T & Miss A SH CH TREWATER BUSY LIZZIE AT BALSAMINA  

Well constructed seven year old, very pale girl who looks and behaves younger than she is. She moved well and presented a lovely picture standing. Mother of two other of my first prize winners today. So much to like; again a credit to her owner.

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2 Williamson Mr SD & Mrs TY THORNYWAIT ATOMIC BETTY FOR SANDTI

Very close up to the first and again denying her age. Well made throughout and very balanced. She has good angulation, a strong topline and a lovely wavy coat. She certainly moved round the ring with great enthusiasm showing some of the youngsters how to do it.

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3 Crookes Mrs DS & Jenkinson Mrs RJ SH CH STANROPH STILL THE SAME (IMP ESP) JW   

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Special Beginner Bitch (9 Entries, 4 Absent) 

1 Moss Mrs B OUSEVALE ANGEL'S KISS AT CARIANJO   

 ‍‍‍‍‍‍Repeat ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍Best Special Beginner in Breed and Group One in Gundog Special Beginner Group

2 Booth Mr G & Mrs JF ROCAMOKA WIND DREAMER AT ALIHELNIX 

Nice blond girl, strongly made throughout. In good coat and condition and unlucky to meet the first in such good form. Balanced angulation and short coupled body, so feminine there was no mistaking this one for a dog.

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3 White Mrs M KENSESQUI CARRO   

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Judge Jean Griggs - Mulfield