Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Darlington 14/09/25

I would like to thank the Darlington committee for inviting me to judge their Championship Show, originally I was scheduled for 2020 but unfortunately it was cancelled due to Covid. It was a pleasure to finally fulfil the appointment, and I thoroughly enjoyed my day—I hope the exhibitors did as well. My thanks also go to my excellent stewards, whose efficiency kept the ring running smoothly throughout.

Overall, I was pleased with the high quality of dogs presented. However, I did find a number lacking in muscle tone, and several with heads that were not typical of the breed. Movement in some exhibits was also disappointing, with front legs being thrown and rear movement too wide. Additionally, the lack of slope to the croup, resulting in incorrect tail sets, is an issue that requires careful attention.

VD (2,0)

1. SNAITH, Skilaki Move On Up To Bifonda Jw 8-year-old with a pleasing head and expression. Exhibits correct body length-to-height proportions, with a strong neck flowing smoothly into a level topline with a slight slope to the croup. Well balanced in angulation, well ribbed, and strong loin. Moved soundly around the ring, though a touch closer behind than preferred. Gave a strong performance in the Veteran challenge to beat the bitch. BVD and BV."

2. MCMAHON, Ir Sh Ch Silverkelvin Jupiter Over Magdala VW CW22 A 7-year-old I have judged before and still admire. Moderate in size, with a masculine head that isn’t overdone, Correctly shaped and sized ears. Slightly arched neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. Shown in good condition and moved well. Gave his handler a challenge today, at times showing the exuberance of his puppy years. Just preferred the overall proportions of the winner.

MPD (1,0)

1. PEARMAN, Weipowa Shaken Not Stirred To Britman Only six months old and still very raw, but already showing clear potential. He has a pleasing head with correct proportions. His body has good length and a decent depth of chest, plenty of bone and tight feet. Well-ribbed back with a short loin. Movement was let down somewhat by having to use a runner, but once settled he moved with ease. A youngster with a promising future..

PD (1,0)

1. CHARLISH, Gunalt The Morning After Head correctly proportioned with good width to the skull for his age. Ears of correct length. Neck well arched, flowing cleanly into well-placed shoulders. Good depth to brisket. Sufficient bone. Level topline, which he held steadily on the move. Nice bend of stifle with a wide thigh. Moved soundly with both reach and drive. BPD.

JD (3,1)

1. GATT, Sireva Maestro 16 month moderate boy of a lovely silver grey colour. Medium length neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Level top line. Decent forechest. Straight legs and nice tight feet. Moved well

2. CAIN, Lustamusk Star Ship Trooper Another very nice youngster, only just out of puppy. Attractive headpiece with a kind expression. Well-balanced body proportions, showing correct height-to-length ratio and good depth of brisket. Moved well, though I would prefer to see the tail carried slightly lower.

PG (2,0)

1. OSBORNE-FARDON, Silberliss Bombadier Two similar dogs here today, 1 took the class as the second was unsettled. Pleasing head with correct proportions, a clean, slightly arched neck flowing into a level topline with a gentle slope to croup. He showed moderate angulation both front and rear, and moved well.

2. MULLINGER, Aladdin's Genie As noted, this dog shared many qualities with the first although I did prefer the head of this dog, with ears of good length and neat fold. He has a strong neck, pleasing forechest, and well-sprung ribs, with tight feet. Movement was good, though I have seen him more settled on other occasions.

LD (6,0)

1. CARPENTER, Aschfahl Kepanye JW A dog of excellent quality with a well-proportioned head and good depth of flew, a feature unfortunately lacking in some exhibits. Strong neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, with balanced angulation fore and aft. Shows excellent depth of brisket and correct overall body proportions. Presented in tremendous muscular condition. Moved with reach and drive, and fully deserved the RCC today.

2. WHITEHEAD, Gunalt Back Chat From Stridview Another fine example of the breed. Still young, but already showing the qualities of a future title contender. Attractive head with a keen, alert expression. Strong neck flowing smoothly into a level topline. Well-developed forechest with moderately angulated forequarters. Deep brisket and good length of rib. Nicely turned stifles with decent width of thigh. Compact, tight feet. Well-muscled throughout. Moved with ease, showing good reach, drive, and correct footfall.

3. SAYER & WALLWORK, Braefell Blackthorn JW

OD (6,0)

1. CHARLISH, Sh Ch Gunalt The Hangover JW What more can be said—such a stylish young dog with tremendous presence. Beautifully balanced head with a pleasing expression and moderate length of flew. Strong, arched neck leading into well-laid shoulders and upper arm. Tight elbows and a deep chest with a flowing underline. Straight, well-boned forelegs and excellent height-to-length proportions. Strong over the loin, with good width of thigh, well-turned stifles, and low hocks. A real pleasure to watch both on the move and standing—he moved with elegance, purpose, and precision. Awarded CC and BOB, and a joy to see him placed G4

2. ISHERWOOD, Sh Ch Gunalt Schweppes At Caleydene JW A 3.5-year-old dog I thought highly of as a puppy, and he has matured very nicely. Head of correct proportions with a pleasing expression and good ear length. Strong, arched neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Balanced angulation front and rear, with good forechest and depth of brisket. Well-sprung ribs, strong loin, and good width of thigh. Moved with purpose and plenty of drive. Still a very smart dog, though I preferred the length of my winner.

 3. PHILLIPS, Mr L Sh Ch Rivertone Retrograde

VB (5,0)

1. ANDERTON, Tatze Bewitched By Thrihyrne A 9-year-old long-haired bitch with much to admire. Beautiful feminine head with a lovely expression. Good length of neck flowing seamlessly into a level topline. Balanced in outline, presenting a very pleasing picture. Well angulated front and rear, with good spring of rib, strong loin, and good bone with neat, well-shaped feet. Great width to thigh Moved soundly in her class and again in the bitch challenge, though unfortunately went lame in the Best Veteran challenge. BVB.

2. COPELAND, Sh Ch Gunalt Wondrous of Strideview JW (ai) A bitch I had not particularly noticed before, but today she presented a very pleasing picture. Attractive head with a good expression, and a moderate neck. Well-constructed front and rear assembly, with good depth of brisket. Ribs carried well back into a strong loin, with a slight slope to the croup. Moved well, showing reach and drive, maintaining a balanced outline on the move.

 3. O KEEFFE, Ir Sh Ch Gunalt Instrumental (av4) Jun Ch JD

MPB (3,1)

1. PHILLIPS, Rivertone Defying Gravity Lovely, feminine head with correct proportions. Long neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. Balanced outline with a good length of back and moderate tuck-up. Moderately angled rear assembly and smooth, efficient movement

2. JEFFERIES, Rivertone Athena Over Silbermeer Litter sister to 1 but not as advanced in development. Similar remarks apply. Shows slightly more tuck-up, with a well-turned stifle and good feet. Movement not as positive as the winner.

PB (1,0)

1. RAYNER & MASKELL, Enjager Elegance For Brownbank JW 11-month-old girl who truly lives up to her name. Gorgeous head and expression. Long neck flowing into a lovely front assembly with good forechest. Excellent body proportions—deep in brisket, ribs well back, and a strong loin. Good turn of stifle and nice feet. Moved well with reach and drive. If being slightly critical, I’d prefer a little more slope to the croup. BPB, BP, and delighted to see her go PG3.

JB (3.0)

1. SIMPSON, Sireva Maze Medium-sized pale silver bitch with a pleasing, well-proportioned head. Ears are well set and of good length. Strong neck leading into a level topline. Ribs of good length with a good spring. Well-balanced angulation fore and aft, and well-muscled throughout. Moved soundly and with purpose.

2. CAIN, Lustamusk Star Mississippi Another quality bitch, unfortunate to meet the winner today. Attractive, feminine head with pleasing expression. Good depth of brisket. Well-laid shoulders and pleasing overall body proportions. Well-boned with neat, tight feet. Good turn of stifle and low hocks. Moved very well, showing both reach and drive. Handler should take care not to overstretch which creates a sloping topline.

3. TIERNEY, Gunalt Madeira At Greyfurs

PGB (3,0)

1. MOORE, Theondale Mave The Rave At Cavalmist A very smart bitch, maturing nicely. Correct muzzle-to-forehead proportions. Clean neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. Excellent depth of chest with good spring of rib, ribs carried well back into a strong loin. Good forechest. Balanced angulation throughout. Thighs of good width. Strong bone and tight feet. Moved well, showing both reach and drive.

2. BALMER, Trapaleba Carrera Another lovely young bitch, maturing well. Correct head proportions with a pleasing expression. Well-placed ears of good length. Arched neck flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders and a level topline, which she maintained on the move. Moved very well on a loose lead. Just preferred the overall picture of the winner.

3. SPAVINS, Weipowa Wild Flush For Ashstern

LB (11,0)

1. HILL, Weipowa Ida JW My surprise of the day! Not one I had particularly noticed before, but she really caught my eye today. Workmanlike yet retaining her femininity. Beautiful head with a kind, expressive eye. Long, arched neck flowing into an excellent front assembly. Deep chest with plenty of heart room, ribs well back into a strong loin. Well balanced in angulation, front and rear, with good width of thigh and moderate tuck-up. Moved with real purpose, displaying a perfect stride and accurate footfall. All topped off with superb muscle tone. RCC.

2. MULLINGER, Sunshine Of Your Love JW A young bitch I’ve admired from the sidelines. Gorgeous head with a pleasing expression. Her neck flows naturally into a level topline. Well-angled front and rear, with good depth of brisket and elbows neatly tucked in. Good bone and tidy feet. Correct body proportions with a well-developed, broad thigh. Moved with drive and purpose. A little unsettled today, but still presented a lovely picture. So unfortunate to meet the winner on the day.

3. MCLOUGHLIN, Kalimor Tailor

OB (6,0)

1. WEST, Sh Ch Gunalt Wavelength JW ShCEx OSW A bitch I have often admired and who I have previously done well for in a Gundog Group. Lovely feminine head with correct muzzle-to-forehead proportions. Strong, arched neck leading into well-placed shoulders, flowing seamlessly from head to tail. Moderately angled front and rear, with well-sprung ribs and a strong loin. Well off for bone without being overdone. Moved with style and purpose, showing a smooth, flowing profile movement. Well-muscled and in excellent condition. BCC.

2. SAYER & WALLWORK, Braefell Bumblebee Medium-sized light grey bitch with an aristocratic head and kind expression, though I would prefer a little more stop. Long, clean neck leading into a well-laid shoulder. Level topline with good width through the loin and a slight slope to the croup. Good length of back with well-sprung ribs carried well back. Strong, wide thigh with moderate bend of stifle and low hocks. Moved well, but just outshone by the winner today.

3. DOBBS, Kalimor Summa Love JW

D Robson (Judge)