Morecambe & Heysham Canine Association

MORECAMBE & HEYSHAM CANINE ASSOCIATION OPEN SHOW

SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST 2024

JUDGE: MISS ANNE BRYSON (Inukshuk)

Thank you to the committee for the opportunity to judge at this show. I am humbled by such an amazing entry of 68 dogs across the selected working and pastoral breeds, travelling from as far as Scotland and the south of England. I cannot thank you all enough for your support and the opportunity to go over your wonderful dogs. They were so sweet natured and I appreciated all the ear washing!

Judging at the partner show, and the delayed start to this shows handling classes, resulted in what seemed a never ending challenge to mitigate the clashes these caused. As requested by the committee, I agreed to delay our start, stop/start, and indeed move rings to allow all exhibitors to make all classes entered at both shows resulting in an unavoidably long day for breed judging. All exhibitors were given the same respect, due care and attention regardless of the time of day, and I thank you for your kind messages of appreciation.

The environment was tough with very high temperature and humidity, especially in our rings away from the open doors. This proved challenging for the larger, coated dogs in particular and I was ever mindful for their safety, handlers running between classes, stewards and myself as a judge under such unexpected physical stressors. My sincerest thanks to the exhibitors for their consideration in allowing me to take a short break and to my steward in the afternoon who found me water.

ALASKAN MALAMUTE

PUPPY (2,0)

1. Hooley’s BARTKENNELS MAGIC SOHO 11 month old grey and white bitch with good bone, overall proportions and breed specific coat. Head broad but not coarse. Slight stop. Muzzle large and of good width throughout. Ears set wide, triangular and slightly rounded at tip. Nose black. Still to grow in confidence to allow examination of teeth but very much a baby still. Dark, almond shaped, obliquely set eyes. Good strong neck with moderate arch. Shoulder well laid back, upper arm OK. Good pasterns: short, strong and almost vertical. Back straight, slightly sloping downwards from shoulder to croup. Moderately high set, well furred, waving plume tail. Being picky would prefer more bend to stifle. Feet large, compact and well padded. Muscling well in rear already. Moving sound. BPIB

2.Hooley’s BARTKENNELS LJOSALFAR Friendly disposition, and already showing a promising partnership with child handler. Grey and white litter sister to 1st, and many of the same positive attributes apply. At this point in time she’s more immature and slightly finer in head, but still moderately rounded between ears, flattening on top as it approaches eye. Still to grow into her ears. Good front and I preferred her stifles. Is a little bum high at present so tailset perceived as perhaps a little higher but correct plume and carriage. Super feet. Moving better than 1st, single tracking at trot and covering the ground well. It would be lovely to see these promising puppies again as they mature. I’m sure they will change places many times.

JUNIOR (0)

POSTGRADUATE (3, 0) All were a moving a little narrow in the rear on the out and back today.

1.Perfitt’s SAMJOE SEELIE QUEEN 22 month old wolf grey and white bitch of good bone and substance and pleasing overall outline with correct coat. Would not wish any longer in body. Skull displays good breed type, with correct proportions and planes. Ears at back of skull, small, triangular, slightly rounded at tips and set wide apart. Correct eyes. The most lovely expression. Strong moderately arched neck into good lay back of shoulder. Forelegs straight as far as exemplary pasterns which are short, strong and almost vertical. Chest strong and deep. Topline straight and slightly sloping to croup. Correct moderately highest tail. Large, compact feet, toes close, well arched. Hindlegs broad, good muscling to second thigh. Moderately bent stifles. Viewed from behind, legs straight and vertical. Moving with an easy rhythmic ground covering gait. Starting to muscle up now and will continue to mature to advantage.

2.Brown’s RUMBA VASILYEV OSTROV FOR CUPUN (IMP UKR) 20 month old eye catching grey and white bitch. Good width to skull, muzzle large in proportion. Being picky, has a little more stop than preferred. Dark almond shaped obliquely set eyes giving friendly expression. Neck strong and moderately arched. Shoulders moderately sloping. Correct pasterns and super feet: large, compact, toes close, well arched and tough pads. Preferred the strength and slope to topline of 1st, but preferred her tailset and carriage. Being picky would prefer a little more bend to stifle. Hock joints broad and strong, well let down. Viewed from behind, legs straight and vertical. Fluent movement in side profile.

3.Hooley’s BLACK STRIPE AT DOKKALFAR

OPEN (3,0)

1.Perfitt’s SAMJOE SHADOWHUNTER JW 22 month old wolf grey and white, litter brother to 1st in PG. Super breed type. Good overall proportions, not too compact, heavy boned, chest strong and deep. Moderately arched neck. Strong level topline with slight slope as required. Being picky I would prefer less curl to tail. Especially good for moderately sloping shoulder, and correct pasterns with a matched rear. Moderately bent stifles, hock joints broad and strong, moderately bent and well let down. Another with good feet. Masculine head of correct proportions and planes. Almond shaped eye, golden brown. Ears set wide and of correct shape and size. Black nose. Super expression. Moved as expected with powerful drive from hindquarters. BOB and pleased to see him take a super WORKING GROUP 4.

2.Croft’s DREAMWOLVES OH MY OH MY 7 year old wolf grey and white dog. Quite the character! Heavily boned, good substance all through. Impressive coat with thick coarse guard hair and dense undercoat. Broad masculine skull with good width between the ears. More stop than desired. Muzzle deep and broad. Eyes dark and well shaped with correct placement. Strong neck. Good angulation front with moderately sloping shoulders, straight forelegs and super feet. Back straight and gently sloping to correctly angulated hindquarters. Covered the ground well, easy rhythmic gait with waving plume tail, securing his place.

3.Perfitt’s SAMJOE FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE JW

BOXER

PUPPY (0)

JUNIOR (0)

POSTGRADUATE (0)

OPEN (1,0)

1.Marina’s MARINBOX MURDER IN THREE ACTS 6 year old dog of super friendly temperament. Medium sized, square in profile, depth of chest half height at withers. Back short, straight and slightly sloping. Nicely muscled and with super glossy coat. Head in proportion to body, and correct ratio of length of muzzle to head. Generally well balanced. Distinct stop. Lower jaw undershot. Creases present from root of nose running down sides of muzzle. Wide nostrils. Well set and used ears. Clean cut round neck and elegant arch down to withers. Good lay of shoulder, matched angulation front and rear. Long upper and lower thigh. Good feet. Correct high tailset. Sound on the move. Stood alone but well deserving of BOB

CANADIAN ESKIMO DOG

When I saw these dogs present I knew I was in for a real treat as a judge! Some of my previous top winners, all of super breed type, it was an exciting challenge to determine their placings today.

NOVICE (0)

LIMIT (0)

OPEN DOG (2,0)

1.Atkins & Cunninghams’ QIMUGTA HENDRICKS 19 months old, black and white male. Has now grown his breed specific weatherproof coat and a handsome mane. Good bone, substance and proportions throughout. Very good wedge shaped head with tapering muzzle of medium length. Scissor bite. Widely spaced obliquely set eyes. Has now grown into his ears presenting superb shape, size and placement. Thick and well furred. Short muscular neck leading to very well angulated shoulders and equally superb rear angulation with excellent turn of stifle. Rear pastern vertical and strong. Legs straight on the stand, turning neither in nor out. Level topline with ideal length of firm, well muscled loin, only slight tuck up. Correct croup and tailset. Gaits well from all angles, with a powerful brisk trot with his rear legs moving in line with front legs which won him the class. BOB and delighted to see him take WORKING GROUP 2

2. Byrne’s AAVUUTA QIMMIQ AKIAK ShCEx (IMP CAN) BEL/IR JCH Almost three now, dark grey and white male. Well boned, thick dense undercoat and stiff guard hairs presented perfectly. Gorgeous broad, wedge shaped head of correct proportions and plane, eyes and ears correct, and a commanding expression. Great thick neck, short, straight and muscular. Super shoulder angulation. Good rear angulation, moderate turn of stifle. Rear pastern vertical and strong. Legs straight on the stand, turning neither in nor out. Strong topline, a firm loin and slight tuck up. Ideal tailset and carriage of thick bushy tail. Super shaped feet, thickly padded. Chest is well developed with moderately sprung ribs. Brisk powerful trot. A little narrow in the rear on the out and back which lost him the class today. More time in harness now should help muscle him up more as he advances into his adult years.

OPEN BITCH (2,1)

1.Atkins’ IR CH QIMUGTA MISS MARPLE IJ JUN CH 3 ½ year old black and white bitch of good bone and substance, presented in lean, hard working condition. Correct weatherproof coat, shorter than that of a male as expected. Excellent overall proportions with correct length to height ratio and length of leg, good depth and width to chest and strong topline. Neck straight, thick, and well muscled leading into good front angulation, with equally good rear. Tail set and carried correctly. Rear pastern vertical and strong. Feet well arched, pads thick and well furred. Very typey feminine breed specific head, gorgeous expression – beautiful! Very mischievous and exuberant today, both on the stand and move. Sufficient clean movement seen to assess correct in all regards, but her merriness cost her in the Challenge.

DOGUE DE BORDEAUX

PUPPY (1,0)

1.Biggs, Harrison and Harrison’s CERISIER GOT TO HAVE FAITH Quality 6 month old feminine bitch of delightful temperament. Limited white on chest and feet. Correct length to height ratio 11:10. Gorgeous head of super proportions and shape. Slightly furrowed with fine symmetrical wrinkle on each side of distinct median groove. Good nostrils. The edge of the upper lip meets with the lower lip then drops on either side. Forming desired inverted wide “v”. Oval eyes set wide apart, showing no haw. Ears correct shape and size, set rather high, front of the base slightly raised, falling forward and down. Neck broad at base merging into OK shoulders. Liked her forechest. Strong topline, sound on the move. I could have taken her home. Super promising baby. BPIB and a well deserved WORKING PUPPY GROUP 1.

JUNIOR (0)

POSTGRADUATE (2,0)

1. Moran’s AIRBREAN KILLER QUEEN 23 month old bitch of very good bone and overall substance. I liked her oval eyes, set wide and showing no haw. Distinct median groove and symmetrical wrinkles. Being picky would prefer a little less width to ears and jowls. Broad, well opened nostrils. Strong, solid neck. Good width to chest. Limited white splash. Moderate croup, super tail, very thick at base, carried low. OK for shoulder angulation. Very good rear with well developed second thigh, well angulated stifles and low set hocks. Strong feet, well up on toes. Movement was ok but a little sluggish, not unexpected in the heat/humidity.

2. Moran’s AIRBREEN ALL THAT I KNOW Bitch of almost 3 years. Again of good bone and substance. Head feminine yet strong. Powerful muzzle with moderate folds. Eyes showing haw. Would prefer less jowls. Broad, well opened nostrils. Chest is broad and deep, depth more than half the height at withers. Slight tuck up. Steeper in the croup, and tail slightly shorter than 1st but straight. Preferred the rear angulation of 1st. Free movement in all directions, good drive and extension.

OPEN (4,1)

1.Kenyon’s REGALROUGE’S OPULENCE FOR DESQUIRE 2 year old bitch of ideal proportions, good balanced angulation, well muscled throughout and with an athletic, imposing presence. Being picky does sometimes stand bum high. Correct head and skull, particularly liked her muzzle and mouth – thick upper flew, moderately pendulous in profile, and correct inverted wide “v”. Good eyes, showing no haw. Good width and depth to chest. Feet strong, well up on tight toes, nails strong, pads well developed. Excelled on the move, driving from the rear with matched forward extension, super smooth and with the head lowered. BOB

2. Kenyon’s BISCAY WINSTON FOR DESQUIRE JW Almost three year old dog.of good bone and substance, good breed type. Next best head in class. Well proportioned skull, slightly furrowed and with correct wrinkling. Clear eyes. Being picky would prefer the lips a little tighter. Strong neck leading into well placed shoulders. Would prefer a little more bend of stifle. Low set hocks and super feet. On the move, very supple, held his topline well, but was rather exuberant and just a bit narrower on the out and back today.

3. Moran’s AIRBREAN KENZO

NEWFOUNDLAND

These dogs had the most wonderful temperaments, and I must thank them for the meticulous manner in which they cleaned my ears. The sandy floor made examination of feet for webbing a fruitless pursuit but they were universally large and well shaped, with no splaying evident.

PUPPY (1,0)

1.Stanton and Latham’s MILEOAK HOCUS POCUS 9 month old super sweet black bitch, oozing in confidence. Well balanced and with correct bone for age. Good head. Small dark brown eyes. Would prefer a slightly tighter lower eyelid. Ears set well back, and flat to head. Lovely expression. Good balanced angulation. Level topline and slight slope to croup. Well covered tail reaches below hock, slight curve at end. Super fluid movement, single tracking. I will watch her career with interest. BPIB and a truly delightful WORKING PUPPY GROUP 2.

JUNIOR (2,0) Both young dogs and still developing in head and body and I’m sure they will swap places many times.

1.Austin’s DAVISTELL SPRINGSTEEN OF ELBEAR 15 month old black dog, correct double coat. Good head, broad and relatively large. Good muzzle, short and rather square, no decided stop. Small dark eyes. Well carried ears covered with short hair. Level topline. Good fore and rear angulation. Forelegs well feathered, hindlegs slightly. Lightfooted gait, a youngster still finding his fluidity but showing good outline.

2.Scott’s SANDBEARS AERODYNAMIC 13 month old black dog, correct double coat. Shorter in muzzle than 1st, not quite as square. Small dark eyes. Strong neck, well set on to shoulders. Super front construction, legs straight, good angulation. Forelegs well feathered, hindlegs slightly. Free, lightfooted, slightly rolling gait.

POSTGRADUATE (2,0)

1.Scott’s ALCARO WIN THE GAME 3 year old black bitch of good bone and substance. Chest deep and fairly broad. Head broad, occipital bone well developed, little stop and muzzle short, clean cut and rather square. Mouth soft but being picky would prefer tighter lower lips. Brown, relatively small eyes. Lovely expression. Good topline, well balanced angulation, especially good shoulder, croup and tailset. Correct feathering and weatherproof coat, white splash on chest. Sound on the move from all directions, free, slightly rolling gait. BOB

2. Austin’s DAVISTELL SPRINGSTEEN OF ELBEAR 1st in Junior

OPEN (0)

ROTTWEILER

PUPPY (0)

JUNIOR (0)

POSTGRADUATE (0)

OPEN (2)

1.Holden’s WHISPERDOWN TICKET TO RIDE 3 year old dog of friendly exuberant character. Super balanced head of correct proportions and planes. Pendant shaped ears, set high and wide apart. Wrinkle between when attentive. Back straight, strong and not too long. Croup broad and slightly sloping with correct tailset and carriage. Nicely angulated. Excellent turn to stifle, low hock. Lovely compact, round feet with well arched toes, hindfeet slightly longer. Covered the ground well, single tracking, holding topline while demonstrating a powerful hindthrust. BOB

2.Robinson and Burow’s UPMONT GENTLEMAN JACK 4 year old male. Forehead moderately arched. Medium sized, almond shaped eyes, a spot over each, close fitting eyelids. Kindly expression. Shorter in muzzle than 1st. Proportionally large nostrils. Scissor bite. Pleasing strong, round muscular neck. Preferred the shoulder of 1st but this dogs rear construction which showed good bone lengths/ratios, angulation and muscle development. Croup and tailset correct, with happy waggy tail. Moving well in side profile but just a little wide in the rear on the out and back.

SIBERIAN HUSKY

It’s always a pleasure to judge my own breed and a joy to see such top quality, fit for function dogs represented at an Open Show, especially when we do not have the puppies out at present to bring the adults along with them. From the mature boys awaiting their crowns to the younger girls coming up the ranks, the future of our breed was looking good. I was thrilled to learn my 2nd in Open gained his crowning CC mere weeks later.

PUPPY (0)

JUNIOR (0)

POSTGRADUATE (4,1)

1. Howarh and Phillips’ FORSTAL’s ELFIN well presented 3 year old bitch of good breed type and correct oval bone. Good overall proportions with a strong, level topline and firm, well muscled loin. Good croup and tailset. Excellent coat. Such a beautiful femine head, with correct proportions and planes. Well pigmented with tight fitting lips. Moderately arched neck. Enough shoulder angulation and matched rear. Excellent slope to pasterns and lovely oval feet. Neat lightfooted gait, just floating around the ring as desired.

2. Snelson’s NIFLHEIM GAMBIT AT ASHTRAX Charming 8 year old breed standard dog. Good length to height ratio and correct length of leg. Very good shoulder angulation, decent pasterns, super feet. Strong level topline. Would prefer less slope to croup. Lovely fox brush tail. Excellent turn of stifle. Lightfooted ground covering gait, just moving a little narrow in the rear on the out and back today conceding to the bitch.

3. Snelson’s NIFHEIM BLADE AT ASHTRAX

OPEN (3,0) A quality class. The promising younger bitch was unfortunate to come up against two top dogs in their prime.

1. Snelson’s AZGARD MONTECRISTO AT ASHTRAX A super breed standard almost 5 year old male. Nothing new to add that I haven’t critiqued before. He remains consistent in his quality and performance and won the class on his effortless, ground covering gait. I’m sure his crown must come soon. BOB

2. Snelson’s SALAZKA’S MR ABERNATHY AT ASHTRAX another of Champion quality, almost 7 now and well presented as always. Nitpicking he just lost out to 1st on rear movement today which was not quite so fluid as his kennelmate.

3. Howarh and Phillips’ TSARITSA’S ATLANTA