Scottish Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

I was honoured to be invited to judge at this show. Thanks must go to the committee, my able steward and the exhibitors for giving me the chance to go over and assess your lovely dogs. It was a lovely atmosphere and a successful double show. Many thanks for graciously accepting my placings. A lot of pleasing youngsters coming through whose progress I will watch with interest.

BABY PUPPY DOG (1)

1st - Kerr’s Caramoone Canadian Club at Kinvaar - A lovely 4month old baby blenheim presenting such a lovely shape and outline already. Handsome head of good proportions with everything placed correctly to develop into a very pleasing headpiece indeed. Lovely round, dark eyes well set in his handsome face, jet black nose. A nice amount of neck into a well constructed front, well laid shoulders, straight forelegs. Very well bodied for age with well sprung ribs, short loin and keeping his topline at all times. Hind angles matching that of fore. Tail well set and of good carriage. So much confidence for such a baby, moved soundly, thoroughly enjoying his time in the ring. Pushed his sister hard for Best Baby Puppy - not much separating the two at this moment in time.

BABY PUPPY BITCH (2)

1st - Spiers’ Caramoone Spring Breeze - As mentioned, litter sister to Baby Puppy Dog winner and they certainly make an eyecatching pair. Lots to like about this little blenheim also. Her size and shape for her age as well is correct, so balanced and presenting a pleasing outline. Such a pretty head with that melting expression already, well proportioned with plenty of time on her side for her head to become even more beautiful. Expressive, round, dark eyes adding to her charm. Good length of neck flowing into a sound front assembly, shoulders well laid, straight forelegs. Correct body proportions and well bodied with well sprung ribs, short loin and a level topline. Hindquarters well angulated with good bend to stifles and parallel hocks. Tail set and carriage correct. Moved well with confidence - ramped her performance up a gear in the challenge to take Best Baby Puppy in Show.

2nd - Maxwell’s Eildon Dream Survivor - Black & Tan 5 month old. Pretty little bitch of good size. Pleasing head and expression with lovely dark round eyes well spaced apart. High set ears with fringing coming in well. At the moment looking a little more upright in shoulder and would prefer slightly more neck. Compact, solid little body with well sprung ribs carried well back. Level topline. Hindquarters parallel, well bent stifles and low set hocks. Tailset correct and carriage not too high. A wonderful temperament with bags of attitude! Moved confidently with animation. Just preferred 1sts front assembly today.

VETERAN DOG (8) A wonderful class of veteran males, showcasing what a healthy breed Cavaliers are with good breeding - each one a credit to you all.

1st - Hamilton’s Kilbarchan’s Moonwalker - A handsome blenheim male of 9 years old topped this strong class of veterans. For me, a little bigger than my ideal and up to size, but this didn’t detract from his other obvious qualities. Flat skull between high set ears, correct amount of stop with well tapered muzzle, well cushioned, good fill under his expressive eyes. Large, dark, round eyes well spaced giving a pleasant expression, well pigmented nose. Ears high set with good feathering. Neck of good length fitting into well laid shoulders, good depth of chest and moderately boned straight forelegs. Well bodied with well sprung ribs carried well back, loin not too long, kept his topline at all times. Hind angles sound and matching those of his front. In excellent coat and condition. Moved steadily and soundly. Best Veteran Dog & Best Veteran In Show.

2nd - Spiers’ Can Ch Embee’s Tasmanian Night - Another quality exhibit who pushed hard for 1st place. A lovely black & tan of 7 years old with the most beautiful head. A better size than 1st, presenting a balanced outline. Handsome head, flat skull, correct amount of stop with a good length of muzzle. Well cushioned with good fill. Eyes large, dark and round set well in his skull. Ears long, set high and with plenty of feathering framing his face well. Enough neck, chest depth good with straight forelegs of moderate bone. Correct body proportions with well sprung ribs, muscular loin. Initially thought he would be my winner, however just tended to drop his topline ever so slightly on the move. Nevertheless, moved with animation and tidily coming and going.

3rd - Byers’ Braemarra Taylor at Linetive VW

PUPPY DOG (2)

1st - Linton’s Thekop’s Si Sinor - 10 month old black and tan. Good size, shape and substance for age. Masculine head and expression, head developing well, still to fill out but with everything in the right place to develop correctly. Expressive, large, dark round eyes, full of expression never taking them off his handler. Ear set correct with fringing coming in well. Nice reach to neck into a sound front, shoulders well laid, chest developing well, straight forelegs. Well bodied and well ribbed back with good spring. Hindquarters well angulated with good bend to stifles and low set parallel hocks. Good tail set and carriage. Silky coat with feathering coming in well. Moved soundly. Preferred his head and type over his kennel mate.

2nd - Linton’s Thekop’s You Little Charmer - Blenheim 9 month old who doesn’t quite have the maturity of his kennel mate and needs a little more time to settle and develop in head. His head is masculine without being coarse, a well tapered muzzle of good length and tidy bite. He has large, round dark eyes which today were oh so full of mischief! Enough neck into a moderate lay of shoulder. Well bodied for age with good spring to ribs, a little long in loin and longer cast than 1st. Hind angles matching that of fore. Extremely exuberant today and giving his handler a hard time but moved ok when settled.

JUNIOR DOG (3) - 1st and 2nd in this class are 2 very exciting youngsters whose progress I will watch with great interest. It was difficult to split them and ultimately my BIS & RBIS came from this class.

1st - McMurray’s Chadwick Perfect Tonight at Merryoth - The youngest of the class, just out of puppy at 12 months old this blenheim young man ticks so many boxes for type and could already trouble some of the best. He is of a good size, presents such a balanced shape and outline and is so well constructed. He has such a handsome head, masculine but still with that melting expression which is so typical of the breed, flat skull, correct stop and well tapered muzzle with good fill under eyes. Eyes are large, dark and round well placed in his handsome face, jet black nose. Ears are high set with good fringing. He has a good reach of neck, slightly arched and flowing seamlessly into well laid shoulders, good return of upper arm and chest developing well for his young age. His forelegs are straight and of moderate bone, feet are tidy and parallel. Correct body proportions, well sprung ribs carried well back with muscular loin and a level topline which he kept at all times. Hindquarters strong and sound with well bent stifles, and low set, parallel hocks. Tail of correct set and carriage. Long, flat, silky coat presented well. Moved freely with good reach and drive, sound coming and going. Could not be denied Best Dog and Best In Show.

2nd - Rathbone’s Brymarden Flawless Blush - Another quality blenheim straight out of the top drawer! Hard to believe that this was only dog and owner’s 2nd show and, blimey, I would be honoured to have this young man as my first ever show dog! He absolutely screams “toy spaniel”, ideal for size, shape and balance. He has such an exquisite expression, sweet yet masculine without a trace of coarseness, flat between ears, a correct amount of stop and well tapered muzzle with good cushioning. Well filled below large, dark round eyes. Ears of high set with enough feathering for his young age. A good reach of neck fitting smoothly into well laid shoulders, chest still to develop a little but has plenty of time on his side, straight forelegs of moderate bone. Correct length to body, not overly long, ribs well sprung and carried well back with short, strong loin. Hindquarters well developed with good bend to stifles and straight, parallel hocks. Silky, flat coat presented beautifully. Tail set correct and carried in line with his back. Moved purposefully with enough reach and drive, parallel coming and going. If being picky, just needs to body up a little but as I said, he has plenty of time for that to come. A very exciting youngster who I couldn’t look past to award Reserve Best Dog and Reserve Best In Show against some quality exhibits. Well done!

3rd - McKeracher’s Brymarden Cool Breeze

MAIDEN DOG (2)

1st - Linton’s Thekop’s Si Sinor

2nd - McKeracher’s Brymarden Cool Breeze - Blenheim male who placed 3rd in previous class. Just a little too much of him for me. Saying that, he has a handsome head, masculine, flat skull with a well cushioned muzzle. Sweet expression. Large, dark, round eyes well set in his handsome face. Ears are set high with long feathering. Enough neck into a moderate lay of shoulder, good chest, well boned forelegs. Ribs well sprung, level topline. Hindquarters matching his fore angles. Tail carriage a little high on the move. Moved OK.

NOVICE DOG (1)

1st - McMurray’s Chadwick Perfect Tonight at Merryoth

GRADUATE DOG (2)

1st - Hamilton’s Kringleholme Continental - Handsome blenheim whose size, shape and type I preferred over 2nd. Masculine head and expression with good head proportions, flat skull, good length and depth to muzzle with good fill under eyes. Large, dark, round eyes well set in his face adding to his pleasing expression. Ears set high, long and with plenty of feathering. Would like a shade more neck and a slightly better lay of shoulder. Forelegs straight with moderate bone. Solid, compact body with well sprung ribs, slightly longer in loin, holds his level topline well at all times. Hindquarters sound with enough bend to stifles to propel him on the move. A wee bit proud of his tail on the move. Moved with confidence and animation.

2nd - Hood’s Rabymar New York - Black & Tan who is up to size and larger throughout than my winner. All male! Masculine head and expression, flat skull between ears, a correct stop with well tapered muzzle. Well cushioned and with good fill under eyes. Tidy bite. Expressive eyes, large, round and well set. Ears long, high set with good fringing framing his face well. Enough neck into a moderate lay of shoulder, good depth of chest and forelegs straight and well boned. Well bodied and ribs well sprung with strong loin. Tail carriage a little high. Tended to lose his topline a little when freestood. Moved ok.

POST GRADUATE DOG (3)

1st - Gow’s Legolas Aldaha Gold at Lyncraeg - A lovely little blenheim boy who scored highly on size, shape and type. Pleasing head and expression and presenting a clean outline. Head of good proportions, flat skull, correct amount of stop, tapering, well cushioned muzzle with clean lips. Well filled below eyes. Large, dark, round eyes correctly set, black nose. Ears high set and with plenty of feathering. Neck of good length and fitting into well laid shoulders, good return of upper arm and a well developed chest. Moderately boned straight forelegs. Compact little body with well sprung ribs, carried well back, short, muscular loin, level topline which he kept at all times. Could do with bodying up just ever so slightly. Hindquarters strong and sound with well bent stifles and low set parallel hocks. Tail set and carriage correct. Flat, silky coat with plenty of feathering presented well. Moved soundly from all angles.

2nd - Kynaston’s Granasil Ovaltine JW - An honest ruby boy of good size and shape who you need to get your hands on to really appreciate. Preferred expression and movement today of 1st. Well proportioned head with correct flat skull, shallow stop and good length and depth to tapering muzzle. Good fill under eyes. Dark, large, round eyes of correct set, shape and size, high set ears with enough feathering. Would like a shade more neck, moderate lay of shoulder, enough chest and straight forelegs of good bone. Solid little body with well sprung ribs of good length, short, muscular loin and a level topline. Tailset correct. Silky coat. Moved freely although his mind seemed to be on other things today!

3rd - Bibby’s Myrrens Jock at Linanste

SPECIAL POST GRADUATE DOG (BLACK/TAN & RUBY) (3)

1st - Kynaston’s Granasil Ovaltine JW

2nd - Hood’s Rabymar New York

3rd - Fraser’s Lewis’s Leonardo at Fraskye

LIMIT DOG (4) - A really tough class as all were of very varying types.

1st - Byers’ Bonniemadra Ricochet to Linetive - Tricolour who won on his overall size and footfall in movement, he did unfortunately tend to lose his topline on the move. Handsome headed little man with a pleasing expression, flat skull between high set ears, proportionate muzzle with clean lips, tidy bite. Eyes large, dark and round well spaced in his face. Long, high set ears with good feathering. Enough neck into moderate shoulders, some chest, forequarters straight and of moderate bone. Compact body, well ribbed back with good spring, short loin. Hind angles matching that of fore. Moved well with good reach and drive and tidy coming and going, just lost his topline in profile movement.

2nd - Slack’s Dalvreck In Dreams for Eversbabes - Honest, blenheim dog who is slightly larger than my ideal but nevertheless has some nice qualities that shone through today. Really pleasing head and expression, flat skull, shallow stop with well tapered muzzle, clean lips and good cushioning. Well filled under large, dark, expressive dark eyes. High set ears, long with good feathering. Enough neck into well laid shoulders, good depth of chest, forelegs of good bone. Nice spring of rib, slightly longer in body than 1st. Hindquarters well angulated with good bend of stifles and low set parallel hocks. Flying his tail a little on the move but went steadily.

3rd - Gow’s Lyncraeg Little Pip

OPEN DOG (3)

1st - Spiers’ Narayden Ben Hur for Caramoone - Really appealing exhibit who pushed hard in the dog challenge, unfortunately just having to give way today to the impressive junior males. He is of ideal size with a balanced outline, another lovely “toy spaniel”. Gorgeous head and expression with good flat skull, shallow stop and tapering muzzle of good length and depth. Good cushioning and lips finishing cleanly. Beautiful large, dark, round eyes so full of expression. Ears high set, long and well feathered. Well arched neck flowing smoothly into a sound front assembly, good depth to chest, forelegs well boned. Body of good substance for his size with well sprung ribs which are carried well back, short, strong loin, level topline kept at all times. Hindquarters muscular and sound, good turn of stifle and strong, parallel hocks. Tail set and carriage correct. Moved well from all angles, good reach and drive in profile and tidy front and rear movement coming and going. Quality dog.

2nd - McInally’s Dalvreck Time To Shine - Larger boy than 1st but with lots to like about him. Well marked blenheim with a balanced, striking outline. He too has an appealing, sweet expression. Head proportions good with flat skull, shallow stop and well tapered muzzle. Clean lips. Good, scissor bite. Eyes large, dark and round, well set in his handsome face, well pigmented nose. Ears set high, long and well feathered. Nice amount of neck into well laid shoulders, moderately boned, straight forelegs. Chest depth good, well sprung ribs carried well back and muscular, short loin. Hindquarters strong and sound with well bent stifles and low set parallel hocks. Moved well.

3rd - Hargrave’s Carleny Golden Button

VETERAN BITCH (1)

1st Gow’s Grajenco Macchiato at Lyncraeg - A lovely ruby lady of 9 years old. Very nice outline and could still show some of the youngsters how to move. Lovely head with correct flat skull, shallow stop and good length and depth to her muzzle, well cushioned with enough fill below her expressive eyes. Dark, round eyes of good size and set, ears well placed and with plenty of feathering. A good neck into a sound front assembly, nice depth to chest. Well bodied and in good muscular condition, well sprung ribs and a short, strong loin. Hindquarters well muscled with correct angulation. Moved well from all angles.

MINOR PUPPY BITCH (3) - A somewhat difficult class with really raw babies who will no doubt change places over the course of their showing careers.

1st Gibb-Stewart’s Emberlace Buttons and Bows at Tangledwood - Blenheim bitch who won this class on her overall balance at the moment. Nice shape and size. Head still to break as expected at this age but everything in the right place to develop into a quality headpiece. Lovely dark, round eyes well spaced in her pretty face. Ear set high with a bit of feathering starting to come in. Good length of neck fitting into well placed shoulders of good layback, straight forelegs of moderate bone. Well ribbed back with good spring and a nice short loin. Hindquarters sound and of correct angles. Moved with confidence.

2nd Spiers’ Caramoone Glass Slipper - A very sweet little black & tan who has the most lovely head and expression. She is of good size and has some substance for her age. Flat skull, shallow stop and a muzzle of good length and depth. Expressive, dark, round eyes. Nice reach of neck into a sound front assembly. Compact, solid little body with well sprung ribs. Sound hindquarters with well bent stifles and low set parallel hocks. Good tail set and carriage. Moved soundly and confidently when settled. Just looking a little low on leg at the moment which cost her 1st place but has loads of time to grow and develop.

3rd Hamilton’s Invincible Angel Magic Oak at Hamhoggs

PUPPY BITCH (4) - A quality class of promising youngsters with lots to like about all 4, a lovely class to judge and will watch all of their progress with great interest.

1st Kerr’s Kinvaar Pinky Promise - A very nice blenheim puppy who ticks all my boxes for size, type and shape. Balanced in outline. Sweetest of expressions with a head of good proportions, flat skull, correct stop and a well cushioned muzzle of good length and depth. Well pigmented. Expressive eyes of correct set, shape and size give that typical melting expression. High set ears with feathering coming in nicely. Lovely reach of neck with slight arch flowing smoothly into well laid shoulders, chest developing well, forelegs straight and of moderate bone. Well bodied with well sprung ribs which are carried well back and a short, strong loin. Level topline which she kept at all times. Tail set and carriage correct and never stopped wagging! Moved freely and soundly with good reach and drive in profile and parallel movement coming and going. Pulled out all the stops against some of the more mature exhibits to be awarded Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex in Show along with Best Puppy In Show. Loved her.

2nd Craney’s Sweetbriar Moonstone - Another very promising puppy presenting a lovely outline and her young handler sympathetically getting the best out of her. A heavier marked blenheim but very well constructed and moved out well. Feminine head with good skull to muzzle ratio, nice cushioning and head developing well. Large, dark, round eyes giving a pleasing expression, ears high set with feathering coming in well. A nice amount of neck fitting into a sound front assembly, moderately boned, straight forelegs. Compact body of good substance and muscular condition for age, well sprung ribs which are carried well back, short loin. Hindquarters matching that of her fore angles. Correct tail set and carriage. Moved well with confidence.

3rd Sim’s Bonitos Companeros Divine Blonde

JUNIOR BITCH (2, 1ABS)

1st Deamer’s Tangledwood We Found Love at Bankshill - 16 month old blenheim bitch who is of good size and shape but unfortunately was very out of coat today. Lovely head and expression, very feminine with good flat skull, shallow stop and correct length and depth to muzzle, enough fill under eyes. Expressive, dark, large round eyes well placed in her pretty face. Earset good, long with feathering. Good bite. Enough neck into a moderate lay of shoulder, forelegs of medium bone. Chest ok. Correct length to body, not overly long with good spring of rib and a short loin, keeping a level topline at all times. Hindquarters sound with hind angles matching that of her fore. Silky, flat coat. Tail set and carriage correct. Moved okay.

MAIDEN BITCH (2)

1st Maxwell’s Eildon Dream Elsa - Black & Tan of good size and a feminine, pretty head with pleasant expression. Flat between ears, shallow stop, a well cushioned muzzle with lips finishing cleanly. Good pigment. Large, round dark eyes of correct set adding to her sweet expression. Long ears set high with good feathering and framing her face well. A good reach of neck into a sound front, chest depth good with moderately boned straight forelegs. Well muscled body with good spring of rib carried well back, short, muscular loin and a level topline which was evident when freestood and on the move. Hindquarters sound and well muscled with angles matching that of her fore. Moved well.

2nd Henson’s Caramoone Grace Kelly - Not as pleasing in expression as my winner. Flat skull between well feathered high set ears. Lovely large, dark, round eyes well spaced. Enough neck into a moderate lay of shoulder, well developed chest, forelegs straight with correct bone and good feet. Well sprung ribs, a shade longer in body and loin than I’d line which affected her topline. Hindquarters well muscled with enough hind angulation. Tail carriage and set ok. Moved a little close behind.

NOVICE BITCH (2)

1st Linton’s Thekops Shankly’s Girl - 4 year old ruby whose size, shape and type I preferred over 2nd. Pleasing head and expression of good proportions, flat skull, shallow stop and tapered muzzle of good length and depth, lips finishing cleanly. Well pigmented nose and eye rims. Expressive dark eyes, round in shape and of good size and set. Long, well feathered ears of good set. Nice amount of neck, slightly arched and fitting into well laid shoulders, good depth of chest and forelegs straight with correct bone. Compact body with ribs carried well back and of good spring, muscular loin, not too long, level topline. Nice hindquarters with enough bend to stifles and low set parallel hocks. Moved a little close behind.

2nd McCue’s Xety Get Outta My Way - Blenheim 2 year old and out of a larger mould. Eager to please her handler who she never took her eyes off of. Such a happy little personality. Flat skull between long, well feathered ears. Dark, expressive eyes. Well pigmented nose, lips and eyerims. Tidy bite. Enough chest, forelegs strongly boned. A little longer in body but well muscled with well sprung ribs. Hindquarters matching fore angles. Moved ok.

GRADUATE BITCH (2)

1st Bibby’s Stronepoint Treacle Toffee at Linanste - My goodness what an exuberant lady this black and tan is, certainly bringing the “active” part of the standard to life! She couldn’t help but make me smile. Feminine head of decent proportions and I preferred her expression over 2nd. Lovely large dark round eyes so full of mischief. Flat skull between long, high set ears. Enough neck into a moderate lay of shoulder, forelegs strong and moderately boned. Compact body with well sprung ribs carried well back, muscular loin. Well bent stifles and low set parallel hocks. Tail carriage a little high which spoiled her outline. On the move, we got there once settled! Very erratic today but saw enough to award her placing.

2nd McCue’s Xety Get Outta My Way

POST GRADUATE BITCH (4, 1abs)

1st Gibb-Stewart’s Verheyen Jolene for Tangledwood - Won this class on her overall balance and outline and lovely movement. Feminine head and expression, nice head proportions with good flat skull, correct amount of stop and a well cushioned muzzle of nice depth and length. Clean lips. Well pigmented nose and eye rims. Well filled under her large, dark, round eyes. Ears well set with plenty of feathering. Lovely reach of neck with slight arch flowing seamlessly into well laid shoulders, good return of upper arm. Chest of good depth, forelegs straight and strong with moderate bone. Compact body, well muscled with good spring of rib carried well back and a short, muscular loin. Strong and sound hindquarters with nice bend to stifles and low set parallel hocks propelling her well on the move. Correct tailset and carriage. Flat, silky coat presented well. Moved freely and confidently with nice reach and drive and parallel, tidy movement coming and going.

2nd Hamilton’s Gwyrthmon Sheslikethewind - Another nice blenheim exhibit who has a lovely head, is of good size and presents a clean outline just couldn’t match 1st on movement today and is a little lacking in pigment perhaps due to the cold weather we are having. Good, flat skull complete with lozenge mark, tapered muzzle with good cushioning and well developed, clean lips. Large, dark, round eyes well set in her pretty face. High set well feathered ears framing her face well. Enough neck into a decent front assembly. Compact body with well sprung ribs. Strong hindquarters with well bent stifles and straight hocks. Moved ok.

3rd White’s Sweetest Of All at Carleny

SPECIAL POST GRADUATE BITCH (BLACK/TAN or RUBY) (3, 1abs)

1st Gibb-Stewart’s Clivia De Los Ursidos Kodiak with Tangledwood - Preferred head, size and balance of this bitch over 2nd. Pretty head and expression with good head proportions, correct flat skull with a shallow stop and enough fill under eyes to give a really appealing expression. Dark, large round eyes well set in her skull. High set ears with plenty of feathering. Could have a shade more neck and a little better lay of shoulder. Good depth of chest, moderately boned forelegs and good feet. Compact, solid body with well sprung ribs carried well back a muscular short loin and spirit level topline. Rich ruby colour, shiny, silky coat. Nice tail set and carriage. Moved soundly.

2nd White’s Sweetest Of All at Carleny - Another ruby who was higher on leg and finer throughout than 1st. Pretty head with good skull to muzzle ratio, lovely expressive dark, round eyes and dark pigmentation. High set ears with some feathering. Just enough neck, moderate bone to her straight forelegs. Could do with bodying up, a little narrow throughout, ribs carried well back, level topline. Hindquarters of moderate angles. Moved ok.

LIMIT BITCH (2)

1st Tremain’s Bonitos Companeros First Class - Very attractive blenheim who provided a balanced outline, tidy shape and is of good size and substance. Flat skull, correct amount of stop with good depth and length to her well cushioned muzzle. Well filled under her expressive, dark eyes, round and large giving a feminine and sweet expression. Well feathered, high set ears framing her pretty face. Neck slightly arched and of good length flowing smoothly into well laid shoulders, good return of upper arm. Enough chest and straight forelegs of medium bone. Compact body with well sprung ribs carried well back, short, muscular loin and sound hindquarters. Correct tail set and carriage. Moved well from all angles. Reserve Best Bitch.

2nd Spiers’ Bonniemadra Cantarito at Caramoone - My headache of the day!!! Try as her handler may, this beautiful girl was too much of a diva to walk on the mat! She ticked so many boxes for me but unfortunately threw her chances away when she refused to move after many attempts. A glorious ruby who scores highly on type, size, shape and balance. Gorgeous head of correct proportions, a well cushioned muzzle and wonderful pigment. Lustrous, dark round eyes, large and well set in her skull. Neck of good length, well crested and fitting seamlessly into well laid shoulders. Compact, solid little body with well sprung ribs and a short, muscular loin. Hindquarters strong and sound. Good tail set. Loved her.

Claire Mills (Clanscot)