Border Union Agricultural Society

Border Union Championship Show – Whippets 16.06.24

Having looked forward to my first Championship show appointment judging Whippets, I was rather disappointed with the conditions and whilst I always judge the ‘dog on the day’, due to the exceedingly wet conditions I was judging ‘dog in the very moment’. Some exhibits really struggled in the challenging conditions which was a shame, as there were many I would have considered for higher honours that simply did not want to be there given the wind and rain. With an entry of over 150 hounds, I was delighted with my main winners and particularly pleased with the bitch line up.

Judging dogs is such a subjective experience and I always believed that exhibitors entered their hounds to receive the opinion of the judge on the day. Whilst I completely understand that we cannot please everyone, I was very disappointed to be verbally abused and sworn at during my short toilet break. Personally, I find this behaviour simply unacceptable and perhaps the ‘gentleman’ in question needs to look for a new hobby, as I can only imagine that dog showing may lead to further dissatisfaction, not to mention if repeated may really upset someone with less thick skin than myself…

Minor Puppy Dog (2, 0)

1ST Hutchinson’s Zenobia Just An Illusion with Sweetaurora

This young brindle male was a raw baby of a nice type. I liked his shape and outline, good bone and beautiful front action. He moved fluidly, with ease and covered the ground easily. At this point he is quite narrow through which I hope will fill as he matures.

2ND Winkley-Balmer & Winkley’s Bohosoul Firestarter by Edenwhip

Another raw baby who unfortunately was quite erratic on the move. He is a lovely size and has a gorgeous head with a sweet eye. Shame he fought his handler all the way today, but hopefully once he settles he will go on to fulfil his potential.

Puppy Dog (9, 2)

1ST Short, Short & Fletcher’s Collooney We’ve Got This

Having not seen this 10 month old brindle male previously, to say I was smitten would be an understatement. Rather aptly named, for me, he really did have ‘it’, As he entered the ring he caught my eye and I could not wait to get my hands on him. He is a lovely size and shape, with a handsome, masculine head. He still has a bit of a babyish cheeky glint in his melting dark, oval eye and at times initially in the class his immaturity did show. Once he settled though, he really did allow so many lovely qualities to show. For me, he is the full package; super clean outline, good ribs, depth of chest, nice spring of pastern, correct tailset with beautiful tail carriage, I could go on and on! On the move with head in gear, he is true coming and going and when viewed in profile demonstrated an effortless stride. Whilst I did not necessarily expect to be handing out a CC to a puppy, this boy’s qualities could not be overlooked and in the final line up, he was without doubt my best moving male. I am sure he will wear his crown and then some. Delighted to award him his first CC and BP. Pleased to see he later went on to PG2.

2ND Poole & Morris & Waddell’s Falconcrag Match Maker at Crosscop

I found so much to like about this 11 month old fawn. He has a very nice head with strong jaw and a super neck which was slightly arched and strong. I loved his clean outline which accentuated his lovely rise over the loin. On the move he demonstrated a beautiful long, low stride moving freely and truly. Shown in super condition and sympathetically handled to really get the best from him. I would imagine he will have a bright future.

3RD Brook’s Collooney for Your Eyes Only

Junior Dog (7, 2)

The first two were very different types at differing stages of maturity.

1ST Tyson’s Starceylon Dancing Master JW

At 17 months it is easy to see the appeal of this black male. He is very together for his age and was shown in super condition. In a rare moment of sunshine, his black coat gleamed and really emphasised what a lovely smooth outline he has. He is very balanced with a good neck, pleasing depth of chest and tidy front. He moved out well and was expertly handled to really get the best from him.

 2ND Morland’s - Zoraden Master Baker

This fawn male with a white trim presented a more compact picture than 1. At just 2 weeks out of puppy he is naturally not as mature as 1 but had so many attributes that I was looking for. I really liked his excellent quarters, good tuck up and masculine head. He has fantastic ears which are fine and of the correct shape. I’m sure on another day he would prefer the conditions and show off his very nice features.

 3RD Russell’s Longmire The Lark Ascending to Arjuna

Yearling Dog (8, 1)

1ST Dargue & Halliday’s Bowdonia Feet of Flames at Jalwhipp

Here we had a masterclass in how to present and handle a show dog! Whilst this 15 month brindle male is up to size, his virtues can not be denied. He is masculine with the correct curves and excellent quarters with a beautiful bend of stifle. His head is long and lean, displaying an attractive dark mask which accentuated his lovely bright oval eye. His topline is super on the stack and he holds it well on the move, which he does with ease.

2ND Higginbottom’s Ranveli Royal Duke of Dawnsafon JW

Whilst I preferred the shape and substance of this fawn male to 1, he was unfortunately completely unsettled today making his movement almost impossible to assess. He really gave his handler a hard time and in parts looked like he was refusing to stack. I simply loved his head which is masculine with a slight stop and leads to a strong neck. He has a good front with well laid back shoulders. I would love to see him on a day when he was together, as I found him a very nice exhibit and once he engages his head he should do very well.

3RD McKenzie’s- Courtborne Natal at Aberlark (Imp Nor)

Novice Dog (7, 2)

1ST Brook’s Collooney for Your Eyes Only

3rd in the strong puppy dog class and litter brother to the CC winner, this brindle youngster also has a great deal of promise. He is less mature but at only 10 months old is completely understandable. I found him to be incredibly balanced with a beautiful head, strong jaw and slight stop. His neck is long and leads to lovely shoulders. He has a deep chest and well filled in front with a good brisket. On the move he is so sound and beautiful in profile. Handled wonderfully, it was so apparent the great bond between hound and handler and was a delight to witness.

 2ND Middleton & Gilhooly’s Stormida Neon Tiger

Rangier than 1, this larger male has good bone and was presented in superb condition. He is pleasing stacked but it is not until he moves where his elegance shines. He has the most perfect light stride which has great freedom of action and in profile looked a picture with his true, long reach. Another very well handled young male.

 3RD Rodgers Wentvalley Pied Piper

Graduate Dog (7, 2)

A difficult class to assess as the colder, wetter weather began to set in.

1ST Robertson & Mcvey’s Silvergarth Persius of Kastrach

I loved the handsome, masculine head on this blue brindle male. He is a lovely shape and size with a beautiful front. He has a very nice rise over his loin and a super bend of stifle. He stands well on good feet and has the correct moderate bladed bone.

2ND Parkinson’s Groomsville Dream of Me

Another male of a nice size. For me, this fawn with a white trim would look better with a tad more weight on him. He is well muscled with an excellent bend of stifle and well let down hocks. I liked his strong neck and well muscled back. Preferred the head and topline of 1.

 3RD Middleton & Gilhooly’s Stormida The Brave

Post Graduate Dog (9)

1ST Parkes & Mckay’s Jubrancy Spring Vacation (Mrs K & Mrs E

I found this 2 year old red fawn quite a compact male who needs to be gone over to truly be appreciated. Whilst he was a bit of a fidget for his handler, she managed to keep him on task where he was the soundest mover in the class. There is a quality to him and he has a strong neck, great tuck up and good quarters. To pick, I would prefer a more of a graceful arch over his loin to complete a nice picture.

 2ND Robertson & Mcvey’s Zigouse Fly Me to The Moon via Kastrach

I have judged this sweet silver brindle dog some time ago and now at 3 years of age he has matured into a very nice elegant male with so much to like. His head is beautiful, framed by fine ears and he has a simply irresistible expression. Today he hated the conditions and this showed in his outline and movement.

 3RD Brander’s Windwalker Heart of Gold

Limit Dog (11, 1)

1ST Hunter’s Collooney Was Meant to Be at Sulahmara JW

For me this silver brindle and white male is wonderful for shape and size and won this class with ease. I loved his masculine, handsome head which was correctly shaped and complimented by dark, bright eyes, a strong jaw and dark pigment. He has a very pleasing outline and moved out freely from strong quarters. He was shown in super condition but tended to drop his head on the move which spoilt his outline when it came to the top honours.

2ND Parkes & Mckay’S Crosscop Born to Move for Jubrancy

Another free moving male with a lovely low stride. True coming and going this brindle was very sound with a deep chest and brisket, nice curves and good bone. His neck is strong he has a well muscled, firm back. Well handled and shown in great condition.

 3RD Poole & Winkley-Balmer’s Edenwhip Wayne's Word

Limit Dog (14, 2)

1ST Bridgman-Lewis & Wilton-Clark’s Shalfleet Making Waves

I have admired this 3 year old brindle male from the ringside and getting my hands on him did not disappoint. Everything is correct and I feel that he really needs to be gone over for his correctness and elegance to be truly appreciated. His curves are all in the right places and I particularly liked his front assembly with well laid back shoulders, neat elbows and well filled in front. He has a super topline, good tuck up and strong loin. When moving he is true and looks a picture in profile, showing his effortless reach and drive.

 2ND Hambling’s Mossbawnhill Bit of A Dandy with Chaseover

There was lots to like about this 4 year old fawn male. From a larger mould than 1, he is all male with a lovely head shape, strong jaw and super ears. He stands on good feet with a great spring of pastern and well let down hocks. I liked his outline but felt he fell away at the croup slightly. His coat is lovely and is short and dense. He was shown in super condition and moved well.

3RD Dargue & Halliday’s Brochinbelle Wee Dancer with Jalwhipp JW

Open Dog (10)

1ST Bell’s Ch Aarminias Change The Game at Drumburn

 I was delighted to have the opportunity to judge this brindle male once more. Having done him well previously as a youngster at a club show, I feel he has matured in to a truly exceptional adult male. For me, his shape and size is ideal and he is so balanced and filled my eye. I loved his head, expression and long muscular neck. He has a very gentle rise over his loin and great tailset. His chest is deep and his elbows fit nicely. Stacked he demonstrates a lovely spring of pastern, nice tuck up and fabulous bend of stifle. Handled to perfection and shown in such super condition he moved out well in this class. I truly felt that he would be my CC winner today so was disappointed to see the conditions of the day got to him in the challenge where he refused to move out as he had in his class. A very worthy champion none the less.

2ND Perkins & Van Der Schaaf’s Ch Crème Anglaise’s Just Julian with Silkridge

Another quality male I have admired who has so much to like. He too is of a nice size and at 2 years of age he is well handled to his advantage. He screams breed type and has a rather lovely head which is long and lean and with the correct stop. He has lovely well sprung ribs and brisket of the correct depth. His quarters are strong with a well developed second thigh which powered him round the ring. He is impressive on the move and I feel that he would be able to go all day long. Unfortunately I felt the wind and rain really affected him today and he had a tendency to push himself forward due to the bitter temperature which spoilt his outline. I would love to see him on a warm summers day as I feel he would present himself so differently.

3RD Fryer’s Ch Collooney Eye Love to Tease at Stonefox

Veteran Dog (5)

1ST Fryer’s Ch Collooney Eye Love You at Stonefox

I was pleased to have the opportunity to judge this red fawn of 7 years young who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself. Not at all phased by the weather conditions, this handsome male showed the youngsters how it is done. Not only does he ooze breed type, this classy boy is a delightful size and shape. I loved his head, eye and correct ears. His neck is elegantly arched and leads to a well muscled firm back. He stands nicely, presenting such a balanced picture. He moved out truly with enthusiasm and grace, and in the challenge really excelled. I was delighted to award him the RCC in such strong competition.

2ND Russell’s Glantam Genesis at Arjuna

Longer in loin than 1, this 7 year old fawn had an unfortunate incident being stung before he entered the ring. He showed like a trooper though and put in a really good performance. He is shapely and has a firm, muscular topline which he had stacked and on the move. He has an excellent return of upper arm and a good depth of chest. Masculine but elegant this pale fawn moved well and was true coming and going. He has a nice spring of pastern and is in lovely condition.

3RD Barkas’ Jimanica Just Dreaming

Minor Puppy Bitch (4)

An interesting class with 4 bitches at differing stages of maturity. I am sure the winners will change places in future but today I felt 1 & 2 were the most ‘together’ and put in the better performances. 4 quality bitches none the less.

1ST Morland’s Zoraden Gossip Girl

I found this beautiful brindle bitch to be so incredibly elegant. She presents as being wise beyond her years and shows her socks off for being only 10 months of age. I loved her sweet, feminine head which has a beautiful ear and small, fine ears and was really impressed by her balance, spring of pastern and lovely bend of stifle. On the move she is composed and moves truly. Not at all phased by the weather. I am sure she will have a very bright future.

2ND Morris, Waddell, Mycroft & Mitchell’s Crosscop Tiny Dancer

This rather lovely 8 month old girl has curves in all the right places and was shown in great condition. Another bitch with a super head, this one fawn with a delightful white trim. She is very feminine, has a lovely depth of chest and a real elegance about her. Her outline is shapely and she has a great underline. I look forward to seeing how this girl matures.

 3RD Uggeri’s Bohosoul Bewitched

This ultra feminine bitch should have a bright future with some time and schooling. She is too good to not put in the effort with.

Puppy Bitch (10, 2)

1ST Mycroft & Mycroft & Morris & Waddell’s Crosscop California Barbie from Supeta

My eye was drawn to this fawn bitch as she entered the ring and I was not disappointed. At 11 months of age, she is all there, presenting a graceful, balanced outline. For me, her expression is simply heart melting with her appealing eyes and correct proportions. She oozes breed type and looked fabulous stacked coping well in the wind and rain. On the move, she was effortless stepping out with a lovely low forward reach. She is so very true and correct. I have no doubt that this exquisite bitch will go on to achieve many honours. Best Puppy Bitch.

2ND Short’s Collooney Celeste

From a completely different mould to 1, this quality 10 month brindle bitch stands covering more ground than 1 and presents a less mature picture at this stage. Her qualities cannot be denied and for me she excelled in forechest, topline and pastern. She has a well muscled, slightly arched neck which leads to an excellent lay of shoulder. Portraying a rangier picture, she just needs time to mature and then I’m sure will trouble the best. Interestingly, I see she is the half sister to the class winner and the litter sister to the DCC winner.

 3RD Courtney’s Loroli Stoned in Love with Courtbirch

Junior Bitch (8, 2)

1ST Howgate & Hull’s Palmik Take Me Home JW

This very classic fawn bitch screams whippet and at 14 months presents a very balanced picture. She is feminine with a pretty head and long muscular neck which leads to very clean, well laid back shoulders. Her chest is deep with plenty of heart room and for me, she excelled in rear quarters with a beautiful bend of stifle. She is a super mover and coped very well with the wind and rain. Handled beautifully.

2ND Turner’s Gilnockie Kinda Cool

I really liked this very striking brindle bitch of 15 months. She looked a picture stacked, demonstrating her fabulous outline which is balanced with curves in the right places. She has a very nice head and a lovely front assembly. Her topline is firm with a nice rise over the loin and her well bent stifles compliment a very smart back end. She is a nice mover and another that was very well handled. Would love to see her when fully matured.

3RD Tyson’s Starceylon Regina Di Quadri JW

Yearling Bitch (10, 1)

1ST Whitehead & Smith’s Crème Anglaise’s Lady Bridgerton of Citycroft (Imp Nld)

This bitch coped very well with the conditions today and was not at all phased when the rain started coming sideways during this class! Stacked she has a pleasing outline and has a well angulated front and rear. She has good depth, fill and well sprung ribs. Shown in super condition, this 17 month old fawn and white parti is very fit and I’d imagine would go all day. This shows on the move where she is incredibly true and moved soundly up and down and looked lovely profile.

2ND Finch’s Zenobia Love Actually JW

I loved the shape and size of this 20 month old fawn bitch. She is very pretty, feminine and has a lovely head with a good eye shape and nice small, fine ears. Her outline presents a balanced picture and I really liked her rear quarters where she has well bent stifles and strong thighs. Her front action really impressed me and she strode out with a long low reaching stride.

 3RD Wheeler & Rutter & Higginbottom’s Ranveli Royal Touch

Novice Bitch (7, 2)

1ST Short’s Collooney Bellissima Bloom

Such a striking 10 month black bitch with a white trim. My eyes were drawn to her during the whole class and I felt there was such a quality about her when I got my hands on her. She has a good overall balance and hope that she is finished at the build she now is. Her coat gleamed (even in the rain!) and she was handled and presented beautifully. Stacked, she is a picture, however on the move she truly excels with an effortless stride. Easily the best mover in this class.

2ND Leslie’s Windwalker in A Heart Beat

I really liked the shape and size of this 2 year old fawn bitch. She has a gorgeous head of correct proportions, strong jaw and lovely, fine ears. Her outline is very striking and she has a nice rise over her loin and a good croup. Her skin and coat is in great condition and she is well muscled.

3RD Rodger’s Wentvalley Sky Lark

Graduate Bitch (4)

1ST Finch’s Starceylon Queen of Dorne and Zenobia JW

I considered this 17 months of age black bitch for top honours and loved so much about her. My notes so “stunner!” and she really is. Her head is so pretty and she is such a feminine correct example of the breed. She oozes quality and was shown in the most perfect condition. She is curvy and her jet black coat really emphasised what a clean and balanced outline she has. I loved her correctly shaped head with small, fine ears and well muscled neck. On the move she is so sound and very eye catching. Would love to see her fully matured. I’m sure she will go far.

2ND Winup & Paipala & Furness’ Pagarni It`s Snow Joke cum Rogansrock

From a bigger mould and much more mature than 1, this 4 year old brindle bitch stands over a lot of ground. She has a very nice feminine head, good chest and fill, and a nice topline. She stands on good feet and has a nice slight spring of pastern. Her stifles are well bent and she has well let down hocks. Her young handler did a great job of showing off her virtues and they both coped well in the challenging conditions.

3RD Tristram’s Pagarni's Princess Elsa

Post Graduate Bitch (9, 1)

1ST Uggeri’s Bohosoul Storming Thru

This rather lovely fawn bitch was not enjoying her wet afternoon, but her qualities could not be denied. She is a very nice type, with a pretty head, dark pigment and a strong jaw. Her neck is strong and leads to a nice front assembly. It was not until she moved that she came alive, where she flew round the ring moving freely. When she is allowed to move freely, she does so with ease, though her handler needs to be careful to move her at the right speed to really help her look her best.

2ND Rodger’s Wentvalley Divine Diva JW

This 2 year old brindle bitch is a totally different shape to 1. She is a nice size and was in great condition. I liked her feminine head, strong neck and well muscled quarters. She stands on good feet and has a nice spring of pastern, well let down hocks and a nice depth of chest. She could not match 1’s super movement.

3RD Corsar’s Northwhip Zenyatta

Mid Limit Bitch (6, 1)

1ST Morris, Waddell, Mycroft & Mitchell’s Crosscop You Are My Destiny at Ardencote

This rather lovely fawn bitch headed up this super class. I loved her shape, size and whilst she is feminine, she still looks like she could go all day long. At 4 years old, she is in super condition with an excellent neck, clean firm topline and beautiful curves. I found her to be balanced and very eye catching on the go around. Her skin and coat are rather lovely and she has a beautiful back end. On the move she powered round demonstrating that beautiful long low reaching stride that this breed is famous for. Another bitch I considered for top honours.

 2ND Perkins & Van Der Schaaf’s Crème Anglaise’s Cassablanca with Silkridge JW (Imp Nld)

A beautifully moving 2 year old fawn bitch who wanted to be anywhere other than the soaking wet ring (who could blame her!) I loved her size and shape and wow what super condition she was in. Her head is pretty and feminine. She has a nice shapely balance about her and strong hindquarters with a good bend of stifle. On the move she has good extension and moves freely.

3RD Howgate & Hull’s Palmik Truth About Love JW

Limit Bitch (9, 2)

1ST Perkins’ Silkridge Jasmine

I had not seen this attractive bitch before today and when looking in my catalogue was not surprised to see why I liked her so much, having been an admirer of her dam. At 3 years old this really beautiful brindle was the full package. She is so perfectly balanced, feminine and in super condition. I loved her size, clean outline and substance, though she is not in any way overdone. Unsurprisingly she moved with real drive and purpose, like all of the dogs from this kennel and has a beautiful effortless front action. She covers the ground easily, out moving everyone else in the class. A real credit to her owners and won the RCC in strong competition.

2ND Service & Poole’s Crosscop Proud Mary

Standing taller than 1, this parti bitch of 4 years is graceful and elegant and screams breed type. She has the correct bone, a very nice short coat and well sprung pasterns. Her neck is long and well muscled leading to a good lay of shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Her head is pretty, feminine and she has a strong jaw. Handled sympathetically to really get the best from her.

3RD Whitehead & Smith’s Citycroft Seattle

Open Bitch (9, 2)

1ST Green & Ratcliffe’s Ch Crosscop Bumble Bee by Arrodare

This 2 year old fawn and white was everything I was looking for today. She never put a foot wrong and caught my eye upon entering the ring. Handled to perfection, she oozes quality from the tip on her dark nose to her perfectly carried tail. There is nothing overdone about her and she is such a true whippet. Her overall confirmation is wonderful and she is graceful, feminine and elegant. I won’t quote the breed standard points she meets as there are so many, but I will say that I particularly loved her pretty head, clean outline and rear quarters. I could have watched her move all day long (which I think she is more than capable of doing), where I saw an effortless ease, long low stride and perfect footfall. I had no hesitation in awarding this top quality bitch the BCC and BOB.

 2ND Short’s Ch Collooney Dita von Tease

Having judged this almost 5 year old brindle bitch twice prior to today, so many of my positive remarks remain. I loved her attractive head, strong neck, well muscled firm back and excellent front assembly. My previous critiques note that she has good bone, nicely tucked in elbows, a fantastic spring of pastern and nicely angulated quarters, and these qualities still remain. She is a credit to her owners who have her in super condition. On the move she is true, though unfortunately she tended to drop her head today when striding out, which spoilt an otherwise lovely outline.

3RD Perkins’ Ch Citycroft Americano with Silkridge

Veteran Bitch (8)

1ST Place & Halliday’s Ch Collooney Queen of Dragons with Brochinbelle

So much has been said previously about this top winning bitch and for me, she is not showing her 8 years one bit. Oozing quality, this fawn and white queen could not be denied the top spot. It was a pleasure to go over her and my hands flowed over her beautiful curves. She is feminine and has a rather lovely alert expression. Her long, strong neck leads to a delightful topline which is well muscled and firm. Stacked she is a picture, but for me her real qualities show on the move where she is gracefully light on her feet whilst demonstrating a great propelling power. I really loved her and was delighted to award her BVIB over her younger brother. Pleased to see she later went on to be awarded Veteran Group 3.

 2ND Holland’s Crosscop Brown Eyed Girl

Standing foresquare this blue brindle bitch is now nearly 10 years of age and is in super condition. She is feminine, graceful and oozes class. Her skull is lean and long and she has a slight stop with a beautiful expression. I loved her clean outline, correct topline and well bend stifles. She is so true and has a rather super quality about her. Her rear quarters are strong with well developed second thighs. She moved out well but could not match 1 for verve. Another very lovely exhibit.

 3RD Smith’s Lorbri Mistletoe Magic

Judge: Lynn Bailey