Paignton & District Fanciers' Association

Paignton & District Fanciers Association 30.7.26 – 2.8.26

Puppy Group and Best Puppy in Show 

A bittersweet weekend given this should have been the late Pam Blay’s appointment and I know she would have been so excited to get her hands on all the Best Puppy in Breeds. I also know Paignton had a special place in her heart too. I hope Pam was watching down and approved of my choices and my ultimate Puppy Group winners. She would have seen that I enjoyed every Group just as much as I know she would have done. 

I was presented with so many beautiful puppies and I am sure many will go on to win CC’s and gain their titles (indeed I found out afterwards several have already got green cards to their names). Thank you to the Officers & Committee for thinking me worthy of taking over this appointment. Your hard work and support throughout the weekend was greatly appreciated. 

I was delighted with my ‘final 7’ and thank everyone for making the effort to return to ensure I had a full compliment for Best Puppy in Show. 

My choice for Best Puppy in Show was the immaculately conditioned Dobermann bitch, Supeta's Black Widow At Evalesco, who has so alert and had so much ring presence. Showed calm, loyal and obedient character whilst remaining alert at all times. So balanced in terms of body proportions and her fore quarter and hind quarter construction. Chiselled head with length and in proportion to body. Deep muzzle, strong powerful jaw with massive teeth. Loved her dark, slightly deep-set almond eyes giving a ‘wicked’ expression and focussed stare. Long neck with slight arch, square in body and slight slope to her top line which was straight as a dye. Well-developed fore chest, deep in brisket and ribbed well back. Tail set high and carried perfectly to finish the silhouette. On the move she excels. Perfectly parallel away and back. In profile, her balance is there for everyone to see. She drives from her super strong hocks and extends in front to create such accurate pin-point foot fall and effortless, free flowing side gait. 

A very close call for RBIS between the French Bulldog, Olijah Striptease and the Beagle, Davricard Astrid. I have no doubt both these puppies will gain their titles with ease. They both have glorious heads that meet their respective breed standards perfectly. 

Striptease is an ideal size and so balanced. Super sturdy and in fit condition for one so young. She has a square head with defined muzzle and open nostrils; breathing effortlessly despite the heat and the pace of her impressive movement. Dark, sparkling eyes set wide. She has width and depth to her muzzle with neat, slightly under-shot jaw and tight lips to finish the slight turn up of her square jaw. Perfect ‘bat ears’ set high. She is super cobby, with width to her chest, strength to her back and holds her correct top line with slight rise over the loin both stood and on the move. Moves at pace quite effortlessly driving from her short strong hocks with matching reach in front to create a really balanced picture. She has a respectful rapport with her handler and behaved impeccably but I got several glimpses of the ‘clown’ and her personality shone through. On my very final look down the line she ‘nailed’ me with a stare. As I walked past for my final examination she looked up as if to say ‘don’t you dare’ and was clearly perturbed I walked to the Doberman first. I think I was forgiven as she was so happy carrying her RBPIS rosette in her mouth showing off for all to see.

 Astrid oozes breed type and makes the perfect Beagle silhouette stood and on the move. I loved her head proportions and gentle expression. Her eyes are so kind she could be forgiven for theft or even murder! She has a strength to her muzzle and a powerful jaw. Long, fine texture ears framing her beautiful face; the perfect comfort blanket. Long, powerful neck with slight arch which is particularly noticeable on the move. Spirit-level top line. She makes such a balanced shape with text-book height to body length ratio. For a working hound, I appreciated the quality of her limbs. Bang straight front legs, round bone, short strong pasterns and fabulous, neat feet with well cared for short nails. Such balanced angulation fore and aft. Tail carried vertical at all times. Faultless away and back. Long stride in front with drive from her strong hocks. 

Working Puppy Group

1st HICKLING, Mrs Chelsea & HICKLING, Mr Ashley Supeta's Black Widow At Evalesco - DOBERMANN – Bitch. BPIS. 2nd WILLIAMS, Mr Byron & NEWTON, Mrs Louise Glenda & S Rarjo Earl Of Fife Macduff - PORTUGUESE WATER DOG – Dog. Not surprised to see who is father; one I always admired. Like his dad this young lad has plenty of ring presence and is already impressive on the move where he is light of foot and parallel away and back. Beautiful large head with focussed expressive dark eyes. Square in body with tail carried in a perfect ring. Presented in hard, fit condition and immaculately prepared and groomed. 3rd SIMMS, Mrs R J & SIMMS, Mr D A Arcticskies Woo Woo - SIBERIAN HUSKY – Dog. Only young but already shows maturity in his show performance presenting a balanced picture stood and on the move. Impressed by his demeanour with an obvious willingness to please and respect for his handler. Beautiful head and expression. He has a definite quality to his double coat and a fabulous fox brush which he carried just above his top line in a slight sickle curve. Moves with an effortless gait producing the expected fast trot holding his straight top line beautifully. 4th STUDHOLME, Mr L R & HARPER, Mr J & LORING, Mr J g La Dolce Luna's Color Of Wise Force At Kalizmar (imp Swe) - LEONBERGER – Dog. Coming to the end of his puppy career but already a very handsome gentle giant. Such a kind expression and well-proportioned head. Slight arch to his strong neck. Body just longer than tall with broad chest and width across his rump. Thick, well-furnished tail carried at right height on the move. Double coat well developed for his age with neatly fitting jacket showing his typical silhouette. Moved parallel away and back showing strength to his hocks and a balanced stride. Impressive mover for such a large dog; testament to his confirmation and overall condition.

Terrier Puppy Group

1st ATKINSON, Mrs Valerie Linda & ATKINSON, Mr Mark Raedwulf Inayat - BORDER TERRIER – Bitch. Only 6 months but what an exciting prospect. When I found out afterwards this was her first show I was even more impressed as she is quite the natural show off. Her head is a joy and definitely that of a baby otter. The darkest eye with a keen expression and small perfectly dropped ears. Going to make an ideal size and spans easily. Body deep and narrow with ribs well back and well-conditioned loins. Thick, short, tapered tail carried just above her back. Thick supple skin with dense harsh coat. Moved with such accurate footfall covering plenty of ground with ease. Looks like she could go all day. 2nd GEE, Mrs R Watercroft Rumour Has It - NORFOLK TERRIER – Dog. Could have easily been my winner as I thought he was a cracking Norfolk with plenty of attitude and keen as mustard. Loved his head proportions and expression with perfectly dropped v shaped ears and dark oval eyes; he was so alert. Compact in body with super short back, strong neck and ribs already well sprung. Thick short legs. Super coat; close lying and wiry texture. Really drives from his well let down hocks with forequarter angulation allowing a brisk and accurate stride. 3rd ROBERTSON, Mr Ryan & WILLIAMS, Miss Rylee Eiddwen Theatre Of Dreams Taf - JACK RUSSELL TERRIER – Dog. Super head and expression with dark almond eyes and neat fully dropped ears. Strong jaw and huge brilliant white teeth. Nice and sturdy to go over being just longer than tall in body. Spans easily. Showed plenty of attitude and loyalty of a working terrier. Moved with drive covering plenty of ground. Definitely fit for function. 4th FLETCHER, Mrs Jayne Maevani Huntress Of Spica - BEDLINGTON TERRIER – Bitch. Full of grace and feminine athleticism. Loved her size as well as her overall shape and balance. Beautiful long narrow head with no stop and perfectly presented white top knot, small dark triangular eye, low set ears and a strong jaw with huge healthy white teeth. Chest already nice and deep with some width to her chest. Front legs straight with long pasterns and standing characteristically closer together. Light on her feet and typical slight roll when in full stride. Thick soft coat presented and conditioned beautifully.

Pastoral Puppy Group

1st GREENHILL, Mr Rob Didgeridont Evil Edna - AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG – Bitch. Oh Edna…..you really did think the huge Best in Show ring was a field to run and play in didn’t you; perhaps that was your evil streak coming out? I had great sympathy for your handler. I was so impressed with this 6 month old puppy. She really cannot stand wrong and makes such a balanced and typical outline. Her head and expression is a joy with thick ears set high, dark eyes that are full of character and mischief and a strong deep muzzle and jaw. Her coat is so thick and weather proof and she already sports an impressive brush which is set low and carried to balance. Absolutely sure of foot. Parallel away and back and such accurate footfall in profile. Could work all day and in all weathers once she has stopped messing her handler about. 2nd COLEMAN, Miss Linda Hartswelin Midnight Skye - BRIARD – Bitch. I felt guilty for putting naughty Edna first as by contrast this beautiful lady had an air of dignity and calm demure. She has a correctly proportioned head with a strong, square muzzle, a bog black nose and large, dark straight set eyes; such a gentle expression. Very well balanced in body proportions. Moved with such a free stride holding a level top line and head carried proudly. Impressive coat for her age with dense undercoat and good length to her top coat with head features all there. Tail of good length with required hook and carried low. 3rd BEARD, Mr J Kellitcreed Hickory Dickory Dock - AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD – Dog. A really fit and healthy looking 10 month old dog pup; his coat was in great order with dense undercoat and plush top-coat which would definitely resist all weathers. Correctly proportioned head. Alert expression and very focussed and showing loyalty to his handler. In fit, naturally muscular condition. Really neat oval feet; toes well arched and obviously cared for. Stands naturally with balance and is sound away and back with slight convergence when he gets up to full speed. Accurate foot fall in his rhythmic side gait.4th WALDRON, Ms Justine & GRAY, Ms Alice Snowmead Secret Service - BEARDED COLLIE – Dog. Another young man who impressed with the colour, condition and quality of his shaggy coat which was clean, harsh and strong. In immaculate order and made such a typical outline stood. Well balanced head with width to his skull and a strong muzzle. Large, black nose. He has a really soft expression; large eyes set wide apart. Deep chest, long rib cage and short loin creating a level back which he holds beautifully on the move complimented by his low set tail. Has a long, easy stride and drives from his low hocks; an effortless side gait. 

Toy Puppy Group

1st Ms D Tarnock Enchanting Eevee - PAPILLON – Bitch. Such a pretty picture stood and on the move. So light on her feet and moves swifly at pace with great attitude. Her head is so beautiful with very slight dome to her head, fine muzzle; perfectly set, flared butterfly ears with fringes well developed. Dark round eyes set low to give desired expression. Correct body proportions with level back and length to her loin. Tail arched perfectly over her back. Fine boned limbs with hare-like feet. Long silky coat already well developed for her age with frill to her neck evident. 2nd PEARMAN, Mrs Jane E Mopseyscoton Yoki Koki - COTON DE TULÉAR – Bitch. A baby Coton who I predict will have a very bright future. She is going to be an ideal size and her body proportions are spot on being just longer than tall. Her is head is lovely. She has a wide back skull and with muzzle the right length. Big black nose and dark round, sparkling eyes with black rims. Slight arch to her neck and then a very typical top line with slight rise to well rounded loins. Tail set and carried low. Super black pigmentation. Coat already showing cotton texture and good length for her young age. Moved very soundly holding her typical top line on the move. 3rd MORLEY, Miss E & HITCHCOCK, Mr R Lizlanmor Mary Rose - PEKINGESE – Bitch. Right out the top drawer with little to change. Width all through her head from her underjaw to her dark round eyes set well apart to her wide shallow skull. Open nostril and quite comfortable in the hot, sunny conditions. Width and depth to her chest with short thick legs, tight elbows and big paws turned out slightly at pastern. Short in back with level top line. High set tail held flat on her back with good plume. Lighter hind quarters but with strength to her short hocks. Harsh texture to her developing main with well-defined waist. Moved well in all directions despite the uneven ground. 4th ROONEY, Mr S & GREEN, Mr J & GREEN, Mrs A Jaschin Cover Girl - JAPANESE CHIN – Bitch. A really sassy and elegant Chin puppy with such a pretty head. Ears set high with fringes developing. Symettrical markings to her slightly rounded, broad skull. Large dark eyes with a definite startled look. Short well cushioned muzzle. Square and compact in body with straight silky coat developing well. Showing strength in hind quarters so moves briskly with good reach and slight lift. Will have an impressive future once that coat finishes growing. Loved her personality; quite the show-off. 

Gundog Puppy Group

1st ISHERWOOD, Mrs C A Wilchrimane Miso Happy With Symitry - POINTER – Dog. A mature looking orange and white dog puppy in such fit hard condition and already more than capable of a days work. Love his athletic condition and muscle tone including his fabulous feet. His head is well-proportioned with slightly concave muzzle, a big black nose and strong jaw. Kind expression to his bright eyes. Super long, muscled neck with slight arch. Depth to chest and ribs well back with short strong loin. Tail straight of his level back. Moved with great drive from his strong hocks powering his body forward to cover plenty of ground. 2nd MORSS, Mrs Heather & MONTEVERDE, Mr Giovanni Olvinglay Polari (imp Ita) - RETRIEVER (GOLDEN) – Dog. Immediately fell for his gentle, kind expression. Such a happy chap with a great ‘smile’ and a tail that wagged constantly. Broad skull with strength to his muzzle with well defined stop. Black nose and dark eyes with black rims providing super contrast to his pale cream coat. Longneck into well laid shoulders. Lovely deep chest. Short coupled with level back from his length of rib cage and strong short loin. Tail well feathered and carried level with his back. Moves true away and back with a long free stride and drive from his hocks. 3rd HARRISON, Mr & Mrs T & H Glenbrows Symphony - SPANIEL (WELSH SPRINGER) – Bitch. Presented such a balanced picture stood. Nice and compact with such a rich red and brilliant white dense coat looking superb in the sunshine. Had a very kind expression and great rapport with his handler. Moved parallel away and back. His well let down hocks and matching front and hind quarter angulation allow him to really cover the ground. Tail well feathered and set low; carried beautifully. In really fit condition. 4th STALEY, Ms Clare Jomeel Quicksilver - GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER – Dog. So fit and athletic with nothing to hide. Presented a really balanced outline. Well-proportioned head with just a slight gentle stop. Big nose with open nostril. Dark almond eyes and ears set on same level. Stands proud on taller legs with chest deep and good length of rib to strong loin. Slight slope in top line. Moved with a coordinated stride with reach in front and drive form his hocks. Super short, dense coat which glistened in the sunshine. 

Hound Puppy Group

1st CRAIG, Mr D R Davricard Astrid - BEAGLE – Bitch (See earlier). 2nd CALLOW, Ms N Whittimere Spexy Beast – NORWEGIAN ELKOUND – Dog. I met him a few weeks ago at Boston Premier Open Show when he made his debut and I made him Best of Breed in very experienced good company. He makes a perfect shape stood and on the move. No mistaking his breed from the silhouette he makes. Built square and cannot stand wrong. Fabulous coat with all the qualities to keep him warm and dry. Thick coated tail curled neatly in the centre of his back. In fit condition, a confident animal with a great rapport with his handler. 3rd MCLOUGHLIN, Mrs Katrina Unstoppable Colors Of The Wind Of Zantescwtch (Imp Swe) - AFGHAN HOUND – Bitch. Immediately noticed her ideal size and text-book shape. Such a stunning head and oriental eye. Long elegant neck with slight arch which puts her head on a pedestal whether stood or on the move creating a dignified pose. Deep in chest, long in rib with short strong loin and visible pin bones. Straight front limbs and big feet. Long tail to balance with obvious ring and carried just above her back on the move. Such an impressive long springy stride in profile. 4th 3452 KIRKWOOD-EMERY, Misses A & A Helydon Yer Yolo - DACHSHUND (MINIATURE WIRE-HAIRED) – Bitch. The second time we have met and she really has got her act together and stood out in the company of several lovely Dachshunds and my quality short-list. She is an ideal size and so obviously a miniature. Super head and the best expression with strong jaw and massive teeth. Slight arch to her neck and well angulated forequarters with prominent sternum, width to her chest and length to her rib. Short in loin giving strength to her top line. Tail straight and carried off her back. Really sound away and back showing reach in front and drive from really short strong hocks and her well-muscled thighs. Fabulous wiry coat for her age. 

Utility Puppy Group

1st TIMMS, Miss Olivia Olijah Striptease - FRENCH BULLDOG – Bitch. Best Puppy In Show. 2nd HALL, Miss M D Shenedene Hasta La Vista - LHASA APSO – Bitch. This beautiful little lady is so exciting to go over. Her head is a joy and correctly proportioned with dark, sparkling oval eyes. Really neat reverse scissor bite. Slight arch to her neck. Her front and rear angulation are so well matched. Just longer than tall and a rock-solid top line due to her length of rib and short loin – really sturdy. Coat developing well for her age just waiting for the length but already straight and heavy. Moves with drive and covers ground with ease. 3rd 4130 KITCHENER, Miss J Michandy Charismatic - POODLE (MINIATURE) – Bitch. So well balanced and stands proudly demanding attention – of correct size to my eye. Beautifully chiselled head of good length and great refinement. Loved her small dark almond eyes with a real glint in them. Short in back with strong loins. Loved her small tight feet. Coat harsh to touch and in immaculate order. Moved with charisma showing freedom through her paces with her head carried high. 4th 4018 SMITH, Mrs J E & SMITH, Miss J Snowshoes Light Of Lumi - JAPANESE SPITZ – Bitch. Brilliant white and quite dazzling in the bright sunshine complemented by dark pigmentation with eyes set obliquely on her wedge-shaped head; lovely black eye rims. Small triangular ears set on top and used to give an alert expression. Body maturing nicely with ribs starting to spring and nice broad chest. Short back with rise over loin, tail set high and well plumed. Showing signs of a mane already. Really light on her feet moving briskly around the ring.