Driffield Championship Dog Show

RETRIEVER (FLAT COATED)

Judge: Dominic Salt

Firstly I would like to thank the Driffield committee for the invite to judge our lovely breed, and then thank the exhibitors for such a lovely numeric entry, despite the limited classification. On the day I had an enjoyable time, and tried all day to keep my concentration, and judge the dog on the day, as I always do. 

Initially I was pleased with my results, and although having discussions regarding where my best veterans could come from, with my efficient stewards, the fact that they had been mis informed, and the schedule had conflicting information, meant that I was unable to award my Best of Breed the Best Veteran award also. However he did have an exceptional show and went on to a well deserved Group 3 placing, which all his connections were over the moon with. The dog that I awarded Best Veteran in breed to, then had an even better show, going on to win the Veteran group, and returning the day after to complete a fabulous show by being awarded Best Veteran in Show. Another great result for our breed, and with my Best special beginner also making the final cut in the group, it made my decisions even more justified.

However, I do think our breed has deteriorated since last time I gave tickets, and all of us that can do something about it, should try our best to return the overall quality to what we expect, as we do not want to lose what we had. We know no dog is perfect to the breed standards, and some faults are minimal, and are easier to overlook than others, but mouths are becoming a concern, level I can forgive, but a number of exhibits were more dubious than this, eye shape is getting a little rounder than we would like, eye colour varies quite a lot, and some very overly strong heads, detracting from the elegance of our breed, but more concerning is the movement on many exhibits, mainly due to over angulated rear construction, and front construction also lacking for various reasons. Many dogs which stand beautifully and show a pretty good outline let themselves down when moving, with very few moving straight and true fore and aft. Toplines also being lost on the move despite showing pleasing enough outlines. However I will praise majority of the exhibits on the way they were presented, in good coat and condition, and well trimmed where expected.

My Main Winners were as follows:-

BEST OF BREED : 3291 BELLAMY, Mr & Mrs D & R Ch Woodfinch Masquerade

Dog CC : 3291 BELLAMY, Mr & Mrs D & R Ch Woodfinch Masquerade

Res Dog CC : 3368 ANSON, Mrs Rose & MCMANUS, Mr John Sh Ch Rotherfield Secret Code

Bitch CC : 3347 MOXEY, Mrs Diane & MOXEY, Mr Martyn Dymexe My Cherie Amour JW

Res Bitch CC : 3287 ANDERSON, Ms K Sh Ch Feldkirk Dior Of Kazval

Best Puppy : 3379 VARTY-LINDSAY, Mrs Laura Levliann Tit For Tat 

Best Veteran : 3322 HOLMAN, Mrs Diane & HOLMAN, Mr Mike SA Ch Ch Trevena Master Chef At Namtresa (Imp) ZAF

Best Special Beginner : 3297 CLARK, Mr Brian & CLARK, Mrs Lynne Hurstclough Night Owl At Flanova

Class 1675 SBD (5 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 3297 CLARK, Mr Brian & CLARK, Mrs Lynne Hurstclough Night Owl At Flanova

A nice well handled 4 year old male, with a head of pleasing proportions, Nice sized well set ears. A nice strong neck flowing into well placed shoulders. A dog showing a nice level topline when standing, but also maintaining it on the move. A Male with adequate bone, and nice rear angulations. He moved steadily around the ring, and used his tail efficiently whilst doing so. He went on to win best Special Beginner, and was shortlisted in a nice group.

2nd: 3321 HOLLINGDALE, Mrs E A Tikkidui Life Is A Ball

A 3 year old male, with a beautiful head. Again, a nice strong neck, flowing into good shoulders, and then into a pleasing topline. A male with good bone shape and quality. Nice angulations fore and aft, but was a little loose on the move. 

3rd: 3356 PIERCE, Mrs R & PIERCE, Mr J Flatcharm Hobgoblin At Tarnmillcrag

Res: 3289 BALL, Miss Jessica Misfitsfluke's Mischief

VHC:

Class 1676 VD (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 3322 HOLMAN, Mrs Diane & HOLMAN, Mr Mike SA Ch Ch Trevena Master Chef At Namtresa (Imp) ZAF

A 9 year old male, with lovely furnishings all round. He has a very pleasing soft expression, A head of enough masculinity but not overdone. He has good dentition, nice ears size and shape, eye of correct shape. He has a pleasing front assembly and a more than adequate rear. He moved positively around the ring, and although able to tell he was a veteran, was showing his socks off all day long, showing a wonderful liking for his job, with an ever wagging tail and a smile on his face. This showed even more when winning the veteran group, and then pleased to be cheering him on the following day when he completed an amazing show for himself, and his owners, with handler experiencing one of her greatest ever show days. Well earned Best Veteran in Show.

2nd: 3348 MULLINS, Mrs Pam & MULLINS, Mr M Everblack Booze Cruise At Dexanluc

A 8 and half year old male, not showing his years. He has a nice head in shape, with good well set ears. He stands with good bone on wonderful feet. He has a lovely coat with nice furnishings. A nice topline flowing into a good well set tail, but carried it slightly higher than I would desire on the move today, but this did not detract too much from the overall picture. He stood lovely, when handler dampened his playfulness, but this is great to see at this age. He moved steadily around the ring, but was not quite as positive as the first.

3rd: 3338 MACPHERSON, Mrs Helen & MACPHERSON, Miss Joe Rachanmill Columbo

Res: 3363 SCAIFE, Miss Vivien Flatcharm Mr Fix It For Shennanjoy

VHC:

Class 1677 MPD (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 3373 TINKER, Mrs Carol Bramatha Dilwyn Loves Rosie

A raw 6 month old Liver male puppy, who was having great fun. He had a nice strong neck, a head with a nice eye in shape and colour. An adequate front for a young dog, but has not gained many furnishings yet, and was as expected, playful, and puppyish. Steady mover, who should improve with maturity. BPD

Class 1678 PD (1 Entries) Abs: 1

Class 1679 JD (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 3346 MCQUILLAN, Mr Pete Andrew & MCQUILLAN, Mrs Jayne Flattastic James Sullivan

A 15 month old male who showed a lovely outline when standing. A head, with well set ears and good open nostrils. A Male of quite good substance, having good strong bone. He has adequate front angulations, and has a nice spring of rib, and was turned out in lovely coat and condition, showing off his nice furnishings, and using his ever wagging tail to effect on his steady piece of movement. 

2nd: 3356 PIERCE, Mrs R & PIERCE, Mr J Flatcharm Hobgoblin At Tarnmillcrag

A 12 month old boy who had not matured as much as the winner, as you would expect at this age. He has nice bone for his age, and his angulations at the front were more than adequate. He has a nice head for a youngster, with a cheeky expression. He was playful on the move, but very loose and erratic, which will hopefully tighten up as he matures. 

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 1680 PGD (13 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: 3365 SCAIFE, Miss Vivien Flatcharm Bing A Ling At Shennanjoy

A 21 and half month old male, who is maturing nicely. He stands on very good feet, showing off his nice front assembly. He has a nice well muscled neck flowing into nice well placed shoulders. This flows into a nice level topline, and a good tailset. He has good overall bone quality, a nice spring to his rib, and was turned out in lovely condition. He moved steadily but pretty well around the ring, swishing his tail happily as he goes. Promising young male, who may have a great future.

2nd: 3324 JACOBS, Mrs Gemma & JACOBS, Mr Mark & KNIGHT, Mrs Gemswin Innocent Man Jw

A 2 year old male who took my eye, as he entered the ring. He has a beautiful head of good proportions.. A nice dark eye of good shape and colour. He has nice sized well set ears, and has correct bone density for his age. His overall outline was pleasing, and he stood on good strong tight feet. However he was a little uneasy when I assessed his rear areas, which unfortunately reflected in him not moving as well as I believe he could. It was a shame, as I believe he would have challenged the winner on another day, and will surely have more success to come in the future. 

3rd: 3383 WALKER, Mrs E J & ROBERTS, Dr L Gloi Dubh Mormaer JW

Res: 3372 TINKER, Mrs Carol Bramatha Lockdown Blues

VHC: 3355 PIERCE, Mrs R & PIERCE, Mr J Wychwizard Forester At Tarnmillcrag JW

Class 1681 LD (10 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 3309 GRANT, Mrs Janet Westoncruive Black Tornado

A 7 year old male of nice size, but with good quality bone. Although slightly out of coat today, has some very redeeming features. He has a lovely head, with a good eye in both shape and colour. He has a nice neck flowing into a set of well placed shoulders. He has a nice level topline, held well on his pleasant piece of movement. Nice angulations both at front and rear. A pleasing spring of rib, level topline and correct tailset, which was carried correctly on the move. Not flashy, but overall of nice quality indeed. Deserved this class win.

2nd: 3378 VARTY-LINDSAY, Mrs Laura Levliann Big Bang

A very nice dog who pushed the winner very close, and was only nit picking at the end. A dog with a stunning head, and lovely expression, with good dark eye of correct shape, correct dentition. Nice well set ears, placed correctly on the head. A good neck flowing into nice shoulder placement, and with a strong well angulated front assembly. A pleasing rear assembly made for a nice overall picture when standing, and moved positively around the ring, only let down by his rising tail. A very nice dog though, with lovely furnishings, handled well and in great condition.

3rd: 3381 WALKER, Mrs E J & ROBERTS, Dr L Gloi Dubh Kristofer Robin JW

Res: 3314 HALL, Miss Melanie Hightyne Night Train

VHC: 3350 MULLINS, Mrs Pam & MULLINS, Mr M Seaheart Fabian At Dexanluc

Class 1682 OD (7 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 3291 BELLAMY, Mr & Mrs D & R Ch Woodfinch Masquerade

A 7 year old male of many high qualities. A little larger in frame than I usually like, but hard to not to be taken by his all round pleasing features. He has a perfectly masculine head, not overdone, with a nice eye in shape and colour, good dentition and a soft expression, with well set ears of correct size. Strong front assembly, having good strong bone, lovely tight feet, nice spring of rib, well muscled neck, flowing into strong well set shoulders. He has a good level topline both standing and on the move. His rear assembly was one of great quality, in angulation, and muscle. His movement was so positive coming towards me, and going away, and he was well handled to this deserved awards-Dog CC and Best of Breed

This was proved justified by his great performance in the Gundog group gaining a wonderful Group 3 placing, when performing equally well as he did in the breed.

2nd: 3368 ANSON, Mrs Rose & MCMANUS, Mr John Sh Ch Rotherfield Secret Code

Another quality exhibit, of younger age at just 3 years of age, and has many equally pleasing features, which cannot be ignored. He has a lovely head and expression, Great topline, wonderful coat. He has nice well set ears. Front and rear angulations were more than adequately pleasing, with not a lot not to like. He was turned out in good condition, but as his handler suggested, was a little Rusty on the move, which was what split the winner apart from this sound exhibit. I am sure, that although looking mature already, will blossom even further over the next couple of years. A very nice exhibit, just unfortunate to meet the winner on top form. Pleased to award him the Reserve Dog CC

3rd: 3349 MULLINS, Mrs Pam & MULLINS, Mr M Seaheart Daegan At Dexanluc

Res: 3300 COLSON, Mr Edward William & COLSON, Mrs Patricia & Sh Ch Windyhollows Ragged Robin JW

VHC: 3290 HARVEY, Mrs Caroline Moontorn Black Magic

Class 1683 SBB (9 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 3385 WALLER, Mrs Lucy Flatcharm Banana Hammock

A 21 month old bitch of nice size. An ever wagging young bitch, who moved steadily around the ring, despite her playful demeanour. She has a nice topline which she kept on the move. Her angulations were adequate at this age, and her feathers were just starting to form. For her age her coat, was pleasing and in good condition, and she was handled to good affect. Pushed the other special beginner winner hard, but just outdone on maturity, which could not be ignored in the overall picture.

2nd: 3334 LEIGH, Mrs Kim Hoedun Not On Your Nelly At Willaura

A 15 month old bitch of more sensitive nature. Although a little shy, has many nice features, including her pretty little feminine head, good ears and nice eye. Angulations were pleasing enough, but was a little less positive on the move, possibly due to her lack of confidence. But a lovely little girl who will surely move forward when the confidence grows.

3rd: 3311 GRANT, Mrs Janet Westoncruive She's The One

Res: 3344 MCDUELL, Mrs Helen Jill & MCDUELL, Mr Philip John Aspleypine Dig Dis

VHC: 3298 CLARK, Mr Brian & CLARK, Mrs Lynne Flanova Brown Eyed Girl

Class 1684 VB (7 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 3353 PHIPPS-BAKER, Mrs Sarah Elizabeth & BAKER, Mr I R Sh Ch Never Say Never Oasis Of Peace To Maddouse (

An overall nice sized 7 year old bitch of nice proportions. She maintains good angulation fore and aft, both standing and on the move. A lovely topline kept steadily on her positive sound piece of movement. Defying the fact that she is a veteran, she was a happy slowly ageing girl, with a good eye and ear. Strong well muscled, and pleasing to go over. Only lost out to the male in a marginal decision, but still has plenty of successful days ahead of her. 

2nd: 3364 SCAIFE, Miss Vivien Shennanjoy Walkin Miracle

A just over 7 year old bitch, who was slightly longer in body than the winner, but still had a pleasing outline. Her angulations both front and rear were very pleasing. She has a lovely head with a sweet expression. She has a nice neck, which flows into a level topline which she keeps on the move, whilst swishing her tail happily on the move. Moved steadily, but quite well.

3rd: 3386 WELCH, Mrs Frances M Stranfaer Lyin Eyes

Res: 3331 LEAVY, Mrs Claire & LEAVY, Mr ANTHONY Hopevalley Morning Shine Over Wychwizard

VHC: 3310 GRANT, Mrs Janet Westoncruive Black Aurora

Class 1685 MPB (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 3319 HOLDEN, Miss Hana Dymexe I Love To Boogie

A pretty little 8 month old bitch who should have a good career in the show ring. She is a has a sweet head with a cheeky but lovely expression. A nice size, with adequate bone. Angulations, currently ok, and should mature well in time, and am sure will strengthen as she matures. Not moving her best today, but did improve this when challenging for Best Puppy Bitch. Just beaten by a more mature, overall opponent.

2nd: 3352 PAWELSKI, Mrs Daria Anna & PAWELSKI, Mr Andrzej Almanza Snow White At Lamesbella (imp Swe)(naf,taf

A very shy young 6 month bitch with a very pretty head. She was a little scared by her whole experience today, but with more practice, and a little more confidence should end up being a nice young bitch. She has a very sweet feminine head of nice proportions. She is a little long in body currently but will look more in proportion as she grows into herself. Unable to award her higher position today, due to her inability to navigate the ring in a flowing manner. But I do believe with the right encouragement, she can give her owner some fun days out.

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 1686 PB (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 3379 VARTY-LINDSAY, Mrs Laura Levliann Tit For Tat

An 8 month old bitch who is quite mature for her age. This being the case, meant she moved steadily but positively around the ring, with more than acceptable soundness. She has good bone for her age, and lovely strong well shaped feet. Nice Shoulder placement. She has a pleasing topline for one so young, and a strong well muscled neck. Turned out in good condition and gaining her furnishings already. She stood alone in her class but thoroughly deserved her best puppy bitch award and equally pleased to award her Best Puppy in Breed.

2nd:

3rd:

Res:

VHC:

Class 1687 JB (7 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: 3370 FINLAY, Mrs Linda Plainfire's Nelly Furtado Aughnaleck

A 16 month old bitch with a nice head of pleasing proportions. A good dark eye, of correct shape. Nice sized ears set well on the head. She possessed a good front assembly, with good bone, standing on good strong feet. Her rear angulations were also pleasing. She has a lovely topline already, and moved Another 16 month oldvery nicely around the ring. A worthy winner of this class.

2nd: 3304 EGGINTON, Miss Sarah & EGGINTON, Mr Paul & EGGINTON Feldkirk Solitaire With Pajanbeck

Another 16 month old bitch with a lovely head and sweet expression. She has pleasing rear angulation, and her front assembly was also adequate. She has a nice topline when standing, but looks a little raw at the moment, and will need time to develop fully. Coat was in good condition, but will look even better as the furnishings thicken. 

3rd: 3334 LEIGH, Mrs Kim Hoedun Not On Your Nelly At Willaura

Res: 3313 HALEY, Ms Anne & SIMONS, Ms Charlotte Skybrook My Love My Life

VHC: 3344 MCDUELL, Mrs Helen Jill & MCDUELL, Mr Philip John Aspleypine Dig Dis

Class 1688 PGB (18 Entries) Abs: 4

1st: 3354 PHIPPS-BAKER, Mrs Sarah Elizabeth & BAKER, Mr I R Maddouse Never To Much Jw

A 2 year old bitch showing plenty of quality despite her youthfulness. A bitch of ample bone of quality, with good angulations both fore and aft. She retained her topline on the move in her steady piece of work, and showed her happy disposition whilst doing so. A nice head with a good eye, in shape and colour. She has a sweet expression which makes you smile. She was a worthy winner of this class, and I will watch her future with interest.

2nd: 3384 WALKER, Mrs E J & ROBERTS, Dr L Seaheart Frida At Gloi JW

Another nice bitch with a bright future. At just 22 months, she has many nice points. A lovely expression given from her nice head of feminine proportions. Good medium sized ears well set on side her head. She was another with nice strong but tight feet. She had a good neck flowing into well laid shoulders. A good tailset which she kept on the move. Was a little heavier than she should be, but still was able to move well.

3rd: 3330 KULCZYCKA, Miss I Everblack Euphoria

Res: 3357 PRIOR, Mrs Amanda Jayne & PRIOR, Dr Ian Blacktoft Avelino At Finnashember

VHC: 3308 GALE, Mrs T & GALE, Miss C Willowswind Skylark JW

Class 1689 LB (18 Entries) Abs: 8

1st: 3347 MOXEY, Mrs Diane & MOXEY, Mr Martyn Dymexe My Cherie Amour JW

A 3 year old bitch who may still have more progression, but to my eye on the day pleased me in most areas. A bitch who I have admired from the ringside previously, but was unaware until after her awards, when asked to be present in a picture for her holidaying owners. Although making it difficult for her handler (which now makes sense!), she was quality throughout. I liked her head, which was both in proportion, pretty and feminine with a smouldering expression. She has a nice eye in shape and colour, nice ears, well set to the head. A strong and pleasing neckline, flowing into a lovely topline. Enough bone for a bitch, she has good angulations at the front, but was a little fidgety, and not always putting her feet where her handler desired. She has a nice spring of rib, good loin, strong rear assembly which she showed off very well on her positive and pleasing piece of movement, whilst using her tail to good effect.

She has a happy disposition, and was turned out in good coat and condition. Pleased to award her this Bitch CC, and hope she goes on to add to it in the future. I will follow the progress with interest. Just lost out to the dog on his continued ring presence, but that will improve further as she completes her already quality picture.

2nd: 3382 WALKER, Mrs E J & ROBERTS, Dr L Gloi Dubh Lady Muck JW

A bitch of more substance than the winner and unfortunate to meet her in such good form today. She has a lovely front assembly, nice feet, good strong bone. Nice neck and well placed shoulders. She has a pretty enough head for a bitch, with pleasing features. She moved very well, but was carrying a little too much excessive weight, which was a big factor when picking my class winner.

3rd: 3299 COLLINS, Mr And Mrs Geoffrey And Sally Telurn Falling In Love With Steeplehouse

Res: 3303 EGGINTON, Miss Sarah & EGGINTON, Mr Paul & EGGINTO Pajanbeck One Moment In Time Ai

VHC: 3366 SMITHERMAN, Miss G & SMITHERMAN, Mr P S W Seaheart Diva

Class 1690 OB (6 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 3287 ANDERSON, Ms K Sh Ch Feldkirk Dior Of Kazval

A 9 year old bitch of obvious quality. I can see why she has done so much winning and could not deny her this class. She has a quality feminine head of good proportions, a strong well put together frame with pleasing all round quality. She has very nice sized ears, good dark well shaped eye. Her front and rear assemblies are both good, but the rear excels more, which can be seen better on the move. She was well handled, but lost out to my Bitch CC winner on front aspect on the move, as she is starting to show her age a little, but still quality and was still deserving of her Reserve Bitch CC. 

2nd: 3369 STEVENSON, Miss S Steelriver Pure Majness Ir J Ch

A very promising 21 month old bitch, who will I am sure get her day in the sun, when fully mature. She has a wonderful head, with many pleasing features. Her topline was faultless, and her tailset and carriage could not be any more pleasing. She is slightly longer in body than the winner, but of nice height for a bitch and now just needs to drop, fill out and mature. She has lovely furnishings already, but cannot see how she will not improve with more time under her belt. Another with promise for the future. I will be watching for her.

3rd: 3329 KULCZYCKA, Miss I Everblack Crazy In Love

Res: 3371 THURGOOD, Mrs S J & HOLMES, Ms EMC Finhamspride Clio

VHC: 3302 COOVES, Mrs Laura & COOVES, Mr Frank Pajanbeck I Have A Dream By Draketor