Driffield Championship Dog Show

Driffield Championship Show (2025) – Saturday 23rd August 2025

Deborah Robbins (Brekswood)

Golden Retrievers

I would like to thank Driffield Championship Dog Show Society for their kind invitation to judge this show, it was originally postponed due to the Covid Outbreak therefore I have been waiting to fulfil this appointment for a few years. Nevertheless, the day came and I couldn’t have been happier with the entry size, the quality of the dogs and the weather which was just perfect . Thank you to my two stewards who helped the day run smoothly and for their hospitality in keeping me fed and watered. I was grateful to the show manager who arranged a ring appropriate to our entry, what a super size it was and the end ring gave the exhibitors plenty of space to sit around and enjoy their day. Temperaments were exceptional as expected. I saw some bites that were bordering on level with very little overlap (if any) and I felt some dogs were overweight which affected their movement in accuracy, lack of drive and enthusiasm.

Special Beginners Dog (8/0)

1st Keay’s Castlegolden Classy Laddy

This boy won the class on his movement which was so accurate out and back and with a flowing stride, he carried his tail correctly and maintained a strong topline. He has a masculine head with a dark eye and good pigment. His front was straight and he was strong at the rear with a good bend of stifle. He didn’t behave as well in the challenge for best special beginner and I can appreciate it was a long day for the youngster.

2nd Moore’s Tenfield Klipspringer With Auryngra

A different type to 1 but still an impressive dog with a beautiful dark golden coat. He is well balanced with short coupling and good depth to his chest. He has good bone and tight feet with strong pasterns and could stand four square with little if any placement. I liked his head and his soft expression,

3rd Ritson’s Baricia Bella Dolce

Veteran Dog (10/0)

1st Maynard’s Ch Chinnordale Cue Card JW

The most handsome dog with such an adorable head and melting expression, it is difficult to look at him without a smile . He has maintained his dark pigmentation and has a lovely dark well shaped eye. Good forequarters, deep in chest, well laid-back shoulders and a straight topline. He has well sprung ribs , short in coupling and good strength in his hindquarters. He moved very well in his class but didn’t cover the ground as well in the Veteran Challenge missing out by a whisker to the bitch.

2nd Oglivie’s Linirgor Play My Song For Glenbuie

Another lovely dog who looks far from being a veteran. He covers the ground well with a long easy stride and correct footfall. He has a good reach of neck and correct shoulder placement, straight front and super cat-like feet. He was handled and presented beautifully.

3rd Copley’s Sh Ch Monchique Imperial Beau At Emmabe JW, Ir J Ch

Minor Puppy Dog (3/0)

1st Woods Terra Di Siena Sunset Over the Horizon For Amirene

What a lovely baby, just 7 months of age and enjoying every moment with his happy nature and an ever wagging tail. He is so balanced, a good reach of neck, level topline and well bent stifle. Straight front legs with tight feet. His head is beautiful, well defined with dark pigment and dark eye. Once settled he moved really well.

2nd Davis’s Lynste Dream Boy (AI)

This (almost) 9 month puppy dog is very well made and in profile has good front and rear angulation. He is well balanced with a level topline and good length of neck. Tight feet and good bone. He is currently going through a coat change, I would love to see him again when he has his new jacket.

3rd Webb’s Waterbabies Walk Tall At Hectson (Imp Ita) (naf)

Puppy Dog (12/1)

1st Birkin-Green & Gripton’s Louellabrook Atlantic Star With Sansue

This lovely puppy dog is well up for size but not overdone and carrying the right amount of weight - I like him a lot. His front angulation is spot on and his neck is lengthy and strong. He has good length of leg, his front legs are straight and his rear hocks are well let down. His topline is level and he has a correct tail set and carriage. He has plenty of bone and tight round feet. He moves lovely with an easy stride and he is a pleasure to watch. Best Puppy Dog

2nd Boltons Goldmarker I Dreamed A Dream At Shiresmill

Another lovely puppy dog who excelled on the move both out and back and in in profile too. His outline is super with a straight topline and he has good depth of body for one so young. He has well laid shoulders and well angulated upper arm. I liked his head which was masculine and he had an amazing thick wavy coat.

3rd Mears Ambersun Winter Storm

Junior Dog (8/0)

1st McCormack’s Flyngalee Topsy Turvy JW

This boy has a super outline and it is evident he is in such good condition, he stood out in this class. He has good length of leg and strong bone with super feet. He stands four square and attentive to his handler. His front construction is very good and he has a level topine with good tail set. His stride is long and free on the move. When he matures and fills out his frame more he will be one to watch closely.

2nd Marshalls Cadwst Spring River

When stood correctly this boy presents a lovely picture however he gave his handler a hard time today and had a tendency to crouch at the rear. He is short coupled with a good spring of rib and a good bend of stifle especially when relaxed and stood naturally. Good length of neck and well laid back shoulders. He has a lovely pale blonde coat and is presented very well.

3rd Henson & Luckhams Flyngalee Hunky Dory

Yearling Dog (11/0)

1st Wooden’s Amilone Smokin Barret At Salako

This boy won this class with his overall balance, not a large frame but has everything in the right place. He excelled in movement with correct footfall and looked lovely going round. He has a typical head with dark eye and super pigmentation. Strong rear with a good turn of stifle and he has a beautiful wavy coat to complete the picture.

2nd Moore’s Tenfield Klipspringer With Auryngra

3rd McGeogh’s Ambersun Glaswegin At Nedlezah

Novice Dog (10/0)

1st Bolton’s Goldmarker I Dreamed a Dream At Shiresmill

2nd Mears Ambersun Winter Storm

Placed 3rd in a strong puppy class this handsome youngster has a lovely balanced outline with a good bone and nice feet. His head is masculine and his pigment and eyes are both dark. He moves well and carries his tail level.

3rd Davis’s Lynste Dream Boy (AI)

Graduate Dog (10/0)

1st Porter’s Shearstone Janner

I got the impression this boy could be a handful but when he was settled in his stance he presented a lovely picture with his darker golden top coat and lighter feathering. He is maturing into a lovely boy with good depth to his body and spring of rib. A good reach of neck flowed into well laid back shoulders and he has good bone and feet. He flowed around the ring carrying his tail level with his back although he appeared a little wide at the rear when moving out but improved as he got into his stride.

2nd Towers & Hendersons Baricia Bella Divino JW

This boy is well constructed and very well balanced. He has a good front assembly with a deep chest and good reach of neck. His front legs are straight and good bone and feet and tight fitting elbows. His head is masculine but kindly and he has excellent pigmentation. To be a little critical I would prefer him to carry a little less weight.

3rd O’Gormans Berrymeade Billy Summers (AI) JW

Post Graduate Dog (12/0)

1st Harvey & Andersons Alibren Rock Legend For Ashiqua

I enjoyed watching this dog move which he did with drive and enthusiasm, maintaining a strong topline and correct tail carriage. He has excellent front construction with a deep chest and good length of neck. His rear is strong and he has a good bend to his stifle.

2nd Middlemiss & Browns Harmarjoy You’re My Love JW

I also enjoyed watching this dog on the move too which like my 1st place he did very well. He has a beautiful coat with lovely waves and plenty of feathering. His head is masculine and balanced with dark eyes and pigment. He has good bone and tight feet and stands straight front and back. He has time on his side to develop in body as he gave way to maturity to the class winner.

3rd Loverock & Waldron Smiths Thornywaite Save My Space At Lovissa

Limit Dog (17/1)

This was the class of the day for the males and I could have done with more cards, dogs I really liked had to go without today. My 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings had similar attributes and they could easy swap around on different day.

1st Law’s Sandti Back Of The Net

I have previously admired this dog from the ringside and I was not disappointed when I got the chance to go over him. He has character, wanting to please his handler and he really pulled out the stops on the move, covering the ground effortless with a lengthy stride and correct foot placement. I adored his head, his expression is kind and he has dark eyes/pigment and such a beautiful rich gold coat with attractive paler feathering. He has good length to his neck and corresponding shoulder placement. Super bone and strong pasterns with tight feet. Deep in body and short in coupling. He has a good bend of stifle and evident second thigh. I was pleased to award him the CC and later BOB.

2nd Harris & Balls Wemcrest Out of This World JW

This boy has a lovely rich golden coat and was handled so well and presented beautifully. He is very well balanced with a super straight topline and correct tail set. He stands straight at the front on good bone and tight feet and is deep in chest. He has a good bend of stifle and well let down hocks and stands straight at the rear. He was pipped by the winner on maturity but never the less I felt he was well worthy of the RCC

3rd Williams Berrymeade Coeur Blimey At Busheyhall SGWS

Open Dog (12/1)

This was also a top quality class and all the dogs placed well deserved their titles and could easily trade places.

1st Laylands Sh Ch Applecoate Hearts Desire

A 5 year old dog that has matured into a lovely example of the breed. He has super construction and moved well in his class but lacked a little drive in the challenge. He has a lovely outline, nothing overdone but everything so nicely balanced. He has a rich golden coat finished by lighter feathering and plenty of it!

2nd Loverock & Waldron Smiths Sh Ch Thornywait Space Cowboy At Lovissa JW

Another dog I have admired from the side-lines and I still like him very much. He is handled and presented so well. A handsome head with good pigment and eye colour. He has strong rear quarters with a good bend to his stifle and well let down hocks . He has ample bone, nice feet and close fitting elbows.

3rd McGeoch’s – Sh Ch Nedlezah Lochlea

Special Beginners B (11/2)

1st Buckles Brazenbeacon Artemis

Although still a youngster of just 15 months she has a lot of promise with everything in the right place. One thing that stood out was her movement! if there was a special award for the dog with the most correct movement then she would have been in the running! I liked her overall outline and balance with good front and rear angulation, excellent length to her neck and well laidback shoulders. Once she comes into coat I can imagine she will turn heads. I awarded her Best Special Beginner In Breed however it was a shame there was no group.

2nd Smiths Rocamoko Funky Business

A smaller framed girl who is so attentive to her handler, she obviously wants to please. She has straight front, strong topline and with good depth to her body although a little longer in coupling than the winner. She has a clean neck and good shoulder angulation. I like her pretty head and kind expression, I also admired her beautiful coat.

3rd Taggarts Altindan User Friendly SGWC JW

Veteran B (14/5)

1st O’Gormans Sh Ch Thornywait Top Notch For Berrymeade JW SGWC

A 7 year old bitch of super quality, it is obvious she enjoys her time in the ring as she flowed around on the move covering the ground with ease. In terms of construction she ticks the boxes with an excellent reach of neck, shoulder placement and topline. Her front is straight and her rear is well angulated.

2nd Rodgers Sh Ch Rojillair Evening Magic of Odarla JW

Although this bitch was a couple of years older than the winner you wouldn’t know it as she is still very youthful. Not in the best of coats but you can’t deny that she is well made with a good spring of rib and depth to her body. She excels in her length of neck and well placed shoulders, good bone and nice feet. She sometimes has a tendency to crouch at the rear when stacked but when stood naturally her hindquarters are strong and her hocks are square.

3rd Crookes & Jenkinsons Quakerhall Victory Jubilee

Minor Puppy B (1/0)

1st Hill & Smiths Megarvey Cocomelon

It was a bit of a shock to have a standalone minor puppy after judging such large classes however this youngster would have been difficult to beat, my notes say ‘What a cracker!’ She is just perfect for her age, well balanced and with the correct attributes. She has super bone, lovely straight legs and tight feet. A level topline that she keeps on the move and a correct tailset.

Puppy B (10/1)

1st Furbanks Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace

This youngster caught my eye on my first look around and my opinion didn’t change. She is has a beautiful blonde coat and is presented perfectly. I admired her outline with a super level topline, good length of neck and correct tail set. She has a pretty head with dark nose and eye. Her front is good and straight with her legs placed well under her body. In addition to looking the part she moves correctly too with an easy stride which sealed the Best Puppy Bitch & Best Puppy In Breed Award.

2nd Lists Haydengold Latest Gossip JW

Although this girl was lacking in coat she still presented a lovely picture and like 1 has a super balanced body. I liked her pretty head, dark eye and black pigmentation and I also admired her length of neck that flows into good shoulder angulation and straight firm topline. A good bend of stifle, second thigh and strong rear. I just felt she was carrying a tad too much weight today.

3rd Taylor, Tenn & Grindeys Strettonhills Happy Hour

Junior B (13/0)

1st Shaw & Robertshaws Aurgentious Melion An Ki At Akenscales

This girl has the most beautiful coat and is presented perfectly. A good reach of neck and correct shoulder placement with good return of upper arm. Deep through the body, good spring of rib and a good bend of stifle. She moves with purpose with a good stride and correct footfall.

2nd Furbanks Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace

3rd Youngsons Linirgor Adeline At Treeveville JW

Yearling B (11/1)

1st Coles Rooksbury Aurora

I really liked this bitch and admired her as soon as she entered the ring with her stunning blonde coat which is wavy and full. A pretty head with kind expression leads to a well-muscled neck and good shoulders. Good front assembly and rear angulation and well boned with nice tight feet. I also felt she had everything in proportion with a good length of leg and short coupling.

2nd Shaw & Robertshaws Aurgentious Melion An Ki At Akenscales

3rd Wheeldon & Hurrys Dewmist Dolce Vita with Catnnels (Imp Swe)

Novice B (9/1)

1st Furbanks Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace

2nd Russells Flyngalee Dilly Dally

Placed reserve in a strong Junior Class. She is another feminine bitch with a super neck and shoulders leading to a level topline. Straight front, good bone and nice tight feet. Presented and handled beautifully albeit I would prefer her to carry slightly less weight.

3rd Norths Shinehill Florence At Tippastree

Graduate B (21/5)

1st Loverock & Waldron-Smiths Lovissa Cosmic Girl

A well-made bitch, presented and handled beautifully. She is balanced through-out with a firm topline and a correct tail set. She is very feminine and has good dark pigmentation and dark eye. Her front construction is good and she has corresponding rear angulation and straight short hocks.

2nd Magsons Castlegolden Classy Girl JW

 A compact girl who is maturing nicely, she moves well out and back with plenty of drive and correct foot placement. She has a good front assembly, deep in chest with straight legs and nice tight feet. She has a good spring of rib and firm in loin leading on to a strong rear.

3rd Harpers Tullochmohr Ray Of Sunshine At Glynerva JW

Post Graduate B (13/3)

1st Russells Grassyards Field Of Gold JW

What a super girl – everything balanced and superbly constructed. She has a delightful head, feminine with good chiselling, dark eye and pigmentation. A clean lengthy neck, good shoulder placement with a defined upper arm and good width across the chest. Perfect topline and good depth and spring to her ribs, short coupling and a correct tail set. She moves so well and freely with a good length to her stride and an excellent gait. Presented in a beautiful glossy golden coat with pale feathering. She set the bar so high, I knew she would take some beating and I was pleased to award her the CC

2nd Munros Thornywait Royal Destiny For Glenbuie JW

Another lovely example of our breed again presented in full bloom and handled beautifully. She has a lovely outline, super reach of neck and well placed shoulders. She has a strong topline and excellent rear angles and moved out well with ease. Just preferred the shorter coupling and the front movement of the winner today.

3rd Lists Haydengold Gossip Girl JW

Limit B (19/4)

1st Rodgers Ambersun Passione Of Odarla JW

I have admired this girl from a distance and I know she will have a bright future and she also has time on her side. A pretty head, with good length of neck and correct shoulder placement with a decent return of upper arm. Her topline is level and she has a correct tail set. She moves freely on good legs using her strong rear to display a good length of stride. I just wished she was carrying a heavier coat which I am sure will come.

2nd Ellis’s Tenfield Sparkling Sunrise JW

This bitch oozes in breed type, she is balanced with a pretty head with a typical expression and well set on ears. She has a good straight front with legs set well under her body , close fitting elbows and round cat-like feet. Her strong, lengthy neck flows into correct shoulders. She appears really fit, her body is solid with a good spring of rib and strong rear quarters. Unfortunately when stacked she had a tendency to pull back so it appeared that her topline wasn’t solid however when stood correctly and on the move this wasn’t the case.

3rd Falconers Soneve Simply Special For Siatham JW

Open B (9/2)

1st Foremans Ambersun Heart Of Gold

This girl can move! She flows around the ring with such an easy stride and accurate footfall and carries her tail just right and her head held hight. She carries a beautiful coat, dark golden and wavy and it gleamed in the sunshine. I liked her feminine head, dark eye and pigmentation. She has good length of neck and she has super front and rear angulation. She is fully matured and her body is well balanced with a deep chest and good spring of ribs. I really liked how she can stand four square naturally and how attentive she is to her handler/owner. A close decision and was just pipped by the CC winner but I was pleased to award her RCC.

2nd Crookes & Jenkinsons Sh Ch Quakerhall Pandora’s Bounty JW

A young 8 year old bitch who denies her age by a few years! She has everything, a good neck and shoulders, firm topline, corresponding front and rear angulation and good bone. She moves with drive and enthusiasm with correct footfall and tail carriage. I later awarded her Best Veteran Bitch and Best Veteran In Breed however it was a huge shame the group had been completed before our judging was complete.

3rd Falconers Sh Ch Contemporary Beguile Again Via Siatham JW

Deborah Robbins

Brekswood