Leeds City & District Canine Association

My sincere thanks to Liz Stannard and her committee for the kind invitation to judge my first Toy Group, and to the breed judges for sending through some good representatives of their breeds. I am also very grateful to those who stayed to represent both their breeds and their breed judges, with just two absent from the full complement: the AVNSC Silky Terrier and the BOB Papillon.

I was very pleased with my shortlist, those making the cut but remaining unplaced being the Bolognese, English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Havanese, Maltese and Bichon Frise, all of whom I am sure have very bright careers ahead of them.

Ultimately, my final four were:

1st: Smith’s Pomeranian, Ch Sueacres Catch A Dream JW. A superb young orange sable dog, not yet two years old, and a class act both standing and moving. Upstanding and stylish, with excellent proportions and balance, wonderful for size and a tremendously accurate mover both coming and going. In good undercoat and outer coat, and presented in truly superb condition. The more I looked at him, the more I liked him. In the final run-off he gave a tremendous account of himself with such accurate, self-assured footfall that I felt I could do nothing other than award him a well-deserved Group 1. I would imagine there is much more to come from this remarkable youngster.

2nd: Graham’s Löwchen, Ch Jameneli Back To Black. A superb young black and cream dog whose balance and proportions I greatly admired. Presented in first-class order and in peak fitness and condition, he gave a tremendously good account of himself on the move. Close up to the Pomeranian and undoubtedly a class act. A real pleasure to judge.

3rd: Magri’s Smooth Coat Chihuahua, Ch Monicachi Money Man at Rozamie. A striking fawn and white dog and another not yet two years old. He has a superb head and eye, was most impressive to go over, is well bodied and all of a piece, and carries his sickle tail to perfection. Still young, with plenty more to come, I feel. A most promising young dog with an assured future.

4th: Chapman & Ireland’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ch Ellemich American Express. A striking dog for outline, balance and proportions. Very expressive in head and eye, presented in the most pristine coat and condition, displaying the correct rich chestnut and pearly white colouring. He looks particularly good in profile and possesses the gentle Cavalier temperament one hopes to find. A stallion dog in every sense; with not a hair out of place, completing a very good final quartet.

Evan L Ryan (Cavallibrook/Feorlig)