City Of Birmingham Canine Association

City Of Birmingham Canine Association

Sunday 6th September 2026

I would like to thank the committee of The City Of Birmingham Canine Association for inviting me to judge Golden Retrievers and award my first set of CC’s at their Championship Show on Sunday 6th September 2026. 

A special thank you must go to my two stewards Trish and Bill for working tirelessly to ensure the ring ran smoothly and for keeping me right. My greatest appreciation goes to the exhibitors who brought their beautiful dogs for me to judge, it was an absolute honour.

I had a wonderful entry of 184 dogs of exceptional quality. I found temperaments exemplary, coat condition and muscle tone excellent and bites were uniformly correct. While top movement was sound it was not universal across the entire entry, I also noticed some high tail carriage. However, the overall depth of quality still led to some very hard decisions in well filled classes, meaning some lovely dogs unfortunately went unplaced.

I am delighted with my winners, I was looking for dogs that are fit for function, exhibiting structural soundness and balance alongside rock solid confidence paired with a textbook biddable temperament.

It was wonderful to see these traits reflected so strongly in today’s entry and especially in my winners.

Special Beginners Dog ( 6 ent 1 abs)

1st It Takes Two Anarchia Box Wondertemple – Mr M Pietrykowski.

A pale coated dog 14 months old, nicely presented. A balanced male head with a kind expression and black pigment. Lovely length of neck flowing into a good shoulder layback, forehand well developed with corresponding rear angles. Topline was level and held on the move. Very well presented and handled.

I was pleased to award him SBD, BSB in breed and delighted to hear he went on to win SB Group 1 and Reserve SB in show.

2nd Rocamoka Harbour Light – Mrs N Smith

A well-presented mid coated boy of nice proportions, beautiful shaped head with a well-defined stop black pigment and correct ear set. Well-made throughout and stood on tight catlike feet, straight limbs and balanced angles, slightly longer cast than the winner but he moved out well with a positive good driving action.

3rd Orlagold Major Tom – Mrs L and Mr A Forrest

Veteran Dog (5 ent 1 abs)

1st Maddouse Top Hat – Mrs SE Phipps-Baker & Mr I Baker

A beautiful 9-year-old boy well presented in the most fabulous pale coat, what a great showman he is, he’s got the most gorgeous head soft with a kind expression dark kind eye and his pigment is still black. He has a lovely deep chest, plenty of heart room a level topline and super corresponding angles, a lovely length of leg and lovely tight feet, he moved well, covered the ground with ease, his tail never stopped. A happy dog completely at one with his handler.

2nd Ousevale Tobermory JW – Mrs V Clarke-Gear

Another beautiful veteran almost 8 years of age, a gorgeous male head with a melting expression and good pigment. A nice length of neck flowing into a well laid-back shoulder placement, a level topline held on the move and well-balanced angles fore and aft. He is slightly shorter on leg than the winner, but what a fabulous mover he is, he just powered around the ring with strength and fabulous driving action.

3rd SH CH Thornywait Space Cowboy At Lovissa JW – Mrs M Loverock and Mrs L Waldron-Smith

Minor Puppy Dog (6 ent 2 abs)

1st Amilone Don’t Mind If I Do At Dikeadaze – Miss A Cooper

A lovely mid gold puppy, nicely balanced, lovely well chiselled male head with a kind intelligent expression, good length of neck, possessing a well-developed forehand with corresponding rear angles for his age and a perfect tail set and carriage. He moved out well showing confidence and enthusiasm, my notes say a little bit excited on the move, a puppy showing confidence and an eagerness to please, that playfulness is always a bonus I like to see a confident puppy enjoying himself.

2nd Double Willow Orlando To Siagar – Mrs G Gargan

Only 11 days in age between these two puppies, this boy is also a well-developed puppy certainly well off for bone, he was well presented in a fabulous thick mid gold coat, again a super male head with a melting expression dark pigment and correct ear set. Level topline, compact, and short coupled, good angulation fore and aft with correct tail set and carriage. He moved out well displaying good forward reach and a powerful rear drive.

I liked both of these puppies and I’m sure they will exchange places many times

3rd Tikotta Spring of Mind (Imp Hun) – Ms J Bednall and Mr A Milledge

Puppy Dog (8 ent 2 abs)

1st Hoaaloha Sandpiper – Mrs F Bell

Well! What can I say? Its Showtime? or Let Me Entertain You? We got both with this enthusiastic boy!

A beautiful well-made pale coated boy shown in profuse coat for his age, a fabulous head soft kind expression, good length of neck and a wonderful forehand corresponding rear, level topline and correct tailset. His leg length is good he is well up on his pasterns and has tight catlike feet, I particularly loved his movement good reach from the front and strong in the rear I was pleased to award him BPD and in the challenge BP, He then threw in a commando roll to show his appreciation just loved his character.

2nd Mardargold Trick Or Treat – Mr M & Mrs M Evans

A nice pale to mid coated puppy well off for bone, similar age to the winner. He has a soft but male head excellent pigment and a kind expression, a level topline with good corresponding angles fore and aft, straight limbs and tight feet. His handler at times stood a little bit too close causing him to pull his head back which disrupts his length of neck into his shoulder placement. He moved out well with a perfect foot fall, I was able to see a clear picture of his well-balanced outline in profile on the move.

3rd Amilone Don’t Mind If I Do At Dikeadaze –Miss A G Cooper

Junior Dog (3 ent 0 abs)

1st Fenpinque Royal Rascal By Molestream JW – Mrs S Norris

A perfectly presented pale coated young dog of excellent breed type, he was free stood displaying natural balance, while he is not large framed, he is beautifully put together with everything in the right place. A soft melting expression, black pigment, a good length of neck and a well-developed chest into a fabulous shoulder placement and corresponding upper arm, setting his legs well under his body, excellent rear angulation with well let down straight hocks. So balanced in his angles his movement is fluid and effortless viewed from every direction I was Delighted to award him first in Junior Dog and Best Junior. Delighted to hear the lovely comments he received from the group judge.

2nd It Takes Two Anarchia Box Wondertemple (Imp Pol) – Mr M Pietrykowski

Repeat (Class 3014 SBD)

3rd Grey Goose Killing In The Name – Ms S Tomanova

Yearling Dog (7 ent 0 abs)

1st Lynste Dream Boy JW – Mrs L Davis

Really liked this young dog, he was beautifully presented in a mid-gold coat, he is so pleasing on the eye, lots to like about him, he has a lovely male head with an intelligent expression dark pigment with kind dark eyes, well angled fore and aft legs placed right under his body. Good developed second thigh and well let down hocks. A level topline and correct tailset which he held on the move. The large ring gave him the opportunity to showcase his fabulous movement which won him his first place in this quality class.

2nd Wynrita Call Me Elder Prince For Honeymill – Mrs T & Mr P Kinchella

Another lovely example of the breed from this class, impeccably presented, a larger framed dog than the winner as I now see his half-brother. He has a masculine head with a broad well-proportioned skull a kind expression and dark pigment, a level topline held on the move, short coupled with a good spring of rib, a well-developed second thigh and a nice bend of stifle. He made excellent use of the big ring to stride out today.

3rdAmbersun Winter Storm JW – Mr N Mears

Graduate Dog (8 ent 0 abs)

1st Flyngalee Topsy Turvy JW – Miss S McCormack

A dog of lovely type and excellent proportions, he was immaculately turned out in a beautiful mid- gold coat. He is of a good size, with a beautiful head, broad skull and defined stop. He has dark eyes with excellent pigment, a level topline and is well angled fore and aft. Well off for bone and standing on tight neat feet, he is a true free mover at one with his handler.

2nd Goldmarker Alderbaran – Mrs L & Mr T Smith

A lovely mid gold coated boy stood like a soldier in this class, never stopped looking at his handler. Masculine head with no coarseness good length of neck into a well laid-back shoulder dead level top line. He is short coupled and overall, well balanced, I just preferred the movement of the winner today.

3rd Trewater Watson At Goldrealm JW –Mrs M Taylor and Mr N Teague

Post Graduate Dog (12 ent 0 abs)

1st Graceleigh Legend Of Tarzan – Mrs DJ & Mr M Vernon

Beautiful pale coated boy, beautiful male head, dark pigment with a melting expression, he’s well balanced, fabulous level topline and correct tailset. He looked very impressive standing in line in this class, but he really comes into his own when moving you just can’t fault his accurate foot fall, level topline lovely head carriage and tail carried straight off his back. He was considered for the RCC today.

2nd Goldmarker Pupdini Escapes – Mrs L & Mr T Smith.

This lovely mid gold male with beautiful blonde feathering, really catches your eye, he possesses a nice soft head accentuated with a gentle expression and excellent pigment, a good length of leg, well balanced and short coupled, he is well ribbed back carries a level top line into a correct tailset. I really liked his overall symmetry

3rd Swed Dewmist Danztore With Ousevale JW – Mrs V Clarke-Gear

Limit Dog (16 ent 2 abs)

1st Linirgor Seven Up At Millanza JW – Miss B Angell

A beautifully presented pale cream male, in profuse coat, a fabulous masculine head with a melting expression, lovely dark eyes and dark pigment. You have to get hands on this dog to appreciate his construction, he’s well-muscled, plenty of bone, deep through the chest and well ribbed back, strong over the loin and well angulated fore and aft, he moved out with power in his stride today. I was happy to award him his first place in this quality class.

2nd Alibren Rock Legend For Ashiqua – Mr D Harvey & Mr P Anderson

A very happy mid gold boy well presented in a gleaming coat today, a male head with good pigment and a kind expression he is well angled deep through the chest with a level topline, and a good bend of stifle. I noticed he is happy to be free-stood or stacked I think I prefer him free-stood, he just walks into a natural four-square stance and holds it himself, he has a very happy disposition adores his handler and his ever-wagging tail makes a lovely picture.

3rd Brekswood Gentleman Jack JW – Mrs SJ England

Open Dog (6 ent 0 abs)

1st CH Olvinglay Gan Amhras JW (ITA Imp) – Mr G Monteverde & Mrs H Morss

An exceptional 3-year-old pale cream coated dog who possessed everything I was looking for today. he epitomises fit for function presented in well-muscled hard condition. He has a fabulous outline, a beautiful masculine head, a soft intelligent expression and super dark pigment. He is well angled fore and aft with firm muscle tone, deep through the chest and well ribbed back, strong second thighs with straight well let down hocks stood on neat well-padded feet. He presents exceptional free movement combining effortless reach and powerful rear drive displaying soundness and structural efficiency on the move. A true dual-purpose dog combining correct breed type with hard fit condition of a proven working Gundog.

I was delighted to award him the DCC and BOB in the challenge. Thrilled to hear he was shortlisted in the group. My sincere thanks for the opportunity to award my first CC to this outstanding dog

2nd SHCH Bencoe Just In Time Del Avrain JW Ir J CH – Mrs A & Mr I Black

An immaculately presented profuse pale cream dog, a beautiful head and melting expression dark pigment excellent length of neck into a dead level topline firm loin and short couplings correct tailset and carriage well-muscled throughout tight neat feet, his skilful handler certainly gets the best from him and moves him to advantage, his footfall is perfect and the speed is just right, gets him into his stride and you cannot fault him. A hard decision between these two today, this boy came back into the challenge after the CC was awarded and powered through, I was delighted to award him the RCC.

3rd SH CH Ashbyglen Excalibur JW – Ms J Holmes

Good Citizen Dog (5 ent 1 abs)

1st Mossburn Galloping Major JW – Mrs S Pounds-Longhurst

I’ve Judged this boy before, he is a mid to dark coated boy, always well-presented and in hard condition. He is well muscled throughout, with a masculine head of good proportions so typical of the breed, with a kind intelligent expression, good pigment and well-balanced angles. he is firm over the loin, short coupled with a good width to his second thigh. He is well schooled standing perfectly, displaying a picture of balance. Another boy who could easily do a day in the field.

2nd Rocamoka Harbour Light – Mrs N Smith

Repeat (Class 3014 SBD)

3rd Mardargold Bobby Dazzler – Miss T Waller

Special Beginners Bitch (12 ent 5abs)

1st Cremecrew I’m The One – Dr. L Johnstone

A pretty pale-coated bitch, with a lovely feminine head and a melting expression, good pigment and nice dark eyes, correct ear set. She possesses a good length of neck into a well-developed chest, a nice spring of rib and a level topline. Exhibited a gentle demeanour, she moved out attentively and at one with her handler, biddable and eager to please.

2nd Vera’s Mystery At Evenmint – Mrs N &Mr I Lowther

A lovely pale cream girl, slightly larger framed than the winner but remaining completely feminine. Balanced head with good pigment a kind expression and dark eyes. She has a level topline, correct angulation fore and aft, with a good spring of rib and a firm loin, correct tailset that she holds on the move. I just preferred the movement of 1 today.

3rd Toseland Tilia At Goldlyn – Mrs L Crick

Veteran Bitch (3 ent 0 abs)

1st Bluebraes Jacobite Lass – Miss K McFarlane

A wonderful almost 9-year-old bitch who completely belies her age with her zest and enthusiasm, she could easily hold her own in any of the younger classes. Beautifully presented and handled, in a mid-gold coat, she immediately grabs your attention. Her head is so pretty with a melting expression, lovely pigment and dark eyes. She has a lovely length of neck flowing into a dead-level topline, great breadth of chest and is deep through the heart. With straight front legs tight elbows and corresponding rear angulation I just loved her, and was delighted to award her first in Veteran Bitch and Best Veteran in breed.

2nd Rosgar Dolly O’dare Among Mossburn VW – Mrs S Pounds-Longhurst 

Another 9-year-old veteran who belies her age. Turned out in hard condition well-muscled and expertly handled. Shown in a gleaming dark gold coat, with gentle waves dead level top line. She is short coupled a good with of chest, a good length of leg, tight elbows and fabulous corresponding rear angulation and lovely neat tight feet. Moved out well with precision and drive.

3rd Benrowan Espirit VW – Mrs S and Mr W Hush

All three veterans in this class are a credit to their owners.

Minor Puppy Bitch (8 ent 1 abs)

1st Shebelta My Fair Lady At Meloak – Mrs H and Mr M Mell

A beautiful pale coated bitch not quite 9 months of age. What a lovely puppy she is, fabulous soft head loved the shape, and melting expression lovely inky black pigment, correct ear set. Good length of neck leading to a smooth shoulder layback, nice neat well-padded feet, I loved her length of leg and tight elbows. Her chest is of a good width, she’s well bodied with a nice spring of rib firm in the loin and correct tailset. She moved out well with confidence and good drive covered the ground with ease.

2nd Amilone You’re Still The One – Mrs R Woolley

A quality bitch of a different type to the winner but with much to admire. Well presented in a mid-gold coat, she possesses a well-balanced feminine head with lovely dark pigment. She has a super length of neck flowing into a good shoulder placement, and a level topline which she held on the move. Standing on a good length of leg and neat feet. She’s well-ribbed back and short coupled, with a firm second thigh and a nice turn of stifle. She moved confidently displaying good reach and drive.

3rd Maddouse Just Trouble – Mrs SE Phipps-Baker and Mr I Baker

Puppy Bitch (16 ent 6 abs)

1st Cadwst Eternal Ember – Mrs V Nelson

A very pretty pale-coated bitch of almost 12 months of age. She has a beautiful feminine head, correct ear-set and good pigment. Lovely length of neck flowing into a good shoulder placement, her chest is well developed for her age. I particularly liked her length of leg with tight elbows, and strong pasterns, stood on well-padded feet. Holding a level topline and correct tailset. Her standing outline in the class was lovely. On the move she went out with positive drive gracefully covering the ground with ease.

2nd Amilone You’re Still The One – Mrs R Woolley

Repeat (Class 3027 MPB)

3rd Siatham Esmerelda – Mrs A Falconer.

Junior Bitch (16 ent 4 abs)

1st Maltqudos Vanity Fayre – Mrs VL Mandley

A well-presented and immaculately groomed pale coated bitch. I loved her fabulous head, it’s soft and feminine and she has beautifully shaped dark eyes with good pigment. A super length of neck flowing into her shoulders, a level topline which she held well on the move with her tail carried level straight off her back. She stands on a good length of leg with well tucked elbows and correct straight forward-facing, well-padded feet. She presents a stunning silhouette viewed from all angles and really stood out in the class.

Pleased to award her First junior Bitch.

2nd Strathlon Angel Eyes – Mrs L ONeil

A lovely pale coated bitch. Not quite as settled as the winner today, it did not detract from her fabulous quality. She has a pleasing well balanced feminine head, a good length of neck and a level topline. She is larger framed than the winner but well bodied throughout. Possessing good angulation fore and aft as well as correct tailset and carriage, she moved with excellent reach and drive. Her movement really confirmed her attributes showing clean action coming and going and beautifully balanced in profile.

3rd Bluebraes Voyager JW – Miss K McFarlane and Mrs W McFarlane

Yearling Bitch (17 ent 4 abs) 

1st Kayzaelle Kumbuka Peace JW –Mrs L Furbank

A very glamorous pale coated bitch one I have often admired from the ringside. She stood out in this class today for her fabulous outline. She is feminine but retains excellent substance. She possesses a beautiful shaped head, lovely dark pigment and a super length of neck, that flows seamlessly in to an excellent front assembly, with matching rear angulation, a good width to second thigh and correct tailset, which she held on the move. Her movement was effortless and free-flowing. A consideration for the RCC.

2nd Yu Had Me At Hello TAF – Mrs S M Zubair.

Another fabulous class full of quality where I was splitting hairs in some cases. I really liked this pale coated bitch who was just unlucky to come up against the winner today. She has the most appealing head and expression, a correct ear-set and dark pigment. Her topline is level and held on the move, with balanced angles fore and aft. Her tail carriage is level; she completed her performance with strong clean driving movement.

3rd Lamancha Unstoppable JW – Miss M McDonald

Graduate Bitch (13 ent 4 abs)

1st Linirgor Adeline At Treeveville JW – Mrs D Youngson

Just over 2 years of age this beautiful young bitch was immaculately presented in a gleaming mid gold coat with ample blonde feathering. Free-standing four square, she presents the epitome of natural balance. She possesses a super, feminine head of correct proportion, a well-defined stop, excellent dentition, excellent pigment and, kind dark eyes casting the prettiest expression I have seen in a long time.

Excellently constructed with good bone and super angulation fore and aft, she is deep through the chest, plenty of heart room, alongside corresponding layback and upper arm, that places her straight legs well under the body. A level topline, good spring of rib strength over the loin, and a correct tailset and carriage, standing on well-padded tight catlike feet complete the textbook picture.

Her movement was a joy to watch driving powerfully from the rear with effortless forward extension while holding her topline perfectly. Viewed from every angle, she was in perfect unison and remained beautifully attentive to her handler. I was delighted to award this lovely bitch the CC today, and I’m certain there will be many more to come.

2nd Strathlon Morning Breeze – Mrs L ONeill

A beautiful bitch of a similar age to the winner wonderfully presented in a darker gold coat with blonde feathering. Slightly longer cast than the winner, but beautifully put together. She has a well-balanced feminine head with a well-defined stop, dark eyes, and excellent pigment. A fabulous length of neck that flows into a good shoulder placement. Dead level top line, which she held on the move, while maintaining correct head and tail carriage. Straight legs and neat well-padded feet. Another lovely example of the breed, looking fully capable of a day’s work.

3rd Cadwst Song Of Spring JW – Mrs V Nelson

Post Graduate Bitch (13 ent 4 abs)

1st Flyngalee Dilly Dally – Miss S McCormack and Mrs J Russell

Loved this mid gold coated girl; she stood out for her breed type and her clean balanced outline. Immaculately presented in a pale god coat with blonde feathering, her head is beautiful and soft with a melting expression and lovely dark pigment. Her body features a deep chest, well sprung ribs and short couplings. She stands on straight legs with balanced angles fore and aft, finishing on neat feet. On the move she was sound with good reach and a powerful rear drive, doing everything right and impressing every time she was asked to cover the ground. Delighted to award this fabulous girl the RCC today.

2nd Castlegolden Classy Girl JW – Mrs S Magson and Mr K Magson

Pale-coated bitch of excellent quality another I have often admired. I loved her feminine head, melting expression, dark pigment and correct ear set. She has a good length of neck; a lovely layback of shoulder and corresponding upper arm that gives her a super front assembly matching her correct rear angles. She holds a level topline and tail-set on the move. Her movement was effortless, loved her; she was just unlucky to meet the winner today.

3rd Drumkilty One Night Stand For Sandaula JW – Ms P Hill

Limit Bitch (23 ent 6 abs)

1st Bencoe Book Of Time – Mr P Drury and Mrs P Drury

The largest class of the day with 17 bitches present! At this level an exhibit has have to have something special, and this girl certainly has it. She is a beautiful well-presented bitch in a pale cream coat with gentle waves. She possesses a kind gentle expression with excellent black pigment, lovely length of neck, a fabulous front assembly that matches perfectly her textbook rear angles. She has a level topline, correct tailset, strong over the loin and short coupled. She shows very good width to her second thigh, has well let down hocks and neat padded feet. On the move she covered the ground with ease, maintaining perfect balance and symmetry. I liked her a lot, at times her handler was a tad too close causing her to pull her head back; however, she remains a quality example of the breed.

2nd Amilone Pinkster – Mrs R Woolley

Another lovely bitch from this well- filled class, beautifully turned out in a pale cream coat. I loved her head shape, which is so typical of the breed. She is slightly larger cast than the winner, but with everything in proportion. Well balanced with a dead level topline, lovely reach of neck into an excellent shoulder placement. She shows a well-developed forechest, lovely layback and corresponding length of upper arm, firm over the loin, a good width to her second thigh and a correct tailset. She moved out well, covering the ground with ease when viewed from every angle.

3rd Soneve Simply Special For Siatham JW – Mrs A Falconer

Open Bitch ( 13 ent 4 abs 1 trfd in from LB)

1st Sh Ch Quakerhall Flare By Pandora – Mrs D S Crookes and Mrs R Jenkinson

A fabulous 6-year-old Champion bitch, shown in a magnificent deep gold coat, her head and expression are balanced and soft. Her forechest is well developed, as you’d expect for an adult bitch of this quality. She is well muscled and firm under her coat, with good bone and superb angulation fore and aft. She clearly adores her handler, and it is wonderful to see such a mutual partnership. I Loved her balance and her superb outline and pleased to award her first place in this quality class.

2nd SH CH Drumkilty Yours Truly JW – Mrs F M Clarkson

Fabulous pale-coated bitch, just over 4 years of age and one I have always admired. Having judged this beautiful bitch before as a puppy, she has fulfilled every bit of her early potential. She has lovely balanced head with dark pigment, and a clean neck of good length leading into textbook angulation, her front is straight, legs well under, and of good length, complemented by matching rear angles, a firm straight topline.

Today, she was a little unsettled at times, however, as expected with her excellent conformation she moved out well with easy strides covering the ground effortlessly.

3rd SH CH Megarvey Clementine JW – Miss P Hill & Mr D Smith

Good Citizen Bitch (8ent 0 abs)

1st Cadwst Song Of Spring JW – Mrs V Nelson

A very pretty compact young bitch, beautifully presented in a thick cream coat, a lovely feminine head with good dark pigment. She is well angled fore and aft. A level topline and correct tail set, held on the move, with a good length of leg. She moved out well today, lovely to see her being so attentive to her handler, I was happy to award her first place.

2nd Rosgar Dolly O’dare Among Mossburn VW – Mrs S Pounds-Longhurst

Repeat (Class 3026)

3rd Warrentor Abeline JW – Miss K Clunie

Judge

Mrs Lesley Robinson.