Scottish Kennel Club

SCOTTISH KENNEL CLUB SHOW  

19TH MAY 2023

KING CHARLES SPANIELS

I enjoy judging this breed even though sometimes they pose quite a challenge. As a non-breed judge I lack the close affinity that comes with living with them, so fall back on my ability to apply the Breed Standard and twin that with recognising good construction. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is my chosen breed and so I am fully aware of the differences in the two breeds. I was looking for an amenable, small, well ribbed, cobby dog with distinctive head and one that could convince me that the days when Charlies were seen by many as a head breed are long gone. Although the entry was meagre, I found winners that satisfied. Thank you to those who made the Scottish trip…in the current climate of rising costs, decisions are being made which shows to take in and sadly some of the far flung ones are losing out. Such a pity as SKC is one that tries so hard to please exhibitors. 

PD 4 (2 ABS)

Litter brothers both tricolour, both Baldragon…an affix which dominated the placings today. 

1ST Goodwin’s BALDRAGON TAILOR MADE FOR DIGGLE

Quality tricolour youngster who impressed. Head appeals with all the ingredients needed to create lovely type. Required dome, gentle dark eyes, nose placement good and tidy lip finish. Scored for size and neatness and had good bone to match his frame. Did not disappoint on the move and all the body parts I found fitting so well on the table were put into action. Almost at the end of his puppy classes and I think he should have a fairly easy route to the top. All he needs is a tad more maturity in body as he felt a bit lean over the loins today. Praiseworthy presentation and a good rapport between handler and dog. BEST PUPPY IN BREED 

2ND Rhodes’ BALDRAGON WHAT ELSE

Another handsome boy who had good ring and table manners.Appealing face features with gentle outlook coming from large, dark eyes. Nice nose placement. Dome could be more pronounced. Clearly well socialised and easy to assess. His outline was clean with good sweep from neck to tail. Lots of confidence that showed in his show stance and the way he moved. Firm topline. His presentation was first class with silky, well broken coat that gleamed. Preferred the compactness of brother. 

JD 2

1ST BALDRAGON TAILOR MADE FOR DIGGLE

2ND Bailey’s ALDORICKA THE HUSTLER

Good looking Blenheim with kind, dark eyes set in a head that was true to type. Nice to see a domed skull with correct ear positioning, lacking sometimes in this colour. Attractive richly marked coat with pearly white backdrop that looked and felt good. Would prefer him scaled down and more compact in body. Misbehaving on the move and my notes say ‘must try harder! Wilful with his own agenda today making my job harder. 

PGD 1

1ST Matches’ ELLINGHURST XMAS KRACKER AT FOCHAL

I judged this tricolour in 2021 when he was 8 months old and what I liked about him then remains. Head is generous with good dome and expression is mellow with dark, expressive eyes. Good nose placement. A decent mover and I was pleased that his early development as a Minor Puppy did not result in him being over sized. Such a pity he was exhibited with chewed ears and stained feet. At the moment he is at a disadvantage and I do think more consideration should be given to his show presentation. A happy boy who deserves to shine. 

LD 3 

1ST Ryan’s CAVALLIBROOK BLIMEY O RILEY

RCC. Hard to ignore this beautifully broken Tricolour as his presentation and coat condition are a stand out and he has great appeal and catches the eye at first glance. A handsome, masculine head with dome and his long ear leathers, dark, gentle eyes and neat lip line also lend themselves to a softness that is very appealing. He moved smartly showing his splendid outline with proud head carriage, firm straight topline and enviable tail carriage. Less stockier than CC winner. Just turned two years and on this form the good times will keep on coming.

2ND Byers’ SIMANNIE GIOVANNI BACH

3 year old Tricolour who stepped out accurately with lovely rear action and level topline. Has great balance with well ribbed, cobby body. Deep chested with ample width. His well broken coat was presented in decent condition. An honest dog with no glaring faults and has much to admire. Whilst head was typical and true to type just felt winner had the edge on eyes and scored in expression. 

3RD Maddison’s JUSTACHARMA NORTHERN MAGIC

OD 1

1ST Gillhespy & Kirschbaum’s BONITOS COMAPNEROS DELUXE CHARDONNAY

Dishy 5 year old Tricolour who reminded me so much of Shealagh Water’s Maibee dogs. Blessed with good looks and he appealed for many reasons. Head is text book with typical Charlie features. Dome, ear set and nose placement met my check list and his expression is gentle but all male. Large, dark, round eyes full of expression. Small in stature with well ribbed, short backed body. Good angles front and rear and he covered the ground accurately with nicely carried tail. Sensible temperament and he was clearly happy and willing to do all his handler asked. Well conditioned and his coat shone. Today was his day and fully deserved the Dog CC. Should make a worthy Champion …fingers crossed. 

PGB 1

1ST Matches’ BALDRAGON WAITING IN THE WINGS AT FOCHAL

Sweet tricolour who refused to make the most of herself. A more assertive attitude would help enormously. Pretty face features consisting of dark eyes, good skull and earset. Eye catching well marked coat and rich tan points. Nobody does stubborn like Charlies ..they are past masters. Didn’t want to show me what she was capable of. It’s all there on tap but she was being uncooperative. 

LB 2 (1 ABS)

1ST Byers’ SIMANNIE MAID IN WALES

Really liked this pretty tricolour girl who was sadly apprehensive on the table having suffered a bad experience on a previous occasion. I know it can be hard to rebuild confidence. Super head and expression with wide skull and correct dome. Gentle outlook. Body is compact and has the desired cobbyness. Happier on the ground and moved steadily. Coat was soft to the touch. I believe in her capabilities …just wish she did. I wish her well. Admire how this breeder produces typical classic Charlies that conform to the Standard. 

OB (2)

1ST Rix’s CH BALDRAGON FAME GAME AT RICKSBURY JW

This little Tricolour was 6 months old when I first saw her and I predicted she would have more than just 15 minutes of fame. She has certainly fulfilled that prophesy and now at 2 years she looks every inch the Ch. Has a great attitud. Brimful of confidence and looks you square in the eye. Ultra feminine with face features that combine to give a typey head piece. Good dome, ears set low, nose pushed up, long feathered ears. Neck, shoulders and topline merge smoothly finished off by a well placed tail. Ample barelled ribs, short back and deep chest. Well turned stifles. Knows her routine inside out and is ready to turn the corners even before being asked! She looked good and knew it BITCH CC & BEST OF BREED. 

2ND Gillhespy’s LORPHIL LADY’S MANTLE (RE IMPORT)

A busy bee Tricolour who was lively and full of herself. Long ears framed a pretty feminine face with good dome. Expressive dark eyes. Neat lip finish. Good for size and her coat gleamed. Deep black, soft white and the tan bright. Has a tendency to stand slack in front but pulls herself together on the move. At 8 years old showed no sign of slowing down and stepped out smartly with a spring in her step. She brings a smile. 

VB (2)

1ST Willey & Siddle’s CH PENEMMA MISTY FOR ME JW 

Such a smart Veteran in her 10th year who can still easily see off the younger competiton with her zest for life and correct breed characteristics. A real pleasure to see her here and she really needs no endorsement from me. A blue print for the breed and satisfies the requirements for size, head properties, body proportions and moves around the ring with the best outline here today. In splendid Blenheim coat. How proud her breeders must be….what a girl. Coming towards me she was not as clean in front as Open Bitch but I could not deny her the BITCH RCC. Every once in a while you get to judge a dog that leaves an unforgettable impression …this was one of those moments for me. BEST VETERAN IN BREED 

2nd LORPHIL LADY’S MANTLE (RE IMPORT)

Judge NORMA INGLIS (CRAIGOWL)