Newton Abbot & South Devon Canine Society

I would like to thank Newton Abbot and South Devon Canine Society for the kind invitation to judge. This was my first time officiating for the breeds scheduled as well as the handling classes, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My thanks also go to the committee for their warm hospitality, the venue for an excellent lunch, and to my two efficient stewards who kept the ring running smoothly. I was extremely pleased with the overall quality of both my dog and handling entries and would like to thank all exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me. I did not find any major faults in the dogs on the day and was delighted with the standard presented.

Adult Handling: Class C (17-39 years) (5,1) 1 PAIGE EDENS. Delivered an almost flawless performance. Always ensured an unobstructed view and showed the dog with excellent movement. Stacking and standing were perfect, and groupwork handled with confidence. Individual assessment and pattern work were carried out faultlessly. Rapport and sportsmanship were excellent. Just remember to maintain a little more space between judge and dog when required. 2 KITTIANA PORTLY FRENCH. Another excellent performance. Unobstructed view flawless, with good pace on the move. Stacked and stood the dog very well, with strong groupwork. Individual assessment and pattern work executed perfectly, with particularly neat corners. Sportsmanship and rapport very good. A hard decision between the top two. 3 CHLOE ROLLASON. A capable handler who ensured a clear view of the dog. Moved at a pleasing pace and stacked well. Groupwork nicely managed with good spacing in the group stack. Individual pattern work was steady and well presented. Sportsmanship and rapport evident. Would like to see greater punctuality in the ring, rather than arriving late to the class. Class D (40+ years) (7,3) 1 TRISTAN RYCROFT. An absolutely flawless performance. Unobstructed view maintained throughout, movement faultless, and stacking/standing completed to perfection. Groupwork and individual pattern work both faultless. Excellent rapport with the dog and exemplary sportsmanship. Could not be faulted today. 2 MARGUERITE MCSHANE. Another outstanding handler, almost faultless in all aspects. Clear unobstructed view, with faultless movement, stacking, and groupwork. Individual assessment and pattern work were very good, though there was a slight lapse of attention from the dog on the table. Otherwise a polished and highly professional performance with excellent rapport and sportsmanship. 3 SARAH RYCROFT. Very good handler who ensured a clear view of the dog at all times. Movement and stacking both shown to perfection. Groupwork was good, though a little more room could have been left in the group stack. Individual assessment and pattern work very good, with strong sportsmanship and rapport evident throughout.