Lichfield Canine Society

Flat Coated Retrievers

Many thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge at this well-run show. I understand it was the first year of being a two-day show, how hard the committee and helpers must have worked, as it had such a friendly atmosphere, and appeared to run like clockwork. Nothing was too much for the committee members or their helpers, who were friendly, and managed to put me at my ease, on this, my first time, judging Flatcoated Retrievers. Also, with thanks to my 2 very able stewards, Jean & Joyce, who kept the ring running smoothly and kept me informed throughout.

Lastly, many thanks for the exhibitors for their entries, and giving me the opportunity to go over so many wonderful examples of the breed, It was an honour, and although neither the BP or BOB were placed in the groups they gave it their all, and looked lovely, both still full of energy with the never ending wagging tails that is expected of our breed.

Puppy (11, 4abs)

1st Jones’, Benvellyn Sequoia – 11 mth old bitch of medium size. Pretty classic head with long jaw, good scissor bite, lovely dark eye of correct shape and well set, neat ears. Neck flowed into well placed shoulders. Forerib flat allowed clean front movement, short square loin. Nicely balanced, with correct bone, and good feet. Flowed on the move, with excellent drive from the rear and with a tail that never stopped – pleased to award her BP

2nd Gowland & Gibbons’, Remington River 7 mth bitch, Pretty head and expression, nicely balanced with pleasing outline. Good shoulder placement, nice length of ribs, loin ok. Level topline, and well-set tail. Bone of good quality. Once settled moved well.

3rd Hedges’, Satinbaze Tranquil Sea

Res Hewison’s, Benvellyn Marakele into Casblaidd

VHC Carter’s, Seaheart Effie at Harmarlanda

Junior (7, 3abs)

1st Walkers’, Gloi Dubh Lady Muck – Just 13th months, very feminine one-piece head, strong jaw and good mouth. Liked her overall size and mischievous glint in her eyes. Neck in proportion, sat on good shoulder placement, nicely angled, deep chest and straight forelegs, bone right. Level topline, held on move, hindquarters nicely muscled for age, with the moderate bend of stifle. Lovely mover. Really liked her and will be watching her with interest. Also heard after the show, that subject to KC, she should now have JW after her name – congratulations.

2nd Egginton’s & Davis,’ Pajanbeck One Moment in Time (AI) Another feminine head, with neat ears, well placed, correct shape eye gave this girl the softest of expressions. Nothing about her is overdone, she has lovely balance, good depth of chest, correct rib and short loin. Rear is muscular, with the good bend of stifle. Good bone throughout. Loved her well arched, neat feet. Another good mover, and full of flatcoat fun. However, she looked very much a baby in her second class.

3rd Clark’s, Hurstclough Night Owl at Flanova

Res Hewison’s, Benvellyn Marakele into Casblaidd

Post Graduate (11, 5abs 1 w/d)

1st Burroughs’, I Know Him So Well at Rokaness JW - Overall size is good, with masculine head and nice expression. Length of neck good, and balanced angulations, depth of rib and correct shape, straight front. Sound moving, held a level topline.

2nd Hazleton & Vasey’s, Something In Your Eyes – Larger than 1; Head nicely moulded, with correct eye. Nice forechest, Good depth and spring of rib, loin a little longer , but in proportion for height and length. Tailset good, Moved and showed well.

3rd Buckley’s, Blacktoft Brindisi By Buckleyhill

Res Perry, Perry & Leavy’s, Glenturret Bumbleberry Pie for Casanjay

VHC Egginton’s & Davis’, Pajanbeck One Moment in Time (AI)

Limit (7, 1abs 1 w/d)

1st Gowland & Gibbon’s, Castlerock Moment of Truth to Remington – Pretty head and soft expression. Good length of neck, shoulder placement ok, angulations front and rear balanced with good turn of stifle. . Bone good, and correct rib cage had depth. Lovely neat feet moved well. Alert and attentative to handler.

2nd Salts’ Levelmoor Blackadder – Longer moulded head than 1, eye dark, gave her a mischievous expression, ears well set. Shoulder placement good, good forechest. Angulations moderately balanced, with good bone. Had good reach when settled to move, but gave her handler a rough time today due to distractions outside of the ring.

3rd Joyce’s, Stranfaer One Fell Swoop – loved this girl for size.

Res McQuillan’s Gemswin Bohemian Rhapsody

VHC Richard’s Hopevalley Morning River through Kimberfield

Open (6,0)

1st Eggington’s & Davis’, Go With the Flow Dynamic Faithful (Imp Ned) This medium sized, 9-and-a-half-year-old entered the ring and demanded attention! Beautiful classic one piece head, twinkling dark eye of correct shape, and the neatest of ears. Neck correctly set on, flowed into laid back shoulder, Forequarters straight with moderate angulations. Correct flat, deep ribcage with well sprung ribs, and short square loin, correct tailset. Forequarters straight, and well-muscled hind quarters with nice bend of stifle, Fabulous tight arched feet, and a tail that didn’t stop wagging. Her movement was outstanding, excellent drive and a pleasure to watch as she flowed round the ring. Extremely pleased to be able to award her BOB, and watch her perform in the group, many hours later, as if it was still the start of the day.

2nd Walker’s, Gloi Dubh Just One Look – Masculine head, with dark eye of correct shape and placement neat ears giving an intelligent expression. Neck and shoulder placement good, with depth to body and gradual sprung rib cage, good short loin. Strong hindquarters, with excellent second thigh and moderate bend of stifle. Strong mover keeping a level topline on the move, excellent drive and tail carriage. Pushed hard for 1st place, but still pleased to award him RBOB.

3rd Buckley’s, Steelriver Hit the Beach with BuckleyHill

Res Salt’s, Levelmoor Acorn Antiques with Wetnoses

VHC Burrough’s, Levelmoor Allo Allo Avec Rokaness

Judge - Louise Peers (Tweedisle)