Pollard Canine Society

Pollard Canine Society – 19/07/25

Dogue De Bordeaux

I’d like to start by thanking the Society for inviting me to judge the breed here at this lovely outdoor show. Despite the weather, the atmosphere around the ring and amongst the exhibitors was warm and cheerful – a truly enjoyable day!

A special thank you to the Northern DDB Club as the breed classes were a supported entry by the Club.

Puppy (1ent, 0abs)

1st - Bailey, Mrs S & Mrs E – Nesaluma Atomboy – Dog, 9 months. A delightfully well-mannered young dog that was a pleasure to go over due to his great temperament. At such a young age he’s already got the right foundations there, just needs time for continued development. Quality head features, full of type. Particularly strong chin, with correct bite. Strong cheeks, and already good width to skull. Well laid shoulders. Chest development is true and coming along well. Really strong muscling in the fore quarters, straight front and well sprung ribs. Topline straight, with sloping croup. Currently in quite a leggy stage, meaning movement is a little unbalanced whilst he waits for his body to catch up in development – but still a sound mover for age. Exciting young prospect with lots of potential. BEST PUPPY

Junior (3ent, 2abs)

1st - Bailey, Mrs S & Mrs E – Pasya Bernaux De Picardi Avec Nesaluma (IMP POL) – Bitch, 14 months. A cracking young, black-masked bitch. Absolutely excels in head development. Thought she’d be taking one of the top honours when saw her enter the ring, but unfortunately was unsettled and not confident with being assessed today. Really great head and expression. Mobile wrinkling, pronounced stop, correct bite, strong chin and prominent cheeks. Solid pigmentation to go with her black mask. Feminine frame with harmonious outline. Development is true to age, with all the foundations to mature into a really quality bitch. Good chest development, fore- and hind- quarters all boasting strong musculation and correct angulation. Once settled, movement was sound, supple and strong, maintaining topline on the move. Sympathetic handler who was encouraging and patient throughout – with time and continued encouragement this bitch will be more confident and will be a strong contender for top honours in the future.

Post-Graduate (1ent, 1abs)

Please note, the below was invited into the ring through a miscommunication / steward error. The dog judged in this class should have been in Open. However, despite this, all final honours placings would have remained the same, so no further action was needed.

1st – Bamforth, Mrs L – Bellamiabam’s River – Bitch, 3½ years. A sound bitch through and through. Of larger stature, but still holds femininity throughout. Quality typey head with short, powerful muzzle. Good chin, well-opened nostrils, pronounced stop and strong cheeks. Lighter in eye than I’d prefer, but still correct for no mask and compliments her feminine look well. Broad, strong neck and well laid shoulders. Straight front with great depth to chest and really good forechest. Well-sprung ribs and straight topline. Despite her larger stature she moved effortlessly around the ring with strong drive. Best mover of the day! Her young handler excelled today and got the best out of her dog – listened carefully to instructions and really showed this dog off, a great partnership! Awarded RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

Open (5ent, 3abs – 1 in prev. class)

1st – Bamforth, Mrs L – Bellamiabam Ragnar – Dog, 17 months. This young lad is ticking all the right boxes for me at his current development for age – powerful, imposing, athletic, stocky and a lovely temperament. Trademark broad head, oozing breed type – wider at ears than eyes, pronounced stop, mobile wrinkling, prominent cheeks. Powerful, short muzzle. Great chin and good well-opened nostrils. Correct undershot bite. Has the characteristic frank expression. Strong, sound neck, onto well-defined withers. Powerful chest, deep and broad – would like to see further development to forechest to complete his front. Topline straight and maintained on the move. Moved soundly, and full of energy today. Would like a touch more second-thigh to balance his well-muscled frame. Overall a top-quality young dog, where additional improvements will come with his continued maturity. He’s the type of dog I’d welcome into my own kennel any day. My pleasure to award BEST OF BREED.

Judge – Mr Declan Kenyon (Desquire)