Antrim & District Canine Club

Antrim & District Canine Club

7th December 2024

I’d like to thank the society for the invitation to judge at the only open show left in Northern Ireland. It was an honour to be asked to step in to judge Best In Show due to the storms. This show will always be dear to me as it is where I first started showing doing junior handling. It was such a shame that the weather was not kind and the Dublin show changed their date to the same date as this show as there was a high number of absentees.

Puppy bitch stakes (6,4)

1st - HIGHAM, Mr I, Mrs A & Miss S - COMBERDOWN ROISIN DUBH. Border terrier who presents a lovely silhouette. Feminine headpiece with good muzzle to skull ratio. Would like a little more width in skull. Ear set is good with fold that lies close to cheek. Eyes are of dark colour placed well in head. Good length to neck which leads into good lay of shoulders into straight parallel front. Good depth to chest and able to span when gone over. Good length to body with muscular loin. Well constructed and muscled rear. Lovely harsh coat. On the move this girl had lovely footfall showing reach in front and drive in rear.

2nd - ROYSTON, Mr M - XULLA SUPER CHARTY. Italian greyhound who was incredibly excitable. Pleasing headpiece with it being long and narrow. Ears of good size and shape set well on flat skull. Slight stop. Lovely eye set and colour. Long arched neck leading into a long sloping shoulder. Front parallel, just needs to tighten a little in pasterns. Good depth to chest. Topline ok with slight rise over the loin finished with a low set tail. Rear angles are good with well let down hocks. Unfortunately due to the excitability I wasn’t able to see much on the move in this class. But in the breed class I was able to see a good rear drive and enough lift and reach in front.

Japanese chin

Open Dog (3,2)

1st - IRVINE & GROGAN, Dr, Mr - INT, AM & IR CH WYSTERIA FABEL MI CELTIC DRAGON CW 22 & 23, CEN W, CENT CH, AN CH 23. 7 year old black and white male who looks fabulous for his age. Super width to skull with it being rounded in front. A well cushioned short muzzle with open nostril in nose. Eyes are dark and of good size, would like a little more white on inner corner to finish the astonished look. Good width to underjaw. Good length to neck leading into a good layback of shoulder with a good return of upper arm with elbows tight to a chest of good width. Straight front with good feet. Topline is level with good length of loin. Tail set high with super plume. Rear is well angled with super muscle tone. On the move this boy moved out with good rear drive and reach in front. BOB TG3

Open Bitch (2,0)

1st - IRVINE & GROGAN, Dr, Mr - IR CH VANISTICA IRMA GERD CPW 2023. Feminine bitch who presents a lovely silhouette. Lovely head piece with broad skull with small ears that are set wide and high. Lovely eyes with enough white. Short muzzle with wide open nostrils. Plenty of cushioning. Good strength to underjaw. Lovely length of neck leading into well laid shoulder. Straight front with feet of good length and shape. Good width to chest. Topline strong with good length of loin. Tail set high but would like it to be carried a little better. Rear has a good turn of stifle and muscled well. On the move this girl was parallel with good reach and drive.

2nd - IRVINE & GROGAN, Dr, Mr - IR CH PEREGRINE JP MIYABI AVEC VANISTICA (IMP JPN). A black and white girl who presents a lovely cobby outline. A feminine headpiece with good proportions rounded skull with good width. Ears are small and set well. Large eyes with enough white showing. Good length to muzzle with super pigment and open nostrils. Plenty of cushioning to soften the expression. Good length to neck leading into level topline with a high set tail with good plume. Shoulders are well laid with elbows tight to broad chest. Fine boned throughout with good feet. Rear is angled and muscled well. On the move there was super reach in front just didn’t quite have the strength of 1 in rear.

Papillon

Open Dog/Bitch (6,5)

1st - BRYSON, Mrs G - KENZDUO SPICE OF LIFE AT PROVOST. Presenting a good shape but a little heavier in bone than preferred. Head of good muzzle to skull ratio. Low set dark eyes. Large ears with plenty of fringing. Neck is of good length leading into well laid shoulders with good return of upper arm. Straight, parallel front. Good depth to chest. Lovely level topline finished with high set tail. Angles in rear ok. On the move it was parallel with good reach in front. Would liked to have seen a little more ground cover.

Maltese

Open dog/bitch (6,6)

Bichon

Puppy (5,4)

1st - VILLARUZ & MCERLEAN, ERWIN & GARY - MAKE ME A BELIEVER OF SUPER TROUPER RAF. 8 month old with a head that is developing well with good muzzle to skull proportions. Lovely eyes with good pigment. Ears are set on well and hang close to head. Lovely length to neck which sits on a good lay back of shoulders. Enough return of upper arm with elbows tight to a developing chest. Straight front with tight feet. Topline level, just a fraction long. I would have liked a slightly higher tailset to balance the overall picture. Good angled rear with well rounded thighs with good hocks. On the move it was parallel with great kick in rear and enough reach in front.

Junior (2,2)

Open (30,30)

Pug open dog (2,2)

Open bitch (2,1)

1st - MCMURRAY & FULTON, Mrs S & Mrs A - BRIDEN LITTLE PLUM. Pleasing shape. Feminine headpiece with skull of good shape and size with a lovely mask. Eyes are round and of good colour. Enough wrinkle throughout. Wide open nostrils on dark nose. Good width to underjaw. Enough length to neck leading into good shoulder placement. Elbows are close to a well filled chest. Parallel straight, front with good feet. Topline good finished with high tail set with single curl. Rear good with enough muscle tone. Moved with enough roll and reach in front. BOB

Veteran bitch (1,0)

1st - WARD, Miss Pearl - FAYROYMOPS HERE TO STAY. 11 year old bitch who clear loves being out in the ring. Good head shape and size. Ears are of good size and set well on skull. Eyes are of good shape and size placed well in head. Short muzzle with good stop. Open nostrils. Super width to underjaw. Neck is arched and of good length. Shoulders are well laid with good return of upper arm. Good front assembly. Topline good. Would have liked the tail set to be higher. Rear is angled well.

Italian greyhound

Open dog/bitch (2,1)

1st - ROYSTON, Mr M - XULLA SUPER CHARTY. See 2nd puppy bitch stakes

Pekingese

Puppy (2,2)

Junior (1,1)

Open (5,3)

1st - GRAHAM & BARRON, Mr E L & Ms E A - IR CH FURRYBLISS PABLO AT PEKAMORE JUNCH. 8 1/2 year old who is still in great condition. Lovely headpiece being broader than deep. Lovely round eyes set well in head. Ears are set on level with skull and leathers are of good shape and size. Enough length to muzzle with dark nose and wide open nostrils. Strong underjaw with good width and tight lips. Short neck leading into well laid shoulders. Elbows tight to broad chest. Good for bone throughout and good bow to front. Lovely level topline with high set tail. Rear equally well constructed with good let down of hocks. Goos weight when picked up. On the move there is the dignified rolling gait in front with enough drive in rear. BOB

2nd - GRAHAM & BARRON, Mr E L & Ms E A - PEKAMORE MY DARLING KATHLEEN. A pleasing headpiece with flat Broad skull with ears set on level and leathers are of good shape and size framing the face. Eyes are of good shape but showing white of eye. Muzzle is of good length and nose is dark with open nostrils. Enough wrinkle. Well defined lips with a firm underjaw. Super neck into shoulders and good bow to front with good bone. Neck is strong with level topline and high set tail with enough covering. Rear is well angulated and muscled with strong hocks. On the move had a super roll in front, just didn’t quite have the drive in rear as 1.

Chihuahua ( long coat )

Puppy (1,1)

Limit (6,5)

1st - PART, MRS BRENDA - STARCEYLON MOON FLOWER AT FAIRYWINGS. What an eye catching youngster. She ticked so many boxes for me. Feminine headpiece with lovely muzzle to skull ratio. Skull is of good shape with ears of good shape and size that are placed well. Eyes are of round shape and set well in head. Arched neck of good length leading into well laid shoulders. Elbows are tight to a well filled chest. Straight front with good feet. Level topline and longer than high finished with a high set tail carried well. Rear has a good turn of stifle and well let down hocks with good muscle tone. On the move there is super rear drive with a lovely reach in front. BOB and pushed hard for the group but today had to settle for Toy Group 2.

Open Dog (8,7)

1st - DRENNAN, Mrs E - THRACIAN GEMS LTD I LOVE SUGAR. A pleasing overall shape and size. Would like a little more strength in head. Muzzle is of good length with defined stop. Eyes are round and placed well. Ear set ok. Lovely reach of neck into well laid shoulders with a good return of upper arm. Front is parallel, feet ok. Topline is of good length and level with a good spring of ribs and depth of chest. Tail ok. Rear is well constructed with a good turn of stifle and well let down hocks muscled well. On the move this boy stays parallel with a great drive matched with a good reach in front.

Open bitch (7,7)

Chihuahua (smooth coat)

Puppy (3,3)

Open dog (3,2)

1st - PART, MRS BRENDA -FAIRYWINGS TOYBOY. 2 1/2 year old who scored in shape and size with good bone throughout. Head of good shape and size. Ears are of good shape and size placed well and used at all times. Eyes are large and round. Super front assembly with well laid shoulders, straight parallel front and dainty feet. Topline is level with good length of loin finished with a high set tail that is carried well. Rear is well muscled with a good turn of stifle and strong hocks. On the move there is good rear drive and lovely reach in front. BOB TG4

2nd - PART, MRS BRENDA -FAIRYWINGS GERONIMO. Litter sibling to 1. Slightly heavier set than 1. Broader skull than preferred, ears are of good shape and size which are placed well. Muzzle is refined with a defined stop. Eyes are slightly bigger than 1. Neck is of good length which sits on well laid shoulders and a super straight parallel front. Feet are tight. Topline is level finished with a high set tail. Rear is well constructed with well let down hocks. On the move this boy displayed enough drive in rear with good reach in front.

Coton Du Tulear

Junior (1,0)

1st - HORNER, Miss - COTONBRIE AMORE A PRIMA VISTA. Masculine headpiece with good muzzle to skull ratio. High set ears with leathers of good length. Lovely dark round eyes placed well. Dark pigment throughout. Arched neck with a great layback of shoulder with a good return of upper arm with elbows close to a deep well filled chest. Correct topline with rise over loin finished with low set tail of good length. Well angled rear with good muscle tone. Moved out parallel but can become a little unbalanced at times.

Open (1,1)

Havanese

Junior (1,0)

1st - FREAR, Mrs A - ELPERRITO FIRE CRACKER (GB). And a fire cracker this boy is! So sound on the move from every angle you look at him. Although not long out of puppy he is so well balanced and that comes down to construction. Masculine headpiece with equal muzzle to skull ratio. Ears are set on well with good length to leathers. Lovely large dark almond shaped eyes which are placed well. Neck is of good length leading into a well balanced front assembly. Well laid shoulders with good return of upper arm. Straight front. Lovely topline with rise over loin finished with high set tail carried well. Rear angulation matches the front and muscled well. On the move is here you truly appreciate this boy with super drive and reach. Pleased to award BOB, TG1 and held his own in the BIS line up to secure RBIS.

Open (5,4)

1st - FREAR, Mrs A -CH, IR CH BALLYMOURNE MATTONY'S MAGIC CJW22, CW24, CENT CH, JUN CH. A pleasing shape and balance on this exhibit. Muzzle to skull proportions are good would have liked a little more width to skull. Ears are placed well and of good length. Eyes are of lovely almond shape with dark rims. Lips are tight and nose is dark. Neck Is of good length with well laid shoulders and clean straight front. Topline is good with a rise over the loin. Would prefer a slightly higher set tail. Rear is muscled well with enough angulation and good hocks. On the move it is parallel with enough drive and reach in front.

Griffon Bruxellois

Open (1,0)

1st - LAPPIN, Dr J W - IR CH STAR GRIFF ONLY I AM DALVIK. What a pretty red rough bitch this is. A feminine headpiece with good proportions. Dark, round eyes placed well in head. Ears are of small size and set high. Wide open nostrils with broad muzzle with neat lips. Good width to underjaw with good turn up. Neck is of good length leading into well laid shoulders. Front is parallel and straight with good feet. Lovely level topline with high set tail. Good turn of stifle and let down of hocks. Moved out with lovely balanced reach and drive

Miniature pinscher

Open dog (1,1)

Open bitch (2,2)

King Charles spaniel

Open (2,2)

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Open (3,3)

Yorkshire terrier

Open (1,1)

AVNSC open (1,1)

Group 1 - Havanese

Group 2 - chihuahua (Long Coat)

Group 3 - Japanese Chin

Group 4 - chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Utility group

Giant schnauzer open (1,1

Chow chow

Open dog (1,0)

1st - CAMPBELL, Mr R & Mrs E - IR CH KUANYIN FANTOM MENACE. Lovely width to skull with small, thick leathers placed correctly. Good length and depth to muzzle free from lippiness. Super pigment throughout. A dark almond eye set well in head. Good reach of neck leading into a clean sloping shoulder with a good return of upper arm. Good for bone with straight parallel legs finished with good feet. Where this boy won over his litter sibling for BOB was the topline and rear construction. Topline was level with a muscular loin finished with a high set tail. Rear is well constructed with well let down of hocks and muscled thighs. On the move this boy had a balanced reach in front with that typical pendulum like swing in the rear. BOB UG3

Open bitch (2,1)

1st - CAMPBELL, Mr R & Mrs E - KUANYIN FANTOM MISTRESS. Much to like about this bitch. Muzzle to skull ratio is good giving good width and depth throughout. Ears are set well framing the face giving the breed scowl. Eyes are of a good almond shape and dark. Neck is good for length leading into muscular well laid shoulders with elbows tight to a broad, well filled chest. Good for bone. Back is level with a muscular loin with a high set tail. Can lose the strength of topline on the move at times. Rear is angled enough with ample muscle finished with well let down of hocks. On the move there was a lovely reach in front but didn’t quite have the movement of the male today.

Veteran bitch (1,1)

Tibetan spaniel

Graduate (3,3)

Open (13,13)

Shih Tzu

Open dog (2,2)

Open bitch (5,5)

Bulldog

Open (1,0)

1st - MCKEOWN, MR D - KING RICHARD. There is no denying this is a male. A masculine headpiece which is good for size. Muzzle is short with wide open nostrils. Good width and depth to flews cushioning to face. Good strength and width to underjaw with enough turnup. Eyes are round of good colour and set low in head. Ears are set high and of good rose shaping. Good length to neck leading into super shoulder being sloping and muscular. Super bone throughout finished with good feet. Chest is broad and deep allowing plenty of heart room. Correct rise over loin finished with low set tail. Rear is muscular with well let down hocks. On the move this boy pushed the Lhasa at all times displaying that typical rolling gait with a clean movement in front. BOB UG2

Miniature schnauzer

Open dog (5,5)

Open bitch (3,3)

Dalmatian open (1,1)

Japanese spitz

Puppy (1,1)

Junior (1,1)

Open (1,1)

French bulldog

Open (4,4)

Lhasa apso

Puppy (2,2)

Special yearling (1,0)

1st - WEBSTER & LLOYD, Mr J, Mr S - OWENAVERA KARELESS WISPA. This is where I found my overall BIS winner today and found her to be ultra feminine with overall balance and movement that could not be faulted. A lovely headpiece with great muzzle to skull ratio and enough stop. Good width to skull with ears that are set well and frame the face. Lovely dark, oval eyes which are set in head well. Good strength to underjaw. Dark pigment throughout. Lovely arched neck that sits nicely into well laid shoulders with straight front rounded feet. Longer than tall with a good spring of ribs and length of loin. Topline was level at all times finished with a high set tail that she carried well. This girl has such a strong rear construction which is advantageous when she’s on the move. Well muscled and angulated with strong hocks. Kudos goes to the owner/handler who had the coat in immaculate condition. On the move this girl has a super rear action which shows a powerful action and lovely reach in front all whilst maintaining a level topline. BOB UG1 BIS.

Open (3,3)

Boston terrier

Open (1,0)

1st - GALLAGHER WHITE & GALLAGHER & WHITE, Miss D, Miss D, Mr J - KENSESQUI ERIADOR. Pleasing headpiece on this male. Good for shape and size with short wide and deep muzzle. Jaws are of good width and depth with neat lips. Lovely dark, round eyes set well. Ears ok. Neck is arched and of good length. Shoulders are well laid with parallel legs, would liked to have seen a straighter front. Good depth and sprung to ribs with a muscular loin. Rear has a good turn of stifle with ample muscle. On the move he was balanced. BOB UG4

Tibetan terrier open (2,2)

Standard Poodle open (2,2)

Group 1 - Lhasa Apso

Group 2 - Bulldog

Group 3 - Chow Chow

Group 4 - Boston Terrier

A lovely line up of dogs that I had in BIS. American Cocker, Afghan Hound, Corgi (Pembroke), Kerry Blue Terrier, Havanese, Lhasa Apso and the Dobermann

BIS - Lhasa Apso

RBIS - Havanese

BPIS - American Cocker. One that caught my eye in the BIS line up. Super muzzle to skull proportion. Muzzle has good width and depth. Lovely eye set. High ear set with leathers of good length. Lovely long neck leading into sloping topline finished with a tail that extends the topline. Front and rear angles are well matched which is displayed on the move where it was balanced with a great rear drive and reach in front all whilst maintaining a strong topline and covering the ground.

Judge Richard Forsythe (RICHPIN)