Welsh Kennel Club

I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge my own breed at this well run show in a scenic location. Thanks to my 2 super stewards who kept things moving smoothly and thanks to the exhibitors who made the long winding trip here at a time when there are plenty of champ shows happening. Last time I judged was Crufts 6 years ago where I had big classes of quality. This time the quality was there but not the numbers. Entries are between 20 and 30 normally these days but I fear in another 5 to 10 years entries will be in single figures and more CCs will be lost. I don’t know what the answer is. Its was a shame that several quality dogs I have been admiring ringside this year didn’t come for whatever reason, but having said that I was more than pleased with my main winners and some close decisions had to be made, particularly for both RCCs.

Size and body proportions were good on the whole as were toplines, no ski slopes this time. Only a couple were too long in back, as they should be as long as they are tall. Also a few short ribs with long loins. Heads were more varied this time but all met the standard. I know what I like in a headpiece and beauty is in the eye of the beholder as the saying goes. .

Veteran dog. (1). 1st and BVIB, Rivetts black Geenawell black knight of Charakinha, VW, The only dog here today that I have judged previously, so it was good to see him again. At 12 years old he is still sound as a pound and struts his stuff round the ring. His head is showing his age but it is still balanced with a plushy muzzle with deep stop. Workmanlike like body and well off for bone, good rear and strong second thigh. Would like more forward reach and drive on the move, but he is a credit to his owner and enjoyed his day out.

Minor Puppy dog. 0.

Puppy dog.(2). 1st, BPIB , RDCC, Prices Black/tan Jaclee real mccoy, and he certainly is. Not seen this chap before. He is already mature in body so hope he doesn’t grow more. Holds a lovely outline stacked and on the move. Balanced plush head, with correct tan markings, leading to long neck and well laid shoulders with deep chest. Strong powerful rear with correct tailset. Moved with confidence and style to take the RDCC off a quality champion dog. One to watch. In lovely coat. 2nd Niessens buff Little Life Zimply Champagne. Unlucky to meet 1 today as he has lots to like but lacked the maturity in body and confidence on the move. Has kind eye with soft expression, nice low earset. Good body proportions and holds good topline. A lovely character. Coat coming along well and of good texture. Promising pup.

Junior dog. (2). Difficult class as 1st is top end of junior whilst 2nd just in by 5 days which made a difference to the maturity of body. 1st Edwards black/tan Moonmist I spy Wilbur, well coated and well marked b/t. Masculine head with plush muzzle, good length of neck and well developed in front and chest. A tad long in back for my taste but holds a good outline. Strong, well muscled rear and moved with drive. Shown in lovely condition. 2nd Reeds black Furians Morning star, classy black boy but still a puppy in body. His head is balanced and plushy with lovely expression. He is shorter in back than 1st, but couldn’t match 1sts chest, rib and bone at this stage. Holds a nice outline with correct tailset. He is a late developer but once fully mature will be up there. Not as steady on the move as 1st today. Gleaming coat, well presented.

Post grad.(1). Rivett and Siedlers b/w Leader Line stylish Melvin, Apt name for this chap as he is stylish. Balanced head with kind eye and expression, He needs a tad more weight as he looks a bit long and rangy but he has a strong body and holds a pleasing outline with good tailset. Once settled moved out well. Nicely handled. Well muscled and could do a days work for sure.

Limit dog.(3) Good class. 1st Dackcombe and Wellers r/w Sabisabi apache tonka at Geenawell. Have been watching this young dog for a while and he is a stunner but I feel his best is yet to come. Plush head and muzzle but a tad strong in backskull for my personal taste but has melting expression. Strong neck leading to well placed shoulders and good deep chest, with strong bone. Well developed rear, just needs to strengthen in topline. Well handled showing powerful drive, in fabulous coat. 2nd Harrisons buff Kenoula Luci Ano, I’m sure this chap gets overlooked as he doesn’t have the glamour of some of the others which is a shame as he is has breed type. Masculine head with dark eye and melting expression, not quite the plushiness and width of muzzle as 1st place but still a good headpiece. Short, compact workmanlike body, plenty of heartroom, good topline and tailset and moves with purpose. Well off for bone and capable of days work. 3rd Edwards Afterglow bang tidy.

Open dog. (2). 2 quality ones here. 1st DCC, Kirton, Stanton and Dackcombe R/W Sabisabi Iroquios Eyota, I have been admiring this chap for a while now and I have to say I have never seen him so look good as he did today. His whole demour and attitude has gone up a notch. Lovely head with melting expression and to be a tad picky would prefer more chiselling under the eyes but he gave me an “Im the winner” look today and commanded attention. On the stack he had an air of confidence about him, and really showed off his virtues, long neck, good front, compact in body,slightly sloping topline, strong rear, handled expertly showing reach and drive, In fabulous coat and condition. Should make up. Breeder must be proud as her r/w are stunning and its my favourite colour in the breed so Im always picky when judging them. 2nd Fryers parti Sh Ch Fonesse dirty dancing at Carolco. What can I say, so unlucky to meet 1 today as he had moved up a gear. He is a worthy champion. Plushy masculine head but I preferred the expression of 1st today. Strong neck leading to a well made front, strong back and holds good topline stacked and moving, well muscled rear with strong hocks and stifles. Moved with drive and was close up for RCC but was pipped by puppy who moved with more confidence and flair today . In wonderful coat and condition. Another day, placings could be different.

Special beginners dog.(1) Best SB in breed. Leader line stylish Melvin, see PG.

Veteran bitch, 0

Minor Puppy bitch, (2,1a). 1st BPB, Arrowsmith and Vorderstrasse r/w Arrowbien betty Barclay. Delightful feminine puppy, a star in the making. Its no secret I love both her parents and she has inherited their qualities. Balanced pretty head with soft eye and expression, Balanced compact body, developing well for her age, Holds lovely outline with good topline and tailset. Moved well albeit a little tentative to start with. I did consider her for RCC but as she was only at her second show, didn’t have the confidence and show attitude of the B/T. A champ in the future I’m sure. Lovely presentation.

Puppy bitch 0

Junior bitch (2, 1a) 1st Clays buff Jaclee Limelight. Head not to my taste as I find a bit strong for a girl. Well developed body with excellent rib and forechest. Good strong rear but for me a bit long in back but holds good topline. Moves with purpose and shown in lovely coat. Worthy winner.

Post grad bitch (1). Clays tri Cutiepooch born to tri, Again head not to my taste as also a iittle strong but its plushy. She has the typical “Pierre” outline and has many of his qualities. Is well balanced through her compact body. Could be more collected on the move but this may come with maturity. Nicely handled.

Limit bitch (3, 1a).Lovely class. 1st Palmers tri Tricajons Party politics at Combleywood. Well made girl with compact balanced body. For me a little strong in backskull but head is plush and nicely marked with kind expression. Good depth of chest and rib leading to well angulated rear, holds topline on move with correct tailset. Was close up for RCC but she wasn’t as relaxed as the B/T and therefore not as confident and fluid on the move. Her day will come. Great presentation and handling. 2nd Kirton and Dackcombes r/w Miranda flower iz Mazhornornogo Lada at Sabisabi, what a producer this lady is as mum of the 2 r/w boys here. Pretty headed girl with kind expression, good through front to rear with compact body and nice outline. Today just carrying a bit of extra weight which made her look short on leg which she isn’t. So sound on the move.

Open bitch, (4, 2a) 1st, BCC BOB. Lynns black Sh Ch Afterglow Impose. Classy girl that I hoped I would get the chance to judge. I loved her father, JJ, when I saw him here and in Madrid and he has passed his qualities onto his kids. She is pure quality from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail. Deliciously feminine head, in fact my favourite head of all the girls here today, Looks an absolute picture stacked and there is a strong well developed body under that gleaming coat. Full of breed type and expertly handled at the correct pace to show off her reach and drive whilst maintaining her lovely outline. Show attitude in bucket loads. Was shortlisted in group later. This kennel keeps producing winners, so hats off to you all. 2nd RCC Betts and Murrays B/T Sanelle Picholine, unlucky to meet 1. Well marked B/T who is overall slightly bigger than 1st, but still a quality girl. Well balanced head with kind expression, plush muzzle, good front with deep chest, strong rear with good stifle and hocks, sometimes drops topline a tad but comes alive on the move. Her confidence and power going round the ring won her the RCC over the other girls. Well handled. Should make up.

Special beginners 0.