Scottish Kennel Club

SKC – General Championship Show – 14/05/2026

I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club Committee for inviting me to judge this majestic breed at my first Championship Show appointment; an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a well-run double show with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere throughout.

My steward was excellent - approachable, well organised, and kept everything running smoothly despite working single-handedly.

Post Graduate Dog (1, 1)

Open Dog (3, 0)

A strong class of three quality males, making for difficult decisions.

1^st – Billis/May – CH Vegas VD Madroelhoeve (IMP NLD) – I have previously judged this dog as a youngster and thought highly of him then; I was pleased to see how well he has matured. In excellent form today, he made full use of the ring, moving with power, purpose and drive. Trademark head with expressive wrinkling, a correct bite and the desired forbidding expression. Substantial through the shoulders with a firm topline, maintained both standing and on the move. Deep in chest with a well-developed front and ample bone throughout. Carries himself well up on his toes for a dog of this size. Presented in hard condition and commands attention with undeniable ring presence. A pleasure to award him Best Dog and Best of Breed, and I was delighted to see him continue his strong form when shortlisted in the Working Group later that day.

2^nd – Leonard – Bearox Jackpot – Another I have judged previously as a youngster, and it was pleasing to see how well he has developed into his frame. Now matured into a fine young dog. Excellent breed-typical head, well-constructed throughout and a strong chin. Good stop, correct bite and good upturn of nose. Well made with powerful shoulders and a broad, deep chest. Good spring of rib and a firm topline, held well throughout. Not in quite the same hard condition as 1, but still moved with purpose and drive, covering the ground with ease. A confident young dog who should continue to do well. Reserve Best Dog.

3^rd – Moran – Aibrean Liam JW – A quality young male who possessed many pleasing attributes but unfortunately wasn't firing on all cylinders today and just needed more pizzazz to challenge further in a strong class.

Post Graduate Bitch (2, 1)

1^st – Billis/May – Bellamiabam Lagertha – A delightful bitch possessing ample bone and strength. Really good headpiece, expressive wrinkling, strong chin and correct bite. A touch heavier wrinkling; a slightly stronger brow would enhance her expression and further complement her correctly shaped and coloured eyes. Good neck, powerful shoulders and firm topline which was held both standing and on the move. Particularly strong in chest. Well up on her toes. A robust bitch in hard condition, giving a balanced outline. Moved with powerful, driven action. Reserve Best Bitch.

Open Bitch (2, 0)

1^st – Leonard – CH Bearox Ryatt JW – A really appealing bitch excelling in key breed characteristics I particularly value. Strong chin, correct bite with clean dentition, pronounced cheek muscles and a good upturn of nose. Displays a true expression, both loving and frank, with correctly shaped and coloured eyes. Broad head with well-set ears. Powerful fore- and hind- quarters, well muscled and presented in excellent condition. Particularly strong in front, showing notable strength and substance. Firm topline, correct tail set and carriage, and a well-angulated rear, giving a balanced and harmonious outline. Moved well with good drive, though required a little encouragement from her handler to show her best. Pleased to award her Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex; just lacking the final ring presence and sparkle today to challenge for Best of Breed.

2^nd – Holland – Aibrean Legacy at Rougerocco – An honest bitch with much to like. She ticks all the right boxes for fore- and hind- angulations. Good upturn of nose, strong cheeks and correct bite. Substantial body with an impressive forechest, straight front and powerful shoulders. Firm topline and well-developed rear. Moved well and presented a pleasing profile. Would benefit from a harder body condition to fully enhance her outline and achieve better overall balance with her head. A very likeable bitch and a pleasure to go over, showing a sweet and gentle temperament.

Judge - Mr Declan Kenyon (Desquire)