Boston & District Canine Society

Flatcoated retriever Boston 02/07/2026

It was a great honour and a genuine pleasure to have the opportunity to give my first set of tickets in the breed so very close to my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed my day in the ring and was particularly pleased with the overall quality and variety of the entries presented to me. Thank you to the Boston Ch show committee for your kind invite and my lovely stewards, Leonie and Janet, for making sure everything was running smoothly for me in the ring.

The weather certainly provided an additional challenge, with a very strong and persistent wind making presentation that little bit more difficult, especially for younger dogs, unfamiliar with all the cracking noises of the marquee. Having said that, most dogs took it in their stride and in true flatcoat style, just had fun. I would like to thank all the exhibitors for their entries and for presenting their dogs so well despite the conditions.

 I found the bitches to be of notably higher quality than the dogs, with some particularly strong examples showing excellent breed type and construction.

There were some level bites and quite a few really narrow movements in both males and bitches.

Overall, it was a privilege to assess all the dogs and I thank everyone who entered, for giving me the opportunity to spend the day with a breed I love so much.

Minor puppy dog 1

Tierling’s LLANTRUSSA HAWK AT KARAHOLME

I really liked this 8-month-old puppy. Such a smiley face. Very promising young man. Well balanced throughout, with a pleasing head, dark eye and neat, well-set ears. Good lay of shoulder, although his upper arm could be a little longer. Well boned with excellent feet. His topline is level and tailset is just right. His hindquarters are moderately angulated, with well-let-down hocks. Once settled, he moved well with sufficient stride, especially for one so young. BPD.

Puppy dog 1 (1)

Junior dog 4 (3)

Salt’s CULCRIEFF’S FERNTOWER GLEN OF WETNOSES

Quality young male of excellent type and correct size. Masculine head, well filled under his almond shaped dark eyes and kind expression. Correctly set neck and excellent shoulder placement, strong topline and well developed hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle. Good depth and substance without being heavy. He was well presented, with gleaming coat in excellent condition throughout. Sound mover going out and in the profile. Will be interesting to watch him develop.

Yearling dog 2

Bowen’s CLANDRIFT MAKE IT FUNKY JW

I liked this medium sized yearling male. He has a one piece head with a dark eye and pleasing expression. Correct return of upper arm and stands on good feet. Short in loin, with good width of second thigh. He moved with a free-flowing gait. His coat could be neater and of better quality.

Walker & Roberts’ GLOI DUBH MORMAER JW

            A touch taller than 1 with a little lighter eye but a lot to like. Well balanced male all through. Masculine head with clean neck flowing into well laid shoulders and a level topline maintained on the stand. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Balanced angulation front and rear, standing on good bone with tidy feet. Coat in lovely condition. Tail correctly set and carried, he was presented in fit muscular condition. Such a shame his movement wasn't as positive as 1 which cost him this class.

Novice dog 3 (1)

Tierling’s LLANTRUSSA HAWK AT KARAHOLME

Tague’s BLACKLAKE FENYX COMING HOME

A liver male presenting a pleasing overall picture. A little shy in the beginning but gained confidence as he went on. Masculine, well proportioned head and kind expression, eye colour a couple of shades lighter than you would expect even for a liver. Strong in neck, his shoulders could be less upright. Showing good depth of chest and ribbing carried well back. Sufficient bone and tidy feet. Balanced rear angulation with strong, well muscled hindquarters. He gave his handler hard time at times but moved well when settled.

Graduate dog 5 (2)

Bright’s HOPEVALLEY MORNING MAGIC JW

This boy certainly does not lack character. He is just a little bit naughty. Presenting a balanced picture. Masculine, classic head with dark eyes and soft, intelligent expression. His neck is well set, he has correct laid shoulders and a firm topline, which he holds well when standing and on the move. Chest has good depth with well-sprung ribs. Hindquarters are well muscled with moderate bend of stifle and strong second thigh. Tail correctly set and carried. He shows good length of body and the best feet. Movement was free and efficient with good reach and drive. 

Knight & Jacobs’ GEMSWIN INNOCENT MAN JW

Similar size and type to 1. Pleasing one piece head with dark eyes. Strong neck, which could be cleaner, flowing into well placed shoulders. Good depth of chest and ribbing. Well boned throughout with strong pasterns and neat feet, showing overall elegance. He has tendency of putting his front feet outwards. Moderately angulated hindquarters. He was presented in good coat and condition. Moved very well maintaining level topline at all times.

Post graduate dog 0

Limit dog 9 (1)

Jeffries’ MANDARAL MEET JULES

I was impressed with this handsome male, so well balanced. Medium in size, masculine without exaggeration. Beautiful head with dark eyes and pleasing expression. Well laid neck with sufficient return of upper arm. Plenty of heart room, his body is well ribbed with good spring. Short in loin with well muscled, moderate hindquarters and turn of stifle. On the move, he excelled and really came to his own, covering ground with ease, keeping his level topline. One of the best movers today. He presents a lovely flowing outline, showing adequate substance throughout. Happy to award him RCC.

Walkers & Roberts’ GLOI DUBH KRISTOFER ROBIN JW

A little shorter than 1 but a lot of the same qualities apply. Very balanced boy of good overall type and proportions. One piece head with a lovely dark eye and kind expression. Good neck, well set into the shoulders, giving a smooth transition into the short and level topline. Correct return of upper arm, enough length in ribs. Hindquarters are well developed and nicely muscled, good tail set and carriage. Moved with drive. For me, today, carrying a little too much weight.

Open dog 4 (2)

May’s RONEVORG DARK ANGEL AT LUSSAC JW SGWC ShCEx OSW

I liked his medium size. He is presenting a racy outline. Masculine head with dark eyes. Good depth of chest, quality bone and neat feet. Closed coupled with hindquarters well developed and muscled with good turn of stifle. His tail is set and carried correctly. At times, his topline is not as firm as I would have liked though. Shown in beautiful condition and good coat. Powerful mover with adequate length of stride.

Walker & Roberts’ GLOI DUBH JUST ONE LOOK ShCEx

A medium sized male, slightly longer in body than 1. He has a one piece head with dark eyes, I would not like it any smaller for a male. He has an excellent front, good length of neck flowing smoothly into well-placed shoulders, with good length of upper arm. Sufficient bone, neat elbows. His ribs are well sprung. Topline is level, held well when standing and on the move. Hindquarters are moderate with enough bend of stifle to provide drive, hocks well let down. He was shown in gleaming coat, presented well but could be a touch fitter today. 

Veteran dog 3 (1)

Bellamy’s Ch WOODFINCH MASQUERADE

A very smart, well-balanced male of good breed type and proportions. Masculine without being overdone. One of the best heads here today with a melting expression and lovely, almond shaped dark eye. Nice length of neck, well set into the shoulders, although I would prefer a little more layback of shoulder and return of upper arm. Good depth of chest and plenty of heart room, with good spring of rib. Short loin and closed couplings, giving a pleasing overall body proportion. Topline is level, his tail is ever wagging which shows how much fun he has in the ring alongside his handler. Hindquarters are nicely muscled, with a reasonable turn of stifle, standing four square on tight feet. On the move, he showed good length of stride, covering ground easily. Very happy to award him DCC, BV and seeing him gaining Veteran Group 4.

Campbell & Hessing’s RONEVORG I BELIEVE IN SANTA AT MONTECHOR

Overall, he presents good proportions and sufficient substance. Masculine head, which could be a little cleaner, with dark eyes and kind expression. Well set ears. Good reach of neck. A bit longer upper arm would be an advantage. Well-bodied with good depth of chest, nicely sprung ribs and a firm topline which is maintained standing and on the move. Strong through the loin with balanced hindquarters showing moderate bend of stifle and good muscle tone. Tail well set and carried. He moved soundly with drive. 

Special Beginners dog 1

Tague’s BLACKLAKE FENYX COMING HOME

Good Citizen Dog Scheme dog 2 (1)

Salt’s CULCRIEFF’S FERNTOWER GLEN OF WETNOSES

Minor puppy bitch 1

Holden’s DYMEXE I LOVE TO BOOGIE

I loved her. Such a fun little girl. Just the right size, substance and proportions for her 7 months. Showing a lot of promise. She has feminine head with a little naughty twinkle in her dark eyes, carried on a clean neck of good length. Pleasing reach into the shoulders with a well proportioned body for her age. Topline is level and is maintained well when standing and on the move. Good depth and spring of rib for a puppy. Hindquarters show good width, tail well set and carried, contributing to a pleasing overall silhouette. Moved really well for one so young, confident and happy youngster. BPB and BP. 

Puppy bitch 2 (1)

Chambers’ HOTOTO’S EDGE OF GLORY

I liked her overall type, she presents a balanced and feminine outline. Nicely proportioned for her age, she displays sufficient substance. Head has a gentle expression. Well-developed front with correct return of upper arm for a youngster, with adequate bone. Good depth of body and a strong loin. Hindquarters are moderately angulated and good width through the second thigh. I would not want her tail set any lower. Shown in good quality coat. She moved with drive but was a little narrow behind.

Junior bitch 3

Dunnet’s HOEDUN DOES IT MATTER

A medium size bitch of good breed type, presenting a feminine and elegant outline with good overall proportions. Very much a junior. Lovely one piece head and kind expression and good dark eye. Enough substance for her age. Good depth of chest with reasonable heart room and a well-ribbed body. Hindquarters are moderately angulated, strong back end with good muscle tone. Presented in good condition and coat. Best mover in this class, sound and true, covering the ground with ease.

Lawrinson’s BLACKLAKE SAPPHIRE SPARKLE

Not as much substance than 1 but an overall good shape. Head of good length with soft expression. Small, neat well-set ears. Clean neck, well constructed front and a straight foreleg. Nicely sprung ribs, her body is well proportioned. Not overdone in hindquarters with hocks well let down. Moved ok, a touch narrow going there and back. She is still very much in the development stage.

Yearling bitch 6 (1)

Great class of young bitches, 1 and 2 could easily swap places on a different day.

Bowen’s CLANDRIFT FUNKY ANGEL

A quality bitch presenting a balanced outline. Feminine, one piece head with dark eye and a gentle expression. Strong in neck with lovely front, shoulders well laid back and equal length and return of upper arm. She has a good depth of chest, well-sprung ribs and quality bone. She tends to lose her topline at times. Powerful hindquarters with good width of second thigh, correctly set and carried tail. Her coat is in good condition, lying close and flat, she presents an elegant picture. Moved freely with good reach and drive. 

Walker & Roberts’ SEAHEART FRIDA AT GLOI JW

A lot to like about this bitch, so well made and so well balanced throughout. Classic, feminine head shape with dark eye and kind expression. Moderate length of neck leading to well laid shoulder and correct return of upper arm. Plenty of heart room and well ribbed back. Super bone. Her topline is strong and level on the move and when stacked. Strong hindquarters with correct turn of stifle and hocks well let down. Not overdone in any way. Shown to her advantage in excellent coat, but I just preferred the overall condition of 1 today.

Novice bitch 4 (1)

Regan’s EXPECTO PATRONUM

An appealing bitch of good size and pleasing proportions. One piece head with soft expression. Good length of neck leading to a shoulder that could be better laid and with longer upper arm. Good quality bone and straight forelegs. Chest is deep and well ribbed. Topline is firm and level, held well in profile, with a strong loin. Hindquarters are well muscled with moderate angulation providing a functional rear end. Tail is correctly set and carried, shown today in good coat and condition. She moved ok. 

Lawrinson’s BLACKLAKE SAPPHIRE SPARKLE

Graduate bitch 6

Macpherson’s BADCALL DREAM WEAVER

Good overall balance and size, I would prefer a touch less of her. Pleasing head with a dark eye and characteristic soft expression. Nice length of neck, well set and flowing into the shoulders with correct length of upper arm. Reasonable depth of chest and good length of ribcage. Short loin and good coupling, creating a flowing outline. Nicely made hindquarters with good width of second thigh. She was presented beautifully in gleaming coat. Moved soundly.

Mackessack-Leitch’s BADCALL MIDWINTER DREAM AT INCHSTELLIE JW

Similar to 1 as you would expect from the litter sister, presenting a pleasing outline. Head of good proportions with a kind expression, carried on a clean neck. I preferred the lay of shoulder and return of upper arm of 1. Adequate bone and good feet. Well-bodied with nicely developed ribs and short loin. She has strong, moderately angulated hindquarters and hocks well let down. She looks very fit. She was shown in lovely condition and moved well.

Post graduate bitch 4

Moxey’s DYMEXE MY CHERIE AMOUR JW

A well-balanced bitch presenting a racy outline, combined elegance and substance. Full of character. She caught my eye when she entered the ring, but you need to put your hands on her to fully appreciate her qualities. Her head is feminine with a soft, typical expression. Good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders and an excellent return of upper arm. Her ribcage is nicely sprung and well ribbed leading to a strong loin. Her topline is firm and level. Hindquarters are moderate and in balance with the rest of the dog, showing enough bend of stifle and strength through the second thigh. She flew through the ring with good reach and drive, at one with her handler. Her lovely coat finishes the picture. I really liked her. Very happy to award her RCC.

Scott’s HIGHTYNE BLUE RIVER

Pleasing breed type, she shows good substance. Feminine head of good proportions with a kind expression, carried on a clean neck of adequate length. Nicely sprung ribs, leading into a firm loin. Her front could be better, lacking some of the refinement and layback of shoulder. Topline is level and held well. Moderate through the back with good muscle tone. Tail is correctly set and ever wagging completing the outline. She moved ok.

Limit bitch 12 (3)

What a lovely class. 

Watson’s RAINESGIFT NEW SENSATION

Bitch of excellent breed type who immediately appeals with her balance, style and overall shape. Feminine throughout, she presents a classic outline. Attractive head of good length and proportions with a soft but naughty expression. Clean neck of good reach flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders and correct length of upper arm. Straight front with enough bone, leading into a body of good depth and well-sprung ribs. Firm, level topline and well-developed hindquarters balanced by moderate angulation. Her effortless, free-flowing movement won her this class. She was sound and moved with purpose.

Romeo-Dieste’s HOPEVALLEY MORNING XANADU JW

Younger bitch but fitting this class nicely with plenty to like. She combines elegance with substance. Well-proportioned head with a good length of muzzle. Her eye shape could be slightly more almond-shaped. Strong neck leading to good lay of shoulders. Best of feet. Chest of good depth with ribs well sprung. To be picky, I would prefer a slightly shorter loin. Her hindquarters are strong, well developed with moderate bend of stifle. She is a powerful mover, easily covering the ground. She was shown in fantastic condition.

Open bitch 5 (1)

Watson’s ShCh RAINESGIFT OMEGA

To me, she was gorgeous. Loved her shape and type. Feminine, elegant and beautifully proportioned, with the flowing flatcoat outline. Lovely head with a melting, just slightly naughty expression. Good length of neck, well set and flowing naturally into the well placed shoulders with correct return of upper arm. Excellent depth through the chest with plenty of heart room and a well-ribbed body. Good spring of rib and a lovely short, square loin, giving excellent body proportions and a strong, well-coupled topline. Stifles well turned with short rear pasterns. There is nothing exaggerated about her, everything in moderation. Lovely feet and tail set, she is very animated. Accurate mover fore and aft with excellent length of stride in profile. She looks like she loves to be admired, and she is full of character. Delighted to award her CC and BOB.

Jones’ ShCh BENVELLYN SEQUOIA JW

Another good quality, typey bitch. Medium in size and very feminine presenting a classic outline. Well-proportioned head of good length with a kind expression. I would not like her eyes any lighter. Moderate length of neck with well laid shoulder. Good depth of chest and excellent spring of ribs. Carrying sufficient substance without being too much. Her body is nicely balanced with a square loin. Strong hindquarters with good width of second thigh. Balanced overall construction. Her movement wasn’t as precise and free flowing as 1 but still a worthy second place.

Veteran bitch 3 (2)

Romeo-Dieste’s HOPEVALLEY MORNING RAINBOW JW

Stood alone in this class but what a worthy winner. I don’t think she realises she’s a veteran… Nice overall shape and proportions. Typical head with a sweet, gentle expression and a lovely dark eye and gentle. Neck well set with correct lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Excellent bone and super feet. Well ribbed all through. She retained her level topline, I would not like her to be any longer in loin. Strong, well muscled and moderately angulated hindquarters. She moved with drive. 

Special beginners bitch 6 (2)

Goodman’s BLACKLAKE DARK LADY FOR GAYPLUME

Up to size bitch but still very balanced throughout and such a happy disposition.

Pleasing shape of head and smiley expression, neat small ears. Well made front with shoulders well laid, deep in chest and correct length of ribcage. Short and square in loin with moderate bend of stifle, she would benefit from slightly wider second thigh. Her handler got the best out of her, she was presented in beautiful coat and condition. She moved well. Very pleased to award her BSB.

Regan’s EXPECTO PATRONUM

Good Citizen Dog scheme bitch

 3 

Bowen’s CLANDRIFT FUNKY ANGEL

Holden’s DYMEXE I LOVE TO BOOGIE

Judge

 Izabela Kulczycka (Everblack)