Boston & District Canine Society

Boston Championship Show – 3 July 2026 Alaskan Malamutes

My sincere thanks go to the hardworking committee for the invitation to award Challenge Certificates in my beloved breed, the Alaskan Malamute. From the warm welcome at the judges' reception and the beautifully maintained show ground to the efficient and professional running of the rings, the entire day was a pleasure.

Before turning to my critiques, I feel it is important to make a few observations. As judges, and particularly as breed specialists, our responsibility is to assess each exhibit as it stands on the day, measured solely against the Breed Standard. While the UK has always embraced different styles within the breed, true breed type should remain evident in every exhibit. Previous successes, reputations, or personal admiration for a dog outside the ring have no bearing on the decisions made on the day.

The overwhelming majority of exhibitors accepted my decisions with grace and exemplary sportsmanship, for which I am extremely grateful. It was therefore disappointing that there was one instance of inappropriate verbal dissent. Respect for judges, fellow exhibitors and the sport itself is fundamental, regardless of whether the officiating judge is a breed specialist or an all-rounder.

Finally, I would like to highlight two areas of concern that were evident across several exhibits and appear to be becoming increasingly prevalent within the breed. The first is insufficient front angulation, particularly in the shoulder and upper arm, which inevitably compromises reach and overall efficiency of movement. The second is the presence of level and wry bites, both of which are undesirable and should be carefully considered in future breeding decisions if we are to preserve the integrity of our breed.

MPD (1) 1st Page D’ALKONTRES DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ CEDARCREEK (IMP ITA). A promising 7 month grey/white youngster who immediately appealed for his overall balance, bone and developing breed type. Masculine head with a broad skull, correctly proportioned muzzle and pleasing dark almond eye. Well-set ears, strong neck flowing into moderately sloping shoulders. Good depth of chest for his age with a firm topline and well-muscled quarters developing as expected in such a young puppy. Straight, well-boned forelegs and compact feet. Coat of correct texture with a well-furnished plume completing the picture. On the move he was full of youthful exuberance, making it difficult for his handler to settle him into a consistent rhythm. Once composed he showed glimpses of the easy, ground-covering action, with encouraging drive from behind. Still very much a baby both mentally and physically, but he possesses bags of potential and given time to mature and gain ring experience, should have a bright future ahead. BPD.

PD (1) 1st Dobson & Zettin MELIODAS OF MOON AND STARS NAF TAF. 7 month old grey/white, very raw youngster who is naturally immature and presently rather rangy, with plenty of developing to do. Masculine head with good width of skull, correct muzzle proportions and dark, almond-shaped eyes creating a pleasing expression. Well-set ears, strong neck and adequate bone throughout. Straight forelegs with compact feet and a coat of correct texture for his age. Topline held well when standing, with hindquarters requiring time to strengthen and mature. On the move he covered the ground steadily but lacked the overall coordination and balance that will come with physical development. A genuine baby who should not be rushed; with time, muscle and confidence he has every opportunity to develop into a more complete representative of the breed.

JD - no entries YD - no entries 

PGD (2) 1st Raby KASKAE LA VOILA AT ICEMOON. 2 year old grey and white male with plenty to admire, displaying good breed type and overall balance. Masculine without coarseness, he stands at the higher end of the breed standard for size, yet retains proportion and sound construction. Well-shaped head, correct eye and dentition. Strong neck, firm topline and good bone throughout. Moved with purpose, showing steady reach and drive. A worthy exhibit who should continue to fulfil his promise as he matures.

2nd Jelfs CHAYO FIRE IT UP FOR LAPEMA. 19 month old grey and white youngster of good breed type who is still developing. Masculine head with good width of skull, correctly proportioned muzzle and pleasing dark eye. Strong neck flowing into a firm topline, with good bone and substance for his age. Well-muscled quarters and compact feet. He did not use himself to his best advantage on the move today, appearing unsettled at times, and on the down/back tended to move slightly wide coming towards me. Such a shame as he really pushed for the class win. 

LD (4,1) 1st Burgess, Burgess & Page CEDARCREEK THE ONLY WAY IS UP. 2 year old grey and white who presented balance, substance and overall breed type. Masculine without any hint of coarseness, he is of pleasing size, while maintaining excellent proportion and athleticism. He possesses a broad, well-proportioned head, correct eye and ear set. Strong, moderately arched neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, a firm topline and good depth of chest. Well boned throughout with correct front and rear angulation, muscular fore/aft and compact feet. His coat was of the correct harsh texture with a dense undercoat, completing the picture. On the move he was very workmanlike, covering the ground with an easy, rhythmic and tireless gait. Pushed hard for the top honours in the Dog Challenge.

2nd Perfitt SAMJOE SHADOWHUNTER. 3 year old grey and white male of a different type to the class winner, yet possessing many of the same qualities. Masculine with good overall breed type, he has a well-proportioned head, pleasing expression, strong neck and firm topline. Good bone, depth of chest and balanced angulation fore and aft. Coat of correct texture and presented in great condition. Moved with a steady, purposeful gait, showing soundness and good drive.

OD (6) 1st Ellis-Payne CH CHAYO ONE IN A BILLION. An impressive grey and white male of just 2½ years whose overall quality grew on me throughout the class. Although he stands towards the upper end of the preferred height range, he remains balanced, athletic and most importantly, entirely fit for function. His effortless, economical movement confirmed that his size in no way compromises efficiency. Masculine yet refined, he has a strong, well-proportioned head, dark almond-shaped eyes and correct set ears. A powerful neck into well-constructed shoulders, a firm topline and a strong, well-muscled body, all supported by excellent bone and compact feet. Presented in first-class coat and condition, he covered the ground with purpose, maintaining rhythm, reach and drive throughout. For one so young, he displays admirable maturity and ring presence, making him a thoroughly deserving Champion. Handler and dog worked as one, extracting every ounce of quality, and they really pushed in the dog challenge. RDCC. 

2nd Phoenix SNOW LEGEND ZENITH OF FLAME NORDICWINDS JW (IMP RUS). A quality 5 year old sable male of a different style to the class winner, but one who made this an exceptionally close decision. He presents a masculine, balanced outline with excellent substance, good bone and pleasing breed type throughout. Strong, well-proportioned head with a correctly shaped muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes and the characteristic kind, intelligent expression. Strong neck, well-laid shoulders, firm topline and muscular hindquarters, enabling him to move with the easy, rhythmic, tireless gait so essential to the breed, showing good reach and powerful drive. A thoroughly honest exhibit who pushed hard for the class win, and I have no doubt his title will be secured in the not-too-distant future.

VD (4,1) 1st Page CH SNOW LEGEND BELIEVE IN YOU CEDARCREEK JW (IMP RUS). What a privilege it was to judge this magnificent grey and white veteran. At nearly 8 years of age he remains everything an Alaskan Malamute should be powerful, dignified and built to do the job for which the breed was created. His broad, masculine head, dark almond-shaped eyes and gentle yet intelligent expression immediately draws you in, while his strong neck, well-placed shoulders, firm topline and excellent bone create an outline of strength without exaggeration. Presented in superb coat and hard condition, he looked every inch the seasoned working dog. The moment he moved, however, he truly captured my admiration. His gait was beautifully fluid, effortless and economical, with excellent reach, powerful drive and unwavering rhythm, never once betraying his veteran status. There was no hint of weakness or fatigue, just the smooth, purposeful action demanded by the Breed Standard. Dogs of this quality do not come along every day, and he is a shining example of why soundness and function should always remain our priorities. DCC & BOS. 

2nd Woodhead NORAISY TAKE MY BREATH AWAY JW. A 9 year old sable who has much to admire and continues to do his breed proud. Masculine and well balanced, he presents a strong, correctly proportioned head with a kind expression, good bone, a firm topline and well-developed musculature throughout. His harsh coat and overall condition reflected excellent care and fitness. On the move he displayed the easy, steady, ground-covering gait, maintaining good reach, drive and purpose. He showed himself with dignity and enthusiasm, belying his years. An honest, sound veteran with many virtues; unfortunately for him, he met an outstanding class winner who went on to claim the Dog CC.

SBD (1) 1st Anderson KASKAE SEINE SATIONAL AT BLUEKANEQ. A smart 2 year old grey and white male with much to admire, combining pleasing breed type with good substance and balance. Masculine head with correct proportions, dark almond-shaped eyes and a kind, alert expression. Strong neck, well-laid shoulders, firm topline and good depth of chest, with well-muscled hindquarters and ample bone throughout. Presented in excellent coat and condition. He moved with purpose, displaying good reach and drive, although his greatest asset was the obvious rapport between dog and handler. Their enthusiasm was infectious, both clearly enjoying every moment in the ring together, allowing this quality youngster to show himself to advantage once settled. 

GCDSD - no entries 

MPB (2) Phoenix D’ALKONTRES SPICE UP YOUR LIFE NORDICWINDS (IMP ITA). This pretty grey and white 7 month old is one of those puppies that instantly catches your eye. So feminine throughout, yet already displaying many of the qualities I look for in a youngster. She has a pleasing head with good width of skull, a correctly proportioned muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes and neat, well-set ears, all combining to give a lovely, typical expression. Correct dentition with a complete scissor bite. Her neck flows into well-placed shoulders, she has a firm topline, balanced angulation and enough bone without losing femininity. Presented in excellent coat and condition, she moved with an easy, carefree stride, showing glimpses of the effortless action to come as she matures. Still very much a baby, but she left a lasting impression on me, and I genuinely look forward to watching her develop over the coming years.

2nd Jelfs LAPEMA NEVA TRUST THE LIVING. A sweet 7 month old grey and white youngster with many pleasing qualities and one I felt deserved a little more confidence in herself today. Feminine throughout, she has a well-proportioned head, dark almond-shaped eyes and neat, well-set ears. Good bone for her age, a firm topline and balanced construction. The show environment was clearly a little overwhelming on this occasion, and as a result she was unable to relax and show her true movement or overall quality. There is plenty to like beneath her understandable uncertainty, and with patient handling and increased ring experience, I am confident she will be far better able to demonstrate her many virtues.

PB (5) 1st Keeling KISHDIGRA CRIMINAL’S REIGN RAF. A cracking youngster who completely won me over with her attitude, quality and ring presence. For just seven months of age she possesses an impressive combination of balance, femininity and developing breed type. Her head is well proportioned, with good width of skull, a correctly balanced muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes and well-set ears, creating the typical keen yet gentle expression. Correct dentition. She has a strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, a firm topline, good depth for her age and balanced angulation fore and aft, all supported by excellent bone and compact feet. Presented in first-class coat and condition, she moved with an easy, rhythmic gait, showing promising reach and drive while holding her outline throughout. What really completed the picture was the way she used herself to full advantage, never missing an opportunity to show her many virtues. Beautifully and sympathetically handled, the partnership between the two was effortless. BPIB. 

2nd Phoenix D’ALKONTRES SPICE UP YOUR LIFE NORDICWINDS (IMP ITA) - see MPB.

JB (1,1)

YB (1) 1st Smith SNOWSHOES SWEET SYMPHONY. This beautiful 19 month old bitch really did take me by surprise. Although she had no direct competition in her class, she certainly didn't have an easy pass, she earned every accolade that followed. From my first hands-on assessment I admired her balance, femininity and unmistakable breed type. Her head is so typical, with a broad skull, correctly proportioned muzzle, correctly set eye and well-placed ears and correct dentition. A strong neck, well-laid shoulders, firm topline, excellent bone and balanced angulation completed a thoroughly functional picture. What truly captivated me was her movement. She simply flowed around the ring with an effortless, ground-covering gait that never lost its rhythm or purpose, displaying the strength and efficiency demanded of a working freighting dog. Beautifully conditioned, expertly presented and handled with complete understanding, she never stopped showing. By the time the challenge arrived, she had made her case beyond doubt. Awarding her the BCC and ultimately BOB a decision I simply could not deny. A truly exciting young bitch with a very bright future ahead. 

PGB (2) 1st Prescott LUELDAR BEAUTIFUL ROSA OF BEARNORTHAM (IKC). A thoroughly honest 2 year old seal and white female whose quality lies in her soundness, balance and functional construction rather than exaggeration. She is everything I admire in a working Alaskan Malamute, feminine yet powerful, with nothing overdone. Her head is well proportioned with a correctly balanced muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes and neat, well-set ears, giving a typical kind, intelligent expression. Correct dentition. Strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, a firm topline, well-sprung ribs and balanced angulation, all supported by excellent bone and compact feet. Presented in first-class coat and hard condition, she excelled on the move, covering the ground with an easy, effortless stride, maintaining rhythm, reach and drive throughout. She may not demand attention at first glance, but the more I watched her, the more I appreciated her honest construction, natural balance and unmistakable ability to do the job she was bred for. RBCC. 

2nd Hughes ARCTICTRIBES STRANGE MAGIC TO UKLUK. 2 years 6 month seal and white female of a different style to the class winner, being slightly longer cast and standing taller overall. Feminine throughout, with a well-proportioned head, good ear placement and correct dentition. Her eye was lighter than I would personally prefer, although set is correct. Strong neck, firm topline and good bone, with balanced construction and well-muscled quarters. Presented in good coat and condition, she moved with an easy, purposeful stride, maintaining a sound, efficient action. A genuine, workmanlike bitch with many pleasing qualities, but on the day I preferred the overall balance and movement of the class winner.

LB (3,1) 1st Perfitt SAMJOE SEELIE QUEEN. A good quality 3 year old grey and white female with many virtues and one I suspect is capable of far more than she showed me today. Feminine without losing substance, she has a pleasing head, almond-shaped eyes, correct dentition and a balanced, workmanlike outline with good bone and a firm topline. Unfortunately, her mind was elsewhere for much of the class and she never really settled into the task at hand, making it difficult for her to consistently demonstrate her true quality, particularly on the move. That said, there were fleeting moments where everything came together, revealing the easy, economical gait and balanced construction I was hoping to see. She remains an honest bitch with plenty to admire, and I would be very happy to assess her again on a day when she is more focused on the job.

2nd Sheehan POWDERHOUND’S SPARKS WILL FLY AT AMAQQUT (IMP USA). A feminine grey and white bitch who presents overall honesty and functional construction. She has a pleasing headpiece with a kind expression, correct dentition and ample bone without losing refinement. Her neck flows cleanly into a strong body with a firm topline and well-muscled hindquarters, giving the impression of a capable working dog. Her coat was in good condition, although I would prefer a harsher guard coat. When relaxed, she has a tendency to stand slightly "ten to two" in front, which detracts a little from her otherwise balanced outline. Once on the move, however, she found her rhythm and produced an easy, economical gait with good reach and steady drive. 

OB (5,3) 1st Page CH THE MAGICIAN BLOODY MARY CEDARCREEK (IMP ITA) A quality grey and white Champion who has much to admire. Of correct size and proportions, she presents a balanced, workmanlike outline with the substance expected of the breed, yet remains feminine throughout. Her head is typical, with a kind expression and correct dentition, while her overall construction is honest and functional. Presented in excellent coat and condition, she moved with the easy, rhythmic action so essential in a freighting breed, covering the ground effortlessly and maintaining her balance throughout. She was handled with quiet confidence, allowing her natural virtues to shine. A thoroughly deserving Champion and made my final decision for the Bitch CC incredibly difficult, remaining under serious consideration right to the very end.

2nd Keeling CH/IR CH/INT CH KISHDIGRA THE CRIMINALS KISS. A beautiful red and white 7 year old Champion whom I have admired from ringside for some time, so it was a pleasure to finally have the opportunity to assess her. She is a feminine, well-balanced bitch with pleasing breed type, correct dentition, good substance and an honest, functional outline. Presented in good condition and handled sympathetically throughout. Today I just felt she wasn't quite as animated as I have seen her on previous occasions, and perhaps because of that she was unable to show quite the same freedom and expression on the move that I know she is capable of. In a very strong competition, the winner just maintained a little more momentum and purpose on the move today. Nevertheless, she remains a quality Champion with many wonderful virtues, and I thoroughly enjoyed judging her.

VB (4,1) 1st Nevinson CH CHAYO CAUSIN CHAOS. One of the real strengths of today's bitch classes was finding quality exhibits such as this lovely 7 year old Champion. She may not have been the first bitch to catch the eye, but the more time I spent assessing her, the more I appreciated her many virtues. Feminine, balanced and of honest breed type, she has a pleasing head and expression, correct dentition, good bone and a sound, functional construction throughout. She was presented in excellent condition and moved with the easy, economical action, never putting a foot wrong. In many line-ups she could easily have been pushing for a piece of the action but today she found herself in exceptionally strong company. She is a quality bitch that thoroughly deserved her class win and BVIB.

2nd Woodhead KOROMANDEL RUSHIN AROUND AT NORAISY. A remarkable 13 year old grey and white veteran who is a wonderful testament to the breed's soundness, longevity and enduring spirit. She continues to present a balanced, feminine outline with pleasing breed type, correct dentition and honest construction throughout. Credit must go to her owner for keeping her in such excellent condition. She still moved with enthusiasm and purpose, showing many of the qualities that have clearly served her well over the years. In a lovely veteran class, I just preferred the footfall of the class winner today. Nevertheless, this grand old lady thoroughly deserved her warm appreciation and remains a wonderful ambassador for the breed.

SBB 1st Prescott LUELDAR BEAUTIFUL ROSA OF BEARNORTHAM (IKC). See PGB.

2nd Perfitt-Jones SAMJOE’S THE ONE AND ONLY VW. A lovely veteran female who was a pleasure to assess and a wonderful example of the lasting qualities of the breed. Feminine, balanced and honest in construction, she retains a typical head with a kind expression, correct dentition and good substance. She moved with the easy, steady action expected of a mature malamute, carrying herself with dignity and purpose. What was particularly heartwarming was the obvious partnership she shared with her young handler. Their trust and understanding of one another shone throughout the class, allowing her to show herself naturally and to the best of her ability. A delightful exhibit and a partnership that was a pleasure to watch.

GCDSB 1st Perfitt-Jones SAMJOE’S THE ONE AND ONLY VW.

Kat Copley-Holland

Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes