Northern Ireland Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club

Northern Ireland Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Open Show

28th October 2023

Judge Dave Mckimm (Tilicious)

My thanks to NISBTC for giving me this opportunity of judging their show and their hospitality. A special thank you to Gail for all her hard work in getting the show up and running and to my very able and friendly Steward Johnny for keeping everything running smoothly on the day.

Of course, the biggest thanks to all who gave me an entry and the huge privilege of assessing their dogs and the sporting way my decisions were accepted, it was very encouraging to see fellow exhibitors shake hands and wish each other luck before the dogs were even assessed when we see so much negativity to the hobby on social media. Although not the biggest entry by any means I was very happy with the general standard of exhibits on the day, some very tough choices in some of the classes but as many have said before only one opinion on one day and I wish every single one of you all the very best for the future.

I was pleased to see that mouths were generally ok with the usual and expected odd chipped or broken tooth and a few dirty ones, also the odd tight canine but nothing to give me any major concerns and sure they could still very much do the job intended and will not be mentioned further. Fitness levels were lacking in some exhibits and did cost places on the day, and this is something that everyone can work on before spending their money on show entries especially in the current climate.

BIS /BB Calgacus Brianna at Bultery (OB)

RBIS / BOS / BD Brockmar I am Titanium at Finnstaff (LD)

BPIS / RBB / BPB Flashstaff Story Teller By Aymstaff (PB)

BVIS Bultery Game On at Comberdown (VD)

RBD Comberdown Kryptonite (OD)

BPD Brockmar Because You Loved Me (PD JD)

Class 1 MPD (4,0)

1. Finstaff Casanova King For Talako 03.02.23 (Mr & Mrs C & D Donnelly) Dark Brindle of 8 months and litter brother to 2nd place where many of the virtues apply to both. Beautifully developing headpiece on this youngster, clean and classic without exaggeration, well defined stop, and good skull to muzzle ratio. Dark well-set eyes and neat tidy ears with a good underjaw. Clean front of enough width, good weight of bone and overall, a very balanced and standard youngster with everything coming along nicely. Moved out and back well holding a good topline stacked and on the move.

2. Finstaff Major Millar 03.02.23 (Mr & Mrs & Mr D & S & R Cherry & Millar) As above litter brother to 1st and in many aspects a difficult choice between the 2 for their own virtues. This puppy was the stronger of the 2 with a touch more bone , and more compact , a little more width to front not quite as clean in the lip but with stronger rear quarters but the class winner put in the better performance on the day and I am sure these will compete side by side for a long time to come and could be swapping places regularly under different judges and nothing should be taken away from this little chap . Well done to the breeder on 2 very smart puppies that I am sure will have lots of fun in years to come.

3. Flashstaff One In A Million 05.02.23 (Mr P Lavery) . Black Brindle of 8 months with white front and white sock. Top size puppy of a different style to 1st and 2nd. Smart well-presented boy with a clean outline, well boned with a clean front just preferred the movement on the day from 1st and 2nd

4. Flashstaff God Loves A Tryer 05.02.23 (Mr G McKay)

Class 2 PD (2,0)

1. Brockmar Because You Loved Me 05.12.22 (Ms C K Kenny) Black Brindle of 10 months with white front and tiptoes , another smart youngster. Head coming along nicely with good definition and dark eyes and plenty underjaw, clean in lip, tidy ears, and good skull to muzzle ratio. lovely expression showing keen and alert throughout the class, managing also to give me a little side eye when stood at the end for photos, though he did give his handler a bit of a tough time at some points throughout . Another one well balanced with a lovely clean and straight front of enough width and good amount of bone. Held a lovely topline stacked and on the move. Movement was good once settled and presented in great condition for a puppy, a great package and I hope a bright future ahead, thank you for bringing him BPD

2. Finstaff Major Millar 03.02.23 (Mr & Mrs & Mr D & S & R Cherry & Millar) see 2nd PD

Class 3 JD (1,0)

1. Brockmar Because You Loved Me 05.12.22 (Ms C K Kenny) see 1st PD

Class 4 YD (1,1)

Class 5 TD (3,0)

1. Satip Jozin Z Bazin 08.03.18 (Mr F Pitas) Black Brindle of over 5 years with small white patch on front. Another with a pleasing head of good strength and a good skull to muzzle ratio, dark enough eyes correctly set and tidy ears used well for good expression and keen and alert throughout the class. He has plenty of width to his front and good bone for size , front and rear angulation ok and showing a good amount of fore chest with a good drop of brisket. Possibly carrying a little more weight than I would like as a personal preference. Best mover of the class and went out and back with purpose holding a good topline. He knew his job well, handled well

2. Belnite White Titanic 26.02.21 (Mr P Lavery) White dog of 20 months with plenty of fire in him having a good old chat with his classmates and certainly got a smile out of me. Typical head of good proportions and dark enough eyes. Ample bone and good width to his front, well-padded feet that could be a little tighter but a pleasing picture in front profile , he has plenty of rib and correctly coupled with sound rear quarters that are correctly angulated. He was a bit of a handful on assessment, but we eventually got there to see what I needed and though unsettled on the move I could see he could move just preferred this to not be at the same pace as his handler.

3. Comberdown Manvers Lad at Glanacstaff 01.10.21 (Mr G Clarkson) Black Brindle with white patch on chest of 2 years, a pleasing clean head of good proportions, correct length to muzzle and good underjaw, just a little less all over compared to his 2 classmates today but presented in good all over condition, he showed well and was keen and alert, moved well holding his topline, handled well

Class 6 PGD (1,1)

Class 7 LD (2,1)

1. Brockmar I am Titanium at Finnstaff 03.04.19 (Mr & Mrs & Mr D & S & R Cherry & Millar) Black Brindle Chap of 4.5 years with white patch on chest and one I have judged nearly 2 years ago and pleased to see he has continued to mature and shine in a favourable way. A very smart dog. He has a really good strong but not overdone head with correct length of muzzle and good underjaw, dark well placed eyes beautiful neat ears and fantastic expression keeping his eyes on the game throughout the class , a super clean front of good width and good bone and the tidiest of feet, ample rib , correctly coupled and sound rear quarters his quality is there for all to see and just a great all round balanced package that looks great from all angles, moved well once settled holding a level topline but he did make his handler work for it , stood alone in class but a worthy winner , thank you for the opportunity to go over him again BD / RBIS / BOS

Class 8 OD (3,1)

1. Comberdown Kryptonite 01.10.21 (Mr & Mrs & Miss I & A & S Higham) Black Brindle of 2 years with a white patch to front in his prime, strong headed dog with good width and depth to skull, little, shorter in the muzzle to 2nd place and ample underjaw, clean enough in the lip, dark well-placed eyes and nice tidy ears created a great expression. Lovely clean and straight front with neat tight feet and well boned. Strong neck tapering into well laid shoulders, plenty of rib and correctly coupled with good strength to his rear quarters he was on the ball throughout and moved well holding his topline both stacked and on the move. A very clean, smart, and balanced dog presented in exceptional condition. Thank you for bringing him and all the very best of luck for the future RBD

2. CH IR CH Bultery Rollen Thunder 25.03.17 (Mr Terry Wood) Black Brindle of over 5 years. I won’t deny I had a very troublesome time deciding placings here, 2 dogs of obvious quality side by side and not so far apart on many points. A very pleasing and more classic head with good proportions, being cleaner in the lip and having a little more muzzle than my first place. Good width to his front and a little less bone to the class winner and a little more fore chest. His fitness was noted with good strength to his rear quarters and good angulation. Moved well holding his topline and well handled, this dog every bit the performer on his toes throughout. End of the day the decision was really on minor points, a bit of youth won over and a clique but on another day places could easily change.

Class 9 VD (3,1)

1. Bultery Game On At Comberdown 11.12.10 (Mr & Mrs & Miss I & A & S Higham) Black Brindle of a very youthful almost 13 years and what a star. My first comment in my notes being what a happy boy!! Pleasing head of good proportions showing plenty of distinguished silver on his clean lips and a good underjaw. He has enough bone and still a good front on him showing some fore chest with good neat feet and good front and rear angulation, presented in great condition for his age and without a doubt one of the better movers of the day holding his topline , anyone would think he’d been doing it for a while, thank you for the huge honour of judging him and may I wish this fella many more happy years to come BVIS

2. Aymstaff Fallen Angel 22.08.15 (Mr I Mawhinney) Black Brindle of 8 years and overall, a much stronger dog than the class winner. Strong headed with ample width and depth to his skull and a broad strong muzzle of correct proportion, eyes dark enough and used his ears well throughout class for good expression. A short strong neck leading into correct shoulders and ample rib, correctly coupled and good rear angulation when correctly stacked. A good width to his front with neat well-padded feet. Moved ok and another that was enjoying his time in the ring thank you for bringing him.

Class 10 MPB (2,0)

1. Flashstaff Give My Nut Peace 05.02.23 (Mr P Lavery) Smart Black Brindle with white front of 8 months. Strong but feminine head of good size and proportions, clean enough in the lip and a good underjaw, dark eyes and tidy ears created a pleasing expression. Correct front and enough bone, she is very clean and has a nice profile in side view with good front and rear angulation, a good topline that was held on the move. Her movement was fine once settled and had some confidence in the ring which is always a massive plus for a youngster, nothing overdone on this one and plenty of time on her side with everything going the right way all the very best for her future

2. Lasanta Princess Of Satip 09.03.23 (Mr F Pitas) Black Brindle of 7 months. Pleasing head with some strength and correct skull to muzzle ratio, eyes dark enough , ears tidy enough and used well for good expression when prompted . Generally a more compact stronger bitch than my class winner with a good width to her front and showing a decent amount of brisket , she has correct front and rear angulation and moved ok holding a good topline , she did appear a little tense at times which spoilt her profile in side view giving the appearance of sloping off at the croup but could see she looked much better when relaxed and free stood , another with plenty of time on her side and look forward to seeing her mature

Class 11 PB (1,0)

1. Flashstaff Story Teller By Aymstaff 05.02.23 (Mr & Mrs & Miss & Ms S & T & A & R Dickenson & Stewart) Very smart Black Brindle of 8 months with white front and the obvious litter sister to the MPB winner, would it make sense as she stood alone in class to say she caught my eye immediately, well she did. A quality puppy with heaps of virtue, a very pretty strong but undeniably feminine head with dark enough eyes with nice tidy ears that she used very well for a beautiful expression , a good width to her muzzle and correct length ratio to her skull. Lovely clean and straight front of good width and showing fore chest and correct drop of brisket text book to the elbow, exceptionally clean outlines with good front and rear angulation and presented in tip top condition and for me if I was asked to describe balance then it was stood in front of me. Her movement was one of the best on the day and she took everything in her stride holding a good level topline stacked and on the move. This is most certainly a pup I would love to have at home with me and many thanks for bringing her. BPB BPIS and RBB

Class 12 JB (2,2)

Class 13 YB No Entries

Class 14 TB (3,1)

1. Talako’s Mazikeen 17.01.22 (Mr & Mrs C & D Donnelly) Tidy Black Brindle with white patch of 21 months. Pleasing head of good proportions, dark enough eyes, and tidy ears that she used well , she did make me smile as has what I could only describe as a nosey expression watching everything and everyone, clean enough in the lip and ok for underjaw. She has enough bone and width to her clean straight front, nice tidy feet, ok for rib and correct coupled , front and rear angulation correct and she moved well holding her topline. Well handled.

2. Mystique Blue At Glanacstaff 04.06.19 (Mr G Clarkson) Blue Brindle with white front of 4 years. Pretty bitch with head of good proportions just lacking the definition of the class winner, she was happy and alert though class and used her ears to advantage, moved well holding her topline just preferred the all-round package of the class winner

Class 15 PGB (3,2)

1. Cicely Thunder Hawk At Aboriginal 07.12.19 (Mr James Coffey) Black Brindle with white markings of almost 4 years. Pretty bitch with a head of enough strength and good length of muzzle and no exaggeration, dark eye and tidy ears which she used well and good underjaw. OK for bone and a clean straight front with good width and plenty of fore chest. Good amount of rib and correctly coupled, correct front and rear angulation . Moved well enough holding her topline though she was a bit tense and lacking animation until the end of the class when she decided to liven up a bit.

Class 16 LB (2,2)

Class 17 OB (3,1)

1. Calgacus Brianna At Bultery 19.08.21 (Mr Terry Wood) Black Brindle of 2 years and my notes say pocket rocket. Cracking head, good width and depth to her skull and a strong muzzle of correct length, with a good underjaw. Eyes dark enough and tidy well-set ears which were in constant use throughout the class. Good amount of bone and great width to a beautiful clean and straight well-toned front and tidy feet. Good front and rear angulation and super fit in profile with a good drop of brisket and a nice tuck up to complete the picture. Sound well developed rear quarters that took her down the mat with ease holding her topline. Handled to perfection to get every last bit of performance out of her. An exceptionally fit bitch very hard to the touch and a credit to the owner, she was on her toes throughout and ready to burst free at the first opportunity. She put in the best performance of the day and had no hesitation in awarding her best in show. BB BIS

2. Comberdown Cupids Kiss 01.10.21 (Mr & Mrs & Miss I & A & S Higham) Beautiful quality Black Brindle bitch of 2 years. All round a stronger bitch to the class winner. Strong and well developed head of good proportions with good width to muzzle and plenty of underjaw, eyes dark enough and tidy ears used to advantage. She has plenty of bone and a correct straight front with good drop of brisket. Front and rear angulation is good, plenty of rib on this one and correctly coupled with powerful rear quarters and a good topline. Moved ok when settled just preferred the movement of my class winner on the day, again an old clique of unlucky to meet the class winner on the day but she was going to be a tough one to beat, thank you for bringing her.

Class 16 VB (1,0)

1. Mumiah Shine Like a Diamond 24.07.15 (Miss & Mr G & J Ross & Ryder). a red bitch, well presented and of much stronger type and ample covering.. A pleasing profile to her head with well-defined stop, good width and depth to her skull with a perfectly complimenting muzzle , clean in the lip with plenty of underjaw and the obligatory silver chops which will no doubt gain her a few extra treats in her later years. Dark well-set eyes and tidy ears which she used well to top off the picture with the most endearing of expressions. Strong neck of correct length leading into a clean straight front of ample width showing plenty of fore chest and good amount of bone with nice tidy well-padded feet, well off for rib with correct front and rear angulation, she moved well out and back with ease , trotting up and down the mat like she was off to the park. This little lady was perhaps due the most content exhibit of the day award just happy to have her time on the mat with her handler, thank you for bringing her.