Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association

I would like to thank the NEFRA Committee for inviting me to judge their Championship Show. This is my first Club championship appointment which I was delighted to do in my native North. Thank you also to my efficient stewards. I was pleased with my entry although found some classes very mixed in quality and some handlers should fuss less with their dogs in order to allow the dog to show themselves off better. My main concerns were lack of fronts and too many over angulated at the rear. However I do think we have some really lovely quality puppies coming through, and was also very pleased with my final line ups and top winners.

Baby Puppy Dog (3,0)

1. Moontorn Count On Me (Miss A & Mr L Bellamy & Nicklin) – really pleasing baby boy looking so balanced for his age, well moulded head, dark eye and melting expression, nice broad chest and good front, really good bone, tight feet held his topline and moved really well, with confidence

2. Clandrift Make It Funky (Mrs V Bowen) slightly racier than 1 and further up the leg at the moment, not as strong in front, refined head, held his topline well, moved true with confidence

3. Rainesgift Play On Words (Ms C & Mr N Lilly & Reynard) – a little less well schooled and prepared but still has a lot going for him, masculine head, good front and shoulders, good bone, held his topline, enjoyed his day out

Baby Puppy Bitch (5,0)

1. Steelriver Pure Majness (Miss S Stevenson) – a lot to like with both 1 & 2, could swap places, this pretty girl is a little bit more developed at this stage, dark eyes, good bite, lovely front, level topline, gently sloping stifle, moved true and confidently

2. Moontorn Chasing The Dream (Miss A Bellamy) very pretty girl, not quite as much of her at this stage as 1, a little longer in stifle, stood confidently and handled well, a lot to like

3. Clandrift Funky Angel (Mrs V Bowen) – really nice head, not as good as front at the moment as 1 and 2, level topline, wagging tail, a little erratic on the move with her runner

Veteran Dog (4,1)

1. Seaheart Crian at Gloi JW (Miss & Dr L Smitherman & Roberts) BVIS/BVD – 3 very different dogs here, this boy stood out for his driving movement and had the stronger front, liked his once piece moulded head and dark eye, very good bone, level topline, good showman and drove well around the ring

2. Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft (ai) JW Sgwc (Mrs H M Fox) very workmanlike, nice head, kind dark eye, worked his tail hard, in good hard condition, front ok, would like a bit more neck, moved with drive but not as flowing as 1

3. Stranfaer Get over It JW (Mr D & Mrs K Joyce) – different type, stronger in head, balanced, more angulated in the rear, would prefer more neck, moved ok

Special Veteran Dog (1,0)

1. Bramatha Brownie TAF (Miss S E F & Mr R Whittaker & Beevers) looking really well for his 10 ½ years, lovely deep liver thick coat, nicely moulded head and dark eye, good lay back of shoulder and strong front, standing on nice strong rounded feet, quite angulated at the rear, gave his handler quite a hard time, move true coming towards but away was rather erratic

Minor Puppy Dog (3,0)

1. Flatcharm How You Doin (Miss K L Holland) BPD – 3 litter brothers here and what a cracking trio just 1 day over 6 months old. All credit to the breeder. This boy took my eye, beautifully made, very well balanced and well covered for one so young, great bone, lovely head, good depth of chest, nice feet, good neck, nice dark eye, level topline, showed really well and moved well around the ring, I liked him a lot

2. Flatcharm Bing A Ling at Shennanjoy (Miss V Scaife) – also nicely put together boy, not quite the same level of maturity as the first yet but a lot to like, lovely head and dark eye, good bone, level topline, good front and moved well

3. Flatcharm Dark Secret at Churchking (Mr D J M Churchard) – a little finer than the first two and front not as well developed yet, certainly not as strong in rear, refined head, a bit uncertain on the move but just a baby, time will improve confidence

Puppy Dog (5,1)

1. Gloi Dubh Mormaer (Ms E J & Dr L Walker & Roberts) – gosh don’t they grow up a lot between Minor Puppy and Puppy! 10 months old, very mixed class, this boy maturing very nicely, lovely one piece head with a nice dark eye, lovely bone, nice feet, good width of chest, good return of upper arm, held his topline well, moderate length of stifle, went around the ring really nicely, true fore and aft, wagging tail

2. Wychwizard Forester at Tarnmillcrag (Mr J & Mrs R Pierce) 11 ½ months old smaller made male, pleasing outline to the eye, has a nice head with intelligent expression, prefer a little more length of neck and upper arm, time will develop

3. Telurn Ghost of You for Hazeyvasey (Miss A & Mr H Hazelton & Vasey) 10 months old bigger boy all together with more masculine head and longer cast but stands and looks well in profile. Would like more return of upper arm, nice level topline, wagging happily. Was a little erratic on the move today.

Junior Dog (7,0)

1. Gloi Dubh Mormaer (Ms E J & Dr L Walker & Roberts) – won Puppy Dog.

2. Rotherfield Made to Last at Steelriver (Mrs W Blain) – quite close between 1. And 2. Different type and could change places, not quite as true in movement today going away as 1. Really nicely made, liked his head, nicely moulded, dark eye, lovely chest, lovely bone and round tight feet, quite a long stifle, drove round the ring, first impression thought he was going to be my winner

3. Curlycrest's Sweet Home Chicago (Imp Nor) (Mr & Mrs M Bell) – also a nice boy, nicely moulded head, good front, bit longer cast, nicely rounded feet, held his topline well, quite long in stifle, not as well balanced as the first 2.

Yearling Dog (3,0)

1. Steelriver Isle View Robin (Mrs N Mawson) – really like this boy for his size and balance, kind head and dark eye, moved with confidence around the ring, true fore and aft. A lot to like.

2. Curlycrest's Sweet Home Chicago (Imp Nor) (Mr & Mrs M Bell) – 3rd in Junior Dog.

3. Islstrom Glen Tresta (Miss E Eaton) unplaced in Junior and looking a bit immature in this class but nonetheless is balanced with a kind head and held himself well on the move.

Novice Dog (3,0)

1. Gloi Dubh Mormaer (Ms E J & Dr L Walker & Roberts) won Puppy Dog

2. Rotherfield Made to Last at Steelriver (Mrs W Blain) second in Junior Dog

3. Westoncruive Ace of Spades by Blacktoft (Mrs H M Fox) – 4th in Junior Dog. 13 ½ month old male with a pleasing head, dark obliquely set eyes, good body, level topline, nice bone, happy disposition, just in his leggy stage at the moment.

Graduate Dog (5,1)

1. Hightyne Night Train (Miss M Hall) RDCC – really liked this boy who was my clear winner in this class. Saw on the first round that that this boy had all the balance and construction that I like, lovely one piece head and dark eye, really good forechest, strong shoulders, everything in moderation, good bone and tight feet, gentle bend of stifle, powered around the ring, very alert and attentive with his handler

2. Wyrebeck Shockwave (Miss V M Sullivan) – liver boy slightly longer in muzzle and lighter in eye, could have more front and upper arm, moved the truest of the rest of this class

3. I Know Him So Well at Rokaness JW (Mr R G & Mrs V K Burroughs) – more masculine head, would prefer stronger front, thick coat, nicely rounded feet and a good topline, not so positive on the move

Post Graduate Dog (8,0)

1. Rotherfield Secret Code (Mrs R & Mr J Anson & Mcmanus) DCC & BOS – close call between 1 and 2, really liked this boy, very stylish but classical in my view, got a great front and lovely head, moderate hind quarters, lovely tight feet, really good coat, powered around the ring, very well handled

2. Seaheart Daegan at Dexanluc (Mr M & Mrs P Mullins) slightly different in type and longer cast but got a really nice head on him with a dark eye and good front, nice feet, good bone, slightly longer stifles, presented in good condition and handled well

3. Gloi Dubh Kristofer Robin JW (Ms E J & Dr L Walker & Roberts) slightly smaller but a lot to like, lovely kind head and all in proportion, great width of second thigh,

moves around the ring very well

Limit Dog (7,0)

1. Rotherfield Just The Ticket (Miss M Hall) – a difficult mixed class, this boy caught my eye on the way into the ring, he has a really lovely classic head, dark eye, good front, good bone level topline, good return of upper arm, good spring of rib into short loin, moderately angled rear quarters and moved well around the ring

2. Flatcharm Griffin Dark at Churchking (Mr D J M Churchard) smaller boy not as mature as 1, slightly broader head skull, nice obliquely set dark brown eyes, decent front leading into nice spring of rib and short loin and moderate hind quarters, moved well

3. Wyrebeck Caught by Surprise (Miss V M Sullivan) thought he was my winner on the way round but going over him I would prefer more front also more oval/dark eyes. Very good furnishings, moved well, just not as pleasing as the first 2

Open Dog (8,0) - a hard class!

1. Windyhollows Ragged Robin JW (Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E Colson) - the most classical in overall look and balance, head ok, would like a slightly better front, nice round feet, in good coat, moved with the most drive and most true of all, , happy boy, moved with power

2. Moontorn Black Magic (Mrs C Harvey) different type although a lit to like, would have liked to have seen more drive in him today, he is very showy boy, nice finish, head a little broader, front ok, really good bone, nice round feet, good length of stifle, happy wagging tail

3. Lizzlog Shotgun Harry JW (Mrs L Walker) moderate sized male, a little out of coat today left him lacking against the others, lovely head and dark eye, good front, happy boy, moved well although a little close in rear

Champion Dog (2,1)

1. Sh Ch Lizzlog Buzz Lightyear (Mrs L Walker) stood alone but a lot to like and thought he would be the one to beat in the challenge. Moved with drive and enthusiasm, Lovely head, front ok, really good finish, a little long in bend of stifle, lovely tight feet, really enthusiastic showman, drives well around the ring

Special Liver Dog (3,0)

1. Bramatha Brownie TAF (Miss S E F & Mr R Whittaker & Beevers) Best Liver In Show, was a bit erratic in his earlier Special Veteran class but by now the young man handling him had gained more self confidence and control which showed the dog to better advantage, won him the class and subsequently in the Best Liver challenge put in his best round to win Best Liver in Show.

2. Wyrebeck Shockwave (Miss V M Sullivan) – 2nd in Graduate

3. Murphy's Treat (Miss E Shepherdson) much finer all through and could do with more bone and a darker coat colour (liver). Very attentive to his handler and handled well.

Special Working Dog (3,1)

1. Satinbaze Cracksman for Blacktoft (ai) JW Sgwc (Mrs H M Fox) BSWIS – 2nd in Veteran. A close decision but this boy won on maturity, overall balance, and driving movement.

2. Clandrift Bring Me Sunshine JW Kcwgc Sgwc (Mrs V Bowen) – less mature against 1, and not in his best coat, had the better front, but not the drive in rear as 1.

Special Beginners Dog (1,0)

1. Telurn Ghost of You for Hazeyvasey (Miss A & Mr H Hazelton & Vasey) – 3rd in Puppy

Veteran Bitch (5,1)

1. Lizzlog Nun On The Run (Mrs L Walker) BVB – didn’t look like at veteran at all! She was the most correct overall, has a pretty head, a nice front, moderate size, nice furnishings, moved with drive, true fore and aft, nice little character about her

2. Go with The Flow Dreams Can Be Joyful by Hightyne (Mr P R & Mrs C E Huyton) – more buxom lady, moderate size, a little stuffy in neck, decent front, nice tight feet, good bone, held her topline well, really nice coat and enjoying her day

3. Blacktoft Frozen in Time by Windyhollows (ai) (Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E Colson) – bigger girl overall, also a bit stuffy in neck, nicely moulded head and dark obliquely set eyes, really good shoulders, strong front, nice bone, nicely rounded feet, wagging away, just a bit heavy for me

Minor Puppy Bitch (4,1)

1. Flatcharm Regina Phalange (Miss K L Holland) sister to my MPD winner, another nice puppy really nicely put together, very balanced for one so young, beautiful one piece moulded head with dark oval eyes, lovely front, nice round oval bone, really nicely bodied at the moment, happy girl, moved true, very at one with her handler, shows a lot of promise

2. Levliann Hit The Disco (Ms G Fabretti) a month older than 1 and gave her handler quite a hard time but once settled and then when she moved there was a lot to like about her. Handler needs to put her legs beneath her front. Another nice head, good lay back of shoulder, nice topline, wagging tail, feet nice and round

3. Flatcharm Banana Hammock (Mrs L & Mr J Waller) at rather a raw stage, nice head, would like more front, needs time

Puppy Bitch (7,0)

1. Flatterhaft Santa Ines (Ms A Karlsson) BPIS/BPB very elegant bitch really carried herself very well. Lovely elegant head with a dark eye, good front and good bone, a little bit longer cast but she holds herself well and had more exuberance and confidence than I have seen before, confidence coming through and she is very elegant young lady, one to watch

2. Flatcharm Banana Hammock (Mrs L & Mr J Waller) 3rd in Minor Puppy Bitch, performed much better in this class and when compared against 3-5 she had the better overall conformation

3. Badcall Dream Weaver (Mrs H & Miss J Macpherson) heavier made bitch and not quite the elegance of head of 1&2, a little stuffy in neck at the moment, front ok, owner needs to watch pup’s weight and handling will improve in time too

Junior Bitch (5,1)

1. Hopevalley Morning Xanadu JW (Mrs M E Romeo-Dieste) 1&2 could swap places on another day, this girl finer boned, pretty head, front ok, level topline, moderate turn of stifle, she has a good coat and nice long featherings, very attentive to handler, shows herself well

2. Jetstarski Run Like Hell (Mr N, Mrs R & Ms S Whitaker) preferred initially just couldn’t get herself quite together today and her tail down but a moderate girl with a lot to like, good front, shame she didn’t settle and lacked a bit of confidence today

3. Miss Mallorys Tickety-Boo Wrensmead (Imp Swe) (Mrs S M Henesey) longer cast girl, pretty head with dark eye, front ok, good bone, level topline, moved out well but a little close in rear today

Yearling Bitch (5,1)

1. Lizzlog Naughty Nun at Night (Mrs L Walker) – really nice size and balanced bitch with a very pretty head, would like a bit more return of upper arm, nice tight neat feet, moved true, very happy girl, liked her

2. Caci's The Jewel of June at Inchstellie (Imp Swe) JW (Mrs F Mackessack-Leitch) a bigger girl whose owner could relax more and fuss with her a lot less, let her free stand. Head not as refined as 1, front ok, balanced outline and holds herself together well

3. Hightyne Guns and Roses (Mr P R & Mrs C E & Miss L C Huyton) – had the better front here and a nice head but just didn’t want to wag today, has nice bone and is nicely put together, on a different day she could do better

Novie Bitch (3,1)

1. Badcall Midwinter Dream at Inchstellie (Mrs F Mackessack-Leitch) – 4th in puppy and did much better in this class and suited this class better just needs to be a bit more confident and handler needs to stop fussing, well put together, nice front on her, nicely balanced, good coat, looking quite mature, moved well and outclassed 2

2. Levelmoor Allo Allo avec Rokaness (Mr R G & Mrs V K Burroughs) different looking dog to 1, needed more coat attention, front was ok but looked rather stuffy in neck and too heavy overall, handling will improve with more experience

Graduate Bitch (7,4)

1. Satinbaze Tranquil Sea (Miss J M Hedges) this bitch had the best front I’d probably seen all day and she was lovely to look at in profile. I really liked her. I thought she had a very typical head and nice dark eye nice, round oval bone, really balanced! A runner moved her and she did pace initially, could move better with a diff runner

2. Benvellyn Marakele Into Casblaidd JW Sgwc (Mr C & Mrs C Hewison) this girl was much finer than 1, front ok, head quite pretty into a nice neck, decent shoulders but not the presence of 1

3. Gloi Dubh Lady Madonna (Mr D Alstead) finely boned bitch, would prefer more fullness of muzzle, balanced body, handling will improve with experience

Post Graduate Bitch (3,1)

1. Hurstclough Joy of The Moors at Elmstock (Mr R D & Mrs V E Orme) liked both of these girls as they came into the ring for different reasons. This one won the class as she was a bit more classical overall with a cheeky spirit, moved very well with enthusiasm, really pretty head with a lovely dark eye, loved her front and nice round oval bone just the right size for her, moderate sized bitch, a lot to like

2. Gloi Dubh Lady Muck JW (Ms E J & Dr L Walker & Roberts) a nice bitch, a little longer cast but all in balance and flatter coat. Was a bit hesitant on the stand, went well on the move although not as driving as much as 1 and not quite the front of 1.

 Limit Bitch (10,2)

1. Stranfaer One Fell Swoop (Mr D & Mrs K Joyce) RBCC/RBIS – really liked her as she came into the ring she has definitely got show girl quality about her all through, lovely size, really liked her one piece moderate head and dark eye, nice front, moved true fore and aft, so well balanced, nice bodied, good coat, excellent bone, nice tight feet, stood beautifully and wagging very happily. Pleased to award her the RCC.

2. Wyrebeck Shes My Surprise (Miss V M Sullivan) BLB - very nice liver bitch also moved very nicely, there was a problem in this class with so many moving closely in rear and this girl just moved so true. She has got a nice head and suitable coloured eye, good front on her balanced body and good bone and feet, lovely colour and moved with style

3. Hopevalley Morning Dream of Elmstock (Mr R D & Mrs V E Orme) also liked from when she came into the ring, very classical bitch, would like a little bit more return on upper arm and slightly more refined head but she presents a nice classical picture, moved a bit close in rear today

Open Bitch (5,1)

1. Blacktoft Caress of Steelriver JW (Miss S Stevenson) – liked the first 2 here and have done the second well before but she hasn’t got her finish today after pups. This girl is a really nicely made classical bitch, lovely head, perhaps a tadge heavy over the shoulders, in good coat, and she moved away a bit close today but deserving of her 1st place

2. Moontorn Better Half of Me JW ShCEx OSW (Miss A Bellamy) still like her a lot, just coming back into condition, racy outline, well balanced, pretty head, moderate through, her day will come

3. Levelmoor Acorn Antiques via Wetnoses (Mr D E J & Mrs M A Salt) lighter in bone and not as well made in front, kind head, good topline, moved ok.

Champion Bitch (5,1)

1. Sh Ch Kazval Angel in Your Sky over Feldkirk (K Anderson) BIS/BCC lovely class. This girl is so fleet-a-foot she exuded “champion” as she floated around the ring. The other bitches were more “full”, she had more raciness about her. She has got a lovely one piece head and dark eye, nice front on her, really moderate all through tight feet, nice laid back shoulders, level back, lovely width of second thigh, tail wagging away, moved true fore and aft

2. Sh Ch Hightyne Ramblin Rose (Mr P R & Mrs C E & Miss L C Huyton) both 2&3 really lovely girls, this girl just pipped the 3rd on movement, the 3rd didn’t move quite as well with her runner but both had lovely heads great fronts and bone, very similar bitches and balance, liked them both

3. Ch Blacktoft Dancing The Blues Sgwc (Mrs H M Fox), as above.

Special Liver Bitch (2,1)

1. Wyrebeck Shes My Surprise (Miss V M Sullivan) – 2nd in Limit

Special Working Bitch (2,0)

1. Benvellyn Marakele Into Casblaidd JW Sgwc (Mr C & Mrs C Hewison) BSWB – 2nd in Graduate

2. Hopevalley Morning River Through Kimberfield Sgwc Kcwgc Sdc (Mrs R Richards) – nice workmanlike bitch, she has a very classical head and dark eye, moderate size and good bone, good layback of shoulder, carrying a little bit weight although has a big coat which can deceive, a nice bitch.

Special Beginners Bitch (5,2)

1. Badcall Dream Weaver (Mrs H & Miss J Macpherson)- 3rd in Puppy

2. Badcall Midwinter Dream at Inchstellie (Mrs F Mackessack-Leitch) – 1st in Novice

3. Wychwizard Painted Lady (Mrs C & Mr A Leavy) – pretty little bitch with lovely one piece had with a dark eye, more finely boned, would prefer more front, level topline all in proportion.