Selkirk & District Canine Society

Selkirk & District Canine Society Open Show – 16 April 2023

My sincere thanks to the Society for the invitation to judge at their open show where I received a warm welcome from the organisers and exhibitors. Originally scheduled to undertake this appointment in September 2020 (COVID!), it was particularly pleasing to be in the centre of the ring and have so many lovely dogs to go over. Thank you to exhibitors for supporting my appointment and to my wonderful stewards for keeping the ring moving efficiently.

JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES

I was delighted with the standard across the two qualifying classes; and was sad that worthy handlers had to leave the ring without a placing.

I was looking for an unobtrusive handler who had a connection with their dog and made sure the dog was the main attraction; I observed some over-shadowing which is unnecessary and distracting, keep it simple and show off the dog.

My general advice is nail the basics – ensure your stance and gaiting are spot on for the dog and breed you are handling; that is the foundation on which everything else is built.

Another day will no doubt yield a different result as these talented young handlers continue to hone their craft and challenge one another. I have no doubt we will see many of these juniors in the Final next year, best of luck to you all.

SKC JH 6-11yrs Qualifying Heat (7, 2)

1st Abigail Kirkwood-Emery handled her Dachshund with proficiency and kindness. She quietly encouraged her dog throughout and with a gentle manner presented her dog well on the table and displayed teeth with empathy. She had her dog stood correctly at all times, listened to my instructions and completed her floor work accurately and with ease. Her dog was not always co-operative and I was impressed with the calm unflustered approach Abigail demonstrated throughout the class. I hope as she gains more experience her confidence in her own ability will grow.

2nd Delphine Storey handling a WSS put on a commendable performance. Despite the restricted ring size Delphine ably moved her dog at the correct pace using her voice and gentle lead control throughout. On the stack she had her dog stood correctly and well presented. Showing of the teeth could have been better so I would encourage Delphine to gently practice this with her dogs so it becomes more natural to her.

 3rd Eva Purdie.

SKC JH 12-16yrs Qualifying Heat (7, 0)

1st Alexis Kirkwood-Emery handling a Chinese Crested. A very talented handler Alexis has a gentle and sympathetic style. She had an excellent rapport with her dog using verbal encouragement throughout, moving at the correct speed and executing neat pattern work with straight lines. Her table work was excellent and she showed the teeth with consideration and kindness for her dog. She possessed a quietly confident manner and was so natural at all times; nothing was overdone and the dog was the main focus. Such poise and grace, this young lady should have a very bright future in dog showing.

2nd Jessica Shaw another proficient handler with a lovely rapport with her dog. Jessica did an excellent job with her Afghan puppy, handling with kindness and compassion throughout. She had her dog stood correctly at all times and used the space available on the move to ensure they were gaiting at the correct speed. On the day I just felt Alexis had a bit more polish which gave her the edge to win this class.

3rd Amelia-Jayne Storey.

AV PUPPY STAKES

I was absolutely delighted with the two AV puppy classes and was spoilt for choice; too many worthy pups had to leave the ring without a rosette. If these youngsters go on to achieve their early promise then the Scottish show scene will surely be an exciting and competitive hub in the coming years.

Minor Puppy Dog or Bitch (18, 5)

1st Moyes, Lockett-Davies, Hunter & Shaw’s Rhazmakh Heart O’Summer By Bryelis TAF. Stylish Afghan bitch of just 7-months old, presented in lovely condition and showing so confidently for one so young. Balanced throughout with lovely head and good bone. Moved out well in all directions with typical springy action.

2nd Young & McCluskey’s Burusamurai Hinako. Very smart 8-months old Japanese Shiba Inu bitch. Absolutely sound and so well balanced. Pleasing head. Correct quarters front and rear, covered the ground with ease.

3rd Gate’s Winklestar Alsephina Via Lacetrom

Puppy Dog or Bitch (7, 2)

1st Downie’s Knecht Mileena. 7-months old Dobermann bitch presents a most pleasing picture on the stand, which she carries on the move. Good overall balance. Presented in lovely condition and moved out well with purpose.

2nd Moyes, Lockett-Davies, Hunter & Shaw’s Merrick Picture Perfect By Bryelis (Imp Fin) TAF. 11-months old Afghan male. Sympathetically handled. Exhibits a good shape and overall balance. Presented in good coat and condition. Moved with a typical action from all directions.

3rd Duff’s Titanbears Fallen Angel

AV VETERAN

AV Veteran Dog (14,7)

1st Gamble’s Talraz Look to the Future at Capelaw ShCM. 10yr old Bearded Collie Male. Presented in good coat and condition. He is good for overall balance, nicely boned. Moved out well with purpose and drive. RESERVE BEST VETERAN

2nd Kynaston’s Granasil Golden Nugget VW SHCEX. 8.5yr old CKCS dog. A happy little lad that moved out well. Well coated and in good overall condition, he is balanced and sound throughout. Unlucky to meet 1 on such top form.

3rd Reid’s Gramatti Laird of the Ring Via Hugieboogie ShCM VW.

AV Veteran Bitch (10,1)

1st Maclaine & Dickson’s Greyspirit Purdue JW ShCM SHCEX CJW17 CW22. 8yr old Weimaraner bitch. Excellent construction, strong bone, good feet. Presented in first class condition firm and well muscled. She was handled to advantage and covered the ground with ease on the move. BEST VETERAN

2nd Moyes, Moyes Hunter’s Bryelis Trick or Treat JW ShCM. 13.5yr old Chinese Crested bitch. A cracking little lady who is belying her age and was presented in superb condition. With bags of attitude she moved soundly and easily and commanded attention. She could not be ignored in this quality class of veterans.

3rd Foote & McAulay’s IRCH Clonallan Just Beginning Avec Erylan ShCM.

UTLITY BREEDS

Akita Open (3,2)

1st Davies’ CH Redwitch This is Me at Shinzam (AI) & GROUP 3. Almost 3yr old quality male, looking every inch the title holder he is. So balanced in construction, he is good for size and presents a strong powerful outline. Balanced masculine head of good proportions, dark eyes and good ears. Made good use of the small ring to power round on the move demonstrating his balance and soundness. GROUP 3

French Bulldog Open (1,0)

1st MCudden’s My Sweet Aurora. 7-months-old fawn bitch. Nice head of good proportions with good ears. She is well proportioned and nicely boned. Put on an excellent performance for one so young and moved out soundly from all directions. PUPPY GROUP 3

Keeshond Open (2,0)

Two gorgeous puppies, litter siblings.

1st Gate’s Winklestar Alsephina Via Lacetrom. 7-months-old. Attractive well constructed bitch possessing excellent breed type and quality. She has a stunning head of balanced proportions, a pleasing expression, good eyes and neat well set ears. Well coated and presented in super condition. Moved out steadily covering the ground with typical action. No doubt she has an exciting future in the showring. GROUP 2 & PUPPY GROUP 2

2nd Gate’s Winklestar Alnair Via Lacetrom. 7-month-old male, possessing much of the quality and same attributes of his pretty sister. I felt that she has the better head and on the day moved out more positively.

Lhasa Apso Open (3,2)

1st Hinshelwood’s Muirfauld Picture This. 13-month-old bitch, a little unsettled on the table. Well balanced with a feminine head of good proportions, firm body condition and well coated. Moved out with typical jaunty action. GROUP 4

AV Utility NSC Open (5,3)

1st Young & McCluskey’s Burusamurai Hinako. Very smart 8-months old Japanese Shiba Inu bitch. Absolutely sound and so well balanced. Pleasing head. Correct quarters front and rear, covered the ground with ease. Presented in excellent condition and handle to advantage GROUP 1 & BPIS

2nd McPhee’s Glamglow’s Blushing Bride for Maihimekai. 2-years-old Japanese Spitz. Quality bitch, going through the dreaded junior moult. She has a very pretty head of good proportions, and is well balanced in body. She exhibited an appealing happy outgoing temperament and moved out well from all angles.

TOY BREEDS-

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (6,3)

1st Linton’s Thekops’ Black ‘n’ Gold 18 month old dog of good overall construction, presenting a pleasing outline. Typical in head with good eye. Proportionate bone for size. Moved out purposefully. TOY GROUP 3

2nd Kynaston’s Granasil Golden Nugget VW SHCEX (critiqued in AV veteran)

3rd Maxwells’s Poundroll Nina

Chinese Crested Open (2,0)

1st Moyes, Moyes Hunter’s Joyway’s I’m a Star at Bryelis (Imp Fin). Well constructed male, good overall balance. Good head of correct proportions. Moved out soundly and well handled. TOY GROUP 1

2nd Moyes, Moyes Hunter’s Bryelis Private Dancer JW ShCM Almost 7-years-old. Very feminine head with lovely dark eyes. Such a happy girl who was wagging her tail throughout. She moved well with reach and drive.

English Toy Terrier (4,1)

1st Inch & Inch’s Edalene Upside Down. A very smart 7-month-old male who undoubtedly has some maturing to do, but embodies a swagger that cannot be ignored, and it was that showmanship which gave him the edge over his kennel mate today. Overall he is balanced and well constructed, with head of good proportions, and moved out well. TOY GROUP 2 & PUPPY GROUP 1

2nd Inch & Inch’s Edalene Court and Spark JW. Not quite 2-year-old bitch oozing quality. Feminine and well balanced with a pretty head, I liked her a lot; I just felt she could have been more settled to give a better account of herself, which made way for 1 on the day.

3rd Inch & Inch’s Edalene Scoops Ahoy

Pomeranian Open (3,1)

1st Nixon’s Kazpom No Doubt Smart 6-month-old dog with a great attitude. Typical and balanced in outline he is good for size and bone, has a correct head of good proportions, dark eye and neat ears. Moved okay. TOY GROUP 4 & PUPPY GROUP 2

2nd Nixon’s Kazpom Don’t Let Go 6-month-old litter brother to 1, and possessing many of the same qualities and attributes. He moved better than his brother, who had the edge in presentation and showmanship.

AV Toy NSC Open (6,2)

1st Reid’s Gramatti Laird of the Ring Via Hugieboogie ShCM VW. 10yr old Pug absolutely full of himself. Balanced overall, good body proportions, well boned. Moved out well with purpose.

2nd Millar’s Sharlarna Deja Voo. Japanese Chin, almost 5-years-old. Sadly this little lady was really unsettled today making assessment difficult. She has lovely shape and moved out well.

BEST IN SHOW

Johnston’s Corimist Fashion Star (Bearded Collie) Stunning bitch of almost 4yr old. She was presented in first class condition with a beautiful coat, firm in body and well muscled throughout. Feminine head of excellent proportions, with dark eyes and a pleasing expression. She is so balanced and well constructed, which she demonstrated on the move covering the ground effortlessly with reach and drive. A beautiful bitch, handled to advantage.

RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

Foote & McAulay’s IRCH Erylan Hera La Reine (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen) Another cracking bitch turned 3-years-old. She is so sound and presents a pleasing outline on the stack and the move. Expertly presented by her handler to get the very best out of her.

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Young & McCluskey’s Burusamurai Hinako (Japanese Shiba Inu)

This smart youngster got better as the day went on; being so settled whilst demanding your attention in this line up. The bigger ring allowed her to really show off her excellent construction whilst moving and I was delighted to reward her with BPIS.

RESERVE BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Melvin & Jopson’s Katiedale the Piper at Nithview (Shetland Sheepdog) Handsome 9-month-old male, with a balanced pleasing outline. He has a masculine head with dark eyes and neat well set ears. He never let up showing and moved around the ring with ease.

Judge: Lisa J Moir (Jansanleis)