Crufts

CRUFTS 9th March 2024

BRIARD

In 1984 when I travelled to CRUFTS with Christine and David Cherington (Westwold), I never even dreamed that one day I would judge this wonderful breed there myself.

In 2016 I received that coveted invitation to judge Briards at Crufts 2021. As I had last judged them in 2015 I chose not to judge them again until Crufts 2021 but then COVID struck and the 2021 Crufts was cancelled and my appointment rolled over to 2024. So I have not judged this breed for 9 years.

I showed the breed from the 1980’s through to the early 2000’s. Over the years breeders experienced setbacks with hip scores and eye conditions, both of which affected the top breeders’ breeding programs, and they worked hard to keep type and conformation whilst improving health.

Overall today in the younger Briards, it was the bitch classes that were stronger than the dogs.

Temperaments were excellent, as were the double dew claws. Sadly there were a number of short tails and tails without the desired hook – a specific breed characteristic.

Coats were impressive, with most having the rugged, rustic appearance that I was looking for with the correct goat-like rasp.

Crufts rings are thankfully spacious, giving this breed the opportunity to settle into their stride and show their ability to cover the ground effortlessly.

I was very pleased to see an improvement in hindquarters. However, I was shocked at the mouths – where have the “very strong and white teeth” gone and the “scissor bite”?

I have never counted the number of teeth and am not concerned about missing pre molars but when it came to the actual bite – level was commonly found on the day, and far more overshot and undershot than I ever want to encounter again in this breed. Incorrect bites to this degree affect the jawlines. Please give serious consideration to this in your breeding programs and know your pedigrees to improve upon this. Act now or it will be too late.

You are the current custodians of this wonderful breed so their future is in your hands.

Having said all of the above, as always when judging, the dog must be assessed as a whole.

Thank you for the honour of your entries and to those overseas visitors I hope you all had a safe journey home and enjoyed your experience.

Sincere thanks must go to my stewards Mr & Mrs Stanley who made my day so much easier with their professionalism in keeping the ring running smoothly, good humour and accurate paperwork, leaving me to fully concentrate on the judging.

Veteran Dog (6)

A quality class to start the day, showing that Briards are, and should be a slow maturing breed and at 7 years of age are really just middle-aged and can compete with the youngsters on equal terms. 1. Ch Jandade L'Butler (Miss D A Wilson). At 11.5 years young, this charming strong black dog has such a fabulous rugged coat and truly rustic appearance. Strong in head and ex bite with ex width of muzzle and head forming two rectangles. Straight forelegs with feet pointing straight forwards, level topline held on the move. Well muscled enabling him to drive around the ring effortlessly. .BVD.

2. Ch Fostebrie Glencoe (Mr D & Mrs M Clelland). 7 year old fawn, close up to 1st. Caught my eye as he entered the ring. Another rugged male of correct proportions, expertly handled to best advantage. I just felt that he flagged a little on the second lap around the ring today whereas 1st had more energy left in him. A worthy Champion who was a pleasure to go over with his quality structure.

3. Ch Charson Worth The Wait (Mrs E Thorp)

Puppy Dog (4)

1. Chavell European Secret (ai) (Mrs C Biddlecombe). Fawn of 11 months. Won the class on overall construction and movement. Creates a lovely outline & so well balanced. Ex bone, forelegs set well under body with ex forechest. Tail reaching well to hocks. Moving straight and true and well handled. Nothing exaggerated. Already the topcoat has ex texture. BPD.

2. Honey I'm Home Moravia Campanella at Starwell (Mr T J & Mrs A M Fieldsend). Fawn giving away 3 months to the winner and at this age a lot develops in that 3 months. Good angulation fore and aft, stands on solid feet and has a moderate reach of neck. The Crufts atmosphere is a lot to take in so early in the day at this age and I felt he was a little unsure of his direction and slightly erratic on the move. Quite a handful today but I am sure he will settle down to the task in hand.

3.Brenhinol Blue Mal (Ms Rucka)

Junior Dog (2,1a)

1. Jandade Roi Charles (Mr K & Mrs M Peirson). Black standing alone today, just over 12 months with a good outline, topline and gentle slope to croup & well set tail. Well off for bone, ex scissor bite, darkest of eyes and correct head planes, with a large square nose. Well coated for age. He moved out well with an ex stride, covering the ground. A very exciting prospect that will easily hold his own in good company.

Post Graduate Dog (3,1a)

Both 2 years old. 1. Kastobri Midnight Dreamer (Mrs Dj Challis). Strong black, slightly longer than height, strong in head with ex scissor bite & large dark brown eyes. Muscular neck, well laid shoulders and ex level back with decent spring of rib. Stands firmly on all four feet. When on the move he is very happily flying his tail, but maybe he just wants to proudly show off his distinct J hook.

2. Stomfield Rufus Thomas for Charson (Mrs S & Mr A Hillier & Gardner). Fawn displaying great character. Loved his masculine head and body, and adored his large nose leather. Liked his size and substance. He has a tendency to roach his back which detracts from the overall picture. A very active mover, he also wanted to fly his tail but on him there was not the evidence of a J. Another with a quality top and undercoat.

Limit Dog (7,2a)

1. Stormymoon Thor (Mrs Kingaby). Nothing exaggerated here, but an honest dog. I would prefer more strength of head but he is not a big dog overall and he is well boned for his size. He has the biggest strong white teeth in a scissor bite. He comes into his own on the move where he has impressive reach and drive, head extended forwards and tail held low and centrally.

2. Fostebrie Chevalier Noir Sui Jch (Mrs M & Mr P Humphreys). Almost 2 years old. Striking boy, handsome head with square nose. Medium neck. Well boned forelegs,. A glossy black coat which has a break to it. Strong parallel hocks, not too short & uses them to drive. Holds his topline at all times.

3. Rafferty De La Chaume Du Bois Dieu (Mrs Y S Holland)

Open Dog (9,1a)

What a quality class, all but one already champions. A fabulous sight to see them all lined up around the ring. 1. Ch Gilcoru Wolfblass D'brie (Mrs N & Mrs L Rual Keogh & Rual). Epitomy of the standard. Undeniably masculine from head to toe, this fawn lad has such wonderful balance coming from well laid shoulders and return of upper arm, combined with correct body length to height proportions and sweep of stifle joining onto sturdy parallel hocks. He stands rock steady and fills the eye accompanied by sage-hardi character. His silhouette oozes Briard and his glorious rich fawn coat is wonderful to feel. He is expertly handled and moved on a loose lead giving him freedom to extend his head level with his body and his long tail is perfectly held, complete with hook. At this stage, when he won this class, I honestly expected to find nothing to match him. In the challenge he came up against the GCDS winner and it was such a close decision to have to make, probably the hardest of the day. On this occasion, RDCC.

2. Ch Stormymoon Untamed Irish (Miss J A Parry). Impressive in outline. Such a sound black boy, full of quality features under your hands and undeniably in tip-top condition. He excelled from head to tail. All lines flowed into one another, strength and substance combined. In his movement he appears to make light work of covering the ground with his effortless stride and is impressive viewed from all angles, moving straight and true with flexibility and power. Pulled out all the stops to take this place from the others.

3. Sui Ch Fostebrie Just Unique JW OSW Lux Jch (Mrs Foster)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog (4)

What can I say? Open Dog was a hard act to follow, but this class followed it with style. 1. Ch Barembak Albufera at Charson (Mrs S Hillier). 8 years old next month. Awesome dog that has such an undeniable rapport with his handler. An upstanding male of the highest quality all through, his outline on the stand fills your eye, topped off with his rich fawn, rugged coat. There is nothing coarse about him, he has a super powerful broad head of correct proportions with a dark eye and mobile ears and a large square black nose and strong muzzle, all combining to give a kind expression. Strong neck. Straight forelegs are set at correct width, with ex prosternum and depth of brisket and moderately sprung ribs going well back. Carrying the right weight for his size. The coat is dry and hard, giving the rasping sound when rubbed between your fingers. His centrally held tail is carried low and has a crochet hook. He moves with true reach and ex drive from his powerful hocks as he motors around the ring with a free and easy stride, holding his topline at all times. DCC & BOB. He did not put a paw out of place in the big ring representing his breed, and I was so proud when the esteemed Pastoral Group judge, Barrie Croft, recognised his qualities by shortlisting him in an exceedingly strong group.

2. Ch Jandade Reach for The Stars with Hartswelin (Mrs G Funnell). Black boy exuding breed type and balance. A happy extrovert clown, and another that is so rewarding to watch as he shows off his gait. He can be summed up as the old adage says, if it’s made right it will move right – and he is made right.

3. Swiss Ch Fostebrie Just Exquisite of Crakebrie JW (Mrs M Craker)

Veteran Bitch (7,2a)

My notes say WOW! What a class. 1. Ch/nl/lux/sui/int Ch Fostebrie Precious Hope (ai) JW ShCM Cjw18 Ww18 Benelux18 (Mrs Foster). An absolutely super black bitch, creating a lovely silhouette. A pretty girl of super balance. Feminine headpiece, glistening eyes, correct body proportions slightly longer than high. Turned out, presented and handled impeccably. So fluid when moving around the ring, holding a spirit level topline. A real pleasure to go over her. BVB & BVIB. Strongly considered in the challenge.

2. Ch Touslefell Hopes and Dreams (Ms L Ledsham). At 11.5 years young this fawn girl has so much to offer. Up to size but still retaining her femininity. Typical of the Briards that this kennel has consistently produced. Lovely to go over in all departments, stands proudly and moves proudly, knowing exactly what her handler wants of her and happy to oblige, making a great team. In fabulous coat with correct break to it. I can see why she has her well justified CH title. I found later that I also judged her in 2015.

3. Ch Jandade Precious Charm JW (Miss D A Wilson)

Puppy Bitch (3)

Three very different puppies, all with much promise, and ALL had strong teeth.

1. Boo Cheyenne Nadina Sis (Mrs Stralkova). Really taken with the balance of this totally feminine young black lady of only 8 months and the way she held herself, so composed both standing and moving. Ex bite. She is so well put together all through and her hard muscular condition holds the bone structure together to produce straight movement both going away and coming back, with ex side gait. So relaxed on the move and confident, she glides around the ring. Could not resist her charms to take BPB & BPIB.

2. Brenhinol Blue Serenity (Ms Rucka). At 9 months this girl was also well constructed and showing lots of promise for the future, but today she was a little erratic and not as settled as 1st. Very pleasing to go over her and I am sure she has a very bright future ahead of her.

3. Starwell Heaven Kiss (Mr T & Mrs A & Miss A Fieldsend & Fieldsend & Forman)

Junior Bitch (9,3a)

This class was full of top quality youngsters which bodes well for the future. I would have been happy to take any of them home. From 12 to 18 months of age this breed is slowly developing and it can be hard for a 12 month old to compete with 18 month olds.

1. Victory of The Teasing Stars (Mrs Ch Foucher). 16 months. Literally splitting hairs between the first five, the first two both being beautiful fawns, that were so close together on all aspects. Both super movers with tails held at correct level. Loved their quality coat texture and super rich colouring. Both had slightly rounded skulls, with well set ears. Strong but feminine in head and body with good width all through. Well constructed forequarters and hindquarters. Could easily change places, as could the first five.

2. Bailleys Tequila Puppy JW (Mrs Katar Hudecekova Petrasova). 16.5 months. See above.

3. Jandade Precious Secret (Miss D A Wilson)

Post Graduate Bitch (12)

A hotly contended class. 1. Charson Walls Have Ears (Mrs S & Mr A & Mrs E Hillier & Gardner & Thorp). Just under 18 months Sired by the RDCC winner and he has passed on his many qualities to his daughter here. Like father, like daughter, she is so beautifully constructed, nothing exaggerated. Her coat texture is already there and the coat just needs to carry on growing the length. She is charming – steady & calm, athletic & versatile, and animated. Such accurate movement, straight and true and totally sound. She has everything going for her and now just needs to take her time to mature over time and not rush. RBCC.

2. Vivienne De L'arene Noire at Rozimba (Imp Bel) Be Jch Bwj23 Wwj23 (Mrs T & Mr S Wescott-Smith & Smith). Most attractive black, pushing 1st hard and at 20 months her coat is more flowing than 1st. Feminine size, exquisite outline and built to last all day. Super topline with croup falling away softly. She glides effortlessly. This unobtrusive handler always gets the best out of her charges and this was no exception.

3. Gilcoru Amour D'brie (Mrs C E Pigott)

Limit Bitch (10,2a)

1. Gilcoru Interlude D'brie (Mrs J Rual). Black. A good honest bitch with sound forequarters and her well angulated hind quarters combine with strong hocks for drive. She has correct 9:10 height to length ration with short firm loins. Her handler moved her on a loose lead and guided her around the ring at the perfect speed where she naturally extended her head, and moved with her tail held correctly. Coat texture is hard and dry.

2. Touslefell I Have A Dream (Ms L Ledsham). Black, of taller build but still in balance. Ex shoulder placement and return of upper arm, good length and strength to neck which gracefully flows into topline. Well angulated sweep of stifle & upright parallel hocks of good length. Ability to cover the ground with ex length of stride.

3. Chavell Bonjour Maisie JW (Mrs P Hartwell)

Open Bitch (12,4a)

A magnificent class to judge. Just to look around the ring and see these mature adult girls was a joy to behold. Let’s hope that they produce well for future generations in their respective countries.

1. Int Ch Fleur Felicitas De La Porte De Pantin (Mrs R Hohmann). Black carrying a rustic yet glamorous flat lying jacket which falls in long gentle waves . Perfect size and substance. A true Briard. She truly took my breath away with her elegance and poise with perfect J hook at the end of her tail which just falls away so gently off her croup. Attractive head features supported on a strong neck, lovely expression. In hard muscular condition. So light on her feet and able to turn on a sixpence. Such a stunning sight to see her extend around the ring in full flight – poetry in motion – l’allure bergere. I feel truly blessed to have met her. BCC & BOS.

2. Ch Beaugency Bellini (Mrs J Snelling). Fawn. Another worthy Champion commanding great admiration. Slightly rounded skull, dark eyes, high set ears with thick leathers, strong muzzle of good width & depth. Loved her forechest, sturdy forelegs, deep chest & ribcage. Neck flows into topline. Well angulated at the rear without being overdone. Hocks not too low. In stunning coat & presented immaculately. Totally sound moving in all directions.

3. Ch Barronoaks Etta Bagel (Mrs A T Webb)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch (8,2a)

1. Ch Jandade Shooting Star to Hartswelin JW (Miss L J Coleman). Black/greying. Placed VHC in the top quality OB class and a worthy Champion. A super girl in all respects, quality in type and balance. She moves with fluidity, reaching out in front and with a powerful drive from behind. At five years old she is beginning to reach her prime.

2. Jandade Precious Secret (Miss D A Wilson). Placed 3rd in the awesome JB class which was in itself no mean feat. Displaying ex breed type, this is one for the future who will surely be made up. Only a youngster but showing top qualities and is so composed and self-assured in her demeanour. A kennel known for their consistent breed type, indeed they bred the class winner as well. Daughter of 3rd in VB & grand-daughter of BVD.

3. Arundall Ebony (Mrs T Sweet)

Jane Paradise (Judge)