United Kingdom Toydog Society

United Kingdom Toydog Society

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

I would like to thank the society for their kind invitation to judge for them again. This is the 3rd time I have officiated the breed here – doing the males twice previously and now both sexes this time. It is still one of my very favourite shows…..and seems to have retained an atmosphere that sets it apart. I was pleased with my entry numerically. In these times of economic hardship every one is very much appreciated. 

I’ve said a lot about the state of the breed on my 2 most recent appointments previously and I’m sorry to say the downward spiral appears to be continuing. There are still the superstars to be found….but they are few and far between. Judging is always about compromise, but are we accepting just too many of these compromises these days?  

Obviously, because I am on the show circuit year in year out, many of the dogs, puppies aside, weren’t new to me. But as the old saying goes……don‘t judge a book by its cover….and I was pleased to have the chance to do a hands-on assessment and make my own judgements.

I was satisfied with both my line ups, feeling I was able to find cavaliers that represented the standard well and were also similar to each other…..too often recently, I’ve seen judges award a CC & RCC to 2 dogs that are simply poles apart…this is a real bug bear of mine. 

DOGS

Class 48 SBD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: BOUTLES’ Applebroad Red Prince

Attractive 22mth blen. Mature in body & coat, which was well broken. Very correct head with pleasing expression. Moved soundly keeping a level topline with good tail set & carriage. Won this class on his overall maturity.

2nd: HAWKINS’ Lexody's Legacy

Richly coloured blen of just 8 mths. Has a lot to like about him at this stage. He is a little lose all through but can see a lot of promise in him when he all comes together. He’s of a nice size & shape, with a good outline. Shall watch his progress with interest 

3rd: MCGILLS’ Toraylac Cosmopolitan

Class 49 VD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: WILEMAN & BOTTS’ Ch Granasil Trick Or Treat for Narvidar JW

Well known b&t who I met before in the Crufts ring when he came into challenge my BCC winner for BOB in 2022. I have to say, imho he has only improved since then…like a fine wine! His body has dropped & filled, and his outline become more elegant. He is still so short, but with lovely neck & shoulder (a combination so hard to achieve), and holds a rock solid topline, carrying his tail straight off his back. His head has matured so much since then too, with his brow breaking giving him a more open expression, and his eyes are larger (yes they do grow), round and dark giving a really appealing outlook. He motors round the ring, sometimes at breakneck speed, but for me it just makes me smile seeing him enjoying his time back in the ring so much. Had to include him in my final 4, and ultimately couldn’t deny him BVIB over the lovely bitch. Was thrilled to see him take a fabulous BVIS 4….still showing his heart out at the very end of the day

2nd: LEES’ Kelrick Flashback

Well-made blen who wasn’t in as sparkling form as the b&t. Nicely marked, carrying a good coat. He has a nice shape, keeping a good outline both standing and on the move. Attractive head but wasn’t looking his happiest here. 

3rd: WRAGGS’ Jomaki Gospel Bill

Class 50 MPD (6 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: SPALL & CLARKS’ Llapsttam Techno Notice

On my first go round this little chap made me smile. He has such a ‘look at me’ attitude which I love. He is a lovely size with a really neat, compact little shape. Carrying a good body & bone, he’s got nice substance without being heavy. Sweet head, all in proportion, good ear set & carriage and lovely large eyes which glinted with such mischievousness! Going round he is so full of self-assurance holding his head high and moving with such style & drive. He has it all to come, and I’m sure we will be seeing this boy hits the heights in the coming years. BPD

2nd: LOVELS’ Lovetrac Beckham

This boy is a rangier type who was more mature than 1. He has a nice outline, with good neck & shoulder. Maybe a tad long in loin, but this should shorten up as his body develops. For me his head properties lacked the appeal of 1, but a puppy of quality who I’ve no doubt will have a stellar future. 

3rd: HALLS’ Rootessma Brightstar

Class 51 PD (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: VORDERSTRASSE & ARROWSMITHS’ Arrowbien Clark Gable

Mature blen carrying a wealth of well-marked coat, which was nicely broken and in gleaming condition. Nice for size, with an attractive shape which he held well on the move. Has an ultra soft expression from his lustrous dark eyes, well filled foreface and all framed by correctly set ears. Was just lacking the confidence of the younger b&t, but another star in the making for sure. 

2nd: SURMANS’ Charnell Go Your Own Way to Vallender

An attractively marked blen, built on larger lines than 1. Has it all there, just needs to drop into his frame a little more. Super lines with graceful neck and well laid shoulders. Kept a good topline at all times. Will be interested to see him a few years when he has ‘neatened’ up 

3rd: STONEBRIDGES’ Carsan Double Agent with Toseland

Class 52 JD (5 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: KERRS’ Caramoone Canadian Club for Kinvaar

This attractive blen boy scored for size & shape. Loveliest of heads with beautiful eye & outlook and such a kind expression. He is neat & compact with enough neck, good shoulders and a short level back. He has easy fluid movement keeping a strong topline and carrying his tail well. Here he was a little in-between coats

2nd: JACKSONS’ Fortunamajor Jimmy Choo JW

Another nice young blen, not dissimilar in style to 1. He really appeals for shape & outline, super neck & shoulders, with a neat body. Softest of heads, with a captivating expression – he is a real pretty boy. He possesses a lighter build all over and couldn’t match 1 for topline or tail carriage.

3rd: SMITHS’ Rosspenn Christmas Celebration

Class 54 ND (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: HAWKINS’ Lexody's Legacy

See Sp. Beg

2nd: FIRTHS’ Tamyse The Charmer 

Well-marked blen who sadly just wasn’t enjoying himself today. Has a sweet head & expression with lovely dark eyes. Nice for bone & substance, moved ok, but was difficult to truly assess due to his unhappiness. I really felt for his owner.

Class 55 GD (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: BOUTLES’ Applebroad Red Prince

See Sp.Beg

2nd: DANKS’ Rabymar Prince William at Alsidewood JW

Compact b&t in good coat with rich bright tan. Moved soundly & steadily with equal footfall. Decent head & expression, just would prefer a little more softness for me.

Class 56 PGD (5 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: WILLIAMS’ Charnell The Renegade Sancana JW

This little blen is lovely to go over, everything is fluid and fits where it should. He’s a compact size, with neat outline, good round bone and super angles all through. One of the best movers here today, so precise coming & going. In good coat which was in super condition. One of the prettier boys here today with everything in moderation - am sure he is one with a good future.

2nd: HOLLANDS’ Ard -Na Said De Los Ursidos Kodiak (Sp Imp)

Slightly longer cast b&t who was in good coat & condition. Had a nice head with kind expression. Held a nice topline on the move, just couldn’t match 1 for trueness of footfall

3rd: OWENS’ Hansowens Star Of India Narayden

Class 57 MdLD (5 Entries) Abs: 1 I was splitting hairs between the first 2 here…both with lots to like and very similar

1st: LEVY & SEDGWICKS’ Pascavale Banksy

Noted this boy on his debut last year and thought him an exciting prospect. He has matured into a well coated blen, heavier marked but nothing to detract from his neat shape. Being a lovely size, he’s a real toy spaniel – so typical of this affix. Decent neck & shoulder, short coupled with good croup and tail set. Super head, large dark eyes, good fill under eye and darkest of pigment…including his halos which seems to be lacking more & more these days. He was somewhat spirited today, and while his side gait was purposeful and presented an impressive picture, it was sadly very erratic on the down and back and this is ultimately what pegged him back from top honours today. Pulled into my last 4.  

2nd: MYNOTTS’ Honeybet Hamilton JW

This richly coloured blen is another who I have admired from a puppy. He has a lot of the same attributes as 1….crested neck, well laid shoulders, short level back and good hind angulation. He’s got the dreamiest of heads, large soulful eyes, with enough underfill, and framed by well fringed correctly set ears. Like quite a few others, his pigment wasn’t as its best after the winter, and he didn’t have quite the pizazz of Banksy to take the class. I hope with more exposure and confidence he gets the accolades I think he deserves.

3rd: SMITHS’ Beaudale Smooth Criminal

Class 58 LD (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: LONGS’ Arroline Kryptonite JW

This shapely tri was carrying a fabulous coat, which was put down to the minute. He has a super shape, and clean outline which is shown off to perfection by his meticulous handling. Short back, good shoulder placement and well sprung rib…he is all boy without being coarse in anyway. 

2nd: WALKERS’ Carsan Richie Rich JW

Another nice tri, size smaller all over. Again, meticulous presentation and handling which showed off all his attributes to advantage. Whilst he probably inched my preference in head properties having a slightly kinder expression, he couldn’t match 1 for croup, topline and tail set.

3rd: WILLIS’ Dinitro's Rock Steady Eddie JW

Class 59 SOD(B/T/R) (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: SPALL & CLARKS’ Llapsttam Luther Vandross JW

I remember seeing this richly coloured ruby make his debut at this show exactly a year ago and thought then he was something a bit special. He’s so well balanced, having just the right amount of leg under him for length of back. Swan like neck, laid back shoulders and good turn of stifle. In profuse coat which absolutely gleamed. His headpiece is coming on nicely – large dark eyes with jet black halos and good lip line. Because he is so mature, one can forget he is actually still a young dog and as such has more development through his rib to come, and that his head is not where it will be once fully in his prime. But today he was absolutely on his toes and I was thrilled to award him the RES CC. On the go round I felt he and my eventual CC winner complimented each other well.

2nd: PLAYERS’ Anickily Black Orchid

A petite b&t built on finer lines. Liked his size & shape presenting a good outline. Sweet head, with soft expression Moved well with style

3rd: DANKS’ Rabymar Prince William at Alsidewood JW

Class 60 OD (5 Entries) Abs: 3

1st: CHAPMAN & IRELANDS’ Ch Ellemich American Express

This well marked blen was fresh from his Crufts Toy Group win, and I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve seen him looking better than he is now. He is put down to perfection; his coat is an absolute lesson in presentation. From the tip of his black nose to the end of his ever wagging tail, he was just ‘shimmering’. Although lighter marked than is my personal preferance, his chestnut is a lovely rich colour. His head is delightful - large dark eyes correctly spaced, tapered muzzle with good filling, broad flat top skull all framed by well-placed ears which were in constant use. He has adequate neck and decent shoulders, and has sprung his rib, giving plenty of heart room and tighter front proportions. Good turn of stifle, neat hocks and nicely set tail. He has such power and drive from behind with the right amount of room between his hocks - it looks effortless and ethereal. Are there things I’d change about him – yes…no dog is perfect……but take his obvious attributes and add in the wonderful partnership he has with his owner/handler…it is just a joy to watch. Whichever way you look at him, he is everything a cavalier should be….

I couldn’t deny him the CC & BOB. Lovely to watch him still giving his all in the big ring and going on to take RBIS 

2nd: LOVELS’ Ch Lovetrac Banksy

Another quality blen with a handful of top wins to his name. Slightly smaller more compact shape but not lacking in any way. Straight front, short upper arm, neat level back & good topline. Nicely broken coat of good colours. Also in tune with his hander, presented a lovely picture on the stack. Just preferred the masculinity and stronger hind action of American Express. 

BITCHES

Class 61 SBB (8 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: HAWKINS’ Lexody's Serenity

Was utterly captivated by this little girl in this somewhat ‘grown up’ class. At just 8mths old, although giving a lot away in age, she was in super coat. It was slightly heavier jacketed, but of a deep rich chestnut & pearly white. Loved her neatness of shape, plenty of bone & substance but not over the top. She was well balanced, nice fore & aft and moved in a sound self-assured that belied her youth. Already so so pretty, with lovely eyes of the correct colour and super pigment. Yes, she was a little gangly and loose all through, but just as a puppy should be. I absolutely loved her ‘joi de vivre’….whenever I looked at her, her tail was thrashing and she was just happy. Charmed her way to BPB over another lovely girl, and eventually to BPIB. With ordinary luck would like to think she could reach the stars!

2nd: BOUTLES’ Applebroad Pink Lady JW

22mths blen…..litter sister to the SpBeg D class winner and very much a feminine version. Pretty head, but still correct. Lovely large round eyes, nice outline and good bone. Moved soundly holding her topline & tail well

3rd: WILLIS’ Dinitro's Madeleine JW

Class 62 VB (6 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: COLAVECCHIAS’ Carolus Miss Elsie VW

Illustrious veteran girl with a sassy personality. All in proportion in a neat little package. Nice outline going round with a good firm topline and tail carried well. Like the VD winner, she also motors round the ring in fact both of them could show the youngsters a thing or two! Ultra feminine head, beautiful limpid eyes, still fabulous pigment and well set ears. Short & compact she is an absolute sweetie who belies her age.

2nd: LEWIS’ Carleeto Satine

Smart little b&t out of a very similar mould to Miss Elsie. Another who powers round, with a strong sound gait, showing precise footfall. In a wealth of coat which was sleek & shiny.

3rd: LOADES’ Roslyn Rosirius Bluebell VW

Class 63 MPB (6 Entries) Abs: 3

1st: TREMAINS’ Estrella Magic Noblesse for Rosymorn (imp Svk)

Heavily marked tri – a very raw baby here. Very pretty with sweet head & expression. Neat shape, with good angles all through. Moved ok but was somewhat proud of her tail. Hope this settles as she learns the ropes.

2nd: LIVERTON-OVEYS’ Halosey All The Stars Align

More mature well broken blen. A size larger all over. Has the promise of a nice coat of correct colours. Attractive head & eye with good pigmentation.

3rd: WRIGHTS Fortunamajor Cast A Spell at Myloglenn

Class 64 PB (7 Entries) Abs: 4

1st: CHAPMAN & IRELANDS’ Ellemich Pure Passion

Very pretty blen…lovely head for age. Beautiful dark eyes giving a melting expression. Well set ears which she used effectively. Arched neck, well laid shoulders and short back. Neat loin, decent turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Thought she would be my BPB but was occasionally a bit careless with her topline on the stack, and tail on the last go round. I’ve no doubt this will improve with condition and am sure she is another star in the making for this kennel

2nd: WATTS’ Jamesbonny Adelaide

Liked this girl who was in no way shamed to stand 2nd here. Although not as forward or mature as the winner, she had a lot to like. She has the promise of a very correct head and is a useful size. Held a lovely shape when she put her mind to it, just needs more confidence.

3rd: HOGANS’ Arrowbien Grace Kelly for Stavonga

Class 65 JB (9 Entries) Abs: 3

1st: LONGS’ Arroline Iridescent

Another youngster I have admired from the ringside and was pleased to get the chance to assess her. Well marked blen who I think was on the verge of blowing her coat. The loveliest of sizes, she really scored on her graceful neck and lay of shoulder. Short coupled with good spring of rib and neat loin. Occasionally a little careless with her foot placement on the move, this will only improve with maturity. As always from this kennel – beautifully schooled and shown to advantage. I feel this will be the next ‘Arroline’ to carry a Ch title.  

2nd: SMITHS’ Rosspenn Christmas Star

Was quite taken with this girl…the more I looked at her the more I liked. Really admired her stylish outline on the move. Good bone, plenty of body & substance and moved well. Sweet head of attractive type, good pigment and correct bite. 

3rd: KERRS’ Kinvaars Airy Fairy

Class 66 MB (4 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: HAWKINS’ Lexody's Serenity

See Sp Beg B

2nd: GRAHAMS’ Aidanmoss Bright Eyes

Nicely broken tri carrying a wealth of coat. Nice bright tan where it should be. Moved ok, keeping a good topline. Pretty head with kind expression.

3rd: LENIHANS’ Fennyfare Little Paris

Class 67 NB (4 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: CHAPMAN & IRELANDS’ Ellemich You Make Me Blush

Another quality blen, very similar to her younger kennel mate. Was quite taken with this young girl. Well marked, in good coat with plenty of fringing. Scored on size, shape, bone and substance. Sweet head with large dark eyes, well set ears and neatly tapered muzzle. Moved well, holding a good outline and firm topline

2nd: BENNETTS’ Arroline Incognito at Remmya

Heavier jacketed tri – litter sister to the YB winner. Not as mature as her sibling, but very much in the same mould - think she will be a slow burner. A little in between coats here, what she had was clean and sparkling. Neat shape and held a level topline, just needs time

3rd: MCGILLS’ Milbu Just Harmony at Bjulaseta (Imp LVA)

Class 68 GB (7 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: JARAMILLO & CHADWICKS’ Conabec Causing Chaos

Very sweet little blen. Beautiful eyes placed well. Super pigment, rich chestnut markings and coat of correct texture. Such a neat shape, with fluid transitions between neck, shoulders, back & croup. Not with her usual handler today and played up somewhat but eventually settled enough to show how well she could move.

2nd: LOADES’ Brymarden Gentle Breeze at Rosirius

Well broken blen, with lots of potential. Probably more of a correct head than 1, but currently lacking the fill & finish. Possessed a decent shape with good bone

3rd: WADDINGTONS’ Spindlepoint Annie Oakley

Class 69 PGB (7 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: JACKSONS’ Applebroad Candy Spice Via Fortunamajor JW

This well made blen rather surprised me. To me she is very much a female version of her father. She has many of the same qualities – lovely head & eye, wealth of well-marked coat and good bone & substance. She has a kind gentle expression in a nicely developed head with plenty of fill and good strong lip line. She has a graceful neck on good shoulders, is maybe a little long in back but this generally goes hand in hand with such good front angles. She has a good bend of stifle, with a nice strong thigh. On the stack she really fills the eye, but today on the move, she was being very headstrong. Unfortunately, not only did this serve to disrupt her fluidity causing her to roach slightly, but she also flew her tail. I pulled her into my last 4, she had to concede to the more elegant motion of my top winners. 

2nd: HAZELTINES’ Juzandia Relight My Fire

Loved the neat compact size & shape of this profusely coated ruby. She was so true coming & going holding her tail as an extension of her spine. Well sprung rib, short loin and lovely croup. Is just a little under-headed for me at present…..would love to see her in a years time when she is at full maturity.

3rd: LEWIS’ Carleeto Black Velvet JW

Class 70 MdLB (6 Entries) Abs: 2

1st: LOVELS’ Lovetrac Angelica

This blen is so pretty….her head was probably the most ‘textbook’ correct here. Her eyes are huge, round and of the appropriate dark chocolate colour, enhanced by black halos. Good fill underneath, muzzle gently tapered with neat lip line and correct scissor bite. Skull almost flat between her ears, which frame her face perfectly. A very moderate bitch, she is all in proportion. Felt she was in-between coats today and couldn’t quite match my eventual top winners for condition. 

2nd: JARAMILLOS’ Conabec Lady Madonna

Another pretty pretty girl with the softest of expressions. She has a very ‘chocolate box’ appeal, with a sassy attitude. Neat & shapely with good angles all through. Moved with style keeping her topline at all times.   

3rd: OWENS’ Hansowens Night Star

Class 71 LB (10 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: TREMAINS’ Bonitos Companeros First Class (imp Deu)

Liked this girl. Very typey blen, with enough coat that was in super condition. Moved easily, holding a good shape and showing nice angles all round. Pretty head, lovely eyes and well placed ears that she used to advantage. Add ideal bone for her size and she was a very gratifying package. She covered the ground easily and was such a happy showgirl. I pulled her in in my final 4, but she couldn’t quite match the glamour of the CC & RCC winners.

2nd: CHADWICKS’ Juzandia Lady Bug at Chadlia

Lighter marked blen who I felt could benefit from losing a pound or 2. She is so compact the extra weight tends to make her look a little stuffy and less elegant than other bitches of her quality. Has the femininity which this affix is known for, and her beautiful head properties remind me of her illustrious half siblings Sennen & The Shaman who I have rewarded well in the past.

3rd: BENNETTS’ Rishtte I'm Tanisha of Remmya JW

Class 72 SOB(B/T/R) (7 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: WILKINS & WILCOCKS’ Llapsttam Four Tea Love at Tebaldi JW

This is yet another one whose career I have watched with interest from the ringside over the last 18 mths. I had hoped she might be entered and I wasn’t disappointed. She is in the peak of condition, carrying a slew of coat which is a lovely ‘blue’ black with rich bright tan. She has the loveliest of heads, with large expressive eyes, shallow stop, tapered muzzle and neat chin. All well balanced, finished with her correctly set ears which framed her unexaggerated features perfectly. She possesses a delicious silhouette, each element fitting into the next seamlessly….. She impressed on the out & back, her correct angulation all through allowing her to flow with real reach & drive. Added to that she had a ‘bang on’ topline, and carried her tail accordingly, but it was her profile gait that clinched it…..she seemed to float over the ground…..poetry in motion! In the nearly 30 since awarding my first set of Challenge Certificates, I have never given a CC to a b&t….disappointing given that it is my favourite colour. Today, this beautiful bitch broke ‘my duck’!! I was utterly thrilled to award her her first CC and hope that her title won’t be too far away.

2nd: SMITHS’ Ch Beaudale Little Bit Naughty

A favourite of mine, I was also pleased to get the chance to assess this deep & richly coloured ruby. She is so typical of her breeding….there’s more than a passing resemblance to her famous ancestry. One of the prettiest rubies to grace the showring for some time, she is very correct but also with a softness that can be so hard to achieve in this colour given the lack of ‘markings’ that can beget expression. Her large limpid eyes, jet black halos and well filled foreface serve to create the gentlest of outlooks. Again, she has a lovely front assembly with short upper arm and her legs sitting properly under her chest. Short-coupled, neat loin and good hind-quarters. Whilst she strides out, covering the ground effortlessly, she can appear a little apologetic on the stack. This coupled with her slight lack of furnishings compared to the b&t meant she had to settle for 2nd in this class. I called her back in to the challenge and despite the lovely Open winner giving her a good run for her money, everyone knows I’m a sucker for the wholecolours!! Pleased to add another RCC to all her other accolades. 

3rd: SEDGBEERS’ Russmic Olivia Rose

Class 73 OB (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: WATERS’ Ch Sweetbriar La Dee Da JW

Absolutely loved the head on this gorgeous girl. It is so balanced, possessing all the correct proportions. Good flat topskull, shallow stop and perfect muzzle length. She has a blue print outline, so true to the standard. She is well marked, and although lacked a little in furnishings, this only served to enhance her super make & shape. On the move, she possesses real reach and drive and holds her topline so well. She so impressed me and really pushed for top honours. Pleased to get the chance to judge her.

2nd: COXS’ Emberlace Christina

Really liked this shapely blen of 19mths. Was very taken with her shape, so well balanced all through. Good neck & shoulders, short level back with proportionate length of leg to body. Topped off with a good croup and tail set. Stylish movement completed the picture. Most lovely eyes and expression, with good pigment….was just giving away a bit on maturity & finish. One to watch

3rd: LOVELS’ Ch Lovetrac Born To Boogie

JUDGE: Lucy Koster-Tindall