Northern King Charles Spaniel Club

Northern King Charles Spaniel Club  Champ Show

7th September 2024 

 Judge: Miss Leila Tarabad (Khatibi) 

I was delighted to judge the breed at this club show, one I have attended with my own dogs many times over the years. As always the committee were ready with a friendly welcome, super catering was provided by the kitchen team, efficient stewards kept the ring running like clockwork and a fabulous entry of 63 dogs was entered to keep me busy. 

I haven’t judged the breed for nearly 5 years so from a judging point of view I was assessing most of the entry for the first time. However, from an exhibitor point of view I have seen and competed against many of the dogs over the past few years so it was interesting to finally get my hands on them!   

As a breed we are still category 2 on the RKC breed watch for prominent eyes and weak hindquarters. As far as eyes are concerned I found none with prominent eyes, in fact quite the opposite, I found many with smaller eyes than I’d like. However weak hindquarters are definitely still a concern, movement in general has got better but there’s still room for improvement. We shouldn’t forget that the standard states that sound movement is ‘highly desirable’. 

Overall I found the boys probably had the stronger entry but there were plenty of exhibits of both sexes that I would have happily signed a green card for. Temperaments were good, some just needing a bit more training to make the most of themselves. Heads were fairly good and I didn’t think there was any really ‘lippy’ ones although several lacked a little underjaw. The most consistent problem seems to be length of body, mainly due to the length of loin, the majority just a fraction longer than ideal but several were worryingly long giving a totally untypical outline for the breed. There are only 3 words to describe the general appearance of the breed and one of them is “compact”! 

Veteran Dog (2)  

1. Paulian Where's Wally JW ShCM VW (Mr I & Mrs P Sidgwick) A lovely start to the entry with this happy 8 year old Tri who I always thought was unlucky not to gain his title. Love his size and neat little shape, firm topline and good bone for his size. Very appealing head qualities with good dome, dark round eyes and good width of jaw. So smart on the move with such a free, active gait holding his topline perfectly, just a little proud of his tail. Starting to show his age a little now and could carry a little more weight but he’s a lovely toy spaniel and a real credit to his owners. 

2.Headra's Inspiration at Halbinsel (Mr A K & Mrs S M Tonner) 9 yr old again in super condition carrying a lovely, well marked coat. Pleasing balance in outline, just falls away a little behind and could have more width in front. Sweet face with ample cushioning and dark eyes. Moved happily. 

Minor Puppy Dog (2) 

1.Yeshalomi Yes to Legacy (Mr T N Nemeth) Confident, well marked Blen. Rather raw as to be expected at this age but has the typical balance that should finish well once he drops into his frame. Straight front with good bone and feet, short level back and well set and carried tail. Masculine head with good turnup and dome, could be softer in expression but hopefully that will come as he matures. Moved with purpose and accuracy for one so young ,looking particularly good in profile. Has the promise of a quality coat, doesn’t need to grow on. 

2.Baldragon French Conexion at Fochai (Miss J Matches) More forward in development than 1 but not so confident in the ring and I understand was at his first show. Nice neck and shoulders, super chest and ribbing, a touch long in loin, lovely cobby body. Nice head with plenty of cushioning, soft expression and dark eyes, could have more turnup. Moved well enough, just needs a bit of practice to gain more confidence and make the most of himself. 

Puppy Dog (1) 

1.Baldragon Dream Chaser at Lizlanmor (Miss E Morley) Standing alone but a very worthy winner. Turned out to perfection with a quality coat, carrying just enough weight and obviously well trained and socialised. Small and cobby, just a fraction long in loin, lovely front assembly, good chest and ribbing and well angulated rear. Masculine head with large dark eyes, decent dome, good width of jaw but could have a little more turnup. Moved with purpose holding his outline firm, good out and back and covering the ground well in profile. I did prefer the head of the puppy bitch in the challenge but she couldn’t match the super temperament and movement of this boy. BPIS. 

Junior Dog (1) 

1. Chacombe Just Magical for Justacharma (Mr S C & Mrs G A J Smith). Well marked 13month Tri with large masculine head, short turned up nose with good nostrils, eyes correctly placed but could be a touch darker. Super shoulders, deep, wide chest, well sprung ribs, short loin, lovely substance and bone, could have a stronger rear. Unsettled on the move, sound but wasn’t making the best of himself.  

 Yearling Dog (1)  

1.Enrice Noire Entrouge Dark Drakula (Imp Ukr) (Mrs K & Mr R Greenfield). 18month B/T. Lovely for size but needs some time to mature and fill out. Large, well cushioned head with dark eyes that could be a touch larger, such a sweet, soft expression. Well laid shoulders, arched neck, level topline, good bone and compact frame. Happy on the move but didn’t have enough reach or drive and needs to strengthen both in front and behind.  

Post Graduate Dog (6) 

1. Othmese Regal Kynance (Miss D Ludlam) This delightful 5 year old, well marked tri was totally new to me, handled by a new exhibitor that I found out later was attending her first champ show. He trotted into the ring as if he’d done it a hundred times before, tail wagging happily, totally attentive to his handler and won this class with ease. Spot on for size and shape, compact, fairly cobby with good bone and a lovely balanced outline. Good neck and shoulders, could stand a little straighter in front, firm topline, short loin, well set and carried tail and sound rear construction. Attractive head and such a sweet expression with correctly placed round eyes which could be a little larger, short turned up nose, good width of jaw and finish to muzzle, ears just set a little high. Moved with confidence, free and accurate with decent reach and drive maintaining his outline at all times. In decent coat presented well and with such a happy attitude. I called him back to challenge for the RCC and he was very close, just didn’t quite have the cobbiness and finish of the ruby boy. I hope we will see this partnership at more shows! 

2.Cofton On My Own (Mr R S & Mrs R K Baker) Well marked blen of a similar size and shape with a little more substance, not as settled on the move as 1 but was sound and accurate in all directions. Masculine head with soft expression, good dome, correctly placed dark eyes, short turned up nose, low set, well feathered ears, would just like a little more underjaw. Lovely temperament as always from this kennel. 

3.Justacharma Just Magical (Mr S C & Mrs G A J Smith) 

 Limit Dog (7,1) 

1.Othmese Regal Kynance (Miss D Ludlam) See PG. 

2.Tiflin We All Love Jack (Mr R F & Mrs E A Rushton) A little dog I’ve never really looked at closely but I really rather liked him! A proper toy spaniel, small and compact with typical balance, ample bone and good feet, could just carry a little more weight. Lovely head and such an appealing expression with good dome, wide well cushioned muzzle with good turnup and neat lips, large dark eyes and long, low set ears. Accurate and smart on the move, a shame he’s a little careless with his tail which detracts from his neat little outline but certainly one of the best males here. Another with a delightfully happy outlook. 

3. Helmajon Rhapsody in Blue (Mrs Abbott) 

 Open Dog (6) 

1.Monleon Made by Magic for Marchog (Mr R & Mrs K Stewart) I was delighted to see this beautifully marked blenheim enter the ring, one I have admired from ringside, on this occasion I thought he was looking particularly good and was the standout male in the entry. The standard says “refined, compact and cobby” and for me he is exactly that, coupled with such a typical charlie attitude, happy yet reserved and almost looking down his nose at me with that expression that we all know so well! His head is masculine but with the softest expression, good dome, full over his dark round eyes, super pigment, neat lips and decent turnup with ears set low and well feathered. Well constructed throughout with enough neck for a proud head carriage, sound front assembly, good chest and ribbing, short level back and well angulated rear. In profile he presents such a well balanced outline, carrying a beautiful quality coat in gleaming condition and showing himself off with little fuss. He moved with an easy, effortless action using his rear well and carrying his tail correctly, a little untidy in front but accurate going away. I didn’t have any hesitation in awarding him the DCC, RBIS, BOS. 

2. Othmese Regal Kynance (Miss D Ludlam) See PG 

3.Tom Des Trois Maillets Baldragon (Imp Fra) (Mrs C Bowles-Robinson) 

Champion Dog (5,2) 

1. Ch/am Ch Marsward My Masterpiece (Mrs M & Mr J Tuesley & Swaine) Another dog I’ve seen in the ring and was hoping I’d get a chance to have a closer look! A little bit of a handful for his handler (I can sympathise with her!) which doesn’t always help him look his best, but I certainly would not penalise a kcs for not showing his best because he’s too happy! Just entering his veteran years but you’d never guess. He’s in the most fabulous, richly coloured coat which covers such a cobby, well made body. Well arched neck, spirit level topline, deep, wide chest, well sprung ribs, short strong loin, good front and rear angulation, straight front, parallel rear and super bone and feet. Large masculine head with plenty of cushioning, dark pigment, good width of jaw and well finished muzzle. He moved with purpose and accuracy in all directions, although I think a bigger ring to stride out in would have suited him more! He had no trouble topping this class and later the RCC. 

2. Ch Justacharma Magic Goes On (Mr S C & Mrs G A J Smith) This 5year old tri is one of those dogs that when he looks at you, you know has the sweetest temperament! Presents a typical outline, fairly compact and very cobby with level topline, arched neck, good depth of chest and spring of rib, well off for bone, good feet and balanced front and rear angulation. Very sweet face with large dark eyes, square wide muzzle with well finished lips and good turnup, could have more dome. Unfortunately wasn’t moving as freely or with much enthusiasm so had to settle for 2nd here, presented in beautiful coat and condition. 

3. Am Ch Marsward Mutiny (Mrs M & Mr J Tuesley & Swaine) 

Veteran Bitch (6,2) 

1.Ch/am Ch Marsward Black Magic Woman (Mrs M & Mr J Tuesley & Swaine) 10yr old mother of the RDCC/BV winner, both are a credit to their owners/breeders. This B/T lady is still in the most glorious coat and condition, small and feminine with a head that, although still beautiful now, I imagine was quite fabulous in her younger years. Well domed skull, super width and finish to muzzle, good width of underjaw, dark round eyes with plenty of fill beneath. Small and cobby with good bone, well laid shoulders, well ribbed back, level topline, moderate rear angulation and correctly set tail. Could have been a little more settled on the move but was lovely to see how happy she still is to be in the ring. BVB. 

2.Toyswood Counting Stars (Mrs T Potter) Another spritely veteran of an appealing type, similar in size to 1 with plenty of substance, compact shape and well sprung ribs, could be stronger behind. Well domed head with ears set low, dark round eyes and open nostrils. Very happy on the move. 

3.Cofton Reach for The Stars (Mrs Abbott) 

Minor Puppy Bitch (2) 

1.Cofton La Belle Vie TAF (Mrs C Bowles-Robinson) Ultra feminine baby with such a pretty face, good dome and turnup, neat lips and dark round eyes. Enough neck to allow for a proud head carriage, straight front, decent shoulders, good chest and ribbing for age, well angulated rear with tail set and carried well. Moves with an accurate gait but wasn’t holding her outline as well as she could in profile which gave her kennel mate the edge for bpb. The promise of a quality coat which is attractively marked, just needs to gain a bit more confidence to make the most of herself. 

2.Yeshalomi Yes to Girls Aloud (Mr T N Nemeth) Well marked blen daughter of the BCC winner, different type to 1 that I’m sure will take some time to mature (but should be worth the wait!). Pretty face with super turnup and neat lips, dark eyes, defined stop and short turned up nose. Soundly constructed with enough neck, good topline, short loin, super bone and good feet. Moved freely, ever so happy and confident. 

Puppy Bitch (1) 

1.Baldragon French Fancy (Mrs C Bowles-Robinson) 8 month heavily marked tri of a nice size with plenty of substance. Ample reach of neck, level topline, straight front and parallel rear, good chest and ribbing for age, good bone and feet, could just be a touch shorter in body. Really lovely large, well domed head with low set ears, correctly placed large dark eyes, wide muzzle with nicely finished lips and good width of underjaw. Wasn’t being shown by her usual handler in the class so was a little reluctant to move but came back in the challenge more settled and moving with accuracy out and back and a good length of stride in profile. On head alone she would have been my BP but she just couldn’t match the more purposeful movement and firm outline of the dog. BPB. 

Junior Bitch (5,2)  

1.Lovetrac Katrina Baldragon (Mrs C Bowles-Robinson) Another nice Tri youngster from this kennel. This one totally out of coat but with nothing to hide. Nice compact frame with good spring of rib, short strong loin, firm topline, well laid shoulders, short straight front with lovely bone and feet. Well angulated rear with hocks well let down and tail set and carried correctly. Such a pretty, feminine head with good turnup, wide jaw and plenty of fill under dark round eyes. Moved well holding her outline firm but with a little more confidence she would look even better.  

2.Travtana Sound of Thunder at Marsward (Imp Usa) (Mrs M & Mr J Tuesley & Swaine) Typical Ruby youngster who is starting to mature well and I think will be quite beautiful when fully mature. Loved her head with short turned up nose, good turn up and width of jaw, neat lips and such a sweet expression with just a hint of cheekiness in her dark round eyes! Arched neck giving proud head carriage, firm topline, well sprung ribs and depth of chest, short loin, well off for bone, just falls away a little behind. Happy on the move and presented in quality richly coloured coat.  

3.Chacombe Secret Affair (Mrs M J Hunter) 

Yearling Bitch (3,1) 

1.Cofton Part of Your World (Mr R S & Mrs R K Baker) Not one I’ve seen much of before but I was rather taken by her! Only 19months old so obviously not the finished article yet and not in full coat but I loved her neat, compact shape, super substance and bone for her size with deep wide chest, short level back, well turned stifles and well muscled rear. Her head is delightful, well domed and full over her beautiful large dark eyes, wide, deep muzzle with lovely width of jaw, turnup and finish to lips and long, low set, well feathered ears. Very smart, effortless mover. Not always concentrating on what she should be doing but did more than enough to show off her accurate, active and elegant action, gently wagging her tail and holding her outline firm. She has a delightful temperament (as always from this kennel) and is obviously well exercised. She continued to impress in the challenge and was rewarded with the RCC. I thought the cc and rcc winner made a lovely pair and was interested to see they both feature Ch. Maibee Mr Kipling and Descartes Ot Nevskogo Hobbita in their pedigrees as did many others that appealed on the day. 

2.Una De Melcourt (Miss C Gurtner) This well marked tri had the most happy, friendly attitude. Good neck and shoulders, deep chest and well sprung ribs, just too long in body for ideal balance. Feminine head with good dome, very long, low set ears and nicely finished muzzle. Beautifully marked silky coat. Couldn’t match the movement of 1. 

Post Graduate Bitch (7,3) 

1.Marchog Muffins for Tea (Mr R & Mrs K Stewart) 2yr B/T who appealed greatly and was close up for the RCC. Small and cobby, well off for bone with lovely chest and ribbing, strong loin, could stand just a little straighter in front, sound rear assembly and firm topline. Large, well domed head, full over large dark eye, short turned up nose with wide open nostrils, super turnup, width of muzzle and jaw. Moved with an easy action, could come towards a little better but was lovely in profile holding her outline well, driving well from behind and circling the ring with an elegant, purposeful action. Another from this exhibitor with the typical happy yet reserved temperament, presented in gleaming coat and fit condition. 

2. Marchog Moll Flanders (Mr N Robinson) This little ruby still has plenty of maturing to do but presents a nicely balanced, typical outline with short body, sound front and rear assembly, good topline and well set and carried tail. Needs to drop into her frame and grow her coat and didn’t have the substance of 1. Such a cheeky face with very good turnup and width of jaw, dark eyes and decent pigment. Very free and elegant on the move.  

3.Helmajon Clara's Romance (Mrs Abbott) 

Limit Bitch (5,2) 

1.Aldoricka Sweet Victoria (Mrs D M Bailey) Easy winner here, a well marked tri of appealing type, good for size and shape, well off for bone but could just carry a little more weight. Good neck and shoulders, wide chest, good ribbing, short loin and well turned stifles. Correctly shaped, feminine head with beautiful large dark eyes, correctly set ears, short turned up nose with good underjaw, plush muzzle and neat lips. Moved well enough, accurate coming towards, could hold a better topline but was a little nervy which didn’t help her outline.  

2.Helmajon Clara's Romance (Mrs Abbott). 3rd in the previous class this small, well marked blen has such a happy outlook. Ultra feminine head with large dark eyes, short turned up nose and good width of muzzle finished nicely, Neat little shape but could be cobbier with a little more depth and breadth to chest, balanced front and rear angulation and level topline. Moved ok, could be better out and back.   

3.Helmajon Smyth's Cadenza (Mrs Abbott) 

Open Bitch (5,2) 

1. Arrowbien The Sphinx (Mr T N Nemeth) A perfectly marked tri who I’ve seen in the ring from a young age. I will admit she didn’t always appeal to me being slow to mature and not always making much of herself in the ring but at 4years old (and just 7 months after a litter) she really has never looked so good and seems to have suddenly decided that she’s a showgirl after all! Her head is just delicious, pretty and well domed with low set, heavily furnished ears, dark round eyes with plenty of fill beneath, super turnup and width of jaw with neat lips and wide square muzzle. In profile there’s no denying she’s a charlie, compact, cobby, wide, deep chest, short straight front with good bone and feet, firm topline, just falls away a little behind. Moves with a free, active action, covering the ground with purpose, tail wagging and ever so attentive to her handler. To top it off she has such a typical temperament, happy yet reserved and glancing at me with that self important look like I should be honoured to be in her presence! I felt she was an easy choice for the CC from this entry and just had the edge in head and front movement over the dog in the final challenge. I was delighted to award her the CC and BIS. 

2.Ch Baldragon Fame Game at Ricksbury JW (Mr B Rix) A well known Tri and half sister to 1 who I felt was carrying a bit too much weight on the day so wasn’t looking as good as I’ve seen her previously. Similar in size to 1, compact and cobby, wide, deep chest, good bone and feet, well sprung ribs and decent rear angulation. Large head with good dome, wide square muzzle, low set ears and dense pigment. Moved soundly with proud head carriage, level topline and correctly carried tail but didn’t have the active, elegant action of 1, looking a little heavy in front.  

3. Toyswood Starlight Express (Mrs T Potter)