Manchester Dog Show Society

Manchester Dog Show Society

20th January 2024

Toy Group

It was an absolute pleasure and honour to judge the Toy Group at this prestigious show and I would like to thank Paul Harding and his hard-working team for, not only, the kind invitation but also the welcome afforded to me.

I found the group a little mixed but there was quality for me to make a shortlist. Some good examples of their breeds did not put on the greatest performance and so had to pay the price, but I am sure that they will have better days ahead of them. After all, we have to judge on the day.

My shortlist consisted of the CKCS, Chihuahua (Long Coat), Miniature Pinscher, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Pug and the Papillon.

All were putting on a sterling performance and represented their breeds excellently.

But for me, today, there was a Star that shone brighter than any others and she indeed stole the show. This was the Pomeranian, Ch Gleniren All Eyes On Me. She stormed into the ring determined that she was not to be overlooked. On the table I could not believe that something so diminutive in size could be so soundly constructed, bodied and conditioned. Her head and expression are a delight with tiny ears and sparkling eyes giving you the cheekiest look that can make even the hardest heart melt and bring a smile to your face. A real little ball on legs with a strong topline, perfectly set and carried tail and the most perfectly correct coat, beautifully presented and brilliant in colour. On the floor, her movement was near perfect. Absolute soundness, precision, carriage and style in bucket loads. Her obvious love of life and those around her just adds to the appeal. I could not deny her Group 1 and it was wonderful to see her go BIS the following day.

Group 2 went to the Miniature Pinscher who has made quite a name for himself in a very short space of time, Ch Hawksflight Hot Pursuit. He will always catch the eye and his smart outline is so very impressive. Another “big” dog in a small package, he too was in wonderful condition and so very well handled, even though he was determined to give his handler a hard time. On the move his action is so very typical and in profile he really cannot be ignored. Even though I love the fact that he has a naughtiness about him, he just lost concentration for a split second and with the Pom on absolute form, he had to bow to her on this occasion.

Group 3 was the young Japanese Chin, Sharlarna Swindler, who coincidentally, won the Toy Puppy Group under me at Leeds last year and I was delighted to see him again and maturing into a very fine example of the breed. Still young, but he is now very much all of a piece. His head and expression being so typically arrogant. In super body yet retaining the elegance needed. Moved with soundness and style keeping his outline, we will be seeing a lot more of him, I’m sure.

Group 4 was another youngster in the Pug, Judamie Eltons Sun. What a super youngster this boy is growing up into. He too put on a very polished performance, especially in profile, where he caught the eye. His head is super, masculine and in no way overdone. Beautifully handled to get the best out of him, he too has an assured future and totally deserved his placing today.

Lee A S Cox (Judge)