Midland Counties Canine Society

Midland Counties Championship Show – October 25th, 2026.

Toy Group

I would like to thank the Officers & Committee Members for inviting me to judge the Toy Group at your very well-executed 2026 Championship Show. There was a real team spirit and even though Day 4 still lots of smiles on ‘blue jacket’ faces. The atmosphere throughout the day was testimony to all the hard work and exhibitor focus from the Committee and their team of volunteers. 

I short-listed nine for one final look. The Bichon maybe in his Veteran years but who would know. Immaculately presented and so impressive on the move. The Blenheim Cavalier dog has such a beautiful head, perfectly marked and creates such a typical silhouette stood and on the move. The Griffon Bruxellois dog meant business with a great character; super cobby and square in outline. The Affenpinscher dog was my CC & BOB winner last time I judged the breed and just oozes breed type. The Maltese bitch was the only lady in my short-list and she has an exquisite head with the fabulous pigmentation. All nine were very worthy Champions and impressed for type, condition and presentation. It was attitude, extra showmanship and near perfection on the move today that gave these four the edge.

In 4th spot was the young Pug, Ch Dynatos Marvellous Maximus JW owned and handled by Mr D Marsh. I awarded this dog his crowning CC to at Paignton earlier this year and his Sire the CC the time before. He was on top form today. Proper stamping his feet for attention with a real ‘puggy’ attitude and a sparkle in those beautiful eyes. His head and expression are so typical with width all through and the most perfect wrinkled forehead. So square and cobby. In super fit condition and a great bond with his owner/handler. Has lots more winning in him as he reaches full maturity.

In 3rd place, was the young Chinese Crested dog, Ch Petwalk Breaks The Laws with Casacavallo JW (kcj) owned and handled by Donna Crow. I have to admit this dog has caught eye on several occasions this year. I was excited to first meet him in person in July in the Junior Warrant qualifiers and he made it from the 81 present down to my final 10….. but then frustratingly ‘threw it away’ on the final run. Today he was happy, focussed and well-behaved to the relief f his handler I’m sure. Such a beautiful head with large ears set low and showing strength. His skin is healthy and in immaculate order. So well balanced both stood and on the move. Really impressed in side gait with great reach and drive – a total show off.

My choice for Group 2 was a three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier dog, Ch Queenslake Ring of Gold, bred and owned by Kevin Sharp-Dixon and Jude Reyes (Handler). Under that expertly presented ice-cold, immaculate coat is a fine boned yet sturdy, fit ‘toy’ terrier. He has fabulous head and alert expression. Compact in body with a spirit level top-line at all times. His coat is quite exceptional; dark steel blue colour with rich tans in all the right places, perfectly straight with fine, silky texture. Impressed on the move with his proud head carriage, accurate footfall and confident attitude.

Heading this strong short-list was the now ‘famous’ Lowchen (Little Lion Dog), Ch Jameneli Back to Black who is owned, bred and conditioned by Joanne Graham-Whelan and was professionally handled as always by Katrina Kenyon-Blore. What a fabulous ambassador for the breed and pedigree toy dogs in general. He’s like a glamourous athlete with his silky coat in perfect lion trim, his neat feet and his overall muscle tone. Glorious head and expression with the most beautiful large dark round which have clearly charmed so may judges and would guarantee he could get away with murder. Today, he was like a young colt being turned out in the spring for the first time and fair play to his handler who ‘kept the lid on him’. Head carried high with attitude, foot perfect in all directions and the odd shake of the mane just to ensure he’s grabbed your attention. Another to add to my list of favourite and most memorable dogs I’ve had the honour of judging. 

Nick Gourley (Judge)