Blackpool & District Canine Society

Blackpool & District Canine Society Ltd General Championship Show - 21 July 2025 Norwegian Elkhounds – Ms Katherine Tress – Treskha Elkhounds Thank you for the kind invitation to judge.  I was so impressed by the organisation of the show, the venue and my stewards: Helen & Pauline. The weather had been scorching in the morning but the heavens opened just as I was finishing judging the dogs so we moved inside for the remainder of the judging – my stewards were super-efficient and the judging continued seamlessly. Overall, the dogs were well presented, moved properly and had good dentition. It was an honour to see both my BOB and BJ being shortlisted in their respective groups. Junior Dog – 1 (0) – 1st Place 2262 – Kamgaard Kyffin for Brawdor (Mr M & Mrs L Stephenson) 8 month old puppy who catches your eye both standing and on the move. Excellent markings with dark face and mobile ears. Lovely wedge head with no heaviness and gentle expression. His movement was free with good rear extension showing drive.  He still has some growing to do although I hope not too much more.  I believe he will have a successful career if he continues to enjoy showing as he appeared to be a very happy boy today. BP RBD Post Graduate Dog – 1 (1) Limit Dog – 2 (0) – 1st Place 2263 – Norvin Marvel of Brawdor (Mr M & Mrs L Stephenson) 6.5 year old boy giving his handler a little trouble as his nose seemed to be working overdrive when passing the bitches in the adjoining ring! Moved out well once settled with powerful rear drive. He has a level topline and tight central tail. I would prefer better guard hairs to give better markings and improved texture of coat. Well boned boy with a short loin, masculine head and expressive face. 2nd Place 2258 – Graythor Broadway (Mr B & Mrs L A Middleton) 2.5 year old boy with better coat and markings than 1. His movement was flowing but not as powerful as 1 and he didn’t seem to be enjoying his day out. Strong wedge head although I would prefer his ears to be higher. Longer in loin than 1. Level top line and tight tail. Open Dog – 1 (0) – 1st Place 2253 – Ch Graythor Augustus at Rothenborg (Mrs J E Cowper) Solid boy who easily stands four square. I would prefer a slightly higher-set tail, but it doesn’t detract from his level topline and effortless movement.  Good drive pushing from the rear and strong straight legs reaching well at the front. As with most of the boys, the smells surrounding the ring were a little distracting although he was still attentive to his handler. Strong wedge head with no exaggeration and a kind expression from dark eyes. BD BOB Veteran Dog – 1 (0) – 1st Place 2261 – Bowerhinton Bangalore at Brawdor (Mr M & Mrs L Stephenson) 9.5 year old boy aging well and even acting like a puppy at times for his handler! As with some of the other boys he was distracted by the adjoining ring but moved out well once settled. Handler moved him a little fast, but that may have been to help distract him from the smells. Well-muscled and in proportion but a little heavy overall for my preference. Strong wedge head. BV Junior Bitch – 1 (0) – 1st Place 2260 – Laakso Julaften (Miss T Mortimer) 17 months old well-proportioned bitch. On the larger side compared to other bitches but very light on her feet on the move. Purposeful, effortless movement. Feminine head with expressive ears that are well set if a little large. Excellent markings and lovely high-set tail. Short loin behind deep ribs with no exaggeration and solid square outline. BB RBOB BJ Post Graduate Bitch – 1 (0) – 1st Place 2259 – Kamgaard Kadence at Graythor (Mr B & Mrs L A Middleton) Just short of two years old and a little fidgety in the ring. Pretty bitch with solid square outline and structure. Losing coat as is typical but texture strong and markings still very clear. Moved out well for handler and definitely showed she could work all day. RBB Limit Bitch – 0 (0) Open Bitch – 0 (0) Veteran Bitch – 1 (0) – 1st Place 2255 – Rothenborg Nanya for Balsemasi (Mr R & Mrs C Gilbert) 12.5 year old bitch carrying a little extra weight.  A happy bitch who thoroughly enjoyed her day out and her treats in the ring. She was less than impressed being asked to move around the ring but moved easily when she made the effort.  Teeth showing signs of age. Lovely feminine head and very expressive eyes that told you exactly what she was thinking.