Crufts

Crufts 8.3.2025 Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)

What a privilege to be standing in the middle of the green carpet at Crufts awarding CCs to a breed I’ve owned for 23 years and admired for even longer. Sincerest of thanks to the Crufts committee for the invitation and to the best Stewards ever Sheron and Jim Murdoch for their professionalism, humour and all round support. Thanks also to everyone who showed support with your super entries, don’t be downhearted if you did not place, another dog, another day!

Overall, I found quality of dogs very refreshing and I think we are in a very good place in the UK from the dogs I saw today, I consider these the ‘crème de la crème’ and they gave me complete joy to go over and watch move. I was thrilled when I got to my line ups and was thoroughly spoilt for choice, a choice which was immensely difficult and I wished I had more green cards. My dog line up consisted of two boys I’ve awarded CCs to before and despite one being a veteran now they are both still worthy, but the veteran had to give way to two younger ones! The bitches were all new to me, again it was very close and I was thrilled to have found such quality in all my winners.

I was a bit surprised by handlers baiting their dogs with tubes of squeezy paste, I’m all for rewarding dogs but found this an unnecessary obstruction. I really hope it doesn’t catch on. On that note, so many dogs were not very well ring trained and so many handlers blocked their dogs. Please be aware of where the judge is so that you don’t put your hand or body in front of the judges face when the judge is trying to actually look at your dog and also don’t feed your dog when the judge wants to look at the teeth, these are basic ringcraft practices. There were a few a bad mouths sadly.

That said, I did not penalise your lack of ring skills, I was purely looking at your dog, and did manage to get my hands on most of them and duck and dive around you to see what I needed to see! There were a few overweight and some weak fronts. Temperaments throughout were excellent.

I was looking for a kind, confident, well made dog with Toller type, who could move with reach and drive and had all the necessary positive attributes to work a day in the field.

2109. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Veteran Dog

Entries: 11 Absentees: 0

1 Strevens - Sh Ch Erikachen Conaire at Tollisty JW ShCM ShCEx VW

What can I say about this dog that I haven’t already said! When I was chosen to write ‘Judges Choice’ a few years ago, he was in my top three! He still is! At ten years old he still sparkles for me and was considered for the RDCC, he is that medium, compact dog, full of type and still fit at 10 years old. A true ambassador of the breed. When you put your hands on him, he feels just right, with a super ribcage, just the right amount of width between the front legs that so many were lacking and maintaining muscular strength all over. He’s a proper cheeky chappy as he struts across the carpet waving his white tipped tail and just demands attention. Still one to beat in my opinion! BV

2 Barker - Sh Ch Eusanit Silvr Dream Machine

This boy was happy and stood with good outline throughout. His head showed balance and a kind expression using his correct ears and responding to his handler well. His topline was well held and correct underline. I thought he was enjoying the occasion and soaking up the atmosphere with confidence and especially showed this in his profile movement.

3 Adshead - Sh Ch Afonbach Winter Is Coming JW VW

2110. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1 Thearle - Rosettia Helios

Very wriggly puppy who is fine in head and bone at the moment. More to come in body. Nice level topline and good stifle. Lovely double coat and moved happily.

2111. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Puppy Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1 Shore - Briztollie I Have A Dream

Youngster with a lot still to develop in ribcage. Excellent in topline. Good head proportions showing masculinity, and correct depth, breadth and length in muzzle. Correct amount of stop, with good eye shape & expression, ear set and carriage. Liked his bone, feet and movement in profile.

2 Hunt & West - Wakaduze Ottawa

This dog held a good topline and neck flowed well. Nice bone. Head still to develop, ears carried well. Coat coming through nicely. Well turned stifles enabling a good driving movement but a little out of control at the front today. Generally well handled.

3 Pickard & Swain - Arthundur Red Viper

2112. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Junior Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 0

1 Barker - Coedhelyg Ho Tee Machine

This boy greeted me with a friendly expression and kind eye. He was full of fun. His ears were well held. Very deep chest, a lot of bone and tight feet. Good topline but can sometimes look a bit long when he stretches himself out too far. Well turned stifle. His coat was a bit in between but he won today on his excellent reach and drive.

2 Gibson - Delphox Guiser

Attractive, masculine head with almond shape eye and well held, correctly placed ears. Compact in overall shape and not overdone. Correct bone for size. Has a small amount of white above pastern and although not preferred, not too distracting. Excellent feet, well muscled and presented in super condition.

3 Vantorre - Winter's Fairytale Joji The Little Jägermeister of Chicquera’s Crown

2113. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Yearling Dog

Entries: 15 Absentees: 0

1 Boyd - Skysaria Eternal Flame JW

What an adorable head! Just the kindest expression to melt your heart. This boy is up to size and just needs to fill out now. Good bone, lovely feet and angulation. Topline held standing and on his super movement, reach and drive to die for. Still quite immature but boy, does he have it all to come!

2 Smith - Tollisty Raudr

Another up to size from a similar mould. Friendly expression, he has the bone, feet, topline stifle and angulation. Little bit rangy, but just needs to grow in to himself. Quite a tidy mover. Well handled.

3 Parker & Parker & Hipkiss - Skysaria Blaze of Hope with Deltandamba JW

2114. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 15 Absentees: 1

1 Salmon - Acadiabyrne Tibetan Coral

Found this boy to be very honest and not overdone in any way. I was met with medium sized and compact. His head is adorable, clean cut, masculine with flat cheeks. Good width between front legs which were straight and of excellent bone leading to the best tight, well arched feet. Elbows tight to well sprung ribcage which led back to strong loin. Topline well held throughout. Well muscled all through, presented in tip top condition. Didn’t put a foot wrong, Pleased to award him RDCC.

2 Lam & Leung - Tollisty Out to Get You JW Bit lively today, very friendly disposition and absolutely adores his handler. Liked him for bone and his lovely straight front legs and round feet. Head balanced and eyes blend well to coat colour. Strongly muscled neck flows in to well held topline. Well muscled throughout. Liked to see his free movement with his happily wagging tail

3 Trueman - Cretshengan Lake Itasca (ai)

2115. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Limit Dog

Entries: 16 Absentees: 0

1 Elkin - Tollelkin Dream Harbour JW

I’ve judged him a couple of times before in groups but both times he was so exuberant I wasn’t able to get my hands on him properly and therefore he was unplaced. Today, he stood steady as a rock and I discovered that beautifully angulated front is disguised by his fully developed neck and chest ruff. His true outline hidden under all that fur. He is of medium size with adequate bone and neat feet. Well developed rib cage, Parallel rear pasterns and strong rear drive. I found him absolutely delightful!

2 Jenkins - Tollisty Moet En Chandon JW

Lively boy, heavier build than winner. I liked how he was very attentive to handler, but needs to retain his focus. Heavier type in bone with round feet, strong ribcage with width and good topline. Ever wagging tail. Well placed drop ear with kind expression from dark eye that blended so well. Felt he looked a little long in body at times and Preferred overall proportions of 1.

3 Powley - Cfyre's Prancing Across The Sky to Danehaven

2116. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Open Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 0

1 Elkin - Ch Tollelkin Caife Americano Wgc Sgwc ShCEx

This boy makes such a lovely outline, full of fitness and type. I gave him his first CC a few years ago and said no doubt it would be the first of many, he has proved me right! He has now fulfilled his early promise and is fully mature. Presented in full coat and the best of condition, so well muscled but not overdone. Has that strong neck into level topline that I love so much. It was a joy to watch him fly around the ring at one with his handler. Had no hesitation in awarding him the DCC & BOB

2 Vantorre - Up in The Field Uchù of Chicquera’s Crown

Just my type, loved his expression, just melted my heart when I looked at his face. Balanced head, not overdone, kind and using his ears. He was masculine of medium size, mid orange in colour. Good bone and lovely feet. Happy thoughout. Also seriously considered for the RDCC but didn’t bring his best clothes today so in such strong competition had to give way to the younger dog.

3 Nevers - Tollelkin Dream Cove at Sheldrake JW Aw(b)

2117. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Special Working Gundog Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1 Elkin - Ch Tollelkin Caife Americano Wgc Sgwc ShCEx

 1st Open dog

2 Wibaux - Int/multi Ch Thelon River Thor De L'abbaye Des Terres De Flandre

Workmanlike young dog with good bone and neat feet. Ear carriage good, as was stifle. Topline not as level as 1. Moved around the ring proudly in a jaunty manner.

2118. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog

Entries: 22 Absentees: 0

1 Salmon - Acadiabyrne Tibetan Coral

1st PG.

2 Lam & Leung - Tollisty Out to Get You JW

 2nd PG

3 Nevers - Tollelkin Dream Cove at Sheldrake JW Aw(b)

2119. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Veteran Bitch

Entries: 9 Absentees: 1

1 Pashley - Wakaduze Wah Pen Dah Ska

Thought she looked compact and of medium size with level topline. Sweet face with kind expression. Neat feet and adequate bone and she moved around well. Well handled but unfortunately not in her best coat today and had to give way for BV.

2 Rice - Tollerice Daneyko

Lively veteran of good proportions. Very friendly and alert with a kind eye. Held a good level topline standing and on the move.

3 Parker - Ripplerush Floreffe for Skysaria

2120. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1 Dalton - Rosettia Lady Marmalade

This pup has everything in all the right places at the moment. Mid orange colour. Straight front legs with decent width between. Good feet, level topline, good stifle and moved daintily. Pretty head and well presented.

2 Copeland & Knowles - Eusanit Oh Eck It's Menstonia NAF TAF

Well boned girl with sweet head and neat feet. Going through a growing stage and not quite as together as winner, Moved jauntily.

3 Head - Eusanit Red Rabbit

2121. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Puppy Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

1 Collins & Powley - Danehaven Lagrande

Came across as apprehensive at first but as I persevered it was obvious she was just a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere and was full of personality. Very pretty, feminine head of correct proportions with kindness and cheekiness exuding. Balanced outline with level topline, good stifle, bone and feet. Totally adorable. Such a lovely little package overall. BP

2 Dalton - Rosettia Lady Marmalade

1st MPB

3 Hunt - Wakaduze Dotame

2122. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Junior Bitch

Entries: 13 Absentees: 0

1 Windler - Coedhelyg Thimbleberry

Compact bitch, medium all over, makes a nice outline when stood. Sweet face, wedge shaped head, well placed ears with good neck leading to level topline. Neat feet. Very attentive to handler and moved steadily. I was quite drawn to her, but I just wanted to see a little bit more of that Toller personality come through in one so young.

2 Greenwood - Coedhelyg Cloudberry

Feminine head with kind eye. Good bone and straight front legs to neat round feet. Preferred topline of winner at this time. Moved beautifully.

3 Johnson - Tarnlaikers Ms Dynamite

2123. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Yearling Bitch

Entries: 20 Absentees: 2

1 Strevens - Tollisty Shincha JW

Kind, alert expression to her feminine wedge shaped head. Well set ears and strong neck in to level topline. Straight front legs with good width, adequate bone for her medium size and well arched neat feet. Strong spring of rib and tight elbows. Balanced in profile, parallel rear pasterns. Attentive and well schooled, presented in pristine condition. In the challenge, this one came alive and moved like her life depended on it, her rear drive was exemplary and it was this little bit extra that caught my eye and took the BCC.

2 Tester - Gingafing Best of You

Pretty head with good ears. Appeared fairly confident today. Good bone for her medium size, straight front legs. Level topline and in good double coat. Another who makes a very nice outline in profile and lots to like. Moved jauntily although has a tendency to lift front legs a bit high when she gets a bit exuberant sometimes.

3 Peat & Fox - Tollisty Ginger Chai

2124. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 14 Absentees: 1

1 Collins & Powley - Danehaven Madeleine

I found this girl very honest all over, correct angulation front and rear making her balanced with a good profile. Straight front legs with good bone and round feet. Deep chest, tight elbows and lovely forechest. Well sprung ribs and strong loin. Level topline. Attractive head with kind expression. Excellent, dense undercoat. So well muscled and powerful in movement, especially in profile, this is what won her the RBCC today.

2 Adshead - Afonbach Syrax JW

Attractive, feminine head of good proportions. Well set on neck in to good topline. Neat, round feet. Coat of good texture and presentation. Balanced overall in profile and made a typical Toller picture. Moved harmoniously with handler.

3 Akehurst - Oryxes Allure of The Trees at Ripplerush (Imp Can)

2125. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Limit Bitch

Entries: 15 Absentees: 1

1 Parker - Tollpepper Echo’s Hope for Skysaria

Honest bitch with clean outline. Liked her for type and character. Good straight front legs with width between and neat feet. Stands naturally squarely in a free stand and definitely eye catching. Balanced head with kind eye and well set and held ears. In good coat. Moved freely holding topline.

 2 Collins & Powley - Deveron Duchess of Danehaven

Very similar remarks to above. Loved her head and kind eye with expressive ears. Forelegs straight and strong on good bone. Well set on neck in to level topline. Thick double coat and tail. Moved jauntily with power.

3 Lashly - Tollisty Blow Your Mind at Citanabel JW

2126. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Open Bitch

Entries: 13 Absentees: 2

1 Strevens - Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty

Lively girl in full red coat with top quality shine. Head of lovely proportions and friendly expression. So balanced and well angulated. Good topline and underline. Happy and forthcoming. Well presented.

2 Van Broekhoven - Int/multi Ch U R Blissful N Nice of Great Pleasure

Similar girl with balanced head and adorable expression. Mature with straight front and neat feet. Balanced angulation in profile. Great quality red coat. Moved around with excited gusto.

3 Gunn Espeland - Adoreas Red Vienna

2127. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Special Working Gundog Bitch

Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1 Semyonova-Jaffe - Dk/swe/int Ch Redborn Dynamic Raven

Attractive bitch who was inbetween coats today. Well balanced head and neck well set on. Medium bone. Good stifle and neat feet. Very happy and moved effortlessly.

2128. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) - Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

Entries: 12 Absentees: 0

1 Lashly - Tollisty Blow Your Mind at Citanabel JW

Deep, broad muzzle slightly tapering retaining femininity with kind, expressive eye. Good ear set and carriage. Strong, medium neck, well set in to level topline. Medium sized, balanced and well muscled throughout. Moved well, especially in profile.

2 Peat & Fox - Tollisty Ginger Chai

Very attractive, balanced head with good ears. Profile looked good with nice neck and topline. Neat feet. Moved happily.

3 Hunt - Wakaduze Dotame

Yvonne Burchell (Tivalake)