Scottish Kennel Club

Scottish Kennel Club All Breed Championship Show 2026 

Puppy Groups & BPIS 

Judge: Miss L Tarabad (Khatibi) 

I must extend my grateful thanks to the committee of SKC for their kind invitation to judge all the puppy groups and BPIS at their All Breed show. I must also congratulate them on another impressive double show which was run with such efficiency, it really is a tremendous achievement to have 2 shows completed in such good time each day. The work that must go into the four days is unimaginable and I for one am in awe of the whole hard working committee who never stopped smiling, even when an unplanned evacuation tried to upset the start of the last day!  

I was absolutely spoilt for choice every day with so many exciting puppies to choose from and when the group winners entered the main ring on the final day I thought they were all outstanding, any one would have been a worthy winner. Ultimately the top spot went to the quite breathtaking Australian Shepherd Cowley’s Sparkaway Gets My Goat Cpw26. Considering it was Pastoral day and this boy had been in and out of the ring all day he was still raring to go and on his toes showing no signs of tiring. He moved with such ease around the ring coming to a perfect stand showing off his beautifully balanced outline, his coat presented to absolute perfection gleaming with health, his head just beautiful and with an expression that said ‘I’m ready for anything’. It really took until the last moment to make up my mind but by then he was giving me a look that demanded I pick him and I obliged willingly!  

Missing out by a whisker was the absolutely magnificent Foxhound Millward & Bryson’s Foxhunt A Mark Left Behind. I had judged him on the first day and was so impressed I really thought he might be the one to beat. Such a handsome hound and much like the Aussie he just never seemed to tire; I could certainly imagine him doing a full day’s work and then some! His construction is super, coupled with his simply perfect condition it was no surprise to see how impressive he was on the move, he really took advantage of having the big ring to stride out in and I just couldn’t take my eyes off him. I’m sure he will have quite the exciting career. 

Gundog Group  

This really was the strongest group of the show, I found it hard to even shortlist let alone just choose 4! 

 Group 1. Wilchrimane Flomotion for Sandbears NAF, Breed: Pointer (Ms S Blake) Quite beautiful young bitch with such a graceful outline flowing from head to tail, lovely curves, ultra feminine yet still has the strength required of the breed. Long arched neck into well laid shoulders, straight front, good chest and ribbing for age, correct topline sloping into a strong, well angulated rear. Really appealing head qualities, with kind expression from her lovely eyes, defined stop, good muzzle and strong jaw. Her movement was poetry in motion, smooth with plenty of drive from her strong rear, reaching well in front, all the while holding her outline firm with a lashing bee sting tail. She had to pull out all the stops to top this quality group...and she did! 

Group 2. Empyreal Desert Tempest at Glenmaurangi (Imp Can), Breed: Gordon Setter (Ms T & Mrs T & Mrs A Watkins & Craft & Phillips) Close up to 1 and equally as impressive, beautifully presented and handled expertly. Long arched neck flows into well laid shoulders, straight front, good bone and feet. Firm topline, good ribbing, strong, well angulated rear with hocks well let down and tail set and carried correctly. Feminine head of good proportions with dark eyes and intelligent expression. She moved steadily with plenty of reach and drive, outline firm and coal black coat gleaming.  

Group 3. Urvum Hero at Beanalrem (Imp Ita) NAF, Breed: German Wirehaired Pointer (Miss H & Mrs J Vine & Hassell). Well balanced and powerfully built with smart outline, good neck and shoulders, deep chest, good ribbing, correct topline and strong rear. Masculine head of good proportions, ears well set on broad skull, moderate stop, oval eyes and alert expression. Moved with such ease around the ring and plenty of reach and drive.  

Group 4. Affilato Game On, Breed: Italian Spinone (Mrs K A James) Such a beautiful bitch with a well balanced head and the kindest expression. Squarely built with super substance, bone and feet, good topline, well developed chest and ribbing and strong, broad rear. Moved effortlessly and accurately in all directions looking a picture in profile. I couldn’t resist her in this super quality group of babies. 

Hound Group 

Group 1. Foxhunt A Mark Left Behind (Imp Aust), Breed: Foxhound (Miss C & Miss B & Mr J & Mrs C Millward & Bryson & Bryson & Bryson) Although this was a lovely group of hound babies this one won the group the moment he strode in! You cannot fail to be impressed by his beautiful outline, head carried proudly, strong arched neck flowing into a perfect topline, tail set on high and carried correctly, good chest and ribbing, quality bone, super feet and in the fittest of condition. Such a handsome head and expression and the most delightfully cheeky temperament, it’s easy to forget that such an impressive hound is still only 10months old but every so often he gives his handler a reminder! I could have watched him moving around the ring all day, so relaxed and effortless he simply eats up the ground beneath him. I absolutely loved him.  

Group 2. Bronia Luciano, Breed: Dachshund (Long-Haired) (Mrs F Hanney-Mitchell) 10month dog already looking fairly mature for his age with super front assembly, good chest and ribbing short loin and well angulated rear. Beautiful head and expression with dark eyes, well set and used ears, good length of muzzle, tight lips and strong jaw. Impressed on the move, accurate in all directions and covering the ground with plenty of reach and drive in profile. Presented in glorious coat and condition. 

Group 3. Rangali Franknfurter, Breed: Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) (Miss M & Mrs H Allenby) Always one of the most fun breeds in the group and this cheeky baby was just that! Loved his head, beautiful dark eyes, squarely finished muzzle, strong jaw and big black nose. Well balanced and well muscled, moving accurately out and back and with good reach and drive in profile. Correctly presented rough coat and such a happy outlook.  

Group 4. Marvale Royal Salute at Helydon, Breed: Dachshund (Min Smooth-Haired) (Misses A & A Kirkwood-Emery) This youngster had been my RCC winner earlier in the day and still impressed greatly in this group. Developing as he should at this age with everything in the right place to finish nicely without being overdone. Good reach of neck and head carriage, firm topline and good underline with enough clearance beneath. Long, correctly shaped head with neatly finished muzzle and strong jaw. Moved with a good length of stride, head high and topline firm. Completed a lovely lineup of hounds. 

Pastoral Group 

Group 1. Sparkaway Gets My Goat Cpw26, Breed: Australian Shepherd (Miss T Cowley) The last group of the show and in walks this dog and almost takes my breath away. Simply stunning presentation which often hides a multitude of sins but in this case there really was nothing to hide (much to my delight!) He really is as well made as he looks, super neck and shoulders, well developed chest and ribbing, firm topline, well angulated rear, super bone and feet. His head is masculine and clean cut with defined stop, beautiful expressive eyes, well set and used ears and strong jaw. He moved as well as his construction suggested, smooth and accurate, enjoying the odd leap every so often to show off how agile he is! He didn’t put a foot wrong and couldn’t be denied this group and later went all the way to BPIS in superb company. He undoubtedly has an exciting career ahead of him.  

Group 2. Surfstone Limited Design, Breed: German Shepherd Dog (Miss V Bell) This was another quite beautiful puppy, so together for a youngster absolutely beautiful to go over from head to toe and so sound on the move. Clean cut, strong yet feminine head with firm, high set ears, strong muzzle, dark eyes and intelligent expression. The best of temperaments and handled to an advantage. I would have loved to have seen her moving in the big ring but that pesky Aussie wouldn’t allow it!! 

Group 3. Vandreem Imperial Linken, Breed: Samoyed (Miss R & Miss A Mann) Beautifully presented dog who caught my eye immediately and didn’t disappoint on closer inspection. Strong and active with an impressive outline, arched neck, good topline and tail carriage, deep chest, good length of leg, bone and feet. Such a happy smiling expression with dense pigment and dark eyes, totally attentive to his handler. Moved with a powerful, elegant action.   

Group 4. Edglonian Flash Gordon NAF, Breed: Shetland Sheepdog (Miss D Pearson) Yet another top quality puppy who couldn’t be denied a place here. Super for size, construction and outline with immaculate coat enhancing his outline further. His head is well proportioned, masculine yet refined with parallel planes, rounded muzzle, tight lips and neat, high set ears. Moved effortlessly, covering the ground with ease. 

Terrier Group 

Group 1. Glebeheath Marigold, Breed: Border Terrier (Mrs J Guvercin) What a beauty! Her head is stunning with the most beautiful dark eyes, short, strong muzzle and neat ears. Her construction is textbook with moderate neck, straight front, well ribbed back to strong loin, spans easily and has super rear assembly. Her harsh jacket is expertly presented and she is handled so well. She moved with absolute accuracy every time she was asked and even after a long day she was still showing her heart out. A really special puppy who was right up there with the Aussie and Foxhound on the last day, it broke my heart not to reward her but I’m sure she will have plenty of successful days ahead of her.  

Group 2. Calmarlin Ophelia, Breed: Dandie Dinmont Terrier (Miss K & Lord A Davies) This one was just adorable and I wondered if she would be my winner but after such a long day her batteries were running low and she just didn’t make as much of herself as the Border. Nevertheless an absolutely beautiful example of the breed with the most delightful head and expression, typical outline and balance with short strong legs, long body and correct topline, well angulated rear with well set and carried tail. Moved smartly with good reach and drive. 

Group 3. Sonorra Enchanted Spell, Breed: Lakeland Terrier (Mr & Mrs Connell) Very smart young bitch, really on her toes and showing off her compact, balanced outline both standing and on the move. Super reach of neck, good shoulders, short back, well turned stifles with hocks well let down and well set and carried tail. Well balanced length of head with strong jaw, small dark eyes, neat ears and really keen expression. In quality harsh jacked, moving smartly and accurately in all directions.  

Group 4. Silkcroft Play On Repeat, Breed: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Mr C W & Mrs C L Satherley) Compact and good for size with plenty of substance, well muscled and with nothing exaggerated. Strong neck into well laid shoulders, good chest and ribbing, short loin, strong well angulated rear with tail set and carried correctly. Powerful head with strong jaw, defined stop, square muzzle and big black nose. Moved with a lively, free gait displaying good reach and drive, maintaining his outline as he circled the ring enhanced by his well presented silky coat. 

Toy Group 

Group 1. Birchwind Aurelia, Breed: Italian Greyhound (Mrs J & Mrs M Amsel & Hayden-Smith) This baby presents such an elegant outline flowing smoothly from head to tail, super front and rear assembly, fine bone and short glossy coat. The most beautiful head and expression, large bright eyes and neat ears. Her movement for a young Italian was superb, so precise with good lift in front and drive from the rear. I thought she was exquisite and see now that I recently awarded her equally as beautiful mother BOB recently, the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree! 

Group 2. Helydon Zkitto Zkatto, Breed: Chinese Crested (Mr G Kirkwood) Another impressive youngster, just a little fed up by the time she came back to the ring which is understandable after a long day! Superb balance to her outline with lovely skin and furnishings, beautiful head and expression and really impressive movement. She should have little trouble gaining her crown. 

Group 3. Llapsttam Techno Notice, Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Mr M & Mr M Spall & Clark) This B/T really did catch my attention. Spot on for size, shape and substance, well angulated fore and aft with firm topline and perfect tail carriage. His head is scrumptious with the most beautiful large dark eyes and plush muzzle. Covered the ground effortlessly and presented in beautiful coat and condition.  

Group 4. Carycares Hot to Go, Breed: Affenpinscher (Miss S & Miss J & Mrs L Wildig & Wildig & Cary) No shame standing 4th here, this cheeky little girl made me smile each time I looked at her. Compact and fairly sturdy for her size with good topline, tailset and carriage. The most gorgeous monkey-like expression with the darkest of eyes, neat ears and good turnup. Strutted round the ring like she was the most important dog in the room!  

Utility Group 

Group 1. Newfangled Buckee Burr, Breed: Chow Chow (Mrs E & Miss A Bone & Markillie) What a great partnership this dog and handler have, he didn’t take his eyes off her the whole time and couldn’t have made any more of himself if he tried. Compact and well knit with strong neck allowing for a proud head carriage, straight front with good bone and feet, deep chest and well sprung ribs, short level back, lovely rear assembly with tail carried well over his back. Broad, flat head with plenty of fill under clean, dark eyes, broad muzzle and good pigment throughout. His typical scowling expression is wonderful and his correct movement is a delight to see, an unhurried pendulum action, totally sound and ever so accurate for a baby. His beautifully presented rough coat enhances his outline further. I couldn’t resist him for the top spot here. 

Group 2. Amorevita Dark Horse, Breed: Miniature Schnauzer (Mrs E Descere) Black dog who is a real showman and who’s handler really knows how to get the best out of him. Sturdily built and square in outline with good neck, topline and rear angulation with tail set and carried well. Good length of head with dark oval eyes, good planes, powerful muzzle and strong jaw. Stylish and accurate on the move, covering the ground with a good length of stride, outline firm enhanced by an immaculately presented harsh coat.  

Group 3. Fujin Go Daruma Kensha Ir Jch Cw-J'26, Breed: Japanese Akita Inu (Mr R Gioffre) Immaculately presented dog of good size and substance for age, well off for bone, typical balance to his outline, slightly longer than tall with crested neck, moderate front and rear angulation, good chest, ribbing and tuck up, firm topline and thick tail carried well over back. Beautiful head and expression, rounded with good cheeks, well set hooded ears, good furrow between small dark eyes and deep, well tapered muzzle. Moved with a typical, rhythmic gait, good out and back and looking particularly impressive in profile. 

Group 4. Kamarri Step Ahead, Breed: Poodle (Standard) (Miss L Stephen) Well balanced black dog, mature and well grown for his age with proud carriage who was particularly impressive on the move. Long neck into good shoulders, deep chest and well rounded ribs, strong loin, good topline and well angulated rear. Masculine head of good length with dark expressive eyes, strong muzzle, tight lips and good chin. Moved with purpose and style. 

Working Group 

Group 1. Longsdale Stormy Lovers at Glenauld, Breed: Boxer (Misses L & S Mair) Squarely built and in such fit, muscular condition with strong bone and standing on good feet. Strong, clean neck into a well constructed front, deep chest, well ribbed back to strong loin, gently sloping topline and broad, well angulated rear. I couldn’t resist her head and expression, well proportioned, feminine yet strong with beautiful dark eyes and intelligent expression, broad deep muzzle, good chin, open nostrils and well set ears. She powered round the ring as if she owned it, accurate out and back, reaching well in front and driving well from behind, outline remaining firm. Expertly handled to top this group. 

Group 2. Rarjo Earl of Fife Macduff, Breed: Portuguese Water Dog (Mr B C & Ms L G & Miss M Williams & Newton & Slack) I had judged the breed earlier in the day at the ‘other’ show and this super youngster was rather fed up and not cooperating with his handler, missing out on the main awards. A few hours later his head was back in the game and he couldn’t have looked better! Such a smart outline with his curly black coat presented without a hair out of place. Super for size and balance with plenty of substance and in such impressive muscular condition. The most handsome of heads with dark round eyes, good furrow, big black nose and strong jaw. Moved with purpose looking a picture in profile. 

Group 3. Siberiadrift Black Beauty, Breed: Siberian Husky (Mrs K Hughes) She certainly is a beauty! Her well balanced outline immediately caught my eye, arched neck allowing for proud head carriage, firm topline, good depth of chest and length of leg, well bent stifles and parallel rear. Feminine head of good proportions with defined stop between correctly shaped eyes, well set and used ears and such a lovely expression. Light and graceful on the move, covering the ground effortlessly with firm topline and well furred tail carried correctly.  

Group 4. Roucandane Gap Year for Kemanilo, Breed: Great Dane (Mrs K Nayar) This one couldn’t be ignored. Strong and elegant in outline with head carried high on a strong, arched neck. Super front and rear assembly, deep body, strong bone and in such beautiful condition throughout. Well balanced head with strong jaw, nice eyes and such a dignified expression. Impressed greatly on the move and thoroughly deserved a place in this group.