Burton On Trent Kennel Association

Burton-on-Trent Kennel Association

Curly Coated Retriever Critiques

07/12/2025

I would like to thank the Burton-on-Trent Kennel Association for the invitation to judge a breed very close to my heart for my first judging appointment and welcoming me with open arms.

A very big thank you to my ring stewards and fellow breed enthusiasts Rachel and Heather for all your support and keeping me in check.

The support from outside the ring from within the curly community was very much appreciated with all the positivity and cheering it was lovely to see people supporting one another.

Another wonderful thing to see were confident and happy puppies, a great example of what a curly should be. Some great coats in the ring a credit to owners’ upkeep and grooming, getting those tight curls, which I love to see.

Some issues cropping up with feet, they are not as tidy and cat like as they could be, regular nail trimming to get them back in order. Hindquarters in some cases are weaker and throwing off gait and movement.

Junior (5/0)

1. Dooley - Violeta Mariposa Horace Du Moulin Du Paulu (IMP FRA) – There is a bright future ahead for this youngster who is still maturing, he is a lovely 15-month-old black male, with a masculine head with nice dark eyes, set on a strong neck leading to a muscular front assembly. Well sprung ribs, with a level topline which is shown well on the move. His movement was effortless and settled for a male still so young, and with drive. His body was covered in tight thick curls. He has some filling out to do, but that will come with age. RBOB

2. Spraggins - Tusepo Miss Scarlett – A wonderful black 8-month-old puppy whose tail didn’t stop which is lovely to see. A beautiful feminine head with lovely set eyes. Tight curls developing with a nice texture to her coat. In proportion with her size at this stage of her growth, muscles well developed. Moved well and will continue to improve with time and training as she settles. I look forward to watching this bitch grow and continue to develop inside and outside of the ring with interest. BP

3. Pavitt, Pavitt, Whitehead, Whitehead - Foxriever Fire Cracker (AI)

4. Chattwood, Allmark, Spraggins, Spraggins – Tusepo Mrs Peacock

5. Sutton, Whitehead, Whitehead - Foxriever Fire Fly (AI)

Post Graduate (2/0)

1. Clack, Eddery, Clack – Epsilon Adhara At Molokain JW – A confident two-year-old liver bitch, very feminine in all aspects. Lovely texture to coat with curls. Great depth of chest with spring of rib, to a powerful loin and strong hindquarters to power movement with effortless drive.

2. Chattwood, Allmark – Tusepo Love Me Like You Do At Pendlecurl – 6-year-old black bitch with a lovely feminine head laid into a strong neck, with a good depth of chest. Good drive from muscular hindquarters, moved lovely and had a beautiful silhouette on the move, just less settled overall to my number one.

Open (5/1)

1. Hodson – Sh Ch Rowancurl Gentle Gaelor – 4-Year-old black male when the standard states ‘degree of elegance’ this is what he brought to the ring today. He is in proportion for his size with a masculine head, dark oval haped eyes, strong neck well laid back into muscular shoulders, good rib well sprung into a powerful loin. He shows a level topline and demonstrates it well on the move. His coat is covered in thick tight crisp curls which is fantastic to see. He moved with drive and ease powered by well-muscled hindquarters. It was a pleasure to go over him and award him BOB today.

2. Clack, Eddery, Clack – Sh Ch Molokain Hocus Pocus – 2-Year-Old black female, lovely feminine in size and shape. Has a wonderful feminine wedge-shaped head with oval shaped eyes, well focused on her handler today. Well-muscled throughout, making for effortless movement and drive. Coat well trimmed and in great condition, lovely curls and texture. Didn’t move as well as my number one.

3. Spraggins – Tusepo Amazing Love

4. Clack, Clack, Battle-Hunter, Eddery – Krisbos Leonidas With Molokain JW (IKC)

Ethan-James Emery (Thunderguard)