Chippenham & District Canine Society

Chippenham & District Canine Society Premier Open Show

7th April 2024

Judge Carla Tanswell

Thank you to the society for the invitation to judge at the hospitality received. Conditions were a little trying at times with the recent rainy weather, but we all made the most of it.

I would like to thank exhibitors for their entries at the show, you definitely didn’t make my job easy! Puppies across the board seemed to find the surface very exciting and thought it was play time, but I do like to see happy puppies. Quality was so high in some classes, I wished I could have given multiple red cards.

We had a good size long ring which I was grateful for as I had more than one breed who are known for their movement.

HANDLING

I was very impressed with the quality and precision in the handling classes. Do be aware of where the judge is and ensure you don’t block the judges view of your dog. Sadly this did cost a couple of handlers their placings. I also had a couple of handlers who stood in front of the table rather than behind, just something to be considerate about.

6-11yrs

1st Molly Whisker (Border Terrier)

Molly is a superb handler, she followed my instructions to perfection and had such neat lines and turns. She constantly talked to her dog, their rapport was just fantastic. She is a very polite young lady and I would trust her to handle any of my dogs. She kept one eye on me and the other on her dog, a confident young handler who just made me smile. Best Junior Handler

2nd Libby Rycroft (Dachshund)

Very close to 1st, smart young lady who really looked the part. Libby showed me her dogs teeth to perfection. Very polite young lady who’s footwork was spot on. Very kind and considerate to her dog, she has such natural talent.

3rd Amelia Isted (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Amelia sadly crossed me a couple of times which cost her a higher placing. Obviously loves her dog, who wasn’t being totally cooperative today. However this didn’t phase her and she just got on with the task at hand. Polite young lady

RES Thomas Miller (Miniature Pinscher)

Thomas was showing a very playful pup who was distracted by his owner and made this young man work hard. They just need a bit of practice to become more of a team.

12-16yrs

1st Melissa Graham-Weall (Dalmatian)

Showing a playful puppy is never easy, let alone in a handling class so Melissa did brilliantly to keep her dogs mind on the job when she just wanted to play. Followed instructions and had lovely neat lines. Kept talking to her dog who obviously adores her. Keep up the good work. 

2nd Erin Black (Lagotto)

I later found this was Erin’s first handling class so very well done. Her Lagotto wasn’t being co-operative but I later heard there was a bit of an incident before going in the ring which spoked her. Despite this Erin wasn’t phased and was such a kind and gentle handler who reassured her dog well. She listened carefully and did all I asked of her with ease. She had good lines and turns and kept an eye on me at all times. Very smart and lovely young lady.

17-39yrs

Sadly a couple of handlers did cross me in this class which affected my Placings. Just a reminder to those I didn’t place to make sure you know where the judge is at all times and don’t go between them and your dog.

1st Abbie Dandridge (Beauceron)

Showing a dog which isn’t typically used for handling but she made it look so easy! Abbie showed to absolute perfection, her lines and turns were superb and she was so gentle and considerate to her dog. Very polite and friendly, just lost out in challenge on the overall complete picture.

2nd Chloe Clarke (Irish Setter)

Chloe is a super handler who didn’t take her eye off of me or the dog. Sadly she did jerk the lead a couple of times which threw her dog off pace which cost her the 1st place. Very polite and well dressed. The two of them really did look the picture

3rd Phoebe Toublic (English Springer Spaniel)

Phoebe showed her dog so well, she listened to instructions and showed like an absolute pro. So polite and gentle with her dog, they are such a lovely team together

RES Ethan Roberts (Dalmatian)

I later found out this was Ethan’s first show and he was showing a dog who was distracted by his owner outside the ring! But nonetheless he coped so well, followed all instructions and showed the dogs teeth correctly. Keep practicing because you’re a natural! Very smart and polite young man

40yrs and Over

This class was so hard and I really had to split hairs for my placings and had to be quite ruthless to pick my final four. Those who didn’t place didn’t do anything wrong at all, I just had to look for that extra spark for my line up.

1st Janet Rice (Tibetan Spaniel)

Janet could teach a lot of us a thing or two! So polite not only to the judge, but also the steward and fellow exhibitors. Didn’t put a foot wrong. So smartly dressed and her dog obviously adores her. She didn’t stop talking to her dog and her footwork and lines were near perfect. If Janet ever fancies handling a different breed let me know! Best Adult Handler.

2nd Daisy Toublic (English Springer Spaniel)

Daisy handled her dog beautifully, she was so compassionate and kind to her dog who came out of the previous handling class and came straight back in again. Never an easy feat to keep their attention for that long! They moved as one, a lovely partnership

3rd Julie Rivers (Bearded Collie)

Sadly very briefly crossed me once or would’ve been higher, but the rest was so good I let this one mistake go. Beautiful dog who responded so well to Julie’s instructions. They are both so light on their feet they are lovely to watch together

RES Ruth Waller (Welsh Springer Spaniel)

Lovely dog who did all that was asked of her by her gentle handler. Ruth didn’t take her eyes off me or the dog. They make a good team Very well done.

DALMATIAN

With the amount of shows on the same day I was happy with my entry and the quality of dogs. The puppies and juniors here were all very much excited by the surface here and a few didn’t move as well as I’ve seen them move previously. It did seem to encourage everyone to have a play and act daft, but then that is a Dalmatian trait!

Tailsets were a concern last time I judged but these seemed so much better this time around. Personalities were just delightful, I had a few kisses and didn’t have anyone back off of me which I think is a first for me. Where the breed standard says “happy and outgoing” this is just so important. All dogs were correct size which was really nice to see.

Some classes were very close placings and I had to really split hairs to get my final lineup. In the challenge it was lovely to see four happy and confident dogs with very waggy tails. All an absolute credit to their owners.

PUPPY (6)

Six Puppies at different stages of development and all with delightful personalities. All were happy to be gone over and were all friendly. The already mentioned surface did distract them at times.

1st Dvojica Firefly For Finnidal

Beautifully spotted black and white bitch with everything in proportion. Lovely feminine head with the sweetest expression. Good spring of rib, excellent bend of stifle and firm topline which she kept on the move. Deep black pigment and was shown on a loose lead which gave her scope to move with reach and drive. Lovely deep chest with nice spring of rib. Perfect tail set with a tail which didn’t stop wagging. All round lovely balanced puppy. BPIB and I was delighted to see her go PG2. Definitely one to watch for the future

2nd Akoni Cherry Gala To Phidgity

Very close placing but sadly she was just very slightly close behind today when moving. Happy puppy who was enjoying her time in the ring. Slightly longer cast than 1st but still all in proportion. Lovely deep black spotting and was attentive to handler. Very pretty feminine head, good neck leading into a firm topline. She is muscling up nicely. Her time will come

3rd Nospar’s Jubilations At Nospar

Such a lovely baby who found the surface so exciting! One I will watch with interest.  

JUNIOR

1st Dallyador White Snowflake At Macula

One I judged as a puppy, and who I gave BPIB to and she just gets better and better. 16 months old, she is just so balanced and light on her feet. Lovely feminine head with such a soft “look at me” expression. Deep chest, good neck and shoulders leading into a firm topline. Her spotting is near perfect. She’s just such a lovely honest bitch and I could easily take her home with me. Just couldn’t be denied RBOB

2nd Cariadymor Shingehill Cove Of Castletop

Liver and white just out of puppy and she has the loveliest personality. Very playful and was enjoying her day. Rich liver spotting, nice bend of stifle and lovely deep chest. Pretty feminine head with a lovely expression. Nice deep chest, good spring of rib, firm topline and correct tailset. Muscling up well, just lost out to 1st on maturity but one I liked very much and another who could’ve come home with me!

3rd Salvadorada Happy Go Lucky

This black and white girl is so well made, but another who just wanted to play in the sand! Sadly this threw her movement off from how I know she can move

GRADUATE

1st Dallyador White Snowflake At Macula

As Junior, she moved again like she owned the ring

2nd Steyndal Moon Stone Among Phidgity

Another I have judged before, black and white 2 year old male who is maturing well. Very nicely decorated, good tight feet and nice bend of stifle. Firm topline with correct tailset. He has such a sweet expression and is attentive to his handler. Just not as animated on the move as 1st.

3rd Salvadorada Happy Go Lucky

LIMIT

1st Shydally Ultimate Edition JW

One I judged as a puppy, 2 year old black and white male who is maturing nicely, there’s no doubt at all that he’s male. Deep pigment on crisp white coat. He was my first of the day who wasn’t distracted by the ring surface! Deep chest, good topline, nice bend of stifle, tight cat feet and just so fit and well muscled. He obviously loves his handler and did all she asked of him. Drives out well, he really could go all day, but sadly his tailset has a tendency to spoil his overall outline

OPEN

1st Nospar’s Gin and Tonic JW

Beautiful feminine girl with rich liver spotting. So well schooled, she really knows how to show herself off. Well off for bone, deep chest, lovely firm topline leading to correct tailset and one who just oozes quality. Good bend of stifle and tight cat feet. Her tail doesn’t stop wagging and just loves being with her owner, she has a delightful personality. Such a lovely balanced girl with so much about her to like. She moves like she owns the ring. So happy to award her BOB

2nd Spotiray Billy Elliot Of Castletop

7yr old male who on my first look I thought would take the class. He was very much enjoying his day out and got a bit carried away on the move. A lot to like about this boy, lovely even black spotting, nice deep chest, correct tailset and good bend of stifle. He has a lovely expression which finishes off the picture. A lovely dog, who was unlucky to meet 1st on such form. I think being between two lovely bitches didn’t help his mind being distracted too!

3rd Decoda’s Toffee Apple

JAPANESE SPITZ

PUPPY

These two are litter siblings and I’m sure they will swap places during their showing career. They are both absolutely lovely pups and a credit to their owners

1st Camylaw Bat Outta Hell

Very sweet happy little girl with the most delightful personality. Such an endearing little pup, she had such a beautiful alert “look at me” expression. Correct muzzle to skull ratio, dark oval eyes and correct ear set. Deep chest, level topline and she moved with purpose and style. Good bend of stifle. All finished off with a crisp white coat. BOB & BP

2nd Camylaw Midnight

What a lovely all male puppy. So well made, a lot of his sisters critique also applies to him but he was a bit distracted with the surface. Lovely personality and he did move beautifully when he wanted to but he did make his handler work hard! He is muscling up well has a lovely coat. I’m sure his time will come. RBOB

POST GRADUATE (3, 2ab)

1st Camylaw Bat Outta Hell

As puppy

LIMIT (1, 1ab)

OPEN (1, 1ab)

KOOIKERHONDJE

PUPPY

1st Twybrook Barenhauter

Absolutely delightful 9 month old red and white who I could’ve taken home! Moved well when settled, he was really enjoying himself in the ring like puppies should. So confident and alert, he had such a cheeky expression. Correct muzzle skull ratios with good ear set, lovely almond eyes, well off for bone and muscling up well. He’s just gorgeous! I was delighted to see him go PG4

POST GRADUATE

No entries

LIMIT (2, 1ab)

1st Valleyrise Illustration

5 year old orange and white bitch. Another with a delightful personality and enjoying her day out with her handler. Free moving and good expression. So pretty with lovely feminine head, correct ear set and lovely dark eyes. Well boned and muscled, good chest, level topline and correct tailset. Good bend of stifle and good feet. Nice feathering and coat throughout. All round lovely balanced girl. RBOB

OPEN (3, 1ab)

1st Millhanger Kemboy

Five year old orange and white endearing boy with cheeky expression. He had his silly hat on but this made him even more appealing, he’s just lovely. Everything in proportion, lovely rich coat, level topline and correct tailset. Lovely head with correct muzzle skull ratios, well boned and muscled. Moved with purpose. He’s just so balanced and there’s a lot to like about him. BOB

2nd Sensation Vom Tespelkooi Of Valleyrise VE IMP DEU

Lovely orange and white veteran girl who was close to 1st but couldn’t quite beat his youthfulness today. Nice rich colour with good coat and feathering. Nicely muscled, firm topline and correct tailset. Well let down hocks with nice feet. Honest and balanced pretty feminine girl with a lot to like.

TIBETAN SPANIEL

Thank you to the exhibitors for the fantastic entry on my first appointment as a JEP L2 judge of the breed. The quality was so high and some placings were very close. All dogs had delightful personalities and no one backed off me at all, which was impressive with a breed known to be aloof.

PUPPY (1, 1ab)

POST GRADUATE (4)

1st Ricox I Love My Mini Me JW

Almost 2yr old gold bitch who I see is the daughter of my BOB. She’s inherited many of her dams attributes including her free easy movement. So well schooled. Balanced and just demanded you look at her. Alert inquisitive expression, pretty oval eyes, correct muzzle and ear set, level topline and good feet. She’s a really honest bitch but just lost out in the challenge due to maturity

2nd Chenrezi Just You And I

3 year old gold sable handsome all male with everything in the right places. Oozes quality. Such a nice dog with fluid movement. Lovely oval eyes giving him a lovely curious expression. Nicely domed skull with correct ear set. Well coated, nicely boned with good spring of rib. Close placing.

3rd Tsarong Amrita

LIMIT (4, 1ab)

1st Chenrezi No Ordinary Love

5 year old gold sable masculine dog with perfect dentition. Correct feet and moved with drive and purpose. Lovely alert expression with dark almond eyes. Nicely domed skull with correct ear set. Level topline he kept on the move. A really nice delightful boy

2nd Ricox All About Love JW ShCEx OSW

5 year old silver sable bitch with feminine head and inquisitive expression. Lovely coat, level topline and correct tailset. Very nice all round balanced girl who was unlucky to meet 1st. Moved with purpose.

3rd Chenrezi Rewrite The Stars

OPEN DOG (4, 1ab)

1st Lilileian Louis Vuitton JW ShCM ShCEx IMP FIN

I fell in love with this 7 year old gold sable boy! All male who moved with such lovely animation. Lovely coat, everything where it should be and he was just so alert and inquisitive. Correct skull and muzzle ratios, lovely dark almond eyes and good ear set. Level topline he kept on the move. He’s just lovely and I notice he is the sire of a couple of my other placings, he’s definitely passed his personality onto them. RBOB

2nd Bruno Bear of Ricox

Black and fawn 12 year old dog. Sadly not the drive of 1st but what a lovely boy with a gentle kind expression. Correct almond eyes, nice ear set with a lovely head and front. Correct muzzle and ear set. Lovely coat, such a sweet boy. He is a credit to his owner.

 3rd Tsarong Phurbu

OPEN BITCH (5, 1ab)

1st Ch Ricox Somebody To Love JW ShCM ShCEx VW

7 year old gold bitch who has such a cheeky expression! So endearing, didn’t stop wagging her tail, she was really enjoying her time in the ring. So free moving, I was surprised to discover she was a veteran. Correct muzzle and skull ratios, good ear set, level topline with correct tail set. Lovely coat on such a balanced bitch, was thrilled to see her go G2 and later found out she also went VG1 and CHG1

2nd Ch Sousa Devotion VW

10 year old gold sable bitch who I discovered is dam to my BOB. Sadly lost out to her daughter due to youthfulness but still demands you look at her. Everything in proportion, lovely head and front. Good topline she kept on the move. She is so well balanced with nice coat. A lot to like

3rd Tsarong Maezi Mae

NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLER RETRIEVER

Thank you to the exhibitors for the fantastic entry on my first appointment as a JEP L2 judge of the breed, it was the highest this society has ever had for Tollers. It’s a breed that I first came across in 1998 and I’ve followed its progress in the UK ever since. A slight concern I do have is type, there are a lot of differences at the moment size wise and in particular males seem to be getting larger. I do think breeders need to be careful not to oversize the breed, as they are supposed to be the smallest of the retriever group. That said I had some really lovely quality dogs to go over and the open class in particular made me make some tough choices.

PUPPY (4, 1ab)

3 litter siblings of seven months old, 2 of who were at their first show. I really hope their handlers do keep showing them because they were a lovely trio, and like other breeds I judged on the day did enjoy trying to play in the Sandy surface!

1st Skysaria Blaze of Hope

Gorgeous boy, well up to size and I hope he doesn’t go any larger. Well schooled and a nicely balanced boy with a kind expression. Correct almond eyes, good ear set and is muscling up well. Nice deep chest with good topline he kept on the move and correct tailset. He was definitely enjoying his day out. Delightful personality. BPIB

2nd Skysaria Fiery Passion

Petite feminine bitch who has a lot to like about her. On first glance she was my winner but sadly she wasn’t as fluid as her brother on the move. She’s the correct size for age, firm topline and is just an all round honest puppy. Muscling up well with good bend of stifle, let down hocks and good feet. Her time will definitely come as she settles into show life

3rd Skysaria Eternal Flame

POST GRADUATE (6, 1ab)

1st Abacot Into The Unknown JW

3 year old handsome male who I fell in love with, I could have happily taken him home. He has the cheekiest expression and looks like he just wants to please his handler who he obviously adores. He’s so nicely made and has such powerful movement. Well muscled with a good chest and front, good spring of rib, firm level topline with correct tailset. Nice bend of stifle and correct feet. A lot to like, he couldn’t be denied BOB and I was delighted to see him shortlisted to the final 6 in the group

2nd Skysaria Blaze of Hope

As 1st in Puppy

3rd Serentan Castor

LIMIT (4, 1ab)

1st Serentan Castor

Another who I was really taken by. He took 3rd in Post Graduate but moved so much better in this class. Just out of puppy, he is richly coloured with lovely coat, good bone, level topline and good tailset. Lovely correct head and muzzle, good ear set with lovely dark eye. Muscling up well and is correct size. He’s just so handsome and I’m sure his time will come

2nd Cfyre’s Spellbreaker At Tollpepper IMP CAN

Lighter coloured 4 year old bitch who moved with purpose. She has a pretty feminine head, nice eyes with a lovely kind expression. Firm topline she kept on the move and good bend of stifle. Overall a nicely balanced bitch

3rd Serentan Pipistrellus Over Matalatu

OPEN (5, 1ab)

Hardest class of the day

1st Sh Ch Eusanit Gem Stone At Abacot

6 year old bitch who has an excellent free stand, she is so attentive to handler. Lovely colouring, well balanced bitch who moved with reach and drive. She is well muscled with good deep chest, nice coat and feathering. Level topline she kept on the move, correct tailset, good bend of stifle and nice feet. I notice she is the damn of BOB, she’s certainly passed some of her attributes onto him. Sadly in the challenge she had a different handler and didn’t perform as well as she did in the class. RBOB

2nd Sh Ch Riverwatcher Koda

Just lost out to maturity. Very balanced lovely 3 year old bitch, nice head and level topline which she kept on the move. Good bend of stifle, well let down hocks with a lovely coat finishing off the overall picture. Just unlucky to meet 1st who was just a bit more focused on the day.

3rd Tollpepper Echo’s Hope For Skysaria

Carla Tanswell

(Waltzaway)