Crufts

DCC 10299 - Ch Vormund Xmas Bonus (Miss M Dunhill-Hall)

RDCC 10283 - IT CH Back to Story at Poggio (Mr B Conti)

BCC 10288 - Multi CH Aiko No Sun Go Tessaiga (Mr M Nuzzo)

RBCC 10271 - Marilouvale Break The Bank (Miss M L Bryans)

BOB 10299 - Ch Vormund Xmas Bonus (Miss M Dunhill-Hall)

BP 10316 - Lacsar Don’t Nutella Soul (IKC) (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright)

BV 10288 - Multi CH Aiko No Sun Go Tessaiga (Mr M Nuzzo)

Thank you to the Crufts committee for this prestigious appointment and thank you to all the exhibitors for the wonderful entry. It was a privilege to judge your beautiful shibas. Special thanks have to go to ring stewards - Shirley Hockenhull and Joe Smith, their efficiency knows no bounds. Generally, the quality of the entry and presentation was excellent and after over 30 years of living with this breed, I was well prepared for any drama and quirkiness they might produce but temperaments were all very good. Type continues to be very varied, but eye shape, coat textures and colours continue to improve. Shibas shouldn’t be tall and rangy with steep shoulders and straight rear angulation, nor should we see the complete opposite and I did find excessive rear angulation on a couple of exhibits, this breed doesn’t require the angulation of a working breed. Moderate angulation produces the desired movement for this breed, anything else will affect movement and soundness adversely.

It was wonderful to see great examples of all the 4 colours present. With black & tans being particularly prevalent, they aren’t the easiest colour to breed and get their very specific markings correct, so well done to those breeders who are successfully and consistently producing winning lines. I’m happy to see the decline of the pale red, soft coated type we used to see so many of, mostly now replaced with the correctly textured, translucent orange exhibits.

We were treated to some impressive displays of masterful handling, with these clever skilful handlers getting the absolute best from their dogs, it’s so important to know your dog’s virtues and faults. But time and time again, other handlers overstretched their dogs, emphasising a construction fault or making the dog look like it had one when it actually didn’t. So many dogs would have also benefited from more training on the move. Don’t rush, set your dogs up straight before you set off and start steady, building up your speed, if your dog jumps about, don’t be afraid to stop and restart. It really is pointless to continue running when the dog is jumping up and pulling sideways. Judges can’t assess this, you just throw away your dog’s chances of a better place and that happened a few times today sadly.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog

Entries: 2    Absentees: 0

1ST Ch Shiomaru Escape to The Stars at Galvikki (Imp Rus) (Mrs V A & Mrs G A Hope-Cliffe & Hope-Ellershaw). A quality red male of substance who I’ve admired since a puppy, now at almost 7 years old, he defies his years and looks better than ever. I liked his strong, masculine head with his full cheeks, flat skull and good shaped dark almond eyes. He has thick, neat ears which are correctly placed inclining forward in a continuous line from his arched muscular neck. Strong H front, body has good depth with enough tuck up. Topline is level and held firm on the move, he carries and shows himself proudly. Shown in a full, well presented coat. 

2ND Chikamichi Go from Hachimantai to Sealandair (Imp Mne) (Miss L Wright). Black and tan, different type to 1 , taller and more rangy. He has a pleasing head and attractive eye shape and set. Limbs are sound and he stands on well knuckled, good feet. I’d like a more compact body and more density to his coat. He moved out well with a sound gait.

Puppy Dog

Entries: 4    Absentees: 0

1ST Vormund Power of Ten (Miss M Dunhill-Hall). A nicely marked Black and Tan who has a well proportioned frame to grow into in . He’s growing up evenly balanced with correct angulation front and rear, a level topline and a high set, beautiful full tail. Wedge shaped head with correct muzzle to skull ratio, his expression appealed to me, a proud dog who carries himself well & moves with purpose and drive. He just needs time now to fill into his frame, I think he’ll mature into something special, definitely one to watch. 

2ND Lacsar Sprite Talker (IKC) (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright). This 9 month old youngster makes a nice compact shape and has a balanced outline but I’d just like a bit more of him, he’s of good type with an appealing head, neat ears & dark eyes. I liked his clear defined urajiro markings. Topline needs to firm up but time on his side . 

 3RD Marilouvale Sky's The Limit (Miss M L Bryans)

RES Chadbrook Inspire Me (Miss J Young)

Junior Dog

Entries: 5    Absentees: 0

1ST Vormund Ken Kanekii (Miss M Dunhill-Hall). Not the biggest or most masculine dog but a well balanced male of excellent type, nothing is exaggerated, everything is moderate about him. Breed typical head with beautiful obliquely set eyes. Excellent front, firm back and correct tail. He has strong hind quarters with correct angulation and broad second thighs allowing him drive well, he was the best mover in this class.

 2ND Black Matrix Di Poggio Petroio to Sealandair (Imp Ita) (Miss L Wright). I liked this Black and Tan male for his size, good head type, his dark eyes give an alert, keen expression. He makes a good overall outline with correct bone, well knuckled feet and good tail set. Correct coarse coat but his markings need more white to add definition and he would benefit from more training to sort his movement out.

 3RD Akihiro Go del Biagio Rsm Jch (Mr G Biagiotti)

RES Mohather Jet Blak Jet Di Poggio Petroio (C Paribelli)

VHC Radiant Angel Blossom (Mrs Sv Voitiukeviciene)

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 10    Absentees: 2

1ST Burwen Becalm Blue (Miss D A Kay) There’s a lot to like with this young red male, he’s correct for size, I liked his compact shape and H front, his slightly sloping pasterns and cat like feet. Elbows are held close to his body and he has good depth of brisket. Strong rear quarters with parallel hocks and broad thighs. Back is strong and loin is short with a well set tail, he holds himself together well on the move and moves with a light energetic gait. 

 2ND Black Matrix Di Poggio Petroio to Sealandair (Imp Ita) (Miss L Wright). As 2 and in previous class 

 3RD - Amivike's Unforgetable (Mr M J & Mrs T Mothersdale)

RES Kenleap On Pointe (Miss B & Mr Steve Stafford-Mitchell & Bruton)

VHC Tsuneo De La Perle Des Quatre Ames (Mrs Manon Rubio)

Limit Dog

Entries: 12    Absentees: 1

1ST Vormund Tom Sawyer (Miss M Dunhill-Hall). This was quite a mixed class with much variation in type. This 14 month old red d is typical of the type from this breeder, with his excellent head, obliquely set dark almond shaped eyes, well padded thick ears. He was very much on his toes and put up a good performance today. A quality dog, who is well developed and balanced for his tender age, again nothing exaggerated about him but everything is correct. Correct harsh textured coat of striking red colour, handled and presented well, he out moved all his rivals in this class today. Must have a bright future. 

2ND Hoxakam Voldemort (Mr M & Mrs S Huburt) Another promising youngster, I liked the compact type and overall size of this 19 month old well marked Black and Tan D, he has a lovely breed typical head and neat ears, correct moderate type. I liked his body proportions, level back, well set tail and neat feet. Moderately angled front and rear. He’s slightly wide in front for my preference, but his overall type impressed and he moved and showed well.  

 3RD Kazumiclan Kakunaito (Miss L Nixon)

RES Marilouvale Fool Me Once (Miss M L Bryans)

VHC Vormund Heavy Is The Crown (Miss M Dunhill-Hall)

Open Dog

Entries: 14    Absentees: 2

1ST Ch Vormund Xmas Bonus (Miss M Dunhill-Hall) What an intensely competitive class, any of the first 5 could have taken the CC. This classy, noble 5 year old dog has all the virtues the breed standard calls for, now in his prime, it’s easy to see why he has won so much. He’s ideal for size and makes a compact, balanced impressive outline. Head is well proportioned with the correct 2:3 muzzle to skull ratio, broad and flat skull, intense masculine expression and his eye shape, size and set is very oriental. Thick,well placed small ears tilt forward as a continuous line from his crested muscular neck. He’s fit and in hard muscular condition with sound front limbs, correct H front, flat shoulders and he stands on neat, tight feet . Rear quarters are powerful with strong parallel hocks and just the right amount of angulation. His well presented double coat is an ideal translucent orange colour complete with harsh guard hair. He moved with an energetic and precise gait. Handled to perfection and represented the breed well in the group making the final 8. Congratulations on the DCC & BOB 

2ND IT CH, HR, JCh Back to Story at Poggio (Mr B Conti) This young 21 month old black & tan male caught my eye as he entered the ring and didn’t disappoint on examination. He is a truly beautiful example of a shiba with an exquisite head of excellent proportions, I loved his kind, alert expression and dark, obliquely set eyes. He uses his thick small ears well and is totally focused on his very talented handler. Impressed in profile showing balance and harmony, excellent front assembly, well knuckled feet , firm back, high set tail. His rear quarters are strong and well muscled, with a long, broad second thigh, good turn of stifle and strong hocks. Wonderful to see a black & tan of such high quality and with such excellent markings and harsh textured coat. A fit, well conditioned athletic dog who moved with verve & style. I think there’s even better yet to come with this male as he fully matures, he’s a real force to be reckoned with and pushed 1 very hard. Handler gave a master class in presentation and handling to take a well deserved RDCC . Well done !

 3RD Lacsar Tic Tac Tayto (IKC) (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright)

RES Ch Shiomaru Raion at Marilouvale (Imp Rus) (Miss M L Bryans)

VHC Yukiyama No Kitsune Tsuki Go at Kintoki (Imp Nld) (Mr W Broadhurst)

Veteran Dog

Entries: 10    Absentees: 2

1ST Black Skywalker Di Poggio Petroio (C Paribelli) This quality 8 year old headed a lovely class of veterans who were all an absolute credit to their owners and testament to the longevity of this hardy breed. A quality Black and Tan of good size, not too heavy and shows excellent balance with a 10:11 body shape. Breed typical wedge shaped head with full cheeks and strong, slightly tampering muzzle. I loved his alert expression and dark eyes. He has a good H front, tight feet, deep brisket, correct underline and a strong back. Impressed on the move with his light, free gait .  

2ND Multi Ch Ai-We-Sed-So Neverending Story (Mrs Helle & Mrs Kim Røschke & Hoberg). Another old favourite of mine, now 8 years, a quality red of excellent type, lovely masculine wedge shaped head with full cheeks, flat skull and a strong muzzle. I liked his kind dark eyes and neat thick ears, he’s all male, dignified & powerful with a good H front, strong bone, oval rib cage, firm back and short loin. The overall profile is enhanced with a well set full tail. Moved out purposefully at the correct pace . 

3RD Tiblha Im A Conkarah (Mrs D Behan)

RES Akai Hana A’hikeru Black Tekehiro No Lacsar (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright)

VHC Int/pl/mł/sk Ch Taigen Go You Djenima (Mrs Ez Zgud)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

Entries: 5    Absentees: 0

1ST Taco No Cho at Akaname (Mrs K & Mrs V Acheson-Dumbrava & Bridgeman-Sutton). Ultra feminine red bitch with a very pretty head and appealing expression, dark oblique eyes, enough stop and a flat skull. Delicately boned, makes a balanced outline and moved soundly with a light energetic gait. Full of character and her own self importance, I loved how she judged me, she’s quite the princess !  

 2ND Vormund to The Moon N’ Back (Mrs D Mackenzie) A different type to 1, this 2 yr old shaded red is a more substantial sturdy bitch who is taller and deeper in the body than 1. Good H front, level topline, sound limbs, well knuckled feet and moved out well by her young handler. 

 3RD Burwen Bejewelled (Miss E Garland)

RES Dezigned for Jarshimar (Mrs R Greenwood)

VHC Yokari White Mouse (Mr M & Miss E Archer & Chu)

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 6    Absentees: 2

1ST Lacsar Don’t Nutella Soul (IKC) (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright). A quality sesame puppy who oozes quality and confidence, I really like her type and size, she’s sturdy and balanced, has a well proportioned head with dark obliquely set eyes, thick small ears and full cheeks. Lovely H front, strong bone and excellent feet. Rear is correctly angulated, well muscled with broad thighs and strong parallel hocks which produced a strong, positive gait. Handled well to take Best Puppy. 

2ND Vormund Saigo No Uta (Miss M Dunhill-Hall). Very pretty 8 month old, well marked Black and Tan who has a gorgeous head and expression with dark oblique eyes. Growing well and evenly, she makes an impressive profile shape, tail is well set and she’s correctly angulated front and rear. Moved with verve and is light on feet.

 3RD Vormund Somethin Else at Teigan (Miss L Sylvester)

RES Chadbrook Suki Su (Miss J Young)

 Junior Bitch

Entries: 9    Absentees: 0

1ST Ch Vormund Coachella (Miss M Dunhill-Hall) A top quality 17 month old red with an exquisite head, fullest of cheeks and oriental expression. She’s not a big b, but she has everything in proportion and shows excellent breed type, presented in an excellent coat of great colour and ideal harsh texture. She’s a daughter of the BOB and the apple certainly hasn’t fallen far from the tree as she has inherited many of his virtues. Powered around the ring with an energetic light gait.

2ND Jaidev’s Love in A Blue Box (Mrs L Curtis) This pretty girl pushed 1 hard today. I love her feminine pretty head and cheeky expression, she makes an excellent balanced 10:11 outline, with a H front, straight front and flat shoulders. Everything is to like about her and she showed herself beautifully on the stack but was a little erratic on the move. Sort that and I think she could trouble the best, also a daughter of the BOB.

 3RD Ingefal's Holly Jolly (Miss J Tuomaala)

RES Lacsar All On My Toblerone (IKC) (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright)

VHC - Amivike's Baby Blue (Mr M J & Mrs T Mothersdale)

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 14    Absentees: 1

1ST Bambola La Leggenda Dei Samurai at Marilouvale (Miss M L Bryans). What a beautiful b this white is, I’ve admired her since her arrival in the UK and was excited to see her here as I do love a good white and she really is an excellent example of this colour. A delight to go over, she oozes breed type, her head is well proportioned, feminine and classy, she’s correct for size, balanced in outline, angulated correctly with strong low, parallel hocks. Moved out well to win this big class and was a serious contender for the CC, sadly she didn’t move so well for the change of handler in the challenge.  

 2ND Jaidev Shaken Not Stirred (Mrs L Curtis) This black & tan b appealed for type and her cheeky character, she’s a sturdy girl who makes an impressive outline. Lovely head with sparkling dark eyes & well set, thick small ears giving her an alert and feminine expression. Correct H front, good bone and feet, solid topline held firm on the move. Powerful rear quarters with a good turn of stifle and broad second thighs allowed her to move with verve and precision. A very sound b, I would have just liked a little more definition to her chest markings.

3RD Dolce E Nera Di Poggio Petroio (C Paribelli)

RES Tinaka Du Bois De Conpeigne at Marilouvale (Imp Fra) (Miss A Watson-Bryans)

VHC Dundalks Spudalicious at Amivike (Mr M J & Mrs T Mothersdale)

Limit Bitch

Entries: 8    Absentees: 1

1ST Marilouvale Break The Bank (Miss M L Bryans) Another quality exhibit from this longstanding breeder, a gorgeous example of red sesame and shown in a full, well presented coat. She has great breed type, a lovely head with dark oblique eyes and forward tilting, padded ears giving the correct expression. Like her sister who won the next class she has back skull and a muscular arched neck which flows neatly to the withers. Shoulders are flat and moderately angulated, she has enough fore-chest and strong, straight forelimbs. Pasterns slope gently and her feet are well knuckled. Rear quarters are well muscled, broad in second thigh with strong parallel hocks. Back is level and held firm on the move. This must have been a proud breeder moment to have 2 litter sisters take the two top classes at Crufts . Well done !

2ND Amivike's Cos I Am Special Too (Mr M J & Mrs T Mothersdale) I’ve long admired this 6 yr old bitch but sometimes she carries too much weight, however today she looked really good and her body weight was ideal. Her best feature has to be her lovely well proportioned, wedge shaped typical Shiba head. I also liked her H front and strong bone, correct elbow placement, firm back and she was shown in full double coat demonstrating excellent urajiro. Moved at the correct pace to show a sound and purposeful gait. 

 3RD Kintoki Hasu Ko (Mr A & Mrs C.l. Wilkinson)

RES Vormund to The Moon N’ Back (Mrs D Mackenzie)

VHC Lykafoxx Blooming Lovely (Miss M Froome)

Open Bitch

Entries: 18    Absentees: 3

1ST Marilouvale Blank Cheque (Miss M L Bryans). What a great class to win in such strong competition, this classy Black and Tan who excels in head and expression, she has plenty of backskull and crest of neck . Everything flows with her, she’s correctly angulated front and rear, has a level back, strong loin and a full tail correctly set on high . She has impressive well defined markings and a full double coat of correct texture. Not yet 2 years old, another b who shows such great promise for the future I feel she is sure to gain her title. Competently handled by her young handler to take the Res BCC. Well done ! 

2ND Can GCH Hibiscus Lil' Shiba Inu Not A Fox (Can) (Ms M & Mrs M Levasseur & Simons). A very attentive, attractive red bitch who showed her heart out, l liked her size , overall balance and moderate type . Smaller and more compact than 1 but makes an impressive profile shape. Stands 4 square naturally on well knuckled tight feet and moves to impress, a very fit bitch with fabulous muscle tone, handled and presented beautifully. I later discovered that she is also an emotional support dog to her owner, their strong connection is clear to see.  

3RD Ch Vormund Java Home Brew (Miss M Dunhill-Hall)

RES Ir Ch Lacsar The Real Thing (IKC) (Ms M & Miss E Jackson & Wright)

VHC Kintoki Mizuki (Mr W Broadhurst)

Veteran Bitch

Entries: 8    Absentees: 0

1ST Multi CH Aiko No Sun Go Tessaiga (Mr M Nuzzo). Up against some really tough competition today, this beautiful bitch won not only this class but also the BCC , BOS & Best veteran. I could have happily given the CC to any B in the final lineup, such was the quality here today. She clinched the CC on her great ring presence and attitude, she absolutely owned the ground she stood on. A faultless performance and so at one with her owner / handler, they were truly a joy to watch . Whilst such a prestigious award should never be won purely on performance alone, it was a deal breaker when decisions were so close . This correctly sized shaded red bitch has outstanding breed type and all the breed points the standard calls for, she also demonstrates excellent balance, has a classic Shiba head, excellent front, correct shoulder placement, rock solid topline, well muscled rear, enough tuck up and has foot perfect movement. Turned out in fantastic condition, showing no signs of ageing and out moved all her younger rivals today Many congratulations to all her connections on this major achievement. 

 2ND Jaidev Fuyuu No Ryuu at Mitsumine (Mr A & Mrs P Rees-Jenkins) This attractive 7 year old black & tan was really unlucky to meet 1 today, she shows good type and is the correct height, I liked her defined markings and quality coat. She carries herself well with a keen attitude. Pretty well proportioned head with nicely set dark eyes and thick small ears. Nicely handled and moved at a steady pace to demonstrate a sound gait both out and back and in profile. 

 3RD Marilouvales Queen Elsa VW (Miss K J Capps)

RES Amivike's with A Touch of Ink (Mr M J & Mrs T Mothersdale)

VHC Shiro Miyuki (Mrs D Behan)

Judge Janice Bannister March 2026