Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

Bernese Mountain Dogs - National Dog Show 2025

My sincere thanks to the National Dog Show for the invitation to judge, it is always an honour and pleasure to judge your own breed and thank you to the exhibitors for your support and presenting your dogs in such excellent condition. Many thanks to my stewards who keep the ring moving efficiently. Temperaments were super and this is something as a breed we should be proud of, we have several promising youngsters moving through who I look forward to following their development.

Class 1617 SBD (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1st Lindsay’s Oakbern Ripsaw Rye

Medium-sized, outgoing 2 year old male who thoroughly enjoyed his time in the ring, happy and full of character. He presents with a strong, masculine head featuring a well-defined stop, flat skull, and correctly shaped and set ears that enhance his alert expression. His body is still developing, but is long in the loin, which affects the overall balance of his outline. Maintains a good topline both standing and on the move. He has sufficient bone for his size and compact feet. Moved well in profile, covering the ground with ease, though he was a little wide in front today. Further ring experience and maturity will undoubtedly enhance his performance.

Class 1618 MPD NO ENTRIES

Class 1619 PD (1 Entries) Abs: 1

Class 1620 JD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st Baldwin’s Fortonpark Top Tones

Strong 13 month old male, developing well into his larger frame. He presents a pleasing overall outline with compact, well-balanced proportions. Shows good breadth and depth of chest for his age, complemented by a lovely, well-rounded rump. Head is excellent for his stage of development, well-proportioned with dark, almond-shaped eyes and correctly set ears that frame and enhance his expression beautifully. Well-placed shoulders, leading to a strong, straight front and compact feet. Correct rear angulation contributes positively to his movement, which was sound from all angles. Shown in excellent coat and condition. A confident young dog with plenty of promise.

2nd Meakin’s Angelrain Dark Prince

14 month old male with a slightly raw appearance compared to the first. He possesses a well-sized frame with balanced overall proportions. His head is attractively marked with rich colouring, and his stop is developing well. Eye shape and colour are correct, and he has good dentition with tight flews. Neck of medium length flows smoothly into a level topline. The forechest is still developing; however, I would prefer to see more front angulation at this stage. He has a compact loin and good rear angulation. Movement was sound, maintaining a level topline throughout. I anticipate that his front will tighten as he continues to broaden, strengthen, and mature. Displays an excellent temperament, happy and confident.

3rd Edge’s Malindibeach Harlequin

Class 1621 PGD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st Wort’s Meadowpark What A Dream At Glorybern JW

I was very taken with this young male, who is already displaying the essential attributes of a classic Bernese: strong, sturdy, and workmanlike in appearance. He is of excellent size for his age, with ample substance and well-distributed bone throughout. His head is developing pleasingly, with a broad, flat skull, tight, clean flews, dark expressive eyes, and correct dentition, all contributing to a typical and masculine expression. His body is solid and well-proportioned, with balanced angulation both front and rear. He stands foursquare with a broad, deep chest, nicely rounded rump, and a correctly set tail. In his class, he moved with purpose, showing good reach and drive that reflected his structure well. However, in the challenge, he was less cooperative, making it difficult for his handler to show him to full advantage, a moment of youthful exuberance rather than any structural fault. With maturity and a little more ring experience, I am confident he will enjoy a very promising future in the breed.

2nd New’s Etterbern Forever First

A very attractive and classy 2 year old male of excellent breed type. He presents a well-balanced, harmonious outline with everything in proportion. Possesses an excellent head and expression, with correctly dark almond shaped eyes and well set ears that enhance his overall expression. Strong, medium length neck that flows smoothly into well-placed shoulders. He has good bone and straight front legs when standing. Would prefer more length to upper arm as this affects his front movement. Strong rear with excellent angulation, contributing to good drive from behind. Excellent topline standing and on the move with correct tail set and carriage. Shown in excellent coat and condition, and handled well.

3rd Lindsay’s Oakbern Ripsaw Rye

Class 1622 LD (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st Peacocke & Plant’s Bobb Vom Durrbachler Wald Taf Naf

This 4 ½ year old male presents a strong, balanced outline and carries himself with a confident, breed-typical demeanour. He has the bone, substance, and frame expected of a mature Bernese, with correct overall proportions and consistently stands foursquare. His chest is well developed, with excellent spring of rib and a compact loin. Displays good angulation fore and aft, which allows for fluid profile movement with pleasing forward reach and a firm, level topline, however he does moves slightly close behind. Masculine, expressive head, though tending slightly towards overdone. Eyes could be more almond-shaped for ideal expression. While not an especially flashy dog, he possesses many admirable qualities and was handled to his advantage.

2nd Shaw’s Meadowpark Sunshine Blend

A medium-sized nearly 5 year old male of overall balanced type. He presents a pleasing outline with no exaggerated features and moves soundly with a steady, efficient gait. Maintains a level topline on the move and stands square. Head is of good proportions, masculine without being overdone, with a gentle, breed-typical expression. Eyes are well-shaped and correctly set, and ears are of appropriate size and placement. Displays a kind and confident temperament, attentive to his handler. Bone and substance are in keeping with his frame, though he would benefit from more spring of rib to enhance overall body fill and depth. Currently out of coat, which affects his overall finish, but the underlying structure is sound and correct.

3rd Kluge’s Hugo Boss Mocne Kurpianki At Morgenmegs

Res Bridges’ Krimm Bernenska Sfora At Kernow (Imp Pol)

Vhc Jones’ Collansues Abracadabra

Class 1623 OD (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st Atherton’s Ch Valentinn Vom Durrbachler Wald (Imp Nld)

A mature nearly 5 year old male who ticks all the boxes. He presents a strong yet balanced outline with good bone, substance, and excellent proportions throughout. Stands foursquare and proud, giving an immediate impression of strength, and confidence with a forever wagging tail. Masculine head of correct shape with a broad, flat skull, well-defined stop, and strong muzzle. Excellent dark, almond-shaped eyes that convey a gentle, intelligent expression. Correctly shaped ears, set well framing his head beautifully. Clean lips and correct dentition further contribute to the quality of his head. Neck of moderate length flows smoothly into well-laid shoulders and a firm, level topline. Chest is broad and deep with excellent spring of rib, and his compact loin is strong and well-muscled. Correct front and rear angulation allow for efficient movement with good reach and drive. Maintains a solid topline on the move and covers the ground with ease. Excellent tail set and carriage. Overall, a quality example of the breed who was beautifully presented in excellent condition and handled to best advantage. Pleased to award him to CC and BOB.

2nd Baldwin’s Fortonpark Tonyone

This medium sized 2 year old male is an honest example of the breed who is well-balanced throughout. He has a clean, masculine head, correct dark eyes, and a gentle, confident expression. Correct 9:10 proportion and his bone and substance are in proportion to his frame. Structurally, he is very correct to the breed standard. His topline is strong and level, with a well-angulated rear and a broad chest with good spring of rib. He moves with purpose and soundness, maintaining a steady, ground-covering gait that is both efficient and fluid from all angles. His correct movement particularly, is what secured him the RCC today. While he presents a pleasing picture overall, I would prefer to see slightly more length of neck as he can appear stuffy at times, nonetheless, this is a minor consideration in an otherwise honest dog. RCC.

3rd Copeland’s Kernow Dollar Promises at Maxjabar

Res O'Toole’s Fortonpark Talk Of The Town

Class 1624 VD NO ENTRIES

Class 1625 SBB (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st Bailey & Williams’ Seanri Hello Again At Timarabai

A promising 12 month old female who is still maturing and beginning to fill into her frame, appearing a touch rangy at this stage. Nonetheless, she presents balanced 9:10 proportions and carries a pleasing overall outline. Feminine head with correct features, including well-set eyes and ears that enhance her expression. She moves soundly and with purpose from all angles, maintaining her shape on the move. She has sufficient bone for her size, excellent dentition, and a clearly feminine presence. Pleased to award her Best Special Beginners in Breed.

2nd Marshall’s Bernannan Heart And Soul

A 13 month old female who is typical for her age, presenting very raw and rangey at this stage of development. She presents a level topline both standing and on the move, which adds to the overall balance of her outline. Head is feminine and nicely proportioned, with a kind, attentive expression. She has a lovely temperament, calm, confident, and responsive to her handler. At this stage, she lacks adequate front angulation, which is reflected in her front movement. Rear movement is more settled, and needs time to mature and finish developing.

Class 1626 MPB (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1st King, Green & Dedman’s, Arvella Captivating Callie

A beautifully balanced 7 month old puppy who is exactly as she should be at this stage of development, full of promise and growing well into her frame. She presents a pleasing outline with correct proportions and a level topline both standing and on the move. Her movement is excellent for her age, free, sound, and purposeful, with good coordination and drive. Forechest is developing nicely, and she has enough bone for her size. Front legs are strong and straight and good compact feet. Displays good angulation both front and rear, allowing for balanced and efficient movement. Feminine head with a sweet expression; I would prefer slightly smaller ears to complete the picture. A confident, well put together youngster with all the right foundations for a bright future. Pleased to award her Best Puppy in Breed.

Class 1627 PB (1 Entries) Abs: 1

Class 1628 JB (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st Evans’ Etterbern Made In Essex For Evansly

A junior bitch of beautiful breed type, shown in excellent condition and displaying promise. She presents a strong, balanced outline with a level topline both standing and on the move. Excellent rear angulation provides her with good drive and fluid, purposeful movement. Her front is straight and strong, with well-boned legs and tight feet. While her chest is still developing, it is appropriate for her age and stage of maturity. She has a pretty feminine head, enhanced by excellent dark, almond shaped eyes that give her a lovely, kind expression. Tail is well set and carried correctly, adding to the overall picture on the move. A sound, honest young bitch with correct structure and type, who should only continue to improve with maturity.

2nd Marshall’s Bernannan Heart And Soul

Class 1629 PGB (8 Entries) Abs: 2

1st Bridges’ Oonelladream A Stolen Kiss At Kernow

A large, substantial bitch approaching two years of age who oozes breed type and makes an immediate impression. While still developing and not yet the finished picture, she displays a great deal of promise and potential for the future. Excellent bone throughout, with strong, straight front legs and good front angulation. Rear angulation is also correct, contributing to her powerful and purposeful movement. She moved with enthusiasm, showing reach, drive, and intent, while maintaining her overall balance. Attractive head, strong yet feminine, with dark eyes and a confident, alert expression. I would prefer a little more length of neck to complete the picture, but her overall outline remains harmonious and in keeping with the breed. A quality young bitch with many excellent attributes, who should only continue to improve as she fully matures.

2nd Wright & Kirk’s High Oaks Still Water Run Deep To Roesilbern (Imp)

A well presented, 2 year old female of good overall breed type, displaying balanced proportions and standing consistently foursquare. She has a pretty, feminine head with dark, expressive almond shaped eyes and rich tan markings, though I would prefer a little more back skull to enhance the strength of her head. Correct dentition. Neck can appear a touch short at times but upon examination it is of adequate length and her outline remains pleasing. She has good balanced angulation both front and rear, and moves soundly and steadily from all angles with a well-carried tail. Good depth and breadth to chest and good bone throughout. Her coat was in excellent condition which only enhanced her appearance. A calm, confident girl with a lovely temperament and much to like.

3rd King, Green & Dedman’s Hundii Vom Durrbachler Wald At Arvella (Imp NLD)

Res Wood’s Oskevabern Hocus Pocus

VHC Meakin’s Bellatrix Do Monte Dos Ursos (imp Prt)

Class 1630 LB (5 Entries) Abs: 1

1st Worrall’s Fortonpark Sweet Dreams At Oakbern

A strong and substantial 4 year old mature female of beautiful breed type, shown in excellent condition. She presents with a strong, well-proportioned head featuring a flat skull and strong muzzle, well developed stop and correct dark eyes. Strong neck of medium length leads into well-laid shoulders and a firm, level topline, maintained both standing and on the move. She has good angulation fore and aft, good bone, and tight, compact feet. Moved steadily and soundly maintaining a good outline, though she lacked a little oomph on the move today. Handled very well and displayed an excellent, calm temperament throughout. A quality bitch with much to admire.

2nd Rossall’s Stormberne Go Classical

A balanced and well-proportioned 3 year old female of good breed type, presenting a harmonious outline and pleasing overall shape. She carries a level topline both standing and on the move, and has a nicely rounded rump which completes her outline well. Her movement is sound, with particularly pleasing rear angulation and drive. She moved steadily, though I would prefer more breadth and depth of chest to enhance overall substance and presence. Pleasing head with a gentle, feminine expression, well in keeping with her type. A quality bitch with many positive attributes and a sound, honest presentation.

3rd Wood’s Etterbern Fashion Trends

Res Sokel’s Kernow Blue Lagoon

Class 1631 OB (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st Baldwin’s Ch Fortonpark Valentallina

A beautiful 2 year old female who oozes breed type from every angle. Broad, strong, and sturdy yet retaining a feminine elegance, she presents with excellent overall proportions and a true Bernese outline. Her head is outstanding, broad and well-defined with a strong yet feminine expression, dark eyes, and rich tan markings that enhance her appeal. Superb breadth of chest, excellent spring of rib, a compact loin, and a well-rounded rump all contribute to her powerful and balanced frame. She displays excellent angulation both front and rear, with a strong forechest, compact, tight feet, and good 9:10 proportions. Moved soundly and with purpose, particularly from behind, although her front movement was slightly affected today by carrying a touch of excess weight but this did not detract front her overall quality. Shown in beautiful condition with a confident and composed temperament. A quality bitch who is full of breed type that I was pleased to award the BCC, only narrowly missed out on Best of Breed to the male today.

2nd Wright & Kirk’s Ch Uk Rom Int Ch Objet D' Art Du Hameau De Baika Avec Rosilbern

A balanced and well-proportioned 6 year old female who presents a consistently correct outline. She stands foursquare with ease and confidence, always attentive to her handler, and was shown in excellent coat and condition. Her topline remains level both standing and on the move, contributing to a strong, composed presence in the ring. She has good bone, strong straight front legs, tight, well formed feet, and correct angulation both front and rear. Movement was sound and steady in all directions. Pretty, feminine in head with pleasing features, though I would prefer slightly more strength to fully complete the picture. Nonetheless, she exemplifies type and maturity. A very close and difficult decision between first and second, both top quality bitches, but on the day I just preferred the head and breed type of the winner. However, I was very pleased to be able to award her the RCC.

Class 1632 VB (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1st Watson’s Stepdashar Winters Wish

An 8 year old female displaying balanced proportions and a harmonious overall outline. She stands square and holds herself with poise, showing strength despite her age. Her topline is particularly impressive, strong and level both standing and on the move. She has a pleasing, feminine head with a gentle expression, well-matched by her sweet and steady temperament. Tail is of correct set and length, carried well and in line with her balanced movement. A good example of a Bernese veteran who represents the breed well with her soundness and quality for her age. Happy to award her Best Veteran in Breed.

Judge; Mrs Emily English