Scottish Kennel Club

Scottish Kennel Club

May All Breed Championship Show – 19.5.24

Golden Retrievers

Judge: Karen McFarlane (Bluebraes)

Thank you so much to the Scottish Kennel Club for inviting me to award my first set of tickets in both sexes. It was a pleasure to accept this appointment on home turf. As a trial, SKC ran their May show along with their October championship show running two rings together side by side. This ran well but did make for a long day. However, it also invited a larger entry as there were two sets of tickets on offer.

I was more than delighted with my entry. Not just in quantity but also in quality. When I see what is coming through in the younger classes it excites me for the future. The last few times judging I have seen dogs carrying their tails quite high and I saw much less of it today in both sexes which was really good to see. I would say though that I felt some of the trimming was quite severe, particularly in the dogs and there were a few with incorrect mouths. I also noticed a couple who were not completely sound on the move which was disappointing as I liked those dogs. Generally, though, movement was positive and so many dogs I liked had to go cardless. Thank you so much to the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of going over your dogs.

MPD no entries

Puppy Dog (5. 0 abs)

1st Cuthill’s Messano Pop Master of Mousseglen. So much to like about this youngster- just my cup of tea! When standing he is so well balanced and has excellent bone. He has the most appealing head with a dark eye and pigment. His neck flows onto well laid shoulders with good length of upperarm. His accurate front angulation is matched by a super rear. Lovely cat like tight feet. He settled better on the move after the initial run around and showed himself of really well. Best Puppy Dog beating some super dog puppies. Will follow his future with interest.

2nd Towers and Henderson’s Baricia Bella Divino. This puppy is different in type to 1 but of good quality and I liked him a lot! Pale boy with dark pigmentation and a handsome head. A good front with straight legs and tight feet. Super topline and short coupled with a good tail set and carriage. He has well let down hocks and correct bend of stifle. He moved really well around the ring.

3rd Ambersun Summer Son

Junior (8, 2 abs)

1st Middleton-Collins’ Berrymeade A Fool in Love of Jasperleigh. This young dog shows himself off so well. He freestands with ease and wags his tail highlighting his eagerness to please his handler and showing how happy he is in the ring. To be honest I would like a bit more of him but he is just 12 months and he has time on his side. Another that is balanced throughout with his good length of neck and well angulated front and rear. His rapport with his handler is further demonstrated on the move as he strides around the ring.

2nd Middlemiss’ and Brown’s Harmorjoy You’re My Love. I really like this well-boned young dog. He has such a typical golden expression with a kind, dark eye and good pigmentation. With an excellent reach of neck onto his well laid back shoulders, he also has a level topline which he keeps on the move. Correct tail set. Strong rear with a good bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Moved well for his handler quietly and soundly.

3rd Parry’s Mitcharron Seren’s Legacy

Yearling (6, 2 abs)

1st Bardossy’s Dewmist Dream Weaver JW. This boy knows his job in the ring! He is full of animation but settles well to stand and move for his handler. An excellent rapport and super handling. A pale boy who has lovely dark pigmentation, he has a good front with strong legs and his neck flows onto well laid back shoulders. Level topline and short coupled with a strong back end and is well muscled. Moved with drive around the ring.

2nd Middleton-Collins’ Berrymeade a Fool in Love of Jasperleigh

3rd Warden’s Holinbrae Zoom Time at Glentochty

Novice Dog (10, 2 abs)

1st Cuthill’s Messano Pop Master of Mousseglen

2nd Pastusiak’s United Kingdom Du Bois De La Rayere. Another lovely young boy with lots of bone. He was happy stacked and freestanding but when freestood showed off his happy waggy tail. I really liked his head, handsome and just right for his age. He has a good reach of neck, level topline and is well angulated throughout with a super topline. He moved well, free and easy around the ring.

3rd Towers & Henderson’s Baricia Bella Divino

Graduate Dog (13, 2 abs)

1st Bolton’s Megarvey Still Game at Shiresmill. This quality boy has such a typical head for a golden with the kindest of eyes and expressions which is so appealing. He is a picture of balance throughout with excellent bone. He has a good length of neck which his handler shows off well when stacking him. A lovely angulated front with tight feet and firm topline with correct tailset and carriage. His rear end compliments this with a good turn of stifle with well let down hocks. He can really move and covered the ground with ease. At times he gave his sympathetic handler a hard time but there is no denying the drive he has pushing forwards from his strong quarters. I was also pleased with how he freestood when standing in the line up after being pulled in 1st. He stood naturally maintaining his outline well. Delighted to award him the RCC

2nd Law’s Sandti Back of the Net. Unlucky to meet 1 today as this boy appeals a lot! He has the most happiest expression with a lovely dark eye. Well angulated fore and aft with straight legs and catlike feet. Good spring of rib and a firm topline. Well let down hocks. Looks a picture freestood. He moved out well and at one with his handler showing off his stride.

3rd Black and Black’s Bencoe Just in Time Del Avrain JW Ir Jr Ch

Post Graduate Dog (9, 1 abs)

1st Oakes’ Drumkilty Vanadium JW. Another quality boy that pushed my RCC winner hard. Pale dog with dark eye and pigment. Well off for bone. He has a good reach of neck with correct shoulder placement. Feet well under him and he is deep through the chest. He is short coupled with a strong loin and correctly angulated rear. Shows himself off so well freestood presenting a lovely picture. He moved with drive around the ring. Coat seemed to be a bit on the blow today. Well handled.

2nd Salter’s Rathcloon Safe and Sound. I have judged this boy before doing him well and I was pleased to see how well he has matured since then. He has a handsome head with pleasing expression and is another balanced boy with a well angulated front and rear, good spring of rib and short coupled. He has a firm topline and moved well maintaining this. Presented in a good wavy coat.  

3rd Millington’s Golmas Guard of Honour at Jarabees JW

Limit (19, 4 abs)

1st Ogilvie’s Linirgor Play My Song for Glenbuie. This boy has a very pleasing head and expression with dark eye and pigment. He has an excellent reach of neck onto his well laid back shoulders, coupled with a good length of upperarm this shows off his correct front angulation. He has straight legs and super tight feet with well sprung ribs and firm topline. At his rear he displays a good turn of stifle. Very well presented and moved with drive with strong quarters moving him forward.

2nd McGeoch’s Nedlezah Lochlea. A picture of balance with so much to like that I have admired for a while. He has a handsome head with a neck that flows well onto his correct layback of shoulder. This is complimented with a super angulated front with straight legs and tight feet. Deep chested, well sprung ribs and a level topline with strong loin. Good turn of stifle and well muscled second thigh. Lost out to 1 who had the more positive movement after I shortlisted.

3rd Foreman’s Ambersun Heart and Soul

Open (9, 0 abs)

1st Savage’s Ir Sh Ch Ch Weisford Guilty as Sin CW22CJW22. Have watched this boy from the ringside for a while and was delighted to have the opportunity to go over him and he did not disappoint! He has a typical golden expression with a dark eye and good pigment which would be very difficult not to love. He is balanced throughout with excellent angles fore and aft presenting an eye-catching outline. Straight front legs well under him and good catlike feet. He is short coupled with a firm and level topline. Accurate tail set and carriage. Powered round the ring. Delighted to award him CC and BOS

2nd Noferi’s Int Ch Esp Ch Gib Ch Terra Sienna I’m a Dreamer. A new one to me. A quality boy who is happy when freestood standing four square and who shows himself off well. An admiral head with good pigment, he also has a good flow of neck onto his shoulders with a level topline. Good depth of chest and spring of rib. Straight legs and tight feet. Well let down hocks and moved well around the ring

3rd Towers and Henderson’s Sh Ch Alibren Baker Boy

Veteran (7, 3 abs)

A strong class of veterans

1st Loverock and Waldron-Smith’s Lovissa Space Dust ShCM VW . A gorgeous 9 year old boy who belies his age. I loved his handsome and gentle head with his kind dark eye and expression. He has a good reach of neck and a firm level topline. Lovely front construction shows of his accurate angulation. His rear angulation corresponds well with this. A superb shape. Presented in good hard condition and moved very well, straight and true. BVD

2nd Younie’s Glenrioch Storm Trooper. Another lovely boy. He is a picture of balance and although different to 1, he has such a pleasing expression. This boy has a good length of neck and front with correct length of upperarm. He has well sprung ribs and is deep chested. A strong, angulated rear end drives him forward on the move where he maintained his lovely topline. Well presented and handled quietly.

3rd Millington’s Carneval of Golden Duck at Jarabees VW (Imp)

Special Beginners Dog (8, 2 abs)

1st Middleton- Collins’ Berrymeade A Fool in Love at Jasperleigh

2nd Middlemiss and Brown’s Harmorjoy You’re My Love

3rd Warden’s Holinbrae Zoom Time at Glentochty

Good Citizen Dog (5, 0 abs)

1st Middleton- Collins Berrymeade A Fool in Love at Jasperleigh

2nd Middlemiss and Brown’s Harmorjoy You’re My Love

3rd Nicolson’s Harmorjoy Gift of Love

Minor Puppy Bitch (4, 2abs)

1st James’ Tsarmont Oh So Starstruck. Such a sweet 8 month old baby with an endearing face with the darkest of pigment. She has a lovely reach of neck and good shoulder layback. I liked her angulation fore and aft. She also has the most beautiful tight cat like feet. She is developing just right for her age. Very well presented with a beautiful blonde, well-groomed coat. On the move she was able to move out well and straight.

2nd Hohmann’s Faithful Heart Tracy Chapman. Another 8 month old baby. Close up to 1 and similar comments apply to her. She has a super length of upperarm with a good reach of neck. Very good rear angulation as well with well let down hocks. Moved well for one so young and with confidence.

Puppy Bitch (11, 4 abs)

1st Saunderson’s Drumkilty Rebel Song for Crobeag A wee cracker of a puppy. So very pretty with gorgeous dark pigment. Compact and balanced. Her good length of neck flows well onto her shoulders. Accurate front angulation with correct upperarm. Well sprung ribs and strong loin. Lovely angles on rear and presented in a terrific coat for her age. Excellent rapport with handler and she moved around the ring with drive that required little effort. Best Puppy Bitch. Pipped the dog puppy to BPIB on her accurate straight movement in the challenge.

2nd Smyth’s Kadaka Krumpet. Darker girl who I liked a lot. She has a kind expression and dark eye. So well balanced with excellent angulation fore and aft. A lovely level topline is maintained on the move with a good tail set and carriage. She has well let down hocks and tight feet. Moved very well. Unlucky to meet 1 today

3rd Robbins and Rowark’s Brekswood Honey Bee

Junior Bitch (9, 1 abs)

1st Russell’s Grassyards Field of Gold. Pretty, feminine head with a neck that flows onto well laid back shoulders. Super front angulation with good length of upperarm and dead straight legs with tight feet. She has a deep chest and good spring of ribs with a level topline. Good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. At one with handler on the move and strode round the ring confidently and with drive. One whose progress I will watch with interest. A lovely young girl with a bright future ahead I am sure.  

2nd Munro’s Thornywait Royal Destiny for Glenbuie. Another quality girl. I just preferred the head of 1. Good dark pigmentation. She has a super reach of neck which her handler showcases well when stacked. Deep chested with a firm topline, short coupled and accurate tail set. Correct tail carriage. Well angulated, strong rear. Well presented and moved around the ring with drive.

3rd Woods’ Amirene Just a Dream

Yearling Bitch (10, 1 abs)

1st Saunderson’s Moloko Izipizi at Crobeag. Another super youngster. She has such a sweet, feminine expression. Her neck flows well onto her shoulders and her level topline. I loved her front angulation. A good strong rear end compliments this well and gives a picture of balance which she also used to her advantage to cover the ground. So well presented and has a lovely blonde coat.  

2nd Pratt’s Rosyth Kind of Magic. Such a pretty young darker bitch whose head I loved. Well angulated fore and aft with a good spring of rib, deep chest and an excellent topline. Strong loin, good tail set and tail carriage. She has well muscled second thighs and moved very well. Close up to 1.

3rd Harding’s Eveninghill Red Sky at Night

Novice Bitch (11, 2 abs)

1st Russell’s Grassyards Field of Gold

2nd Woods’ Fab Fours Affinity. A lot to like about this girl just carrying a tad too much weight today I thought. I loved her head, just typical and honest of the breed. She has a good front and reach of neck. Good level topline with correct turn of stifle and let down hocks. Moved well

3rd Saunderson’s Drumkilty Rebel Song for Crobeag

Graduate Bitch (14, 2 abs)

1st Neilson’s Tweedspey Toppsecret Avec Ponfeigh (Imp Fra) JW. I really like this girl. I love the way that she shows herself off so well. She freestands happily and stands 4 square with minimum intervention from her handler showing her attentiveness and biddability. She has super angles fore and aft with good straight legs. She is deep chested with well sprung ribs and strong rear end. Moved well and happily.

2nd Wood’s Strathlon Shirli Valentine. This girl has such a feminine head. She is stacked and handled well to show off her lovely reach of neck which flows well onto her shoulders. Her topline is dead level and she has a strong loin complimented by a good angulated rear with well muscled thigh that helps her move so well around the ring.  

3rd Williamson’s Sandti Tiki Taka JW

Post Graduate Bitch (16, 2 abs)

1st Loverock, Waldron-Smith and Zubair’s Thornywait Starstruck with Lovissa JW. Such a beautiful bitch who I remember seeing as a puppy and so pleased to see that she has fulfilled that earlier promise. She has the most beautiful typical head. Shown in a gorgeous golden coat, she has such a good reach of neck onto well laid back shoulders. She has a deep chest and well sprung ribs with a super topline. Short coupled with accurate tail set. Her strong quarters drive her movement forward. Well presented and a super rapport with handler. Delighted to award her the RCC

2nd Ives’ Balsamina Bellini JW another wonderful girl who was very unlucky to meet 1 today. She is very feminine with a good length of neck and correct angulation fore and aft. Her topline is spot on and she moves so well flowing around the ring with her handler. Presented in a pleasing pale, well groomed coat. Another partnership with a super rapport

3rd Carlton’s Fhairmhor Moonlight Sonata at Thistlegate

Limit Bitch (20, 4 abs)

A superb class.

1st Hill & Smith’s Megarvey Clementine JW. I have admired this girl since she was a puppy and I was delighted to have her entered under me and even happier that she exceeded my expectations when I put hands on her and then again on the move. She is most definitely one I would take home in a heartbeat if I could. She presents the complete package – a picture of balance with correct front assembly, dead straight legs and tight feet. She is deep through the chest and has well sprung ribs. Her topline is straight and level and she carries her tail appropriately. She is well muscled and has super rear angulation which she uses to move round the ring with drive and at one with her handler. Shown in a profuse gleaming coat. No doubts in awarding her the CC and later BOB

2nd Foreman’s Ambersun Heart of Gold. Another quality girl I loved! A bitch of good bone, she has lovely dark pigmentation and a very pretty head. A nice length of neck onto her shoulders, which, along with her good length of upperarm combined to show off her front angulation. Well sprung ribs and a good topline. She has a correct bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Powered around the ring and this gave her the win over 3. One of my considerations for RCC

3rd Clarkson’s Drumkilty Triskele JW

Open Bitch (4, 0 abs)

1st Savage’s Weisford Presumed Innocent. Caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring. A new one to me who headed a good class of open bitches. Shown in a beautiful gleaming dark coat she has such a sweet expression with a dark eye. A compact bitch who presents a lovely shape. Lovely angles fore and aft. Straight legs and good tail set and carriage. Strong quarters drove her movement forward.

2nd Crookes and Jenkinson’s Sh Ch Quakerhall Flare by Pandora. Close up to 1. Another quality girl who I have admired ringside and such a show girl. Beautiful feminine head. Good clean neck without any throatiness and accurate front assembly. Deep through chest and good spring of rib. Well angulated rear and moved effortlessly around the ring straight and true.

3rd Robbins and Rowarks Quakerhall Lady Bountiful by Brekswood JW

Veteran Bitch (13, 4 abs)

1st Ives’ Sh Ch Trewater Busy Lizzie at Balsamina. Another one considered for RCC as is another top notch bitch. She is so well balanced and very feminine. A good reach of neck leads onto correct layback of shoulder and she has a great front. She has a good spring of rib and level topline. She maintains her correct tail carriage on the move. And when she moves she does this so accurately and so well that it seems almost effortless making it hard to take your eyes off her. Delighted to award her BVIB

2nd Smith’s Sh Ch Goldmarker Luminara. Different type to 1 but again a wonderful example of the breed. Such a happy girl who shows herself off well. I love her head with her kind dark eye and beautiful expression. She has a good length of neck and correct layback of shoulder. I liked her rear angulation accompanied with her well let down hocks. Moved with drive

3rd Williamson’s Thornywait Atomic Betty for Sandti

Special Beginners Bitch (12, 5 abs)

1st Munro’s Thornywait Royal Destiny for Glenbuie. Also 2nd in junior. Pleased to award her Best Special beginners and see her being awarded Group 3 Special Beginners. I heard later that this win also gave her her JW

2nd Waddell’s New Year’s Eve Date Loyal Gold (Imp Pol) Unlucky to meet 1 in this class as this bitch is another well made girl who is expertly handled by her young handler. Her head is ultra feminine. She has dead straight legs with tight feet. Her handler shows off her neck well when stacking her and this flows onto correct layback of shoulder. Deep chested and well ribbed, she also is short coupled and has correct tail set. Shown in a gleaming gold coat. A well muscled girl who moves well  

3rd Harding’s Eveninghill Red Sky at Night

Good Citizen Bitch (7. 1abs)

1st Waddell’s New Year’s Eve Date Loyal Gold (Imp Pol)

2nd Saunderson’s Moloko Izipizi at Crobeag

3rd Pounds-Longhurst’s Mossburn Golly Miss Molly JW