Ladies Kennel Association

Toy Group 

What better way to bring 2024 to a close …judging the Toy Group at LKA. New Bingley Hall had a real festive feel with lots of decorated Xmas trees, twinkling fairy lights and tinsel and good cheer seemed to abound around the rings. The show ran like a well oiled machine…all down to the excellent organisation of the Ladies of the LKA. 

This was my second Toy Group assignment and it was with eager anticipation that I looked forward to getting up close and personal with representatives of the toy breeds. The breed judges did not let me down and although “spoilt for choice” is a well used cliche, it applied. All those top notch toys and I could have my pick. I felt like a kid at Hamleys toy store. 

An enviable task but it was not going to be easy to find my best four. From a talented group I opted for eight for further consideration.

Bichon…Ch Ashmair Live To Tell Mamose ShCEx (IKC)

Griffon…. Ch Donzeata Royal Attraction

Cavalier…. Ch Ellemich American Express

Papillon…. Tarnock Wiggle Giggle 

Min Pin…. Ch Hawksflight Hot Pursuit JW

Pomeranian….. Ch Gleniren All Eyes On Me 

Yorkshire Terrier…. Ch Queenslake Lord of the Ring

Maltese…. Ch Benatone Glint Of Gold.

Another circling of the ring and one more up and down and my eight were soon to became the final four who would stand before the boards. 

It was now time to split hairs when the distinction between each one, albeit so small, had to matter.  

They all looked a picture but my mind was made up. 

The winner was the Maltese ….Ch Benatone Glint Of Gold. 

A stunning youngster of 20 months who looks you straight in the eye with the most delicious animated expression. Has the best eyes, oval with the blackest of rims and dark haloes. Slightly rounded skull and long ears that hung close to the head. Good fill beneath the eyes. His pure white coat was so silky that my hands just glided over his form. Decent neck with complimentary angles front and rear. Back line firm. He swept around the ring with style. Head up and tail arched over back. If there was ever a dog so suited to grace the royal blue carpet of the main ring it was the Maltese. The colours just popped. A very worthy winner. 

Later, the day kept on giving and what an omg moment it was to watch Best in Show judge Keith Nathan award him Reserve Best in Show, from a stunning line up. Xmas came early for Sarah and Rosemarie Jackson…congratulations. 

2nd went to the Pomeranian…Ch Gleniren All Eyes On Me . 

Three year old orange sable who was looking great. I judged her a year ago and today she still held the appeal I felt then….perhaps even more.

A little poppet whose face is her fortune. Ultra feminine with eyes that shine. Neat ears nicely placed. Body is compact with bone to match her build.Well ribbed and flat tail carried with confidence. Straight outer coat harsh to the touch. She puts up a polished performance and does all that is asked of her. The term “clockwork orange” kept coming into my head. She shows because she loves every second in the ring and I bet she can be a madam when she feels like it. Today it was a close run thing with the Maltese. Two very special exhibits. 

3rd the Papillon….Tarnock Wiggle Giggle. 

A spunky black/white who won Best of Breed from the Junior class and although young I understand he is already a Champion. I can see why. He is so correct …so Papillon. I feel next year will see him go from strength to strength. Scores for size, style and breed points. Loved his head and expression with dark eyes full of fun. Fine muzzle. Excellent ear set and carriage. Silklike furnishings. His movement was lovely to watch with impressive front and rear action and on the go around he went proudly with head high, level topline and tail arched over back. He is light on his feet and when not standing in show stance he was bouncing …clearly full of the joys.

and 4th went to the Bichon Frisé….Ch Ashmair Live To Tell Mamose ShCEx (IKC). 

Such a handsome well grown boy who draws initial attention with his balanced outline and the faultless presentation of his soft white corkscrew coat. Closer examination shows round dark pigmented eyes and a bright interested expression. Correct balance of skull to muzzle. Felt good to go over with neck, shoulders, topline and tail set all blending. It was no surprise that he stepped out effortlessly showing sound movement with great self assurance and his plumed tail carried confidently over his back. He deserved his place and completed a super quartet. 

Norma Inglis (Craigowl)