West Of England Ladies Kennel Society

WELKS 2025 - Keeshond

Thanks to the WELKS committee for inviting me to judge Keeshonds at their show. My stewards were stellar and kept the ring running smoothly, which is always a pleasure to have. I have kept away from the Keeshond ring for some time, so it was nice to have a fresh eye on the dogs that were present, many of whom I had never seen before. I felt that, since the last time I judged the breed, front movement had improved, but rear movement still left a lot to be desired. This meant that dogs that I otherwise liked, were not placed as highly as they could have been. Overall breed points were present in all, good bites on the majority and I didn’t feel any were over coated. All had well sprung rib, so I didn’t feel the need to comment on this below. I enjoyed my day and thanks to all those that were present for coming.

Veteran Dog (Entries: 1 Absentees: 0)

1 Mezanda Merry Starshower (ai) (Mrs S E Lindsay) – 9.5 yrs, lovely wedge head, correct markings, good ear set and ivy leaf shape. Correct topline, leading to well set tail with good curl and plume. Moderate angulation front and rear, moved well coming and going, with balanced side gate. A pleasure to go over. BV.

Yearling Dog (1 Absentees: 0)

1 Ch Skyline's Outlander at Lekkerbek (Imp Usa) (Mrs J A & Miss S A & Mrs S & Dr K Miles & Dean & Cullen & Cullen) – 19mth old showing his immaturity, reminds me so much of my young Buhund male – full of enthusiasm just needs to harness it. Lovely square outline, super type with typical head and lovely spectacles. Ears well set, good shape and used to affect. In good coat, of nice texture, with well set tail which had good plume. Good angulation in rear, but a little straight in front. Moving erratically but could see he went well when settled.

Post Graduate Dog (Entries: 2 Absentees: 1)

1 Bargeway Boomerang JW (Mr Jm & Miss C Comperat & Truelove) – A young, 21 mth old, dog showing a lot of promise. Super head and expression, with good eye shape & markings. Nicely arched neck. Super colour throughout and well-set tail but would prefer tighter curl. Pleasing outline and moved well.

Limit Dog (Entries: 2 Absentees: 0)

1 Mezanda Mystic Starman (Mrs S E Lindsay) – A dog I have placed highly previously. 3 yrs old, super head on correctly arched neck and nice strong muzzle. Good colour showing correct markings. Ears and tail correct, good plume. Nice quality jacket. A little longer cast and moved a little close behind today.

2 Liefkees Amore (Miss J Saunders) – Nice overall outline and lovely size. Nice head and ears with good markings. Compact body with good topline and tail set well on. More upright in shoulder which showed in his shorter neck. Good rear angulation and moved well when settled.

Open Dog (Entries: 4 Absentees: 0)

1 Ch Divnyi Drug Dar (Imp Rus) (Mrs G A Brunt) – Impressive male who stood out on entrance to the ring. Super shape, larger in size but of balanced proportions. Loved his headpiece which was correctly marked and ears set and used well. Good colour definition. Super coat, shown in pristine condition. Moderately angulated, moved cleanly front and back, side gait was balanced and brisk. Easily my DCC winner BOB, happy to see him shortlisted in the quality Group.

2 Ch Amikirs Lover Boy for Watchkees (Mrs M Harris) – Close up to my winner, and many of my comments above apply here. Another shown in great coat and condition, and a lot to like. Lost out on neck and not quite as good on the move and would prefer a slightly tighter curl to his tail. Pleased to award him the RDCC.

3 Ch Neradmik Shine On Harvey Moon (Mrs Je Ring)

Veteran Bitch (Entries: 2 Absentees: 0)

1 Torrikees Made in Heaven at Devonia VW (Mrs V & Mr S Marshall) – Pretty girl who had a lovely head and expression on good neck. In good coat but this was as little soft in texture. Straight topline ending in good tail with super plume. A little longer cast. Nice angulation and moved well.

2 Liefkees Adina (Miss J Saunders) – A taller, heavier set bitch with a strong head. Markings not as clear, but good wedge shape and nice ears. Nice topline but tail a little low set. Good coat and colour. A little upright in front angulation, but well angulated rear. Another that was a little longer cast, moved ok.

Puppy Bitch (Entries: 1 Absentees: 0)

1 Allforus Miracle of Love (Mrs C Bell) – 10 mths, pretty girl of lovely colour. Good head and expression, ears a little more upright than I would like. She had a longer coat which parted down the middle, but hopefully as texture comes that will correct itself. Nice angulation fore and aft and moved well. Nice overall shape, with good topline and well-set tail, would prefer a tighter curl. Would be interested to see how she grows on. Best Puppy.

Post Graduate Bitch (Entries: 1 Absentees: 0)

1 Devonia’s Hakuna Matata JW (Mrs V & Mr S Marshall) – 2 yrs old, shown in lovely coat although a little lacking on rear furnishings. Nice wedge head, but a little round in eye with nice specs. Good ears which had correct shape and set. A shade long, but good topline and well-set tail which had lovely curl. Moved with good front but a little erratic on rear.

Limit Bitch (Entries: 2 Absentees: 0)

1 Zandvoort Grace's Secret (Mrs G A Brunt) – Another new one to me, and I see is my DCC’s daughter! Taller bitch, but of lovely proportions. Super silver and black colour with clear markings. Correct wedge head and typical expression with well used ears of good shape. Good length of neck with nice arch. Super, well laid-back shoulder, on straight front of good substance. Moderately angulated rear. She highly scored in movement, being true coming and going, with a nice brisk side gait. Happy to award her the BCC.

2 Watermyth Cassiopeia by Mezanda (Mrs S E Lindsay) – Nice size girl in good coat with correct texture. Nice markings throughout, head a little snipey for me and ears not set as highly as I would like. Lovely tail which was set on well and had good curl. Moved well, but not as cleanly as my winner.

Open Bitch (Entries: 5 Absentees: 1)

1 Fr Ch Ostara Vita De La Lumiere D'hemera (Mrs L & Mr C Bellesoeur & Fedeli) – I loved the type on this bitch who reminded me of my original bitch many years ago. Lovely size, good compact outline and nicely feminine. Pleasing head and expression with super ear set and shape. Nice colour with good markings. Straight topline ending in well set tail but would prefer better curl. Moderately angulated front and rear, neck could have better arch. Super side gait, lovely front movement, could be cleaner on rear. Pleased to award her the RBCC.

2 Devonia Black Pearl (Mrs V & Mr S Marshall) – Nice overall type. Lovely head with good eye shape, ears slightly larger. Good spectacles. Coat of good colour but would prefer it a little less profuse. Longer cast than 1 but held topline on the move. Well set tail of good curl. Moved well fore and aft.

3 Ch Neradmik Tantrums N Tiaras (Mrs Je Ring)

Judge: Mrs C T Lambert (Sturtmoor)