British Utility Breeds Association

Junior Handling Association 

Utility Semi-finals

6th December 2025

What an honour to judge  the JHA semi finals in the group I love. Well done to each and every handler entered today, you all did amazing jobs. A couple of things I noted was there was a fair few who incorrectly showed the bite when I asked for the teeth – which should be all three sides, along side this, there was also a lot of messy leads or covering eyes when showing the teeth. I asked every handler for the same thing, just a triangle. I would suggest all handlers to practise an even triangle. I stood off to one side when I asked for a triangle, which means you should not use the entire of the ring, which everyone did, incorrectly. All in all, there was lots of wonderful sportsmanship in the ring and I hope you all enjoyed your time. Thank you!

6-11 years

1st Layla Duncan handling a Tibetan Spaniel. Layla allowed her dog to be the star of the show from their first step into the ring. Her and her dog were in such harmony throughout the entire class. Her table work was beautiful, and showed her dogs teeth perfectly, keeping her lead tidy at all times. Her lines were straight and corners were tight and she free stood her dog perfectly three paces away. She was an extremely polite handler, and thanked me for my time, which always goes far! A wonderful partnership! Well done Layla, I’ll be cheering you on in the finals! 

2nd Eva Scott handling a Standard Poodle. Eva put on a stella performance today and showed her dog beautifully. She stood her dog perfectly in the line and for me to go over. She showed me her dogs teeth correctly and had lovely lead work. When it came to her pattern work, Eva didn’t move away from my feet, which meant I couldn’t see her dogs movement fully. On her return she stood her dog the correct three paces away but did over-stretch her dog’s rear. A lovely calm handler, nevertheless. Well done, Eva.

3rd Amelia Richardson handling a Boston Terrier. Amelia put on a lovely performance today. She stayed calm throughout the class and really seemed to enjoy her time in the ring. On her walk into the ring and when I turned to see her dog stood on the table, I really felt excited to see what this handler had to bring to the table today. Her dog was always stood perfectly four square. To improve her table work, I would like Ameila to make sure she keep told of her dogs lead and to keep it tidy under her dogs chin when showing her dogs teeth. A handler who will do great things! 

4th Daphne Bryson handling a schnauzer. Daphne’s dog didn’t give her the easiest of times in the ring today, however, I was so impressed with Daphne for keeping so calm and collected and really trying to work with her dog. This is exactly what handling is all about. She reassured her dog throughout the class and showed great handling skills. Her lead was always kept tidy and she showed her dogs teeth well. She moved her dog at the correct pace and stood her dog the correct three paces away. Very well dog Daphne, keep up the good work! 

5th Isabella Gardner handling a miniature Poodle. Isabella really worked well with her dog today. Isabella knew exactly how to stand her dog today and every time I saw her, her dog was stood four square. She showed her dogs teeth well. One thing I loved about Isabella’s handling today, was how neat and tidy she was, everything was effortless and she even kept her feet together – It’s the little things that clean a performance! I would like Isabella to just keep an eye on her lead work, making sure it’s always kept tidy and hidden away, particularly when showing the teeth. Well done Isabella!

6th Jack Davies handling a Tibetan Terrier. Jack put on a great performance today and did everything I asked with ease! His dog was always stood square and he showed his dogs teeth well. He moved his dog at the correct pace and stood his dog the correct three paces away after his movement. I would like Jack to keep talking to his dog during his pattern work as his dog was pulling away from him which meant his lines didn’t look as straight as they should have been. Keep up the good work Jack! 

12-16 years

I think this may have been the hardest class I have ever judged, ever! Absolutely filled with incredible handlers, and all of your should be super proud of the performance you put on. I shortlist 8 handlers and even up until the last second, all 8 handlers gave me a real tough time! Huge congratulations to each and every one! 

1st Gemma Mackenzie handling a German Spitz Mittel. What can I say about Gemma’s performance today. So calm and collected and she knew exactly what she had to do. Some of the most beautiful lead work I saw in the ring today. Moving her dog at the correct pace and letting her dog always be the star of the show. Definitely a handler I would be more than happy to handle one of my own dogs! Congratulations and all the best for the finals! 

2nd Maisie Allenby handling a Tibetan Spaniel. I have judged Maisie’s handling previously and given her top honours, so I knew as soon as she walked into the ring, for me she would be the one to beat. Always such a polished performance. Lovely table work and showed her dogs teeth calmly and gently. Today, I found her triangle wasn’t as neat as Gemma’s and it cost her the win. 

3rd Lena Tate handling a Miniature Poodle. Lena is such a quiet handler and always manages to blend into the background. Her table work was perfection, and she showed her dogs teeth calmly and correctly. Nothing was overdone with Lena, she did the job she needed to do with no exaggeration. Her dog was moved at the correct pace and always had a tidy lead. A real quality handler, well done. 

4th Kaitlyn Collier handling a Dalmatian. Another outstanding handler who really pushed hard today. Kaitlyn showed a great understanding of breed specific handling, and still ticked the junior handling boxes too. It was lovely to hear Kaitlyn constantly talking to her dog and keeping her dog calm. She moved her dog at the correct pace and had lovely straight lines and tight corners for a big dog. She stood her dog perfectly three steps away and didn’t over shadow her dog. A lovely polished performance, well done!

5th Leila Levene handling a Boston Terrier. Leila really impressed me today, she has such a good rapport with her dog and it shows! She had such a calm ora about her which really put her dog at ease. She showed her dogs teeth calmly and correctly for a flat faced breed. She quickly corrected her dogs foot when I moved it and presented her dog so well. She moved her dog at the correct pace with lovely neat lines and tight corners. Well done Leila!

6th Amelia Patterson handling a Keeshond. Amelia did a wonderful job with her charge today, her dog wasn’t feeling fully comfortable and confident. But Amelia let her dog shine through with real gentle handling. Amelia showed her dogs teeth very well and kept a tidy lead through. Her lines her straight and tidy with neat tight corners and she correctly stood her dog three paces away. Another handler I would happily trust to handle my own dogs! Hugh congratulations Amelia.