Kirkcaldy & District Canine Club

Kirkcaldy and District Canine Club Open Show 16th August 2025

I had the pleasure of judging at Kirkcaldy & District Canine Club Open Show, and was treated to a lovely entry of dogs, all presented with care and quality. Exhibitors were in fine spirits throughout the day, which created a warm and friendly atmosphere around the ring. The venue, Jim Clark Auction Hall at Errol Airfield, proved to be an excellent choice clean, spacious, and with rings of a very decent size, allowing the dogs to move freely and be assessed properly. Although the weather outside was warm, the hall remained comfortably cool, which was much appreciated by both dogs and handlers. The facilities were very good, with plenty of parking available, making everything easy and stress-free for exhibitors. The committee were most helpful and welcoming, and my lovely steward Jane kept everything running smoothly with efficiency, kindness, and good humour.

On a personal note, it was a real delight to see my St Bernard awarded Best in Show and my Siberian Husky take Best Puppy in Show, both of whom showed themselves beautifully and made the day even more memorable. Altogether, it was a thoroughly enjoyable appointment at a well-run, friendly show.

Boxer

Junior Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1 St 247- Mrs & Mrs L Lafferty’s Jimbren Legacy Lives on through Tauralord

This young male truly captured my heart from the moment he entered the ring; I simply could not take my eyes off him. At just 13 months, he already shows himself to be a Boxer of great promise and type. His head is very much in line with the breed standard—well proportioned with a broad, clean skull, a strong yet not exaggerated muzzle, and correct stop. Dentition is correct with a clean bite, and his expression is quite typical of the breed—alert, intelligent, and full of character, enhanced by his clear, healthy eyes of correct shape and placement.

His outline is harmonious and well balanced for his age, with good depth of chest and the right degree of substance without any coarseness, ensuring he retains a youthful, athletic appearance. Feet are tight and well arched, contributing to his sound overall balance. On the move he was fluid and purposeful, maintaining his topline with ease and showing developing strength that will only improve with maturity.

What made him my standout on the day, however, was his undeniable ring presence. For one so young, he carried himself with such confidence, composure, and style—it was a joy to watch him show off his many qualities. A thoroughly deserving Best of Breed, and certainly one I will follow with great interest in the future.

2nd 248 Thomson’s Marbelton I dare you with Bugarivo

A well-made youngster of pleasing type, showing good overall balance for his age. Dentition is correct, with a clean bite. Took a little while to settle in the ring, but once more focused, he moved out with purpose and showed his construction to advantage. Still developing, as expected at this stage, but he has the foundations of a promising male who should mature well.

Post Graduate Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st 247 seen Dog

2nd 249 Thomson’s Arkeney Desperado von bugarivo

A masculine brindle of good breed type, full of energy and enthusiasm, which at times made him a little excitable in the ring. Shows correct dentition with a clean bite. Well put together with pleasing overall balance and strength, he just needs to settle more on the move to fully showcase his construction. Once focused, he demonstrated sound movement and carries the qualities to mature into a strong example of the breed.

Open Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st 250 Mrs L Lafferty & Peter Lafferty Greenawell

A beautiful brindle male of pleasing type, showing good proportion and depth of chest with a harmonious outline. His head is well developed with correct balance between skull and muzzle, a clean finish, and dark, expressive eyes that give a bright and typical Boxer expression. Dentition is correct with a clean bite, and his overall head type complements his frame well. Tight, well-arched feet in line with the breed standard add to his balance and strength. Moved out well, demonstrating sound construction, fluid stride, and carrying himself with purpose.

2nd 251 Thomsons Bugarivo a Modo Nostro

This handsome brindle male presents a well-balanced outline with correct proportion and pleasing depth of chest. His feet are neat and tight, as required by the standard, enhancing his overall symmetry. Head is typical, with a clean bite and correct dentition, supported by a bright, alert expression that is full of character. On the move he was steady and purposeful, covering the ground with ease and showing sound construction throughout.

Best of Breed 247

Doberman

Doberman Graduate Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 252 Carron’s Korifey Matisse

An impressive 11-month-old bitch who already shows boldness and alertness well beyond her age. Head is developing correctly, lean and noble with the desired slight convex profile, giving her a refined yet powerful outlook. Eyes are almond-shaped, moderately set, and convey the lively, alert expression so typical of the breed. The nape is strong and muscular, flowing into a well-laid shoulder; pleased to see good length of upper arm. Forequarters are straight and parallel from elbow to pastern, with strong, sinewy muscle and round bone in proportion to her frame. Forechest is well developed for age, and she stands square, with height to withers equal to body length, creating a harmonious outline. Topline is short, firm, and correct, sloping slightly from withers to croup, and she held this both standing and moving. Moved out with purpose, showing balance and developing drive from the rear. Presented in gleaming condition, well handled, and a very worthy winner who should continue to mature into an excellent representative of the breed.

Open Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

Best of Breed 252

Great Dane

Great Dane Graduate Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st 254 Mrs H Allison & Mrs A Liddle Smooriken Gonnae Nodae That

 A beautifully presented 7-month-old bitch who already shows much promise for the future. Head developing well, with pleasing proportions, good ear set, and a composed, alert expression. She remained steady and self-assured even when distracted by a noisy dog outside, showing confidence and composure beyond her age. Body is well put together with clean lines, balanced angulation front and rear, and depth that will continue to develop as she matures. Movement was true and purposeful, with enough reach and drive to suggest the construction beneath. A stunning youngster of excellent type – very much one to watch as she grows on.

2nd 253 V Mrs A Liddle & Mrs H Allison Smooriken Far Aboots

Another very promising young bitch of 7 months, litter sister to the previous exhibit and of equally pleasing type and quality. Well presented and handled, with the same balanced outline, good angulation, and developing depth of body expected at this age. Moved out steadily and with purpose, holding her topline well on the move. Nothing much to choose between the two, though on the day I preferred the head and expression of her sister. Nonetheless, a quality youngster with a bright future ahead.

Open Entries: 4 Absentees: 3

1st 257 Martin’s Keishant Zeus

An outstanding example of the breed, full of presence and maturity, and without doubt my Best of Breed on the day. Although he stood alone in his class, the decision was clear the moment he entered the ring. His head is classic to the standard,long and rectangular with parallel planes, a clearly defined stop, and excellent proportions. Expression is noble and alert, enhanced by correctly set, expressive eyes that truly draw you in. His ear set was correct, framing the head beautifully and adding to the overall balance.

Body is powerful and commanding yet still elegant, with a firm top line, deep chest, and correct length of leg to give that essential square outline. Strong bone, well-arched neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, and excellent rear angulation all combined to produce balanced movement that was both ground-covering and purposeful. He carried himself with dignity and composure, completely owning the ring.

A majestic male who encapsulates both the strength and elegance called for in the Great Dane standard quite simply, one you cannot look away from. Happy to award him best of breed

Rottweiler

Rottweiler Post Graduate Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st 260 Headspath’s Jantavia She drives me crazy

A very promising young bitch, presented in excellent condition and handled to advantage. At just 8 months, she already shows pleasing breed type with a compact, well-balanced frame and harmonious outline. Her topline was firm and held well both standing and on the move. Feet were tight and well-arched, as required by the standard, enhancing her overall balance.

Her head is developing along correct lines, with a broad skull, well-defined stop, and dark, almond-shaped eyes giving a confident and typical expression. Dentition is correct with a clean bite. She has good depth of chest for her age, with fore chest beginning to come through, and angulation front and rear is in proportion, allowing her to move with purpose and drive while keeping her outline true.

For one so young, she impressed me greatly with her ring presence and balance, and I was delighted to award her Best of Breed.

2nd 259 Deas’ Bugarivo Vhalla

A well-made young bitch of pleasing type, showing good balance for her age and presented in excellent condition. Her head is developing nicely, with dark almond-shaped eyes and a confident expression in line with the breed standard. She carries a firm top line when settled, with promising depth of chest already evident.

She was a little unsettled on the move and took some time to find her rhythm, which affected her overall performance today, and I preferred the tighter feet of the bitch placed ahead of her. Nonetheless, she has many appealing qualities, and with time and maturity, she looks to have a bright future ahead

Open Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 261 Wilsons Inveralicia Benrinnes

A mature bitch of good breed type, well-presented and handled to advantage. Feminine yet strong in outline, with a well-shaped head, dark almond eyes, and confident expression. She holds a firm topline, with balanced angulation fore and aft, and tight, well-arched feet. Moved out with purpose, covering the ground efficiently and with drive, showing herself well throughout. Just a touch up on her toes at times, but overall, an impressive, honest example of the breed.

Siberian Husky

Graduate Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1st 264 Miss Amber & Danielle Trainer Sweet Honey Girl at Danameli (IMP ITA)

 A very impressive young bitch who immediately caught my eye and was presented in outstanding condition. At just 7 months, she already displays excellent breed type, with correct proportions giving a balanced, athletic outline. Her head is clean and well-sculpted, with correct wedge shape, medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes set slightly obliquely, and well-carried ears of good shape and size, all combining to give a bright and typical expression. Body proportions were excellent for her age, with good depth and length of rib, level topline, and angulation front and rear in harmony, allowing her to stand square and balanced. Movement was sound and free, covering the ground with ease and efficiency as the standard requires. She enjoyed a lovely rapport with her handler, who presented her to full advantage. My Best of Breed and delighted to see her go on to take the Minor Puppy Group.

2nd 262 Reid’s Howlvalleys Evil Genius

A well-presented young bitch of pleasing type who showed herself to advantage. She is nicely put together for age, with correct proportions giving balance and symmetry. Head is typical, with clean lines, almond-shaped eyes, and well-set ears carried correctly. Top line firm and held well both standing and on the move. Angulation front and rear is in harmony, enabling her to move freely with the light, effortless action expected of the breed. Handled sympathetically and with confidence, which brought out her qualities. A promising youngster with plenty to offer as she continues to mature.

Open Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1st 264 seen

2nd 265 Donaldson-Buist Aloustairs Ghost Chilli For Faoilchu

A mature bitch, presented in good condition. Head is balanced and typical, with a pleasing expression. Body proportions are correct, though I found her a little low in the back end, which affected the overall outline and topline. The standard calls for a level back from withers to croup, and this was not as firm as I would have preferred. On the move, she was steady and true, covering the ground efficiently, though without quite the drive and fluidity of those placed higher. Handled capably and shown to advantage, she nonetheless gave a sound account of herself.

St Bernard

St Bernard Open Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1st 268 Mr R & Mrs A Leitch Dawstenbears Style Icon

BOB An impressive male who commanded attention from the moment he entered the ring, with such natural ring presence that he was simply unmissable. Presented in outstanding condition, his strong, powerful frame was fully in line with the breed standard — substantial yet well-balanced, with correct proportions and a noble outline. His head was broad and expressive, with a well-defined stop, dark expressive eyes, and that unmistakable gentle yet dignified expression so typical of the breed.

On the move he was exceptional — his stride was light, easy, and almost floating for a dog of his size, covering the ground with purpose while remaining true in outline. He held himself with calm authority throughout, utterly unflappable and taking it all in his stride.

I was delighted to award him Best of Breed, and even more so to see him shine as my Working Group winner and then go on to take Best in Show — a fabulous achievement for such a magnificent ambassador of the breed.

2nd 267 Mrs J Jenkins & Mr T Nagrecha Ch Chandlimore Gunz for hire

A mature male of good substance, showing the strength and balance required of the breed. He stands on tight, well-arched feet and has excellent bone, giving him the power and stability expected. His head is broad and strong with a well-defined stop, dark eyes of typical expression, and overall masculinity, though the ear set is a touch lower than ideal as described in the standard. Top line firm, with good depth of chest and width throughout. Moved steadily and with purpose, carrying himself well and presenting a picture of a sound and honest St. Bernard.

AV Working NSC Open

Entries: 4 Absentees: 2

1st 273 Terrier Russion Black Odonenells IR CH Kalaslane Revengefor Neukiebear (IKC) (SCEX VW)

An absolutely outstanding 7-year-old bitch who commanded the ring from the moment she entered. Presented in gleaming condition, her coat was of correct dense, hard texture and beautifully maintained, accentuating her powerful outline and breed type. Head was impressive, broad and strong with a well-developed muzzle, dark eyes and typical expression, giving her an air of confidence and authority. She exemplifies the balance and substance called for in the standard – robust, square in outline, and full of strength without any hint of heaviness.

Her movement was nothing short of superb, fluid and ground-covering with excellent reach in front and strong drive behind, maintaining a level top line throughout. This combination of effortless power and precision made her a joy to watch. Her ring presence was undeniable – calm, composed, and unflappable – and she was handled to perfection, which only enhanced her natural quality. A bitch of immense quality who, even at 7 years, continues to showcase the very best virtues of the breed.

2nd 272 Tibetan Mastiff Nicoll’s Method Man

A very impressive male, presented in excellent condition and handled to advantage. At 2.5 years he shows maturity of frame, with strong bone, substance, and a balanced outline in keeping with the standard. Head type is masculine without coarseness, with breadth of skull and a confident expression. His coat was of correct texture, dense and profuse, enhancing his overall outline and adding to his majestic appearance. Tail was well set and carried in the characteristic curl over the back, completing the picture. Movement was outstanding – powerful yet unhurried, with reach and drive that carried him effortlessly around the ring. On another day he could easily take top honours; it was simply the case that the first-placed exhibit was exceptional and had the final edge. A quality dog who thoroughly deserved his placing.

Working Group

268 St Bernard

257 Great Dane

273 Russian Black Terrier

247 Boxer

AV Minor puppy

Entries: 7 Absentees: 0

264

253

270

259

AV Working Puppy

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

254

252

264

260

AV Working Veteran

273