Driffield Championship Dog Show

DRIFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW - 49th

RETRIEVER (FLAT COATED)

Judge: Anthony Allen

I loved this appointment; there was a super entry which I was honoured to judge. There were some fabulous dogs for me to go over, a great atmosphere with lots of applause around the ring to greet my winners. Special thanks to my steward who single handedly kept things running.

My Bitch CC and Best of Breed was Sh Ch Moontorn Better Half of Me JW ShCEx OSW, who was winning her fourth CC. My Dog CC was Ch Woodfinch Masquerade and my RDCC was Everblack Booze Cruise at Dexanluc. My Res Bitch CC was the very lovely Benvellyn Sequoia JW. Best Puppy was Moontorn Chasing the Dream, my Best Veteran the ever youthful Hopevalley Morning Rainbow JW. Best Special Beginner Undercover Take My Breath Away (imp Fra).

I don’t profess to be a breed specialist, but I wanted to mention a few general comments about the entry. The first was there was a number of level bites in the older dogs, especially for a retrieving breed this really concerned me. The second was bad fronts which translated into untypical movement. There were also a number of ‘gay tails’, please be careful with these elements as they are easy to breed in but in my experience a devil to breed out. The danger is these elements become accepted as the norm.

SBD (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: PIERCE, Mr J & PIERCE, Mrs R Wychwizard Forester at Tarnmillcrag

This was a very smart young chap, 15 months old. Good head shape and a kind eye which gave a pleasing expression. Super clean reach of neck into a correct front assembly. Legs well boned and neat feet. Good depth of chest for his age, well ribbed up, short loin. Quarters well developed, stifles moderately bent. Moved out well, but had accurate footfall and good reach and drive.

2nd: CLARK, Mr Brian & CLARK, Mrs Lynne Hurstclough Night Owl at Flanova

Nice type of dog, 3-years-old, head balanced with good proportions. Good reach of neck, would like a little more lay back of shoulder. Well boned legs and good feet. Well ribbed up for his age and correct length of loin. Quarters well angulated, stifles moderately bent, and tail set on and carried well. Had enough drive on the move but not the front extension of the winner and was a tad wide coming towards me.

VD (4 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 11624 SCAIFE, Miss V Flatcharm Mr Fix It for Shennanjoy

Th chap was seven and a half, he has a masculine head with a kind a gentle expression. Super clean reach of neck into a correct front assembly, shoulders well placed and a good return of forearm. Stands on well boned straight legs and neat feet. Depth to chest, well ribbed up and good in loin. Well-made quarters, stifles well bent. Moved out well, with a straight and true action.

2nd: 11612 NICHOLSON, Mr David Everblack Backseat Driver

Smart chap. He has a super clean outline and balance to him. Masculine in head, clean reach of neck, decent front assembly on him, shoulders well place and enough return. Carrying a shade to much weight on his shoulders today which spoilt his outline a little. Quarters well-made which he used to advantage on the move as he drove round the ring

3rd: 11585 HALL, Miss Melanie Rotherfield Just The Ticket

MPD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11572 BOWEN, Mrs V Clandrift Make It Funky

I really like this young chap; he has a super shape about him so very balanced. His head is well proportioned and should finish to a classic masculine expression. Clean in neck, leading in to well set shoulders, good front angulation. Stands on straight well boned legs. Body made well throughout, and quarters are correct for his age, stifles well bent. Was a bit all over the place on the move at first but settled into a steady gait

2nd: 11608 MCCONNELL, Mrs A & MCCONNELL, Mr JR Thurwitt Black Jack At Torrweaving

This chap was very much a baby. Pleasing head shape for his age, shoulders have a good lay back but would like a little more return of upper arm. Good through the body, well ribbed up and short firm loin. Quarters well made, with a decent bend of stifle on him, hocks well let down. Sound on the move but a bit bouncy and not the front action of the winner, just needs to tighten up a little to complete the picture.

3rd: 11600 LILLY, Ms Chris & REYNARD, Mr Nick Rainesgift Play On Words

PD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11625 SCAIFE, Miss V Flatcharm Bing A Ling at Shennanjoy

Upstanding dog who had good balance and overall proportions. His head is masculine with plenty of work so should finish well. Good lay back of shoulder and return of forearm. Stands on good well boned legs. Body developing correctly, well ribbed up for his age and firm in loin. Good moderately bent quarters. Super lashing tail. Moved out well with a tidy action to take the class and subsequently Best Puppy Dog over the smart minor puppy. A promising young chap.

2nd: 11572 BOWEN, Mrs V Clandrift Make It Funky.

3rd: 11611 MULLINS, Mrs Pam & MULLINS, Mr M Seaheart Fabian at Dexanluc

JD (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11639 WALKER, Mrs E J & ROBERTS, Dr L Gloi Dubh Mormaer JW

This chap scored in front construction, his head is pleasing with good overall proportions. Clean reach of neck into well set shoulders with a good return of upper arm. Correct depth to chest for his age. Ribs and loin well made. Quarters well developed with stifles well bent. Tail set on well and correct carriage on the move. Had the most accurate footfall in the class both on the up and down and in profile. Should have a bright future ahead of him.

2nd: 11569 BELLAMY, Mrs R Affinity Promises Kept for Woodfinch (ai) (Imp)

I liked the outline on this boy, but he was just at that in-between stage that they go through when all the elements are not quite together which time will sort out. His head was classic, good overall shape with a decent front assembly, shoulders well set. Needs to drop into his front and fill his frame, which he will do in time. Body well-made, firm in topline. Good well-made quarters, stifles well bent. Moved out well with good footfall excellent in side profile.

3rd: 11614 PAWELSKI, Mrs Daria Anna & PAWELSKI, Mr Andrzej Lamesbella Eugene

PGD (6 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11628 SULLIVAN, Miss Vicky Wyrebeck Shockwave

I thought this liver chap had real quality about him, he has a lovely head piece with a kind eye, giving that masculine expression. I liked his overall balance. His outline is pleasing, he has a clean reach of neck which led into well placed shoulders and a good return of forearm. His legs are well boned and he has good feet; his chest has depth. Through the body he is well proportioned, well ribbed and he has a short loin, topline level. Quarters are well made, moderately bent stifles and tail set on well. Decent on the move with a good free flowing action and super tail carriage, which gave him the class.

2nd: 11635 VARTY-LINDSAY, Mrs Laura Levliann Big Bang

Unlucky to meet the winner today as this was another good one. Smart upstanding chap who is balanced and well proportioned. Head masculine, shoulders well placed with enough return, depth to chest. Well ribbed, good in loin, well-made quarters with moderately bent stifles. Good movement in profile but a little untidy as he came towards me and a little proud of his tail.

3rd: 11586 HALL, Miss Melanie Hightyne Night Train

LD (8 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: MULLINS, Mrs Pam & MULLINS, Mr M Seaheart Daegan At Dexanluc

A very smart dog, he scores in movement, very accurate where he places his feet and superb in profile with a free-flowing action. His head is masculine and correctly proportioned. Super neck into well placed shoulders and the correct return of upper arm. Stands on good legs and feet. Well ribbed up and good short lion. Well angled quarters, moderately bent stifles and hocks well let down. He won the class on movement and pushed hard in the challenge but lacked some finish today and that cost him top honours.

2nd: SULLIVAN, Miss Vicky Wyrebeck Caught By Surprise

Another smart dog with a lot to like about him, five years old and well matured. Stronger in head than the winner but not unbalanced. Another with a good front, clean neck in to well set shoulders, good depth of chest, legs well boned. Good through the rib and loin, quarters well made, moderate stifles. Moved out well with a good action, a shade untidy as he came towards me. Better finish than the winner but preferred the winners head and expression.

MAY, Mrs S Ronevorg Dark Angel at Lussac JW SGWS

OD (8 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: BELLAMY, Mr & Mrs D & R Ch Woodfinch Masquerade

This dog was totally on form today, fabulous outline, in full coat, showing like a pro and moving out with accuracy and drive. I could not get past him in the dog challenge. His head is balanced and well proportioned, with an intelligent expression. Most super front on him, shoulders correctly placed and return of forearm. Stands on good straight legs, correct depth of chest. Well ribbed up and firm in loin. Super muscular quarters. Stifles moderately bent and hocks well let down. Movement was elegant and free flowing, covered the ground as I wanted, through the class and into the challenge where he could not be ignored. He won the RCC under me last time, today he went one better and I was delighted to award him the DCC.

2nd: MULLINS, Mrs Pam & MULLINS, Mr M Everblack Booze Cruise At Dexanluc

Another I was taken with, nothing overdone about this chap. He has a super clean outline and is totally balanced. He has a super head on him, balanced and a masculine expression. Clean in neck in to well set shoulders, would like a little more return. Correct depth of chest for his age and stands on well boned legs. Body well-proportioned into good quarters. Well-muscled up. Moved accurately, with a free-flowing action. Really liked this chap and was pleased to award him the RCC.

3rd: 11565 HARVEY, Mrs Caroline Moontorn Black Magic

SBB (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11632 TURNER, Ms Pam Angel Undercover Take My Breath Away (imp Fra)

A three year old balanced bitch with an appealing head and expression. Good through the neck which led into a good lay back. Well boned legs, standing on good feet. Good depth to the chest for her age. Body of good proportions and quarters well developed. She had a good profile action just wasn’t as tidy in front when she came towards me.

2nd: 11603 MACKESSACK-LEITCH, Mrs Flora Badcall Midwinter Dream at Inchstellie

Another typy bitch who presented an elegant picture on the stack, held her topline and had accurate foot fall. She has a pleasing head and expression, just preferred expression of the winner, neck good and set into well placed shoulders. Chest has good depth, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Body well-proportioned with a good spring of rib. Quarters well made, stifles moderately bent, and hocks well let down. Moved out well.

3rd: 11599 LEAVY, Mrs Claire & LEAVY, Mr ANTHONY Wychwizard Painted Lady

VB (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11621 ROMEO-DIESTE, Mrs M E Hopevalley Morning Rainbow JW

Super through the neck and shoulders correctly placed. Decent front with correct amount of depth. Well ribbed up with a gradual spring and strength to loin. Lovely shape to her quarters with stifles well bent and hocks well let down. On the move she had good footfall with both accuracy and drive. Coat in gleaming condition with good feather and in the final summing up that finish gave her the class. In the challenge she commanded attention and was close up for top honours.

2nd: 11630 THOMSON, Mrs C A Sh Ch Caci's The Dream Catcher At Badcall (Swed Imp)

A lot to like about this seven year old lady. Totally at one with her handler and a real showgirl. Head pleasing with a kind expression. Good through the neck, into a decent lay back of shoulder. Well boned legs and super neat feet. Good depth of chest. Body well made with ribs correct. Quarters well developed. Sound on the move, not quite as fluid as the winner, plenty of drive. Not surprised to see afterwards that she has her title.

3rd: 11642 WILSON, Mr Andrew Hameldowntor Music of The Night VW

MPB (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11567 BELLAMY, Miss Abby Moontorn Chasing The Dream

Just 7 months and very much a lovely typy baby. I liked her on the stack where she had a lovely outline. Pleasing head shape with a good eye. Good through the neck, which led into a well angulated front. Body developing well with good overall proportions. Quarters as they should be at this age, stifles well bent and good rear angles. Good action on the move and the best in profile to take the class, Best Puppy and later watched her take PG2 congratulations!

2nd: 11606 MARKILLIE, Mrs Diane Hope Valley Morning Minuet

Another good bitch, seven months but giving a lot away to the winner in maturity. Lovely shape on her, super head piece for her age with a kind eye. Front and rear angles correct, stands on well boned legs. Body of good proportions and quarters developing nicely. On the move, she needs to find her feet and settle into her front action. Once she gets her act together, she will do well.

3rd: 11582 EGGINTON, Mrs Jan & EGGINTON, Mr Paul & EGGINTON, Pajanbeck Hold My Halo

PB (7 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 11640 WALKER, Mrs E J & ROBERTS, Dr L Seaheart Frida At Gloi

A smart puppy, well developed for her age, scored in outline on the stack. Head is beautiful, a super shape with lovely expressive eyes. Neck clean, good lay back of shoulder and enough return of upper arm. Stands on good legs and feet. Body of good overall proportion, ribs springing nicely and loin well proportioned. Well-made quarters with good angulation, stifle well bent. Balanced even gate on the move. Should do well.

2nd: 11590 HOLLAND, Miss Kelly Louise Flatcharm Regina Phalange

Another with a good overall shape and balance. Head appealing with a pleasing expression. Good proportions through the body with ribs well developed for her age and strength in loin. Quarters well made with stifles well bent, would like a better tail set. Good drive on the move. Moved out well, just a tad untidy in front today, got better as the class went on to take this place.

3rd: 11606 MARKILLIE, Mrs Diane Hope Valley Morning Minuet

JB (9 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 11596 KULCZYCKA, Miss I Everblack Euphoria

A lot to like about this 16-month-old bitch. This lady has a super head shape and a lovely feminine expression, a tad round in eye, neck good into well-placed shoulders and front assembly. Good through the body, ribs well back and good loin. Strong through the quarters with stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Coat in gleaming condition. Best mover in the class with accurate footfall.

2nd: 11613 PAWELSKI, Mrs Daria Anna & PAWELSKI, Mr Andrzej Lamesbella Edna

A nice type of bitch who I liked for shape and outline. Head of good shape, shoulders well placed and a good return of upper arm. Still needs to drop into her front but will do that as she matures. Super through the body, correct spring of ribs firm loin and level topline. Very sound on the move, handled to advantage.

3rd: 11645 WRIGHT, Ms S Rotherfield One Last Look

PGB (10 Entries) Abs: 1

This was a super class and I was really splitting hairs between the first two.

1st: 11592 JONES, Mr And Mrs Brian Benvellyn Sequoia JW

This bitch has both style and personality and is a real show girl. Head balanced with a good eye shape. Best outline in the class, clean through the neck which led in to well set shoulders and a good return of upper arm. I like her body proportions, very balanced with a level topline. Well ribbed up and firm loin. Super quarters with stifles well bent. Good muscle tone and condition. Drove round the ring with a fluid action. Totally at one with her handler who showed her to advantage. Just needed a little more finish to complete the picture so had to be content with the RCC today, surely destined for the upper house.

2nd: ROMEO-DIESTE, Mrs M E Hopevalley Morning Xanadu JW

A nice type of bitch, just 19 months old, I liked her for shape and outline. Head of good proportions I wouldn’t want it any stronger. Shoulders well placed and a decent return of upper arm. Still needs to drop into her front but has age on her side. Super through the body, correct spring of rib, firm loin and level topline. Very sound on the move, held her shape and topline, just not as tidy as the winner today.

3rd: 11632 TURNER, Ms Pam Angel Undercover Take My Breath Away (imp Fra)

LB (10 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: LANE-RIDYARD, Mrs Penny & LANE, MRS SANDY & LANE, Kulawand Cartier

Super type of bitch who caught my eye from the start. Head of good shape and proportion, with the correct definition, pleasing eye shape with a good dark colour, and has that really mischievous look in her eye. Clean reach of neck into well laid-back shoulders and return of upper arm, good depth to chest for her age. Excellent bone, held her topline moving round the ring from strong hindquarters. Flagged a bit in the challenge. She is a really nice type of bitch and if she keeps developing in this way, she will have a bright future ahead of her.

2nd: CLARK, Mr Brian & CLARK, Mrs Lynne Riverglide Santa Barbara at Flanova

I thought she was a really elegant type of bitch, feminine in head, of good shape and proportions. Lovely eye shape and colour that gave her that typical flat coat expression. Lovely clean reach of neck which led in to well set shoulders. Good front angulation and depth to chest for her age. Stood on well boned legs and neat feet. Body well made, well ribbed up and loin firm. On the move she had a good level topline. Well-developed quarters, stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Good on the move in profile demonstrating that driving action that I was looking for. She just needs some more coat to finish the picture.

3rd: 11627 SULLIVAN, Miss Vicky Wyrebeck Live Forever

OB (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 11566 BELLAMY, Miss Abby Sh Ch Moontorn Better Half Of Me JW ShCEx OSW

This lady oozed type and when I put my hands on her and I discovered she was a super girl to go over. She is not overdone in anyway and to me was totally without exaggeration. I found her balanced throughout. Her head is appealing and of a good shape with a lovely eye. Clean through the neck which led into well-placed shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Good depth to her chest, well ribbed up, leading into a firm short loin. Quarters developing well, stifles moderately bent, and hocks well let down and tail straight off her back. She came alive on the move and had really super profile action with excellent footfall on the up and down. Coat in excellent condition. In the challenge the more I looked at her the more she filled that description of a moderate dog without exaggeration, and I could not deny her the top spot. BCC and later BOB.

2nd: 11563 ANDERSON, Ms K Sh Ch Kazval Angel in Your Sky Over Feldkirk

A lot to like about this lady. Totally at one with her handler and a real showgirl. Head pleasing with a kind expression, would like a little more work. She is a super made girl, good through the neck, into a decent lay back of shoulder. Well boned legs and super neat feet. Body well made with ribs correct. Quarters well developed. Sound on the move, she had a good free flowing action with plenty of drive. Needed to tighten in front action.

3rd: 11622 ROMEO-DIESTE, Mrs M E Sh Ch Hopevalley Morning Wicked