Border Union Agricultural Society

Border Union Agricultural Society

15th June 2025

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Thank you to the Society for the chance to judge at a show that I literally grew up at. The venue and organisation is second to none, but then I am a little bit biased! A big thank you to the exhibitors for the quality entry I know that for most to come back up to Scotland after having been here a few weeks previously is a huge ask. Lastly a thank you to both my stewards for the efficient running of the ring, it was greatly appreciated.

Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

1ST Llapsttam Luther Vandross (Mr M & Mr M Spall & Clark) – richly coloured 8 month old ruby boy who has a plush head and expression with a well cushioned foreface framed by well set ears and nice dark nose and eye pigment. He has an excellent reach of neck with a good spring of rib and for his age has good bone and substance. He has an eye catching shape both standing and on the move using his front and rear angulation. He moves cleanly round the ring with a gently wagging tail and nice crest of neck. He gleamed in the sunshine and couldn’t deny him Best Puppy Dog.

2ND Toraylac Conrad (Mrs C Gibson) – 6 month old blen boy who is a smaller mould than the winner. He has a delightful head and expression with beautiful limpid dark eyes, well set ears, well cushioned foreface and pigment to die for. For his size he has good bone with excellent front and rear angulation and good spring of rib. Richly marked with a lovely coat of excellent condition. He is just at that difficult development stage but when everything balances out he will trouble the best. A very exciting prosect.

3RD Toraylac Cosmopolitan (Mrs K & Mr C Price)

Puppy Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST Callyspride Cedric (Miss L & Mr L Callaghan & Todd) – although this boy stood alone in his class he was of obviously quality, heavier marked blen who is nearing 12 months. He scores for presentation and is shown in a lovely coat that is perfectly straight and excellent condition. Nice gentle but masculine expression with good earset and nice fringes to his ears. Well arched neck and good shoulder placement. He carries himself well on the move using his well muscled hind quarters to cover the ground with ease. Just needs to mature in body to complete the picture.

Junior Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Lochbuie Julius Baer (Miss S & Mr A Maclaine & Vella) – 14 month old attractively marked short coupled blen who was has a lovely straight coat of nice condition. Gentle but masculine head an expression with a good earset and nice flat skull. Lovely dark nose and eye pigment with eyes of a good shape and size. His body is nicely developed for his age and sports a level topline and tailset with a well angulated hind quarters, Moved round the ring with ease and drive keeping a pleasing outline.

2ND Ricksbury Elite (Mr B Rix) – This young man really wasn’t in a very co-operative manner today and was very unsettled on the move but displayed enough qualities to gain this placing. When he was standing he presented a lovely outline with an excellent reach of neck and good shoulder placement and good rear angulation. Nice rich markings and sporting a lovely coat in excellent condition. Dense nose and eye pigment with the desired ‘lozenge’ and a well cushioned foreface.

3RD Thekop's Si Sinor (Miss L Linton)

Yearling Dog

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1ST Lovetrac Banksy (Mr P F Lovel) – stylish 20 month old blen boy who really is from the top drawer and one of the nicest boys I have seen from this kennel. He is not overdone in the slightest and the right level of maturity for his age. He has a dreamy head and expression with the deepest of nose and eye pigment. Well cushioned foreface and nice flat skull framed by well set ears. Gently arching neck with excellent front and rear angulation and a perfectly set tail with correct carriage. Nicley broken markings which gleamed in the sunshine. He flowed effortlessly round the ring showing good reach and drive. He couldn’t be denied the CC, his second but just lost out on BoB to the Ruby who was on sparkling form. I am sure we will hear a lot more about this quality boy.

 2ND Brymarden Flawless Blush (Dr E & Dr S Rathbone & Pal) - I have had the pleasure of judging this quality boy earlier in the year and he pushed Banksy hard today. He scores for the most stunning head and expression, well cushioned foreface, perfectly set ears and nose pigment to die for. Shown in fabulous coat and condition and is a similar size to the winner. Nice short coupled body with good spring of rib and well off for bone. He has such an endearing personality that you can’t help but smile at him. Moved steadily round the ring using his well angulated hind quarters. I called him back in for the Res CC but he was slightly over enthusiastic on the move. His day will come and I am sure he will have the coveted Champion title before long.

3RD Dinitro's Rock Steady Eddie JW (Mrs T & Mr G Willis)

Novice Dog

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1ST Carsan in Your Dreams (Mrs C Mackenzie) – beautifully presented 20 month black and tan who was shown in excellent coat and gleaming condition. Nice gentle expression with good bright and clear tan markings good earset with nicely feathered ears. He has an excellent reach of neck that is shown off to advantage as he drives round the ring. Well bodied for his age and presented an excellent shape both standing and on the move. Used his well angulated hind quarters to advantage with a perfectly set topline and tail.

2ND Callyspride Cedric (Miss L & Mr L Callaghan & Todd) – See Puppy Dog

3RD Lochbuie Goldman Sachs (Miss S & Mr A Maclaine & Vella)

Graduate Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 0

1ST Beaudale Smooth Criminal (Mrs S Smith) – ruby boy who is a fabulous size and shape and presents an eye catching outline with the best of neck and shoulders. His head and expression are very pleasing with dense pigmentation and a well cushioned foreface and lovely flat skull with well set and feathered ears. He has free and easy movement at all times with well angulated hind quarters that are used to advantage and he keeps a level topline and tailset at all times. Could still do with a bit more maturing to complete the picture.

 2ND Carsan Richie Rich JW (Ms G Walker) – 23 month old tri boy who is presented to perfection, his owner is to be congratulated on her A1 presentation which draws your eyes to this boy. He has a textbook head with lovely clean cut markings and good rich tan. Well cushioned foreface and excellent set of ears. Nicely off for body and excellent spring of rib and good hind angulation. The decision was close between him and the winner but this boy wasn’t as positive in front movement today.

3RD Lochbuie Goldman Sachs (Miss S & Mr A Maclaine & Vella)

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST Carsan Hot An Tasty JW (Mrs C Mackenzie) – This blen boy of 23 months really took me by surprise. What a nice package with the richest of markings. Lovely masculine head and expression with a very well cushioned foreface and lovely dense pigmentation and perfectly set ears. He has angles in all the correct places and for me is so well balanced, well arched neck, excellent topline and tailset and well muscled and angulated hind quarters. He just flowed round the ring in his class demanding attention, the more I looked at him the more I liked him. In the challenge he was with a different handler and was a little bit unsettled. But he was definitely in my consideration for top honours and I am sure he will gain them soon.

 2ND Llapsttam Get Knotted JW (Miss S L Eccles) – well coated and presented Black and Tan with a lovely head and expression framed by well set ears. Nice proportions overall with a good neck and shoulder, spring of rib and level topline. Moved well both coming but didn’t have the tailset of the winner today.

3RD Rabymar New York (Dr M & Mr P Hood)

Limit Dog

Entries: 8 Absentees: 0

1ST Juzandia Keverne at Lovetrac (Mr P F Lovel) – richly marked nearly 2 year old blen boy was shown in excellent coat and condition. Lovely gentle expression but one that screams ‘boy’ with his well cushioned foreface and darkest of pigment with nicely flat skull and good earset with well feathered leathers. Elegantly arched neck and nicely bodied with good level topline. A little bit longer in loin than his kennel mate but he will appeal to many and I am sure one that with ordinary luck with carry the champion title. Well presented and handled to advantage

 2ND Stavonga Sky Walker Kayceekay JW OSW ShCEx (Miss A B Walker) – 4 year old richly marked blen boy who is generous and masculine in head with lovely dark nose and eye pigment with lovely broad flat skull and good earset. Ample neck and good front and rear angulation, and well bodied with fabulous spring of rib. Moved round the ring with drive and purpose keeping a pleasing outline with level topline and tailset.

3RD Legolas Aldaha Gold at Lyncraeg (Mrs L G Gow)

Open Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST Ch Ellemich American Express (Mrs M & Miss T Chapman & Ireland) – well known Blenheim boy who needs no introduction. His owner handler and her boy have such a special bond. You can tell it’s unconditional love between the two of them as there is a constant connection – the perfect duo. He has the most exquisite head and expression with clear and crisp markings, a well filled muzzle and perfectly set ears and the deepest darkest of pigments. An excellent reach of neck, leading into a level topline and well angulated hind quarters and a gently wagging and perfectly set tail completes the picture. He moved round ring with ease and he was up close with the CC winner toady, I just preferred the accuracy of footfall of Banksy on the out and back but this boy will continue to win well. Res CC.

 2ND Ch Llapsttam's Heavenly Scent (Mr M & Mr M Spall & Clark) – richly coloured ruby boy who is every inch the champion a bit longer cast than the winner but it doesn’t detract as everything is in balance and proportion. He has a lovely head that is definitely all male with darkest of nose pigment and large dark round eyes. Head is of nice proportion with well balanced flat skull and well filled muzzle. Elegant reach of neck and good front and rear angulation, he carries himself well round the ring with head held high and gently flowing tail. It was nip and tuck between him and the winner, just preferred the showmanship of the winner.

 3RD Luphenex Highland Fling (Mrs L E Dawson)

Veteran Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST Kilbarchan's Moonwalker VW (Mrs F & Mr D Hamilton & Hogg) – I have had the pleasure of judging this 9 year old man earlier in the year and awarded him well then. He has a masculine head and expression with well cushioned muzzle and good earset that framed his face perfectly. Excellent bone and good front and rear angulation, he powers round the ring with good reach, drive and purpose with a well set tail gently flowing behind him. Well bodied with good spring of rib. Whilst he is of a slightly larger frame he is still a quality boy. Was delighted to award him Best Veteran in Breed to the delight of his owner.

 2ND Bellflows The Gentleman JW (Miss C L Gilbert) – well coated 11 year old gentleman who has the sweetest of heads and expressions. Perfect head markings with lovely cushioned foreface and darkest of eyes. Well boned and good angulation both front and rear. He moved out well keeping a pleasing outline just but need to watch his weight as it detracted ever so slightly.

Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 2

1ST Kiss Kiss Du Chateau Noblesse at Ellemich (Imp Deu) (Mrs M & Miss T Chapman & Ireland) - 7 month old blen girl who put on such a polished performance. She has enthusiasm in abundance with that little sprinkle of cheekiness and the ‘look at me attitude’ that would certainly want you to kiss her. Loved her overall balance and shape and everything is in perfect proportion. Lovely head and expression with deepest of nose and eye pigment. A graceful neck leading into great shoulder placement set off with the balance and angulation of her hind quarters. She has a good body for her age and excellent spring of rib. She stands with a lovely outline and a perfect set tail but to see her move is something else, she eats up the ground. Shown in excellent coat and condition and put on an excellent performance to gain Best Puppy in Breed and the Res CC. One I am sure we will hear lots of in the future.

2ND Toraylac Celestial of Kircyan (Mrs K Price) – 7 month old tri girl who is a shade smaller than the winner. She was gleaming tan in all the correct places and is of nice coat and good condition. Prettiest of heads and expressions with well cushioned foreface and a nice shallow stop. Well balanced with good angulation fore and aft. Presented a nice clean outline on the stand, she was just a little reticent on the move but I saw enough for her to secure the placing in the class. An exciting prospect.

3RD Spindlepoint Annie Oakley (Mr R A & Mrs E Waddington)

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST Toraylac Iris (Mrs K & Mr C Price) – was quite taken by this 10 month old blen girl. She is on the smaller side but everything is in proportion. She has the prettiest of heads and expressions with well set ears, well filled muzzle and excellent pigment with nice round dark eyes. She excels in her gentle reach of neck which is only accentuated by her markings. Good front and rear angulation with well muscled hind quarters. She moves round the ring with grace and ease keeping a pleasing outline and a well set tail. Just hope she grows on to complete the picture.

 2ND Emberlace Buttons and Bows at Tangledwood (Mr I & Mrs A Gibb-Stuart) – richly marked blen with lovely pearly white marking and shown in lovely coat and condition. Feminine head framed by well set ears with good dark eyes and nose pigment. 10 months old and developing well with a good body and well boned. Moved well both fore and aft. I am sure these two will change places on many other occasions.

 3RD Lochessie Twinkle Lil Star for Moltobello (Mrs S T J Hunt) 

Junior Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 2

1ST Sweetbriar Moonstone (Miss M Craney) – 12 month old heavier marked blen who is shown in perfect coat and condition. She is a girl you have to get your hands on to appreciate her qualities, she is perfectly knit together. The sweetest of heads and expressions, I know some people will not see past the forward face marking but to me it enhanced her expression further. Lovely limpid dark eyes and excellent nose pigment and well cushioned foreface and a gentle stop. She excels in neck and shoulders leading into a level topline and tailset that is perfectly carried and set. Movement was graceful at all times and kept a lovely outline both standing and on the move, shown expertly by her young handler. I am sure with a bit more maturity she will press for top honours.

 2ND Granasil Bird in The Hand (Mr R & Mrs L A Kilcoyne) – beautiful coated and presented black and tan who is of obvious quality and was up close to the winner. Gentle head and expression with a hint of ‘cheekiness’. Good neck and shoulders placement with plenty of heart room. Excellent bone and good body proportions with lovely spring of rib and well angulated hind quarters. She moved well at all times keeping an eye catching outline. On other days these two will change places, just preferred the size of the winner.

 3RD Rahmzi's Abbie O'riginal at Khatibi (Miss L & Mr J Tarabad & Whitman)

Yearling Bitch

Entries: 9 Absentees: 2

1ST Chantismere Sweet Adeline (Mr M Hegarty) – I have had the pleasure of judging this super sweet quality girl before and gave her top honours then. She has the most sumptuous head and expression with the biggest darkest of eyes, ones you could lose yourself in. Perfect earset with a lovely flat skull. Well arched neck and good shoulders, short coupled and excellent body with good spring of ribs. She has a lovely hind quarters with well down hocks. She moves out exceptionally well keeping a lovely profile and a level topline and tailset. A quality girl who will always be in contention and was unfortunate to meet some girls on fire today.

 2ND Lovetrac Angelica (Mr P F Lovel) – an honest blen who I believe is the litter sister to the Dog CC winner and similar comments apply. She is richly marked and shown in lovely coat with a good quality and texture. Pretty in head with large dark eyes and deepest darkest nose pigment. She moves out well using her well muscled hind quarters to advantage and a gently wagging tail. A different type to the winner and I am sure her day will come to shine in the ring.

 3RD Granasil Bird in The Hand (Mr R & Mrs L A Kilcoyne)

Novice Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 4

1ST Sweetbriar Moonstone (Miss M Craney) - See Junior

 2ND Brymarden Touch of Blush (Mrs S & Mr P Poundford Rollins & Rollins) – feminine blen girl who has a pleasing head and expression and good depth of pigment. Nice proportions and well balanced overall keeping a lovely outline both standing and on the move. She has is nicely marked and has a lovey reach of neck. Moved round the ring well showing off a level topline and tailset.

3RD Bonitos Companeros Divine Blond at Tayhaar (Imp Deu) (Mrs L & Mr M Sim & Kirschbaum)

Graduate Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST Sweetbriar Sarsaparilla (Miss W Waters) – very raw 14 month old blen girl who needs to mature in body. Very feminine head and expression with lovely dark pigment and pleasing clear cut markings. She has an excellent neck and which is well arched and graceful. Level topline and tailset that she kept at all times and when standing she had a pleasing outline. Just needs to build in confidence and maturity.

 2ND Kringleholme Caprice (Mrs M E Richardson) – attractively marked blen girl who is older and more mature than the winner. Gentle head and expression with well cushioned foreface and framed by well feathered ears. Ample neck and good front and rear angulation. Moved positively round the ring.

3RD Coralvalley Special Gift (Mrs L Snook)

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Kringleholme Caprice (Mrs M E Richardson) – see Graduate

 2ND Toraylac Hello Summer (Mrs L Snook) – hyper active blen who was most certainly enjoying her day out and keeping her owner on her toes. Pretty head with a shorter foreface than the winner, dark eyes and nose pigment but still retaining her femininity. Ample neck and good shoulder placement. Level topline and tailset that was kept at all times. Well off for bone but would benefit from a little less weight. A nice bitch who just needs her enthusiasm harnessing.

 3RD Gwyrthmon Sheslikethewind (Mrs F & Mr D Hamilton & Hogg)

Limit Bitch

Entries: 11 Absentees: 0

1ST Beaudale Little Bit Naughty (Mrs S Smith) - Ruby girl who was my unexpected ‘star of the day’. There is nothing about her that is over done in the slightest, size is perfect and both standing and on the move she presents the most eye-catching of outlines with a perfectly arched neck and exquisite shoulder placement. Her topline and tailset are exemplary and when on the move carried out well and constantly wagging. She certainly was enjoying the task in hand. She has a soft and gentle expression which is so hard to get in this colour with lovely limpid dark and round eyes with a well cushioned foreface. Shown in perfect coat and condition, there really is nothing quite like ruby gleaming on the grass. In the class she commanded my attention and I really fell for her ‘little bit naughty’ side and she couldn’t be denied the CC and BoB. I am sure her title won’t be far off, she certainly deserves it. I was also delighted that she was shortlisted in the very strong group.

2ND Bonitos Companeros First Class (Imp Deu) (Mrs R Tremain) - a Blenheim girl I have often admired from the ringside and for me she fully deserves to have Champion in front of her name. She has the prettiest of heads with a lovely plush muzzle and lovely dark round eyes. Excellent earset with lovely flat skull and well feathered ears. Ample neck and excellent front and rear angulation with a level topline and tailset. She moves round the ring with ease and grace using her well-muscled hind quarters. She has such a lovely disposition and works well with her handler. I thought that she would be in with a shout for top honours and I did call her back into the challenge however today she was just carrying a bit too much weight that detracted from her overall outline.

3RD Sweetbriar La Dee Da JW (Miss W Waters)

Open Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

1ST Ch Ellemich Good Trouble with Gleniren (Mr G & Mrs I & Mrs M & Miss T Robb & Robb & Chapman & Ireland) - 2 ½ year old perfectly presented and well marked blenheim bitch who was at one with her handler. She has the prettiest of heads with the darkest of eye and nose pigment. Well cushioned foreface and perfectly placed ears with lovely feathering. Well arched neck, well off for bone and excellent body condition. Perfectly proportioned and carries a lovely outline both standing and on the move with a spirit level topline and tailset. She is every inch the champion and was in my consideration for top honours but on the day she couldn’t match the positive movement of the winners.

 2ND Kringleholme Corvette (Mrs M E Richardson) - 2 year old blenheim bitch who has a pretty head with well proportioned muzzle and the darkest of pigment and large round expressive eyes. Nicely arched neck, good body of pleasing proportions with excellent hind angulation. Presented a balanced picture both standing and on the move. Moved well at all times.

 3RD Luphenex Highland Dancer (Mr D & Mrs F Street & Page)

Veteran Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Grajenco Macchiato at Lyncraeg (Mrs L G Gow) - 10 year old ruby who has the happiest disposition and was utterly loving being in the ring strutting her stuff. Lovely head and expression with the lovely big round eyes with the darkest of pigment. Good length to her muzzle and flat skull with excellent ear placement. She is a lovely size with a flat topline and perfectly set tail. Well proportioned and balanced with such easy movement round the ring using her well muscled hind quarters. At one with her handler at all times a joy to watch.

 2ND Lewharle Izzadorable for Lynmily VW (Mrs L P Fox) - well coated 11 year old blenheim who has pleasing and attractive markings. Lovely feminine head and expression with limpid dark eyes and excellent earset with lovely flat skull. Good angulation both fore and aft with body of good proportions and excellent spring of rib and good bone. She moved out well both coming.

 3RD Turretbank Fairytale (Miss L Danks)

Judge - Kirstie McMurray (Merryoth)