Borzoi Club

The Borzoi Club Championship Show 20th September 2025

Judge, Mrs. Elizabeth I. Dawson    (Stubbylee)

I was honoured to judge this very special show and sincerely thank The Borzoi Club for the invitation. I was originally due to judge the 2026 show following the ballot by members, this was brought forwards due to unavailability of this years’ judge. I had some lovely exhibits to go over and my final line-ups were a credit to their owners and breeders. The whole show had a cheerful atmosphere with much applause throughout the day and I thank everyone for their sporting acceptance of my decisions. My steward, Elizabet Caminade-Lavaulte, was so well organised, leaving me free to concentrate on my job. Overall, I feel that the breed is in a strange place with different styles and lacking much of the quality that we used to have, some leaving me with the impression that they would not be capable of fulfilling their work in the field against a grumpy wolf. Coats overall were presented in clean silky condition and much more enjoyable to go over than some in the past. Mouths were generally good but many exhibits with dirty teeth, this is a very important health concern and with so many options to prevent/treat this, totally unnecessary. Ask some of the more experienced breed people for advice if you are not sure. My many years in the equine industry have stood me in good stead when it comes to judging Borzois, if you watch decent horses and Borzois, you will find many similarities and requirements. Both should be capable of working over any kind of going and be safe and balanced. There is an old horseman’s saying, ‘no foot, no horse’ which can be applied to a running hound equally. If the feet are not correct, then the animal will struggle to perform to the best of its ability and will put more stress on the dog’s tendon and muscular structure. I hope this will help you understand some of my critique on feet.

Class 1 Veteran Dog (3, 1 ab)

1st   Mischran Luther (Mr. G.& Mrs. S. White) A very handsome black/white with tan eyebrows and cheeks, a lovely kind expression, dark eyes and good pigmentation. His head is adequately veined, in proportion, with a good strong underjaw, he has neat ears folded well back. His neck is slightly arched and well set on to good shoulders, he has a decent return of upper arm giving plenty of reach on the move. Legs are straight, well feathered and he has reasonable slope to pastern and well padded tight feet. A good depth of chest and spring to rib, his topline has a gentle arch and slopes to strong, well muscled hindquarters ,with correctly set tail which is carried long and low on the move. Nice length to loin, his hind legs could have a little more bend of stifle for my preference but he has plenty of drive and is straight on the move. His silky coat was presented in immaculate condition. BVD just lost out to the bitch for BVIS as slightly stiff at the end of the judging.

2nd  Jamarqui Alchemy Agent ShCEx (Mr. P. & Mrs. C. Raczka) White and red of good size. He has a lovely head and expression with dark eyes and excellent pigmentation, neat ears and good length of neck. He has correct shoulders, straight forelegs, plenty of bone, nice slope of pastern and good feet. His chest is deep, giving plenty of lung and heart room. Standing, he is a little tense causing his topline to look overdone but on the move it drops into a much better shape. I would like a touch more length to loin but he is muscular throughout and has a good width to his quarters, tail is nicely set and he carries a profuse coat which was well presented. He wasn’t quite as straight on his hind movement today as 1.

Class 2 Minor Puppy Dog (0)

Class 3 Puppy Dog (2)

1st Mischran Vilgefortz at Padztar (Mr. R & Mrs. A. Jackson) Striking red and white lovely head and expression and veining starting to come through, dark eyes and pigmentation. Teeth correct, although he was sensitive due to an accident earlier in the week. Good length of neck and well set on to decent shoulders, I preferred his return of upper arm. He has adequate bone, slightly sloping pasterns and correct well padded feet front and rear. Depth of chest is fine and he has a gently flowing topline and good length of loin, his tail is well set and carried. He could benefit from slightly lower hocks and more bend of stifle. He is in good condition and moves with drive, extension and a happy attitude. Immaculate presentation and BPD.

2nd Go Go Bolshoi Helios (Imp Hun) (Mr. D. Tomkinson) Self red of a longer and taller cast than 1. Beautiful veining, correctly proportioned head, dark oblique eyes, neat ears. Strong neck set on to gently sloping shoulders, although he could have a better return of upper arm which would give him more forward reach. He has plenty of bone and correct pasterns and feet. He has depth of chest and super topline, plenty of length to loin, nicely set tail carried well. Low hocks and plenty of drive. Coat is soft and silky and he is in good condition.  He needs to move off slower to give him time to get his balance as there is a lot of him to cope with. I feel these two boys will change places many times over their show careers.

Class 4 Junior Dog (2)

1st Lynx Tell A Tale of Albaneiler (Imp Swe) (Mrs. L. Harvey)  A good sized rich red and white with a dark mask, adequate veining and sweet expression. Head and neck of correct proportions and neat well set ears. Shoulders were good with enough return to give him reach, he has plenty of bone and reasonable pasterns. Decent depth to chest and has slightly rising topline with a gentle fallaway. Tail is nicely set and he has width and strength to his quarters which he uses well on the move. He has a lovely coat in super condition and moves with drive and enthusiasm when he gets into his stride. BJD.

2nd Jansams White Russian (Mrs. R. Ford) White and grey brindle, his head is correctly shaped and well chiselled, adequate veining for his age, lovely dark well shaped eye and pigmentation good for a light dog. Shoulder placement was fine and has decent forwards reach on the move. His front feet are too long and rear ones too short, however they are well padded. He could benefit from more rise to his topline, maybe stand his front legs a little more under him which would help. He is well angulated at the rear and moves well, coat was silky and well presented.

Class 5 Yearling Dog (2, 1abs)

1st Rosskaja Jim Beam (Mr. D. Tomkinson) Eye-catching self red, slightly taller than long at the moment and hopefully will drop with time. He has a beautifully proportioned head, lovely dark eyes and pigmentation and neat ears kept well back. A strong neck of good length, reasonable shoulder assembly, bone is adequate. Front feet are fine but the rear ones could be longer. He still needs to gain depth in chest but should come with maturity, his topline is good and tail set well on. Because of his height he needs more rear angulation and to also fill out his large frame. Well presented and light on his feet, just needs time.

Class 6 Novice Dog (2, 1abs)

1st Rua Soleil Kurazh (Imp Ita) (Mr. M. & Mrs. S. Bigland & Phillips) Cream and gold presented in good condition. Classic head with strong underjaw, dark pigmentation and eyes. Neat ears, neck length in proportion and set on nicely sloping shoulders with good return. Legs are well off for bone and pasterns fine. He has depth and plenty of heart room, his topline is acceptable and has a gentle fallaway to broad quarters, used well on the move around. Perhaps his tail could be a touch longer to help balance at speed and his hind feet longer. A happy boy on the move, just needs time to learn his job.

2nd Moj Mily Polot Kharusso (Imp Pol) (Miss. R. Thomas) A much larger striking sable over red produced in excellent coat and condition. His head is masculine without coarseness and has a kind expression, strong neck set on good shoulders, plenty of strong bone and slope to pasterns, feet are well padded but could be longer at the rear. Excellent depth but sadly his exaggerated topline spoils his outline on the move and does unbalance him on the corners. His quarters are broad and powerful and he really drives on. Lovely temperament with this boy.

Class 7 Graduate Dog (1)

1st Rua Soleil Kurazh  Comments as previous class

Class 8 Post Graduate Dog (4)

1st Nibrass Celestial Lotus At Kashiba (Miss. K. Wilenczyc) A very masculine dog, white with dark head which needs studying to appreciate, strong underjaw and in proportion, neat ears carried back. Well set neck and good shoulders, lovely depth to him and plenty of bone. He has a decent topline and loin of reasonable length. His quarters are wide, overall he is well muscled and he has low hocks which he really gets under him. His feet could be longer at the rear for my taste, but are well padded. The profuse coat with its dark overlay was produced in excellent clean condition. I would like to see him a little more relaxed on the move to get the best of him.

2nd Barnesmore Betelgeuse At Voyshka (Mr. C. Umfreville) This self red/gold has a refined head with visible veining, dark pigmentation and eyes, neat ears kept well back. He has a good length of neck and decent shoulders, enough bone and slope to pasterns, his feet are correct and well padded. Chest depth is fine as is his topline which has a gentle rise and fallaway to his rear. His tail is set well and carried low. He has lost some excess weight and his movement is so much better for it, he does carry his head a touch low which can spoil his outline and compromise his front movement. Handled well in the ring by his junior handler.

Class 9 Mid Limit Dog (1)

1st Slovyk De L’Hermitage D’Eole (Imp Fra) (Mrs. D. Cherriman) White and cream in excellent coat and muscular condition, head of good proportion and nice veining. Pigmentation is just acceptable, neat ears folded back, good length to neck, decent shoulders and return of upper arm. I would prefer a little more front extension from him, he does have the construction in place. His depth of chest is good and loin is reasonable. Topline is ok and has an even fallaway, tail could be a touch longer but is carried well. I would like his front feet a little more compact and his rear ones longer. His coat was beautifully presented and he was steady but happy on the move.

Class 10 Limit Dog (6,1abs)

1st Takatori Barnum  (Mr. M. Birmingham) Impressive white and cream male of excellent size and substance heading this interesting class. His head is in proportion showing veining, depth to underjaw, dark pigmentation and eyes. He has neat ears kept folded back, his neck is well muscled and of good length. Shoulders are ok  and have enough return to give front reach, he has good strong bones, low sloping pasterns and correct well padded feet. The topline flows nicely and he has excellent depth of chest. His fallaway is a gentle slope to strong muscular quarters, excellent bend of stifle and low hocks. His coat is profuse and presented in super condition. He has lost excess weight since I last judged him, this has improved his movement tremendously, he is now balancing his large frame much better, another year and this will be a fabulous male to be reckoned with. Pleased to award him the DRCC.

2nd Mischran Miika (Mrs. R. Ford) A dark brindle with white furnishings, not as big as first but still a good sized male. A really well proportioned head with excellent pigmentation and kind expression, neatly folded ears. His neck is lightly arched and he has good shoulders although I would prefer a slightly better return of upper arm. He has a reasonable depth to chest, just needs time to mature. His topline is fine and has good length to loin, his tail is correctly set and carried happily on the move. Hindquarters are well muscled, he is a little straight in stifle for my taste but does have plenty of drive and enthusiasm on the move. Coat is good and presented well.

Class 11 Open Dog (1,1)

Class 12 (1)

1st Ch Astragorn Zeus Glory of Albaneiler (Imp Aus) (Mrs. L. Harvey) A beautifully presented white, sable patches dog, not the biggest by any means but so in proportion throughout. His head was nicely veined and had a powerful jaw, excellent pigmentation and beautiful dark eyes set correctly. He had strength to his neck without throatiness and very good shoulders giving reach in profile, his bone is really good and he has just enough slope of pastern, feet front and rear are excellent. He has good depth of chest giving plenty of lung room, elbows kept well in. His topline is not exaggerated, length to loin is satisfactory and tail is well set on. He has powerful rear quarters and super sweeping stifles giving excellent drive and is sound and straight both coming and going, not a flashy mover but everything I want in a working dog and a delight to finally get my hands on. Presentation was immaculate with this cheerful young man and I was delighted to award him DCC and BIS.

Class 13 Special Beginners Dog (1)

1st Barnesmore Betelgeuse at Voyshka (Mr. C. Umfreville) Critique as in PG Dog.

Class 14 Veteran Bitch (3, 1)

1st Serenefol Amelia (Ms. M. Donnelly) Two lovely veteran ladies in this class, headed by red and white of classic style. Lovely head still carrying veining and good pigmentation, quite an aloof expression, head and neck in proportion, shoulders ok but could have a touch more return for me. Well off for bone and reasonable feet for her age. She has length to her body and a deep chest, loin is good, tail correctly set and carried, good coat and furnishings for an older lady and moves out well, just had a touch more in her stride than second. BVB & BVIS.

2nd Mischran Gyda (Mr. & Mrs. H. Baker & Mrs.S. White) A beautiful feminine smokey grey with lighter coloured head, lovely expression and dark eyes. Neat ears and decent length to neck, front assembly was good, adequate bone and slope to pasterns, feet well padded but would prefer a touch longer on back ones. Pleasing topline with no exaggerations, tail correct and carried well, could have more bend of stifle, movement is light and elegant but just lacking a little more extension. Coat not as profuse as one but in excellent silky condition.

Class 15 Minor Puppy Bitch (1)

1st Cennards Precious Ruby (Imp Nor) (Mrs. T. Page) An absolutely beautiful self red with dark mask, head is so pretty, feminine without weakness and has a keen expression, neat little ears kept well back and has a good strong neck, very nice shoulder assembly, plenty of bone with growth still at the knee, pasterns just right and tight feet. Her body has enough depth and length for her age with a nicely flowing topline. She is well muscled throughout, tail set and carriage is fine and she has a lovely coat. She is straight coming and going and has an easy ground covering movement in profile. For one so young, she is as cool as a cucumber and I was delighted to award her BPIS.

Class 16 Puppy Bitch (1)

1st Mischran Francesca (Mr. & Mrs. H. Baker & Mrs. S. White) Another striking self red youngster again with a dark mask, lovely veining, good strong jaw and excellent pigmentation, neck length fine and strong, good shoulders, quite a tall framed girl who needs to drop and fill out. She has a lovely topline which flows nicely and decent tail set. She is in excellent condition and very cheerful on the move which can just throw her off on the straight and back, however she will settle with time and come into her own.

Class 17 Junior Bitch (4)

1st Lynx Fairy Tale of Albaneiler (Imp Swe) (Mrs. L. Harvey) A lovely class of young ladies, lead by a white and rich gold with darker shading on her head which is strong without coarseness, she has good veining and lovely dark eyes set well. Her neck has strength and is set on good shoulders, she has good strong bone and excellent feet front and rear. Her body is well coated and in excellent hard condition, topline is a gently rising curve and the fallaway without steepness, tail is correct and carried in a cheerful manner. Her quarters are muscular and she has plenty of drive and covers the ground well. Just beat her brother on movement on the up and back. BJIS

2nd Jansams Bloody Mary (Mrs. R. Hall) White with some brindle markings, very attractive well put together head of even proportions, excellent pigmentation for a light coloured girl, dark eyes and good veining. She has neat ears and nicely set neck flowing onto decent shoulders. Her bone is good and slight slope of pastern, feet are well padded and of correct shape. Topline is good but she could stand a slightly longer loin for my taste, as with her profuse, silky coat, she can look a little stuffy. Depth of chest is fine and she has strong muscular rear assembly which powers her along really well, to be really picky, I would love her just a tad taller. However, I feel both of these girls could change places throughout their show careers.

Class 18 Yearling Bitch (3, 1)

1st Borscana Solglimt at Dofro NAF (Imp Swe) (Mr. & Mrs. D. Catalina) 

2nd, Zinarte Amarula at Cherdonski (Imp Fin) (Mr. & Mrs.G.Cherriman)

Two beautiful and feminine girls and so very little to choose between them that it was down to nit picking and a real challenge to place them, hence a joint critique. The heads are so elegant without being weak. Pigment is excellent as is eye colour and placement, good ear carriage and correct neck length, shoulders gave both decent reach in profile movement. Bone was good as was slope to pastern, padding was nice on both girls however the second could have just slightly shorter front feet. Depth of chest was acceptable as was length of body, loin and topline. Both had good rear construction giving plenty of drive, they were straight and steady, away and back and very easy profile movement. Presented in super condition and handled well from both handlers, I feel that with maturity, both girls have a lot to offer the breed.

Class 19 Novice Bitch (2, 1)

1st Mischran Nidami  (Miss. L. Sixsmith) A very pretty and feminine young white lady, an elegant head without weakness, decent underjaw and visible veining, dark expressive eyes and neat ears. Neck of reasonable length and carried well, shoulders ok, perhaps could have a slightly better return of upper arm, needs to broaden in width and front feet should be shorter, may tighten and improve with road walking or work on gravel surface. She has good depth for her age and nice overall body length, good topline for a girl, hindquarters are well muscled and she has a nice light stride with elegance in profile. Well presented and handled.

Class 20 Graduate Bitch (1)

1st Palamedees Aneira Demeter (Dr. M. & Mr. L. Collins) A really decent sized white bitch with sable markings. I liked her head and expression, quite an old and classical head of good proportions. Neat ears and decent neck. She has decent bone and shoulder placement is adequate but could benefit from more return of upper arm. She has good depth and length to her body and an even fallaway. For my taste she could stand a better bend of stifle but she is in good condition and moves steadily for her handler. Slightly close behind on the move, but should improve with time. Well presented coat in good condition.

Class 21. Post Graduate Bitch (4, 2)

1st Donskoi Cordelia (Mrs. D. Lyden) A white girl with sable head and body markings. Really nice head with decent underjaw and visible veining, neat ears. Neck length is ok as are shoulders although she needs more return to give reach, she has adequate bone and slope to pastern, sadly her front feet are too long and together with the back, could have more padding. Good topline without exaggeration and even fallaway, reasonable depth to chest and acceptable length of loin. She needs more bend of stifle to give her extension at the rear and also width to her frame. Out of coat which does not bother me at all, she is a cheerful little girl on the move and a credit to her owners’ hard work in producing her after a poor start in life.

2nd Cwmcoed Polka (Mr. L. & Dr. M. Collins) A very attractive larger style white and sable, her head is strong but feminine, good veining, lovely dark eye. Nice length to neck, like many, a little too straight in return of upper arm for me, she has decent bone and pasterns, feet are well padded. She has a reasonable topline and well muscled quarters and decent depth of chest. She unfortunately tends to move with her head down which unbalances her and spoils the picture in profile, perhaps practice with a shorter lead and lift her head a touch.

Class 22 Mid Limit Bitch (1)

1st Psovaja Ohota Shaherezada Is Charming (Imp Ukr) (Mrs. J. Marvin & Ms. M. Shyman)  A lovely old style white and torti of good size. Her head is of a decent size and makeup and she has excellent pigmentation, dark eyes and  keen expression. Her ears are neat and folded back, neck has strength, shoulder assembly is good and she has adequate bone, she could have a little more slope to pasterns but has good feet. I liked her depth and width and length of loin, topline could have a little more rise ,but still acceptable. Fallaway could be a little more gentle, tail is set and carried well. Her coat is plush and produced in excellent condition, her movement is purposeful and ground covering.

Class 23 Limit Bitch (6,1)

1st Sukeshi Anna Leopoldovna (Mrs. M. Donnelly & Mrs. J. Devereux)  This class of lovely girls could all change places on another day and the results are down to splitting hairs. 1st had the most beautiful head and expression, super veining and dark pigmentation, really nice front assembly, she has depth and keeps her elbows well in on the move. Her topline is excellent and hindquarters well muscled. I would like more bend of stifle to give more drive and her feet are correct and tight but could be a touch longer at the rear. Her movement is really easy, straight and balanced, her white with red marking coat was immaculately presented.

2nd Sukeshi Tsarina Alexandra  (Ms. Y. Odell)  Litter sister to 1, again a lovely head and expression with neat ears and correct neck set on good shoulders. Forelegs are strong and straight with just enough slope of pastern, feet are correct. She has reasonable depth, not quite as shapely a topline as her sister but well constructed and muscled quarters, again a lovely silky coat and moves well in all directions and slightly longer rear feet would be desirable for my liking.

Class 24 Open Bitch (2)                                                                                                                     

1st Mischran Lylia (Mr. & Mrs. H. Baker & Mrs. S. White) A striking self red with white furnishings. Well balanced head, strong but feminine, excellent veining, neat ears. A slightly arched  neck of good length. I liked her shoulder placement and return, bone is reasonable and elbows kept close on moving. I would prefer just a touch more slope of pastern for perfection. She has great depth, a gently rising topline which is maintained at all times, the fallaway slopes nicely and her tail is correctly placed. Feet are well padded and she moves around the ring with drive and gleeful enthusiasm alongside her handler, coat is plush and silky and presentation was faultless. I was delighted to award her the BCC and RBIS.

2nd Nibrass Queen Ethelflaeda JW (Miss. H. Kanoo) A white with dark markings, not quite as big as first but has a lovely feminine head, pigmentation and eyes dark, good ear set and neck. Shoulders are correct as is return, giving her good forward reach.  Bone is just right and just a slight slope to pastern, her front feet could just be a shade shorter but they are acceptable. Topline has a gentle arch and she has a good length of body and depth to chest. She is very well muscled throughout and has plenty of drive from powerful hindquarters, tail is well feathered and carried correctly. Her coat is not excessive but in great condition. A really workmanlike lady she looks as if she could go out and do her job with ease. RBCC

Class 25 Champion Bitch. (3,1)

1st Ch. Takatori Madam Butterfly At Saringa JW (Miss. J. Dove) Two beautiful bitches headed by a glamorous red and white presented in super coat and condition. Her head is of correct size and proportions and has a mild but keen expression, dark pigmentation and eyes, neat ears set well. Neck is strong and flows onto well constructed shoulders, bone is good and nice low pasterns, feet front and rear are decent. She has a gently rising topline and with decent loin length, stands over plenty of ground, fallaway is easy and her bend of stifle is really good and she has low hocks and moves with power and grace. Sadly in the challenge, she was not quite sound coming out of the corners, which was a great shame.

2nd Ch. Jansams Killer Queen (Mrs. R. Hall) White and gold of good size but not the overall length of 1. Her head is classical in style, dark eyes and depth to underjaw, ears are of reasonable size and kept well back. Neck is correct as is shoulder assembly, plenty of bone and low gently sloping pasterns, perhaps her front feet could be a touch shorter. She has a decent topline and depth to her chest, fallaway is easy, tail set nicely and carried well on the move. Hocks are low and she moves with drive and purpose. Her coat is silky and beautifully presented. For my preference, I would like her a little bit bigger all round, but she does give the impression that she could do her job.

Class 26 Special Beginners Bitch

1st Mischran Calanthe At Parsax (Mrs.K.Webb) A self black with tan/white. Her head is nicely proportioned with a keen expression, ears are fine and kept folded back, neck is a decent length, shoulders could have more return, bone is fine but I would prefer more slope to pastern. Chest depth is good and topline rises gently but fallaway a touch steep. Just enough bend of stifle to give drive from the rear. Perhaps her front feet could be shorter with more padding. Her coat is not long but velvety and produced in excellent condition. She does move with elegance, occasionally giving her young handler a bit of a challenge but perseverance paid off, well done.

2ndMischran Nidami  (Miss. L. Sixsmith) Critique as class 19. 

Class 31 Special Stud Dog or Brood Bitch (0)

Class 32 Brace (5)

1st Miss. C. Johnson

2nd Mr. D. Tomkinson

3rd Mr. & Mrs. H. Baker & Mrs. S. White

Class 33 Progeny (0)