Manchester Dog Show Society

Manchester Dog Show Society

19 – 22 January 2023

Champion Stakes

It was an absolute pleasure to judge the Eukanuba Champion Stakes over the 4 days with all 4 classes chock full of quality. Performance on the day counted highly and some were just coming back into form and so this mattered when decisions had to be made. In fact, I had to walk past many that I have awarded CC’s to previously, such was the standard exhibited.

Day 1: Hound and Pastoral

1: LESTER, Mrs L & MACKIE, miss Nicky & SMITH, miss S Ch Domburg Made by Hawksflight. Tervueren who is simply stunning, she really is a class act and has made quite a name for herself and represented her breed so well at the highest level. She is perfect for size and has an outline that you simply cannot ignore. Always on her toes, she moves with the correct action for the breed. Her owners are to be congratulated for keeping her in the most wonderful condition, not at all easy. Runner up overall best and so very unlucky to come up against the Weimaraner who was bang on form.

2: RUAL - KEOGH, Mrs L UK Ch Gilcoru Wolfblass D'brie, Briard, who is full of quality and is so typical. His head is exceptional and to go over there is very little you would change. He is the correct size, being all male and has strength. His coat is super for texture with just enough break to it and he is a super colour. On the move he simply cannot be ignored, and he powered round the ring with the correct carriage and, joy of joys, a well carried tail with the desired J.

3: CARRUTHERS, Mrs J Ch Aikton Alexander at Stanegate

Day 2:

Toy and Terrier

1: FARNWORTH, Mrs S Ch Taftazini Nepalensis Jw, I have admired this beautiful Pug on many occasions from the ringside and it was a delight to get to judge him. He is most certainly “Multum in parvo” but with not a smidge of exaggeration. Super head and expression with wide nostrils. He is in the optimum condition and handled beautifully. His crowning glory is to watch him on the move where he has attitude coupled with complete soundness. A great dog

2: WILBERG, Mrs K S Ch Kanix Quickstep, Another who has been making quite a name for herself and in fact later won the group today. She is handled masterfully and is in spectacular condition. Her head and expression are quite lovely, and she has wonderful ears. Strong punishing jaws, neck of good length leading into a firm, short topline. Sound and stylish on the move. I just felt that in this class, the Pug was on fire.

2: ROBB, Mrs Irene & ROBB, Mr Glenn Ch Gleniren Daddy's Starmaker

Day 3:

Gundogs

Interestingly the first 2 here were my Gp 1 and Gp 2 at SKC last year

1: ALCORN, Mr David R & INGRAM, Mr Gavin Sh Ch Gunalt Hendricks. Weimaraner dog at the height of his game. He really is bang on form and still in the most wonderful condition and muscle tone. His head is superb, being masculine but in no was overdone. He has a look of quality and should be cherished. To go over there is little to change, and he has the most breath-taking outline. However, on the move he simply cannot be ignored, and he powered around the ring with such a light footfall and ground covering action. On the final day he knew he had competition and upped his game even further. He gave me goosebumps as he went around the big ring and so could not be denied Overall winner. A dog to be very proud of.

2: COLLIN, Dr Peter & WILDMAN, Mr Michael Sh Ch Oktumi Opalescence. I love this Blue roan Cocker bitch and she was, once again, unlucky to meet the winner on such form. She is delightful for type and size, has the most beautiful head and expression and she is presented to absolute perfection. On the move she has that Cocker bustle and is super sound.

3: STOCKTON, Mr & Mrs K & P Sh Ch Riverbrue Alchemist Amidst Kespas JW

Day 4:

Working and Utility

1: CARTER, Miss & Miss S & S Ch Susancar Celia Deal. Boxer bitch with the most glorious head and expression. Stacked she has a beautiful outline and is in first class condition. She is strong all through yet retains a look of femininity. On the move she is super sound and holds her outline and has a perfect topline. A classy lady and I loved her.

2; CHAPPELL, Ms & Mr Lesley & Adam Ch Selmalda Jealous Guy (AI). It’s no secret that I love this Brindle Dane male too. His head and expression are simply delightful, he has a wonderful outline and really uses himself on the move. He has balance of leg and not too long in body. In optimum condition and handled beautifully as ever.

3: RANKIN, Miss E Ch Wildax The Real Thing

Lee A S Cox (Judge)