- Show Date: 30/03/2025
- Show Type: Open/Limited/Sanction
- Judged by: Michaella Donaldson Contact Judge
- Published Date: 04/07/2025
Schipperke Club
First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the exhibitors for their continued support throughout my judging and showing career. Having been involved with this breed for nearly 20 years, I’ve witnessed its evolution—from the end of docking practices to the present day. It’s encouraging to see the breed in such a strong place in terms of conformation, with the majority being sound and well-constructed.
That said, I would like to gently highlight the importance of dental, as I did come across a few level bites during today’s judging.
It’s my hope that, as a community, we can continue working together to promote this wonderful breed to a broader audience. The last 12 months has been particularly encouraging, with a noticeable influx of puppies entering the ring—a welcome and much-needed development for a smaller breed like ours. Long may this positive trend continue.
Junior Dog
1st Moifrey Charismatic. This young male has a lot of fierce Schipperke character, his head is neat and masculine showing a well-defined stop and dark almond eyes. He is yet to develop throughout his forechest and body which is expected of a junior, however his shoulders are well laid and legs are set under his body. His hindlegs are already muscular with well let down hocks.
Special Yearling Dog
1st Django Alpha Nero Arathorn (Imp CZE)
Short cobby dog, with a deep in brisket chest. He has a masculine head with lovely moderate length ears. Muscular throughout his body, with small cat like feet. He is a very sound mover fore and aft.
Post Graduate Dog
1st Chadbower Tadhg
Young male of good type, presenting a square, cobby outline typical of the breed. He shows moderate angulation front and rear, and while he is still developing, he would benefit from additional body and overall substance to complete the picture. Moved out well, maintaining a steady and balanced gait, which will improve further as he matures.
2nd Undertaker Jet Du Dragon Rouge Du Jupiter (Imp Fra)
A larger and longer-set male than the class winner. He displays a typical Schipperke expression, enhanced by correctly set, erect ears and good overall head proportions. He carries good substance throughout, giving him a solid and balanced appearance on the stand. On the move, he was sound and purposeful, covering ground well with a steady gait. While his head is generally pleasing, I would prefer a darker, more oval eye to better complement his expression.
Limit Dog
1st – Schipdale Barnaby
A very pleasing young male who fits the size I prefer in a Schipperke. He is well-muscled with strong, sturdy legs, and presents a balanced, compact outline. His expression is distinctly foxy, with a fairly broad, flat skull and minimal stop, aligning well with the breed standard. He moved with purpose around the ring, demonstrating a short, brisk stride typical of the breed. Reserve best dog and Reserve best in show!
2nd – Ristine Starry Night
Similar in size to the first, this is a strong, well-boned male with good substance and a typical Schipperke expression. He is well bodied and moved out soundly, maintaining balance and composure throughout.
3rd – Chadbower Drew of Ghilgrange
Smaller in stature compared to the first two. He shows a slight slope in the topline and would benefit from a little more leg length to balance his proportions. Nonetheless, he possesses a desirable head with correct breed expression.
Open Dog
1st – Ch Schipdale A Kind of Magic
A male I’ve had the pleasure of judging before, and he continues to improve with maturity. His size and proportions are excellent, exemplifying the correct cobby build called for in the breed standard. His coat is among the best I’ve seen—tight to the body and beautifully maintained, allowing his muscular frame to be clearly appreciated. On the move, he covers the ground with a brisk, efficient stride, displaying the typical Schipperke action. His forechest and brisket are well developed, adding to his overall balance and strength. A quality male in top form today—very well deserved Best in Show.
2nd – Ir Ch Summerhaze Shafran Among Chadbower (Imp Rus)
Another well-made, cobby male with many positive attributes. He displays a very pleasing foxy expression, enhanced by a dark, oval eye, and holds himself well on the stand. He moved soundly on the go-around, although I would prefer a slightly tighter front action. While a quality dog, I gave preference to the winner for his superior coat texture and precision of movement.
3rd – Revloch Fire at Will (IKC)
A mature male with good breed type and a nicely proportioned head, showing a broad, flat skull and correct expression. Unfortunately, he did not present with the same level of alertness and ring presence today, which impacted his overall performance in a competitive class.
Special cream dog
1st Ristine Magical Spice
Cream male of classic shape, presenting a balanced and typical outline. He has a pleasing expression and a well-developed body, reflecting good breed type. However, his movement could benefit from tightening both going and coming to improve overall precision and soundness.
Special veteran dog (7-10)
1st – Avidore Putin on the Style
A strong, quality male with a lovely foxy head and dark oval eyes that contribute to his alert and typical expression. He has a good forechest, correct scissor bite, and a strong tailset, all aligning well with the breed standard. A very pleasing dog overall—he just needs to drop a little weight to better highlight his outline and reach top honours. Best Veteran in Show.
2nd – Ristine Tweedledee
A longer cast male than the winner, but still showing good breed type. His coat has the correct harsh texture, and he is well-muscled throughout. His small, erect ears are nicely set, enhancing his alert expression. Another sound and well-presented dog.
3rd – Fandal’s Viljam at Ridgebrook (Imp Fin)
A bobtail male of a slightly different type compared to the first two. He is masculine and displays a typical silhouette. He carries a bit of excess weight, and a small reduction would help refine his shape and bring out his structure more clearly. Still, a nice example of the breed
Special Vintage Dog (10+ years)
1st – Ch Aradet Expert Timing
A lovely older male who continues to represent the breed well at 14 years of age. He has a typical head and expression, full of character, and still moves well with purpose and confidence. Remarkably lively and alert, he clearly retains the key breed characteristics and was a pleasure to judge.
2nd – Ch Aradet Action Man
Another quality male, compact and cobby in build. He moved true both coming and going, showing soundness and balance. He has a strong neck, well-developed brisket, and an excellent expression, supported by a masculine, well-proportioned head. Maintains his condition and presence admirably.
3rd – Roopec Dinky Demon
A well-bodied male who commanded attention in the ring. He has a lovely head and a keen, typical expression. Presented in good condition and handled well, rounding off a strong veteran class.
Minor Puppy Bitch
1st Aura Z Letne at Jatesa (Imp CZE)
7-month-old bitch of promising type. A sound and confident mover for her age, showing good bone and substance without being overdone. She has a correct, dark eye and a well-set tail, both contributing to a typical expression and balanced outline. At this stage, she presents a lovely overall picture—well proportioned and feminine—and I wouldn’t want to see her grow much more in height or substance. A very appealing youngster. Best Puppy in Show.
Puppy Bitch
1st Roopec Made for Me
Another lovely youngster with plenty of promise. She has a beautiful, feminine head with a typical expression. At this stage, she is still carrying a considerable amount of puppy coat, which slightly softens her outline, but underneath she shows good structure. She has a well-developed chest with a nice spring of rib and good stifle angulation, all of which contribute to a balanced and well-made youngster.
Junior Bitch
1st – Miofrey Magical with Ristine
A lively and alert 14-month-old bitch who presents a very pleasing outline. She has a straight topline and a well-developed forechest, both contributing to her balanced and feminine appearance. Her expression is typical and engaging. At this stage, I wouldn’t want her to gain any more length in the loin, but overall, she is a very promising young bitch with strong breed type.
2nd – Roopec Just One More
A charming youngster with the prettiest and most feminine head. She moved with a brisk, purposeful stride, showing true Schipperke character. On the day, she lacked a little in coat and overall substance compared to the winner, but these should come with maturity. One to watch as she continues to develop.
Special Yearling Bitch
1st Roopec Keep up with me
A very feminine bitch with a lovely, typical expression, enhanced by dark oval eyes and strong, erect ears. She has a well-sprung ribcage and presents with good overall substance and balance. Her tailset is correct, and she moved true around the ring, showing off her well-shaped, muscular frame with confidence and purpose. A quality young bitch with plenty to like.
Limit Bitch
1st Chadbower Emilia
A nicely shaped, cobby bitch who fits the breed standard well. She has a good bend of stifle and displays strength in her forequarters, contributing to a balanced and purposeful movement around the ring. Her coat is of good texture and lies well. While her expression is pleasing, I would prefer a slightly more oval eye to complete the desired head profile. Overall, a quality bitch with many positive attributes.
Special Cream Open Bitch
1st Ch Komargo Going for Gold
My star bitch of the day – a truly exceptional cream girl who exudes femininity and breed type. She impressed from the moment she entered the ring, moving with true, brisk stride that is both sound and purposeful. Well-muscled throughout, she displayed the best muscle tone I felt all day, a testament to her condition and preparation. Her coat is of excellent texture—tight to the body and beautifully presented—enhancing her clean outline. An outstanding example of the breed and one I would have happily taken home with me! Best Bitch and Best Opposite, Best cream in show.
Special Veteran Bitch
1st Ch Chadbower Nevaeh Lahetti VW
A lovely veteran bitch who continues to represent the breed with style and strength. She possesses a strong mouth and the correct foxy Schipperke expression, full of alertness and character. Her well-laid hocks contributed to purposeful, sound movement around the ring. She has a deep brisket and a good spring of rib, retaining excellent condition and outline for her age. A pleasure to judge—a truly lovely veteran.