Isle Of Man Canine Society

Isle of Man Canine Society Open Show 140th Anniversary Year 4th May 2026 First of all I would like to thank the Officers and Committee of the Isle of Man Canine Society for the invitation to judge at their very special 140th Anniversary Open Show. I am aware of the honour that was bestowed on me, and it was a day I shall treasure forever. There is no feeling as heartwarming as returning home to the land of my birth. The day was made particularly memorable when two school friends arrived, I was so surprised to see them after so long, the years soon drifted away like Manannans’ Mist. Lots of lovely dogs were entered of all shapes and sizes, but everyone had a superb temperament. The atmosphere in the hall was terrific, welcoming, friendly and supportive. Generous prizes, donated by the fabulous Tynwald Mills, were awarded for Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show, Reserve Best in Show, Third B.I.S. and Fourth B.I.S. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company awarded a voucher for the Best Veteran in Show. Thank you to everyone who came along and I hope you all enjoyed the day, the buffet, and celebratory cake as much as we did. Special thanks must go to Mel and Lesley, two most efficient Ring Stewards, who kept the ring running smoothly from start to finish. Pastoral Class 1 Hungarian Puli Open ( No Entries) Class 2 AVNSC Pastoral Puppy (No Entries) Class 3, AVNSC Pastoral Post Graduate (2 Entries, 2 abs.). Class 4, AVNSC Pastoral Limit (3, 1 abs.) (1) Howard’s Ladnar Izadorable TAF, Rough Collie. Very sweet bitch, with a balanced skull and foreface, intelligent expression and alert when looking at handler.Well angulated shoulders , straight front, correct back with slight rise over loin. Neat oval feet. Smooth action on the move, showing effortless movement. Best AVNSC Pastoral ( 2) Duggan’s Syanne Mirror Edition, Border Collie, I just loved this little bitch. She collapsed in a heap every time I approached her, just wanting cuddles, making assessment rather challenging. A well balanced bitch having correct head and intelligent eyes, she has broad muscular hindquarters, lashing tail, and was eventually steady on the move. The friendliest dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Would have loved to take her home! Class 5, AVNSC Pastoral Open (1) Howards’ Ladnar Dreamcatcher TAF Rough Collie. 5 year old male, litter brother to winner of previous class. So alike. Handsome chap whose head showed no sign of coarseness. Shown in hard muscular condition. Abundant harsh outer coat with soft undercoat. Neat feet, moved soundly. Just preferred the head and expression of his litter mate for Best AVNSC Pastoral. Class 6 AVNSC Pastoral Veteran (1) Hayes Balidorn Black Spice, Shetland Sheepdog He has the most appealing head with a gentle expression in his eyes. He has well laid back shoulders and strong muscular forelegs, well sprung ribs and gradual sweep of croup. Well arched toes and neat feet. Profuse coat of long straight black hair. He stepped out in style around the ring in the most graceful manner. Best AVNSC Pastoral Veteran. Class 7 AV Import Register Pastoral Open ( No Entries). Best AVNSC Pastoral : Howard’s Ladnar Izadorable TAF, Rough Collie Best Pastoral Puppy : None entered Best Pastoral Veteran : Hayes Balidorn Black Spice, Shetland Sheepdog Terriers. Class 8 Australian Terrier Open (No Entries), Class 9 AVNSC Terrier Puppy (No Entries) Class 10 AVNSC Terrier Open (No Entries) Class 11 AVNSC Terrier Veteran. (1) Duggan’s Season Star is Born for Ellanvolley. Welsh Terrier. Stood alone, but I liked her al ot. Full of character. A well balanced, compact bitch. Sturdy solid body, with a short strong back and good depth to chest. Correct straight forward parallel movement. Shown in hard muscular condition. Best AVNSC Terrier and Best Terrier Veteran. Class 12 AV Import Register Terrier Open ( No Entries) Best AVNSC Terrier : Duggan’s Season Star is Born for Ellanvolley, Welsh Terrier Best Terrier Puppy : None entered. Best Terrier Veteran : Duggan’s Season Star is Born for Ellanvolley, Welsh Terrier Hounds. Class 13 Otterhound Open ( No Entries) Class 14 AVNSC Hound Puppy ( No Entries) Class 15, AVNSC Hound Post Graduate. (2, 1 abs ) (1) Stotts’ Falconcrag Gossip Girl, Whippet. This four year old fawn bitch definitely has the wow factor and tremendous ring presence. She just oozes elegance and grace, yet successfully combines raciness, strength and power. Correct long, lean head, she is very pretty and has bright, expressive oval eyes with dark pigmentation. Long, muscled arched neck, laid back shoulders, and standing on sound legs and feet, with quality bladed bone. Not too much width to the front . Very deep chest, plenty of heart room, well muscled back and definite tuck up to loin. Strong, broad well muscled thighs with well developed second thigh. Correct oval feet, with well arched knuckles. It was a pleasure too see her on the move, she has a long effortless stride, her well muscled hind quarters enabled great propelling power. I though she was absolutely stunning. Best AVNSC Hound, and later so deserved her Best In Show award. Class 16 AVNSC Hound Limit (1, 1 abs.) Class 17. AVNSC Hound Open (4.) 1. Falconcrag Gossip Girl , repeat. (2) Merryweather Miss L, Fletcher Mr S and Hall Mrs J ‘s Ch Vaskurs Alice Cooper Fredson Mit Ynchreenoo (Imp Swe) Pharaoh Hound. A striking upstanding dog. He is most most definitely noble. Just full of breed type. Still a youngster with lots more to come. Well chiselled head, classic upright, alert ears, amber eyes showing intelligent expression. Long muscular neck with slight arch. Strong shoulders, long and well laid back. Forelegs straight with strong pasterns. Deep brisket, well sprung ribs and strong muscular hindquarters demonstrating free flowing movement. Tan colour with white star. Shown in fabulous condition as was his litter mate who was third. (3) Merryweather Miss L, Fletcher Mr S and Hall Mrs J ‘s Vaskurs Lady Gaga Qarmadotter Von Ynchreenoo (Imp Swe) Pharaoh Hound. 18 AVNSC Hound Veteran (2) (1) Taylor’s Teyora Ronco Cirneco Dell’Etna At nine years old the grey is just beginning to appear on his muzzle, giving him a very distinguished look. Excels in head properties. His foreface is lean and well chiselled, and has correct slight stop. He has small intelligent eyes, and correct high set, triangular ears. Strong well arched neck, well set into shoulders. Good front , straight top line from withers to croup, with gradual tuck up. Very muscular throughout. Moved exceptionally well. An alert, gentle dog, who was very well schooled. Best Hound Veteran, later I was pleased to award him Best Veteran in Show (2) Taylor’s Teyora Nara, Cirneco Dell’Etna. A pretty feminine bitch, well made, not showing any signs of age. Preferred the head of her litter mate. Her body was balanced and her movement was sound. Presented in very good condition. Class 19 AV Import Register Hound Open (No Entries) Best AVNSC Hound : Stotts’ Falconcrag Gossip Girl , Whippet Hound Puppy : None Entered Best Hound Veteran : Taylor’s Teyora Ronco, Cirneco Dell’Etna Utility Class 20 Schipperke Open ( No Entries) Class 21 AVNSC Utility Puppy (2) (1) Colquitt’s Freddo Fancy, Shiba Inu. A most pleasing chunky puppy. Super head and keen expression, she has expressive dark brown, almond shaped eyes, and correct black nose. Good body for one so young, well developed fore chest, straight in front assembly and possesses strong bone. Good body shape and glorious rich coat. Her thick tail was set on high and curled over her back. Moved with enthusiasm. Best Utility Puppy. (2) Quayle’s Cubalibre Triple Hazy, Dalmatian, a very friendly puppy who was exuberant on the move. Pretty in head, correct shaped eye with intelligent expression. Sound all through in body. Should finish well. Class 22 AVNSC Utility 1) Quayle’s Cubalibre Sirius Celeste, Dalmatian. A striking handsome, male. Spirited and keen to get going. Pleasing front and rear angulation, also good bend of stifle. Moved well Class 23 AVNSC Utility Limit (4,1 abs.) (1) Rowson’s Nosregor Sticking Around , German Spitz (Mattel) Caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring, full of quality. Loved his head shape, correct very dark eyes and well shaped erect ears. Moderately angulated body, really liked his overall compact shape. Well off for bone, nothing exaggerated about this chap. Moved well. Presented in abundant Sable coat and tip top condition. (2) Quayles’ Cubalibre On One JW, Dalmatian, Elegant bitch, liked her coverall shape and substance. Nothing over done . Sound all through. Smooth, effortless movement. (3) Quayles’ Cubalibre Star Attraction JW, Dalmatian Class 24 AVNSC Utility Open ( 3, 1 abs) (1) Kobuta’s Hodgepodge Lad, Tibetan Terrier. Impressed me when he entered the ring with his ‘Look at Me’ attitude. Stunning example of the breed, black and white, square in shape and balanced throughout. Super head, good neck and shoulder placement, depth of brisket, pleasing rear angles used to advantage on the move. Worked well with his handler. Best AVNSC Utility and RBIS. (2) Quayles’ Ch Cubalibre Wishing Star JW Dalmatian. Liked everything about this lively bitch. Scores in breed type, size, shape, firm muscular condition, great angulation. Excels on the move, striding out around the ring. Class 25, AVNSC Utility Veteran, (1) Quayles’ Chizzmic Carry on with Cubalibre JW Dalmatian. Most attractive and lively bitch of nine years old. Very sound in all departments, particularly pleasing to see good width between her strong hocks on the move. Happy temperament, her tail never stopped wagging. She seemed to be enjoying her day out. Best Utility Veteran Class 26 AV Import Register Utility Open. (No Entries) Best AVNSC Utility : Kobuta’s Hodgepodge Lad, Tibetan Terrier. Best Utility Puppy : Colquitt’s Freddo Fancy, Shiba Inu Best Utility Veteran : Quayles’ Chizzmic Carry on with Cubalibre JW Dalmatian Working Class 27 Tibetan Mastiff Open (No Entries) Class 28 AVNSC Working Puppy (No Entries) Class 29 (3) I thought all three dogs exhibited in this class were worthy of red cards. (1) McKinlay-Storie’s Evalesco Dangerous Love, Doberman. Balanced feminine head with good skull, muzzle and eye. Scores in neck and shoulder placement, firm straight legs, and sound front and rear construction. Shown in hard muscular condition. Moved with vigorous gait around ring demonstrating good reach. AVNSC Working and Third Best In Show. (2) Murphy’s Dromnagus Dragon Lady RL1. Russian Black Terrier. Lots to like about this well made five year old bitch, full of breed type. Lovely head, overall shape and great ground covering movement. Would love to see her move in a big ring. (3) Tyrer’s Cleon Princess Peach, Leonburger. Very much the baby in this class. Just needs time, then will trouble the best. Class 30 AVNSC Working Veteran (None Entered) Class 31 AV Import Register Working Open (None Entered). Best AVNSC Working : McKinlay-Storie’s Evalesco Dangerous Love, Doberman. Best Working Puppy : None Entered Best Working Veteran : None Entered Gundogs. Class 32 Italian Spinone Open (None Entered) Class 33 AVNSC Gundog Puppy (3, 3abs) Class 34 AVNSC Gundog Junior (1,1 abs) Class 35 Post Graduate (3) (1) Shepherds’s Orchidstar Platinum Strike GSP. He impressed from the moment he entered the ring. Good shape to his head and kind expression in his eye. Balanced throughout with clean silhouette. Well muscled, deep brisket, strong firm topline, short back leading to correct croup and tail set. Moved as one with his handler. Best AVNSC Gundog, and Fourth Best In Show. (2) Stott’s Steelriver Isle View Raven, Retriever (Flat Coated) A sturdy, enthusiastic, bold, and happy lad, constantly wagging his tail, all qualities typical of this breed. Excellent front and rear angulation, well developed ribcage. Super tail set and action. In great condition, with the most fabulous gleaming coat. Moved with ease and drive. Really liked him a lot. (3) Readshaw’s Orchidstar About time Two. Class 36 AVNSC Gundog Limit, (3) (1) Shepherd’s Orchidstar Full Speed Ahead. A truly sound quality dog. He has a handsome head in proportion to his body. Well off for bone. Sloping well placed shoulders, good depth to chest, and a firm back leading to well muscled thighs enabling powerful ground covering action. (2) Readshaw’s Orchidstar About time Two. Lots to like about this two year old dog, who was presented in hard muscular condition. Sound body properties, with no exaggeration. He moved well with driving action and showing good width behind. (3) Crellin’s Wahnahnish Get Freaky (Lab. Retriever) Class 37 AVNSC Gundog Open (4) (1) Shepherd’s Kimmax Kallin Danny Boy Over, German Wirehaired Pointer. Correct head proportions and good eye colour. Sound in all departments, straight front, firm back and broad, wide hips, good bend of stifle. He moved with an easy stride and powerful driving action from well muscled hind quarters. (2) Stott’s Steelriver Isle View Raven. Retriever (Flat Coated)Second in Class 35. (3) Crellin’s Aalin Carrey Let’s Sing. Labrador Retriever. Class 38 AVNSC Veteran (5, 1 abs.) (1) Qualtrough’s Helenwood Trade Secret RL4 EX Spaniel (Cocker) Well proportioned black dog of good type, not showing any sign of age. He has an appealing head, dark eye and kind expression.Plenty of bone and substance.Good reach of neck into well laid back shoulders, firm strong back, good ribs and gently sloping topline to hind quarters, good turn of stifle. Moved well. Best AVNSC Gundog Veteran (2) Crellin’s Aalin Carrey Summer Majic, Labrador Retriever . The oldest exhibit in the show. Placed second here on his overall soundness and true steady movement. He was carrying a few extra pounds but this did not distract from his handsome, fabulous head and melting expression. He seemed to be really enjoying his day out. (3) Qualtrough’s Helenwood Blue Flame RL3 EX Spaniel (Cocker) Class 39 AV Import Register Gundog Open. (No Entries) Best AVNSC Gundog : Shepherds’s Orchidstar Platinum Strike GSP. Best Gundog Puppy : None Entered Best Gundog Veteran : Qualtrough’s Helenwood Trade Secret RL4 EX Toys : Class 40 Lowchen Open (No Entries) Class 41 AVNSC Toy Puppy (1) Cowley-Hardy’s Belvelmount Madeline. CKCS. I’m sure this pretty bitch knows she’s special. She oozes femininity and prettiness. Full of quality and breed type. Extremely well constructed. Her movement is very lively and accurate, driving from behind. She glided round the ring and looked as if she could go all day. Best Toy puppy and Best AVNSC Toy and Best Puppy In Show. Class 42 AVNSC Toy Open (1) Cowley-Hardy’s Gabmaddi Patti Cake CKCS Another attractive young bitch. Correct round eyes and well feathered ears. Short coupled body with well sprung ribs. Not as sprightly on the move as the puppy. Class 43 AVNSC Toy Veteran (No Entries) Class 44 AV Import Register Toy Open Best AVNSC Toy : Cowley-Hardy’s Belvelmount Madeline. CKCS. Best Toy Puppy : Cowley-Hardy’s Belvelmount Madeline. CKCS Best Toy Veteran : None entered Class 45 Junior Handling 6-11 years (3, 1 abs) (1) Summer Davies, aged 10. Summer worked hard to show her GSP to advantage. He was a real fidget, and she was constantly checking his stance, and adjusting his feet. She moved him at the correct pace in a triangle. She was concentrating on her charge all the time and so deserved her first place and lovely prizes. (2) Sophia Goodall, aged 8. Another promising handler. She appears so confident and experienced, I was surprised to see that she’s 8 years old, so must have a bright future in showing. Sophia was very smartly dressed in a neat suit, and certainly looked the part of a professional handler. However she had little work to do as her Cirneco Dell’Etna was so well schooled and did not put a foot wrong. She moved her charge correctly, and listened attentively to instructions. It was lovely to see all the Junior handlers winning prizes. Class 46 Junior Handling 12-16 years (1) (1) Tia Davies, a most mature 13 year old, young lady exhibiting a GSP. He did his best to make life difficult for her, but she persevered and repeatedly corrected his ring stance. She coped well with a lively dog, and gave a most polished performance. Best Junior Handler, and lots more prizes. Class 47 Adult Handling 17+ (3,1,abs) (1) Christina Kobuta handling a Tibetan Terrier. By the end of a long day the dogs were becoming tired, and this exhibitor tried twice to set up her dog to her satisfaction as he was becoming restless. Pattern work was good with straight lines and neat corners ending in a very nice free-stand. Well done. (2) Caroline’s Cocker Spaniel was quite lively, I noted that Caroline handled her dog in a quiet, sympathetic manner. A pleasing performance, working well with her dog today. Class 48 AV Veteran Open (3) (1) Saredon Star is Born For Ellanvolley-Welsh Terrier (2) Helenwood Trade Secret RL4EX-SpanieL Cocker (3) Kimmax Clean Sweep-German Wirehaired Pointer Class 49 AV Sporting Open (5) (1) Falconcrag Gossip Girl , Whippet (2) Shepherds’s Orchidstar Platinum Strike GSP. (3) Steelriver Isle View Raven. Retriever (Flat Coated) Class 50 AV Non-Sporting (2) (1) Dromnagus Dragon Lady RL1. Russian Black Terrier (2) Gabmaddi Patti Cake CKCS Class 51 Novice Open (3) (1) Cowley-Hardy’s Belvelmount Madeline. CKKS (2) Colquitt’s Freddo Fancy, Shiba Inu (3) Quayle’s Cubalibre Triple Hazy, Dalmatian Class 52 AV Bred on Island (1) (1) Crellin’s Aalin Carrey Let’s Sing. Labrador Retriever. Gorgeous in head. Loved his gentle expression, and happy attitude. His tail never stopped wagging. Well off for bone, but carrying a touch too much substance today. Class 53 AV Brace (2) (1) Taylor’s Cirneco dell’Etna. These two presented a wonderful picture powering around the ring together. Very much like two peas in a pod. Little to separate them. Both moved very well together in tandem. (2) Howard’s Rough Collies. Unlucky to meet (1) who were on top form. Both pairs were well presented, and it was a pleasure to see them all moving so well together. Best in Show : Stott’s Falconcrag Gossip Girl, Whippet Reserve Best In Show : Kobuta’s Hodgepodge Lad, Tibetan Terrier. Third Best In Show : McKinlay-Storie’s Evalesco Dangerous Love, Doberman. Fourth Best In Show : Shepherds’s Orchidstar Platinum Strike, GSP. Best Puppy In Show : Cowley-Hardy’s Belvelmount Madeline, CKCS. Reserve Best Puppy In Show : Colquitt’s Freddo Fancy, Shiba Inu Best Veteran In Show : Teyora, Ronco Cirneco Dell’Etna Adrienne Callister Judge