Manchester Dog Show Society

Manchester Championship Dog Show - 18th January 2024

BOXERS

My thanks to the Manchester Dog Show Society for their invitation to judge at this show, my first appointment awarding CC's, which I enjoyed immensely, being ably assisted on the day by two efficient stewards. It was an entry of quality, leading inevitably to close decisions in some classes, and I thank the exhibitors for the sporting manner in which they accepted my placings. I was looking for a medium sized, square, well proportioned dog, with a slightly sloping, smooth topline and balanced angulations in front and rear, round bone and substance, but with that required degree of nobility and finesse, which inimitably typifies the unique Boxer silhouette, whilst ensuring it is devoid of coarseness. My principal winners all pleased me in this respect. Head types continue to vary, and in judging compromises inevitably have to be made, as the perfect dog who has it ‘all’ does not exist, but with two very strong Open classes, it evidenced that careful selective breeding can result in a few who come pretty close to the ideal! Mouths generally are not so good, with some having very narrow under jaws lacking width and it was disappointing to see some flat feet in otherwise good dogs. This never concerns me in puppies or youngsters, as it tends to address itself as they mature and naturally strengthen in pastern, before ‘coming up’ onto their feet, but it is not correct in adults, and needs to be watched.

Minor Puppy Dog (7 entries, 1 absent)

1st - Mair’s Glenauld The Chase. Smart, compact r/w baby, 6 months old, and just right for his age. Lovely clean, well balanced head of correct proportions, with evident chin and a good mouth. Very appealing expression from kind dark brown eyes, Good neck and correct layback of shoulder and well put together overall, which was confirmed by his free and easy movement. Very promising.

2nd - Payne’s Jeddhi Through The Flame to Birleyvale. Another striking puppy, dark br/w this time, but again, there is lots to like about him. Square in profile, with neck flowing smoothly into withers and correctly sloping topline and rear quarters developing well, with good turn of stifle. Attractive head with balanced muzzle to skull ratios and good lip placement. Two lovely puppies with little separating them and am sure both will go on to do well.

3rd - Kavanagh’s Arkeney Endeavour with Marbelton.

Puppy Dog (4 entries, 2 absent)

1st - Johnson & Pynegar's Sashbob Never Would I Ever from Berwynfa. Best Puppy Dog and Best Puppy overall. Well developed, showy br/w who is handled to advantage to get the very best from him - just brimming with confidence and Boxer 'joie de vivre!' Typical head with well padded muzzle and distinct 'stop' accompanied by a mischievous expression from his dark brown eyes. In excellent condition being taut and well muscled, square and balanced in outline, with good topline and correctly angulated front and rear. Standing on well boned limbs and tight feet, it is on the move in profile that he really comes into his own, with great reach and driving movement, eating the ground up. Demonstrated this to great advantage in the big ring later where he acquitted himself well to win Working Puppy Group 2 and Eukanuba Stakes First Day, returning on the last day to finish as runner up overall. Many Congratulations.

2nd - Payne’s Willow Stardust. Similar age to winner, but less mature, this golden br/w presents a cleanly cut, crisp square profile. Parallel front with decent bone and a beautiful clean head,

with good rise of skull in proportion to his muzzle of correct width and a sooty black mask and gorgeous expression - I see he is out of the same dam as my BOB winner, and has the same mesmerising dark brown eyes! Just needing to develop further in forechest now and strengthen in quarters, but has plenty of time on his side for this.

Junior Dog (3 entries, all present)

1st - Mair’s Ch Sulez Scorcher at Glenauld. Handsome, dark br/w who just oozes class. Absolutely square in profile, short-coupled with correct spring of rib and sweeping underline into strong, well muscled rear quarters. Excellent round bone and super feet. Has the most beautiful head and most appealing expression, looking at you as only a Boxer can! Well padded muzzle with visible chin, deep ‘stop’ and great rise of skull. Good mouth. On his toes the whole time for his clever handler, looking every inch the Champion he is. Last 4 for the CC.

2nd - Van Beck’s Newlaithe Respect. 14 mth old scopy br/w of quality. Pleasing in outline with good height of foreleg, long, sloping shoulders and pronounced forechest with short, strong topline and correct tailset. All the essentials are there, but just needing the benefit of maturity now to bring it all together, to drop slightly in brisket and strengthen in rear quarters. Well balanced head, clean in skull with lovely dark brown eyes and expression. Well handled.

3rd - Lord & Roberts’ Ygogarth Space Oddity

Yearling Dog - (1 entry, present)

1st - Robinson’s Ulverbox Magic And Mayhem. Honest br/w dog, alone in this class, but deserving of his placing. Has plenty of substance, with good topline and tailset and sweeping underline into well muscled rear quarters with adequate turn of stifle. Attractive head and expression with kind dark eye, well padded muzzle and broad black nose with large open nostrils, but a little stuffy in neck. Moved soundly in both his classes and later when representing the breed in the main ring where he went on to win Group 2 Working Special Beginners. Well done.

Post Graduate Dog - (10 entries, 2 absent)

1st - McDonald & McDonald’s Yeteb Totally Charming JW. Eye-catching, short-coupled dark br/w who I first noticed as a baby in a puppy walk at a club show, and he has certainly come on in leaps and bounds (literally at times!) since, winning the class on his beautifully balanced square profile. Nothing exaggerated here at all, with each part of his body flowing seamlessly into the next. Has the ideal balance of substance and bone with the class and nobility I was seeking. Crested neck into well angulated shoulders, short backed with slightly sloping strong topline and depth of brisket to elbow. Clean head with good rise of skull, a well padded muzzle, perceptible chin, and a good mouth. Full of himself and in the challenge his overall balance and squareness in outline, ‘tipped the balance’ in his favour to win him the Reserve CC in excellent company.

2nd - Huckerby & Dowell’s Boese L’amore for Norwilbeck Bellchime. Quality youngster with lots of scope sired by my CC winner, but felt that today in this class he looked immature. However, at 14 months, he has bags of time on his side to body up and drop into himself to deepen in brisket and complete the picture. Another with good bone and standing on lovely tightly knuckled feet. Good overall make and shape with ribcage extending well to the rear. Pleasing underline sweeping up into well angulated hindquarters. Gorgeous, clean head with an expression to match from dark brown well shaped eyes. Clearly defined cheeks tapering gently into a blocky muzzle with good width and depth and broad black nose with wide nostrils. One to watch.

3rd - Bell’s Surfstone Get Carta

Limit Dog (9 entries, 1 absent)

1st - CC - Kuech’s Boese Jiggerlardo JW - my find of the day! This stylish br/w was a new one to me, but personifies ‘square’ with his beautiful construction and classic Boxer outline, which demands closer inspection. The more I looked at him, the more he impressed, and I found myself appreciating him for his overall balance, type, correctness and lack of exaggeration. All male and well constructed throughout, with a beautiful neck of ample length, flowing into evident withers and a strong topline with correct tailset. He has a superb forehand, enhanced by good length of upper arm, visible forechest and optimum angulations front and rear, being well conditioned and rippling with muscle. Good head with distinct ‘stop’, a broad, deep powerful muzzle in correct proportion to his skull, with good rise and well set ears and tidy flews all contributing towards a typical Boxer expression. I was delighted to award him the CC on the day, his first, which was quickly followed by a second at the next Ch show - hope he doesn't have long to wait for that all-important third!

2nd - Taylor’s Newlaithe Absolute Bug. Smart br/w, presented in superb hard fit condition, all male but not quite the substance of the winner. Good body shape, with well sprung ribs, set far back with elbows neatly tucked in. Short, strong back and tailset spot on with well muscled rear quarters. Attractive head with strong, well developed muzzle, dark brown eyes and broad black nose with large open nostrils. Well handled.

 3rd - Bell's Surfstone Master Spy

Open Dog - (7 entries, all present)

1st - Woolliss & Flintoft's Ch Boxania Roamin' Around at Rameleon. This quality dark br/w headed a very good class. In some ways I feel he has on occasion been hard done to in the past, but like a fine wine slow in maturing, he has just got better and better, and now really looks the part. Handsome, compact and in pristine, hard condition, accentuating his excellent construction throughout. Crested neck flowing cleanly through the withers into a strong topline, and correct underline sweeping up through the loin into well muscled rear quarters. Good front and depth of chest and has the most beautiful well balanced head, with padded muzzle and a soulful expression from kind dark eyes. On his toes throughout and shown to best advantage. Last 4 for CC.

2nd - Lafferty's Geenawell Lorenzo. A dog I have much admired previously for his sharp, clean-cut and balanced outline, complete lack of exaggeration. and excellent movement. Today he was in great form, looking the best I have ever seen him - every time I glanced over in his direction, he was standing foursquare, alert, showing himself off with his tail up and needing very little additional handling. Pressed hard in this class and was very close up to the winner. Has a super neck and excels in topline, shapely body, being short and compact, with strong, slightly sloping pasterns down to the tightest of feet. Straight front with depth of brisket to elbow and good tuck up. Lovely clean head, correctly proportioned with evident chin. As the saying goes "Every dog has it's day" and I do hope he has his, as he fully deserves to, and is another worthy of his title.

3rd - Mair's Ch Macbarra Kickin' Up A Storm at Glenauld.

Veteran Dog (1 entry, present)

 1st - Louis' Rameleon Nights In Harlem. At 9 and a half years young, this handsome br/w charmer is a credit to his owner, who keeps him in wonderful condition. Still retaining his lovely shape, he has super round bone and substance, a parallel front with a deep chest and stands on smashing feet with tightly arched toes. Has a beautiful head with good rise of skull, a distinct stop, well set ears, good width and depth of muzzle, correct lip placement and clearly visible chin. Gorgeous kind expression from dark brown, knowing eyes of wisdom. He was clearly enjoying every second of his time being in the ring and his enthusiasm was infectious - a delight to see.

Special Beginners Dog (3 entries, all present)

1st - Robinson's Ulverbox Magic and Mayhem - winner of Yearling Dog

2nd - Holmes' Jamonik Best Decision - Br/w with pleasing outline, being square and balanced with a good topline and tailset and depth of brisket to elbow. Correct slightly sloping pasterns down to neat tightly knuckled feet, but would prefer slightly heavier bone. Clean head with no excessive wrinkling, padded muzzle and evident 'stop' Sympathetically handled, but not really co-operating with his handler which was a shame, as when he did relax he did far more justice to himself.

3rd - Saunby's Kelsant Raising The Roof

Minor Puppy Bitch (9 entries, 2 absent)

1st - McCarthy & Gething's Jeddhi Ring Of Fire. Ultra smart and feminine dark br/w baby of 7 months. Very well put together, balanced in profile and standing on excellent bone and feet. Appealed for her overall squareness, with good layback of shoulder, forechest developing nicely and excellent hindquarters with correct turn of stifle. Lovely parallel front and has the prettiest of heads, being clean in skull, with lip to lip placement. evident chin and beautifully expressive dark eyes. Composed, confident and happy baby who moved steadily to take the class and Best Puppy Bitch. Most promising.

2nd - Woods' Arkeney Enigma. Taller, golden br/w of almost 9 months, who again pleased for her overall squareness in profile. She is very feminine, with good bone, a lovely clean neck, shapely body with well arched ribs and a sweeping underline into correctly angulated rear. Appealing in head with good balance of muzzle to skull, sufficient chin and intelligent expression from her well set dark eyes, Just needs to drop in brisket a little to complete the picture, but time and further maturity will take care of this I'm sure.

3rd - Murfin & Cobbledick's Jeddhi Spice It Up at Farvalley.

Puppy Bitch - (7 entries, 1 absent)

1st - Fay-Smith's All That She Wants with Lorrosa. Attractive golden br/w bitch, of good make and shape - quite mature in outlook for 10 months of age. Well made with good topline and tailset and graceful underline sweeping up into correctly angulated hindquarters. Head will take time, which is to be expected at this age, but she has a lean skull with good rise, well set ears and a kind dark eye.

2nd - Huggins' Willow Belle Star for Daervlish (IKC) Classy dark br/w, with a lovely square and balanced profile with good angulations fore and aft - not quite as forward as the winner at present, but could well finish up the better of the two. Neat, feminine, short and compact with good bone. Head ok, eyes are dark, well set and a good size and shape, but a little slack at present and just needing more time - this will also give her chance to grow into those ears!

3rd - Carter's Susancar Maddasan Hatter

Junior Bitch - (11 entries, 2 absent)

1st - Chell's Joru Time For Change for Ludic. This smart br/w pulled out all the stops today to win this strong class in good company. In immaculate condition with her glossy coat gleaming, enhanced by good muscle tone, but in no way detracting from her femininity. Well constructed throughout, with good layback of shoulder, well arched ribs extending to the rear, and sweeping tuck up into super hindquarters with correct turn of stifle and evident second thigh. Standing on well boned limbs and tight neat feet. Clean, balanced head with good width and depth of muzzle and sufficient chin. Moved well.

2nd - Van Beck's Diddle On Newlaithe - my notes say "arresting outline!" and this br/w bitch certainly makes an immediate impact with her beautiful outline, just flowing from the crest of her elegant neck, through her shapely body and short, taut loin to her bang on tailset. Like the winner she has lovely round bone and is very well put together and balanced, has substance yet still retains her femininity. Close decision between these two very good bitches, but just preferred the cleaner head and expression of the winner.

3rd - Payne's Birleyvale Burning Heart (AI)

Yearling Bitch - (1 entry, present)

1st - Jones & Charles' Charlons Viva La Diva. Tall, elegant br/w in excellent hard condition. I very much liked her clean head with slight arch to skull, being correctly proportioned with a padded muzzle, smooth cheeks, tidy flews, a distinct 'stop' and her gorgeous dark eyes with a very pretty 'typically Boxer' expression. Pleasing outline with good front, super neck, slightly sloping topline and well sculpted hindquarters with defined second thigh. Standing on super tight feet. A quality bitch.

Post Graduate Bitch (11 entries, 1 absent) A very mixed class.

1st - Flintoft's Boxania Make Me Smile - Feminine, squarely built br/w with excellent bone. Crested neck into evident withers, a short back and correct tailset. Good spring of rib and short couplings with a lovely underline sweeping up into her well made rear quarters with correct turn of stifle. Good head with rise of skull, evident chin, broad black nose and good width and depth of muzzle, topped off by a very attractive expression. Sympathetically handled to get the best from her.

2nd - Murfin & Cobbledick's Farvalley Milyon Dollar Baby - at last a red! Has fulfilled her early promise since first seeing her as a baby puppy at a previous show. Clean, crisp-cut outline with good forehand and visible forechest, with balanced angulations front and rear. Slightly sloping topline and correct tailset, Parallel front with ample width of chest and depth of brisket to elbow. Lovely headpiece with well set ears, padded muzzle and kind dark eyes with an appealing expression, enhanced further by her black mask.

3rd - Kavanagh's Arkeney Burns Night at Marbelton.

Limit Bitch (6 entries, 1 absent)

1st - Jones & Charles' Charlons Nostalgic - Br/w litter sister to the Yearling class winner, and shares many similar attributes. Square in profile, elegant with decent bone, but can sometimes have a tendency to drop into herself when posed, which then causes her to lose height a little. Feminine and shapely body being compact with a good neck, topline and tailset. Arched ribs set well back, with graceful underline sweeping up into her rear quarters. Clean in head with slight arch to top of skull, good rise and sufficient chin, but a little light in muzzle.

2nd - Godwin's Sultash Enable - Well made dark br/w, close up to winner. Pleasing in outline with a square profile and good angles front and rear, with evident forechest and powerful well developed hindquarters with good width of second thigh. Has substance but not overdone in any way, thereby retaining her femininity. Appreciated her lovely head which has plenty of work in it, a wide underjaw, good rise of skull and perceptible chin from all angles. Broad black nose with large nostrils and kind dark eye and expression. Would prefer tighter feet.

3rd - Swansborough's Boxatiel Raven Black

Open Bitch (7 entries, 1 absent) An excellent class.

1st - Payne's Ch and Ir Ch Willow Sparks Will Fly - and they did! Every time I looked at her, she just drew me in with her mesmerising dark eyes and beautiful expression, absolutely defying me to place anyone else above her! Ultra feminine dark br/w, in gleaming condition, has a classic outline with a superb forehand, standing well over herself and displaying excellent forechest. Elegant neck into evident withers, and smooth slightly sloping topline into correctly angulated hindquarters with well let down hocks. Moved soundly with effortless ground-covering strides. Glorious head from any angle, with excellent muzzle and skull proportions, deep 'stop' good upsweep of chin and correct lip placement, looking back at you as only a Boxer who knows she's special, can! Considering the great distances she has to travel, in order to be campaigned on this side of the Irish Sea, she never lets her sporting owner down - testament to her great temperament. It was my complete pleasure to award her the CC, her 10th, and BOB. Many Congratulations.

2nd - Mair's Ch Vandenrob Vanessa via Glenauld. Another top quality br/w. Shown in pristine, fit condition, as are all from this kennel. Well constructed throughout, standing on well boned limbs and tightly knuckled feet. Balanced profile with a super front, well laid shoulders and a strong topline which she retained on the move. Like the winner, she epitomizes femininity, but still maintains the required strength and substance essential for this breed. Beautiful head with broad, deep well padded muzzle, super rise of skull and a gorgeous expression from twinkling dark eyes, and at 5 years old, she still has a very good mouth and dentition - a real credit to her owners. A most worthy Champion who I liked a lot and pushed hard all the way. Well deserving of the reserve CC.

3rd - Carter's Ch Susancar Celia Deal.

Veteran Bitch (no entries)

Special Beginners Bitch (5 entries, 1 absent)

1st - Fay-Smith's Lorrosa Missy Elliott - Smart br/w baby, just a smidgen over 6 months, and showing lots of promise. Liked her for her lovely overall make and shape, being compact and well boned, with tuck up developing nicely and correctly angulated hindquarters. Parallel front. Good head type, at a stage of development commensurate with her age, being clean and lean in skull, with adequate chin, neatly set ears and a sweet expression. Happy temperament.

2nd - Harrington's Surfstone Miss Dior - dark br/w, more mature than the winner at almost 2 yrs old and in very fit, hard condition. Very honest bitch, being balanced in profile and of square appearance, with decent bone, correct depth of brisket, arched ribs set well to the rear and a good tuck-up into well muscled hindquarters with sufficient turn of stifle. Typical head with correct muzzle to skull ratios and kind expression from dark, well placed eyes. Very ably handled to advantage, both competently and sympathetically, by her young owner. Well done.

3rd - Edwards Pearl Surprise.

Sarah J. Portlock (Judge)