West Of England Ladies Kennel Society

WELKS 2024 - TOY GROUP

My grateful thanks to the ladies of WELKS for very kindly inviting me to judge the Toy Group at their 2024 General Championship Show. Even though the weather was not particularly favourable over the course of the show, the Three Counties Showground is always a joy to visit, with the beautiful Malvern Hills as a backdrop. As always, the committee and workers were all so welcoming and a huge ‘well done’ from me for all your efforts in staging another great show.

From an interesting group, I selected 8 dogs for further consideration: the Affenpinscher, Pirrie & McEvoy’s Guereza Goody Goody Gumdrop, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Levy & Sedgwick’s Fr Ch Roi-de-Coeur of Sevijeans at Pascavale, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, Hunt’s Ch Diamonchi Button Moon for Moltobello, the Havanese, McCallum-Sealy’s Pandaprint Full of Mischief, the Italian Greyhound, Amsel & Rishworth’s Ch Artmeis Raise The Stakes, the Miniature Pinscher, Stracey’s Krieger’s Kiss ‘n’ Tell, the Papillon, Robb’s Gleniren Oops I Did It Again Sunshoo, and the Pomeranian, Robb’s Ch Gleniren All Eyes On Me. The Affenpinscher and Havanese are still only young puppies but I felt most deserving of making the shortlist on the day.

My winner was the Papillon, a 19 mth old red sable/white bitch who was presented in super coat and condition. Feminine all through, so very well balanced and ‘dainty’ as the standard requires. Most attractive head and expression; slightly rounded skull, defined stop, finely pointed muzzle, lovely dark eye and large, heavily fringed ears. She was good to go over with correct angles front and rear, super ribbing and firm loin. She gaited freely on the go around with excellent carriage and just commanded attention.

In second place, and hot on the heels of the winner, was the first class Italian Greyhound bitch. This 2 yr old fawn/white certainly cannot be overlooked. Elegance personified and presenting a beautifully balanced outline with each part smoothly flowing into the next. Just loved her head; well-proportioned, good planes, dark expressive eyes and perfectly ‘roofed’ ears. When gaiting, she was accurate on the down and back and so very capably handled.

Third came the Miniature Pinscher, this 15 mth old black/tan bitch, greatly appealed. Full of confidence and making the most of herself at all times, she pleased for type and presented a compact, elegant outline with slightly arched neck and firm topline with required slope from withers to croup. Quality head with super eye and ears set on high. Standing true and moved out with purpose and attitude.

Finally, taking the fourth spot was the 5 yr old Smooth Coat Chihuahua dog. Another who showed himself off to full advantage. Dainty as required, yet all male and so good upon closer inspection. I thought him an excellent type and just loved his head and expression; well-rounded skull, clean through the cheeks and the best of eyes and ears. On the move, he went so well on the go around with excellent carriage and showed off his super high set sickle tail.

Judge: Tim Ball