Welsh Kennel Club

Welsh Kennel Club

23rd August 2026

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

My first time awarding challenge certificates in this breed. We were in a generous sized ring outside, under a marquee, the temperature was perfect, it was a pleasure to see so many exhibitors being supportive to each other and there was an abundance of applause.

My thanks to Steve and Janet, the most capable stewards who kept things going most effectively and efficiently. It was lovely to see exhibitors come and thank them personally on the completion of judging. 

My overall comments would be that there were some round eyes creeping in, not wholly unattractive but not correct and gave quite a different expression. Size and height were more uniform than I had anticipated but some were still low on leg, giving quite a different silhouette to the one I’d anticipated and was looking for. Temperaments, coats and movement were all excellent and made for a most enjoyable day. My principal winners were: 

DCC 4981 - Sh Ch Schindow Junior Cowboy with Cretshengan (Mr P G & Mrs J Fielder)

RDCC 4978 - Tollelkin Dream Harbour JW (Miss M L Elkin)

BCC 5018 - Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty (Miss H Strevens)

RBCC 5014 - Tollisty Couldn't Careless (Mrs K Smith)

BOB 5018 - Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty (Miss H Strevens)

BP 4985 - Winter Snowflake Amber Glade of Korutorr (Imp Pol) (Mr E & Mrs E Gough)

BV 5018 - Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty (Miss H Strevens)

BSB 5002 - Tollisty Thrymheim of Citanabel (Mrs S & Mr C G Lashly)

Veteran Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Sh Ch Schindow Junior Cowboy with Cretshengan (Mr P G & Mrs J Fielder)

What a way to start the day, this chap was medium sized, compacted, powerful and well-muscled, and was hard to deny, lovely kind head with correct almond eye and high set ears, neck was of appropriate length and well-muscled, his shoulders were well back and he had well bent stifles in the middle he was deep, compact and had a level topline, I remember thinking he’d be hard to beat and I was proved right, pleased to award him the DCC in good company. In the challenge I felt that the bitch was a little animated and engaged and so he gave way. 

2ND Sh Ch Afonbach Winter Is Coming JW ShCEx OSW VW (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead)

Another quality exhibit scores in presence of forechest, depth of chest and return of upper arm, I noticed his strong pasterns which were slightly sloping, lovely triangular shaped ear, set high on his head, his loin was short and muscular, I am not the least surprised to learn he has his title and deservedly so, today he gave way to 1 on enthusiasm and the characteristic powerful and springy gait, he was a pleasure to assess. 

Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

Puppy Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST Tollisty Thrymheim of Citanabel (Mrs S & Mr C G Lashly)

A smart pup, just right for age, and very much enjoying his day, his coat is a little ahead of his body and I suspect he’ll be quite the picture when it all comes together. For one so young he has an admirable breadth and depth to his chest, on the move he was springy yet coordinated and you could easily imagine him working all day, lovely almond shaped eye with a colour that harmonised with his coat. In the challenge for BP, he was a little unsettled and gave way to the composed bitch, but they could easily swop places on another occasion. 

2ND Tollisty Jotunn (Mrs K Smith)

More profuse in coat than 1, moderate in angles but there was a balance that aided his clean easy movement, showed very well and clearly had a lovely rapport which his handler, with a kindness and confidence that was demonstrable, good head and expression with a clean-cut skull, flat cheeks and a moderate stop, straight coat coming on nicely and correct feathering appearing.  

Junior Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Tollpepper Celtic Zephyr JW (Mrs J M & Miss E K Trickett & O'connor)

Struck me immediately at first glance, his compactness of body appealed, his ribs go well back complimented by a short strong muscular loin. I liked the silhouette of his outline and type. He is clean coming and going and active and animated on the move, he has a lovely head and expression which conveys his relaxed temperament so well, he was beautifully handled to best advantage, I suspect that there is more to come from this one. 

2ND Coedhelyg As Good As It Gets (Miss R Jones)

Quality chap, scores in the middle with a breadth and depth to his chest and forechest that is enviable, occasionally he lacks the strength to hold his level topline, shown in super condition, moved cleanly and typically and I appreciated his outline on the move, where he was coordinated and untiring for one to young, maturing well. 

Yearling Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST 4986 - Deltandamba Go West (Mrs A & Mr J Gregory)

An upstanding unassuming male, really scores in compactness, I would like a touch less length of leg as he has a tendency to appear a little narrow all through, but this may come as he matures, super hard level topline, moderate in angles but there is a balance, correct tail carriage and set, correct almond eye and triangular ear, both well set, he was clean coming and going and covered the ground with ease going around. 

2ND 4976 - Sh Ch Arelechen Galileo Figaro JW (Miss M J Davies)

My winner at first glance, but for me a touch short on leg which created an image of length of body, in coat he is profuse by correct and of lovely rich colour, it gives him a maturity for one so young, super spring to his rib and his chest is well down, well off for turn of stifle, good feet and a lovely head and expression, doesn’t always show himself to the best of advantage which cost him today. 

Novice Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1ST 5002 - Tollisty Thrymheim of Citanabel (Mrs S & Mr C G Lashly)

See previous class. 

2ND 5015 - Tollisty Jotunn (Mrs K Smith)

See previous class. 

Graduate Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST 4999 - Coedhelyg As Good As It Gets (Miss R Jones)

 See previous class. 

2ND 4986 - Deltandamba Go West (Mrs A & Mr J Gregory)

See previous class. 

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

I difficult choice between these two. 

1ST Sinsircariad Old Fashioned (Mrs J.a & Miss A Bate-Ash & Ash)

Medium sized compact ad well-muscled, really liked the almost wedge-shaped head, which was clean cut and good to handle, set off my a triangular ear set high and well back and used to full advantage, I loved this type outline and silhouette, benefits from well bent stifles, which he used on the move, where he was typical with correct carriage and use of this tail. 

2ND Skysaria Blaze of Hope with Deltandamba JW (Mrs B & Mr C & Miss C Parker & Parker & Hipkiss)

Very close up to 1, this chap is just slightly heavier in head with a steeper stop, which I found marginally less typical, that said his expression was just lovely and oozed masculinity but also refined giving a confident and intelligent look, very sound and also clean coming and going, shoulders were well back and he benefits from a deep chest, unlucky to meet 1 and they could have easily changed places.

Limit Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Tollelkin Dream Harbour JW (Miss M L Elkin)

A mature male, clearly highly intelligent and really challenging his handler, he was jumpy and playful and determined to be noticed, well off for coat with the correct lighter furnishings as desired, strong in body with a short level powerful loin, good forechest and well bent stifles, his proportions gave him the outline I was looking for and thought he was balanced and maturing well, he pushed really hard for the CC but gave away to the more mature veteran, his time will come I am sure. 

2ND 5000 - Tollisty Out to Get You JW (Miss A & Mr S Lam & Leung)

Marginally plainer in head than 1 but in no way in correct, another with well sprung ribs and a deep chest, topline level and strong and carried well on the move, longer in body than some but held himself well on the move where he was sound, but lacked the presence of power of the winner, he showed very well and I suspect he is just starting to come into his best. 

 Open Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 2

1ST Ch Tollelkin Caife Americano Wgc Sgwc ShCEx (Miss M L Elkin)

Medium sized, typey and of correct proportions, masculine but not overdone and I could easily envisage him working all day, for me he was carrying too much condition, had he not been, he would have had the CC, but he gave way and had to settle for the class win only, his almond eye and head is lovely to handle, with strong dentition and lovely high set correctly shaped ear, on the move he is sufficiently springy but gives and image of power and endurance. I thoroughly enjoyed judging him. 

2ND Cretshengan Kitchi Lake (ai) (Mr E & Mrs E Gough)

Quality gent, unlucky to meet 1 on such good form, he struck as a real honest dog with nothing to hide, I suspect he is occasionally overlooked which is a shame because there is much to like, super head and expression, excellent coat, stifles sufficiently well bent, hocks well let down and good feet. Shown very well and in excellent condition, he excels on the move where his outline is typical and easy to watch. 

Veteran Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

1ST Sh Ch Tivalake Anything Goes at Tollisty JW (Mrs K Smith)

A happy intelligent and quite charming lady, appealed straight off, her type and proportions are undeniable not the biggest but she is balanced and correct, and lovely to handle, lovely sloping shoulder elbows are close together and her stifles are well bent, her ribs are very well sprung and her loin is strong and powerful, she is very sound on the move and gave the impression of power and an untiring attitude, a very worthy titleholder and on another day I should have been pleased to award her the CC. 

2ND Cretshengan Signy (Mr & Mrs Fielder)

A tall bitch than 1, but not in any way incorrect, short in body, with a level back, particularly appreciated the profuse lighter toned feathering, she was immaculately presented and handled to full advantage, lively and intelligent, her eyes conveyed a kindness that had charm and appeal. On the move she is sound and easy but not wholly energetic, which meant she gave way to the winner today. 

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST Winter Snowflake Amber Glade of Korutorr (Imp Pol) (Mr E & Mrs E Gough)

What a little gem this lady is, just wear you want a puppy a puppy to be, of the sweetest disposition, sound and clean on the move with lovely straight legs, tight feet and a lovely coat of good colour emerging, oh so feminine but equally gave an impression of power and endurance, I was quite smitten which her grown up approach to the ring and her job and was delighted to award her BP, as she settled she grew in confidence, I think she has a bright future ahead of her. 

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST Winter Snowflake Amber Glade of Korutorr (Imp Pol) (Mr E & Mrs E Gough)

Junior Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST Tollpepper Dawns Light (Miss E & Miss K Cross & Parfett)

A lovely, unassuming bitch, can stand herself such that she looks longer in body but just needs more practice as actually she isn’t long and on a loose lead going around demonstrates her outline perfectly, she is moderate in angles, but of lovely size, correct bone, super elegant head with a femininity throughout that some lacked, on the move she is sound but not the most active, clean coming and going with straight legs, I suspect that there are more to come from this partnership. 

2ND 4990 - Deltandamba Domino Dancing (Miss C Hipkiss)

Quality exhibit she is just on the verge of her coat coming through, which will give her a maturity and completeness she lacks, lovely topline, deep in best with adequate spring of rib, covered the ground with considerable ease, making light work of the large ring, she is well muscled and in super condition, another one with a kind and confident disposition. 

Yearling Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1ST 4979 - Tollelkin Villenauxe (Miss M L Elkin)

A moderate bitch with just enough angles to the fore and rear, demonstrating perfectly the playful, confident and springy nature of this breed. Really scores in head and expression being typical but feminine with just the right amount of stop, almond eye and broad skull, as she comes together, I think she will start to the challenge the best, needs time to settle and coordinate and shows herself off to best advantage. 

2ND 4975 - Tollpepper Dawns Light (Miss E & Miss K Cross & Parfett)

See previous class. 

Novice Bitch

Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1ST 5028 - Bannocksmoss Cool Carolina (Miss K Weston)

A young lady of the sweetest nature, she’d suffered from a fright earlier on, but regained her composure, put her best foot forward and settled, credit to her calm collected handler, who eased her through, she’s on the smaller side but not incorrect, lighter in coat but has the lovely complimentary feathering that sets this breed apart, she’s sound and active on the move, but just needs to settle, I do hope this partnership continue on their journey. 

Graduate Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST Deltandamba Domino Dancing (Miss C Hipkiss)

See previous class. 

2ND Arthundur Firecracker (Mrs E & Mrs H Townsend-Bean)

A happy exhibit very much enjoying her day and using her tail to full advantage, she scores in compactness, is just right for age but will benefit from a little more time and maturity to complete the picture, she goes around well and is lovely to handle with good width to her thighs, a lovely colour to coat. Her personality shines through and she shows well. 

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1ST Tollisty Couldn't Careless (Mrs K Smith)

Admittedly this bitch was not in the best of coats, but I thought her super for type, temperament and soundness, she just oozed nova, compact, strong and powerful, with lovely shoulders into upper arm, muscular neck and super head and expression, I was quite smitten, I was delighted to award her the RCC and she pushed harder for more, had her coat been better I wouldn’t have hesitated. I will watch her with interest. 

2ND Cfyre's High Tea at Tollpepper JW (Imp Can) (Mrs J M Trickett)

A sweet feminine bitch, calmer and less enthusiastic than 1, another not in the best of coats, lighter in colour but not incorrect, really lovely feminine almost wedge-shaped skull, correct around of stop, high seat ears, almond eye of lovely colour, stands well and moves soundly and freely would just like a little animation and enthusiasm to complete the picture. 

Limit Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

1ST Tollisty Shincha JW (Miss H Strevens)

 A quality exhibit with a lot to like, caught my eye immediately, liked her for size type and proportions, in super coat and of lovely colour, such a rapport with her handler, they make quite the team, lovely to handle in head with strong dentition and high set ears leading to a strongly muscled neck. On the move she is active, powerful, and sound, she pushed hard in the challenge, and I could have easily awarded her higher honours with pleasure. 

2ND Afonbach Syrax JW (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead)

I rather overlooked this quality lady on first glance, she can at times stand looking a little long in body for my preference but on assessment she is full of body comprised of well sprung ribs, a strong loin, level back and well angled to the fore and rear, she is active and engaged on the move and uses herself to best advantage, shown in super condition, she settled as the class went on. 

Open Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 0

1ST Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty (Miss H Strevens)

Struck me immediately, she had the correct leg to body length ratio I was seeking which gave a classic and classy outline, with a great spring of ring, that reached below the elbow and a forechest many would envy, her stifles are well bent and her shoulders slope well, her body is short and strong and she uses her muscular loin on the move to create an image of power and she is sound, I found her hard to fault, she showed well, was in hard condition, had a lovely rapport with her handler, she stood very well and on the move was typical and animated, I was delighted to award her the CC, BOB and BV. 

2ND Afonbach First Sign O'spring at Deltandamba JW (Miss C Hipkiss)

A well-deserved and hard fought for place in a challenging class, taller than 1 but no incorrect, I liked her for type and soundness and she needs to be handled to be fully appreciated, I overlooked her at the outset, really short in loin with ribs well back with a level topline, correct neck into sloping shoulders, lovely head and expression, she got better as the class went on was sound and covered the ground with ease, a little unassuming but honesty in abundance. I hope her day comes. 

Judge: Jennifer Millard.