South Wales Kennel Association

First and foremost, thank you to the society for the invitation to judge at this incredibly well run show. Initially, judging for this breed was listed at 8.30am. Questions were raised by exhibitors as to why such an early start was necessary, and the society listened and changed the judging time to a later slot. How lovely to have a society that listens to the exhibitors and takes on board their queries or concerns. 

It has been three years since I last judged the breed that I am so passionate about, so I was very much looking forward to this appointment. 

Unfortunately, although the sun was shining outside, the hall we were in was extremely cold. Not only did it appear to affect some of the dogs and the performance they gave, I could appreciate that we had some very cold exhibitors and a judge with extremely cold hands!

However, there was a most pleasant atmosphere, all of my decisions were taken with great sportsmanship and the day ran smoothly without any issues. I was lucky to have two wonderful stewards, Liz & Dave, who were efficient and organised, making my day much easier. 

I thought long and hard before the day about the breed and its current position. We are a competitive breed with a lot of quality, but we do have several recurring faults that are regularly now appearing and unless we, as breeders, exhibitors or judges make a stand to eradicate or penalise these faults, we will eventually lose the quality we so desire. I am highly critical of my own dogs and I strongly believe that there are no perfect examples out there. We should all be striving to look at what faults our dogs have and aim to improve on them, rather than just accept things as the norm and say “a win is a win”. 

I decided that there were several points that I did not want to compromise on. 

The first was outline and shape. Whippets should be curvaceous, with a noticeable topline and an elegant underline that is almost an “S” shape. Not only should that shape be there when stacked, but the topline should still be there on the move. What seems to now be acceptable by some judges and breeders is a flat topline on the move. This is completely wrong for the breed and dogs with this should be penalised accordingly. 

Second was soundness. Over recent years we have seen more and more dogs being shown that are not sound. Do not confuse this with obvious lameness, albeit that this is also an issue. Unsoundness is often caused by basic construction and unbalance. Therefore, I was looking for exhibits with true balance on the move. The only way to achieve this is to focus on movement out and back. Not all breed standards include detail on this, but ours does. It asks for them to be “true, coming and going”. Therefore, this was something that I decided would be an important factor in my decisions. I raised this issue in my last critique and sadly things haven’t improved. We have become so focused on side profile we have forgotten about “out and back” which is equally as important, if not more so. Therefore, some dogs which I liked for type or construction were penalised if they didn’t have the movement I was looking for. 

Tails are slowly becoming an issue in the breed. We can all forgive a puppy for flying its tail, but at what point do we draw the line and say it’s no longer acceptable. For me, by the time the dog is out of minor puppy, I would expect the tail to have settled. After this, it has to be considered a fault and something we as breeders should be aware of when we produce the next generation. 

Another fault that has crept in, is short underjaws. I was surprised by how many dogs I saw with this issue today, so felt I had to comment on it. This breed was bred to catch game and requires a powerful set of jaws as stated in the breed standard. A short underjaw gives the impression that the dog is overshot, when the reality is, the top jaw is probably correct and its simply the underjaw that’s lacking. Another point for breeders and judges to watch out for. 

I also found a number of dogs with light eyes. Our breed standard makes no reference to eye colour, therefore technically, light eyes are not a fault. So maybe this comes down to personal preference, but for me a darker eye gives you a much more preferable and pleasing expression. It is almost less harsh and more melting, and it’s this kind of expression that just draws you in with a Whippet.                  

Having said all this, I was delighted with my CC and RCC winners today, as they ticked the boxes I hoped for and were full of breed type. Both of the challenges were difficult to judge as I had several dogs in both sexes that I could have happily awarded a green card to. So overall, although I believe the breed still has excellent quality, I just hope people can still see where their dog’s faults are and seek to improve them, so we head in the right direction. 

VD (4,0)

1. Jasarat Salted Caramel of Macalldon JW (Miss C & Mr R Allansson & Macdonald) – What a lovely class to start the day on with some excellent examples of the breed showing good breed type, albeit of differing kennel type. The class was headed by this fawn and white dog who is a well constructed boy. Strongly built, but still showing elegance, masculine in the head which was long and lean, his long neck flows into smooth shoulders and he has a well constructed front. I particularly liked his forechest which was well filled without showing over prominent breastbone. Deep brisket and a well sprung ribcage, well bent stifle but without exaggeration. He moved well in the class, was sound out and back and covered the ground with ease in profile. Sadly, he went lame in the final challenge so was pipped for BVIB.

2. Ch Ticks The Boxes at Turnstone (Mr J & Mrs V Turnbull) – Brindle boy who is another dog with a good outline, displaying elegance and curves. Not quite the movement of the winner and not as true out and back, but he has a super head and a strong underjaw, strong neck in to smooth shoulders, good spring of rib and balanced, moderate angulation front and rear. He has ideal topline on the move and is full of quality. 

3. Runnel Run for Fun VW (Mrs B E C Trouton)

MPD (7,1)

1. Falconcrag Bossin It (Miss S Marston-Pollock) – 7 month old fawn who is full of curves. A mature looking boy who is well built, has good bladed bone and stands on strong oval feet. Still to fully develop in the head and at this point I would like a touch more stop and a darker eye, which is obviously just a personal preference, not a fault. Well filled front, no prominent breastbone, well laid shoulders. I particularly liked his top and underline which just flowed, good width of second thigh and flat muscle. Holds his topline well, but he is still very much the baby on the move and is flying his tail, which hopefully will settle as he matures. 

2. Shalfleet Crackerjack (Ms J Wilton-Clark) – 6 months old and not as advanced as the class winner, as you would expect. Not the bone and substance of 1 but this will come with time. Pleasing head, although I would like a little more underjaw, long neck, clean shoulders, good front fill but with a slight noticeable breastbone, good return of upper arm, topline and underline still to develop but this will come as his loin strengthens, well turned stifle with well let down hocks. Sound and balanced out and back and covers the ground well in profile. 

3. Courtbirch Moondust (Ms S J & Mr D Courtney & Wallace)

PD (6,2)

1. Courtbirch Moondance (Ms S J & Mr D Courtney & Wallace) – Very mature and well developed brindle boy whom I hope has finished in size and height. Masculine head with a dark eye and an alert expression, enough bone for his age, well constructed front with a good return of upper arm, deep brisket and well sprung ribcage, a little long in loin for my taste and this affected his topline on the move, as he does flatten out a touch. Good width of second thigh and shown in hard condition. He was the soundest mover in the class, covering the ground well.

2. Penwincoed Pumpkin Pie (Ms J M Lloyd) – In comparison to the class winner, this fawn boy was of a completely different kennel type. He appears to be at an awkward development stage and needs to strengthen through the rear, which at the moment is quite weak. Pleasing enough head, but I would like more underjaw and a darker eye, he has good front fill, a deep brisket, has bladed bone and a touch of spring to his pastern. I would like to see a slightly longer ribcage and he isn’t yet showing spring to his ribs but this may come over time. A little steep in croup but he has good width of second thigh and flat muscle. Moved ok in profile and out and back. 

3. Osterfen Himeji (Mrs M Southwick)

JD (7,1)

1. Aarminias Made in Chelsea at Ramita JW (Miss A & Mrs A Chaytor & Halliday) – A really lovely class to judge and the class was headed by this quality brindle boy. A really elegant dog who is still a way off maturity but shows himself off well, ably assisted by his super handler. Scored highly for his head, beautiful dark eye and melting expression, strong underjaw, muscular neck into well laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Just enough front fill, deep brisket and a well sprung ribcage. Strong hindquarters with a good width of second thigh and displaying flat muscle throughout. The soundest in the class out and back, where I couldn’t fault him. He covers the ground in profile and holds his shape, but just needs to settle slightly in his forward reach which saw him losing out to the CC winner today. I’m sure this dog will gain his title and it will be well deserved. Delighted to award him the RCC in excellent company. 

2. Starceylon He's Just A Rogue of Mulranny (Mrs J Beckett-Hughes) – Black and white boy whom I have admired from the ringside so was looking forward to judging him. Not as mature as the class winner but that had no impact on my decision. He is a really elegant boy, still needing time to grow on, has a super head and strong underjaw, his shoulders are so smooth to run your hands over, good return of upper arm, well ribbed with a good spring, strong loin and muscular hindquarters and he is straight when viewed from the front or rear. On the move, he just needs to tighten up slightly in front but what I particularly liked was the shape he kept when he moved in profile. At times when he settled, he showed such excellent movement but was proving a challenge for his handler today. 

3. Palmik Raincheck JW (Mr M & Ms Y Howgate & Hull)

YD (9,2)

1. Citycroft Not My First Rodeo at Runforest JW (Miss M Dillon) – At the beginning of the day, I had no preconceived ideas about what dogs would be in the running for the top awards, so I wasn’t expecting my principle winners to be two youngsters. This dog however, has to be gone over to fully appreciate him. A well matured boy who is full of quality, masculine but still elegant and one of the soundest on the move today. His long and lean head has the darkest of eyes and pigment and an expression that just draws you in. His long, strong neck flows into one of the cleanest and smoothest shoulders I felt all day, you run your hands down the neck and there is no sign of shoulder blade, showing how well laid his shoulders are. He has enough front fill, a good enough return of upper arm, deep brisket and a good spring to the ribcage. He scored highly for his flowing underline and his graceful arch over the loin, which he maintained when stood or on the move. He has powerful hindquarters, ample second thigh, well turned stifle and well let down hocks. But he really caught my eye on the move today. Despite the unfavourable flooring, he remained completely balanced out and back with the ideal width front and rear and in profile, whilst maintaining his topline, he showed reach and drive that was flowing and smooth. Shown in excellent condition with good flat muscletone. No hesitation to award him his first CC and I wish him the best of luck for the future.

2. Cobyco Capture The Look at Redfoxia JW (Miss J Foxwell) – This was another dog that I was hoping I got the chance to assess and he doesn’t disappoint. Brindle boy who is a quality dog with a super outline to him. I really liked his head shape and strong underjaw, but being critical I would prefer a darker and more oval shaped eye to enhance his expression. He is of the ideal size for a male, well constructed front, good front fill with a smooth forechest, clean, smooth shoulders, well ribbed and a flowing underline and tuck up. Strong hindquarters with enough turn of stifle. Nothing overdone on this dog and he is so well balanced in shape. Out and back he could be slightly stronger in the rear and doesn’t quite have the ground coverage in profile as the class winner, but still a really good mover.

3. Zeglynn Bee Liever (Ms G Z Perkins)

ND (7,3)

1. Shalfleet Saros (Ms J Wilton-Clark) – 10 month old brindle boy with a white trim who was the baby in the class but really held his own. A lot to like about this pup and he has plenty of good attributes. Personally, I would prefer a little more bone and substance at this stage, but nonetheless, he is still masculine with good bladed bone and stands on excellent feet. Really scored well for his head and expression, neck just flows into his well laid shoulders, good return of upper arm, enough length to his ribcage and a strong loin. He is full of curves which makes him look so elegant. Holds his shape really well on the move in profile and covers the ground well when he settles. A promising example indeed. BPD

2. Cariadglas Baby Guinness (Miss W George George) – 3yo brindle and white trim boy who has some good breed points. Although he was feeling the cold, it didn’t detract from his qualities. Masculine in the head with a lovely dark eye and pigment, giving him a soft expression. Well filled forechest and deep brisket, short couplings and a strong loin, well turned stifle and a good width of second thigh and he was shown in super condition. Could be tidier when moving out and back but he has a lovely shape to him when he moves in profile, carrying his tail low and maintaining his topline. 

3. Osterfen Izumi with Oxana (Miss S J Shepherd)

GD (5,0)

1. Starceylon He's Just A Rogue of Mulranny 

2. Derohan Dark Tornado (Miss K Manners) – A beautifully presented, curvaceous black who scored highly for size, his flowing underline and body condition. He has a masculine head, without being too strong, dark eye and slight stop, well laid shoulder, although I would like a touch more return of upper arm and a slightly stronger pastern. He has perfect flow to his tuck up which cleanly runs into his hindquarters and his well turned stifles. Ideal muscletone and in gleaming condition. Could be slightly tidier in front as he comes towards you but presents a super outline on the move in profile. 

3. Jothryn Muchacho (Mrs D & Mr Aj Spicer)

PGD (6,0)

1. Stormida The Brave (Mr S J & Mr L O Middleton & Gilhooly) – A rangier fawn dog who is masculine but still elegant. I particularly liked his head which has super proportions, a slight stop, a strong underjaw, the perfect depth to his eye colour for his coat and the most beautiful of expressions, soft but alert. Strong in the neck and enough front fill, he has ideal bone and super feet, but I would like a better return of upper arm. Really good tuck up but does flatten a little on the move in his topline. Showed the best reach and drive in the class.  

2. Shine On Harvey Moon at Chipperlake (Messrs M & A J Cahill & Timberlake) – Fawn male of a lovely size and shown in excellent condition with perfect body coverage and super flat muscle. Another with a real quality head and expression. I would prefer a little more return of upper arm but he has good front fill, deep brisket and a good spring to his ribcage. He had one of the best coats I saw today, so fine, short and smooth with no coarseness at all. Sound enough out and back, just not the reach and drive of the class winner. 

3. All Eyes On Me Reverhof at Solentwaves (Imp Lva) (Mrs K & Mr A McDonald)

LD (8,0)

1. Zoraden Simply The Zest of Macalldon JW (Miss C & Mr R Allansson & Macdonald) – Fawn boy with a white trim. Up to size male but that did not detract from his elegance at all. There is nothing overdone in the construction of this boy and he really pushed hard in the challenge, but just lacked the showmanship that I found in my winners. When you break down this dog there’s not a lot you can fault him on. He has a super head with the darkest of oval eyes, a melting expression, soft, fine ears that are well placed, long clean neck, well constructed front angulation and good front fill, sweeping curvy underline and a strong loin. He has a well turned stifle with good muscletone. Couldn’t fault him out and back and he covers the ground well in profile. An underrated dog, but I do wish he would show himself off more on the move. 

2. Kierpark Devil in Disguise JW (Mr K J & Mrs K M Rees & Jones) – Young brindle male of a similar size to the class winner but with a little more body and substance. He has a good head shape but I would like him to be slightly leaner through the cheeks. Lovely, soft, fine ears, long, strong neck and excellent front construction, with a well laid shoulder and a really good return of upper arm. He is a little steep in pastern but does have good bone. Flowing underline with a good tuck up and a super topline that he maintained on the move. Strong hindquarters with a good width of second thigh. Out and back, he is a little wide in the rear but is good in front. Super side profile movement, really eating up the ground as he went. Unlucky to meet the class winner who is in such top form. 

3. Edenwhip Oregano JW (Mrs E K & Miss L Mallinson)

OD (7,1)

1. Wolfscastle Crown Jules (Miss Z & Miss E Brodie & Owen) – Brindle dog with a white trim although the side he is presented on is almost completely fawn. A real impressive looking dog who headed this fabulous class filled with quality. This boy has a super head shape with a strong underjaw and a beautiful dark, oval eye, well placed fine ears, long and strong neck which just flows into his smooth shoulders. Well filled forechest with a touch of breastbone showing, good return of upper arm, bladed bone and a slight spring to the pastern. Deep brisket and a well sprung ribcage, I wouldn’t like to see any more weight on him though, slightly longer in loin than I prefer but he has a flowing underline and a beautiful topline. Powerful and muscular hindquarters which he uses well to drive as he moves. Out and back I really couldn’t fault this dog, he has perfect balance, but I would just like to see a little more reach in front. Another that pushed really hard for the top awards. 

2. Ch Shalfleet Making Waves (Mr K & Miss J Bridgman-Lewis & Wilton-Clark) – I was delighted to be given the opportunity to judge this beautiful, elegant dog and he doesn’t disappoint when you go over him. Very different kennel type to the class winner, overall, a smaller example of the breed, but still masculine and full of quality. Scored highly for his head shape, he has a perfectly balanced head, strong underjaw, flat skull and a slight stop. Elegant, clean neck flows into a super, well constructed front, a well filled smooth forechest, deep brisket with a flowing underline, he maintains his topline when stood and on the move. Strong hindquarters with well turned stifles. He is sound and balanced out and back but I would just like to see a little more reach and drive. However, he is truly a deserving champion. 

3. Ch Cobyco Catch Your Eye (Mrs L Yacoby-Wright)

GCDSD (7,1)

1. Lolani Ride A Wild Trail JW (Mrs D Bowsher) – Shorter coupled fawn brindle boy who won the class because of his sound movement out and back and his shape in profile. Moderately angulated front and rear and well balanced. Clean neck and a well filled front, I would prefer a slightly better lay of shoulder but he does have a good enough return of upper arm. He has bladed bone, slight spring to the pasterns and stands on well arched and tight feet. His underline and topline flow to his hindquarters which are powerful and muscular with a good width of second thigh. Very sound out and back with a good width in the footfall and he really holds that outline well as he moves in profile. 

2. Runnel Run for Fun VW (Mrs B E C Trouton) – 10 yo fawn dog of beautiful kennel type. He is now starting to show his age, but you can still appreciate his qualities. He scores highly for his head shape and balance, long and lean with a beautiful oval dark eye and the kindest of expressions. His forechest is well filled and smooth, his shoulders are so smooth to run your hands over, deep in brisket and well ribbed, ideal turn of stifle and is shown in excellent condition. He does show his age when on the move but you can see what a sound dog he has been as he really doesn’t do much wrong. A credit to his owner who handles him so well, with the kindest of hands. 

3. Ohoka Tip Top (Mrs F Graham)

VB (6,2)

1. Zoraden Fifty Shades Darker JW (Mrs D Bowsher) – A really lovely class of older ladies that was headed by this beautiful black girl who caught my eye due to her curvy body and elegance. A truly classic looking Whippet, so feminine, your hands glide over her curves with ease. She stands on well arched, tight feet, has bladed bone, a well filled front and balanced front and rear angulation. She has a clean, flowing tuck up and a graceful arch over her loin. Her hindquarters are strong and she was shown in hard muscular condition. She is very straight out and back and does just enough in profile, showing some reach and drive whilst still maintaining her beautiful shape and topline as she goes.  

2. Penbriar Rocket Star of Rockatom (Miss C Soffe) – Brindle girl of a similar type to the class winner. A lot to like about this girl, super head and expression with soft, fine ears that are well placed. Long, clean neck, well constructed front, good forechest, enough bone and excellent feet for a veteran. Another with a super tuck up and good topline, she is well ribbed with strong hindquarters. I just preferred the side profile outline of the class winner who held her topline slightly better, but this girl is still sound and shows good balance out and back. 

3. Citycroft Starfall JW VW ShCEx OSW (Miss J Wilkinson)

MPB (10,3)

1. Falconcrag Seen Ya Coming to Edenwhip (Mr J & Ms R & Miss S Winkley-Balmer & Winkley & Burton) – Fawn bitch who is very mature in body and bone for her age of just 7 months. Elegant looking pup with a lovely head, dark eye and pigment to match her beautiful dark muzzle. Her neck flows into her well placed shoulders, she has a well filled forechest with a slight prominent breastbone, her chest runs smoothly into her deep brisket, she has plenty of length to her ribcage and a classic S shaped tuck up. Good bone but I would like her pasterns to be a little stronger. Strong through the rear with a good turn of stifle. Being critical, I would like to see a touch more topline when she is stacked. She moves soundly out and back and when she did settle, she showed good reach and drive. She did however fly her tail, which spoiled her outline in profile. Unfortunately, in the challenge she went lame behind for a number of strides and I had to take this into consideration. 

2. Beetelian Rogue at Alamayn (K J Bennett) – Pale fawn bitch with a dark mask, very elegant looking girl, not as mature as the class winner and built on finer lines. I thought there was a lot to like about this girl, she has a very pretty head and a beautiful dark eye, long neck with a slight arch, her shoulders could have more lay back and I would like to see more return of her upper arm and spring to the pastern. However, she has just enough front fill, good bladed bone, enough depth to her brisket for her age, she is balanced front and rear with a moderate turn of stifle and was presented in super condition. A really sound mover out and back but could have a little more reach and drive in profile. 

3. Shalfleet Chilli Bean (Ms J Wilton-Clark)

PB (4,2)

1. Flerrow Love Like A Bomb (Mrs L Fleming) – 11 month old brindle bitch, a strongly built girl but she does still have elegance about her. Pleasing head shape and a strong underjaw. Her eye shape is a little round and the eye colour is rather pale which does slightly mar her expression, but she has other qualities which draw you in. She really scores well for her body shape and outline. Long, strong neck to a well constructed front. I would like a slightly smoother shoulder but she has a good return of upper arm. Well filled forechest but I would like less prominence to the breastbone. Deep brisket and a good topline, although she is just a touch short in sternum, so has a more sharper tuck up to her underline than I prefer. Well turned stifle and well let down hocks. On the stack she is straight when viewed from the front and the rear. On the move she is good in front but I would like to see more strength in the rear to help with her balance. Super side profile movement, showing excellent reach and drive, covering the ground with ease. I have to also comment on the handling of this dog. I think so much of showing and presenting our dogs is down to handling and a good handler can make all the difference. This dog benefits from having a super young handler on the end of her lead, who gets the absolute best out of her. All credit to this young lady for doing a great job with her puppy. BPIB

2. Luckhurst Elphaba (Mr A K & Mrs V Lewis) – Elegant fawn built on much finer lines than the class winner. She has a very pretty head, dark eye and pigment, long neck with a slight arch, moderately angulated front and rear, enough depth to her chest and a curvy underline. Not as mature or the finished article as the class winner and not the movement in profile but she is sound enough and holds her shape well. 

JB (8,0)

1. Danluke Legs Eleven (Mrs H & Mr J Johnston & Wilson) – Fawn bitch that I judged as a puppy in a group and for me, she is maturing really well. I’ve watched this girl recently at shows and felt she has been really hard done to and I can only assume it’s because she isn’t a flashy dog. But what she is, is an honest, sound moving elegant bitch. Balanced head with a slight stop, dark eye and pigment, soft, fine well placed rosebud ears and a strong underjaw. Her arched neck flows into her beautifully constructed front. She has lovely, smooth shoulders that are clean and well laid back. Your hands then flow to her smooth and filled forechest and she has a super return of upper arm. Deep brisket and a well sprung ribcage and her underline flows and tucks up to her strong loin. Just enough topline and a muscular hind with a good width of second thigh and flat muscletone. Spot on with her movement out and back and holds her shape well in profile, maintaining her topline. I was splitting hairs for the top awards and she pushed really hard. Delighted to award her the RCC.

2. Veredon Not On Your Nelly (Mrs D & Mr R Mason & Sykes) – White and fawn parti. Different kennel type to the class winner but nonetheless a really lovely shaped bitch, built on classic lines and full of curves. Heavier build than 1 but she is still very elegant. Scored highly for her head and expression and she has a good underjaw. Beautiful shoulders and overall front construction was spot on. Good bladed bone and arched toes, but I would like slightly stronger pasterns. I really liked this girls underline and topline, and she is so smooth to go over, no lumps and bumps anywhere. Strong in the rear and straight when viewed from the front or the back. Faultless on the out and back and holds her shape really well in profile, I just preferred the overall size of the class winner.

3. Zoraden Meant to Beaver (Miss A & Miss C Morland & Soffe)

YB (6,4)

1. Cobyco Capture The Moment (Mrs L Yacoby-Wright) – Another I was looking forward to assessing and she is a lovely example of the breed. Fawn brindle, a lovely sized bitch full of elegance. A striking looking girl, I really liked her head and expression, her overall shape is right up my street and she shows such good balance front and rear. Strong, slightly arched neck, well constructed front, well filled forechest which was smooth with no noticeable breastbone, brisket to the elbow, flowing underline and a graceful arch over the loin. Well ribbed, well turned stifle, good width of second thigh and well let down hocks. Straight when viewed from the front or the rear. She has super side profile movement, showing good reach and drive and is very sound out and back. My only real criticism is she does slightly lose her topline on the move which meant she just lost out in the challenge. 

2. Starceylon She's Just A Rose (Miss S Lunn) – Fawn brindle built on finer lines than the class winner. Very elegant looking girl who is full of curves. Really liked her head but I would like a touch more underjaw. She has a long, clean neck, she could have a touch more front fill and I would prefer more angulation through the front. But she has a deep enough brisket, a really lovely underline and clean tuck up, well turned stifle and stands on well arched feet. A little untidy out and back and she was struggling with the cold which affected her outline in profile. But overall, a very feminine, elegant girl. 

NB (14,1)

1. Shalfleet Gabrielle (Ms J Wilton-Clark) – I really liked the outline of this 10 month old red brindle girl, still a puppy but held her own in this large class, standing out for type and quality. Soft, smooth coat, which your hands glided over, feminine head and strong jaws, well placed rosebud ears, good front construction and well filled smooth front. Enough bone and slight spring to her pasterns. Her outline flows with her lovely underline and the graceful arch over her loin and she keeps her shape when she moves, never losing the topline. Her movement is still a little unsettled but this will come as she matures. Certainly one that shows a lot of promise. 

2. Cariadglas Long Island (Miss W George George) – 3yo fawn brindle, fully mature and a really pleasing shape when she relaxes. Pretty head, with a strong jaw, well placed ears, strong neck which flows into a well constructed front. She has a deep brisket and a lovely underline, short coupled and a strong loin. Really good width to her second thigh and well let down hocks. I particularly liked her topline and she holds it well on the move. Not the biggest of movers but she is sound enough out and back. Thoroughly deserved her place in this class. 

3. Starceylon She’s Just A Lady (Mr C & Mrs L & Miss A Tyson)

GB (11,3)

1. Edenwhip A Moment in Thyme (Mrs E K & Miss L Mallinson) – Well this was my surprise star of the day. Elegant brindle girl with a white trim, who before now has completely passed me by and when she entered the ring and immediately drew my eye, I wondered where the handler had been hiding her. Today, she was just what I was hoping to find and she didn’t disappoint. Feminine head, which was balanced, long and lean with a slight stop, fine rosebud ears, good length of neck which was muscular but clean, well laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm, perfect amount of bone with a slight spring of pastern and she stands on feet with well arched toes. When you go over her, your hands glide over her well sprung ribs, following the line of her clean tuck up, to her strong loin. Her back is well muscled as are her hindquarters but nothing is exaggerated. On the move she gave a super performance in her class, moving faultlessly out and back, then in profile she covered the ground with reach and drive and held her shape at all times. In the challenge there was a change of handler and she was a little exuberant but I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and put her in my final cut. What a good decision that was, as her original handler took back the lead. All credit to her wonderful handler here as he very quickly settled her back down and she pulled out all the stops to command my attention. I was delighted to award her the BCC, from a really strong line up, which she subsequently followed up with BOB. So pleased to see she made the cut in the group after giving a super performance in the main ring. Congratulations to all connections and I wish you the best of luck in the future with her.

2. Collooney Strawberry Wine (Mrs V Coulter) – Fawn and white bitch who was unlucky to meet the class winner in such top form. She is another super example of the breed of good size and enough bone. Feminine in the head but with a strong jaw, a beautiful dark eye with a lovely black eyeliner. Soft folded ears, strong in the neck, clean and smooth shoulders, deep chest and definite tuck up leading to her muscular loin. I would however like to see a touch more return of upper arm. She was shown in super condition and handled to perfection. Another girl that is spot on when moving out and back. Not quite the reach and drive of the class winner and doesn’t quite hold her shape as well, but she is nonetheless a quality example and I’m sure her day will come. 

3. Ohoka Top Model at Hengilfach (Mr I & Mrs L Bayley)

PGB (8,4)

1. Aarminias Pillow Talk (Mrs Ml & Mrs Al & Miss A Place & Halliday & Chaytor) – This class was headed by a beautiful brindle girl who is feminine, elegant and eye catching. I’ve watched this bitch from when she was a puppy and she is maturing well. Pleasing head with enough stop, good length of underjaw, neat small, fine ears, strong neck leading to smooth shoulders, just enough return of upper arm and a well filled smooth front. Good spring of rib although I would like a touch more length to her overall shape, her graceful topline flows over her croup to her strong rear which is well muscled and toned. Very sound and correct out and back and although she isn’t the biggest of movers in profile, she shows enough power and balance and really drives from the rear. She was very close to winning a green card and is one to watch in the future. 

2. Ardencote Dance A Dream at Chipperlake JW (Messrs M & A J Cahill & Timberlake) – Beautiful fawn girl whom I judged as a puppy and she was unlucky to meet the class winner today, who was in good form. This handler certainly knows how to present his Whippets in such tip top condition. This girl has a beautiful head, with a pleasing eye and dark pigment, a melting, yet alert expression, strong in the jaw, fine ears and a long, muscular neck. She is smooth through the shoulders but I would just like a touch more return of upper arm. She is built on classic lines with a flowing S shape underline and a topline that she holds well on the move. Lovely flat muscle and a well developed second thigh. She is truly elegant and full of quality. Sound out and back and like the class winner she isn’t the biggest of movers in profile but is still balanced and correct. 

3. Stormida Squirrels for Tea (Mr S J & Mr L O Middleton & Gilhooly)

LB (10,4)

Entries: 10 Absentees: 4

1. Zoraden You Are My Universe JW (Miss A Morland) – Fawn girl who is full of elegance, beautiful head, her expression is melting yet still alert, well constructed front with her well laid shoulder, good return of upper arm, plenty of front fill with a smooth forechest, her brisket is deep and she has the desired definite tuck up. To me she is a real classic shaped whippet, nothing overdone, moderate angulation front and rear which is balanced, good bladed bone and well arched toes. I really liked her overall outline when she was stacked and she didn’t disappoint on the move. She is so sound on the move in all directions and although she isn’t a big flashy mover, she is what I would call a really honest dog. So much to like and really pushed hard in the challenge, holding her own. 

2. Tervanty Dragon Song at Palmik JW (Mr M & Ms Y Howgate & Hull) – Another elegant fawn girl that I really liked on the stack. She has a beautiful outline that draws you in. Scored highly for her head and expression with her dark pigment and those soft, fine ears. Her neck flows into her well laid shoulders, good front fill, bladed bone and strong pasterns. She has a clean, flowing tuck up to her strong loin and a beautiful topline that she holds well when she is stood. A touch wide in front when moving towards you but spot on in the rear, she has good side profile movement with reach and drive, but for me she flattens in her topline on the move, which lost her the class. 

3. Pagarni's Princess Elsa (Miss C Tristram)

OB (7,2)

1. Falconcrag On It (Miss S Marston-Pollock) – Beautiful eye catching fawn brindle girl who headed the most difficult class of the day for me to judge. This class was full of quality bitches and I could have easily swapped the first three round as they all had qualities I was looking for. However, there could only be one winner and today it was this girl. Her head is so desirable, it is long and lean with a flat skull, with a dark eye and pigment that just draws you in. Well placed ears with a perfect fold, slight arch to her long neck and a well laid shoulder. For me, I would like a touch more return of upper arm and she has a tendency to stand with head very high, giving the impression she is steeper through the front than she actually is. But once you see her on the move, you realise she actually has a better front than you thought. Super underline and tuck up, a clean well filled front, strong loin and powerful hindquarters. A touch wide in front as she comes towards you but perfect rear balance. I particularly liked her side profile movement, which shows poise, elegance and good reach and drive. I have no doubt this girl will gain her crown and her day will come as she pushed so hard in the challenge. Impeccably handled to get the absolute best out of her as you would expect from this experienced handler.  

2. Zobyco Cobyco Paranoia (Imp Pol) (Mrs L Yacoby-Wright) – Another really beautiful example of the breed and I was truly splitting hairs in this class. This girl personifies elegance with her beautiful outline. She has a super shape when stacked. Shown in tip top condition, muscle, coat and skin. A beautiful head, with a dark eye and a keen expression, small soft ears, her long neck flows into her smooth shoulders. Like the class winner, I would like a touch more return of upper arm to complete the picture. Deep brisket and a good tuck up and a good expanse of second thigh. Although away and back, she could be slightly tidier, she just excels in her side gait, covering th ground effortlessly, holding her topline well. She definitely has ring presence and was another that really benefited from having such an experienced handler on the end of her lead. 

3. Brochinbelle A Wee Floosie at Aarminias (Mrs M L & Mrs A L Place & Halliday)

GCDSB (5,2)

1. Zoraden Fifty Shades Darker JW 

2. Ohoka Top Model at Hengilfach (Mr I & Mrs L Bayley) – A lot to like about this elegant fawn girl. She scored well with her head which was feminine with a beautiful dark eye and pigment, a melting expression and small fine ears. Clean neck, good bladed bone, pasterns could be slightly stronger and I would like a touch more front fill. I really liked her flowing and classic outline with her definite tuck up and graceful arch over the loin. Good expanse of second thigh and well let down hocks. Moderate angulation front and rear, moves ok out and back but I really liked how she held her shape and topline in profile.

3. Lawleymoon Ereza Mar at Landsbirch (Mrs C Edwards)