North West Golden Retriever Club

North West Golden Retriever Club Open Show – 30th March 2025

Many thanks to the committee of North West Golden Retriever Club for the invitation to judge at their Open Show held in conjunction with the Championship Show at the same venue. I had a lovely day and was thrilled with the size and quality of the entry. Thank you to stewards Sue and Di for ensuring the smooth running of the ring and to the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to assess their dogs – I was spoilt for choice in many of the classes meaning that many very nice exhibits were unplaced. The ring was large providing plenty of scope to assess movement. That said there were a number of exhibits who for me were carrying too much weight affecting movement and influencing their placings. There were no dentition issues and temperament appeared exemplary in all exhibits as expected.

VD (3 Entries, 0 Absent)

1. Loverock’s PUTJADE PEAKY BLINDER AT LOVISSA Lovely compact balanced outline on this 7 year old well constructed dog. He has a masculine head without any coarseness with good pigment and very kind dark eye. Stands foursquare with strong straight forelegs and neat well padded cat-like feet. Good front assembly with shoulders well laid back. Strong level topline and tail well set on and carried level on the move. He has deep well sprung ribs, good turn of stifle, hocks well let down and strong short rear pasterns. His movement is steady and precise. Well presented in mid gold coat and very well handled. 2. Greig’s LARGYMORE LINGER IN THE MIND AT CRANNGARY Another well-made dog who also has a balanced outline and is full of breed type. Unmistakably masculine with a gentle but cheeky expression. He has good angles fore and aft, well off for bone and has a strong level topline with correct tailset and carriage held on the move. He was a bit of a fidget and makes his handler work hard to get the most out of him. Shown in well presented mid gold coat. Just preferred the movement of the winner today. 3. Warden’s NOBLEMOON TAK THE HIGH ROAD TO GLENTOCHTY

MPD (10 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. Neil’s MOLOKO BUSSIN. Very eye-catching quality youngster of approaching 7 months who stands out for his balanced outline. He has the most appealing head with the darkest of pigment and melting expression with kind dark eye. Straight forelegs and neat feet. He has a well angulated front assembly, elbows close fitting and level topline with tail straight off the back. Well angulated hindquarters and hocks well let down. He moved out soundly with correct footfall holding a level topline and tail carriage. Confident and happy with ever wagging tail. Well presented blonde coat and expertly handled. BPD & BEST PUPPY IN SHOW. 2. Ellis’s TENFIELD DUNKELD DINGO. 8 months well-constructed promising puppy. Masculine head with soft expression and excellent pigment. Well angulated front and rear quarters and good bone with neat feet. Moved out very happily straight and true. Shown in rich gold well presented coat. Preferred the outline of the winner today. 3. Taylor & Tenn’s NON-STOP DUNCAN MACLEOD FROM STRETTONHILL (IMP HUN).

PD (9 Entries, 0 Absent)

1.Neil’s MOLOKO BUSSIN. Also 1st in MPD. 2. Sloan & Hunter’s PALMONAS CALL MY BLUFF JW Another impressive youngster who appeals for breed type and balance. He has a stunning head with the darkest of pigment and a masculine but gentle expression. Well angulated forehand construction and corresponding rear angles. He is longer cast than 1, short coupled and holds a level topline standing and moving. Moved well with good reach and drive. A little proud of his tail today. Well presented blonde coat. Handled well. Once again just preferred the outline of the winner. 3. Ellis’s TENFIELD DUNKELD DINGO

JD (7 Entries, 3 Absent)

1. Moore’s TENFIELD KLIPSPRINGER WITH AURYNGRA Pleasing compact balanced outline to this 15 months’ dog shown in attractive deep gold coat. He has a masculine but soft expression with the darkest of pigment and kind dark eye. Well off for bone, straight forelegs and neat well padded feet. He has depth to his ribcage and elbows close fitting. Short coupled and correctly angulated rear quarters. Level topline and tail carriage maintained on the move. Very happy disposition with an ever wagging tail and attentive to handler. Moved precisely with good drive. Well handled. 2. Vickery’s PALMONAS STRIKE IT LUCKY. Placed VHC in previous class. 10 months dog with lots of attributes. He has an attractive head with dark points. Larger cast than the winner he has a clean attractive outline and a level topline which he maintains on the move. Good tail set and carriage. He was more settled in this class and subsequent classes which allowed more appreciation of his qualities. Preferred the angles of the winner. 3. Smith’s ROCAMOKA HARBOUR LIGHT

YD (4 Entries, 1 Absent)

1. Scott-& Briggs’s LARGYMORE RAVAGIER JW 20 Months well-proportioned dog who has an attractive masculine head without a hint of coarseness and good pigment. Straight forelegs and neat cat-like feet. Good amount of forechest and shoulders well laid back with good return of upper arm. Elbows close fitting. Well bent stifles and hocks well let down. Holds a level topline and tail carriage and moves straight and true. Happy disposition and handled to advantage. 2. Moore’s TENFIELD KLIPSPRINGER WITH AURYNGRA Also 1st in JD. 3.Middleton-Collins’s BERRYMEADE A FOOL IN LOVE OF JASPERLEIGH JW

MD (5 Entries, 1 Absent)

1. Vickery’s PALMONAS STRIKE IT LUCKY Also 2nd in JD. 2. Henson & Luckham’s FLYNGALEE HUNKY DORY VHC in MPD. Almost 8 month’s more compact puppy. Very attractive masculine head with gentle expression and dark pigment. Kind dark eye. Well off for bone and stands on neat feet. Nicely made overall, moved OK. Preferred the outline of the winner today. 3. Marshall’s CADWST SPRING RIVER

ND (4 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. Vickery’s PALMONAS STRIKE IT LUCKY. 2. Middleton-Collins’s BERRYMEADE DREAM ON WITH JASPERLEIGH Unplaced in MPD. 8 months puppy who has an attractive head and good pigment. Good angles front and rear Shown in mid gold coat of good texture. Happy demeanour. Moved OK. Preferred the topline of the winner.

GD (10 Entries, 1 Absent)

1. Cuthill’s MESSANO POP MASTER OF MOUSSEGLEN JW. A dog I have admired from the ringside since a puppy and now 20 months old he is maturing well and is full of breed type. He has such a balanced outline, well-proportioned with no exaggerations. Masculine head with gentle expression, excellent pigment and kind dark eye. Quality bone, straight forelegs and round cat-like feet. Good width to forechest and tight fitting elbows. Strong muscular neck of correct length flowing into well laid back shoulders. Nice spring of ribs and short in the couplings. He has a super level topline and tail straight off the back, held level on the move. Good width to 2nd thigh, well bent stifles and hocks well let down. He moves accurately away and back but gets distracted affecting his profile movement probably caused by change of handler. Shown in mid gold well presented coat of good texture. 2.Vernon’s GRACELEIGH LEGEND OF TARZAN Larger framed impressive dog of 2 years who was close up to 1. He has a very clean outline with good length of neck flowing into excellent layback of shoulders and firm level topline. Unmistakably masculine head but with such a soft gentle expression and the darkest of pigment. He has textbook angles fore and aft. Correct tailset. Good bone and neat feet. Moved with good reach and drive holding his topline and a level tail carriage. Handled well and shown in immaculate blonde coat. Liked him a lot. 3. O'Gorman’s BERRYMEADE BILLY SUMMERS (AI) JW

PGD (7 Entries, 3 Absent)

1. Archer’s HAYDENGOLD JUST A RUMOUR AT SUNANDAIR JW Loved the substance and body proportions of this 3 year old well constructed dog. Ultra soft expression but undoubtedly masculine head with good pigment and eye shape. Good amount of forechest and straight forelegs with strong bone and well padded feet. Elbows close fitting to well sprung ribs; short in the couplings. Strongly muscled hindquarters and short neat rear pasterns used to advantage on the move. Moved on an easy stride straight and true holding a level topline and tail carriage. Nicely handled and in well presented mid gold coat of good texture. Really liked this boy and considered for RBD. 2. Cooper’s AMILONE CORSENDONK AT DIKEADAZE (AI) Larger framed 3 year old dog who presents a clean outline with reachy neck on the stack. Attractive masculine head with dark pigment and soft expression. Well angulated forequarters and hindquarters. Level topline and correct tailset and carriage maintained on the move. Well presented blonde coat; shown and handled well. Preferred the body proportions of 1. 3. Kirkup & Highman’s COLDHARBOUR CANDY CANE

LD (10 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. Williams’s CESARKA SEA SHANTY JW 3 year old dog I have admired many times from the ringside and delighted to judge him today. He did not disappoint. He is not a big dog but for me perfectly in proportion. Attractive, masculine head with alert, cheeky expression and dark points. Not overdone in any way his neck is of moderate length and well set on. Straight in front with good amount of forechest and lovely well padded neat feet. Good layback of shoulders and return of upper arm placing forelegs well under body and elbows close fitting to well sprung ribs. Compact body, he has a strong level topline, short in the couplings and correctly angulated hindquarters with short neat rear pasterns. Tail carried level and he moved with good reach and drive. RBD 2. Loverock & Waldron-Smith’s THORNYWAIT SAVE MY SPACE AT LOVISSA. Another impressive mature dog of 4 years and close up to 1. Very well constructed and a larger frame than 1 he presents a lovely balanced picture standing and moving. Full of breed type he has a well chiselled masculine head with good pigment and kindly dark eyes. Excellent body proportions and spirit level topline with correct tailset. Moved on an easy stride with correct footfall maintaining a level topline and tail carriage. Well-presented mid gold coat and handled expertly. Liked him a lot but ultimately preferred the body proportions of the winner. 3. Foreman’s AMBERSUN HEART AND SOUL

OD (7 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. Bolton’s MEGARVEY STILL GAME FOR SHIRESMILL JW My star of the day! 3 year old dog who for me, ticks all the boxes for breed type. Very clean in outline, he stands foresquare and looks so well balanced from any angle. Attractive, masculine head with dark points and happy expression. Muzzle wide and deep. Strong muscular neck of good length. He scores very highly on forehand construction and has corresponding well angulated hindquarters with good bend to stifles and hocks well let down. Excellent bone and standing on padded cat-like feet. Well presented deep gold coat with pale feathering. Moved with correct footfall and perfect topline and tail carriage, but does challenge his handler to keep his attention at times. In the challenge for BIS he was moving like a dream and could not deny him BEST IN SHOW against the lovely bitch who had lost some of her sparkle at the end of a long day. 2. Morriss-Garget & Morriss’s GOLDMARKER COMING HOME TO GARVIN (AI) JW 3 ½ year old dog close up to 1. Smaller framed than 1 but in proportion and presenting a pleasing balanced outline. He has a particularly soft and endearing head with kind dark eye and good pigment. Really like his overall body proportions with nothing overdone. Good length and depth to well sprung ribs and short coupled with strong level topline. He moved straight and true covering the ground with ease. Very attentive to both of his handlers. Well presented in full deep gold coat with attractive pale feathering. 3. Munro’s ALIBREN READY TEDDY JW

VB (2 Entries, 0 Absent)

1. Robbins & Rowark’s QUAKERHALL LADY BOUNTIFUL BY BREKSWOOD JW 7 year old well-constructed mature bitch. Feminine all through, she has a sweet expression with well chiselled foreface and kind eye of good shape. Reachy neck into well laid shoulders and upper arm of equal length placing forelegs well under body. Elbows close fitting to ribcage which is well sprung. Moderate bend of stifle and short neat rear pasterns. Level topline and tail carriage held on the move. Well-presented mid gold coat. Moved OK in class but a little distracted by scents giving her handler a hard time. However in the challenge for BV she pulled the stops out to win BEST VETERAN IN SHOW over the very nice veteran dog. 2. Booth’s ROCAMOKA WIND DREAMER AT ALIHELNIX Also 7 years old and of lovely type exuding a happy disposition with ever wagging tail. Attractive feminine head with good pigment. Well angulated front and rear. Good spring of ribs. Carrying more weight than 1. Well presented pale gold full coat. Moved at one with handler maintaining level topline and tail carriage. Preferred rear movement of the winner today.

MPB (12 Entries, 1 Absent)

Wow what a fabulous class of youngsters – I was spoilt for choice and just ran out of cards for some promising quality puppy bitches.

1. List’s HAYDENGOLD LATEST GOSSIP. Stunning 6 ½ months bitch who looked a picture standing and moving epitomising balance and symmetry. Nothing overdone. Unmistakably feminine all through she has the loveliest head with melting expression and the darkest of pigment. She has textbook angles front and rear with good length of neck which flows into well laid shoulders. Good depth to her ribs and tight-fitting elbows, short coupled and with a level topline and tail well set on. Moved so well with correct footfall, maintaining a level topline and tail carriage and attentive to handler. Perfectly presented blonde coat. Expertly handled to show off her many attributes. 2. Loach’s PUTJADE PRESS GANG Close up to 1. Another stunning puppy of 7 months. More compact than the winner and full of breed type. So very balanced in outline and free of exaggerations. Gorgeous head with dark pigment, kind dark eye and soft expression. Excellent bone and very well padded neat feet. Well angulated front and rear, level topline with correct tailset. Moved happily with accurate footfall holding a level topline and tail carriage and at one with handler. Well shown and presented in rich golden coat. 3. Foster’s AURISTELA GINGER ROGERS

PB (16 Entries, 5 Absent)

1. Price’s SYBITON BANANARAMA Very eye-catching puppy, who had to be outstanding to beat my MPB winner. Presents a compact outline standing foursquare with super balance from any angle. Lovely feminine head with gentle expression and dark points. Good length of neck flows into well laid shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm. Good width of forechest, ribs deep and elbows close fitting. Short in the couplings and standing on straight forelegs with beautiful well padded cat-like feet. Level topline maintained on the move. Moved steadily and accurately with correct footfall at one with handler. Well presented deep gold coat of good texture. Just had the edge on maturity over the MPB winner - BPB 2. List’s HAYDENGOLD LATEST GOSSIP 3. Foster’s AURISTELA GINGER ROGERS

JB (4 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. Grindey’s BRAMSTEAD LOVELY JUBBLY. Unplaced in the strong puppy class. Very feminine 10 months bitch with clean outline and attractive head with dark points. Good reach of neck and well angulated front assembly. Strong rear quarters. Neat feet. Moved out straight and true on an easy stride. Well-presented mid gold coat. Shown well by her young handler. 2. Searle’s ASTLEYFOLD SNOWY BELL. Larger framed bitch of 14 months. Attractive head with good pigment and dark eye. Decent angles fore and aft. Shown in well presented blonde coat. Bit erratic on the move. Preferred the more positive movement of the winner today.

YB (8 Entries, 3 Absent)

1. List’s HAYDENGOLD MOMENT IN TIME JW Approaching 2 years this bitch has a most appealing honest outline. She is not flashy but for me she ticks all the boxes for sound conformation. She has a feminine head with alert expression and good pigment. Good length of neck flowing into shoulders that are long in blade and she has a spirit level topline with correct tailset. Strong straight forelegs and neat feet. Well bent stifles with hocks well let down and short neat rear pasterns used to advantage with strong driving action on the move. Maintains her level topline and tail carriage when moving. Shown in mid gold coat and handled very well. Sadly in the challenge for best bitch she seemed less happy and her tail carriage was low which spoilt her profile. 2. Robbins & Rowark’s BREKSWOOD HONEY BEE JW Another very nice bitch of 20 months who was close up to 1. Sweet feminine head and soft expression with dark pigment. A little longer cast than 1 but with a strong level topline and decent angulation of front and rear quarters. Quality bone, straight forelegs, enough forechest and neat feet. Moved straight and true away and back and maintained a level topline and tail carriage in profile. Shown in mid gold full coat – handled well. 3. Johnson’s MOLOKO OW DO

MB (6 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. Youngson’s LINIRGOR ADELINE AT TREEVEVILLE Unplaced in very strong puppy class this quality 9 months bitch has a lot to like. Attractive head with gentle expression and the darkest of pigment. Well developed forechest and strong straight forelegs with neat well padded feet. Very good front and rear angles. She has depth to her ribcage and is altogether very mature looking for her age. If I could I would make her a little bit smaller all over. Moved with good reach and drive. Handled well and shown in lovely full pale coat. 2. Plevin’s BRYNBACHLOVE SMILER FOR BOWSHELLA Also 9 months and unplaced in the puppy class. Feminine bitch who has a nice head with dark pigment and kind dark eye. Adequate angulation front and rear. Neat feet. Well presented mid gold coat. Moved OK. Preferred the balance and topline of 1. 3. Evans’s MARDARGOLD THE LOOK OF LOVE

NB (10 Entries, 6 Absent)

1. Buckles’s BRAZENBEACON ARTEMIS. 10 months and placed Reserve in strong puppy class. Feminine all through with a very pretty head, dark eye and excellent pigment. Straight forelegs and neat feet. Good spring to ribs for a youngster. Short coupled with level topline held on the move and with correct tail carriage. Moved well with accurate footfall. Preferred her overall body proportions over 2nd. 2. Youngson’s LINIRGOR ADELINE AT TREEVEVILLE 3. Evan’s MARDARGOLD THE LOOK OF LOVE

GB (7 Entries, 2 Absent)

1. O'Gorman’s BERRYMEADE KINVARA JW SGWC 3 years bitch who presents a very balanced picture and not overdone in any way. She has a feminine attractive head and the darkest of pigment. Kind dark eye. Good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders and corresponding return of upper arm placing forelegs well under body. Elbows close fitting to ribcage of good length and is short in the couplings. Level topline and well bent stifles with hocks well let down. Ideally I would like a little more width to 2nd thigh. Happy girl with ever wagging tail even when stacked. Shown in hard condition and well presented rich gold coat. Moved accurately maintaining a level topline and at one with handler. 2. Buckles’s BERRYMEADE BRITTAS BAY FOR BRAZENBEACON – litter sister to 1 and many of the same remarks apply to her as they are very similar in type. Well handled and presented in mid gold coat. Moved soundly straight and true. Preferred the rear angulation of 1. 3. Bell’s HOAALOHA KEALOHA JW

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PGB (8 Entries, 4 Absent)

1.Price’s PUTJADE PUMPKIN SPICE FOR SYBITON JW 4 year old bitch who is full of breed type and presents a very appealing picture with her compact outline, free from exaggerations. She has a lovely head with dark pigment and gentle expression. Good width of forechest and straight front. Tight well padded feet. Moderate length of neck and shoulders well placed. Elbows close fitting and ribs well sprung. Well muscled hindquarters . Short rear pasterns. She moved effortlessly on an easy stride maintaining a level topline and tail carriage. Shown in rich gold coat and handled expertly. RBB 2. Pounds-Longhurst’s MOSSBURN GOLLY MISS MOLLY JW Another mature bitch of 4 years who was close up to 1 for quality of construction. She is smaller cast than 1 but in proportion and feminine all through. Pretty head with dark points. Similar remarks apply to her construction as 1. Shown in well prepared deep gold coat with pale feathering. Moved steadily and attentive to handler. Preferred the rear movement of 1 today. 3.Nelson’s WILLOWLAWN STAYCATION AT CADWST

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LB (6 Entries, 2 Absent)

1.Waddell’s NEW YEAR'S EVE DATE LOYAL GOLD AT SEANCAER (IMP POL) Eye catching 3 year old mature bitch who stands out for breed type and a picture of balance and symmetry both standing and moving. She oozes quality from nose to tail. Larger framed but so well proportioned. Attractive head with well chiselled foreface, dark pigment and soft expression. Straight forelegs with good bone and catlike padded feet. Plenty of forechest and elbows close fitting to well sprung ribs. She has a reachy neck which flows into well laid shoulders and corresponding return of upper arm. Strong level topline and correct tailset. Good width to 2nd thigh. Short neat rear pasterns. In hard condition and carrying an impressive rich gold coat with attractive pale feathering. She is the real deal, powered round the ring at one with her handler on an economical stride with correct footfall - a joy to watch. Delighted to award her BEST BITCH. In the challenge for BEST IN SHOW lost some of her previous enthusiasm at what was the end of a long day and consequently lost out to the dog who still had fuel in his tank. Awarded BOS & RESERVE BEST IN SHOW. 2. Clunie.s WARRENTOR NOHKALIKAI JW Very well made 2 year old bitch unlucky to meet 1 today. She has a smaller frame than 1, well off for bone and has a balanced outline from any angle. Feminine head with coal black pigment, gentle expression and kind dark eye. Strong straight forelegs and very neat padded feet. Well angulated forequarters and hindquarters. Topline level and tailset correct. Moved with good reach and drive maintaining level topline and tail carriage. Presented in rich gold coat and handled very well. Liked her a lot. 3. Wooden’s CATENAE CANDY FLOSS AT SALAKO

OB (1 Entry, 0 Absent)

1.Neil’s GAYTONWOOD MARTHA. Standing alone in this class but a worthy first place winner who presents a balanced outline. 6 year old mature well constructed bitch. Feminine head with good pigment. Ample forechest. Excellent padded neat feet and well off for bone. Very good angulation to front and rear. Good spring to ribs. Level topline and correct tailset and carriage held on the move. Moved soundly straight and true, out and back. Expertly handled and presented in rich golden coat with attractive pale feathering.

Judge : Tina Williamson (Sandti)