Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club

Special Award Classes 2nd August 2026

I would very much like to thank the club for the kind invitation to judge their special awards class, Chesapeake’s are a breed very close to my heart and I always appreciate being in and around them.

Junior Dog or Bitch

Three lovely youngsters who are developing well, they all have similar qualities although not all from the same litter. 

1. Oakmarsh Mischief Maker An 8-month-old bitch set on a smaller frame although at her age she has lots of maturing and filling out to do. Overall, she is well proportioned and although young already developing the distinctive double and oily coat so important to this breed. Although not extrovert she shows no fear and shows a keen willingness to please her handler. Her head isn’t finished yet but is showing signs of growth of a well-proportioned skull and muzzle which is broad, round and with moderate stop. She is undoubtably feminine. She has a strong medium length neck important for strength to carry retrieved fur and feather. She has straight legs when viewed from the front; Visible fore chest and well laid shoulders with corresponding angle and length to upper arm. Strong through her core with developing chest and spring of rib; she has a balanced rear of developing strength. Today she excelled in movement and took the class due to her reach and drive.

2. Oakmarsh Naughty Paws Also 8-months of age this puppy dog is a few days younger than my winner. He has much the same conformation stamp as the winner however he is larger and at this stage in his development has not quite got the maturity nor the fore chest of the first. Today he was also quite unsettled on the move but when settled he gave a good account for himself. He has plenty of time to develop into his frame and I look forward to following his progress. 

3. Oakmarsh Naughty Rascal

Post Graduate Dog or Bitch

1. Battsrock So Fine from Sharbae Lovely almost 6-year-old mature bitch with excellent proportions and balanced angulation both front and back. She has a feminine head of equal proportions which is broad and round with moderate stop. Her eyes and ears are correct in colour, shape and size. She has a medium length of neck which is strong and muscular. Her body moderate in size but strong and powerful, shoulders well laid with good length and angulation to upper arm. She has a muscular body, deep chest with well sprung ribs, short coupled with moderate tuck up. Rear quarters are strong and well-muscled with well-turned stifles and strong hocks. Tail carried level on the stack and held well on the move, movement was smooth and effortless.

2. Battsrock Smoke on the Water Coming up to 2 years-old this boy is impressive on the stack. Overall, he is well put together, balanced, well-proportioned and muscular. He has a double coat which is thick and oily. His head is masculine, broad and round with equal proportions. Moderate in length of neck which is muscular and he has well laid shoulders and corresponding length and angulation of upper arm. He shows a good amount of fore chest, deep in the chest and moderate tuck up, well sprung ribs and short coupled, hindquarters are slightly higher than the withers. Strong hindquarters. On the move he is strong and purposeful. I would prefer a lower tail carriage which does sadly spoil his profile especially on the move. Nevertheless, lots to like.

3. Oakleaf Manor Bay of Oakmarsh

Open Dog or Bitch

This was a very strong class and very difficult to separate, they could all swop places on a different day.

1. Oakmarsh Little Acorn JW RATN An eye catching 2-and-a-half-year-old bitch, well-proportioned and muscular. She has a feminine head which is proportionate, broad and round, moderate in stop with harmonious pigments to eyes, nose and lips. Ears well set on the head and fitted close to head and face. Moderate neck length, muscular and strong. When viewed from the front she has straight legs with good bone which when stood are well under her body. Her shoulders powerful, well laid back with corresponding length and angulation to upper arm. Medium sized body with well sprung ribs, deep chest and well sprung ribs. Moderate tuck up. Rear quarters were strong in in harmony with her front angulation. Moved with powerful effortless reach and drive.  

2. Oakmarsh Laurel JW Another eye catching 2-and-a half-year-old bitch and litter sister to my class winner. I have watched and admired this lovely bitch from ringside on many occasions. She has all the attributes listed above and is always shown to advantage. Today, she seemed to be tired and after a long hot day of showing at several shows she seemed to have lost her sparkle. It’s a shame but she couldn’t match her sister’s pizzazz today but as I have said on another day, she would be my winner.   

3. Battsrock Ashes to Ashes for Sharbae

Denyse Whitehead - Foxriever