Crufts

It is no doubt a huge honour to be asked to judge at the world famous Crufts, something I had only ever dreamed of. The privilege was all mine, the sight of so many beautiful specimens of our breed in the ring, for me to examine, was very humbling. Thank you to everybody for your entry, the pleasure it gave me was immense. I agree wholeheartedly with my co judge Mrs Fiona Clarkson’s words, that our breed is in a very healthy position, yes a few untidy bites, a few high tails and light eyes. Temperament was absolutely rock solid, and with that in mind I can see our breed sailing on into safe waters. Fiona and I were in complete agreement with all the joint decisions, with Best Puppy going to the bitch, Rathcloon Operas and Arias, over the younger dog puppy. Best Veteran was the well known Ch Olvinglay Visionaire, and our Best Of Breed, was the gorgeous champion dog Terra Di Siena I’m A Dreamer, we both loved each others CC winners, we agreed on the dog as BOB we felt he had a little more presence for the big ring.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOGS

Veteran Dog 23 (5a) What a class to start the day.

1st Mr G Monteverde’s Sh Ch/Int Ch Olvinglay Visionaire, this lovely boy belies his age in his attitude and movement. Powering round the ring, on an easy stride. Beautiful masculine head, good neck length, and table top topline. Correct balance of body to leg length, straight fore limbs, the tightest of feet and well sprung rib. Short coupled with a power house of hind angulation. Beautifully presented as always from this exhibitor, in super coat & bloom. With my co-judge Fiona we were in complete agreement that he should be, Best Veteran In Breed.

2nd Mrs M C & Mrs L Loverock & Waldron-Smith’s Lovissa Space Dust Sh CM VW, an old favourite of mine. Looking so good in his well presented mid gold coat. This upstanding male of substance has a kind head and expression, balanced angulation, and well boned forelimbs, with cat like feet, Moved with correct footfall.

3rd Mr A Trinder’s Sh Ch Thornywait San Valentino JW Sh CM Sadly this handler did not stay for his write up, but this boy is a favourite of mine, in good coat and condition, enjoying his day out on the green carpet, a very worthy champion.

Minor Puppy 3

1st Mrs H & Mr G Morrs & Monteverde’s Oppenheimer Oligarchia, 8 month old blonde baby of outstanding quality, immaculately presented as always from this exhibitor. Beautiful soft expression, with dark pigmentation, correct head proportions strong in neck flowing into well layed back shoulders, topline & tailset. Text book front construction with straight legs and ample bone. He is short coupled and with a good depth to leg length ratio, with short hocks that are placed under his tail His movement is spot-on. He is a happy extrovert soul totally enjoying his day on the green carpet. Best Puppy Dog.

2nd Mr F, Mrs E & Miss E Archibald’s Abinvale Cum Laude (AI) Another blonde boy with a happy disposition, he has a larger frame to fill, but his head and front angulation are there to see, a little longer cast that 1, and narrower all through. He just needs to tighten up in the rear to reach his full potential.

3rd Miss D K Kloss Dewmist Aremand De Brignac, the baby of the class, having an enjoyable day, he has a lovely outgoing personality which shines through. Blonde coated and well made & presented, I would just like a little more bone and substance, which hopefully will come as he grows.

Puppy 14 (2a)

1st Mrs H & Mr G Morss & Monteverde’s Oppenheimer Oligarchia.

2nd Mrs M Taylor & Mr N Teague’s Trewater Watson at Goldrealm, Another quality blonde puppy, in superb coat, unlucky to meet 1 on such good form. He has all the essentials l look for. Lovely kind head and expression, good neck and shoulder construction, good depth of rib and short coupled lovely bend and width to stifle, short straight hock. Handler just needs to watch his front when getting him into a stand.

3rd Mrs K Marshall’s Cadwst Spring River, There is no doubt that he is all boy, masculine head, with kind expression, well made all through, and presented in full coat. Movement not so positive as my first 2 placed boys.

Junior 18 (3a)

1st Mrs C Callegari’s Double Willow Quid Pro Quo, A completely new one to me and commanded my attention as soon as he entered the ring. I could not take my eyes off him, he is so balanced and masculine, with the kindest of head and expression, superb bone on the straightest of limbs. Text book front construction, correct depth of body to leg length, well sprung rib, short coupled, level topline, and correct tail set, his movement is a joy to watch, covering the ground with ease. A lovely boy.

2nd Ms J Holmes’ Ashbyglen Excalibur JW, one I admit to knowing quite well, this exhibitor is a newcomer to our breed, who I spoke to when this boy was a very young puppy. I told her then that she would have a lot of fun with her new puppy, and she certainly has. This young boy is soundly constructed right through and was really enjoying his day out. Kind head and expression, good neck length, and lay of shoulder with corresponding length of upperarm. topline, spring of rib, and tailset. Well developed hindquarters with good muscle. His owner just needs to relax and enjoy her lovely boy.

3rd Mrs S L Main’s Putjade Perran by Gwyngala, a more compact dark golden boy with a gleaming coat, soundly constructed, with that will to please his mum. Kind head with superb pigmentation, well boned straight limbs and lovely feet. Short coupled and well developed hind quarters, which he used on the move.

Yearling 33 (3a) I really liked all the first three placed here.

1st Mr G & Mrs C Sonntag’s Golden Rose Bay’s Waterloo, Wow! He blew me away with his head, ring presence and attitude, a blonde bombshell, he just owned this class. What a wonderful find this boy was. Superb head and expression, with a happy smile. Shown in profuse well -prepared coat, lovely neck length straight limbs both front & rear. Super bone standing on the tightest of feet, correct body proportions with a level topline and good turn & width of stifle. Moved as I would expect with panache. I could not deny this boy the Reserve CC today and in superb company I will watch his progress with interest..

2nd Mrs S J England’s Brekswood Gentleman Jack, One I have admired from the ringside on many occasions, and I was not disappointed on examination. He oozes quality from the tip of nose to the end of his tail. He only has eyes for his superb handler, and she knows just how to get the best out of her boy. Lovely head and expression, good straight limbs which are well boned, tidy well rounded feet, good length of neck and correct front construction. Balanced body and strong hind quarters which he used effectively on the move. All this wrapped up in a lovely blonde well prepared coat, Another with a certain bright future.

3rd Mr M P & Mrs D J Vernon’s Graceleigh Legend of Tarzan, On another day this boy would be a worthy red card winner, He has all the essentials I look for, presented in gleaming pale golden coat, nice head, with soft expression. With classes like this class, & Junior, I have no doubt that the future of our breed is in a good place.

Undergraduate 27 (6a)

1st Mrs R & Mr D Middleton-Collins’ Berrymeade A Fool In Love of Jasperleigh, One I have watched since a puppy, his handler has gained so much confidence in her charge. She manages to get the very best out of him. A free standing exhibit, he appeals for his balanced construction. Masculine head with a kind expression, nice pigmentation, good flow of neck, into well angulated shoulders, good in top line and strong well muscled hindquarters. Moved on a loose lead he covered the ground effortlessly.

2nd Mrs S L Main’s Putjade Perran by Gwyngala

3rd Ms M Goldermann’s One Way Ticket of Purple Bell Flower, Another well made blonde boy, lovely head & expression, super length of neck which flowed into a dead level topline, super balanced angulation both front & rear. Moving well with minimum effort. Would prefer tighter feet.

Graduate 17 (1a 1W)

1st Mrs V A & Miss C Robertshaw’s Akenscales Beau Baron JW, Blonde upstanding boy of quality, with a masculine head, he has all the essentials l look for in a male. Correct front angulation, placing his front feet well under his chest, he has strong well boned limbs which he used to power himself round the ring with an easy gait. Lovely level back and correct set of tail.

2nd Mrs P & Mr S O’Gorman’s Berrymeade Billy Summers (ai) JW, Different in type and a little smaller in frame than that of my winner, he has such a deep dark golden gleaming coat, his sound construction won him this place in a very nice class. His forehand, flow of strong neck and level topline all impressed me. His sound conformation was confirmed when he moved around the ring covering the ground with ease and style.

3rd Mr N & Mrs Mears’ Amberson Paper Plane, Lovely profuse coated lad, with masculine head, deep muzzle and strong in neck. Deep well sprung ribcage, good topline and sound hindquarters with short hocks. Moved around the ring on an easy stride. I would prefer slightly tighter feet.

Post Graduate 24 (1a) – A really cracking class.

1st Mr I M & Mrs A Black’s Bencoe Just In Time del Avrain JW, This boy was my biggest surprise of the day, I can honestly say I have never seen him look better! His handler certainly got the very best out of her charge. A beautifully presented blonde in full coat, he completely filled my eye. I love his head and expression strong neck, flowing into correct shoulder construction, straight strong limbs with the tightest of feet. Balanced body, short coupled with good turn of stifle & good width. Short neat hocks and level topline. He moved correctly with that little extra, ring presence. I considered him for top honours.

2nd Mrs P T Todd’s Van Gogh of Sunshine’s Valley with Toddrosa (Imp Bel), Another Lovely specimen of our breed and unlucky to meet 1 on such good form today. So when I say similar remarks apply they really do. He has a lovely kind head and expression, good length of neck, level topline and sound hindquarters, Super length and depth of coat, which was well presented. Just not quite as positive on the move today. One to watch.

3rd Mrs C Munro’s Linirgor Walk The Line of Glenbuie, This mid golden boy looked the part today, a gleaming well prepared coat, delightful head with kind expression, good in neck and front construction, with neat feet and well arched toes. Bang on level topline, nice spring and depth to rib, strong hindquarters, moved out well.

Mid Limit 18 (4a)

1st Mrs S & Miss M Lewis’ Fairwinds In Space Man, One I have watched from a puppy, and I was not disappointed on examination. Everything in the right place, his head is all boy, with the softest of expressions, with excellent pigment. Lovely flow, length and set of neck, length of shoulder blade & upper arm, topline as best as they get, with correct set of tail. His body proportions pleased me. Straight well boned legs, and his correct construction was evident when he powered around the ring with style.

2nd Mr R C & Mrs J Bolton’s Megarvey Still Game for Shiresmill, Upstanding Mid gold lad, balanced chiselled head with dark pigmention standing on strong well boned straight legs. Good in shoulder and topline, he has the most lovely wavy coat, which was well prepared, and gleamed. Slightly longer in loin that my winner, his strong well muscled hindquarters were used to advantage to power him on the move.

3rd Mrs J Gerhold’s Navilis Nouveau Venu JW (Imp Ukr), This boy is put down like a new pin, beautifully prepared and handled by his owner. Lovely masculine head, good in neck, stands on the best of legs and feet and has balanced angles both front and rear. His topline was level on the move, but he has a tendency to reach a little too far forward which effects his topline on the stand.

Limit 18 (3a)

1st Dr E Bardossy’s Dewmist Dream Weaver JW Sgwc, This lovely boy scored in every department, his blonde coat was well prepared and simply gleamed. No matter from which angle I looked at this boy he was always correct. His balance is a joy to behold. I have watched this boy from a puppy and admired him from the ringside on many occasions, I also admire his owner’s stamina and commitment in showing her boys in the UK. That said, from his expressive head to the tip of his tail, he is quality through & through. Everything I look for in the right place. He wowed me with his movement powering around the ring on a loose lead. Under consideration for top honours.

2nd Mr G & Mrs T Foreman’s Ambersun Alive & Kicking, Now fully mature he will trouble the best. Lovely kind head and expression, nice neck length which flows into well constructed shoulders, good strong topline with correct hind angulation, which is well muscled. Although not as animated as 1 he fully deserved his place here, his sound construction made sure of that. He has the most profuse coat which was well groomed, once you get your hands under his coat, his confirmation is correct, and his movement sound and true.

3rd Mrs H & Mr J Bates’ Akenscales Waterloo, Nice head and expression on this blonde male of good size. He has good construction both ends, which clinched him this place. He moved as I would expect with good reach and drive.

Open 38 (3a) - Wow this was the class of the day, completely filled with quality,

& to get shortlisted was indeed an achievement. Quite Honestly I was “Blown Away” and I will never forget the sight of so many beautiful boys. I could write so many superlatives it would be boring. Decisions had to be made on some very minute differences.

1st Mrs S & Mr A Noferi & Saz Orozco’s Sh Ch/multi Ch Terra Di Siena I’m A Dreamer. From the moment he entered the ring, he caught my eye, with his tremendous ring presence, presented in tip top condition, with his golden coat shining. The most masculine balanced head with soft expression our breed is renowned for. Excellent ear size, set & pigmentation. Correct length and set of neck, flowing into well made shoulder and upperarm construction, placing his straight limbs well under his body. He has good strong boned legs with tight feet, tremendous spring and depth of rib, short coupled and strong well muscled hind quarters, which he used effectively to power him soundly around the ring. His movement is a joy to watch with reach and drive, giving correct footfall from any view point. His topline was both level and strong standing and moving, with correct tail carriage. I had no hesitation in awarding him the C.C. today in the best of company. My co-judge and I were in complete agreement that he should be Best Of Breed to represent us in the Gundog Group, where he put in a great performance.

2nd Miss Dr E Bardossy’s Int/cro/au/se Ch Dewmist Just A Spell Jww’21 H Jch, Very close up to 1, and so balanced, A very biddable boy who really enjoys this game of showing off! His head is masculine, with good depth of muzzle, kind expression and pleasing ear set, with strong clean firm neck, flowing into a level back line. Good front construction, lovely body features and depth of body to length of leg ratio. Good body proportions. Strong muscled hind quarters, short straight hocks, good width & bend to stifle. His coat is well prepared, with plenty of bloom. He is a shade shorter In the couplings, which clinched him this place above another boy from the same kennel. When asked to move, he pleased me with his correct footfall and economical ground coverage.

3rd Mr H Fryckstrand’s Ch Dewmist Taste of Adventure, One I have judged before & done him well. He is a blonde dog of quality and merit, who is presented in tip top condition, with not a hair out of place. Lovely head profile and soft expression, super neck and front construction, correct in topline and tailset set. Well muscled hind quarters, he is a stylish mover who covers the ground effortlessly.

Special Working Gundog 18 (1a)

1st Ms K Savage’s Ch/ir Sh Ch Weisford Guilty As Sin, This boy is a real showman, today he could not be denied his place, a complete balanced package, and one I have admired on many occasions. Lovely head and expression , correct set of neck with corresponding length of shoulder blade to upperarm. Strong limbs, with muscle that confirms he is working dog. Correct body depth to leg length, all this wrapped up in a beautiful prepared coat. Moved with style and purpose. A lovely example of our breed.

2nd Miss Dr E Bardossy’s Int/swiss/au/cro/se/vdh Ch Shamrock Prince of The Seven Kingdoms Sgwc Wgc, Upstanding boy of quality, sadly lacking a little coat on the day. Very balanced in body, lovely headpiece with good pigmentation. Strong neck flowing into dead level topline, short coupled with correct turn of stifle and straight hocks Moved out with confidence, covering the ground effortlessly.

3rd Mr R C & Mrs L J E Maynard’s Ch Chinnordale Cue Card, An old Favourite of mine, now approaching his 8th year he belies his years. I have loved this boy since I first saw him as a very promising puppy, and followed his career with interest. He is soundly made all through, from his distinguished head to the tip of his tail. His construction is text book, Looking very well today in glorious dark golden coat, well presented and moving soundly around the ring.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme 32 (9a)

1st Mrs R & Mr D Middleton-Collins’ Berrymeade A Fool In Love of Jasperleigh JW – Winner of Undergraduate Dog.

2nd Mrs P T Todd’s Van Gogh of Sunshine’s Valley with Toddrosa (Imp Bel) JW – Second in Post Graduate Dog.

3rd Mr N & Mrs Mears’ Ambersun Paper Plane – Third in Graduate Dog.