Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

The Cavalier Club

Championship Show – 28th February 2026

Dogs – Mathes Morse (Australia)

Thank you so much for a truly memorable and thoroughly enjoyable day. It was an immense honour to be invited to judge The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club’s Championship Show, an appointment that I accepted with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility, and I am delighted to say the occasion more than lived up to its prestige. It was a long but worthwhile trip for me to come all the way from Australia, and one that made the experience all the more special.

From the outset, the show had a wonderful atmosphere, and I was privileged to assess an entry that, in many classes, demonstrated excellent quality and depth. I was particularly pleased to find a number of first-rate exhibits, with an outstanding example present in nearly every class, which always makes the task of judging both rewarding and, at times, challenging in the very best sense. What also stood out throughout the day was the exemplary sportsmanship and camaraderie shown ringside, which reflects so well on the breed and its devoted community.

My sincere thanks and congratulations go to the committee and Show Manager for their hard work in staging such a superbly run event. The venue provided a most fitting backdrop, and the smooth organisation ensured that the day progressed seamlessly, allowing judges and exhibitors alike to focus on what matters most – the dogs.

It was also a particular privilege to judge alongside the legendary Allrounder Albert Wight. His vast knowledge of the breed, combined with his experience and insight, make him a truly esteemed figure in dogdom, and it was both an honour and a pleasure to share the day with him.

Cavaliers have long been my great passion – indeed, something of an obsession – and opportunities such as this are what make all the years of dedication so worthwhile. To go over so many quality dogs, to engage with knowledgeable breeders and exhibitors, and to reconnect with friends and fellow devotees of this most enchanting breed is immensely rewarding and remains very much the lifeblood of my involvement in dogs.

Finally, my warmest congratulations go to all the winners, each of whom should be proud of their achievements on such a notable occasion.

Mathew Morse

Class 1 – Baby Puppy Dog

1st – 62 – Pamedna Bohemian Rhapsody (Mr A & Mrs M Fox-Shone)

Stylish Blenheim, five months of age. Really won the class on his fluid movement and length of stride. Whilst a little longer than ideal at this stage, he has good angulation front and rear. Full head for age, white in the corners of eyes detracts a little but I like the shape of the skull and the placement of the ears. Elegant neck into shoulders. Compact feet with good bone and substance. Attractive markings. Happy showman.

2nd – 84 – Alsidewood Imitation (Dr M & Mr P Hood)

Quality black and tan with loads of promise. Overall, rather raw but everything in the right place. Pleasing head and expression, just a little underdone today. Moved with purpose and good carriage. Raven black coat with the rich and clear tan.

Class 2 – Veteran Dog

It’s always a joy to judge the veterans. The winners were pure class.

1st – 223 – Int/Multi Ch My Heart of Diamonds Yellow Sunshine WW21 (Mr A Tracz)

This 8 year old was just a joy to have in the ring. He is superb with undeniable ring presence. Ticks the boxes in every way. Compact and strongly built but still possessing toy spaniel status. Such a handsome headpiece. Darkest of eyes. Broad across the skull and the ears set high used to advantage to frame the face. Wonderfully dark pigment and such a beautiful depth of colour. Arch to the neck and well-developed front assembly possessing ideal length of upper arm and lay back of scapula. Ribcage well developed and strong and taut through the loin. Moved with absolute assurance pushing off strong well let down hocks. The hardest of toplines. He really is quite charming, up on his toes, the tail lashing denoting his fearless and confident demeanour.

2nd – 74 – Ch/Am Ch/Int Ch Charalier Dress to The Nines for Charlesworth JW (Imp) (Miss C G Greenall)

The oldest in the class and at 13 years still has IT! Perhaps the face has lost some of its fill but one can certainly see that it must have been a spectacular expression and headpiece in his heyday. The eyes are still dark, clear, round and well-spaced. The ear set ideal too. He is such a balanced exhibit with ideal length of leg, compact body and good angulation front and rear. Moved well with good length of stride. And what’s more, he still loves every minute being back in the ring. I was a little smitten by him.

Class 3 – Minor Puppy Dog

Loved both of these boys for different reasons.

1st – 190 – Llapsttam Techno Notice (Mr M & Mr M Spall & Clark)

Super little black and tan, just making the 6month age limit. Such a busy quirky appealing little character. One of, if not my favourite wholecolour of the day in the dog ring. Adored his headpiece and expression. Such an open generous face but still sweet. Darkest sparkling eyes with a hint of mischief. Refreshing to see the ideal length of leg under the body, well off for ideal proportions. Light on his feet and when undistracted, covered the ground with ease of effort and good length of stride. Raven black coat of silky texture and the tan points clear and rich in colour. For his first time in the ring, he was absolutely fearless. Inquisitive and highly excited by whatever was going on around him really just added to the appeal. I wish him well for a glittering career. I could have taken him in a heartbeat. In the big ring he was completely unphased by the hubbub and this allowed him to clinch BEST PUPPY DOG.

2nd – 128 – Lovetrac Beckham (Mr P F Lovel)

Another that I predict will have a great career. From the outset it was the head and expression of 1 that made the difference today. However, as in many minor class exhibits, this is most like to change and once it does, he’ll be off and running. Apart from that he is such a smart package. Great size and silhouette. Neck has arch and sufficient length to give a proud head carriage on the move. Bone and substance are ideal yet he is still elegant on the move. Well put together. He’s a charmer.

Class 4 – Puppy Dog

1st – 2 – Arrowbien Clark Gable (Messrs K & K Arrowsmith & Vorderstrasse)

Like his name’s sake, I’m certain this exhibit will charm the masses. He is such a together puppy and his condition, coat and presentation were impressive. Spot on for size. He is compact and well put together. Appealing in every way from his lovely head with gorgeous eyes and lovely pigment, first class construction to his textbook markings. Lovely bone and compact feet. Wasn’t as happy for best puppy dog as he was in the class and perhaps this made the difference today. All the best for a promising puppy that has all the hallmarks to make it to the top.

2nd – 44 – Jolainey Jayden (Mrs D Coole)

This lovely boy pushed hard and it really was a close-run race. Not the maturity of 1 but what impresses me is the graceful outline and he has sense of elegance on the move. The head is very pretty and everything in the right place to fulfill his promise. Eyes were so dark and expressive and the finish to the muzzle and lip line was neat. Reachy neck and well angulated allowing freedom or movement. Another one to watch with anticipation. All the best.

Class 5 – Junior Dog

1st – 99 – Caramoone Canadian Club at Kinvaar (Miss D Kerr)

I went to lunch before the senior classes and I have to admit there were two exhibits in particular, that I couldn’t stop thinking about and this lad was one of them. This little ripper possesses instant appeal being of an ideal size, generous headpiece, exact proportions and balance. Much to love about his head broad skull and high set ears that beautifully frame his face. The stop is sufficiently shallow and the finish to his muzzle, lip-line and underjaw is excellent. Dark nose. Those eyes!!!! Beautifully dark and large, well-spaced all just add to the appeal. Balanced fore and aft, ideal substance for size. Rear has well-turned stifles, neat well let down hocks and compact feet. Plenty of coat for age. Delightful happy personality. I am not sure if this is his first major award but in a short cut in the CC lineup of immense quality, he tugged on the heart strings to clinch the RCC. I truly hope he fulfills his promise and hits the high notes. Good luck for an impressive career.

2nd – 189 – Llapsttam Luther Vandross JW (Mr M & Mr M Spall & Clark)

This glamorous ruby is a standout with a very appealing outline, the most beautiful coat and handsome head. He is free moving and elegant in action. His correct length of leg and balanced angles allow him to stride out freely with a naturally high head carriage. The coat fits the body like a glove yet he still has lashing of furnishings for age. Up to size but all quality.

Class 6 – Yearling Dog

1st – 60 – Congressman Salika Soul (Mr O & Miss N Dyachok & Hushchina)

This was the second exhibit in my thoughts that I took to lunch. Like the Junior dog winner, so many of the same comments apply. This exhibit was in the most sparkling condition. It really was a masterclass in presentation. Pristinely clean, the darkest chestnut and perfectly marked. The nose, lips and eye rims had the most dense pigmentation and the eyes were dark and beautiful. He really is such a quality little package. Everything so neat. I hear it was a long trip for him to make it to the show and I’m so glad he did. It was on a knife edge of who would take the RCC today. This little dog will have an enchanted time I have no doubt. I liked him immensely.

2nd – 91 – Fortunamajor Jimmy Choo (Miss S Jackson)

Pretty face on this little guy. Lovely of the skull and the ear-set is ideal. Wonderfully dark and limpid eyes and a darkly pigmented nose, lips and rims. Not the maturity of 1 and still to develop through the ribs. Enough front angulation. Rear still to develop in strength and could possess more turn of stifle. His tail was not his fortune today, but this had to be forgiven because his virtues far outweigh this.

Class 7 – Novice Dog

1st – 156 – Bylandsroses Oaken (Mrs J & Mr J Pearn)

I wish this exhibit and brand-new exhibitor a great time in the ring. Just the one present in the class. Blenheim with dark eyes, high set ears and full headpiece. He was a happy soul. I’m sure both will enjoy the adventures of showing.

Class 8 – Special Graduate Blenheim & Tricolour Dog

1st – 204 – Royal River Maradeco King (Mrs A Staszuk)

This Blenheim male won the class on his stylish lines. Correct length of leg height to length. What instantly impresses is his well arched neck that flows into good shoulders. Hard topline. A little plain in head for me, however, eyes were dark. Happy and outgoing personality. Light footed on the move, however, more turn of stifle and rear angulation would permit even more drive. Perfectly marked and well turned out.

2nd – 75 – Miletree Morse at Cinderaic (Miss C G Greenall)

If only this little guy had enjoyed his time in the ring today he would have been one to watch. I really like his head. Round expressive eyes forwarded placed and all parts of the head harmonious and correct. Wasn’t really using his ears to advantage. The exhibit is very well made. Always great to see a crested neck into well-constructed front assembly. Neat and strong through the ribs and loin and a well made rear. Beautiful depth of colour. I do hope he learns that showing can be great fun and then a bright career is assured.

Class 9 – Special Graduate Black & Tan & Ruby Dog

1st – 225 – Thekop’s Medicinal Brandy (Dr L Wakeman)

This ideally sized ruby is quite a little dynamo. Super busy and rather difficult for his handler to harness his exuberance on the both the stack and move. Where he does score well is his gentle and expressive head piece. Lavish ears that he uses to advantage, limpid large well-set eyes and good finish to the lip line. Pigment a little off today. Compact and well-made throughout. Ideal substance for size. Excellent depth of colour. An endearing character, full of personality and fun.

2nd – 63 – Pamedna Jacques (Mr A & Mrs M Fox-Shone)

This well-proportioned exhibit was easily the best mover of the class. He covered the ground effortlessly with co-ordinated reach and drive and good length of stride and always holding a spirit level topline. Handsome head. Good clarity of colour. I just wished he had more weight and condition, then things could have definitely been different today.

Class 10 – Post Graduate Dog

1st – 164 – Brymarden Flawless Blush (Dr E & Dr S Rathbone & Pal)

Another quality little Blenheim and whilst compact he is graceful and elegant on the stack and move. His first-class construction allows him to stand well over his front and his well-turned stifles completes the picture. Classic headpiece with everything harmoniously put together. Expressive eyes and tapered neat muzzle. Glamorous with a beautiful coat texture and ideal markings. Top notch presentation too. Another one pulled out in the top few. I do hope he makes up; I think he is quite lovely.

2nd – 22 – Wandris Speak of The Devil JW (Miss A Bubb)

Another quality exhibit a touch larger and longer than 1, but he is still class act. The head is lovely indeed. Masculine but nothing overdone. They eyes! I could gladly become bewitched by them. Graceful neck into well-constructed shoulders and well built in the rear, thus covered the ground with ease and good length of stride. The coat whilst of good length is rather too blousy and cottony in texture. However, that aside much to admire about this showy lad.

Class 11 – Mid Limit Dog

1st – 116 – Pascavale Banksy (Mr M & Mr M Levy & Sedgwick)

Cracking little Blenheim that is all toy spaniel. Spot on for size and shape and substance. From a distance he makes a great shape, possessing a well-constructed forequarter and standing proudly over his front. Even though small in stature he has well sprung ribs and ideal column of bone. Upon closer inspection, one cannot help but be impressed with his head and expression. Glorious eyes that captivate, well pigmented rims, nose and lips, great finish and taper to the muzzle and the neatest lip line. Moved with purpose. Another one in the final pull out and pushed hard for higher honour. An easy champion on another day.

2nd – 186 – Beaudale Smooth Criminal (Mrs S Smith)

Ruby male that impresses with his masculine headpiece, but still appealing. Make a great shape with correct balance and he is well angulated throughout. Lovely crest and arch to the neck. Good rib cage, tight elbows and compact well cushioned feet. Good development of the first and second thighs and short well let down hocks and as a result is a powerful mover. Great depth of colour.

Class 12 – Limit Dog

Perhaps the most difficult class to judge today.

1st – 203 – Cassandy Say Something Nice (Ms C J Stanton)

Masculine exhibit built on athletic lines. He is an upstanding dog with an appealing outline and balance. Head is generous, almost flat between the ears. Symetrical blaze and well pigmented eyes rims and lips adds to the appeal. Moderately sized eyes. Well broken markings and first-class presentation. Moved with purpose.

2nd – 57 – Arrowbien Jamie (Mrs L M Drewett)

Blenheim male with lavish ears, good top skull and shallow stop. Masculine but still appealing. Dark expressive eyes and ideal taper to the muzzle. Moderately angled both fore and aft. Dark chestnut colour and rather heavily marked. Happy and self-assured showman. Was at times a little hapless with his tail.

Class 13 – Special Open Bred by Exhibitor Dog

1st – 34 – Ch Ellemich American Express (Mrs M & Miss T Chapman & Ireland)

This dog possesses that ‘something’ that only the truly great ones do: the ability to enter the ring, command attention and all eyes will be on him. If a dog could possess rockstar status this lad does, and he has it in abundance. The best crisp silhouette and outline imaginable and he walks himself into a near perfect shape on every occasion. The headpiece is generous and masculine but there’s no excess; every part works harmoniously together to produce a rather noble and alluring expression. Broad skull with highset ears framing his face. Lustrous, limpid and soulful eyes. The table examination is a delight; tight elbows, good fill between the front legs and an excellent column of bone with compact feet. Both the scapula and upper arms are perfectly set with the ideal layback giving optimum angulation thus he has a crested and well arched neck providing a beautiful head carriage. Ribcage is well developed and the loin is taut and strong. The hindquarter assembly has enough angulation to provide a well-turned stifle on the stack and permitting drive on the move. As a result, he covers the ground with ease, and he pushes off his strong well let down hocks. True behind. Tail never carried too high. A picture of hard condition, lavish presentation and utter devotion to his handler just seal the deal. DOG CC and upon the referee’s decision, BEST IN SHOW!

2nd – 165 – Ch Embeth Rock The Boat (Mrs S & Miss B Rees)

Only the two in this class and this second-place winner could easily have won in another class today. Great for size and general shape and outline. A different head and expression to 1, but possesses lovely dark expressive eyes and correct taper to the muzzle. Complete with lozenge, he is well marked and has great depth of colour. Not quite the crest and length of neck of 1. Moved with purpose and his demonstrative temperament and ring presence ensure he will always be a contender.

Class 14 – Open Dog

1st – 127 – Ch Lovetrac Banksy (Mr P F Lovel)

Another one today etched into my memory and begging for line honours. This little dog is so correct. Compact and well knit. He is all toy spaniel and I’m sure he has much to offer the breed. He is self-assured, demonstrative such a happy shower. Attractive headpiece that invites you to enjoy this little show-off. Darkest eyes and good pigmentation. He’s easy on the move and displays the correct compactness of form on both the stack and move. Hard topline and well carried happy tail. Beautifully marked, great depth of rich chestnut colour and beautifully turned out.

2nd – 191 – Ch Llapsttam's Heavenly Scent (Mr M & Mr M Spall & Clark)

Stylish ruby built on more elegant lines. Quite different to 1 but still hold much appeal and brimming with quality. He is quite a graceful exhibit; reachy neck, natural deportment and high head carriage. Stands over ground with his good angulation and covers the ground effortlessly with good length of stride. Attractive headpiece with soulful eyes and dark pigment sometimes lacking a little in this colour. Great depth of rich red colouration. First class presentation.