Northern Counties Whippet Club

It gave me enormous pleasure to judge alongside my son at this special platinum anniversary breed club show. I am still bursting with pride as I write my critique and would like share my sincere thanks to the club for this wonderful experience; such a great initiative. Thanks also to my two very capable stewards, Mr and Mrs Howarth, for ensuring our ring ran smoothly and efficiently.

I fully appreciate the expense, time, effort and even anxiety that comes with dog showing so a huge thank you is owed to all exhibitors for the fantastic entry and support. Luke and I were both extremely pleased with the finalists in the challenges and agreed on all the ultimate decisions.

This was my third appointment at this level, excluding oversees appointments, and it is reassuring for me to share much of the same positive comments in that we have many quality female exhibits competing in numerically strong competition. Some decisions were literally agonising and it’s a shame I did not have more red cards; it is my opinion that each female in the final line up were worthy of a green and white card.

I always aim to judge with a clear mind which can be a challenge as an active whippet exhibitor and I trust my decisions and critiques evidence this as in many classes it was really was a case of judging in the moment. Maturity, performance and presentation are key deciding factors and some of my decisions could well change on another day. I do hope to have the chance to judge some exhibits again, especially to see how the youngsters develop and mature.

A little advice to some exhibitors regarding the presentation of whippets especially in strong competition; muscular condition, short nails, clean coats and handling skills/performance can and should make a big difference. A favourite saying of mine is you only get out of it what you put in to it and it is so true when it comes to successfully showing whippets.

May I take this opportunity to boast about our breed and the consistently high number of registrations, show entries and importantly the talented and enthusiastic young people involved. Lots for us all to promote and celebrate.

Veteran bitch (15, 3) What a wonderful class to begin the day and one I really enjoyed.

1 Spademan, Waddell & Morris’s Ch Crosscop Let It Shine for Supeta JW OSW. Worthy champion who is looking fantastic and no way showing her veteran years out moving many exhibits with her suppleness and energy. If I had a longlist she would have been up there and for sure as has more CCs in her. She excudes breed type and illustrates the desired combination of elegance, power and grace. This showgirl needs no more introduction from me. A pleasure to judge. BVIS.

2 Wilkinson’s Citycroft Starfall JW VW OSW. Unlucky to come up against 1. I have judged this quality lady a few times and she never lets her owner down. Denying her veteran years she moves with such grace and her footfall is so precise. Classical fawn with balanced proportions and moderate angulation. Presented in immaculate muscular condition. A credit to the owner and breeder.

3 Holland’s Crosscop Brown Eyed Girl JW. A quality girl who was very deserving of the best vintage award.

Minor Puppy Bitch (10,1) Beautiful class of promising youngsters who will change places as they develop.

1 Thomas’s Bowdonia Elphaba. Attractive silver brindle female of a stronger mould and hope she does not grow on. Won this class on maturity, sturdiness and fluid movement. Excellent depth and fill for age, good construction and shape. Would prefer more width to skull, definition and smaller ear but has a pleasing sweet expression. Well balanced, flat bone, tight feet and correct spring to pasterns. Could not be denied her BPIB award on the day for her curvy shape, accurate true footfall, effortless reach and drive in profile. Well handled and presented in lovely condition.

2 Morris, Waddell, Spademan & Mycroft’s Crosscop Temptation to Supeta. So very close to 1. Promising raw baby with much to admire. Ultra feminine and elegant with a pretty head and gentle expression. Pleasing balanced proportions but as expected for age needs to develop in body and curves and not as together as 1st on the move today. Moderate throughout and very stylish, displaying lovely freedom of action and at one with her handler. One I would love to judge in the future and I am sure will have a glowing career.

3 Mason’s Veredon Emotion at Aphrael.

Puppy Bitch (10,0)

1 Wood’s Edenwhip Harvest Moon. Classical fawn of a type I love, and won this class on maturity and accurate movement. Lovely head with balanced proportions and sweet expression. Excellent for size, shape and moderate build without exaggerations. Purposeful mover, true coming and going and free in profile. Will watch her future which I am sure will be bright.

2 Spademan, Mycroft & Higginbottom’s Crosscop Seduction. Close up to 1; today she lost out on movement but has lots of time on her side to come together and mature. Beautiful baby; lovely type, so feminine and of correct size and balanced proportions. Loved her head, eye make-up and shapely curves.

3 Howgate & Hull’s Tervanty Dragon Song at Palmick

Junior Bitch (8,1)

1 Perkins & Van Der Schaff’s Crème Anglaise’s Entourage with Silkridge. Flashy in all the right departments; appearance, presentation and movement. A very exciting quality exhibit who is destined to achieve huge success. Shortlisted for the CC in a strong line up and one I would love to judge again in the future as an adult. Gorgeous head and expression. Perfect for size, shape and substance. Balanced proportions, super construction and curvy lines, perhaps a bit steep in croup but Im nit picking. Won here on her accurate free movement from all angles. Expertly handled and in superb condition

2 Uggeri’s Bohosoul Bewitched. Lots to like about this classical fawn who was unlucky to meet 1st today. Correct head attributes with strong muzzle, defined stop, width of skull, fine ears and keen expression. Balanced body proportions, moderate and curvy with good bone, sloping pasterns and well knuckled feet. Admired her profile action but was a bit erratic coming and going today which could improve with schooling.

3 Bower’s Saraquele Snow Over It

Yearling bitch (9,2) Toughest class of the day and I believe the first three will deservedly gain their title. I really was splitting hairs and they will no doubt swap places.

1 Morland’s Zoraden Gossip Girl JW. A very typical quality young whippet who is excellent for size, substance and shape. Mature for her age and showed her socks off. Pleasing balanced proportions, nothing exaggerated and displaying perfect muscular condition and soundness. Won this competitive class on her accurate effortless footfall with true supple daisy cutting action. She never missed a beat. Beautiful head with good definition, charming expression and fine rose shaped ears. Text book front assembly, deep and capacious body, curvy outline which she held on the move. Excellent bladed bone, knuckled feet, sloping pasterns and bend of stifle. Shouts moderation. Immaculate condition and presentation. Lots to love and shortlisted for the CC; her crown can’t be far away.

2 Spademan, Mycroft, Morris & Waddell’s Crosscop California Barbie from Supeta JW. Pale fawn beautiful female of my ideal type and general appearance. Very very close to 1st. She is the one I would take home and admire every day on my sofa. Right maturity for age and can only improve, I would love to judge her again as an adult when she has more body capacity and curves. In my opinion she is top drawer and worthy of her title. She fills my eye with her exquisite balanced and expressive head. Correctly constructed with moderate angulation. Good width moving coming and going but footfall not as precise as 1 today. Admired her freedom of action in profile. She responds to her handler perfectly and has that extra special ingredient of ring presence.

3 Akerboom & Peter’s Crème Anglaise’s Entourage on Tour (ATCBB1448NLD). No disgrace to be placed 3rd in this super class and worthy of a critique. She immediately caught my eye as she entered the ring and has lots of quality attributes, loved her outline. A bit erratic moving today to assess properly and quite raw compared to 1 and 2 but I am sure she will mature into a beautiful successful whippet. One to watch and would love to own.

Maiden Bitch (7,2)

1 Spademan, Mycroft & Higginbottom’s Crosscop Seduction

2 Bower’s Saraquele Snow Over It. 3rd in JB. Very feminine pretty fawn female of nice size and substance. Typical head with alert expression and neat ears. Enough return of upper arm, curvy underline and good width of thigh. Moved energetically with good reach and drive. Would prefer more shape to topline standing and moving. Super condition.

3 Lloyd’s Penwincoed Betty Boop

Novice Bitch (7,1)

1 Marston-Pollock’s Falconcrag On It. 6mths quality brindle raw baby who is sure to mature into a beautiful adult. Headed a tough class based on type, shape and movement. Needs to settle and strengthen coming towards as expected for one so young but displayed good width and was light and free in profile. Sweet head, elegant and moderate throughout with desired curves. Superbly handled and presented in good condition. Another exciting exhibit who I hope to judge again.

2 Howgate & Hull’s Tervanty Dragon Song at Palmick. Very attractive pale fawn puppy with the most gorgeous headpiece and melting expression. As expected from this kennel she exudes breed type and portrays the general appearance of a quality whippet. Smooth curvy lines, good depth and length and stands over a lot of ground. Lost on movement today as was a bit wide and loose coming towards but hopefully this will improve as she matures. Expertly handled and conditioned.

3 Cahill & Timberlake’s Ardencote Dance a Dream at Chipperlake. So unlucky to compete with 1 & 2 today, a very sweet well bred youngster.

Special Beginner Bitch (14,4)

1 Parkinson’s Groomsville Hologem Heavens Dream. Feminine brindle girl who I have judged before and she still impresses me for her elegance and accurate movement. Very unassuming, difficult to fault and pleasing to go over. Correct head attributes, good for size and balanced proportions. Presented in muscular condition.

2 Carr’s Jothryn True Way Love. Close up to 1. Lots to like about this pretty young feminine girl. Beautiful expressive head, strong neck, curvy lines, and moderate angulation. Correct bone, feet and spring of pastern. Could be tidier coming and going but moved well in profile. Well presented.

3 Nicholson’s Supetas Becoz Im Worth It.

Graduate Bitch (17.1)

1 Sampson’s Zoraden Orange Is Da New Blue At Romaclove. This red classical young female was my guilty pleasure of the day. So smooth to go over and very well constructed. Typical head, super pigment and keen expression. Moderate throughout with curves in all the right places. She gives her handler a hard time when moving but she is true and displays lots of energy.

2 Salkeld & Graham’s Dalerafenn Follow A Dream JW. Another classy fawn whippet who is very well made and a credit to her owner/breeder. Good for size, shape and substance with excellent depth and body capacity. Moderate angulation, curvy lines and fit condition. Today she was moving a bit too wide coming towards but displayed free profile movement.

3 Ugerri’s Five Star Ladies Soulad By Bohosoul.

Post Graduate Bitch (14,1)

1 Turner’s Gilknockie Kinda Cool. Very attractive silver brindle feminine bitch epitomising the general appearance of a whippet with her exceptional balanced combination of power, elegance and grace. Super head proportions with beautiful expression. Strong neck, correct front assembly, desired curves, depth of brisket and moderate angulation. Would prefer longer tail. She is a little tense on the table but on the floor, she stands naturally over a lot of ground and has so much presence. Could not be denied this award based on her supple movement; true fore and aft with a long low stride and energetic drive. Could watch her move all day; she is a wonderful example of the breed and I sincerely hope she achieves her deserved title as she relaxes more. RCC

2 Parkinson’s Groomsville Hologem Heavens Dream.

3 Myers Supeta’s Taste The Rainbow With Astrazone.

Mid Limit Bitch (9,1) Super class!

1 Akerboom, Van Der Schaaf & Perkins Silkridge Black Dahlia. Stunning black w/t lady who is so ‘whippety’! A new exhibit to me and my lovely surprise of the day. She caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring and I never stopped smiling each time I looked at her. Highest example of elegance, power, grace and strength. Beautiful head with correct width of skull, strong muzzle, fine ears and alert expression. Long arched neck, excellent balanced front and rear angulation and my hands glided over her shapely curves. Covers a lot of ground standing, good length of leg, flat bone and well knuckled feet. In gleaming ‘glass’ coat and perfect muscular condition. Super width moving away, could be a bit tidier coming towards but that’s just one detail! It was her profile movement that blew me away; she literally does ‘tear up the floor’ with an impressive and captivating, low and long effortless extension and propelling drive. Today was her time to shine and she screamed the loudest for the CC in the best competition. In the BOB challenge she appeared unsettled and was narrowly beaten by the on form mature males. BCC.

2 Howgate & Hull’s Palmick Truth About Love JW. A very beautiful pale fawn lady of a different type to 1 but many of the same attributes. Prettiest of heads, lovely to go over her smooth outline, super bone, spring of pastern and correct feet. Very sound and displaying great freedom of action in profile. Shortlisted for the RCC but would just prefer a bit more shape to topline on the move. Very nice exhibit and presented to perfection.

3 Thomas’s Bowdonia Sky Full Of Stars JW. Full of quality who was unlucky to meet 1 and 2 today.

Limit Bitch (17,3)

1 Uggeri’s Bohosoul Storming Thru. A quality fawn w/t female of excellent type, combining elegance, femininity and substance. Lovely head and expression. Admired her size, curvy lines and moderate construction. Not the fluidity in movement to match my shortlisted winners in a very strong challenge but it was her type and movement that deservedly won her this class.

2 Whitehead & Smith’s Crème Anglaise’s Lady Bridgerton of Citycroft (Imp NLD). Well bred, attractive fawn w/t bitch of a super size, shape and substance. Unfortunately, today she would not perform and it was difficult to assess her movement. Nonetheless she is undoubtedly a quality whippet and should gain her title easily. Lovely underhand with a moderate curvy outline and smooth shoulders. Appealing expression and super pigment but would prefer a smaller ear. Presented in excellent condition.

3 Marston-Pollock’s Falconcrag Gold Digger.

Open Bitch (8,0) Lucky me to judge this class!

1 Perkins Ch Citycroft Americano With Silkridge. Super champion girl who I awarded a RCC to as a puppy and she has matured beautifully. Shortlisted for the CC and I am sure her owner/breeders were delighted on this occasion that she lost out on high honours today to her daughter proving she is also a good brood. The only thing I would change about this very whippety girl is her head, would just prefer more width of skull but this is a minor detail. She was up there and my third best female on the day due to her outstanding movement from all angles; she is so supple and displays excellent extension. Perfect for size, shape, curves and condition and will no doubt win more CCs.

2 Akerboom & Van Der Shaaf’s Crème Anglaise’s Thistle Be Perfect. What a tough but exciting decision to have to make. Loved lots about this quality brindle parti champion and on another day she could be my winner. Pretty head, elegant and moderate throughout. Very well constructed with balanced proportions. Moved so soundly and freely. She is a beauty and was presented in immaculate fit condition and is a credit to this successful kennel.

3 Mason’s Ch Veredon Laurent Perrier For Aphrael. Classical and so typey, a worthy champion.

Special Open (Blue/Black) Bitch.

1 Finch’s Starceylon Queen Of Dorne and Zenobia JW. My notes say loved this quality ultra feminine black w/t lady. Presented in gleaming condition and moved true and soundly. A pleasure to go over her smooth, curvy, moderate outline and was in my longlist, just a shame she was up against very strong competition today.

2 Mason’s Veredon Emotion at Aphrael. 3rd in MPB. Lots to admire about this black w/t typey and fit for purpose female. Lovely smooth curves, typical head with sweet expression, excellent coat and skin. Well balanced, moderate angulation, stands on strong feet with good length of leg. Moves true with decent drive and freedom of action.

3 Sampson’s Romaclove The Power Of Love.

Helen Johnston