Southern Rhodesian Ridgeback Association

I would like to thank SRRA for the invitation to judge and for all the hard work it takes to put on an event like this. Another massive thank you to my steward Jane Hawkins for all her hard work in strong winds and keeping the paperwork in one place. To the exhibitors thank you for entering under me. A pleasing entry overall, displaying many good breed qualities. However, the ground-covering movement expected of the breed over distance was lacking in a few today, with some maintaining the effortless stride and endurance typical of correct movement.

Minor Puppy Dog – No Entries

Puppy Dog – 1 Entry

1st – Nevison Mrs N, Bikquest Helios Sunreacher

A delightfully outgoing 10-month-old, clearly enjoying his day and showing all the exuberance of youth. Pleasing outline with developing forechest and balanced angulation fore and aft. Head already showing correct proportions with flat skull and well-defined stop, giving a keen yet kind expression. Strong topline which he held on the move, demonstrating good extension and drive. Promising youngster with a bright future ahead. Best Puppy Dog.

Junior Dog – 2 Entries, 1 Absent

1st – Hurn Mrs N, Kwanza El Faiyum Matikiridge (Imp NLD) JW

A well-balanced 15-month-old of excellent breed type. Masculine head with good depth of muzzle, strong underjaw, and well-set ears framing a typical, alert expression. Strong, arched neck flowing cleanly into well-laid shoulders. Straight forelegs with ample bone, tight feet, and a good return of upper arm. Excellent length of ribbing to short, strong loin. Moved around the ring with effortless reach and drive, holding a firm topline throughout. A young male of substance and elegance combined.

Novice Dog – 1 Entry

1st – Demain Mrs T L, Kazembe Counter Strike

At 21 months, this young male presents a pleasing, balanced outline. Strong in bone without coarseness, well-developed forechest, and depth to the elbow. Correct ridge of good length and placement. Moved with purpose and drive, holding his topline and tail carriage well. Another with plenty to like and maturity still to come.

Post Graduate Dog – 3 Entries, 0 Absent

1st – Hicks Mr J & Mrs S, Nuthouse Mastermind

A handsome liver-nosed male of 2 years, exuding strength and masculinity while retaining a balanced and athletic outline. Lovely length of neck into well-laid shoulders, deep brisket with well-sprung ribs, and firm, level topline leading to a well-set croup. Ridge well defined with correct crowns. Covered the ground with freedom and power, showing true movement coming and going.

2nd – Geeves Mr A P & Mrs S A, Gabisa Hob Nob With The Baron

A male of pleasing proportions and moderate construction. Good head planes, kind expression, and clean neck. Depth of body and correct ribbing with good length to loin. Ridge correct and well-defined. Moved soundly with a steady, rhythmic action, though slightly closer behind than the class winner.

Limit Dog – 5 Entries, 1 Absent

1st – Mitchelson Mrs G F & Mr P, Amahle Red Hot Zephyr At Voortrekker

A most impressive 3-year-old male, Typical head with flat skull and good width between the ears, strong muzzle and tight flews. Excellent reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders and a clean, straight front. Deep chest reaching to the elbow, well-ribbed back with correct length of loin and slightly sloping croup. Ridge long and symmetrical with well-placed crowns. On the move, he strode out powerfully especially when returning to the owner

2nd – Jeffery E, Negasi Thorin At Rexgrove

Another high-quality male of similar age and stamp. Rich expression and masculine head with good ear set and dark eye. Well-constructed front and rear assemblies, correct topline and tailset. Powerful movement with good reach, though today just lacked the fluid ease of the winner.

Open Dog – 7 Entries, 4 Absent

1st – Barnes Miss K J, Diamondridge Dreadnought JW

A magnificent example of the breed, combining substance, strength. From the moment he entered the ring he commanded attention. Classic headpiece with excellent proportions, strong underjaw, dark eyes, and keen, intelligent expression. Well-muscled neck into correctly placed shoulders and deep, capacious chest with prominent forechest and well-sprung ribs. Strong topline to slightly sloping croup, powerful quarters with width through stifle and second thigh. Ridge long, straight, and perfectly crowned. Movement was a masterclass in balance and efficiency, every stride purposeful. His first step as impressive as his last. Best Dog, Reserve Best in Show.

2nd – Hurn Mrs N, Ch Diamondridge Dark Delight Of Matikiridge

Another top-quality male from the same kennel lines, exuding breed type and ring presence. Strongly made with excellent bone, depth, and muscle. Correct ridge and lovely clean outline, moved with strength and drive, maintaining superb rhythm and balance. Just preferred the winner’s overall fluidity today. Reserve Best Dog.

Veteran Dog – 3 Entries

1st – House Mr M J, Diamondridge Distant Storm For Kemgordoni

Strong, masculine head with great expression. Excellent muscle tone and carriage, still showing strength and soundness throughout. Balanced movement with reach and drive — he truly glided around the ring, showing that age is no barrier when quality and fitness are present. Best Veteran Dog.

2nd – Jeffery E, Mirengo’s Machinga At Rexgrove

A powerful seven-year-old in fine condition. Deep chest, strong loin, and excellent angulation. Demonstrated his enthusiasm in abundance — even causing a little ring drama! Handled beautifully on the rerun, moving with drive and enthusiasm.

Special Veteran Dog & Bitch – 1 Entry, 1 Absent

Baby Puppy – 1 Entry, 1 Absent

Minor Puppy Bitch – 1 Entry, 1 Absent

Puppy Bitch – 2 Entries

1st – Nevison Mrs N, Bikquest Envy Blazingstar

A most promising young bitch of quality and femininity. Beautiful head with correct planes, tight flews, dark eyes and an alert, intelligent expression. Well-constructed front with good forechest and depth for her age, excellent ribbing, and a pleasing tuck-up. Well-set croup and tail carriage, ridge of ideal length and placement. Moved out with grace and purpose, showing reach and drive rarely seen in one so young. Best Puppy Bitch, Best Puppy in Show.

2nd – Nevison Mrs N, Bikquest Sunshine Ember

Litter sister to the winner and sharing many of her qualities — feminine head, balanced outline, and excellent bone for size. Unfortunately not moving at her best today due to a sore foot, but a lovely youngster who should have a bright future once sound.

Junior Bitch – 2 Entries, 1 Withdrawn

1st – Lo Nigro, Rice & Rice, Ms M E, Miss M G & Miss F E, Nuthouse Shall We Dance

A feminine young bitch with a soft, intelligent expression and balanced outline. Good reach of neck into well-placed shoulders, depth to elbow, and tidy feet. Everything in moderation — nothing exaggerated. Moved freely and easily, holding her shape throughout. Should continue to mature nicely with time.

Novice Bitch – 3 Entries, 1 Absent

1st – Nevison Mrs N, Bikquest Envy Blazingstar

Repeated her earlier performance — poised, confident, and well-constructed. Balanced in all proportions, moving soundly on a free, ground-covering stride.

2nd – Healey Mr J & Mrs K S, Kiromol Reckon I’m Hot

A light wheaten bitch full of character and presence. Feminine head with kind eye, correct ribbing to defined tuck-up, well-set croup and tail. Balanced throughout, moving soundly with correct tail carriage and smooth stride.

Post Graduate Bitch – 9 Entries, 5 Absent

1st – Hicks Mr J & Mrs S, Nuthouse Going For Gold JW

An eye-catching, beautifully constructed bitch who commands attention from the moment she steps into the ring. Feminine yet powerful, with a well-balanced outline and correct proportions. Excellent coat and ridge, strong topline, well-developed loin, and deep chest to elbow. Moderate angulation, nothing overdone. Moved with true reach and drive, covering the ground efficiently and with rhythm. A quality bitch through and through. Reserve Best Bitch.

2nd – Parker Ms J, Asharaa’s She’s Magic To Azuli

Another well-made, balanced bitch of pleasing type and size. Feminine head with good width of skull, clean neck, and strong front. Excellent rear assembly with good bend of stifle and muscle tone. Moved soundly, maintaining her topline and outline.

Limit Bitch – 4 Entries, 2 Absent

1st – Maidment Mrs A & Mr B, Amahle Behave Yourself

This beautiful bitch epitomises femininity, balance, and true breed elegance. From the moment she entered the ring, she captured my attention and held it effortlessly. Her outline in profile was exquisite — clean, flowing lines from nose to tail with nothing exaggerated. A well-proportioned feminine head with correct planes and a gentle expression, set on a moderate, elegant neck leading into well-laid shoulders. Deep chest reaching to the elbow, well-sprung ribs, and firm topline with a correctly set croup and well-carried tail. Angulation front and rear was harmonious, providing her with the effortless, ground-covering movement that makes the Ridgeback so distinctive. She glided around the ring with poise and grace, showing reach and drive in perfect balance. An absolute picture of a Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch in her prime. Best Bitch, Best in Show.

2nd – Smith Mrs A J & Mr W J, Ungowa Here You Come Again JW

A bitch of excellent type and quality, presenting a lovely feminine silhouette with a flowing topline and correct proportions throughout. Clean, well-shaped head with kind expression, strong neck into a balanced front assembly with straight forelegs and tight, arched feet. Ridge correct in length and placement, strong pasterns, and well-developed rear quarters showing plenty of muscle and drive on the move. Presented in fine condition and handled to advantage. On another day, could easily change places — just preferred the absolute fluidity and composure of the winner today.

Open Bitch – 8 Entries, 7 Absent

1st – Barnes Mrs L, Miss K & Mr K, Ch Diamondridge Kazembe Golden Age JW

A 3-year-old bitch of unmistakable quality and breed presence. Beautiful head and expression, framed by well-set ears and keen eyes. Correct ridge of good length and symmetrical crowns, well-defined forechest and depth through the body. Excellent ribbing, short strong loin, and gently sloping croup. Well-muscled quarters and correct angulation fore and aft. She moved with purpose and freedom, demonstrating the effortless stride typical of the breed — long, fluid, and unhurried, with plenty of drive from behind. She clearly enjoyed her time in the ring, showing off her rhythm and natural carriage with enthusiasm. A joy to watch this elegant girl move so freely and happily.

Veteran Bitch – 9 Entries, 6 Absent

A special note on this class: this is everything that makes the Veteran class so heartwarming. Their wisdom, grace, and joy in the ring never fail to inspire. Each of these girls displayed the exuberance of a puppy paired with the steadiness of experience. All three were in lovely condition, showing no sign of age slowing them down — a testament to the breed’s vitality and the dedication of their owners.

1st – Parker Ms J, Ch Kiromol As You Like It With Azuli JW

A truly outstanding veteran bitch, still full of vitality and charisma. I have long admired her quality and was delighted to have the opportunity to judge her today. Beautiful feminine head of correct proportions, flat skull, and expressive eyes that radiate intelligence. Moderate, well-arched neck into well-laid shoulders, excellent ribbing, firm topline and balanced angulation fore and aft. On the move, she still shows superb reach and drive, powered by strong, well-conditioned muscles and excellent rear angulation. Her topline remains steady and her stride long, smooth, and efficient. A wonderful example of a Rhodesian Ridgeback maintaining both type and athleticism into her veteran years. Best Veteran Bitch, Best Veteran in Show.

2nd – Barnes Mr & Miss K J, Diamondridge Dream Catch Me JW

Another high-quality veteran who belies her age in both construction and enthusiasm. Presented in beautiful condition with a gleaming coat and well-toned muscle. Strong, moderate neck leading into a clean front with depth through the chest and firm, well-sprung ribs. Strong loin, well-set croup, and excellent hindquarters with correct bend of stifle. Balanced and proportionate throughout, moving with power and grace, holding her topline and tail carriage proudly. Just preferred the overall cadence and composure of the winner, but another admirable example of a fit, functional, and truly beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch.