Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association

Referees Critique

Northern England Flatcoated Retriever Association

Championship Show 8th November 2026.

Judge: - Karen Joyce (Stranfaer)

Best in Show

BiS Mrs S & Mr I Phipps-Baker & Baker’s “Maddouse Never to Much J.W”

As the dog and bitch judge were unable to agree on BiS I was called upon to make the decision. Both dog and bitch were a credit to their owners presented in good coat and hard condition. On the day I felt the bitch presented a more balanced outline both standing and moving, she had a pretty feminine head with dark eye and correct dentition. She had good bone and tight feet and her correct all round angulation enabled her to move true with a constantly wagging tail carried straight off her back to complete the picture.

Junior Handling 6-11yrs (1,0)

1st Fairwinds Flowertot – Handled by Miss H Holden. At 8 yrs old this young lady was confident in the ring handling her 2yr old bitch with care. She stood the dog four-square to be gone over and was able to clearly show me the dog’s teeth. When moving she produced an accurate triangle at correct pace ensuring my view of the dog was never obscured and she talked to the dog to encourage her at all times. When the dog dropped her head she was not flustered, she adjusted her lead and re-set the dog.

Moving forward you may want to consider slightly shortening the length of your lead as you move your dog as this will prevent her dipping her head to the floor.

I look forward to watching your show career with interest, well done!

Special Members Open Stakes (5,0)

A range of ages and maturities made this a very difficult class to judge.

1st Miss H Bright’s “Hopevalley Morning Magic J.W ” A balanced 2 year old boy presented in good coat and hard condition, typical head with dark eye and scissor bite, good reach of neck into well angulated shoulders, good bone and tight feet, level topline with his tail carried straight off his back, moved true coming and going.

2nd Mr & Mrs Burroughs “I Know Him So Well at Rokaness J.W”. 4 yrs old and again balanced in profile standing and moving , well off for coat, slightly broader in skull than winner , dark eye and correct dentition. Excellent bone and tight feet, good all round angulation, constantly wagging tail, not as settled and driving on the move as winner.3rd

3rd Mrs Fox’s Westoncruive Ace of Spades by Blacktoft JW”  

Baby Puppy Dog (2,0)

1st Ms Turner’s “Turaski Blaze of Glory. At 5 months this young man was more sure footed and confident than 2nd. Super bone for his age. Typical head with dark eye and correct dentition. Good front and rear angles, tail carried straight off his back, dense coat, not at all phased on the move. Would benefit from a little road work to tighten feet. Confidence and movement won him Best Baby Puppy in Show.

2nd Mrs Fox’s “ Blacktoft Urbino” At his first show and less confident than winner, 5 months old with a lovely head and dark eye. Good length of neck well angulated front and pronounced sternum. Well off for bone with tight feet, level topline and correct tail set, slightly longer in body than first. His tail will wag as he gains confidence on the move.

Baby Puppy Bitch (4,0)

1st Mrs Fox’s “Blacktoft Befana” 5 months and litter sister to second in baby puppy dog. She is a lot more confident and settled in the ring. She also has good bone and tight feet. Pretty head and dark eye good reach of neck, super front and rear angulation good substance and dense coat constantly wagging tail, moved well but standing still was fun!! 

2nd Miss Riach’s “Thrillerbark Punk Hazard” At just 4months of age and smaller in size, excellent bone and dense coat with the tightest of feet. Feminine head with dark eye and scissor bite. Level topline with correct tail set, slightly longer in body than first. Moved well when settled. 

3rd Mrs Richard’s “Blacktoft Bardolino at Kimberfield”

Brace (6,2)

I am full of admiration for anyone who enters the brace class, trying to get two Flatcoats to move in unison is certainly a skill, and achieved by the majority of exhibits today, well done!

1st Mr & Mrs Phipps- Baker & Baker’s pair “ Maddouse Never to Much” & “Sh.Ch. Never Say Never Oasis of Peace to Maddouse” Two balanced bitches in size and appearance, lovely feminine heads, well muscled and in good coat, correct all round confirmation, moved very well together with level top lines and constantly wagging tails. Handled really well. 

2nd Mr & Mrs Leavy’s “Hopevalley Morning Shine over Wychwizard” & “Wychwizard Painted Lady JW” Many of same comments apply, both girls were balanced in size and appearance, In good coat and well off for bone, feminine heads, dark eyes, level top lines held on the move with wagging tails carried straight off the back. Not quite the paired driving movement of winners but handled well nevertheless. 

3rd Mrs Mcquade’s “Gemswin River of Dreams” & “ Maddouse Dimonds R’Forever”