City Of Birmingham Canine Association

JUDGES REPORT

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM 31/8/25

FLATCOATED RETRIEVER

My sincere thanks, first of all to the society for the invitation to judge at this very well organised show, to my steward Sharon for ensuring things ran seamlessly in the ring and most of all to the exhibitors for such a numerically high entry and for their sportsmanship.

Some general observations - construction and movement continue to be of concern and movement which was ‘free and flowing, straight and true’ was in the minority not aided by the speed at which some dogs were being moved , some were scrabbling in front and others their feet barely making contact with the ground, neither of which can translate into reach in front or drive from the rear. I’m not a height fanatic so long as the dog is balanced but there were more than a few who lacked this being tall and short or small and cobby. All dogs presented were clean and tidy, a few were over trimmed which spoils the natural flow of the outline and no amount of grooming and fancy presentation can change the dog’s basic construction. That said, I was more than pleased with my top winners, there were some quality classes with dogs who could have done well on another day going cardless and there are some promising youngsters coming along which bodes well for the future.

DOGS

SB (1)

1/ Clark HURSTCLOGH NIGHT OWL AT FLANOVA. Decent sort who is of a good medium size and carries quality bone down to correct feet. Pleasing head although could have a bit more fill under the eye which is a fraction round. Clean in outline and racy in appearance, just needs to mature, well presented and handled.

V (6)

Lovely class, a pleasure to judge these mature males however a few weren’t in the best of condition today unfortunately.

1/ Holman Sa Ch/Ch TREVANA MASTER CHEF AT NAMTRESSA. This boy was on top form today with a spring in his step and in full, gleaming coat. He is a nice size and very balanced all through, carrying the correct amount of weight and holding his lovely straight topline standing and moving. He has a very typical, well moulded, masculine head and a kind, biddable expression. His neck flows well back into the shoulders placing his forelegs well under the body and showing plenty of forechest. Good bone, deep chest and well ribbed back to strong hindquarters. He moved out well in profile and true coming and going carrying his tail level with his back. He is an unexaggerated dog who has a bit of style about him and shows himself off well which along with his sound flowing movement gave him an advantage when it came to the challenges today. RCC/BVIB and VG2.

2/ Walker Sh Ch LIZZLOG GRANNY WONT LIKE IT. A truly beautiful dog whom I have always liked and done well as a youngster but sadly he was very out of coat today and had to give way to the on form winner. He has a lovely balanced, moulded head of correct proportions with a kind expression, super bone and feet, good overall balance in angulation and depth to the body. Excellent topline and tail set and moved well. I’m sure he will be back soon enough with his new coat to trouble the best.

3/Taite GAMERIGHTS TROYTE

MP(4)

1/ Jacobs & Taite GEMSWIN ITS RAINING MEN. This young man stood out in this class, he is very balanced at present, has a really appealing head and eye, his expression showing his biddability and willingness to please, confident and kindly as the standard asks for. Really good front construction showing forechest and neck running well back into the shoulders. Good bone carried all the way down. Well developed in body with a short loin and strong rear and all topped off with a dense, gleaming coat. Moved out well, a very promising youngster with lots to like. Best Puppy Dog.

2/ Nicklin & Bellamy MOONTORN COUNT ON ME. The most together and mature of the rest here, well turned out and handled to advantage, handsome head, a fraction stronger than winner although still typical and has a kind expression, winner also shows slightly better angulation at present. This boy stands on good bone and feet, well coated, another with promise.

3/ Bowen CLANDRIFT MAKE IT FUNKY

P(5)

1/ Lily & Reynard RAINESGIFT PLAY ON WORDS. Lovely outline to this puppy showing balance and maturity for his age. He has a nice head shape although a bit loose in eye and throat at present which should improve as he grows. Good bone and feet with a well constructed front and depth to his chest, holds a good topline. Presented in lovely coat and has good muscletone but I think he struggled a bit getting to grips with the carpet when moving .

2/ Churchard FLATCHARM DARK SECRET AT CHURCHKING. Not quite as forward as winner at present although I preferred his head and eye. Good bone and feet and overall is well constructed, just a fraction bum high today . Presented in lovely condition, another who is well muscled for his age but also struggled a bit with moving on the carpet. One who can only improve as he matures.

3/ Gale WILLOWSWIND COUNTRYMAN

J(5,1a)

1/ Harris RONEVORG HIGHLAND WHISPER OF SIANCALA. A very balanced youngster who is up to size. He could have a fraction more length in muzzle and be a bit cleaner in throat, but he has a nice masculine head and a kind expression. Has depth and strength through the body with ribs carried well back and good angulation both ends with a well muscled rear. He stands on well boned legs placed well under the body. Scored here on his free movement, particularly in profile holding a firm topline.

2/Durrant GLENTURRET WET MY WHISTLE. Preferred the head and expression on this youngster however he couldn’t match the balance and movement of the winner today. A really nice type, racy in outline who holds a good topline and excellent tailset.

3/ Grierson & Griffin LAMESBELLA ELLIOT

Y (3)

1/ RONEVORG HIGHLAND WHISPER OF SIANCALA

2/ GLENTURRET WET MY WHISTLE

3/ LAMESBELLA ELLIOT

G(7,1a)

1/ Smith VYNESBROOK HOBSONS CHOICE. One who needs hands on assessment to appreciate his qualities, he appeared a tad fine at first glance however he is just lacking furnishings and has the correct amount of bone and substance for his handy size and is very nice to go over. He has good angulation, decent forechest and a strong midpiece, also scores on his lovely, moulded head and kind eye. A bit messy moving out and back as were many today but he had a good open stride in profile.

2/ Brown & Campbell RONEVORG KING OF ATTITUDE. Stronger in head than winner although still typical and well moulded with a soft expression. Already quite mature in body, he stands on well boned legs and good feet, holds a good topline and tail on the move, just not quite covering the ground as well as the winner today.

3/ Harris DYMEXE OUTANDER AT SIANCALA

PG(6,2a)

1/ Buckley BLACKTOFT BRINDISI BY BUCKLEYHILL. A real mix of shapes and sizes in this class where this boy was a clear winner for his excellent type and balance, correct medium size and lovely to go over, he has a handsome head with a kind expression and neat ears. Super front angulation and forechest, elbows tight to the chest, lovely strong bone carried all the way down to his tight feet. His shoulders are well laid back placing his forelegs well under his body. Presented in super condition, not the showiest dog but a sound steady mover who is unexaggerated and fits the standard very well. Liked him a lot.

2/ Jeffries MANDARAL MEET JULES. Another nice dog who is good to go over. He has a lovely head shape, long and nicely moulded, balanced outline showing raciness, great bone and moved out well carrying his head and tail correctly and holding a firm topline. Not quite in the gleaming condition of the winner today but one who appealed for his type and balance.

3/ Hall HIGHTYNE NIGHT TRAIN

L(9)

1/ Colson WINDYHOLLOWS RAGGED ROBIN. Quality class albeit with a bit of variation in size and type. This lovely dog was on form today, presented in great condition with a full coat of correct texture and an appropriate amount of furnishings. He has a lovely moulding to his head showing length and fill in with correct eye shape, colour and expression. He has good front construction with enough forechest, strong bone and good feet. He has good depth through the body showing the required gradual spring of rib and holds a firm topline, correct slight slope to the croup leading to a well set and carried tail and a strong rear. Moved out soundly and steadily on a free stride, he flows together well and also has a bit of ring presence which gave him the edge in the dog challenge, pleased to award him the CC.

2/ May RONEVORG DARK ANGEL AT LUSSAC. Another quality dog with many similar attributes as the winner, he has a lovely head and eye, very well put together all through showing excellent balance and is of the correct size. Holds an excellent topline and tail standing and on the move. Another presented in good order. Although he is very sound, he was a tad rushed in his movement today and not as free striding as the main winners which did peg him back a bit when it came to the final decisions however, he is an excellent example of the breed who can trouble the best and I’m sure he will.

3/Hessing HOEDUN DADDYS EYES AT MONTECHOR

O(8,1a)

1/ Nicholls & Price Sh Ch LLANTRUSSA AS BIG AS THE RITZ. Quality liver dog of medium size showing a clean, balanced outline and standing with his legs well under him. He has a beautiful long moulded head with correct shaped eye of a colour that blends with his coat, well constructed in front, neck runs well back into his shoulders flowing on to a firm level topline. He stands on good bone and feet, has nice length and depth to his ribs leading to well angulated, strong hindquarters, slight slope to the croup and well set and carried tail. He is steady on the move and covers some ground, he is just a bit untidy in front. Very much in contention for top honours today but just seemed to be lacking a bit of sparkle in the challenges and lost out to dogs who were very much on form but he is a worthy champion.

2/ Bellamy Ch WOODFINCH MASQUERADE. This male has the most gorgeous head and expression, anyone learning about the breed should look at his head and they will find exactly what the standard asks for. He has a good front although legs not quite as well under him as the winner, excellent bone and feet, good depth to the body with correct gradual spring of rib although just a tad narrower all through than winner. Another male of good medium size, presented in full bloom and looked a picture standing, moves well, winner just covered a bit more ground today.

3/ RACHANMILL COLUMBO

GC(2,1a)

1/ GLENTURRET WET MY WHISTLE

BITCHES

SB (8,1a)

1/ Turner ANGEL UNDERCOVER TAKE MY BREATH AWAY. Really nice type showing a lovely outline in profile, very feminine but with enough substance. She has a nice head and almond shaped eye, good front showing some forechest and is well boned, feet a bit thin and flat, she has nice length and depth to her ribs and hindquarters compliment front angulation. Shown in good coat and condition and had the advantage of maturity in body over some nice bitches in this class, BSBIB.

2/ Fresle GEMSWIN ANGEL IN BLUE JEANS. Up to size and carrying a bit too much weight today but this is a really nice youngster. She is well constructed all through with particularly good front and forechest. Good strong bone and nice feet, holds a firm topline and moves soundly and steadily. Short of feathering just now but I liked her shape and hopefully she will fine down a bit as she matures.

3/ MacKessack-Leitch BADCALL MIDWINTER DREAM AT INCHSTELLIE

V (12,1a)

1/ Warrington Sh Ch BOCHILBARLEY HEAVEN SENT TO WOODAVENS. Cracking class headed by this youthful veteran who is not the biggest but is correctly proportioned showing balance in outline and maintaining the required racy appearance. She has a lovely feminine head and engaging expression, super front with well defined forechest and is clean over the shoulder leading into a good level topline held at all times. Good bone carried right down to nice feet, lovely tail action and moved very soundly with plenty of enthusiasm and typical Flatcoat character. Liked her very much.

2/ Milton MANTEAUPLAT BLACK PIPPIN. Another lovely bitch who wasn’t far off the winner today and shares many of the same qualities. Beautifully balanced head and soft expression, nice dark eye. She is another who is very well constructed with her forelegs placed well under the body and neck running correctly into the shoulders flowing into the topline . Her outline is classical, feminine and unexaggerated. Presented in good order, moved well, winner just covering the ground a bit better today.

3/ Walker LIZZLOG BREWING BETTIE

MP (8)

1/ Bellamy MOONTORN CHASING THE DREAM. A class where all were at different stages of development which meant there wasn’t a standout winner and a few of them could change places on another day. This girl was the most together and forward of those present and well schooled which gave her an advantage. She has a decent head with a kind eye, reasonably good in front showing some forechest but would like a fraction more length of neck, rear angulation complements her front. Good bone and feet, nice level topline with a well set and carried tail and moved steadily.

2/ Bowen CLANDRIFT FUNKY ANGEL. Preferred the more feminine head on this puppy, she has a nice soft expression and is of a good overall shape but her topline is rather soft at the moment which detracts from the outline She has good bone and feet and has some width to her chest to drop in to as she develops.

3/ Egginton PAJANBECK HOLD MY HALO

P (3)

1/ Gale WILLOWSWIND SKYLARK. What a lovely, quality puppy, so good to go over. She has femininity with enough substance and strength, gorgeous head, long and well moulded with good infill, dark almond shaped eyes giving a kind expression. Very well constructed, particularly good over the neck and shoulder which then flows straight into a firm level topline, slightly sloping croup and well set tail. She has good bone and feet, nice length and depth to the ribs and strong square loin. Movement is true out and back and she has a good length of stride in profile. No hesitation in awarding her BPIB, she has so much promise and I look forward to seeing how she matures.

2/ CLANDRIFT FUNKY ANGEL

3/ PAJANBECK HOLD MY HALO

J (17,1a)

1/ Kulczycka EVERBLACK EUPHORIA . Perhaps the most challenging class of the day, so much variation in size and type and stages of maturity, some will come on with age I’m sure but judging is very much about dog on the day. This young lady had the advantage of age and maturity and being much more finished, she was shown here in full coat and furnishings. She is very feminine in outline, balanced with good angulation and firm level topline leading to a well set tail. She has a very pretty head and lovey expression from dark, well shaped eyes. Enough bone for her medium size and is well proportioned from head to tail. Another with lots of promise for the future.

2/ GEMSWIN ANGEL IN BLUE JEANS

3/ MacPherson BADCALL DREAM WEAVER

Y (10,1a)

1/ EVERBLACK EUPHORIA

2/ GEMSWIN ANGEL IN BLUE JEANS

3/Walker LIZZLOG NAUGHTY NUN AT NIGHT

G (11)

1/ Moxey DYMEXE MY CHERIE AMOUR . Pretty bitch who won this very mixed class on her classic type and nice size. She has a lovely feminine head which is well moulded and she has the correct eye shape and colour giving a kind expression. Stands on good bone and feet, angulation is balanced, and she has enough depth through the body. Firm in topline with a well set tail. Presented in good condition with a well presented coat. She could be a fraction higher on the leg for perfect balance and would benefit from being moved at a steadier pace but movement in this class was not the best and she is sound, just needs to settle a bit better and lengthen her stride.

2/ Hedges SATINBAZE TRANQUIL SEA. Another well presented bitch of nice size and very appealing type. A bit larger framed than winner all through and she still has some finishing to come before she fills it completely. She has a very nice head shape and correct eye, good over the neck and shoulder, a fraction long and narrow at present and not holding her topline at times but I think she has more to come as she is not yet fully mature. A bit untidy on the move today but has lots of quality.

3/ MacKessack-Leitch CACIS THE JEWEL OF JUNE AT INCHSTELLIE

PG (6,1a)

1/Jones BENVELLYN SEQUOIA Beautiful young bitch who stood out in this class, she is elegant and feminine but with enough substance for her size and retains that moderation in construction which the standard requires. She has a really pretty, well proportioned head and a correctly shaped eye giving a very soft expression. Scores in her excellent front construction, clean over the neck and shoulder with legs well under the body, holds a nice level topline with correct slope to the croup. Stands on well boned legs and tight feet. Presented in full, gleaming coat and is well muscled, she moves out well in profile but just a tad untidy out and back which pegged her back a bit in the challenge today and she might just need to go at a steadier pace . Pleased to award her RCC which I understood was enough to give her a well deserved show champion title.

2/Prior BLACKTOFT AVELINO AT FINNASHEMBER More workmanlike and unfinished than winner but she is very well put together, totally sound and honest in her construction. Another who stands on quality bone and tight feet, well angulated with a strong rear end. She holds her level topline on the move and has a very free stride in profile but like most she was a bit untidy out and back. She showed herself off much better when free stood when she held a very balanced outline, I’m sure she will look the part when she has a bit more furnishing and settles enough to show herself to advantage.

3/ Scott HIGHTYNE BLUE RIVER

L (15,1a)

1/ Rees BRAEMIST NEW MOON FOR ESKWINDS. Really good class with quality in depth but my eye kept being drawn to this lovely bitch of classic type. She is of medium size and today carrying the correct amount of weight to compliment her excellent construction. Really lovely head, well moulded and filled in with a kind, intelligent expression. She was one of the best today in front construction, good angulation and length to the bones, moderate length of neck running into well laid shoulders. Legs are placed well under the body and she has plenty of forechest with tight elbows, good length and depth to her ribs with gradual spring leading to strong well angulated quarters. Stands on good legs and feet and is a very sound mover although perhaps a tad enthusiastic at times however she managed to contain herself when it mattered and go at the correct pace. To be very picky, she could be a bit firmer in topline but the overall picture was very appealing, and she showed herself to advantage. She continued to draw my attention and impressed enough in the bitch challenge to take the CC in strong competition and later BOB where I felt she just had the better front extension and length of stride.

2/ Holmes RYDANAH DEVILS IN THE DETAIL. Another who appealed greatly for her size and unexaggerated outline, similar in type to the winner although not quite so classical in head shape. She is well balanced, another with correct front construction and plenty of heart room, she carries her ribs well back, she has a strong rear end and holds a firm topline. Moved out really well and was very much in contention for the RCC.

3/ Warrington WOODAVENS FROZEN FLAME

O ( 10,2a)

1/ Bellamy Sh Ch MOONTORN BETTER HALF OF ME. Very mixed class. This bitch is very balanced in outline holding a lovely firm topline and correct tail. She is perhaps not as feminine in head shape as some others here but scores on her sound construction and good movement. Another who has good front angulation with the neck running well back into the shoulders and she stands on good bone and feet. Presented and handled to advantage and worthy of her title.

2/ Thurgood THURWITT TAMARA. A substantial and scopy girl, another who is perhaps not the most feminine in head shape but she impressed with her very sound construction showing an excellent front and strong bone carried all the way down to her tight well padded feet with slight slope to the pastern. She has depth to her chest and ribcage whilst maintaining the required raciness in outline. Her movement was a joy to watch, sound and one of the few today who was truly ‘free and flowing’. Just wish there was a little bit less of her.

3/ Harrison & Blakemore BLACKTOFT DIAMONDS FOREVER

GC (9)

1/ PAJANBECK HOLD MY HALO. Minor puppy who is very raw at present but full of promise for the future. She has lovely breed type, very pretty head and she has a good frame to fill as she matures. Moved well for a youngster holding her shape, placed in her puppy classes and can only improve with age.

2/ BADCALL MIDWINTER DREAM AT INCHSTELLIE. Nice junior bitch who is maturing well and has a lot to like about her. Good overall construction, already filled out in body although she is just a fraction long, Nice head although not quite as pretty as the winner. Moved soundly and presented in lovely condition.

3/ Campbell & Brown RONEVORG LADY WIV ATTITUDE

SANDRA STEVENSON