Northern & Midland Counties Beagle Club

The Northern and Midland Counties Beagle Club

Breed Championship 60th Anniversary Show - 23rd August 2025

Judge – Mrs Emily Thornton-Margetts (Maplelayne)

I would like to thank the club for inviting me to judge at this fabulous show. I was extremely well looked after throughout the day, and I must also extend my gratitude to my two stewards, Sam McBain and Louis James-Dow, who kept everything running smoothly.

A heartfelt thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing their lovely hounds for me to assess—it made for a wonderfully friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I felt the overall quality in bitches was stronger than in dogs, although my Dog CC winner was a standout and thoroughly deserved his Best in Show title. He moved with purpose and balance, showing reach and drive without rushing—he looked like he could go all day.

That said, I was disappointed to see that some hounds lacked well-knuckled feet, and I must stress the importance of regular nail trimming and road walking to help maintain tight, tidy feet. I was also concerned by the absence of soft expressions in a number of exhibits. This is such a vital feature of the breed, and I encourage exhibitors to pay close attention to preserving this hallmark quality.

MPD – 3 entries – 0ab

1st – Dawson and Goodall’s Rundle Gambler –

A lovely 7 month old tan and white youngster with a well-proportioned head, soft expression, and correct ear set. Slightly long in body at this stage, but raw and expected to body up well with maturity. Stood confidently with good bone and neat, compact feet. Coat in good condition. Engaged well with the handler and moved soundly, with a well-set tail carried correctly. BPD.

2nd – Bell-Thomas and Thomas’s Amorpapaver Copernicus

A dark tricolour, shorter in body, presenting a pleasing overall outline and confident ring presence. The head features correctly set ears and dark, alert eyes with a soft expression. Initially unsettled and playing up for his handler, but once stood, he presents a square outline with good bone and neat, compact feet. Firm topline and well-set tail, carried and moved well. Front movement just needs to tighten, which should come with maturity.

3rd – Philpott’s Campionfield Scholar From Charterwood

PD – 2 entries – 0ab

1st Hardisty’s Blunderhall Jackson

A more compact puppy showing greater maturity than others in the class. He has a masculine head with a soft expression, though I would like to see a little more length of neck. Good bone and tidy feet. Tail well set and carried proudly. Moved well. This placing could easily change on another day, but his maturity gave him the edge today.

2nd – Kingsland’s Carvaha Artful Dodger From Redcap

A very pleasing type with a clean, well-balanced outline. Masculine in head with a soft, typical expression and correctly set ears. Still raw, but one to watch as he matures. Movement showed good drive, though front action was erratic—likely due his age and/or the indoor setting.

JD – 5 entries – 0ab

1st – Baker’s Bondlea Choirboy

A lovely type with a super masculine head and appealing expression. Slightly heavier in size than ideal, but undeniably the best mover in the class, with such a reach and drive. Displays lovely bone, a well-developed forechest, and strong, well-muscled thighs.

2nd – Binks’ Tannahill Knockout

A dark tricolour with a clean outline. In a good condition with neat feet. A little unsettled initially but moved well enough for assessment. Displays a nice masculine head with good bone and neat, tidy feet. Once settled, showed sound movement and overall quality.

3rd – Statham’s Molesend Jetsam At Brigam

YD – 5 entries – 2 abs

1st – MacDougall and Kelly’s Mackhovie Elladan

A lovely type with a super masculine head and soft, appealing expression. Beautifully set ears—hanging gracefully. Tail carried freely and moved well. Displays good bone and a well-developed forechest. A nicely presented dog with plenty to like.

2nd – Foster and Jones’ Angyali Annie Mr Jack Daniels At Stormpasture (Imp Hun)

A very different type from the first, but compact with a clean outline and strong topline. Presents a smart overall picture when stacked. Shown in great condition, with tidy feet, a deep chest, and well-muscled thighs. Moved well.

3rd – Kowalska’s Figaro Laciata Sfora

ND – 3 entries – 0ab

1st - Dawson and Goodall’s Rundle Gambler – see MPD

2nd – Lewis’ Fallowfield Charming Boy

An 11 month old tricolour dog with a pleasing outline and a smart overall picture when stacked. Displays good bone and neat, tidy feet. Moved well, just needs front movement to tighten with maturity. A nicely handled exhibit, showing both condition and early maturity.

3rd - Kingsland’s Carvaha Artful Dodger From Redcap

GD – 3 entries – 0ab

1st - Baker’s Bondlea Choirboy – see JD

2nd - Kingsland’s Carvaha Artful Dodger From Redcap - see PD

3rd – Lovatt and Lovatt’s Bjornhagen Thor

PGD – 1 entry – 0ab

1st Timmins’ Timollymae Ace

Stood alone in this class, but was calmly and capably handled throughout. Displays a masculine head with correctly set ears and a soft, typical expression. Compact in body, shown in good condition with tidy feet. Moved well, maintaining balance and composure.

MLD – 4 entries – 0ab

1st Banks’ Forgebanks Santiano JW

A truly pleasing type with classic breed proportions. Masculine throughout, with an extremely appealing expression and correctly set ears that hang gracefully. Presents a striking overall picture when stacked—strong topline, well-muscled thighs, excellent bone, neat feet, and a lovely long neck flowing into a deep chest. Moved with power and purpose. I was delighted to award him the RCC today. A dog I truly admired—certainly one to watch for the future.

2nd Tanner’s Felinoak Griffyn JW (AI)

Another lovely boy I’ve long admired from the ringside. Extremely smart, with a truly masculine head and soft, appealing expression. Shows a nice length of neck flowing into a strong topline, which he held well on the move. On the day, I just preferred the stronger reach and drive of my first-placed dog.

3rd – Jones’ Clairdale Grantchester

LD – 3 entries – 0ab

1st – Fellows’ Rosanka Bridges

A lovely type with a pleasing long neck flowing into a deep forechest and well-laid shoulders. Strong topline held well on the move. Shown in good coat and condition, with tidy feet and balanced proportions. Moved soundly.

2nd – Jones’ Molesend Colt (AI)

Masculine hound of good type, slightly longer cast. Pleasing head and expression, with a well-arched neck of good length, flowing into well-laid shoulders. Strong bone, neat feet, and level topline. Moved freely and with purpose when settled.

3rd – Webster’s Rossut Vizier For Houndscoast

OD – 9 entries – 1 ab

Absolutely fantastic to see a good entry for this class! I was spoilt for choice.

1st Parker and Stevens’ Ch Serenaker Armani

What a showman! Once I had my hands on him on the table, I liked him even more. A superbly balanced hound of excellent type with a classic outline. Attractively masculine head with soft expression, well-set ears, and a good reach of neck into clean shoulders. Well-proportioned body with firm topline, good bone, and neat, compact feet. Unexaggerated in every way, moving at the correct pace — the best mover of the day, true and sound in every direction while maintaining his outline at all times. A quality exhibit, well deserving of the DCC and BIS.

2nd – Foster and Jones’ Stormpasture Saddlesoap

I really liked this boy. Masculine head with kind expression, well-set ears, and good reach of neck. Lovely forechest with shoulders well tucked in, strong body with level topline and correct tail carriage. Good bone and tidy feet. Carried a little weight on the day, but moved well in profile, maintaining his shape with purpose.

3rd – Havard’s Annavah Justify

VD – 2 entries – 1ab

1st – Lovatt’s Bjornhagen Sweet Bay Leaf JW Sh.CM ShCEX VW

9-year-old male, still showing with great style. Pleasing head and expression, with a clean neck and well-balanced outline. Level topline with correct tail carriage, good bone and tidy feet. Impressed on the move, covering the ground with ease and soundness — moving fabulously for his age while maintaining his shape throughout. A real credit to his owner.

MPB – 5 entries – 0ab

1st – Arden’s Madika Shine On

What a cracking Tricolour puppy, of pleasing proportions and overall balance. Feminine head with well-set ears and dark, expressive eyes, giving a gentle and engaging expression. Good reach of neck leading into a level topline, held steadily both standing and on the move. Straight front with tidy feet; rear angulation developing nicely. Moved with confidence and purpose. Coat in excellent condition. Shows promise for the future as she matures. BPB and BPIS.

2nd – Philpott’s Charterwood Gold Magic

What a pretty youngster who caught my eye for her extreme femininity and appealing expression. Beautifully moulded head with well-set ears and dark, gentle eyes. Strong, level topline held well on the move. Good bone and substance, with a more compact outline than 1. Moved with purpose and balance when settled. A delightful puppy with much to offer.

3rd – Dawson and Goodall’s Rundle Forever Country

PB – 5 entries – 1ab

1st – Arden’s Madika Shine On

See MPB 1st

2nd – Lewis’ Fallowfield Merry

Extremely feminine head with well-set ears and a soft, appealing expression. Pleasing reach of neck and a nicely developed forechest. Rearquarters well angulated and coming on well. Moved freely with drive when settled.

3rd – Statham’s Brigam Tainted Love

JB – 3 entries – 1ab

1st – Tanner’s Felinoak Hennessy

Petite and ultra-feminine tan and white bitch—an absolute pocket rocket! Gorgeous head with well-set ears and a sweet, engaging expression. Good coat of correct texture, neat feet, and pleasing bone. Forechest developing well; stifles well angulated and used to advantage. Moved soundly and with drive in every profile. RBCC.

2nd – Smith’s Vigor Luscious

A nice broken tri-colour bitch of good size, with a sweet expression, feminine head, and well-set ears. Neat feet and a pleasing forechest. Movement OK.

YB – 5 entries – 2abs

1st – Butters and Theobald’s Molesend Ibis Of Breskar

A super feminine tan and white bitch with a clean, flowing outline and superb angulation throughout. Pretty head with an exceptionally appealing expression; ears correctly set and hanging gracefully close to the cheeks. Long neck curving into a well-developed forechest, with shoulders neatly tucked in. Strong, level topline and neat feet. Presented in excellent condition and moved extremely well in every profile—nothing exaggerated about her. A pleasure to judge, and I was delighted to award her BCC and RBIS.

2nd – Goldberg’s Molesend Impish JW

Lovely, smart tricolour bitch—compact and full of quality. Nice long neck flowing into a deep forechest and strong topline, which held well on the move. Rear angulation is strong, with tight, tidy feet. Moved steadily, though I preferred 1’s freer movement, showing more reach and drive.

3rd – Hunt’s Bondlea Cherished

NB – 6 entries – 1ab

1st – Arden’s Madika Shine On

See MPB 1st

2nd – Lewis’ Fallowfield Magic

Nice type tan and white bitch with a feminine head and sweet expression. Quite large cast and still raw, but shows potential to mature well with time. Strong topline and pleasing rear angulation. Moved well in profile, though front action was a little erratic on the day which will likely tighten with age.

3rd – Lewis’ Annavah Rita Ora At Fallowfield

GB – 4 entries – 1ab

1st – Philpott’s Charterwood Impact

Lovely compact tan and white bitch with a feminine head and appealing expression. She holds a strong topline, is short-coupled, and moved well (when she chose to oblige her handler!) with correct tail carriage—particularly in profile.

2nd – Hunt’s Bondlea Cherished

Larger and longer cast than 1, yet still retains femininity and showing good substance. Nice long neck flowing into a deep forechest and good topline. Good feet and moved well, with tail carried correctly.

3rd – Firth’s Willasham Whotknot By Nictoney

PGB – 6 entries – 1ab

1st – Parker and Stevens’ Bellvalley Roxanne Serenaker

Super smart bitch, presenting a well-balanced and stylish outline when stacked. Still needing a little maturity, but feminine throughout, with a nicely moulded head and soft, appealing expression. Good forechest and moved with excellent drive and reach. Tail carriage wasn’t quite ideal, but she was clearly the best mover in the class.

2nd – Firth’s Nictoney Athena

Balanced and well-constructed tricolour bitch with pleasing proportions. Feminine head with dark, expressive eyes and well-set ears. Deep forechest and straight front with tidy feet; rearquarters well angulated and used effectively. She moved OK, maintaining her outline on the go.

3rd – Baker’s Koorbrats Meadow

MLB – 9 entries – 2abs

1st - Butters and Theobald’s Molesend Ibis Of Breskar

See YB 1st

2nd – Goldberg’s Molesend Jazzy JW

I loved her superbly melting expression—so feminine and full of charm. Super feminine head, carried on a long neck. Forechest and deep brisket well developed, and she moved truely with a strong topline and super neat feet. I just preferred 1’s freer movement in reach and drive.

3rd – Banks’ Forgebanks Shantung JW

LB – 7 entries – 1ab

1st – Firth’s Nictoney Gingerbread

A lovely, classic feminine type with a truly pretty head that oozes femininity and pleasing outline. Long ears and elegant neck flowing into a well-developed forechest. Lovely bone, strong topline, and tight, tidy feet. Moved extremely well in every profile—clearly the best mover in this class.

2nd – Parker and Stevens’ Serenaker Liberty Belle

A nice smart tricolour bitch, slightly longer cast than 1, but she moved extremely well with excellent reach and drive. Super feminine head with an appealing expression, carried on a long neck into a deep forechest. Strong topline and tidy feet. I would prefer a touch more substance.

3rd – Lewis’ Velenco True Love For Fallowfield

OB – 3 entries – 0ab

1st – Tanner’s Ch Felinoak Ffansi Nansi JW

Last time I judged this pretty girl, she was in Minor Puppy and seriously considered for RCC—and my goodness, how beautifully she has matured. Now a gorgeously smart tricolour bitch, presenting an extremely polished picture when stacked. Feminine head with appealing expression, good topline, neat feet, and a well-developed forechest. Moved very well with excellent reach and drive. Once again considered for RCC, though on the day I just preferred her kennel mate!

2nd – Binks’ Tannahill Calissa

A petite, compact tan and white bitch with a pleasing outline. Nice forechest, good bone, and tidy feet. Moved OK in profile—when she chose to cooperate!

3rd – Kingsland’s Brimbleway Galaxy Bar For Redcap

VB – 11 entries – 2abs

What a super class – absolutely loved judging this class and gutted not to be able to place every single bitch in this class!

1st – Parker and Stevens’ Ch Serenaker Elle’s Belles

Absolutely fabulous for her age—she really knows how to move, and other youngsters should take note! Superbly feminine head with well-defined stop and well-flew muzzle. Sweet expression, long neck, good coat, and neat feet. Tail carried well on the move, completing a very stylish picture. BVB and BVIS.

2nd – Hunt’s Bondlea Lucy JW

Super sweet and classic bitch with a feminine head, well-defined stop, and appealing expression—I just loved her ears! Well-developed chest and good bone. Moved extremely well with reach and drive, powered by well-angulated rearquarters.

3rd – Webster’s Michelroy Pimpernell With Houndscoast JW