Belfast Dog Show Society

My thanks to the committee and officers of Belfast Dog Show Society for inviting me to judge the toy group. Your hospitality was second to none and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. To say that judging this group was an honour is an understatement, the quality was truly stand out, I was spoilt for choice and there were dogs that I did not even shortlist that I would have happily given a placing to. I considered each shortlisted dog a terrific example of their breed.

Shortlisted but unplaced were the Australian Silky Terrier, Mault’s Limartine Red Inferno. Such a smart and well-balanced boy, in excellent condition. Straight, silky coat of correct texture and colour, beautifully presented. Sound and well built, he moved effortlessly with strength and drive. If only this breed could gain the popularity it deserves, he would be an easy Champion. The English Toy Terrier (B&T) Haffenden & Wood’s Ch Nasabe Play The Game JW ShCEx OSW. A very elegant and stylish bitch, with a lovely feminine wedge-shaped head, dark eye and erect ears giving a keen expression. Sleek coat with rich, well-placed tan markings. Moved out well with a good front extension. The King Charles Spaniel Bowles-Robinson’s Baldragon Remember Me. Such a gorgeous puppy, with a bright future I am sure, she is so charming with the characteristic soft expression. What appeals most is her compact and cobby body with well-rounded skull and large, dark eyes. She is sound and steady on the move, in time I’ve no doubt she’ll be filling the ring with confidence. The Pekingese Easdon & Martin’s Ch Yakee Jasmine. Her head and expression is just delightful, with dark and lustrous eyes. Moved soundly with the characteristic dignified roll. Short body with well good spring of rib and a strong, level topline.

Group 1 went to the Papillon Ryan, Roosens & Goessens Ch/multi Ch Uppercut Daydream Believers with Feorlig. A truly outstanding example of the breed, combining elegance with soundness and style. I judged her as a young puppy, was thrilled with her then and it so pleasing to see that she has turned out just as one would hope. She has the most delightful, appealing head of correct proportions, dark expressive eyes and large, well-fringed ears giving the perfect butterfly effect, this coupled with her movement where she just floats around the ring with lightness and precision, covering the ground effortlessly while maintaining a beautiful outline. Fine-boned yet not fragile, with excellent balance and a proud carriage. A worthy winner on the day, full of breed type and charm.

Group 2 went to the Lowchen Graham’s Ch Jameneli Back to Black. Blimey, what a showman, with a typical happy, outgoing temperament which could not be ignored, he did not put a foot wrong. He’s square, compact, well-balanced and presented and handled so expertly to get the best out of him. Attractive head with the most delightful and bright expression. He moved freely and soundly with drive, holding a pleasing topline throughout. Loved him.

Group 3 was the Chinese Crested Dog Dunlop’s Ch Habiba Hold My Purse. I could watch her move all day, so light on her feet, sound, free flowing and elegant and overall just a fine example of the breed, she commands attention. Both standing and moving she has a lovely outline, with a refined head, dark eyes and large ears.

Group 4 was awarded to the Affenpinscher Stewart & Boulcott’s Ch Sugarlane Gibbonback. He present a most typical outline for this breed. Compact, sturdy and correct proportions. Characterful monkey-like expression, framed by a harsh coat presented in very good order with no fuss. Square outline with good rib and short loin. Moved briskly and with confidence, true coming and going.

Derfel Owen