Kilmarnock & District Canine Club

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge the Working Breeds at this enjoyable Open Show. I was fortunate to have two efficient stewards assisting me, ensuring the ring carried on moving smoothly and without any issues. It was a well-run show with a pleasant atmosphere.

Despite the cold weather, my decisions were accepted with warmth and good sportsmanship from all exhibitors.

Great Dane

Post Graduate (1 ent, 1 abs)

Open (4 ent, 2 abs)

1st - Martin’s KEISHANT VENUS – A 6 year old bitch who displayed an air of distinguished elegance during her time in the ring. Feminine head, with all the right characteristics of the breed. No exaggerations, and clean. Long, well arched neck leading into muscular shoulders. Strong throughout body, and well defined muscles in the hindquarters; allowing for good drive and graceful, free movement. Topline held well on the move. BOB

2nd - Martin’s KEISHANT ATHENA – a 4 year old bitch who has lots to like about her, she just couldn’t match the ring presence of 1. True to type in head, feminine with correct proportions. Clean expression. Deep chest, well sprung ribs. Ample muscling and good angulation in hindquarters. A sound bitch who moved well, just outshone by kennel-mate today.

Newfoundland

Post Graduate (1 ent, 1 abs)

Open (1 ent, 1 abs)

Bullmastiff

Open (1 ent, 1 abs)

Dobermann

Open (3 ent, 3 abs)

Boxer

Open (5 ent, 1 abs)

1st – Mair’s GLENAULD STORM FELICITY – 13 month old bitch ticking all the right boxes for her age! Beautiful feminine head, with a broad muzzle. Really well balanced head with a distinct stop and wide nostrils. Completely clean with absolutely no exaggerations. Loved her alert expression, really captured my attention and drew me to her. Correct bite and strong jaw. Well-conditioned throughout her feminine frame. Lovely deep chest on a square profile. Short back leading to good length of thigh and sound hind angulations. Excellent mover, good reach, and strong drive from the rear. BOB

2nd – Lafferty’s GEENAWELL LORENZO (SH CEX) – A quality dog of 5 years. Unfortunate to meet my winner here. Loved his breed typical head, with great expression when alert. Well-sized body, square profile and good muscling throughout. Another with good reach and drive on the move, just couldn’t quite match movement of 1 today. Solid topline – held well on the move – and good angles in the rear.

3rd (BPIB) - Mair’s LORROSA DIZZY RASCAL AT GLENAULD – a truly top quality puppy. 9 month old dog who I would be excited to see at a maturer age. No doubt will do exceedingly well in the future with the foundations he currently holds. Challenged hard for a higher placement amongst maturer dogs.

Siberian Husky

Junior (3 ent, 2 abs)

1st – Trainer’s SWEET HONEY GIRL AT DANAMELI – A lovely young bitch of nearly 12 months. Definitely knows how to show herself off, and did so really well! Good fox-like head, with a friendly expression. Correct bite and strong jaws. Was in great coat and overall condition, would like a touch more muscling under all that coat though – as she is young, this will naturally develop with maturity. Movement was sound, smooth and light on her feet. BPIB

Open (6 ent, 2 abs)

1st – Bryson’s CH INUKSHUK IQNIQ O’THE NIGHT JW – 4 year old bitch in hard condition. Excellent muscular development throughout. A feminine build, but still very strong in structure. Great muzzle and correct bite. Almond-shaped eyes with keen expression on a fox-like head. Well laid-back shoulder, with ample muscling. Very good level topline, held well on the move. Effortless movement and looked like she could just go all day at that pace. Correct gradual single tracking as speed increased – would have benefitted from a bigger ring to really show off her strength on the move. Lack of coat didn’t detract from the quality bitch that she is! BOB

2nd – Bryson’s INUKSHUK HELLO DARKNESS – Such a delightful young bitch. She has the prettiest of heads, with everything in proportion. Breed typical head, with the most mischievous of glints in her eye! Another with ample muscling throughout a solid, strong build. Slightly longer in body than 1, but this should even out as she continues to mature. Again, another very strong mover from this kennel which could have benefitted from a slightly larger ring.

St. Bernard

Open (5 ent, 3 abs)

1st – Leitch’s SARANBECK SPIRIT OF CHEYENE – A very clean 12 month old smooth-coated dog. Large head, with correct bite and strong jaws. Super clean head and eyes! Long thick neck, leading to developing shoulders. Really good size and ample bone. Well rounded ribs, with level back. Good angulation developing throughout the hindquarters. Needs time to mature as still a touch loose on the move, but this will strengthen in time with developing muscle through the thigh. Unhurried movement, with easy extension. The kindest of temperaments, he really was a delight to go over. BOB

2nd – Leitch’s DAWSTENBEARS STYLE ICON – a nearly 3 year old rough coated dog of good size. Large characteristic head, open nostrils and strong muzzle. Heavier in head than 1 – would have preferred a slightly more prominent brow to go with the heavier stature of head. Powerful dog, good muscling in broad shoulders. Chest wide and deep. Again, good unhurried movement, but wasn’t quite as smooth as 1. Another with a lovely kind temperament.

Leonberger

Open (2 ent, 2 abs)

Giant Schnauzer

Open (1 ent, 0 abs)

1st – Clayton’s DREAMCATCHER DE BARBA NEGRA AT NORTHDRUM – my notes say “Wow”. Adored this young 12 month old bitch. Full of character and eager to go! Oozed breed type from nose to tail for one still maturing. Strong head, of good length, in proportion to body. Neat ears. Correct bite with tight lips. Fabulous muscling throughout, really appreciated how soundly and strongly built she was after getting hands on. Good bone in fore- and hind- quarters with lovely angulation. Really excelled on the move. Looked like the ring wasn’t enough for her. Free, balanced movement with good reach and such fantastic drive from the rear. Harsh, wiry coat in great condition. No doubt will have a good show career ahead; one which I am keen to watch. BOB

Judge – Declan Kenyon (Desquire)