Bath Canine Society

Bath Canine Society

Retriever (Labrador)

Friday, 22 May 2026

Judge: Anthony Allen

My thanks to the committee of Bath Canine for inviting me to judge and to the exhibitors for entering under me. And to my two super stewards Mel and Kath for keeping the ring running so efficiently.

Numbers and correspondingly quality is not what it was. In comparison to the last time I judged there were a few issues that concerned me. The first was the lack of depth of quality in the younger male classes and this is a real concern for the future, where is the next generation of top-class Labradors coming from? As a breed we seem to be retaining more bitches and less males and this is adding to the conundrum.

Personally, I think heads are changing for the worse, many are just getting too strong for my tastes, often with round starey eyes. We are losing that lovely kind expression that the breed was known for. 

An issue that remains is the shortness in upper arms as this means incorrect front angulation and restricts the ability of the dog to stride out on the move and carry game. They need the angulation to do their job in the field in an efficient manner. A Labrador is an endurance dog and should be able to work all day. Those with shorter upper arm have to expend more energy to do their job and therefore tire sooner. 

Another corresponding issue were a number of dogs which were short in leg and in my opinion too deep in body, with the depth of chest coming down below the elbow. This is a significant change to the breed and to me unbalances the dog.

I was pleased with my principal winners who I thought were top class. My DCC and BOB (and his crown) was awarded to Alkhamhurst Prime Shot (Mrs M A Woodley). My RDCC to the very exciting youngster Woolman Free and Easy (Mrs Y Shirton). My BCC was the super bitch over from Italy; Blackhills Bellissima for Bluveil (Mr S Piva) and my RBCC the very lovely Jaybec Winter Wispa JW (Miss R J & Mrs J E Mills). My Best Puppy went to the very exciting youngster Trendlewood for All We Know (Mr D L & Mrs F E M Braddon) and my Best Veteran to the ever youthful Tiaja Love in The Sun (Mrs J A Wallace). Best Special Beginner was awarded to the charming lady Clarisview Primrose (Mrs C P Philpott)

Veteran Dog Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST Bluvel Bryce Canyon (Mr S Piva)

Grand yellow chap, rising 10, who really belied his age. He has a super pleasing head and the kindest of expression, a clean reach of neck and well-set shoulders. Correct front angulation with an adequate depth of forechest. Level top line. Well-made quarters which he used to advantage on the move. Coat just on the turn. A quality exhibit Best Veteran Dog. He pushed all the way in the veteran challenge, but he showed his age a little and didn’t stride out with the fluidity of the lovely veteran bitch winner today.

2ND Warringah's The Bluff JW Sgwc (Mr D Coode)

Smart black dog, with good overall balance and movement, I liked his clean outline. Well-made with a masculine head and expression, good reach of neck and good front angulation. Proportionate length of body with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Good action on the move but didn’t have the drive of winner today.

Minor Puppy Dog Entries: 8 Absentees: 0

1ST Trendlewood for All We Know (Mr D L & Mrs F E M Braddon)

Rising 9 months old with a lot to like about him. Good overall outline with correct angles fore and aft. I liked his head and expression, for his age it is well proportioned and has a good shape, he has a lovely eye. Front assembly is well made, a good lay back of shoulder and return of upper arm. Stands on well boned legs and feet. Proportionate length of body. Good shape to his quarters with a decent bend of stifle. Accurate footfall on the move which gave him the class and Best Puppy Dog and later Best Puppy. 

2ND Alkhamhurst Milton NAF TAF (Mrs M & Ms L Woodley & Finney)

I liked this pup, just six months and everything in the right place. Head is well proportioned, shoulders well laid back, good depth of chest for his age, stands on well boned legs and good feet. Good length of body, quarters developing as they should be. Needs to find his feet on the move but he will do that as he grows up.

3RD Warringah Timouron Gundagai (Mr D Coode)

Retriever (Labrador) - Puppy Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1ST Medley Labs Lennox Lewis at Bearstone NAF TAF (Mrs A J Edwards)

Pleasing head and expression on the 10 month old chap. Clean reach of neck which led into well placed shoulders, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Shoulders well laid back. Proportionate length of body, would like him a little firmer in top line, ribs springing nicely, a little long in loin. Well-made quarters with good angles. He moved round the ring positively once he settled and was the best in the class in that respect.  

2ND Cornishwater Whealprosper (Mr W & Mrs P Hosking)

Junior Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Woolman Free and Easy (Mrs Y Shirton)

Lots to like about this yellow boy, clean in outline he has all the essentials in the right place. Head has good proportions, kind eye and super pigment. Clean neck into a good front assembly. Stands on good legs and feet. Body of good proportions, decent spring of rib for his age and length of loin. Back developing well, stifles well bent. Moved really well to take the class. Really close up for top honours and I don’t think it will be long before he gets some big green and white cards, but for today he was my RCC winner. 

2ND Dylsonleigh Titan for Pattilands (Miss R & Mrs J Pattison)

Another typy boy who I liked a lot. He was clean in outline. Good head piece, masculine with good finish, clean neck into well laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Good length of leg, well boned and good feet. Body well proportioned, with ribs well sprung for his age, held his topline well. Quarters good. Needs to settle on the move, especially in his front action and once he does, he will do well. Unlucky to meet the winner today, I think this is another dog with a bright future ahead of him.

3RD Jaybec Winter Yule JW (Miss R J & Mrs J E Mills)

Yearling Dog Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST Mambrinos Dylan (Mrs K Becker)

Nicely made young chocolate man, has potential, wouldn’t want any more of him. He has a pleasing head, his eyes need to darken to enhance his expression. Good reach of neck and decent lay back of shoulder, standing on good legs and neat feet. Good length of body with well-made quarters. Positive mover with a good action in profile, held his topline well, in excellent coat and condition. 

2ND Winsleywood Wilfred (J E Harris)

Clean outline on this young chap, he has balanced angles both front and rear. Head of good proportions with a kind eye. Clean reach of neck, shoulders well laid back, a little short in upper arm, Level topline. Moved soundly once he settled, with decent footfall. Needs a little more substance and to fill his frame to complete the picture which he should do as he matures.

3RD Trendlewood Hometown Glory JW (Miss J Moody)

Novice Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Rumhill Jagermeister (Mrs B & Mr T Bills)

Still a minor puppy, nice type of dog. Lovely gentle temperament on him, eyes need to darken. I liked his angles front and rear, clean in neck into a good front assembly, firm in topline. Quarters well developed for his age with a good bend of stifle. Moved out well, good profile action, needs to firm up in front action, which he will do as he matures. 

2ND Buckholt Magnum Maximus (Ms F Mount)

Good outline on this chap, his head is masculine with good proportions, eyes need to darken. Strong in neck, decent lay back of shoulder. Stands on good legs and feet. Plenty of depth of chest and good in loin. Well-developed hindquarters. Wasn’t the best on the move today and this counted against him in the placings.

3RD Frewlings Colby at Bearstone (Mrs A J Edwards)

Graduate Dog Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST Daisypatch Ostratto (Mrs H M & Mr D Chapman)

Well-made boy, well up for size, with a masculine head and expression, he has a clean reach of neck and good front angulation, would just like a little more length of upper arm. Enough depth of chest for his age. Good overall body proportions with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Positive mover, just needed to be a bit more settled to complete the picture. 

2ND Buckholt Magnum Maximus (Ms F Mount) (Repeat)

3RD Frewlings Gary Player at Bearstone (Mrs A J Edwards)

Post Graduate Dog Entries: 5 Absentees: 2

1ST Winsleywood Waghorn at Ravoakar JW (Mrs K & Mr C Bambrook)

Good overall outline on this four-year-old young man, have judged him before and he is a slow developer and starting to come to his best now, he is progressing in the right direction. He has a good head shape and masculine expression. A clean reach of neck and well-placed shoulders. A decent length of body, well-made quarters with good angulation, hocks well let down. Very clean outline on him which he held on the move. Movement was sound, good footfall and with the appropriate amount of drive. 

2ND Mcfarwin’s Grey Legacy by Keeninspires JW (Mrs S Perkins)

Different type to one but still pleasing to my eye. He has a good head shape and proportions with a masculine expression. A clean reach of neck and well placed shoulders, would like a shade more return of upper arm. Plenty of depth of chest, correct length of body with well sprung ribs, carrying a shade extra weight for my taste. Well-made quarters with good angulation, hocks well let down. Movement was sound, good both fore and aft and in profile. 

3RD Lembas Brooklyn at Mibridge (Mrs B S Jeffery)

Limit Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 4

1ST Alkhamhurst Prime Shot (Mrs M A Woodley)

A very smart dog, who was right up my street. He has a pleasing head and masculine expression. A super clean reach of neck and well-placed shoulders. Good legs with a decent amount of bone, good length of body with well sprung ribs, firm in loin, level topline. Well-made quarters with good angulation, hocks well let down. Movement was sound, correct action fore and aft and in profile. In the challenge as I made my final decision, he just had the most superb outline and took the CC over so many real quality dogs, later taking BOB. I was told afterwards, by a very happy handler, it was his third – congratulations!

2ND Rodstar Rocks Zero Bully at Lembas (Mr C J & Mrs C E & Mrs C Mills & Mills & Rota)

There is a lot to like about this chap, well-made yellow dog who excels in outline, I wouldn’t want any more of him. He has good overall balance and movement. He has a pleasing head and expression, a clean reach of neck and lay back of shoulder, needs a shade more return of forearm. Proportionate length of body with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a good bend of stifle. Did enough on the move but not quite as fluid in front action as the winner. Coat in good condition. Close up for the RCC.

3RD Richbourne Lion King (Mrs S Wiles)

Open Dog Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

1ST Swiss Ch Miles from Nowhere Heavy-Duty (Mrs K Becker)

Very smart dog with a clean outline, presenting a balanced picture. He has a pleasing head shape and masculine expression. He has a super clean reach of neck. Standing on good legs and neat feet. A decent length of body with well sprung ribs. Well-made quarters with good angulation and width of second thigh, hocks well let down. Movement was sound, good footfall and he covered the ground well. Very close up for top honours today, just coming back into coat and not quite the drive of the open and junior winners 

2ND Sh Ch Binnaig Sea The Stars over Tullochmohr JW (Mrs D Tulloch)

Well-made yellow dog who excels in outline. He has good overall balance and movement. He has a masculine head and expression, I wouldn’t want it any stronger, super dark eye. He has a clean reach of neck and good front angulation. Well-developed chest with good depth. Proportionate length of body with the correct spring of rib. Quarters well made with a super bend of stifle. Did enough on the move but not quite as fluid the winner. I liked him a lot, unlucky to meet the winner today.

3RD Sh Ch Binnaig Bonnach for Tullochmohr JW (Mrs D Tulloch)

Special Beginners Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

1ST Clarisview Primrose (Mrs C P Philpott) Bitch

Well-made 4 year old bitch with a clean outline. Head of good proportions, pleasing expression enhanced by a dark eye. She has a good reach of neck which led into well-placed shoulders, would like a shade more return of upper arm. Well boned legs and good feet. Good length of body leading on to powerful quarters. Held her topline throughout. Movement was good and driving.

2ND Langanhoe Danse Du Feu (Mrs K M Wightman) Bitch

Decent shape on this black girl, her head piece is feminine, she has a good eye, and balanced proportions would like a bit more breadth. Neck into shoulder is good. Good through the body with decent angles front and rear. Quarters well developed for her age, decent bend of stifle. Moved out well to take this place. 

3RD Frewlings Gary Player at Bearstone (Mrs A J Edwards)

Veteran Bitch Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1ST Tiaja Love in The Sun (Mrs J A Wallace)

A grand lady who was certainly enjoying her day out. She is a beautiful yellow bitch with a pretty feminine head and expression. Excellent reach of neck and shoulder placement, good depth of chest and correct spring of rib. Good length of body and rear angulation, level topline, clean lines and balanced throughout. Best Veteran 

2ND Lunarpet Sweet Honeysuckle (Mr P J & Mrs J A White)

Nice type of bitch, rising ten. She has a lovely feminine head and expression. Good overall front construction and length of body with well barrelled ribs. Well-developed quarters with well bent stifles, just deciding to change her coat, grand lady who was a credit to her owner. Ok on the move, didn’t have the drive of the winner but a super type. 

Minor Puppy Bitch Entries: 8 Absentees: 0

1ST Lembas Holly (Mr C J & Mrs C E Mills)

A lovely yellow puppy, well put together for her age and not overdone in anyway. She is clean in outline, has a lovely pretty head and expression which still needs to break but it is as she should be at this age. Clean neck into well set shoulders. Body developing well for her age, good through the ribs and into her loin. Well-made quarters. Very puppyish on the move so gave it away in the decision for BPB, a very smart youngster with bags of promise.

2ND Trendlewood Only Yesterday (Mr D L & Mrs F E M Braddon)

Another smart puppy. She is well made with good overall proportions with a pleasing expression, good clean reach of neck which was set into well-placed shoulders, decent return of forearm. She has a well-turned stifle and well let down hocks. Wasn’t as fluid on the move in front action as the winner today so had to settle for the second spot

3RD 2421 - Willokin's Max Mara (Miss J Digweed)

Puppy Bitch Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST Miletree Charlotte Bronte at Lovetrac (Mr P F Lovel)

A very pretty bitch with a pleasing head and expression enhanced by a lovely dark eye. Clean reach of neck and well-placed shoulders. Decent front angulation but would like a little more return of upper arm, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Good length of body, ribs correct for her age and a super outline. Quarters well made. Shown in good condition, decent coat on her. She held her outline on the move well and had a fluid action. I was delighted to award her Best Puppy Bitch.

2ND Llanstinan Scarlett Sammie at Bowsian (Mrs S H Evans)

Another nice puppy with a lot to like about her, pleasing overall type and clean outline. Sound mover who covered the ground well, which gave her this place. She is well made with a pleasing expression, good clean reach of neck which was set into well placed shoulders. Good size for her age, in overall proportion. She has a well-turned stifle and well-let down hocks. When she settled she was good on the move with decent footfall.

3RD Driffwold Make A Wish at Bearstone (Mrs A J Edwards)

Junior Bitch Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST Rocheby Highlight over Daisypatch (Mrs H Chapman)

Pretty bitch, very feminine in head and expression, she has a clean reach of neck, which led on to well set shoulders, would like little more return of upper arm. She stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Good spring of rib and length of body. Correct top line and well-made quarters with adequate bend of stifle, short from hock to heel. Movement was good, with accurate footfall.

2ND Tweedledum Dippety Do of Eavora (Miss C Robertson)

Decent shape on this yellow girl, her head piece is feminine, she has a good eye and balanced proportions. Neck into shoulder is good. Good through the body with decent angles front and rear. Personally, I would like a little more length of leg on her. Quarters well developed for her age, decent bend of stifle. Moved out well just not as tidy in front action as the winner. 

Yearling Bitch Entries: 7 Absentees: 1

1ST Mattand Halloween Moon by Ludalor (Mrs L Tooth)

A stylish yellow, with a lovely pleasing head and expression, clean reach of neck into well placed shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Good depth of forechest for her age and spring of rib, proportionate length of body and well-made quarters. Movement was positive and free flowing; she has a super side gate. Right up my street, should have a bright future ahead of her.

2ND Winsleywood Witchcraft JW (Ms A Scutcher)

She has a pretty head and expression with a good reach of neck and enough depth of forechest. Shoulder placement is OK, good legs and feet. She has a proportionate length of body, good well-developed quarters for her age. Moved out well, needs to be a little tighter in front action. Carrying a shade too much weight on her shoulders today which spoilt her outline.

3RD 2477 - Rowanhol Wonderful Tonight (Mr C M & Mrs D Price)

Novice Bitch Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

1ST 2431 - Llanstinan Scarlett Sammie at Bowsian (Mrs S H Evans) (Repeat frpm PB)

2ND 2495 - Langanhoe Danse Du Feu (Mrs K M Wightman) (Repeat from SBB)

3RD 2493 - Lunarpet Born Free (Mr P J & Mrs J A White)

Graduate Bitch Entries: 10 Absentees: 2

1ST Winsleywood Wicked JW (Ms A Scutcher)

This young bitch caught my eye when she entered the ring and she did not disappoint when I put my hands on her. I liked her overall shape and balance. She has a feminine head and expression, a lovely clean reach of neck which led on to correct well placed shoulders. She has a good spring of rib and length of loin, excellent rear angulation, stifles well bent. Not in her best jacket today but has all the essentials in the right places. Good action on the move, just needs to tidy up on front action. 

2ND Clarisview Primrose (Mrs C P Philpott) Repeat of SBB.

3RD Langanhoe Lady Marmalade (Mrs K M Wightman)

Post Graduate Bitch Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Trewinnard Bespoke (Mrs L J Kent)

A stylish yellow who I thought was very appealing, she has a pleasing head and expression, good shoulder placement, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Good depth of forechest for her age and spring of rib, proportionate length of body and well-made quarters, held her topline well throughout. Movement was positive and free flowing.

2ND Dreammake for Tiaja JW (Imp Dnk) (Mrs J A Wallace)

Nice type of girl, she has a good shape about her and today was in good coat and condition. Her head is attractive with good depth of muzzle. Neck clean, decent lay-back of shoulder but needs a little more return of upper arm. Would like a little more depth of chest, good spring of rib and quarters well developed for her age. Moved out well with plenty of drive, needs to tighten in front action. 

3RD Baileydale Oops A Daisy for Willokin (Miss J Digweed)

Limit Bitch Entries: 9 Absentees: 1

1ST Jaybec Winter Wispa JW (Miss R J & Mrs J E Mills)

This bitch took my eye when standing. Feminine in head and expression, she has a clean reach of neck, which led on to well set shoulders. She stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Plenty of depth of chest, good spring of rib and length of body. Correct top line and well-made quarters with a good bend of stifle. Movement was sound and with the correct amount of drive, tidy on the up and down. Pleased to award her the RCC in some very good company.

2ND Rochevale Gypsy at Sheenaron JW (Mrs R M Phillips)

A stylish yellow, well made, good shoulder placement and enough depth of forechest. Good spring of rib, slightly long in loin, well-made quarters. Movement was good and free flowing with decent footfall just lost her topline on the move on the run round today. Clean in outline. A nice type of bitch who should do well.

3RD Crosscroyde Chianti (Mrs A & Mr R J & Mrs S Lavelle & Lavelle & Wiles)

Open Bitch Entries: 7 Absentees: 0

1ST Blackhills Bellissima for Bluveil (Mr S Piva)

This lady came into the ring I thought she was stunning. She has a super head piece with feminine expression enhanced by lovely eyes. She has a super clean reach of neck which led in to correct well placed shoulders. She has a good spring of rib and length of loin, excellent rear angulation. She was shown today in good coat and superb condition. Her movement was positive with a good action, this carried through to the challenge where she excelled. I could not see anything to touch her, and her performance was spot on. Delighted to award her the CC her first, and I wish her well with the other two.

2ND Sh Ch Alkhamhurst London Girl (Mrs M A Woodley)

Another who I have judged before and who has done well under me, she is a good mover who covered the ground well. This black bitch is very appealing. She is well made with a pleasing expression enhanced by a lovely dark eye. I liked her clean reach of neck, which was set into well-placed shoulders, standing on good legs. Good overall proportions. Ribs well sprung and firm through the loin. She has a well-turned stifles and well-let down hocks. Held her top line well throughout. Accurate on the move with good foot fall, not quite the drive of the winner. Considered for the RCC.

3RD Sh Ch Binnaig Sea Salt JW (Ms C