Bath Canine Society

BATH CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW – 24th MAY 2026

SIBERIAN HUSKIES

Judge: Miss Anne V Bryson (Inukshuk)

It was an enormous honour and privilege to judge Siberian Huskies at Bath Championship Show and to award Challenge Certificates in the breed for the first time. This is an appointment I have looked forward to for many years, and I sincerely thank the Committee of Bath Canine Society for placing their trust in me and giving me an occasion I will always remember.

My grateful thanks also go to my two experienced stewards, whose knowledge, efficiency and good humour contributed enormously to the smooth running of the ring. Conditions were hot and dry, and every effort was made to keep dogs and exhibitors hydrated, cool and in the shade. The ring itself was of a good size, although the ground was very uneven in places, and I appreciated everyone keeping the corners and immediate ringside clear, minimising distractions and allowing each exhibit the best opportunity to show themself.

I would like to make an observation about breed type, because it is something about which I feel very strongly. There are not, and should not be, separate “show”, “working” or other types of Siberian Husky. The RKC Breed Standard describes the anatomical blueprint and essential characteristics of a fit for function working sled dog, while defining those characteristics which make the Siberian Husky distinct from the other sled dog breeds. The Siberian is, first and foremost, a working dog. Deviation from that blueprint in either direction does not create another legitimate “type”; it is simply deviation from the Breed Standard. I hope we can move away from using differing “types” as an explanation for extremes within the breed and instead continue to breed towards the moderate, balanced, athletic and functional Siberian Husky described in our standard. It is disappointing to hear correctly moderate, athletic dogs sometimes dismissed as too slight or lacking because they do not conform to a heavier deviation from the Breed Standard. Equally, being lighter or racier does not in itself make a dog more functional or more correct. The ideal lies not at either extreme.

Having watched the breed closely for more than 20 years, I have at times been concerned by deterioration in some fundamental aspects of construction. The quality of the dogs entered under me gave me genuine pleasure and optimism. I was particularly encouraged by the shoulder angulation and front assemblies across this entry, which were noticeably better than I have seen generally across all supposed “types” in recent years. I very much hope this is representative of a wider improvement and that we continue to see sound, correctly constructed fronts becoming the normal.

The dogs were generally presented in good condition, with appropriate muscle tone, and I was particularly pleased with the generally excellent, stable and breed typical temperaments. Most exhibits had the correct scissor bite. There were many dogs of considerable merit, and on several occasions, placings were decided on relatively fine points.

Sadly, some confusion over rings meant that my Best Veteran in Breed and Best Puppy in Breed missed their respective Group judging, but my Best of Breed represented the breed beautifully in the Group. My sincere thanks to every exhibitor who entered under me and afforded me the privilege of going over their dogs on what was, for me, a very special and memorable day.

Veteran Dog Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

A lovely class of two quality veterans, both presented in excellent lean, hard working condition and retaining the athleticism and functionality I value so highly in the breed.

1. Snelson’s CH SALAZKA'S MR ABERNATHY AT ASHTRAX - I have had the pleasure of judging this monochromatic black and white dog at several stages of his life, and it was rewarding to find him at eight years of age retaining the qualities I have always appreciated. Masculine yet refined, with a pleasing head: correctly proportioned skull and muzzle, almond-shaped obliquely set eyes and exemplary high-set ears, combining to give a keen, characteristically foxy expression. Medium length arched neck leading into beautifully balanced correct angulation fore and aft. Enough bone for his frame, although I would not wish him any lighter. Correct proportions of body length to height and good length of leg. Level topline, slight arch over well muscled loin, and good tuck-up. Well shaped feet and a well furred fox brush tail, correctly set. In super double coat. Moved with a smooth, light footed gait, maintaining his topline and showing a particularly pleasing side profile. Converged towards the centre line as speed increased and covered the ground without wasted action. RCC, Best Veteran Dog and Best Veteran in Breed.

2. Sargent’s TRAILHUNTERS DEVON ROCK AT KERIQUEL - 9 years old grey and white and another veteran who impressed with his balanced outline, athleticism and overall breed type. Handsome, masculine head without coarseness, with well proportioned skull and muzzle, correctly placed ears and almond shaped, obliquely set eyes giving a keen, attractive expression. Very pleasing proportions, with good length of leg. Well constructed throughout with medium length arched neck leading into well laid shoulders, with superb angulation fore and aft. Deep, strong chest with good spring of rib, level topline, slight arch over well muscled loin, and a correctly shaped and positioned croup leading into a well set fox brush tail. Adequate bone and substance without heaviness. Super feet. Coat blowing on the day, but of correct double-coat texture. Moved soundly with good ground covering action, with the greater fluency of 1st ultimately deciding a close placing between two quality veterans who could easily swap places on another day.

Minor Puppy Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

A super natured class of promising babies, all enjoying their day and a pleasure to judge.

1. March & Smith’s AURORASDREAM RAINMAKER AT TRAILHUNTERS - Very promising 6 month old wolf grey and white with super overall proportions and good length of loin. Particularly impressed by his front construction, with well laid shoulder and upper arm of equal length providing excellent angulation. Super pasterns with the correct slight slope and excellent feet. Correct croup and tailset. Strong head markings but nevertheless a very appealing head, with correctly proportioned skull and high set ears which he used well. Still needs a little refinement through the head as he matures. Moved very well, maintaining a strong topline. A lovely, relaxed puppy who performed beautifully for his age and pushed hard in the Best Puppy Dog Challenge, ultimately giving way to the older and more mature puppy.

2. Biddlecombe’s POCKETSIBES SIERRA NEVADA FOR TSARITSA - 8 month old grey and white, and another very typey, promising puppy. Excellent proportions with a lovely ratio of height to length and good length of leg. I particularly loved his handsome, well-proportioned foxy head and beautiful breed typical expression. Well constructed front, although at present I preferred the length and angulation of upper arm of 1st. Excellent length of loin, good pasterns and super feet. A little steeper through the croup than 1st at present. Presented in an amazing coat. Particularly impressed on the move, where he was strong and smooth, covering the ground with an easy action. A lovely puppy with much to recommend him and I suspect his day will come.

3. Brown’s POCKETSIBES ZEUS

4. Thomas’s SEPPFIRE INFERNO

Puppy Dog Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1. Gibson’s WHITEPEAK KINDER SCOUT - 10 month old red and white who presented a very pleasing, balanced and athletic outline. Handsome, well proportioned head with a lovely breed typical expression, bi-eyed, with well-set ears. Good reach of neck leading into an excellent front assembly, with well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Correct length of leg, gently sloping pasterns and good oval feet. Well proportioned through the body with a firm, level topline and good length of loin. Balanced rear with good bend of stifle and a correctly shaped croup leading into a well set, well furred tail. Presented in summer coat, which allowed his construction to be readily appreciated. Where he particularly impressed was on the move; smooth, light and ground-covering, maintaining his topline and presenting a lovely side profile with no wasted effort, with a tendency towards single tracking as his speed increased. Best Puppy Dog and Best Puppy in Breed.

Junior Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1. Anderson’s ALEPENKYE HOLYROOD HOUSE TO URIAKIN - 14 month old agouti and white of lovely overall proportions, presenting a balanced, athletic outline. Masculine, foxy head with well set ears and almond shaped obliquely set eyes giving a particularly appealing expression. Slight arch to moderate length of neck leading into a well constructed front, balanced by a superb rear with good bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Firm, level topline with good length through the body, slight rise over loin, correctly shaped croup and well set tail. Good slight slope to pasterns and strong, well shaped feet. Muscling up nicely. Moved very well, balanced and efficient, holding his topline and presenting a particularly pleasing side profile. Won this good class on his overall balance, maturity and movement.

2. Gibson’s WHITEPEAK KINDER SCOUT – as per 1st Puppy Dog.

3. Morris’s CWNHAPUS DENALI

4. Campbell’s SAKARLADRIFT BLITZEN FOR EMBERHOWL

Yearling Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 2

1.Beirne’s PENKHALAS OKA SNOWFALL - 21 month old wolf grey and white of excellent breed type, beautifully proportioned and balanced throughout in excellent condition. Gorgeous masculine chiselled head, very typical of his breeding, with neat, well set ears and lovely expression. Good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders, with excellent front angulation. Straight, well boned forelegs, correctly sloping pasterns and good feet. Good depth of chest, well sprung ribs and a firm, level topline with slight arch over taut loin. Being picky would prefer a little more length to croup. Very good rear angulation, balanced with the front. Sound on the move, although at times challenging his handler today. I would like to see him really open up on the move as then I think he’ll be pushing further.

2. Campbell’s SAKARLADRIFT BLITZEN FOR EMBERHOWL - 17 month old wolf grey and white with moderate bone, rather light in body on the day and would benefit from greater overall condition. Good length of leg, slightly sloping pasterns and correct feet. Adequate length of neck and depth of chest. Topline could be firmer, and croup a little steeper than ideal. Good bend of stifle. Somewhat unsettled and therefore did not always make the most of himself, but was sympathetically handled and clearly has a lovely partnership with his owner.

Novice Dog Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1. Gibson’s WHITEPEAK KINDER SCOUT – As 1st Puppy Dog.

2. Morris’s CWNHAPUS DENALI - Well proportioned 15 month old silver grey and white of very pleasing overall type, combining masculinity with moderation and presenting a balanced, athletic and entirely functional outline. Good length to height ratio with plenty of daylight beneath him and no suggestion of heaviness or exaggeration. A particularly beautiful head, masculine yet refined; well proportioned with moderately rounded skull, correctly defined stop and clean, tapering muzzle of good length. Lovely almond shaped, obliquely set eyes giving a keen, intelligent and rather mischievous expression, completed by neat, triangular, well furred ears, set high and carried attentively. Good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders, with moderate front angulation balanced by a well constructed rear. Good depth of chest, firm topline, standing on good legs and feet. Beautifully presented and handled to advantage. Moved soundly, although tended to lift rather more in front than I would prefer. Didn’t quite have the muscle conditioning of 1st on the day.

3. Spratley’s WINTERLUMI WOLF MOON

Post Graduate Dog Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1. March & Smith’s TRAILHUNTERS BEADEN TOR - 2½ year old grey and white of lovely overall balance and proportions, masculine without coarseness and presenting a typical, athletic outline. Slightly longer than tall with good length of leg and moderate bone. Finely chiselled, fox-like head with well proportioned muzzle, almond shaped, obliquely set eyes giving a keen, friendly expression and particularly good high set ears. Medium length neck flowing into a well constructed front, with well laid shoulder and good return of upper arm placing the forelegs correctly beneath the body. Straight forelegs, correctly sloping pasterns and compact oval feet. Good depth of chest with a clean underline and slight tuck-up. Firm, level topline with strong, taut, slightly arched loin. Correctly sloping croup and tail set. Balanced muscular hindquarters, good bend of stifle and well defined hocks. Best mover in the class; smooth, light and seemingly effortless, with good reach and drive, converging correctly as speed increased while maintaining a firm topline. One to watch.

2. Lightfoot’s TRAILHUNTERS HUCCABY TOR OF FOOTLITE - Litter brother to 1st and another very well proportioned, balanced white male with a pleasing athletic outline, good length of leg and moderate bone. Correct fox-like head with almond shaped, obliquely set eyes and strongly erect ears, although I preferred the slightly higher and closer ear set of his brother. Medium length neck into a well laid shoulder with good return of upper arm. Straight forelegs and good feet; pasterns strong, although I preferred the slightly better slope of 1st. Good depth and shape of body, firm topline, strong slightly arched loin and moderate tuck-up. Well balanced hindquarters with good bend of stifle and well defined hocks. In excellent condition. When settled he showed a pleasing side gait, but could not quite match the smooth, effortless and correctly converging movement of 1st.

3. Beirne’s ARCTICTREKS MOROCCAN MOON

4. Spratley’s SIBERIADRIFT HOWLAWEEN

Limit Dog Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

An outstanding class of five quality males and one of the highlights of my day. There was considerable depth throughout, with several placings decided on the finest of margins and performance on the day. I would expect these dogs to exchange places on other occasions.

1. Carmichael’s PODRICALS THE GAMBLER BY GLENBRANTER JW - 5 year old grey and white who immediately appealed for his superb overall balance, moderation and classic Siberian outline. Masculine without the slightest suggestion of coarseness, slightly longer than tall, with excellent proportions, moderate bone and good length of leg. Lovely finely chiselled, fox-like head of correct proportions and planes, with well proportioned tapering muzzle, high set, strongly erect triangular ears and a particularly soft, intelligent expression. Medium length neck carried proudly and flowing cleanly into the withers. Excellent front construction, with well laid shoulders and good length and return of upper arm placing the straight forelegs correctly beneath the body. Strong, flexible pasterns with the correct slight slope and compact oval feet. Good depth of chest, well ribbed, with a clean underline and moderate tuck-up. Firm, level topline, strong slightly arched loin and gently sloping croup with correct tail set and carriage. Well balanced, muscular hindquarters with good bend of stifle and well defined hocks. Moved smoothly and seemingly effortlessly, he just floated around the ring, maintaining his level topline and converging correctly to single track as speed increased. Beautifully handled and presented. Dog CC, which I understand completed his title.

2. Amphlett & Sym’s KORVA CRAZY CORNETTO AT SYBASPRINTER (IMP SWE) - Nearly 4 year old wolf grey and white, very well proportioned throughout, slightly longer than tall with good length of leg, moderate bone and in lean, hard, athletic condition. Lovely masculine, fox-like head without coarseness, clean and well proportioned through skull and muzzle, with strongly erect ears and a keen, intelligent expression. Good length of neck leading into a well constructed front, with well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Straight forelegs and excellent compact oval feet; pasterns strong, although I preferred the slightly better slope of 1st. Good depth of chest without heaviness, correct spring of rib with good length through to a strong, well muscled loin and a clean moderate tuck-up. Firm topline. Well developed, balanced hindquarters with good bend of stifle and well defined hocks. Slightly steeper through the croup than the winner, which ultimately made the difference for me in a very close decision. Moved soundly and smoothly with a good ground covering stride, maintaining his balance and topline. Presented and handled extremely well.

3. Wakeling’s KLEWAGIN GRANT GUNNAR

4. Anderson’s AZGARD COHIBA TO URIAKIN

5. Biddlecombe’s TSARITSAS TUCSON

Open Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1. Snelson’s CH AZGARD MONTICRISTO AT ASHTRAX - 6 year old black and white piebald, well known to me and still presenting a beautifully balanced, functional picture. Moderate in bone with correct proportions and in superb hard condition, although out of coat today. Masculine head of correct proportions and planes; I would still prefer a little more refinement, but he has a keen, friendly expression. Good length of neck into well laid shoulders and excellent front construction. Correct pasterns and strong, compact feet. Good depth of chest, firm level topline and correct length of loin, with well formed croup and tail set. Strong, well muscled hindquarters with plenty of bend of stifle; I would not want any more. Won a competitive class on his movement, covering the ground smoothly and efficiently with excellent reach and drive and single tracking.

2. Biddlecombe’s SIROCCO OF WINTERSPIRIT AT TSARITSA (IMP FRA) – Excellent grey and white masculine male of lovely overall proportions, presented in super hard condition. Particularly pleasing masculine, foxy head of correct proportions with good planes and lovely expression. Good reach of neck into a very well laid shoulder, with balanced angulation fore and aft. Good slope to pasterns, excellent feet and well let down hocks. Well proportioned through the body with correct length of loin. Slightly steeper croup than 1st, but correct tail set and carriage. Giving his handler a hard time today on the move, he did demonstrate correct gait when settled.

3. Bolsover’s Charmedkelz’s Arrax

4. W/D

Special Beginners Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1. Evans & Hannan’s FORSTAL’S POLYANTHUS - 3 year old grey and white bitch, feminine and well balanced throughout, presenting a pleasing outline with good length to height proportions and adequate length of leg. Finer boned. Attractive, refined foxy head with neat, well-set ears and a lovely feminine expression. Correct scissor bite. Good length of neck into a well laid shoulder; I would prefer a little more length and return of upper arm to complete the front assembly. Firm topline with well shaped croup and correctly set, profuse tail, although being picky at times she had a tendency to carry it over more than ideal. Moderately angulated behind, with compact oval feet. Presented in lovely condition. The best mover in the class, maintaining her balance and outline well on the move. Best Special Beginners.

2. Jackson’s ALOUSTAIR’S CIRCLE OF LIFE FOR AZILVIX – 2 year old red and white bitch at the smaller end of the breed standard height but still within. Finer in bone. A pleasing overall length to height ratio, although I would prefer a little more length to leg. Attractive head with correct proportions and good head planes; I would prefer the ears set a little higher. Good length of neck into a well-laid shoulder, better in this respect than 1st. Slight slope to pasterns, compact oval feet. Moderately angulated behind and presented in good condition. Unfortunately she was very erratic on the move today, which made it difficult for her to demonstrate the balance and efficiency I was looking for.

 3. Crowther’s KOBUK FOXTAIL LILY

Veteran Bitch Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

These veterans exemplified the moderate, functional breed standard we should be striving to preserve, and their longevity, soundness and continued athleticism should be celebrated and rewarded, for the Siberian Husky is a slow maturing working breed.

1. Sinclair’s SALAZKA ALESHANEE FOR LESAMIAN – 11½ year old wolf grey and white bitch who absolutely delighted me. An old school Siberian of outstanding breed type, beautifully balanced and presented in superb condition. Her ideal head captivated me; beautifully proportioned, exquisite chiselling, almond shaped obliquely set eyes, well set triangular ears and the sweetest, slightly mischievous expression. Moderate bone, excellent length to height proportions and correct length of leg. Good length of arched neck into an excellent front. Well laid shoulders, corresponding length and return of upper arm placing the forelegs correctly beneath the body, and pasterns with the required slight slope. Chest of moderate depth with well-sprung ribs, flattened on the side, firm level topline, slight arch over taut muscled loin, excellent length and slope of croup and ideal tail set and carriage in graceful sickle. Hindquarters equally well constructed, with good bend of stifle and well-let-down hocks, balanced perfectly with the forehand. Excellent compact oval feet. Double coat of excellent texture and condition. Outstanding on the move, light, free and effortless ground covering gait in side profile while remaining clean and true on the out and back, single tracking and holding a level topline with her head slightly lowered. There is nothing exaggerated or superfluous about this bitch. She continued to catch my eye in the Challenge and I was delighted to award her the RCC, Best Veteran Bitch.

2. Richardson’s GLEBERASCALS LOVEBOX - 12½ year old grey and white of lovely old-school breed type, beautifully proportioned and balanced throughout. Lovely head with correct proportions and planes, almond-shaped obliquely set eyes, well set ears and a very appealing expression. Good length of neck, excellent shoulder and upper arm with balanced rear angulation, moderate bone, firm topline, correct croup and tail set and good feet. Excellent coat and presented in superb condition. Initially a little timid, and I was astonished to learn afterwards that she is not experienced at all in the show ring. Once settled she was superb on the move, light, free and effortless with excellent ground covering single tracking gait. Unfortunate to meet 1st, another rarely shown veteran, on such sparkling form. Two quite remarkable double-digit veterans who demonstrate exactly why sound, functional Siberians of this quality deserve to be seen and rewarded.

3. Johns’ AZGARD KAPMA FOR ALEPENKYE JW

4. Sargent’s KERIQUEL JEMIMA PUDDLEDUCK

5. Crowther’s SKIMARQUE SNOWFALL LACIE VW

Minor Puppy Bitch Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

Puppy Bitch Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

Junior Bitch Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1. Anderson’s ALEPENKYE KENSINGTON TO URIAKIN - Now maturing very nicely from the promising puppy I judged earlier in the year. Beautifully proportioned, feminine agouti and white of excellent breed type. Lovely foxy head with particularly good almond shaped, obliquely set eyes and a keen, attractive expression. Excellent length of neck into a superbly laid shoulder and well returned upper arm, giving ideal forequarter angulation. Firm level topline, correct croup and balanced rear angulation with good bend of stifle. Good feet and correct slight slope to pasterns. Initially somewhat unsettled, but once she settled into her stride she moved smoothly and effortlessly with a long, ground covering stride, maintaining a level topline. Delighted to see her fulfilling the considerable promise she showed as a puppy.

2. Caudy’s SUSIKUU KILLER QUEEN AT SNODRAGON - 12 month old cream and white presented in excellent, well-muscled condition. Her lack of coat allowed her sound construction and condition to be readily appreciated. Moderate bone and very good proportions throughout, good length of leg. Plain but correct feminine head with lovely almond shaped, obliquely set eyes giving a beautiful keen and friendly expression. Good length of arched neck and well constructed forequarters, although being picky I preferred the lay of shoulder of 1st. Firm, level topline with the correct slight arch over the loin, croup a little more rounded, with correct tail set. Excellent pasterns and compact oval feet. Balanced rear angulation. Moved soundly and efficiently, maintaining her topline. A quality bitch who was unfortunate to meet 1st on such good form.

3. Jackson’s SAKARLADRIFT FROSTY PAWS FOR AZILVIX JW

Yearling Bitch Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1. Caudy’s ELLEONIA PERFECT STORM AT SNODRAGON (AI) JW - 20 month old light grey and white bitch of very pleasing, moderate breed type, well balanced and presented in excellent condition. Feminine head of good proportions with lovely expression; ears well shaped and carried, although set a little closer together than my ideal. Good length of neck into a well constructed front, with moderate bone and good balanced angulation fore and aft. Good depth of chest, although I would not want her to develop any further depth. Firm, level topline with correct croup and tail set. Good pasterns and compact oval feet. Moved smoothly and soundly with a balanced, ground covering stride, maintaining her outline well to win the class on her movement.

2. Howarth & Phillips’ PENKHALAS KINGUVAATKA - 21 month old white of very pleasing, feminine breed type and excellent overall proportions. Finer in bone than 1st, but still within the moderation required by the Standard. Classical, typey, well proportioned head with almond shaped obliquely set eyes contributing to a lovely expression. Good length of slightly arched neck into well angulated forequarters, with the elbows lying well under the withers, balanced by equally good rear angulation. Firm, level topline with a slight rise over a taut, muscular loin. I preferred the croup of 1st, this bitch being of good length but a little steeper. Correct slope to pasterns and compact, oval feet. Presented in excellent condition all round. Moved well and with good balance, holding her topline throughout. I’m sure these two will swap places many times.

3. Evans & Hannan’s – FORSTAL’S BELLA

Novice Bitch Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1. Lawes & Doggrell’s MYSTICWOLF SHINING STAR OVER WINTERSLEIGH - 3 year old wolf grey and white presented in superb condition and carrying a full winter coat which belied the moderate, athletic bitch beneath. Excellent overall proportions with moderate bone and balanced angulation fore and aft. Head of good proportions with muzzle of correct length; particularly lovely obliquely set, almond-shaped eyes giving a keen expression. Excellent medium sized, triangular ears, close fitting and set high on the head, slightly arched at the back, thick and well furred both inside and out, with slightly rounded tips. Good length of neck into an excellent front assembly; shoulder blades well laid back with upper arms angling slightly backwards from point of shoulder to elbow and elbows close to the body. Firm, level topline with slight rise over the taut loin. Slight slope to pasterns and compact oval feet. Best mover in the class, smooth and seemingly effortless with a light footed gait, single tracking while maintaining a firm, level topline.

2. Evans & Hannan’s FORSTAL’S POLYANTHUS – see 1st Special Beginners

3. Caudy’s ARCTICTREKS CASSI AT SNODRAGON

Post Graduate Bitch Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

1. March & Smith’s TRAILHUNTERS RAVEN ROCK - 2½ year old grey and white of excellent overall proportions, moderate throughout and with just the right amount of bone. Beautifully balanced construction, with excellent angulation fore and aft. Slightly sloping pasterns and correct compact, oval feet. Firm, level topline with a slight rise over a strong, taut loin, flowing into a correctly sloping croup and well set tail. Well bent stifles and low set hocks. Feminine head with a particularly lovely expression; beautiful obliquely set eyes and well shaped, well placed ears. Moved smoothly and effortlessly, covering the ground with an easy, economical stride and maintaining her balance throughout. A quality bitch who was a contender for top honours today; I expect she will mature to advantage.

2. Snelson’s SAKINO’S ENVY AT ASHTRAX – Nearly 4 year old monochromatic black and white of good overall proportions, presented in excellent, well-muscled condition. Finer in bone than 1st and I would not want her any lighter. Attractive, well-proportioned head and a good expression once relaxed. Good length of slightly arched neck leading into an excellent front assembly, the best in the class, with well laid back shoulders and return of upper arm placing her elbows under the withers. Firm, level topline and correctly sloping croup. Slightly sloping pasterns and good compact, oval feet. Good bend of stifle. In her summer coat but still showing a well furred fox-brush tail. Initially a little unsettled on the move, but really came into her own, where she was smooth, free and seemingly effortless, covering the ground well, single tracking with no wasted action. Her movement was her particular strength and secured her 2nd place in this good class.

3. Platt’s WIGHTFLIGHT INSH

4. Howarth & Phillips’ FORSTAL’S ELFIN

5. Evans & Hannan’s – FORSTAL’S BELLA

Limit Bitch Entries: 10 Absentees: 2

An exceptionally strong class of quality bitches, with considerable merit throughout and some very close decisions. I would happily have rewarded several more.

1. Brown’s KERIQUEL HONEYLIGHT AT POCKETSIBES - 5 year old grey and white of excellent overall proportions and very sound, workmanlike breed type, presented in superb hard, muscular condition. Nothing exaggerated about this bitch; she is moderately boned, beautifully balanced throughout and gives the impression of being entirely fit for function. Well proportioned head with correct planes and lovely blue, obliquely set eyes and high set ears giving an intelligent expression. Good length of neck into excellent, balanced forequarters, matched by equally well constructed hindquarters with good bend of stifle and low set hocks. Firm, level topline, correct croup and tail set. Slightly sloping pasterns and good compact, oval feet. Her outstanding movement won her this strong class: smooth, seemingly effortless and ground covering, single tracking with no wasted action, while maintaining her topline throughout. Pushed hard for top honours in the Challenge.

 2. Amphlett & Sym’s KORVA CRAZY NOELLE AT SYBASPRINTER (IMP SWE) – 2 year old silver grey and white of excellent overall proportions, presenting a very balanced, feminine outline and shown in good condition. Attractive, well proportioned head with a pleasing expression; ears well set but inclined to roll slightly forward and could be firmer at the tips. Good length of neck into well constructed forequarters, balanced by moderate rear angulation. Firm, level topline with good length of loin, correct croup and excellent tail set. Moderate bone, slightly sloping pasterns and good feet. Another excellent mover, smooth, free and light on her feet, single tracking, covering the ground efficiently while maintaining her balance and topline. A quality bitch who thoroughly deserved her place in this strong class.

3. Miles’ TRAILHUNTERS RYDERS ROCK AT PEKAKICALI

4. Johns’ AZGARD KASTELLA FOR ALEPENKYE

5. Sinclair’s MYDISA HIELAN SASSIE LASS AT LESAMIAN

Open Bitch Entries: 13 Absentees: 2

What a class! The depth of quality was quite exceptional. There were bitches here who would comfortably have featured in the top placings on another day, and some very good exhibits inevitably had to leave without a card. My final line-up was exceptionally strong and the decisions came down to fine margins, with movement ultimately proving decisive. An exhilarating class to judge and one I shall remember for a long time.

1. Brown’s ZARCHENSKI TABOO ZILP AT POCKETSIBES - Nearly 7 year old grey and white piebald bitch whom I first judged as a 6 month old puppy, when her construction and movement immediately marked her out as one to watch. It was a real pleasure to see how she had matured. Excellent overall proportions with moderate bone and superb balance throughout. Good length of neck into a beautifully constructed front, with well laid back shoulders, correct return of upper arm and elbows well placed beneath the withers. Firm, level topline with a slight rise over a strong loin, leading to an ideal croup and correct tail set. Hindquarters strong and well muscled, with excellent bend of stifle and low set hocks. Correct slight slope to pasterns and excellent compact oval feet. Plain but well composed feminine head with correct planes; the ears I thought she still had to grow into as a puppy now sit much more harmoniously within the mature head. Presented in superb muscular condition. Her movement was exceptional in every direction: smooth, light, effortless and economical, with no wasted action and converging towards a single track as speed increased. Quite simply, she out moved everything present on the day and was poetry in motion. Delighted to award her the Bitch CC and Best of Breed, soon discovering that this was her third CC and made her a Champion.

2. Platt’s CH WIGHTFLIGHT EINICH - Monochromatic black and white 6 year old presented in stunning condition. Sweet, feminine head with a lovely expression, using her well set ears to great effect. Good length of neck leading into a well constructed front, with well laid shoulders and balanced return of upper arm. Good depth of chest, ribs well sprung and flattened on sides, firm level topline and strong loin, leading to a well shaped croup and correct tail set. Well angulated, muscular hindquarters balanced with the front. Correct slight slope to pasterns and excellent oval shaped compact feet. Moved soundly and with good reach and drive, showing a particularly pleasing side gait and securing her placing in this very strong class.

3. Sargent’s CH KERIQUEL ROSE ROYALE

4. March & Smith’s KERIQUEL ROVING JEWEL AT TRAILHUNTERS

5. Sinclair’s SALAZKA SERAPHINA PICQUERY AT LESAMIAN