Scottish Kennel Club

SKC Toy Group – General Champ Show 2025 

Judge: Miss Leila Tarabad (Khatibi) 

I was delighted to be invited to judge the Toy Group at SKC and was presented with a superb lineup of quality Toy dogs which made it really hard to shortlist to just 8. Making the cut but missing out on a place was the very smart and well balanced young Lowchen Ch. Jameneli Back to Black, the cobby and free moving King Charles Spaniel Ch. Baldragon Shoots He Scores, the alert and beautifully presented Australian Silky Terrier Limartine Red Inferno and the sturdy little Havanese with such a pretty face Pandaprint Full of Mischief.  

 Group 1 was the captivating Japanese Chin Ir Ch Ashaka Come to Bed Eyes Cw 24 Cjw 24 Ir Jch (Ms L Mills). From the moment I set eyes on him I was smitten! I couldn’t resist his beautiful head and expression with soft curves and large expressive eyes, everywhere I went he was looking at me as if to say ‘don’t forget how beautiful I am’! I was so excited to find that his qualities didn’t end there, well constructed, compact and squarely built with slender legs and lovely feet, carrying a beautifully marked silky coat presented to absolute perfection. Smart, elegant and stylish on the move maintaining his outline at all times and carrying himself proudly like he knows he’s the most important dog in the ring...and he was! I was delighted to see him take RBIS and can’t begin to tell you how jealous I am that his owner gets to look at that exquisite face every day!  

Giving the Chin a run for his money and taking Group 2 was the ever impressive Papillon Ch/Multi Ch Uppercut Daydream Believers with Feorlig (Imp Bel) JW Ww'24, (Mrs K F & Miss K & Mr J Ryan & Roosens & Goessens). One I have judged and rewarded previously in breed competition and now fully mature she is impossible to ignore in any company. Small, dainty and beautifully balanced, in optimum condition and carrying an immaculately presented fine, silky coat. Her head is so pretty with fabulous ears, set perfectly and used well to accentuate her intelligent expression. Her construction is hard to fault and it is no surprise that she moves so well, covering the ground easily with a light, free flowing gait, head held proudly, topline firm and tail well over her back. She obviously loves being in the ring and was handled expertly to get the best out of her. 

Group 3 was the ultra glamorous Maltese Ch Benatone Glint of Gold (Miss S & Mrs R Jackson). So impressive in outline, balanced and elegant, short and cobby in body, proud head carriage, perfect topline and tail arched well over his back. Beautiful headpiece with dark expressive eyes and fabulous pigment. Moved with purpose, flowing around the ring effortlessly with head held high and outline firm. As always from this exhibitor it was a masterclass in conditioning and grooming with his glorious white silky coat presented almost impossibly perfectly enhancing his outline even further.  

Group 4 was the exciting young Affenpinscher Ch. Sugarlane Gibbonback (Mr Ad & Mrs M Stewart & Boulcott) Only 13months old but already performing like a seasoned professional and maturing so well for his age. Such a typical, sturdy outline with short neck, well constructed front and rear, short level back with tail set and carried correctly. A really cheeky face with the darkest of eyes, neat ears, short blunt muzzle with good turn up and chin. He strutted around the ring with great accuracy his perfectly presented rough coat enhancing his outline and monkey like features. I’m sure he’s got an exciting future ahead of him.