United Retriever Club

UNITED RETRIEVER CLUB

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW - MALVERN

7th AUGUST 2024

I would like to thank the United Retriever Club committee and helpers for organising and running another superb show.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was delighted to see the Best of Breed Flatcoat, awarded Best in Show and the Reserve Best of Breed Flatcoat – Reserve Best in Show and Best Veteran in Show.

I was looking for that bright, active dog that portraits the correct balance between power and raciness. A dog full of confident cheerfulness that typifies the breed. A dog with a long, clean, well moulded head of one piece, and almond shaped eyes giving that twinkling expression with the required hint of naughtiness.

In a nutshell, a dog that as closely as possible reflects the Flatcoated Retriever KC breed standard and is fit for function.

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all exhibitors for such a fantastic entry and for accepting my judgements with good sportsmanship.

Heads were overall, good enough. However, I noted a lot of round eyes. Eye shape is so important – round or full eyes are not correct and detract from the desired expression that typifies a flatcoat.

Movement was in general variable, however, I’m mindful that we were outside on a ‘not-so-level playing field’ that would have benefitted from a good mowing.

VETERAN DOG (3)

A class of 3 worthy veterans – all in great condition and a credit to their owners.

1. SMITHERMAN & ROBERTS’ – SEAHEART CRIAN AT GLOI JW. A super 7 ½ year old male. Upstanding and full of type. Lovely male head with correct moulding and dark almond shaped eyes giving that soft expression. Soundly constructed with a level topline held well on the move. Best Veteran Dog.

2. BURR’S – WOODFINCH TORRIN OF SCHEINDUBH. A lovely 9 year old boy, a size smaller than 1. Very workmanlike in outline. Good male head. Well-constructed but not quite the front of 1 which showed on the move.

3. STAFF’S – BONNYHILBRAE ROYAL FLUSH.

MINOR PUPPY DOG (3)

1. GORDON’S – OIYOU WALDORF. A really lovely puppy. Super male head with melting expression. Good reach of neck into well laid-back shoulder. Soundly constructed with good front and rear angulation. Very well balanced. Shown in excellent coat and condition. Moved very soundly. Best Puppy Dog

2. BRIGHT’S – HOPEVALLEY MORNING MAGIC. Another super puppy. Gorgeous male head and soft expression. Very similar in construction to 1 which is not surprising as they have the same sire. I just preferred the reach of neck and front construction of 1 today. Moved very soundly around the ring.

3. MENZIES’ – ENCHANTED BLACKOUT OVER BUNNYSTOCKS.

PUPPY DOG (2)

1. GORDON’S – OIYOU WALDORF. A really lovely puppy. Super male head with melting expression. Good reach of neck into well laid-back shoulder. Soundly constructed with good front and rear angulation. Very well balanced. Shown in excellent coat and condition. Moved very soundly. Best Puppy Dog

2. BRIGHT’S – HOPEVALLEY MORNING MAGIC. Another super puppy. Gorgeous male head and soft expression. Very similar in construction to 1 which is not surprising as they have the same sire. I just preferred the reach of neck and front construction of 1 today. Moved very soundly around the ring.

JUNIOR DOG (3)

1. VARTY-LINDSAY’S – LEVLIANN BIG BANG. This boy took my eye straight away – super well balanced and typey outline. Lovely male head and soft, intelligent expression. Soundly constructed front and rear which showed as he moved with excellent reach and drive. I considered him for top honours – his day will surely come.

2. BROADBENT’S – GEMSWIN IAM SAILING JW. A stronger dog all through than 1. masculine head and kind expression. Well-constructed front assembly. Adequate bend of stifle. Moved soundly.

3. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS A BALL.

YEARLING DOG (3)

1. WILD’S – KVICKSANS THE MASTER PIPER AT BLUEWATERS (Imp Swe) JW. A tall and rangy boy, however he is very balanced and presents a typey outline in profile. Super male head. He is well constructed all through and moved well covering the ground with ease.

2. MENZIES’ – FLATCHARM GORGEOUS GEORGE OVER BUNNYSTOCKS. A really lovely medium sized boy with a super male head and correct eye shape. Good front and rear construction and a level topline. I preferred the outline of 1 today but these boys whilst, very different could easily change places another day.

3. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS A BALL.

NOVICE DOG (2)

1. BURR’S – ROXWOODBAY RUBHA DOUGLAS OF SCHEINDUBH. A sound workmanlike boy. Adequate angulation front and rear. Carrying a lot of coat on a hot day but with true flatcoat enthusiasm moved well around the ring.

2. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS A BALL. A taller dog with a lovely male head. He is well balanced – I preferred the front construction of 1. He moved well.

GRADUATE DOG (2)

1. RICKETT’S – WINDYHOLLOWS NORDMANN FIR. A super dog with a lovely masculine head and naughty expression. Good reach of neck into well-constructed front. Level topline and good rear angulation. Lots and lots of coat. Moved very soundly.

2. SHEPHERDSON’S – MURPHY’S TREAT. This liver boy is smaller all through than 1. He has a good head and kind expression. He is quite narrow all through. He demonstrated a happy flatcoat attitude on the move.

POST GRADUATE DOG (8)

1. MULLIN’S – SEAHEART DAEGAN AT DEXANLUC. Super upstanding dog in fabulous condition. Handsome and well moulded head with soft expression. Well-constructed all through. Super topline held well on the move. Moved out well with good reach and drive.

2. TAYLOR-BAIN’S – RAINESGIFT MOUNTAIN BLUET. A lovely medium sized dog. Overall, well balanced with good front and rear angulation which was evidenced by his accurate movement. I just preferred the head and eye shape of 1.

3. WILD’S – BITCON ALLIANCE WITH BLUEWATERS (ai) JW.

LIMIT DOG (7, 1 absent)

1. NICHOLLS, NICHOLLS & PRICE’S – LLANTRUSSA AS BIG AS THE RITZ. What a lovely liver boy. He has the loveliest male head, well moulded with the gentlest of expressions. He is well constructed all through with good bone. Very classical in outline. He moved so well and soundly with good reach and drive. Unlucky to meet the open dog today – I was delighted to award him the Reserve CC

2. PERRY’S - RAINESGIFT AUDEMARS. Super medium sized dog with good male head. Super front construction and well angulated rear. Not quite as well balanced as 1 today and I preferred the eye shape of 1. Moved out well with good reach and drive.

3. MULLINS’ – EVERBLACK BOOZE CRUISE AT DEXANLUC.

OPEN DOG (9, 1 absent)

1. GENCO’S – IT/INT CH DIAMANTE BLU CHILKOOT. Wow – what a super dog of medium size, in hard, fit condition - clearly fit for function. He took my eye as soon as he entered the ring – so classical in outline and full of ‘happy-flatty’ attitude. Today was his day. A gorgeous male head and correct eye shape with that twinkling expression. Overall, very well constructed with super balance. Good reach of neck, leading into well laid-back shoulder. Excellent in front with good brisket and good length of upper arm. Moved extremely well driving off sound and strong rear quarters, covering the ground effortlessly. Pleased to award him the CC and Best of Breed. Then delighted to watch him go Best in Show.

2. BELLAMY’S – SH CH WOODFINCH MASQUERADE. A Solid, sound and up standing dog, he has lovely masculine head with correct moulding, lovely almond shaped eyes with soft expression. Well-constructed throughout and very well balanced. Moved soundly with good length of stride and powered from behind.

3. WALKER & ROBERTS’ – GLOI DUBH JUST ONE LOOK.

SPECIAL WORKING DOG (3)

1. MAY’S – RONEVORG DARK ANGEL AT LUSSAC JW Kcwgc. Easy winner of this class. A very balanced dog with excellent front, reach of neck and correct topline on the move, just the right amount of bend in stifle and presented in a superb, fit condition. Powered round the ring with good reach and drive.

2. DURRANT’S – GLENTURRET HAPPY GO LUCKY JW Sgwc Kcwgc. A good workmanlike dog. Lovely male head with soft expression. Soundly constructed all through with good balance. Did not move out as well as 1 today.

3. BOWEN’S – CLANDRIFT BRING ME SUNSHINE JW Kcwgc.

SPECIAL SHOW/WORKING DOG (1)

1. DURRANT’S – GLENTURRET HAPPY GO LUCKY JW Sgwc Kcwgc. A good workmanlike dog. Lovely male head with soft expression. Soundly constructed all through with good balance. Moved well.

SPECIAL BEGINNERS DOG (4, 1 absent)

1. TAYLOR-BAIN’S – RAINESGIFT MOUNTAIN BLUET. A lovely medium sized dog. Overall, well balanced with good front and rear angulation which was evidenced by his accurate movement. Shown well in good coat and condition.

2. SHEPHERDSON’S – MURPHY’S TREAT. This liver boy is smaller all through than 1. He has a good head and kind expression. He is quite narrow all through. He demonstrated a happy flatcoat attitude on the move.

VETERAN BITCH (8, 2absent)

1. ANDERSON’S – SH CH FELDKIRK DIOR OF KAZVAL. A beautiful bitch presented in fabulous condition. She presents a superb profile which typifies raciness without weediness and demonstrates power without lumber. A very well-balanced bitch full of breed type. Feminine well moulded head of one piece with kind eye and expression. Excellent reach of neck into super front construction, good quality oval bone, tight feet, level topline and strong rear quarters. She moved around the ring covering the ground efficiently with free-flowing action. I was delighted to award her the bitch CC, Res Best of Breed and Best Veteran in breed. Then further delighted to watch her go Reserve Best in Show and Best Veteran in Show.

2. SMITHERMAN’S – SH CH SEAHEART CECELIA JW. I have always admired this girl from the ringside. At 7 ½ years old. This lovely girl still presents a super outline and is very soundly constructed throughout. She has the loveliest head and kind expression. In superb fit condition she moved very well with driving rear action.

3. WELCH’S – STRANFAER LYIN’ EYES.

MINOR PUPPY BITCH (3)

1. ROMEO-DIESTE’S – HOPEVALLEY MORNING XANADU. A very pretty baby with a beautiful head and correct eye shape. Overall, very well constructed and well balanced for one so young. Moved out very well and very soundly.

2. HENESEY’S – MISS MALLORYS TICKETY-BOO (Imp Swe). Taller and longer cast than 1 but nonetheless another lovely puppy full of type, she has a feminine head and lovely eye shape. Overall, well-constructed and has good balance. Moved well.

3. HOLLIDAY’S – SHASHKROX NEVER GROW UP.

PUPPY BITCH (3)

1. HOLMAN’S – RONEVORG CAN I BE FAMOUS FOR NAMTRESA. A very pretty and mature puppy for her tender age. She has a beautiful head of one piece and correct shaped dark eye. Good reach of neck into well angulated front with good shoulder placement. Moved very well and soundly with good driving rear action. In super condition. Best puppy bitch & Best Puppy in Breed.

2. ROMEO-DIESTE’S – HOPEVALLEY MORNING XANADU. A very pretty baby with a beautiful head and correct eye shape. Overall, very well-constructed and well balanced for one so young. Moved out very well and very soundly. Today she didn’t have the maturity and togetherness of 1.

3. HENESEY’S – MISS MALLORYS TICKETY-BOO (Imp Swe).

JUNIOR BITCH (6, 1absent)

1. HOLMAN’S – RONEVORG CAN I BE FAMOUS FOR NAMTRESA. A very pretty and mature puppy for her tender age. She has a beautiful head of one piece and correct shaped dark eye. Good reach of neck into well angulated front with good shoulder placement. Moved very well and soundly with good driving rear action. In super condition.

2. McCAMMICK’S – MONTEGRINO PIED PIPER FOR SAFFDALES. This young lady presents a very clean profile – with feminine head, good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and good rear quarters. Moved very soundly. I just preferred the overall balance of 1 today.

3. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.

YEARLING BITCH (8, 1absent)

1. WALKER & ROBERTS’ – GLOI DUBH LADY MUCK JW. A good quality bitch of medium size. Pretty head and correct eye shape with melting expression. Good angulation front & rear, super level topline held on the move. Moved very well with lots of enthusiasm.

2. GOODMAN’S – FLATCHARM FABULOUS MOOLAH AT BEANIT. A beautiful girl with super head, correct eye shape and melting expression. Good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and strong rear quarters. Very similar to 1. Not quite as mature and not in the peak condition of 1 today.

3. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.

NOVICE BITCH (6)

1. McCAMMICK’S – MONTEGRINO PIED PIPER FOR SAFFDALES. This young lady presents a very clean profile – with feminine head, good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and good rear quarters. Moved very soundly

2. ROMEO-DIESTE’S – HOPEVALLEY MORNING XANADU. A very pretty baby with a beautiful head and correct eye shape. Overall, very well constructed and well balanced for one so young. Moved out very well and very soundly. At only 6 months, she didn’t have the maturity and togetherness of 1.

3. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.

GRADUATE BITCH (6, 1 absent)

1. HOLLINGDALE’S – AYLAWBROOK NOONES PERFECT. A well-made liver girl. She has a feminine head and correct eye shape. Presents a clean outline with level topline held well on the move.

2. JACKSON’S – MANTEAUPLAT MARGAUX. A lovely bitch, she has a feminine head and gentle expression. A taller bitch than 1 nonetheless, she is still very well balanced. Not in her best coat today. Moved soundly.

3. PRIOR’S – BLACKTOFT AVELINO AT FINNASHEMBER.

POST GRADUATE BITCH (9, 3 absent)

1. PRICE & NICHOLLS’ – LLANTRUSSA JULIET. I have always liked this girl. A super quality bitch of medium size. Prettiest feminine head and correct eye shape with melting expression. Soundly constructed front & rear. Moved very well and very soundly covering the ground with ease.

2. WATSON’S – RAINESGIFT OMEGA. This young lady presents a very clean profile – with feminine head, good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and good rear quarters. Moved very soundly. I preferred the eye and expression of 1 today.

3. SMITHERMAN’S - SEAHEART DIVA.

LIMIT BITCH (16, 4 absent)

1. MENZIES’ – CADIDACASA TRUE FEELING OVER BUNNYSTOCKS. A real eye catcher. A most beautiful head with super dark, almond shaped eyes and a twinkling expression. Good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and strong rear quarters. Moving so well – one of the best movers of the day, with super rear driving action and good forward reach. Covering the ground efficiently and with ease. Pleased to award her the Reserve CC.

2. PRICE & NICHOLLS’ – WINDYHOLLOWS ENGLISH HOLLY AT LLANTRUSSA. Very pretty and feminine bitch. Smaller all through than 1 but nonetheless very well put together. Not as free flowing and positive on the move as 1 today. Lovely girl with happy go lucky attitude.

3. THURGOOD & HOLMES’ – FINHAMSPRIDE CLIO.

OPEN BITCH (8, 3 absent)

1. ROMEO-DIESTE’S – HOPEVALLEY MORNING WICKED. A super bitch, Lovely feminine head and dark mischievous eye and expression. She is very soundly and well-constructed all through. Good quality oval bone and in super coat and condition. Super tight feet. Moved well with good free flowing action in profile.

2. NICHOLLS & PRICE’S – LLANTRUSSA O’SOLE MIO. A very elegant bitch. Presents a very typical profile. Beautiful well moulded head and soft melting expression. Super neck into good front construction. Overall, very well constructed and has lovely balance. Moved well around the ring with free-flowing action– Very close between 1 & 2 – it came down to her not being in such good coat as 1 today.

3. ARMSTRONG’S - SH CH BITCON JELLY BEAN (ai).

SPECIAL WORKING BITCH (2, 1 absent)

1. DURRANT’S – GLENTURRET LUCKY CHARM Kcwgc. Workmanlike bitch – she has a lovely head and dark eyes with soft expression. She was not at her best having had a litter 15 weeks ago. Nonetheless she is well constructed and moved well.

SPECIAL SHOW/WORKING BITCH (4, 1 absent)

1. THURGOOD & HOLMES’ – FINHAMSPRIDE CLIO. A lovely bitch very soundly and well-constructed all through. Lovely feminine head and dark mischievous eye and expression. Good quality oval bone and in super coat condition. Super tight feet. Moved out very well covering the ground with ease.

2. HOLLINGDALE’S – JETSTARSKI IF I CAN DREAM Sgwc. Another lovely bitch – different to 1 in outline as she is taller and rangier. She is very soundly constructed with good front. Not in the best of coats today. I preferred the head and expression of 1. Moved well.

3. HOLLIDAY’S – SHASHKROX RAISE YOUR GLASS Sgwc.

SPECIAL BEGINNERS BITCH (5, 1 absent)

1. McCAMMICK’S – MONTEGRINO PIED PIPER FOR SAFFDALES. This young lady presents a very clean profile – with feminine head, good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and good rear quarters. Moved very soundly

2. HOLLINGDALE’S – TIKKIDUI LIFE IS BUT A DREAM. A very elegant bitch with a beautiful head. Taller than 1 but nonetheless very soundly constructed. Moved well. I just preferred overall balance and topline of 1 today.

 VICTORIA GOLDBERG - JUDGE