Bath Canine Society

BATH CANINE SOCIETY

97th CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

23rd MAY 2026

It was an honour to be invited to judge Flatcoated Retrievers at Bath Canine Society’s 97th Annual Championship Show.

I would like to thank the Bath Committee for inviting me to judge this well organised and friendly show. The rings were excellent allowing for shade and space. Thank you also to my stewards – especially Sharon Rose who has been my steward on numerous occasions.

Most of all thank you to all exhibitors for their entry. Overall, a good quality entry - I was pleased to note some better front construction over the entry than last time I judged.

On the downside, it was very disappointing to find several untypical flatcoats, lacking bone, substance and breed type. In some classes there were many different shapes and sizes making it impossible to place a line-up of typical dogs. Movement was generally disappointing but, one must remember it was a extremely hot day and most of the exhibits were entered into both shows – therefore some (especially in the bitches) were understandably flagging in the heat. Having said that, some demonstrated the correct forward reach and rear driving action and flowed round the ring.

I was looking for that bright, active dog that portraits the correct balance between power and raciness. A dog full of confidence and cheerful friendliness that typifies the breed. A dog with a long, clean, well moulded head of one piece, and almond shaped eyes giving that twinkling expression with the required hint of naughtiness.

A dog that as closely as possible reflects the Flatcoated Retriever breed standard and is fit for function and could go out and do a day’s work.

I was pleased with all my class winners and both my challenge line-ups and delighted with my top honours.

CLASS 1048 - VETERAN DOG (5)

1. Macpherson’s RACHANMILL COLUMBO. Top size but, what a super veteran this boy is. A lovely male head with gentle expression. He presents a stunning profile – super front and rear angulation with a level topline. He excels on the move with reach and drive covering the ground with ease. Pleased to award him Best Veteran in Breed.

2. Scaife’s FLATCHARM MR FIX IT FOR SHENNANJOY. Another lovely veteran – a really honest dog – handsome male head with kind expression. He is well constructed and moves well. I just preferred the easy action of 1 today.

CLASS 1049 – MINOR PUPPY DOG (2)

1. Price & Nicholls’ LLANTRUSSA WINCHESTER. What a super puppy at just 7 months old he has lots of scope – he has a lovely male head and kind eye, good bone, good angulation front and rear – still getting his act together on the move but sound and accurate, holding his level topline well on the move.

2. Ponsford’s MISFITSFLUKES PHOENIX AT FALCORVUS. A size bigger than 1 – this boy is very raw and has a lot of maturing to do. He has a good male head. He is at the stage where his front end does not match his rear end making him very unbalanced. Extremely proud of his tail which he carried over his back.

CLASS 1050 - PUPPY DOG (4)

1. Pierce’s FLATCHARM HOBGOBLIN AT TARNMILLCRAG. A really lovely puppy. Super male head with melting expression. Good reach of neck into well laid-back shoulder. Soundly constructed with good front and rear angulation. Very well balanced. Shown in excellent coat and condition. Moved very soundly. Best Puppy Dog

2. Woodhams’ FLATCHARM MR POTATO HEAD. From the same kennel as 1, a few months older and different parentage but similarly well-constructed. He has a well moulded male head with kind dark eyes. He moves soundly with good rear driving action. Preferred balance and movement of 1 today.

CLASS 1051 - JUNIOR DOG (5)

1. Reitmaier’s MISS MALLORYS RAISE THE BAR. What a lovely boy. He has the loveliest male head, well moulded with the gentlest of expressions and super dark eyes. He is well constructed front & rear with good bone. Very classical in outline. He moved well with good reach and drive.

2. Salt’s CULCRIEFF’S FERNTOWER GLEN OF WETNOSES. This boy has a lovely well moulded male head. He is a very well balanced and soundly constructed young dog – he has just the right height to length ratio and the correct bone and substance whilst still demonstrating a racy outline. In this class I preferred the eye and movement of 1.

CLASS 1052 – YEARLING DOG (6 – 1 absent)

1. Salt’s CULCRIEFF’S FERNTOWER GLEN OF WETNOSES. This boy was 2nd in Junior dog - he has a lovely well moulded male head. He is a very well balanced and soundly constructed young dog – he has just the right height to length ratio and the correct bone and substance whilst still demonstrating a racy outline. He moved soundly and accurately.

2. Scaife’s FLATCHARM BING A LING AT SHENNANJOY. Super medium sized dog with good male head. Super front construction and well angulated rear. Not quite as well balanced as 1 today. Moved out well.

CLASS 1053 – NOVICE DOG (5)

1. Pierce’s FLATCHARM HOBGOBLIN AT TARNMILLCRAG. 1st in Puppy Dog - A really lovely puppy, super male head with melting expression. Good reach of neck into well laid-back shoulder. Soundly constructed with good front and rear angulation. Very well balanced. Shown in excellent coat and condition. Moved very soundly. Best Puppy Dog.

2. Gale’s WILLOWSWIND COUNTRYMAN. A rangy young dog who needs time to grow into himself and mature. He has a long well moulded head and correct eye shape and soft expression. He has good front angulation but at this stage of his development needs to strengthen behind. Not as well balanced as 1.

CLASS 1054 - GRADUATE DOG (5)

1. McIlwaine & Reynolds’ FLATCHARM MR HECKLES FOR BENOVEOR. What a splendid young dog – he has a lovely male head and gentle expression. He is well balanced with super construction all through. Presenting a very typey profile. He moved well straight and true with good reach and drive.

2. Durrant’s GLENTURRET WET MY WHISTLE. Another well-balanced and soundly constructed dog, he has a good male head and correct eye shape with soft expression. He was handled very well. Just preferred the more accurate movement of 1 today.

CLASS 1055 – POST GRADUATE DOG (4 - 1 Absent)

1. Gribble’s JAZZANRAGA ADVENTURER. A super medium sized liver dog. Good well moulded male head with a kind eye and expression. Overall, well balanced with excellent front and rear angulation which was evidenced by his accurate movement. Shown well in good coat and condition.

2. Gordon’s OIYOU WALDORF. A very honest flatcoat – full of breed type with a stong male head and the softest of expressions. He is soundly constructed with good bone and substance, in no way overdone. A dog that still has some maturing to do. Moved soundly.

CLASS 1056 - LIMIT DOG (7 – 1 absent)

1. Wild’s BITCON ALLIANCE WITH BLUEWATERS (ai) JW. For me this dog is really coming into his own. He presents a very typey profile. He has a lovely well moulded male head with lovely dark eye and soft expression. He has super front angulation and a strong rear end. He moved out well demonstrating good reach and drive. Pleased to award him the Reserve CC.

2. May’s LUSSAC XCAPE ARTIST (AI). A super male flatcoat – he is full of breed type with a lovely male head and the softest of expressions. He is soundly constructed with good front and rear angulation. Good topline standing. Moved soundly but didn’t hold his topline on the move today – he is carrying a lot of coat, on such a hot day.

CLASS 1057 - OPEN DOG (7)

1. Genco & Soresina’s DIAMANTE BLU URAGANO UBRIACO. A super dog of medium size, in hard, fit condition - clearly fit for function he was shown and presented very well - if I’m critical a bit over trimmed but I was not going to penalise for that. Today was his day. A lovely male head and correct eye shape with that gentle expression. Overall, very well constructed with super balance. Moved extremely well driving off sound and strong rear quarters, covering the ground effortlessly. Pleased to award him the CC and Best of Breed – delighted to see him short listed in the group.

2. Bellamy’s CH WOODFINCH MASQUERADE. I have always loved this dog from the ringside and going over him, he did not disappoint. He is top size but nonetheless very well balanced. Lovely well moulded head with good length. Super dark eye and kind expression. Good reach of neck and length of upper arm. Super topline and tailset. Well angulated rear. Moved well but not enjoying the heat.

CLASS 1058 – SPECIAL BEGINNERS (6)

1. Pierce’s WYCHWIZARD FORESTER AT TARNMILLCRAG. A good medium sized dog. Super head with good length of muzzle and correct almond shaped eye. Very balanced with good front angulation and nice tight feet. Moved very soundly.

2. McDuell’s ASPLEYPINE DIG DIS. This bitch has a beautiful head and lovely eye shape. She is overall very well constructed but not enjoying the heat today and therefore not showing her attributes to best effect. Moved soundly.

CLASS 1059 - VETERAN BITCH (5 – 1 Absent)

1. Milton’s MANTEAUPLAT BLACK PIPPIN. 8 years old. Very pretty and feminine girl. Very well balanced with sound construction, correct angulation front and rear – presenting a classical outline. Definitely not enjoying the heat - she moved well demonstrating her soundness.

2. Wilson’s HAMELDOWNTOR MUSIC OF THE NIGHT VW. Almost 10 years old. She has a pretty and feminine head and kind expression. Overall, a very well made and typey bitch. In superb fit condition she moved very well. A credit to her owner and breeder.

CLASS 1060 – MINOR PUPPY BITCH (2)

1. Lutner-Jacholnik & Jacholnik’s TELURN HEART SKIPS A BEAT. I loved this baby – she has so much scope. A very pretty baby with a beautiful head and correct eye shape giving a melting expression. Overall very well constructed and well balanced for one so young. Good quality bone and in excellent coat and condition. Presenting a classical outline and happy flatcoat attitude. Moved out well and soundly. Pleased to award her Best Puppy in Breed.

2. Kearton’s BRAEMIST CHASE THE SPIRIT AT RAVENHALL. Another pretty baby with a lovely head and eye. Taller and rangier than 1 but nonetheless soundly constructed. I preferred the overall balance, condition and finish of 1 today. Moved well.

CLASS 1061 - PUPPY BITCH (6 – 1 absent)

1. Lutner-Jacholnik & Jacholnik’s TELURN HIPS DON’T LIE. A very pretty and mature puppy for her age. She has a beautiful head of one piece and correct shaped dark eye. Good reach of neck into well angulated front with good shoulder placement. She was not enjoying the heat today and her handler struggled to get her moving. Eventually she demonstrated sound and correct gait with good rear action.

2. Chambers’ HOTOTO’S EDGE OF GLORY. Lovely puppy full of type, she has a feminine head. A soundly constructed bitch, lovely in outline and full of breed type. Not quite the finish and topline of 1 today. Moved very well and soundly.

CLASS 1062 - JUNIOR BITCH (8 – 1 absent)

1. Watson’s RAINESGIFT FAIR PLAY. Spotted her as soon as she came into the ring – she is so pretty and full of breed type. She has a beautiful feminine head with super dark eye and gentlest expression. She has fabulous front construction matched by her sound rear end. She presents a very well balanced and typey outline which clearly demonstrates ‘power without lumber’. She moved out so well with super reach and rear driving action – flowing around the ring. Today was her day and I had the pleasure of awarding her the CC.

2. Reitmaier’s MISS MALLORYS APPLE OF MY EYE. Not quite as mature and not in the peak condition of 1 today. This young lady presents a very clean profile – with feminine head, good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and good rear quarters. Moved very soundly.

CLASS 1063 – YEARLING BITCH (7 – 1 absent)

1. Gale’s WILLOWSWIND SKYLARK JW. A lovely bitch very soundly and well-constructed all through. Loveliest feminine head and dark mischievous eye and expression. Good quality oval bone and in super coat condition. Moved very soundly with good reach in front and driving from behind.

2. Clark’s FLANOVA BROWN EYED GIRL. This young lady presents a very clean profile – she is smaller all through than 1. She has a feminine head, good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and good rear quarters. Moved very soundly. I preferred the head and expression of 1 today.

CLASS 1064 – NOVICE BITCH (8 – 2 absent)

1. Merry’s SWANTONWOOD BLACK BRAMBLE. I loved this girl – She has a lovely well moulded feminine head. She is a very well balanced and soundly constructed – she has just the right height to length ratio and the correct bone and substance whilst still demonstrating a racy outline. she moved very well with super reach and drive.

2. McQuade’s MADDOUSE DIMONDS R’FOREVER. A pretty bitch, feminine head and kind expression. Good front construction and well angulated rear. Very well balanced in profile but did not hold her topline as well as 1 on the move today.

CLASS 1065 - GRADUATE BITCH (9)

1. Romeo-Dieste’s HOPEVALLEY MORNING XANADU JW. Very elegant bitch. Presents a very typey profile. Beautiful well moulded head and soft melting expression. Super neck into good front construction. Overall very well constructed and has lovely balance. Moved well with free-flowing action in the class – Today she did not quite have the sparkle of the CC winner but I was delighted to award her the RCC.

2. Thurgood’s THURWHITT LYRA BELACQUE JW. Another lovely bitch – different to 1 in outline but still very typey. She is very soundly constructed with good front and rear angulation. Not in the best of coats today. I preferred the head and expression of 1. Moved well and soundly.

CLASS 1066 – POST GRADUATE BITCH (8)

1. Moxey’s DYMEXE MY CHERIE AMOUR JW. Another that took my eye. She has the most beautiful head with super dark, almond shaped eyes and a twinkling expression. Good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and strong rear quarters. Moving so well with rear driving action and good forward reach. I considered her for top honours – I’m sure her day will come.

2. Izzard’s BRYSHOT STARLIGHT EXPRESS. Another lovely girl. She is taller and rangier than 1 but still Soundly constructed. A beautiful girl with super head, correct eye shape and melting expression. Good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and strong rear quarters. Moved well with free flowing action.

CLASS 1067 - LIMIT BITCH (7 – 1 absent)

1. Thurgood & Holmes’ FINHAMSPRIDE CLIO SGWC. I have admired this girl from the ringside. A real eye catching medium sized bitch. She has a feminine head with lovely eye shape. Good construction front and rear presenting a super outline with level topline. She moved out well with super reach and rear driving action.

2. Tagg’s OIYOU LAYLA GOCEK. A super liver bitch, she has the most beautiful head with super dark, almond shaped eyes and a twinkling expression. Good reach of neck, good bone, tight feet, level topline and strong rear quarters. Moving well with rear driving action and good forward reach. Today I preferred the outline on the move of 1.

CLASS 1068 - OPEN BITCH (9 - 2 absent)

1. Watson’s SH CH RAINESGIFT OMEGA. I have often admired this girl from the ringside. She is a beautiful bitch with a well moulded feminine head. She is so classical in profile. When going over her she does not disappoint and is so very soundly constructed and well balanced.

She moved soundly and covered the ground with ease.

2. Larsson’s INT/SE/NO/DK CH ALMANZA DANCIN’ ON THE TABLES. An upstanding liver bitch presenting a workmanlike profile. Feminine head and correct eye and expression. Soundly constructed all through, good reach of neck with correct angulation front and rear. Good quality oval bone. Not in her best coat today. Moved very soundly with good reach in front and driving from behind. I preferred the more free flowing outline of 1 today.

JUDGE: VICTORIA GOLDBERG.