Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association

Open Show

Saturday 1st March 2025

Critique

I found it a pleasant coincidence that I was judging my favourite Welsh breed on a sunny St David’s day, and although we both share the same name, I think the similarity probably ends there! The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association have always been a supportive club of me, both as an exhibitor in the time when I was showing my own Cardigan, and as a judge, and it was an honour and a pleasure to judge your open show. Although I spend most of my days at shows on hound day, when I do get to spend time with Cardi folk, it is like seeing old family members and I was delighted with the warm welcome I received from the committee and the exhibitors. This was Brooke Taylors first show as Secretary of a club she has been attending all of her life and I have to take my hat off to her for doing an excellent job. Thanks also to my steward, Karen Hewitt and to Eileen Eby for managing the results. It was a lovely atmosphere and so lovely to see so many familiar faces both human and canine and the buffet lunch was a lovely touch- Brenda Piers’ Welsh Cakes being as delicious as ever!

As is usual when judging Cardigans there was a large range in type and quality. Overall, there was good breed type with all dogs being in good condition, most with nice hard muscle and correct weatherproof coat texture. Temperaments were also good, with none shying away and no aggression. A few were struggling with the venue, small echoey halls in a noise sensitive breed, do not always get the best out of the dog resulting in many flying their tails in excitement or on alert, and a few struggled with the floor surface, not giving their best on the move. Fronts were a real mixed bag with several either too straight, or too wide, too turned out, or lacking in forechest with few giving the true wrap around that is essential for Cardigan type. Eyes are another area to watch with few having defined corners and several either almond or rounder than you would hope for. There were also a small number of incorrect bites, mainly level, which is something breeders need to be careful of, however in a breed that does not use their mouth in their work, I would penalise this less than in say, a hound or a terrier.

Overall, I was delighted with my line ups, with my final winners being excellent examples of Cardigan Corgis. The two veterans I awarded Best and Reserve Best in Show, are an absolute credit to the breed and just show how long lasting they are. There were some promising younger dogs also which hopefully bodes well for the future of the breed. Cardigans are truly one of my heart breeds and I enjoyed my day so very much. Thank you to all who entered your beautiful dogs.

Minor Puppy Dog (2 entries)

1st. Smith’s Elessar Dark Moon Rising. Brindle male with a super masculine head and lovely ears, although slightly rounder in eye than I’d prefer. Good front starting to develop with nice round feet and enough forechest with a good length of rib going into well angulated hindquarters. Slightly dipping in topline when stood which cost him in the best puppy challenge as his sister has a firmer topline, however still very young and showing plenty of promise and good breed type. Overall moved well and more together and stronger in rear than 2nd. Best Puppy Dog.

2nd. Anderson and Thomas’s Tamlin Hill Billy Rock (AI). Tri puppy who also scored well in head and ears and preferred his eyes to the winner. Good front developing with sufficient forechest and good feet. A touch bum high at the rear and needing to strengthen, however plenty to like and one, like all young cardis, who just needs time.

Puppy Dog (1 entry)

1st. Tamlin Hill Billy Rock (AI). 2nd MP Dog.

Junior Dog (2 entries)

1st. Langford’s Gowerston Geriant of Caprian JW. Masculine head of lovely proportions with lovely ears and good eye shape. The better front of the two with good forechest and sufficient wrap around with excellent feet. Nice length of rib with well-defined waist and good strong rear when stood. Movement still a bit all over the place but sound when settled. Lots to like.

2nd. Down’s Sayenchi’s Abracadabra with Elessar. Another nice youngster and a close decision between the two. Still rather raw being that few months younger than the winner however scores well in head and ear shape. Good enough in front, but still needs to drop in chest. Good length of neck and nice topline when stood, with good coat texture and nice fox brush tail. Another all over the place on the move however like the winner, plenty to like and just needs the time to mature.

Special Beginner’s Dog (4 entries)

1st. Fox’s Gowerston Granville. Blue Merle male with very good head proportions, nice ears and good length of neck going into a good front, with nice tight elbows and good forechest. Better depth of chest than 2nd and good length of rib with well-defined waist and nice hard coat texture. Hindquarters could be stronger but overall moved nicely. I felt the bitch was stronger in her rear movement in the challenge for best special beginner, however a dog of good breed type overall.

2nd. Smith’s Elessar Dark Moon Rising. 1st MP Dog.

3rd. Field’s Gowerston Granchester

Graduate Dog (2 entries)

1st. Langford’s Gowerston Geriant of Caprian JW. 1st Junior Dog.

2nd. Down’s Sayenchi’s Abracadabra with Elessar. 2nd Junior Dog.

Post Graduate Dog (1 entry)

1st. Langford’s Gowerston Geriant of Caprian JW. 1st Junior Dog.

Limit Dog (3 entries)

1st. Cooper’s Haveback Beech Haven. Tri Male with a lovely head and good eye shape and ears. Nice strong neck going into a good front and nice round feet. Lovely length of rib with strong loin and good depth of chest holing a very good topline. Super solid hard muscle tone with lovely coat texture and very sound on the move. This dog could work all day and an excellent example of type.

2nd. Fox’s Gowerston Granville. 1st SB Dog.

3rd. Field’s Gowerston Granchester

Open Dog (4 entries, 1 absent)

Three quality males.

1st. William’s and James Ch Bwthyn Headliner JW ShCM ShCEx VW. I have judged this dog a few times over his career, and he is an old favourite of mine. At ten years old his years defy him, and he is still in super condition with solid muscle tone and excellent coat texture. He has a lovely typical head with excellent expression and ears going onto a super strong neck. An excellent front, giving the true Cardigan wrap around with good forechest and nice tight elbows stood on excellent round feet. Excellent length of rib going into a strong loin and well angulated hindquarters with good fox brush tail set on correctly. On the move you would never think he was the age he is, being free flowing and sound. A quality dog with many outstanding attributes, he is a real credit to the breed. Very little between him and the veteran winner, however only one could win and I felt the veteran had slightly more freedom of action on the move, although could easily change places on another day. Reserve Best Dog and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd. Burgoyne and Goddard’s Pemcader Diamond Geezer. Blue Merle dog of excellent breed type. Super head proportions with lovely eyes, showing defined corners and giving a true cardi expression. Lovely strong neck going into a good front with plenty of forechest and good feet. Excellent coat texture and condition on a well ribbed body with strong hindquarters. Sound mover being free and easy in profile. Another quality dog.

3rd. Essenhigh and Bishop’s Ch Ceranda Gower Charmer at Brynlluan

Veteran Dog (7 entries, 2 absent)

1st. Taylor’s Ch Handskes Just a Gigolo at Tamlin. Red brindle male of super breed type with strong masculine head and good ears. Super length of neck going into and excellent front with strong forechest and good wrap around, nice tight elbows and excellent feet. Well sprung ribs of good length and good defined waist going into strong well angulated hindquarters. Good fox brush tail which he held correctly on the move holding an excellent topline. Lovely free movement in front with good drive at the rear, appeared effortless around the ring, and at a few days off his 10th birthday another who defies his years. I judged this dog as a youngster and am delighted to see how he has matured into a fine specimen of the breed and a real credit to his owners and breeder. I was delighted to award him Best Dog and Best in Show in today’s entry.

2nd. William’s and James Ch Bwthyn Headliner JW ShCM ShCEx VW. 1st Open Dog.

3rd. Roberts’ Gowerston Grand Joins Kogarahs

Minor Puppy Bitch (2 entries)

1st. Down’s Elessar Eclipse the Stars. Six-month-old brindle girl who although is still very raw, is very balanced for her age. Lovely feminine head with good ears and nice eye shape and expression. The better front of the two today with well laid shoulders and good forechest for her age and good feet. Lovely length of neck going into a super topline and balanced strong back end. Moved well for her age being sound and holding her topline well. Quality pup with plenty more to come, I’m sure. I felt her overall balance was the best in today’s puppy entry and was happy to award her Best Puppy Bitch and Best Puppy in Show.

2nd. Anderson and Thomas’s Tamlin Boot Scoot Boogie (AI). Another nice puppy, this one blue merle, with a good front and feet but not as good in topline as the winner. Nice head and eye shape although her ears still need to strengthen. Front and back movement isn’t quite coordinated at this point, however hopefully just going through one of the awkward growing stages. Plenty of positive breed points and one with potential.

Puppy Bitch (2 entries)

1st. Clarke’s Hundahilli Pimpinelli. Tri colour bitch with a nice head and good ears. Good length of neck going into well laid shoulders and good forechest. Nice topline when stood although still needs to strengthen on the move. Good length of rib going into well angulated hindquarters. Lovely coat texture. Moved well enough to win this class but another who is still developing with plenty to like.

2nd. Anderson and Thomas’s Tamlin Boot Scoot Boogie (AI). 2nd MP Bitch.

Special Beginners Bitch (2 entries)

1st. Smith’s Ceranda Gower Diamond JW. Brindle bitch of good breed type with a nice head and lovely ears. Eye shape a touch rounder than I’d prefer. Better front of the two in this class with good forechest and feet and nice length of well sprung ribs going into a well-defined waist. Good strong hindquarters and lovely fox brush tail with excellent coat texture all over. Sound moving bitch who looked good in profile and on the up and back. One with lots to like and was happy to award her Best Special Beginner in Show.

2nd. Field’s Cruglwyd Cristyne Two-year-old blue merle with a good head and eye shape, OK ears, perhaps a touch wide set. Good enough front but could do with more forechest. Nice topline and coat texture. Hindquarters not as strong as the winner. Moved OK, possibly not appreciating the hall surface.

Graduate Bitch (2 entries)

1st. Evan’s Lidoffad Celtic Dream. Feminine bitch with nice head proportions, good ears and eyes and good length of neck. Better front of the two in this class. Still a young bitch so still needs to mature in body, however, has well sprung ribs of good length, nice coat texture and balanced hindquarters. Moved well with good free action in profile.

2nd. James’ Gowerston Gracelyn at Bwthyn. 18-month-old bitch who still has some maturing to do in body but has plenty of positive qualities. A balanced head which is perhaps a bit strong for a bitch however goes into a good neck with an acceptable front. Still needs to drop in chest and tighten all over. Good topline and nice strong hindquarters, Moved well overall. Little between 1st and 2nd in this class.

Post Graduate Bitch (6 entries, 1 absent)

1st. Taylor’s Chris Team Bakalia for Tamlin (Imp Pol) JW. Quality brindle bitch who was an easy winner of this class with a super head and ears and lovely eye shape with well defined corners giving a super expression. Very good front with well laid shoulders, good forechest and nice tight elbows giving a good wrap around. Good round feet and a nice topline when stood. Strong well-muscled hindquarters and excellent coat texture with good fox brush tail. Lovely free and easy movement with good drive. In my short list for top honours, just lacked the maturity of the two main bitch winners but one to watch.

2nd. Smith’s Ceranda Gower Diamond JW. 1st SB Bitch.

3rd. James’ Gowerston Gracelyn at Bwthyn. 2nd SB Bitch.

Limit Bitch (5 entries, 1 absent)

1st. Langford’s Caprian Adriana JW. Brindle point Tri who gave a very femine picture with a lovely head and eye shape and super ears. Best front in this class with a good strong neck and well laid shoulders, good forechest and well-rounded feet. Nice tight elbows giving good wrap around the chest and good length of rib with a super topline. Lovely coat texture with super muscle tone and a well-balanced strong rear. Lovely sound mover in all directions. Another quality bitch who I considered for higher awards.

2nd. Down’s Elessar Blue Diamond JW. Blue merle bitch of heavier type who has a good head and ears. Nice front and forechest with excellent topline and good feet. Balanced well angulated hindquarters which still need to strengthen. Still a young bitch with some maturing to do but all the essentials are there.

3rd. Apperley’s Nracigroc Charlotte Jayne

Open Bitch (6 entries, 2 absent)

Four quality bitches, sadly all deciding to fly their tails today in the class, however all four have many excellent breed attributes.

1st. Fitzpatrick-Graham’s Ancksunamun Hallows Eve JW. Quality brindle who was my best puppy last time I judged the breed. Super breed type and balance overall with a lovely balanced head, good ears and eye shape and expression. Excellent front with lovely tight elbows giving good wrap around, nice prominent breastbone and good feet. Well ribbed up with good spring and an excellent topline showing a well-defined waist. Balanced well-muscled hindquarters with super hard coat texture. Lovely free and sound movement in profile and on the up and back. Delighted to award her Best Bitch in todays entry. Still many years off the maturity of the two veteran dogs so had to settle for Best Opposite Sex in Show today, however I will be interested to watch her show career in the future.

2nd. Langford’s Caprian The Vixen JW. Another quality bitch with super head and eye shape and expression. Lovely ears and nice strong neck going into a very good front with good forechest, well sprung ribs of a good length and nice feet. Super muscle tone and coat texture with lovely solid strong rear end. Very sound mover and lovely to watch in profile. This bitch would work all day, and I felt an excellent example of breed type and soundness. 2nd in this class but an easy winner of veteran bitch. Best Veteran Bitch and Reserve Best Bitch overall.

3rd. Roberts’ Ch A Ray of Sunshine at Kogarahs

Veteran Bitch (6 entries, 3 absent)

1st. Langford’s Caprian The Vixen JW. 2nd in open.

2nd. Roberts’ Wildcard Lottie at Foaldown. 10-year-old blue merle of super breed type, with lovely head and eye shape and excellent ears. Good strong neck with a good forechest. Very slightly wider in front however lovely topline for her age and super coat texture and colour. Nice strong hindquarters and good tail. Moved well, not quite the front extension of the winner but overall, a sound and typey bitch with plenty to like and in great condition for her age.

3rd. Froggatt’s Wildcard Queen of Clubs for Gerefa

David Knights (Lelaps)