Paignton & District Fanciers' Association

Paignton & DFA Championship Show 

Friday 31 July 2026

Staffordshire Bull Terriers 

Judge: Samantha Mignano-Fricker (Calavey)

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the officers and committee of Paignton & District Fancier Association for giving me the pleasure and honour to judge the Staffordshire Bull Terriers at their 2026 Championship Show and award my first set of Challenge Certificates in this breed.  

I had an extremely enjoyable day, and my stewards were amazing! So pleased to hear that they were awarded Stewards of the day. The atmosphere was lovely around the ring, and the judging went smoothly with exhibitors accepting my decisions in good spirit. 

I had some true quality Staffords to judge, making some classes and decisions extremely close. It certainly was quite the emotional day as I no longer exhibit the breed but they will always have a very special place in my heart. I was torn between the emotion of judging this wonderful breed and wanting to be on the end of the lead however, I am not saying never to exhibiting the breed again, just not at the moment 😊

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

BEST OF BREED : 1295 SHELDON, Miss Lara Ch Kamaristaffs Royal Ransom At Bowtman JW

Dog CC : 1295 SHELDON, Miss Lara Ch Kamaristaffs Royal Ransom At Bowtman JW

Res Dog CC : 1303 THOMAS, Mrs K & Mr S Yvette Biggleswick Devils Dream

Bitch CC : 1286 PLUMSTEAD, Mrs Catherine & PLUMSTEAD, Mr Trevor Ch Kamaristaffs Royal Gem At Jazostaff JW

Res Bitch CC : 1275 JACKSON, Mr & Mrs Wayne & Karon Jackabyte Paradoxe Pria

Best Puppy : 1275 JACKSON, Mr & Mrs Wayne & Karon Jackabyte Paradoxe Pria

Best Veteran : 1264 DESMOND, Mrs Debbie & DESMOND, Mr Alan Ch Elitebulls Challenger JW

Best Special Beginner : 1282 MCCAFFERTY, Mrs Kimberley & MCCAFFERTY, Mr Andrew Wonderstaff This Boy

60 Dogs, making 66 entries with 4 absentees

Class 832 SBD/B (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1282 MCCAFFERTY, Mrs Kimberley & MCCAFFERTY, Mr Andrew Wonderstaff This Boy

Black brindle dog who immediately appealed for his overall balance, substance and breed type. Super head, deep through with a broad skull, pronounced cheek muscles and distinct stop. Plenty of strength in jaw with large teeth and correct bite. Dark, round eyes giving a keen expression, complemented by neat ears. Strong, muscular neck leading into well laid-back shoulders and a straight, well-boned front. Deep through the brisket with good spring of rib, muscular and short in loin. Well-developed hindquarters. Moved soundly and held his outline well, although today I would have liked him to show with a little more confidence. A quality young dog with much to admire.

2nd: 1306 WALSH, Mr Mark & LLOYD, Miss Karen Crowstaff Seize The Day For Weorc

Very feminine black brindle and white bitch combining femininity with the required Stafford strength. Strong yet feminine head with a broad skull, deep stop and well-defined cheek muscles. Dark eye and pleasing expression. Strong, clean neck into well-placed shoulders, straight front and well-muscled body. Good depth through the brisket, level topline and nicely developed hindquarters. Moved well and with purpose, although she carried her tail a little higher than I would prefer today. A very pleasing bitch who pushed the winner hard.

3rd: 1256 BOWMAN, Mrs Joanna & BOWMAN, Mr Timothy Sikaistaff All Of Me At Kamiflo ShCEx

Res: 1276 JELLEY, Miss Chelsea Gazstaff's Let It Be

VHC: 1304 TURNER, Ms B On The Hill Two At Tidestaff

Class 833 MPD (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1311 WEBB, Mrs Hailey Gazstaff's The Gambler

Just six months old and very much a baby, with plenty of time on his side. Black brindle youngster of pleasing overall balance. Head developing nicely, dark eye although I would prefer it a little rounder to complete the expression. Neat ears, correct bite and a clean, straight front. Level topline and a pleasing framework to develop into. As expected at this age, he needs time to strengthen and develop muscle through the hindquarters, which will give him greater drive on the move. A promising six-month-old with a pleasing framework who understandably requires time to strengthen and mature. 

Class 834 PD NO ENTRIES

Class 835 JD (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1st: 1283 MCDERMOTT, Mr G & ARNTZEN, Miss C Proudstaff Day Tripper

Brindle dog showing excellent maturity for his age without appearing overdone. Strong, well-proportioned head, deep through the skull with a distinct stop, round dark eyes and neatly placed ears producing a keen, typical expression. Clean muzzle, strong jaw and correct bite. Good strength through neck into well laid-back shoulders with pleasing upper arm and developing muscle. Straight, well-boned front, strong pasterns and neat feet. Deep brisket with well-sprung ribs, close coupled and light enough through the loin. Correct level topline. Hindquarters developing well with sufficient bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Moved very well, showing balance and drive. A very pleasing young Stafford with plenty of quality.

2nd: 1292 ROBSON, Ms Cindy Dilirystaff True Legend

Brindle and white dog with a broad, masculine head, although longer through the muzzle than the winner. Distinct stop and pleasing expression, eye could be darker, although its colour bears some relation to his coat. Straight front but could be stronger through the pasterns. Deep brisket with sufficient spring of rib and a level topline, although slightly longer through the loin than 1st. Good bend of stifle. Needs further overall muscle development, particularly through the rear, which would give him greater drive on the move. A sound young dog who should benefit from maturity and conditioning.

Class 836 YD (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1282 MCCAFFERTY, Mrs Kimberley & MCCAFFERTY, Mr Andrew Wonderstaff This Boy

See 1st Special Beginners Dog/Bitch

2nd: 1271 GUTIERREZ GONZALEZ, Mr David & HIRST, Mr Neil Dusklight Small Town Boy At Maskalon JW

Striking red and white pied dog who presents a very pleasing picture. Strong, impressive head with a broad skull, pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop and dark eye. Correct scissor bite. Ears a little heavier than I would ideally prefer but well placed. Strong muscular neck leading into well laid-back shoulders. Straight front with sufficient width, good depth of brisket and enough spring of rib. Close coupled with a level topline. Good bend of stifle and hocks well let down. I would like a little more muscle development through the rear to provide greater propulsion. moved freely with discernible drive from behind and has much to admire standing.

3rd: 1294 SEYMOUR, Miss Cally Dekayro's Eye Of The Tiger

Class 837 PGD (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1313 WELLS, Mr Kevin & WELLS, Mrs Lisa Wellsstaffs Young Warrior JW

Black brindle dog of pleasing balance and type. Attractive, well-proportioned head with good skull-to-muzzle ratio, pronounced cheek muscles, lips tight enough and correct bite. Dark eyes, although I would prefer them a touch rounder, complemented by neat ears. Strong neck leading into well laid-back shoulders with excellent muscular definition. Straight, well-boned front, strong at pastern with feet turning out slightly. Good depth through the brisket with sufficient spring of rib, close coupled with a level topline. Well-muscled throughout with sufficient bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Moved well with balance and purpose. A sound, honest Stafford.

2nd: 1307 WALSH, Mr Mark & LLOYD, Miss Karen Geordiestoon Defiant Boy For Weorc JW

Brindle and white dog with a strong, well-proportioned head, round eye although I would prefer it darker, and neat enough ears. Good strength through the neck. Straight front with sufficient bone, although I would prefer a little more development through the upper arm. Enough depth to brisket but could have greater spring of rib. Level topline, although longer through the loin than the winner. Good bend of stifle with hocks well let down. Moved soundly but the more compact construction and overall balance of 1st won the class today.

Class 838 LD (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1281 KIRK, Miss Georgia Kirstaff The First Avenger JW

Red dog in good muscular condition. Strong head with good definition, deep stop, dark round eyes and neat ears. Clean in muzzle and lips and correct bite. Strong neck into well-laid black shoulders with good muscular definition. Straight front, strong at pastern with feet turning out slightly. Good depth of brisket, well-sprung ribs and short in loin. Powerful hindquarters with good bend of stifle. Moved very well with drive.

2nd: 1263 DAWE, Mrs Anne Marstaff Butch Cassidy

Red dog with a well-proportioned head and good muscle development with dark round eye. Strong neck, well-laid shoulders, straight front and strong pasterns. Well sprung in rib with level topline, although slightly longer in loin than 1st. Strong, defined rear quarters with good bend of stifle. Moved soundly.

3rd: 1301 THOMAS, Mrs K & Mr S Yvette Biggleswick Mr Tom (ai)

Res: 1277 JENNINGS, Ms Lynda Elitebull Valentine JW

Class 839 OD (5 Entries) Abs: 0

This was an exceptional class with some top-quality dogs available to judge on the day. 

1st: 1295 SHELDON, Miss Lara Ch Kamaristaffs Royal Ransom At Bowtman JW

An outstanding black brindle dog who demanded attention from the moment he entered the ring. For me, an exceptional example of the breed and one who combines strength, balance, athleticism and unmistakable Stafford type without exaggeration. Excellent head construction, short and deep with a broad skull, distinct stop, beautifully defined cheek muscles and the correct balance of muzzle to skull. Powerful, clean jaws housing a large, clean teeth making a correct scissor bite. Dark, round eyes giving an intense, typical expression, enhanced by neat ears which he carried and used perfectly. Strong, muscular neck flowing cleanly into well laid-back shoulders, with excellent muscle definition. Straight, well-boned front showing no weakness in pasterns with feet turning out slightly. Deep brisket and beautifully sprung ribs leading into a close-coupled body, light and short through the loin. Level topline which he maintained both standing and on the move. Powerful, clearly defined hindquarters with well-bent stifles and hocks well let down. His conditioning allowed him to move with the free, powerful and economical action demanded by the Standard, showing excellent reach and discernible drive from behind while retaining his balance and topline. Correct tail set and carriage. Excellently constructed from front to rear. Presented in superb hard condition with a smooth, short, close coat completing the picture. He combines power with agility, substance with balance and masculinity without coarseness. For me, a textbook Staffordshire Bull Terrier and an easy dog to keep returning to in an exceptionally strong Open class. Delighted to award him the Dog CC and Best of Breed. It was an enormous pleasure to later watch him represent the breed so magnificently and win the Terrier Group. 

2nd: 1303 THOMAS, Mrs K & Mr S Yvette Biggleswick Devils Dream

Another top-quality Stafford and a worthy challenger to the winner. Excellent red dog presented in superb condition. Strong, clean head with well-defined musculature and pleasing muzzle-to-skull proportions. Distinct stop, dark round eyes and neat ears carried well, producing a very typical expression. Strong jaw with clean, tight lips housing a correct scissor bite. Strong muscular neck leading into well laid-back shoulders with good definition. Straight, well-boned front, deep brisket and very good spring of rib. Close coupled and short through the loin with a level topline maintained on the move. Powerful, beautifully conditioned rear quarters with sufficient bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Tail well set. Moved freely and soundly with discernible drive. Two top-quality males separated on the day by the winner's overall balance, finish and particularly powerful, economical movement. Please to award the Reserve Dog CC

3rd: 1278 JOHNSON, Mrs K & Mr M Tillcarr Fire Soldier JW

Res: 1314 WILSON, Mrs Kelly Ch Northstaff Nightmare JW

VHC: 1290 ROBINSON, Mr H & ROBINSON, Mrs M A & ROBINSON-COX Hamason Sweet Little Mystry JW

Class 840 VD (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1264 DESMOND, Mrs Debbie & DESMOND, Mr Alan Ch Elitebulls Challenger JW

I have judged this dog previously as a youngster and was delighted to see him again, now at 9 years young and still looking every inch the quality Stafford. Black brindle with an excellent breed-typical head, defined stop, correct muzzle-to-skull proportions, dark round eyes and neat, well-placed ears. Nice Clean lips to muzzle housing correct scissor bite. Strong neck into well laid-back shoulders, straight front, sufficient spring of rib and a short, close-coupled body. Excellent bend of stifle with hocks well let down. Still carries superb muscular condition for his age, allowing him to move freely and powerfully with strong rear drive. A credit to his owners and I was delighted to award him Best Veteran in Breed.

Class 841 MPB (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1300 THOMAS, Mr G, Mr C & Mrs C & GRIFFITHS, Mrs G Gazstaff's Write Your Name

Six-month-old black brindle bitch, very feminine and understandably still immature throughout. Pleasing feminine head, still needing time to develop in breadth and depth, with defined stop and dark round eyes. Correct scissor bite. Ears a little larger than I would ideally prefer at present. Elegant neck into nicely laid-back shoulders, straight front and sufficient rib for age. Slightly longer through the loin with enough bend of stifle. Good tail set and carriage. Moved soundly. A promising baby whose overall balance and shape won her the class.

2nd: 1276 JELLEY, Miss Chelsea Gazstaff's Let It Be

Another very feminine black brindle puppy who, like 1st, needs time to mature through head and body. Similar in many respects to the winner but slightly bigger all over. Pleasing head and expression, clean outline and developing body. Preferred the overall balance and shape of 1st today.

3rd: 1258 CONSTANT, Mr David Battlestaff Pickle

Class 842 PB (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1275 JACKSON, Mr & Mrs Wayne & Karon Jackabyte Paradoxe Pria

Stunning young black brindle bitch who immediately appealed for her excellent breed type, balance and femininity whilst retaining the required strength. Beautiful feminine head with defined stop, dark round eyes and short foreface in correct proportion to skull. Clean muzzle with tight lips housing a correct scissor bite. Strong, clean neck into well laid-back shoulders and nicely developing upper arm. straight, well-boned front, strong at pastern with feet turning out slightly. Sufficient depth of brisket and spring of rib for age, close coupled with a level topline. Excellent muscle development through the rear for such a young bitch, good bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Correct tail set and carriage. Short, close coat presented in excellent condition. Moved freely and with purpose, maintaining her balance and outline. In a very strong bitch challenge she held her own against the mature exhibits. In the final consideration for the Reserve CC, her excellent overall balance, femininity and breed type gave her the edge over my Limit winner. Delighted to award her the Reserve Bitch CC and Best Puppy in Breed.

2nd: 1276 JELLEY, Miss Chelsea Gazstaff's Let It Be

See 2nd Minor Puppy Bitch. 

Class 843 JB (6 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1280 JOHNSON, Mrs K & Mr M Bethaleese's Dammit Janet By Tillcarr

Smart black brindle bitch with much to like. Strong yet feminine head with dark round eyes, defined stop and short foreface in correct proportion to skull. Clean, tight lips housing a correct scissor bite with good strength to jaw. Strong neck into well laid-back shoulders with nicely muscled upper arm definition. Straight front. Well-sprung ribs, level topline and good rear muscle development. Sufficient bend of stifle with hocks well let down. Short, close coat in excellent condition. Moved soundly and was another who caught my eye in the final challenge.

2nd: 1306 WALSH, Mr Mark & LLOYD, Miss Karen Crowstaff Seize The Day For Weorc

See 2nd Special Beginners Dog/Bitch

3rd: 1287 PLUMSTEAD, Mrs Catherine & PLUMSTEAD, Mr Trevor Jazostaffs Cotswold Gem

Res: 1297 STILLMAN, Mrs & Mr Je & Rs & Vj Gray Vadeliza Devils Got Me At Maidendale

VHC: 1274 HIRST, Miss S & BIBBY, Miss J Taraiel Amazing Grace JW

Class 844 YB (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1291 WILLETTS, Miss Gemma & BILLINGHAM, Mr Matt Hamason Heart's On Fire JW

Eye-catching red and white pied bitch with a lovely combination of femininity and strength. Strong feminine head with good muscle development through skull and cheeks, defined stop, beautiful dark round eyes and correct muzzle-to-skull proportions. Tight, clean lips with a strong jaw housing correct scissor bite. Strong neck into well-muscled, nicely laid-back shoulders. Straight, well-boned front, strong at pastern with feet turning out slightly. Good depth of brisket and well-sprung ribs, level topline and close coupled. Presented in excellent muscular condition with a well-constructed rear, good bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Once settled she moved with plenty of drive. Full of Stafford spirit.

2nd: 1284 MILLS, Mr & Mrs Jason & Tina Milarkebull Eleven

Black brindle bitch with a feminine yet strong head, good cheek development, defined stop, dark eye and neat ears. Good neck into well laid-back shoulders and a straight front. Well ribbed, level in topline and short through the loin with sufficient bend of stifle. Moved well. I would prefer a little more overall muscle development to complete the picture.

3rd: 1260 CORTI, Miss G Bickinstar Ice Glow

Res: 1266 EVANS, Mr David & EVANS, Mrs Michele Crewestaff She's The One

Class 845 PGB (10 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1315 WILSON, Mrs Kelly Northstaff The Iron Lady

Feminine black brindle bitch with lots to admire. Clean, feminine head with dark round eyes, correct muzzle-to-skull proportions, clean, tight lips and correct scissor bite. Good development through skull and cheeks with neat, well-placed ears. Strong, clean neck into well laid-back shoulders and nicely developed upper arm. Straight front with correct pasterns. Sufficient spring of rib, level topline and balanced rear with good bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Moved freely and soundly to take a strong class.

2nd: 1293 ROCHELLE, Mr Tyler & ROCHELLE, Mr Lewis & KIRK, Mi Metalbull Black Pearl

Brindle and white bitch with a feminine head, although I would prefer a more defined stop. Dark eye, clean muzzle of pleasing proportions and neat ears. Strong neck, straight front and good spring of rib. Level topline, close coupled and short through the loin. Good bend of stifle. Moved soundly but preferred the head properties and overall finish of 1st.

3rd: 1312 WELLS, Mr Kevin & WELLS, Mrs Lisa Wellsstaffs Shine A Light JW

Res: 1267 GHINN, Mr Jonathan Tillcarr Fire Fever

VHC: 1302 THOMAS, Mrs K & Mr S Yvette Biggleswick Wicked One

Class 846 LB (10 Entries) Abs: 3

A very good quality class of bitches with some close decisions.

1st: 1257 CONSTANT, Mr David Sikaistaff Cask Strength JW

Another I have had the pleasure of judging previously, when I awarded her Best in Show at a breed club Open Show. She did not disappoint on meeting her again. Black brindle bitch of excellent Stafford type, balance and proportion who demands attention without exaggeration. Lovely feminine head and expression, dark round eyes, distinct stop and neat ears. Clean muzzle with tight lips housing a correct scissor bite and large, clean teeth. Well-developed cheek muscles complete the head. Strong, clean neck into well-placed shoulders and a straight front with strong pasterns showing the correct slight turn out. Good width to front and depth through the brisket with well-sprung ribs, close coupled and short through the loin. Level topline with correct tail set and carriage. Excellent muscled hindquarters, well-bent stifles and hocks well let down, producing strong rear drive on the move. Short, close coat in excellent condition. Moved with a free, powerful and economical action. A quality bitch who again impressed me greatly and pushed extremely hard for the Reserve CC. 

2nd: 1272 HANDS & FREEMAN, Miss & Mr April & Damian Skyestaff She Conquered JW

Another excellent quality bitch who pushed the winner very hard. Similar in many respects, displaying a strong yet feminine head, good breed type, sound construction and excellent muscular condition. Well presented with a short, close coat in superb condition and moved very well. Two quality bitches separated by fine margins, today I preferred the overall balance and proportions of 1st.

3rd: 1273 HERON, Miss D Dilirystaff Fangtastic

Res: 1256 BOWMAN, Mrs Joanna & BOWMAN, Mr Timothy Sikaistaff All Of Me At Kamiflo ShCEx

VHC: 1262 DAVIES, Mr Brett Briganah I'm Still Standing

Class 847 OB (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1286 PLUMSTEAD, Mrs Catherine & PLUMSTEAD, Mr Trevor Ch Kamaristaffs Royal Gem At Jazostaff JW

Top-shelf showgirl who combines breed type, balance, strength and femininity. Compact black brindle bitch who immediately draws the eye and continued to impress on closer examination. Excellent feminine head of lovely proportions. Dark round eyes, defined stop, strong jaw and a clean muzzle with tight lips of correct length in balance with the skull, housing a correct scissor bite with clean, large teeth. Keen, alert expression enhanced by her broad skull with beautifully defined cheek muscles, whilst retaining complete femininity. Clean, strong neck flowing into well laid-back shoulders with excellent upper arm and muscle definition. Straight, well-boned front, strong at pastern with feet turning out slightly. Good depth through the brisket and well-sprung ribs, close coupled and short through the loin. Strong, muscular hindquarters with excellent bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Level topline with correct tail set and carriage. Moved freely and powerfully with balance, agility and discernible drive from behind, maintaining her level topline throughout. Showed with tremendous presence and demanded attention. Her maturity, overall completeness and combination of strength with femininity gave her the edge and was pleased to award her the Bitch CC. 

2nd: 1285 PITAS, Mr Frantisek Ir Ch Lasanta Princess Of Satip (IKC)

Standard black brindle bitch with plenty of quality, although not quite as clean through the head as 1st. Dark round eyes, defined stop and good muscle development through the skull and cheeks. Correct scissor bite. Strong neck with good width to front. Deep through the brisket with sufficient spring of rib. Straight, well-boned front with tight feet. Close coupled with level topline, well-bent stifles and hocks well let down. Moved soundly. 

3rd: 1298 THISBY, Mr Kevin Brian Taurinstaff Ms Bellatricks

Class 848 VB (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 1259 CORTI, Miss G Assilio Star Turn

Seven-year-old fawn bitch showing a lovely combination of femininity and strength. Pleasing head with dark round eyes and clean muzzle housing a correct scissor bite, completed by neat ears. Strong neck into well laid-back shoulders and a straight front, although I would prefer a little more bone to complete the picture. Deep brisket with well-sprung ribs, level topline and good bend of stifle. Moved out freely and soundly and presented in lovely condition.

2nd: 1304 TURNER, Ms B On The Hill Two At Tidestaff

Eight-year-old brindle and white bitch presented in excellent condition. Not quite as clean through the head as 1st and I would prefer a more defined stop. Dark round eyes, good neck and straight front. Sufficient depth of brisket with good spring of rib. Particularly impressed by the muscular condition of her rear quarters for her age. Good bend of stifle, hocks well let down and maintained a level topline on the move. Moved soundly.

3rd: 1255 BATTEN, Mrs Vivienne & BATTEN, Mr Peter Hammystaff Happiness

Res: 1261 DALY-LEES, Mrs K L Boscador Flaming Warrior