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.

Once again, my sincere apologies for the delay in this critique. As previously explained, IT issues led to the loss of my original critique and photographs, and I’ve encountered considerable difficulty in retrieving the necessary data. It would be easy to provide a brief, generic comment for each dog, but I hold the exhibitors who support me in too high regard to offer anything less than a considered critique.

SAMOYED

PUPPY (1,0)

1.Johnson & Knipes’s LIMIT IS THE SKY YOSHI AND US (IMP SVK) A very promising 10 month old male of excellent breed type, presenting a balanced and harmonious outline. A well-proportioned head with a good wedge shape and broad, flat skull. Ears of correct size and shape, well-furred, held fully erect. Almond-shaped obliquely set eyes. An alert and intelligent expression, gentle and smiling. Clean scissor bite. Exhibiting good angulation fore and aft, his construction promises soundness and efficiency in movement. At present, he is slightly loose on the move and showing some crabbing—both likely due to his stage of growth and immaturity. These should tighten as he matures and gains strength. Nonetheless, he moves with enthusiasm and maintains a positive outline on the go. Overall, a quality puppy with much to offer the breed. Pleased to award him Best Puppy in Breed.

JUNIOR (1,0)

1.Helm’s ANNECY’S MISCHIEVIOUS MAX A lively and engaging 15 month old male, full of character and certainly making his presence known today. Correct head of good proportions, with a strong wedge shape and pleasing expression. Well-pigmented throughout. Coat is of correct texture and length, showing appropriate density and weather resistance. Tail is well set, rising from a slightly sloping croup and carried correctly over the back and to side. He shows reasonable shoulder placement, though would prefer a little more bend to stifle to balance. Movement is active but unsettled today, with a tendency towards a high-stepping action in front and moving narrow behind on the out and back. The tough environment was not helping. A dog with much breed quality and enthusiasm, though at present his movement and finish need time to mature fully.

POSTGRADUATE (2,0)

1. Owen’s SVETLLEN’S BRIMSTONE 2 year old male of lovely breed type, showing quality throughout. He possesses a handsome head: wedge shaped, medium length muzzle, full pigmentation with well furred, triangular ears that are correctly set apart and slightly rounded at the tips. Eyes are almond shaped and obliquely set. Classic Samoyed smiling expression, alert and bright. Back medium in length, broad with strong loin. Deep chest but preserving excellent length of leg. Well sprung ribs. Shoulders well laid back. Excellent bend of stifle, strong hocks. Feet are flat and feathered. A well-made and athletic dog, he shows very good muscle tone throughout. Exemplary angulation fore and aft supports a smooth, economical gait; he moves with strong effortless fluidity, his paws barely lifting from the ground. An absolute joy to watch on the move. Awarded Best of Breed. Unfortunately, he was unable to stay for the Group competition. His apologies were received and accepted.

2. Helm’s ANNECY DREAM OF REALITY Feminine 4 year old bitch of lighter build. Good muzzle of medium length, and tapering foreface. Almond shaped obliquely set eyes. Ears were expressive and alert. Back of medium length, chest deep but not too broad, well sprung ribs. Would prefer more length of leg. Not quite the rear angulation of the class winner today which impacted drive on the move, and showing some high-stepping in front – would hope she would stride out more in a less difficult environment. Strong level topline maintained both standing and on the move. Very vocal throughout, a spirited bitch with energy and presence.

OPEN (4,2)

1.Owen’s SVETLLEN’S BARN OWL 2 year old bitch. A super example of the breed, good bone, presenting a very correct outline, with good length of leg, broad muscular back and strong loin. Head is lovely; well-proportioned with classic Samoyed expression. Ears are correctly shaped and set, hair short and smooth before ears. Being picky, would prefer a little more lay back to shoulder. Excellent hind angulation, with a super bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Correct shape to feet, well feathered and cushioned. Well carried profusely coated tail, set correctly over a gently sloping croup. Movement is fluid and true, showing power and elegance. Shown in hard muscled condition and with confident carriage.

2. Knipe’s TARONAKITS KALL ME KAYEE AT XENORA ShCM A classic veteran at nine years old, still full of life and making herself known in the ring. Her head shows some signs of maturity, with a shorter muzzle but still feminine and very appealing. Eyes are almond shaped and correctly oblique, framed by excellent ears—neat, expressive, and well set. Feet are well shaped and correctly feathered. Superb front angulation. Her back is of medium length and level. Very good rear angulation, but not quite that of 1st. Movement remains true and sound. A lovely example of the breed in her senior years, showing vitality and breed type.

COLLIE (ROUGH)

PUPPY (1,0)

1.William’s ESSEANJAY HEARTBREAKER A promising 7 month old blue merle bitch with striking bi-eye. Sweet and feminine expression. Her head exhibits the correct blunt wedge shape, tapering from ear to nose, with a slight but perceptible stop. Smooth well-rounded muzzle. Eyes almond-shaped and obliquely set. Ears are correctly placed, carried semi-erect with the tips folding forward as required. The neck is of good length, supporting a pleasing head carriage. Feet oval, but would prefer more arch in the front feet. Front legs are well-feathered. She carries a full coat of good texture, particularly impressive for her age, and her white collar adds to her elegance. The tail is carried below the hock. Her topline is level, and she displays good angulation both fore and aft, allowing for smooth and balanced movement. Overall, a very attractive puppy with much potential. A worthy winner of Best Puppy in Breed.

JUNIOR (2,0)

1.Mill’s HANVALE EDINA MONSOON AT LEMIVEE 13 month old sable and white bitch presents a correct head of good proportion and planes, forming the desired blunt wedge when viewed from the front and in profile. She has well-set ears, correctly tipped, contributing to an alert, intelligent expression. Muscular, well arched neck flows smoothly into the shoulders, which are well laid back, showing excellent angulation approaching 90 degrees. Nice bend of stifle, hocks ok. Oval feet, well-padded and toes arched, and feathering is present on the legs. Excels on the move, light and effortless with hindlegs parallel.

2. Boyle’s TIMELESS DESTINY STAR ACTIS OVER BARRENCLOUGH (IMP POL) 15 month old sable and white bitch presents with a correct head with balanced proportions and a clean outline. The head forms a blunt wedge, with a gentle stop and correctly shaped eyes, contributing to the typical intelligent and sweet expression. Liked her overall proportions, slightly longer than tall, level topline and slight arch over loin. Preferred the rear angulation of 1st. Nicely angulated shoulder, showing good layback which allows for fluid forward reach. Moves with front feet comparatively close, and occasionally crosses: would expect this to resolve with muscling and maturity. Shows promise for continued development.

POSTGRADUATE (3,0)

1.Mill’s HANVALE EDINA MONSOON AT LEMIVEE – 1st in Junior

2.Boyle’s MONSOLANA ASPIRE TO INSPIRE OVER BARRENCLOUGH (IMP RUS) Almost 4 year old tricolour male. He has a correct head with a dark eye and good expression. He carries a very full coat, perhaps slightly obscuring his outline, but of good texture and well-presented. Lovely white collar. Superb shoulder angulation, showing an ideal layback and return of upper arm. Feet are oval and well-formed. Moved with strength, though slightly narrow in the rear today. Overall, a dog of strong type and presence, with much to offer, but preferred the coat and rear movement of 1st.

3.Rose’s BELDONES CLEMENTINE AVEC COLORATURA

OPEN (3,0)

1.Rose’s UFFSPRING ULTRAVOX FOR COLORATURA A standout 5 year old tricolour bitch who truly shone in this strong class. Super overall proportions, standing four-square, balanced outline, moderate round bone. Shoulder construction is excellent with well-laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Muscular hindlegs, clean and sinewy below. Well bent stifles and low hocks. Strong pasterns. Coat and feathering are correct, enhancing the clean silhouette. Feet are oval, though slightly tighter feet would complete the picture. Eyes are correct in shape and set, adding to a classic, intelligent expression. Being picky would prefer a slightly more rounded muzzle. Movement was the best in the class, smooth and ground-covering. Well-deserving of Best of Breed.

2. Leese’s ESSANJAY FIELDS OF GOLD FOR FIRESAGA A quality 5 year old sable and white dog of good overall proportions and bone. His coat is fuller and bushier, which while adding to his visual appeal, I would not wish any more. He has an absolutely lovely head with correct planes and perfect medium sized almond shaped, obliquely-set eyes. His shoulder angulation is good, though not quite matching 1st. Balanced rear. On the stand and on the move, appeared a little narrower in the rear but presents a pleasing side gait. An attractive dog with many fine features.

3. BARRENCLOUGH HEART OF GOLD JW

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

PUPPY (2,1)

1.Bladon’s KIEMONT WHAT A CRACKER 11 month old sable and white bitch with attractive white splash on the neck and white socks. A very pleasing youngster showing excellent promise. Dentition correct with a clean scissor bite. Head well proportioned, showing a refined wedge with correct planes and lovely dark brown eyes. Ears correctly set and used well, enhancing her sweet expression. Well proportioned, slightly longer than tall, 50:50 leg length. Strong level topline and gently sloping croup. Tail set low and reaching to floor. Good angulation fore and aft, allowing for a lovely smooth, ground covering gait. Moved out steadily especially for one so young. A cracking Best Puppy in Breed and very happy to see her take Puppy Group 3.

JUNIOR (4,2)

1.Ferguson’s DINMORE WILD BLUE YONDER OF FERVAILA A striking bi-eyed 12 month old blue merle dog. Coat shows areas of stronger black mottling, but still within acceptable limits for the variety, harsh textured and straight. Lovely head and sweet expression. Head proportions correct, with a clean wedge, well-set eyes, and ears. Good overall proportions and 50:50 leg length, well balanced though height may be approaching the upper limit of the standard. Tail reaches to the floor, and croup and tail set are correct. Excellent shoulder angulation, upper arm and shoulder blade approximately equal in length. Pasterns strong and flexible. Matched quality seen in hindquarters. As expected, this allowed for smooth, efficient movement with good drive from hindquarters. Moved absolutely sound in all directions.

2. Bladon’s KIEMONT WHAT A CRACKER - 1ST Puppy

POSTGRADUATE (5,2)

1.Bladon’s KIEMONT CHARISMA Almost 5 year old shaded sable bitch of super breed type and ideal size, showing lovely overall proportions and angulation. Firm level topline with graceful sweep over the loin. Croup slopes gradually to the rear, tail set low, reaches floor and carried well. Oval feet, well padded and nicely arched toes. While the dentition is not perfect, the skull proportions and planes are spot on, giving a refined and classic Sheltie head. Ears set close together, semi-erect with tips falling forward, and used to advantage. Moved soundly and confidently, holding shape on the go. A well-made, typey exhibit.

2. 1.Ferguson’s DINMORE WILD BLUE YONDER OF FERVAILA – 1st Junior

3. Hughes’ AFTERGLOW MERINO

OPEN (6,2)

1.Rosslyn’s BALIDORN GOLDEN AMBER 5 year old sable and white bitch with white collar. Head is particularly lovely, feminine with a sweet, alert expression and well-balanced elegant features. Eyes are very good—obliquely set, almond-shaped, dark brown, enhancing her expression. High-set ears, small, moderately wide at base are used well. Muzzle excellent. Dentition correct. Well proportioned, ribs well sprung tapering at lower half, good balanced angulation throughout. Feet oval, toes arched and tight. Moved soundly in all directions, holding her topline and covering the ground with ease. A very attractive and typey Sheltie, shown in good coat and well muscled. Best of Breed.

2. Rosselyn’s KIEMONT PARIS IS A CHARMER AT BRAMBLECROFT JW 3 year old sable and white bitch. Another exhibit with a pleasing head—correct wedge shape and planes, cheeks flat merging smoothly into well-rounded muzzle. Good eyes and ears for size and placement, used to advantage giving alert, gentle expression. Dentition correct. Well arched neck. Good overall proportions, deep chest and ribs well sprung. Slightly broader overall in back than 1st. Would prefer more arch to toes. Rear angulation was generous—perhaps slightly over-angulated—impacting balance, though she moved adequately and remained steady on the go.

3. VIOLA RIVINIANA FOR COCHOCHR

4.SANDWISK VALENTINA AT FERVAILA