Stafford & District Canine Society

Stafford & District Canine Society Open Show

27th September 2025

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge—I'm honoured to have had my first appointment and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I’m also very grateful to my amazing stewards, John & Jude for their support throughout the day. A heartfelt thank you to all the exhibitors for your entries. It was a privilege to go over your dogs.

I was thrilled to see my Best of Breed Ridgeback go on to take Group 4, and my Best Ridgeback Puppy achieve Best Puppy in Show—an exciting end to a memorable day!

Afghan Hounds

Puppy (3,1) 1 Larden, Ms D’s Jazzmeenah Jadeite Green 10 mo B. A very raw puppy, but one that shows considerable promise. She is of excellent type, with attractive eyes and a pleasing low ear set. I particularly admired her front angulation and depth of chest. Her level topline transitions smoothly into a short loin, with a developing saddle. She has well-angulated hindquarters and short rear pasterns, contributing to her balanced structure. Moved freely and with purpose. BP 2 Heritage, Mr A M & Mrs J P’s Jazzmeenah Amethyst Purple 10 mo D. Litter brother to the winner and another with much to like. He has a clean head and lovely dark eyes. Good angulation both front and rear, though I would prefer to see his topline level out with maturity. His profile movement was springy and promising for a youngster, especially when settled. A touch more confidence would enhance his overall presentation, but this will likely come with time and experience.

Yearling (3,1) 1 Bellringer Mrs S & Mr P’s Cloudside Ebony Prince at Johda 12mo D. Just out of puppy, this young boy floored me with his movement. Though less mature in coat than 2, he possesses all the foundations of a quality hound. Once his coat matures, he will surely be one to watch. Square in outline, with lovely dark eyes and a correct scissor bite. He made excellent use of his hind angulation, driving around the ring with ease and confidence. 2 Kirk & Williams, Mr A & Mrs E’s Istani Omar Sheriff JW 22mo D. I really appreciated this boy’s overall balance and charming temperament—he was eager to greet everyone. Dripping in coat and beautifully presented on the day, he made a strong impression. His ears are set low and well feathered, complementing his expressive appearance. He has a nicely developed deep chest with close-fitting elbows. Slightly long in the back, and on the day, he was outmoved by the winner. Nonetheless, a quality hound with much to admire.

Postgraduate (2,0) 1 Bellringer Mrs S & Mr P’s Pramya Keep Your Eyes On Me (Imp Fin) JW 3y B. A lovely, maturing bitch with a coat to die for—silky, flowing and immaculately presented. She carried her head proudly, showcasing an attractive dark eye and correct scissor bite. Her front is well angulated, with a long, sloping shoulder and a short loin, contributing to her balanced, square outline. Movement was smooth and purposeful, with a delightful spring in her step. 2 Stainsby, Miss J A’s Cloudside Alpine Sunset With Carmenote 7.5m D. A promising youngster who will need time to mature before holding his own in the open classes. He has a pleasing masculine head with a correct ear set and bite. Good depth of chest and balanced angulation both front and rear. Slightly long in the back for my preference, with a topline that rises over the croup, though I expect this will improve with maturity. He displayed a lovely temperament, though he became a little unsettled on the move.

Open (3,0) This was a close call between 1st and 2nd, but the winner edged ahead on size and overall balance for me. 1 Heritage, Mr A M & Mrs J P’s Amaserwah Any Way The Wind Blows At Jazzmeenah (IKC) 2.5y D. Square in outline and well balanced throughout, this boy commanded attention the moment he entered the ring—he looked straight through me with great presence. He has a well-proportioned head, proudly carried both stacked and on the move, and he clearly knows he’s a handsome lad! His abundant coat and well-developed saddle covered a well-angulated front and strong feet. His movement was fabulous—ground-covering and effortless. BOB 2 Kellet, Miss L’s Geordele Born Free 5y D. Slightly shorter than the winner but still square in outline, with everything in the right place. He has a lovely dark eye and correct bite. I particularly liked his length of neck, which flowed smoothly into long, sloping shoulders, giving him good front angulation and a deep chest. I would prefer a touch more rear angulation, but overall, he is a very nice hound. Moved freely and with purpose. 3 Stainsby, Miss J A’s Cloudside Alpine Sunset With Carmenote.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Puppy (1,0) 1 Hodge, Mrs K’s Colkeririn To The Nines 7.5 mo B. Her overall appearance struck a perfect balance between athleticism and grace. Despite her age and standing alone in the class, she had real presence in the ring. She has a well-proportioned head with expressive eyes, correct bite and a strong yet pretty face. A long, muscular neck flowed into strong shoulders and a strong topline. Her rear was well-angled and muscular, contributing to her free and purposeful movement. BP – and I was absolutely thrilled to see her go on to win Puppy Group 1 and Best Puppy in Show. A credit to her owner and a pleasure to judge.

Yearling (5,1) A very fine margin separated 1st and 2nd in this strong class. 1 Mills, Mills, Mills & Parsons, Mrs L, Miss S, Mr J & Miss H’s Priorpark Pride And Joy To Nzuri JW 20 mo B. A well-muscled bitch of excellent type, with a pleasing head and well-defined stop. Her closely tucked elbows supported a deep chest, and she stood on neat, compact feet. I particularly liked her slightly arched loin and balanced angulation both front and rear. She was the best mover in the class, covering the ground with ease and purpose. 2 Blyth Mrs T & Mr J’s Priorpark River Tanjil Of Rudgesridge 20 mo D. Litter brother to the winner, and once settled, he moved with purpose and drive from the rear. For a teenager, he already shows ample bone and is well covered in strong muscle. I would prefer his feet to be a little more compact, but at this level I was really splitting hairs between the two. I hope he continues to build confidence, particularly as he transitions from outdoor to indoor shows. A lovely pair of youngsters with bright futures—I'm excited to see how they continue to develop. 3 Hancock Mrs K J’s Stasimelsie Ashwagandha 4 Scanlon Miss I’s Kinabula’s Beat Of My Heart

Postgraduate (4,2) 1 Scanlon Miss I’s Kinabula’s Beat Of My Heart 15mo B. Reserve in Yearling class. A promising young bitch with a pleasing breadth of skull and well-placed high ear set. She displayed a correct bite and a strong underjaw, contributing to a balanced and confident expression. Her shoulders were well-muscled, and she showed good spring of rib. A nicely tucked-up abdomen and a gentle slope through the loin led into well-angulated hindquarters and a correctly set tail. She moved with ease and efficiency, covering the ground well.2 Hancock Mrs K J’s Stasimelsie Mace 7yo B. A lovely mature bitch who exudes calm confidence and charm. Her fabulous temperament was evident throughout, and she demonstrated a strong, trusting relationship with her handler. She carried an intelligent, alert expression that added to her overall appeal. Her neck was of correct length and flowed smoothly into well-laid shoulders, contributing to a balanced outline. While I would prefer slightly more angulation in the rear to complete the picture, she moved with ease and purpose, showing fluidity and soundness that belied her age.

Open (3,1) 1 Painter Mrs H J’s Suhuba Dream On 3.5yo D. A striking male who presented a beautifully symmetrical outline and made an immediate impression upon entering the ring. He radiates power and strength, both in his conformation and movement—qualities that were even more evident upon hands-on examination. His head is handsome and well-proportioned, complemented by expressive dark eyes that enhance his overall presence. He boasts a strong, muscular neck that flows seamlessly into well-developed shoulders. His feet are tight with well-arched toes, supporting a solid frame. The loin is muscular with a slight arch, leading into powerful thighs and strong rear pasterns. On the move, he covered the ground effortlessly with drive and purpose. BOB and I was delighted to see him go on to place Hound Group 4—an excellent achievement and very well deserved. A huge congratulations! 2 Scanlon Miss I’s Kinabula’s All About That Bass JW ShCEx OSW VW A seasoned veteran who truly held her own in this competitive class. She presented with a feminine head and a soft, appealing expression that spoke to her gentle nature. Her overall construction was pleasing, with a deep chest and perfectly straight forelegs that contributed to a balanced and elegant outline. I particularly appreciated her proportions and body shape, which remain impressive even in her later years. She showed good rear angulation and moved with purpose and steadiness around the ring. A lovely example of the breed and a credit to her owner.

Holly-Mae Jackson

(Reveraki)