Three Counties Agricultural Society

THREE COUNTIES 2026

TOY GROUP

What a super job the Toy breed judges did as whole, making for a very difficult task as I was presented with quality in abundance.

I made a shortlist of nine, but this could easily have been twelve or more. Those making the shortlist were the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chapman & Ireland’s Ch Ellemich American Express, the Chihuahua (Long Coat), Hornby’s Bramerita Priceless, the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Witchstone Nasabe Strikes Back JW, the Griffon Bruxellois, Selby, Allen & Whitehead’s Ch Zilcan Monkey Business, the Italian Greyhound, Amsel & Rishworth-Cutler’s Ch Artmeis Raise The Stakes, the Japanese Chin, Mills’ Ch/Ir Ch Ashaka Come to Bed Eyes CW 24 CJW 24 Ir Jch, the King Charles Spaniel, Tarabad & Whitman’s Ch Baldragon Russian Around with Khatibi, the Papillon, Robb’s Ch Gleniren Miracle Starmaker, and the Pomeranian, Smith’s Ch Sueacres Catch A Dream JW.

The 3 yr old Japanese Chin dog took Group 1 and what an absolutely super boy he is! Certainly elegant and aristocratic as required and a total delight hands on. Beautifully presented in full coat, he is compact in outline with the correct length of neck to balance, firm through the topline, well ribbed up, short in the couplings and his profusely feathered tail is set on high. His head markings are text book and I thought his head and expression sublime; correct skull, eyes are set wide apart, ears correct for size and set and there is cushioning to his short, wide muzzle. On the move he pleased all through and carries himself with style and was superbly handled.

Group 2 was the 2 yr old Papillon bitch and it really was a close call between the Chin and this girl. Ultra-feminine and another who was so good to go over given her correct construction. Totally balanced with moderate length of neck, firm topline, excellent ribbing and tail set on high and correct for carriage. She has the most delightful head and expression with the very best of eyes and ears, well defined stop, finely pointed muzzle and correct dentition. Correct angles both front and rear, standing true in front on characteristic feet and a joy to watch when gaiting; light and free with self-assured carriage. Presented in first class order and so very well handled. 

For Group 3 I selected the 3 yr old Griffon Bruxellois dog. Quite the character, this red rough is full of quality, cobby as desired, carries correct bone and is so good in outline. Slightly arched neck of moderate length, short firm back, excellent ribbing, short muscular loin and tail set on high and of pleasing carriage. Masculine headpiece with rounded skull of moderate width, dark expressive eyes, ears set on well, definite stop, good width to muzzle and prominent chin. He stands true in front and has good width to chest and is nice and firm in the rear. On the move, he moves freely on the down and back and uses himself as he goes. Quality coat and presentation.

Finally, I chose the 4 yr old Italian Greyhound bitch to complete my top four. I have done this girl very well previously and today, she still appealed. Feminine all through she is beautifully balanced with the required elegance of the breed. Neck of good length, good depth to brisket, ribbing carried well back, slight arch over the loin, correct croup and tail just right for length, set and carriage. Most attractive head; good length to her flat skull, slight stop, expressive eyes, rose-shaped ears and fine muzzle of correct length to balance. So very well constructed and stands on correct hare feet. Gaiting freely fore and aft and with characteristic lift in front. 

Judge: Tim Ball