Luton Canine Association

Luton Canine Society

The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park

Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ

Judge: Miss Meaylee Lewis (Fairwinds)

Golden Retriever Critiques

My thanks go to the committee for inviting me to judge at their very welcoming and friendly show. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for presenting their dogs in super condition on the day. I had a great quality entry, with particular depth of quality in Puppy and Junior which is promising for the future.

Puppy (10, 3a)

1st Clarkson’s DRUMKILTY NOLLAIG SHONA. A cream bitch who appealed for her balance as, although up to size, she is so nicely proportioned, with good substance through the body to fill her frame. She is feminine in head with the softest of expressions. Strong neck flowing well into her shoulders. Straight legs, set nicely under her body with well sprung ribs. Short coupling, good width to her second thigh and hocks well let down. She held her topline level throughout and moved accurately which gave her the class and Best Puppy In Breed.

2nd Rees’s DRUMKILTY MERRY AND BRIGHT FOR CATENAE. Litter sister to one and a close call between the two. I loved this bitch’s head - well-chiselled with dark pigment and nicely balanced all through. Great forehand construction and short coupling. Her tail is well set and the correct length. Moved with good drive and accurate footfall. 

3rd Nelson’s CADWST SONG OF SPRING.

Junior (8, 3a)

1st Holmes’s ASHBYGLEN EXCALIBUR JW. 13 month old dog coming into his gold coat. As expected with a dog of his age he still has some depth to come through his body but I loved what he has there, given his age. Well balanced fore and hindquarters, standing on straight legs with good bone and neat feet. Handsome head, not too strong but with good chiselling and dark pigment. He held his topline and is well ribbed with short coupling. Correct tail set, carried level on the move. Moved accurately with reach and drive. Reserve Best of Breed.

2nd Clarkson’s DRUMKILTY NOLLAIG SHONA. 1st Puppy.

3rd Hill’s DRUMKILTY ONE NIGHT STAND FOR SANDAULA.

Graduate (10, 5a)

1st Clarkson’s DRUMKILTY NOLLAIG SHONA. 2nd Junior, 1st Puppy.

2nd Hill’s DRUMKILTY ONE NIGHT STAND FOR SANDAULA. A 12 month old cream bitch. Well-balanced head, set nicely set into her neck. Strongest of toplines with well-sprung ribs, deep through the chest. Loved her strong hindquarters with a good width of second thigh and well let down hocks. Stands straight on tidy feet. Drives around the ring so well, just not quite as accurate as 1. 

3rd Rees’s DRUMKILTY MERRY AND BRIGHT FOR CATENAE. 

Post Graduate (8, 3a)

1st Hill’s DRUMKILTY ONE NIGHT STAND FOR SANDAULA. 2nd Graduate, 3rd Junior.

2nd Archer’s HAYDENGOLD JUST A RUMOUR AT SUNANDAIR JW. 3 year old dog shown in well-presented full golden coat. He has a truly masculine head, with dark eyes and pigment set nicely into his sprong neck. Good forechest and well laid back shoulders. Held his topline level, flowing well into his tail set. Good bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Moved around the ring with good drive. 

3rd Harris & Ball’s WEMCREST OUT OF THIS WORLD JW.

Limit (5, 2a)

1st May’s CHERRYGOLD STORYTELLEN JW. Two and a half year old bitch with light gold coat. Very nicely balanced girl who’s as strong in front as she is rear, with everything well-fitting in between! Good strong neck with plenty of length. Well laid back shoulders and good spring of rib, with depth through the chest. Well bent stifles, good with the second thigh and well let down hocks. She stands square on the neatest of feet. Freestood with her tail wagging, held level on the move which she did accurately with balanced reach and drive. A little unsettled at first but settled more as the class and then challenge went on to be awarded Best of Breed. 

2nd Keightley’s RICHANA ROCKET MAN JW. Two and a half year old cream dog. Masculine head with dark pigment, well set into his neck of correct length. Well laid back shoulders with a level topline and good depth through the chest. Correct set tail and standing strong bone. Moved freely.

3rd Staniland’s BERMARY SWEET CHILD OF MINE.

Open (3, 1a)

1st Wallington’s WYNRITA SCHOOL DAZE. Substantial dog of 6 years, well-presented in rich golden gold. Loved his head - masculine with good chiselling and dark pigment and well-set ears to complete his soft expression. Strong neck and well laid back shoulders. Strong through the topline. Well sprung ribs and short coupling. Well bent stifles. Stands square on neat feet and moves positively with drive. 

2nd Collis’s MERIMOOR OUTLANDER AT DORWINION. Approaching 7 years old and shown in full golden coat. Well-proportioned head with dark pigment. Good forechest and substance throughout. Correct spring of rib and nice depth to his chest. Well bent stifles with well let down hocks. Moved freely, though not as accurate as 1 in front.