Midland & West Of England Great Dane Club

I would like to express my genuine appreciation to the Committee of the Midland and West Great Dane Club for inviting me to judge the Fawn and Brindle classes at their Colour Format Show, and for making me so welcome on the day. I am also most grateful to my stewards, whose efficient, calm work and excellent ringcraft ensured proceedings ran seamlessly and made the appointment thoroughly enjoyable. The organisation of the show was first rate, with a well-set ring, clear arrangements and a smooth timetable that allowed the judging to be conducted in a relaxed and orderly manner, which reflects great credit on everyone involved. Finally, my sincere thanks to all exhibitors who entered under me for their support and sportsmanship, and for presenting their dogs so well. I was very pleased with the overall quality of the exhibits and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to go over and assess them.

CLASS 29- FAWN PUPPY DOG (3/1)

1st Fletchers Sophelsa Fields of Gold

An appealing young dog giving a strong impression of height, presence and correct outline for a puppy Attractive fawn with black mask, shown in clean condition and carrying himself with plenty of confidence; even in a busy environment he stands out for his upstanding stance and overall style.

His head reads well for age with good length and a promising masculine stamp, the mask completing a typical Dane expression. Neck is of good length and carriage, flowing cleanly into wither and immediately creating that noble silhouette.

In profile he shows a very pleasing frame for a youngster, with good length of leg and enough body for his age, already suggesting a balanced outline that should develop very well as he deepens and furnishes.

In front, he is honest and straight for a puppy; with maturity I would expect the usual tightening of feet and pasterns and more fore chest as the chest drops. Body is at the right stage—still to fill in rib and strengthen through loin, but the foundation looks correct and he carries a sensible topline for a baby.

Rear is balanced and age-appropriate, and with time he should develop more second thigh and firmness through hock to complete the “engine” without losing his current athletic quality. On the move he showed typical puppy softness and will tighten as he matures, but he still impressed with attitude and an outline that held together well for his age.

2nd Bakers Kinnegans Bodyguard for Preveli(IKC)

Another pleasing young male, presenting a nice picture in the stack and giving a calm, settled impression for one so young. Attractive fawn with black mask and good ring demeanour, showing a balanced outline with nice length of neck and steady head carriage when he relaxes.

Head is of good length for age with a kind, typical expression, and he uses it well on a clean neck into wither. In profile he offers a good puppy frame, leggy as one expects, yet with enough body developing and a generally steady topline. He will deepen in brisket and fill through rib with time, which should add substance without losing his present elegance.

His front reads honest and straight and, as with the winner of the class, I would expect tightening of feet and more fore chest as maturity comes.

Behind he is balanced and moderate, already suggesting a functional hindquarter; further muscle and firmness through hock will come as he strengthens. In action he was still a little raw, as expected at this age, but he moved willingly and should come together nicely with strength and confidence.

CLASS 30 - FAWN JUNIOR DOG.(1)

1st Wright & Cranfields Zefathers Two Faces with Irieusdane JW

A promising young dog of pleasing type, who on outline shows plenty to work with and gives a good impression of height, length of leg and overall athleticism. Attractive fawn with black mask, presented in clean condition.

From the stack he shows a nice, upstanding silhouette with a long neck and a typically noble head carriage when he settles. Head is of good length with a black mask and a suitably masculine expression, though at this stage he naturally wants to tighten and finish through head and body as he matures. His outline suggests a frame that should develop well—good length of rib and a generally sound topline; he will benefit from time and conditioning to strengthen through loin and settle the whole picture.

In front, he stands straight enough. Feet are sound and with maturity I would expect tightening and improved firmness. Hindquarters are balanced and moderate, giving the impression of a youngster who should develop more muscle and control behind as he matures.

On the move, he gave a better idea of his potential, showing an athletic, functional way of going when he relaxed, and he is built to cover the ground economically.

Overall, a nice young male with clear promise. As he was unsettled today, I would very much like to see him again on a calmer day when he can be properly assessed under the hand and allowed to show himself to full advantage.

CLASS 31 - POST GRADUATE DOG (0)

CLASS 32 - FAWN OPEN DOG (2/1)

1st Munros Roucandane Stolen Kisses

A very impressive dog of real quality and breed presence, demonstrating the sort of noble, upstanding outline that holds the eye. Beautiful fawn with black mask, shown in hard, athletic condition with a tight coat and a confident, composed ring attitude.

His head is a major asset—good length and strength, with a well-filled muzzle and masculine expression, carried proudly on a long, clean neck that flows smoothly into well-defined wither. If I was to be critical, a darker eye would have been preferable. He gives the right impression of great size with soundness, without looking coarse. In profile he shows a pleasing, balanced frame with good depth of brisket, ribs carried well back, and a firm, level topline with the correct slight rise over a strong loin; tail set is correct and completes the picture. In front, he stands straight enough with adequate bone and substance.

He was sound in movement on the day, and he certainly gives the impression of a dog put together to cover the ground with economy. He also shows in clear harmony with his handler, standing and presenting with confidence and composure.

Overall, a top-quality adult male with excellent breed type, a strong head-and-neck, and a very attractive outline—very much the sort that can dominate on presence and balance. Best Fawn Dog and delighted to see him earn Best in Show.

CLASS 33 - FAWN PUPPY BITCH (2)

1st Bakers Kinnegans Bridgerton at Preveli (IKC)

A very appealing young lady who, even at this early stage, already gives a convincing outline and a real sense of breed presence. Attractive fawn with black mask, shown in clean, fit condition and carrying herself with a confidence that helps her type come through.

Her head is pleasing for age with good length and a typical, gentle expression, and she carries it well on a clean neck of good length, which is a definite plus and adds to her overall style.

In profile she shows a good puppy frame with enough body developing and a mostly steady topline for age; she already suggests the right proportions and a useful rib that should deepen and fill as she matures.

Front reads honest and straight, and she has a nice stance for a youngster; I would expect further tightening of feet and pasterns and more fore chest as the chest drops, but the foundations look right. Behind she is balanced and moderate, with a sensible puppy rear that should strengthen and firm with maturity.

In action she was still a shade uncoordinated, as expected at this age, but she moved willingly and looked the more together of the two, which secured her the class.

2nd Evans & Lloyd Jones Kinnegans Sweet Home at Blodaugoch (IKC)

Another attractive girl with plenty to like, presenting a more rangy, leggy picture at this stage and very much showing the classic “youngster” phase. She has good length of neck, and a typical Dane look. Head shows good length for age with correct mask and a sweet expression, and she carries it nicely on a clean neck into wither.

In profile she is a shade more up on leg and lighter in body at present, needing time to deepen in brisket and fill through rib, which should bring more balance as she matures.

Front is honest, though I would like to see her tighten in feet and strengthen through the forehand as she develops; she is at the age where this often improves markedly with time and steady conditioning. Rear is moderate and balanced, and she should gain more second thigh and overall stability as she grows on.

On the move she was still a little green and will tighten with maturity. In time she should come together and carry a stronger, more settled picture both standing and going.

CLASS 34 - FAWN JUNIOR BITCH (1/1)

Absent

CLASS 35 - FAWN POST GRADUATE BITCH (5)

1st Bithells Vertumnus Raise Your Glass to Bourntwyn

A very attractive bitch of clear type, shown in superb condition and making a genuinely eye-catching, feminine picture with plenty of ring presence. Beautiful fawn with black mask, a tight, gleaming jacket and excellent overall bloom; she stands and presents with the composure and confidence one hopes to see in a quality young adult.

Her head and neck are a real standout and, in my view, are the parts that immediately win you over. She has a beautifully made head for a young bitch—good length, clean lines and a balanced, well-proportioned muzzle, all topped off with a soft, assured expression. She carries it to advantage on an excellent neck: long, clean, well set and flowing smoothly into wither, giving that unmistakable noble, aristocratic Great Dane look. This is a forehand that draws the eye and gives her that “look at me” quality in the ring.

In profile she offers a very pleasing outline with good depth of brisket for age and a generally firm topline with the correct slight rise over loin. Through body, she is developing well and has the frame and quality one wants at this stage though she is still maturing and will continue to deepen and furnish. She is a touch long in body, something that slightly softens the impression of compact power. That said, she carries the length with elegance and balance, and as she strengthens through loin and rib it should knit together more tightly.

In front, she stands straight and true with adequate bone. I would expect further tightening of feet and more fill of fore chest as she completes, but the overall front picture is already very stylish. Behind she is balanced to her forehand with good muscle for age; with maturity I would anticipate more second thigh and increased firmness through hock to finish the power and drive.

She was expertly handled, and on the move she proved sound and true, covering the ground with purpose and maintaining her outline well.

Overall, a quality young bitch with real class. She is the sort that can command attention even before she takes a step. Best Fawn Bitch and delighted to see her win Best Opposite Sex in Show.

2nd Mitchells Garsak Rainbow

A very promising bitch of pleasing type, shown in clean, athletic condition and giving a nicely upstanding outline. Attractive fawn with a sensible, settled ring attitude for a young adult. Whereas I would have preferred a touch less lip, her head reads well, with good length, a balanced muzzle, a feminine expression and a dark mask. She carries it on a fairly long, clean neck. In profile she makes an elegant picture with good length of leg.

Through body, she has sufficient depth and is beginning to carry more substance. Topline is generally sound with a suitable rise over loin. I would like to see further strengthening and finish through loin as she matures and muscles up. Front is honest and straight; at this stage I would be looking for the feet to be tighter and more cat-like .

She currently reads a touch more made in front than behind, which can be accentuated by handling that brings the head/neck forward and by a rear that is still catching up in strength. Behind she is balanced and serviceable, with good muscle for her age. She is a sound mover coming and going. Overall, a quality young bitch with plenty of breed character.

3rd Pendleton Watkins Goldanias Princess Etain JW

CLASS 36 - FAWN OPEN BITCH (3/1)

1st Fletchers Ch Justinian Bea My Sweetheart

A first-class mature bitch who immediately gives the correct impression: noble, upstanding and feminine, yet with plenty of strength and substance. Beautiful fawn with a true black mask and confident presence.

Her headpiece is of good length and strength without any suggestion of coarseness, and she carries a calm, assured expression that stamps her unmistakably as a Dane. The head is set on a long, clean neck of good carriage, flowing smoothly into wither and giving her that stylish, aristocratic look in profile. She stands over a well-made frame with good depth of chest and ribs carried well back, and she holds a pleasing outline with a firm back and the correct slight lift over a strong loin.

Viewed in front, she is honest and true with adequate bone. If I were to be critical, I would have liked a better lay of shoulder to finish the front assembly and improve the “leg under body” picture and potential reach. Hindquarters are well muscled and balanced, giving the impression of stability and functional power rather than exaggeration, and she stands and holds her shape well.

Overall, a well put-together bitch with quality written all over her—feminine, substantial and full of breed character. She was sound on the move, expertly handled and presented throughout to the very best advantage.

2nd Bithells Bourntwyn Alone In A Crowd

Another fawn bitch of very high quality who gives a typical Dane picture of nobility, balance and strength without coarseness. She is an attractive, feminine sort with a pleasing head of good length and clean planes, black mask and a kind, intelligent expression, all carried well on a long, clean neck that flows smoothly into wither and immediately creates the desired upstanding silhouette.

In profile she presents a balanced frame with good depth of brisket, ribs carried well back and enough substance for a bitch, holding a generally firm topline with the correct slight rise over a strong loin; underline is clean and she stands over her ground well. Forehand is honest and serviceable with adequate bone and straight forelegs.

Body is in good order, and she carries herself with a workmanlike solidity, and behind she is sensibly made with enough, functional angulation, good width through second thigh and enough strength to drive without exaggeration; hocks are steady and she stands naturally when settled.

She did look a little ring-rusty at first, taking a moment to relax and fully use herself, which affected her initial rhythm. However, once into her stride she excelled in movement, whilst maintaining a steady outline.

CLASS 37- BRINDLE PUPPY DOG (0)

No entries

CLASS 38 - BRINDLE JUNIOR DOG (0)

No entries

CLASS 39 - BRINDLE POST GRADUATE DOG (0)

No entries

CLASS 40 - BRINDLE OPEN DOG (1)

1st Pendleton Watkins Goldanias King of Drago JW

A striking dog who presents an upstanding, masculine picture with plenty of presence and a great deal to admire in breed character and overall quality. His headpiece is of good length and strength with clean planes, a strong, well-filled muzzle and black mask, allied to a confident, typical expression. He carries it proudly on a clean, well-arched neck of good length which flows smoothly into wither, giving that unmistakable Dane silhouette.

He is well made through body, showing good depth of brisket and ribs carried well back, with a useful frame and enough substance to look strong and workmanlike without any suggestion of coarseness. He stands over his ground well and gives a balanced outline with a clean underline and plenty of daylight, the overall proportion reading athletic and functional. Forehand is honest with straight forelegs and good bone, and he stands on good feet. The shoulder assembly is sensible, and he has the stamp of a dog with the right strength through front for the breed. Through the middle he holds his shape well when stood, and he has enough strength over loin for his age, with hindquarters sensibly made, moderate and functional in angulation, showing good width and muscle and giving the impression of a capable “engine” with steady hocks.

If being exacting, I would have liked a firmer topline, particularly in how it carries through when he is asked to use himself, as a stronger, more settled line would sharpen the overall picture. Likewise, on the move I would have preferred a more flowing action, with a touch more ease and continuity through the stride to really finish him off against the very best. That said, there is still much to praise here—most notably that excellent head and expression, his masculine presence and overall balance—and he should continue to develop positively with maturity.

CLASS 41 - BRINDLE PUPPY BITCH (2/1)

1st Gough & Da Silvas Roucandane Last Dance of Joopstar

A truly eye-catching puppy bitch of outstanding promise, already showing a great deal of breed type, presence and ring attitude for one so young. Attractive brindle with excellent pigment and a clean, tight jacket, presented in first-class condition and standing as though she thoroughly enjoys the job.

Her head is very pleasing for age—good length with a clean, feminine stamp and a calm, confident expression. She already gives that unmistakable Dane “nobility.” She carries it beautifully on a long, clean, well-set neck, which is a real highlight and immediately elevates her overall picture. For a baby she has a wonderfully upstanding, athletic silhouette and an impressive sense of balance that many do not achieve until much later.

In profile she makes a particularly attractive outline: good length of leg, clean shoulder line, and a generally steady topline for a youngster, with the correct slight rise over loin beginning to show. Through body, she is exactly where I would want a Dane of this age to be—clearly the frame is right and there is plenty of time for her to deepen in brisket, spring in rib and furnish through loin. What is especially pleasing is that even at this age she already looks well put together, not just “legs and enthusiasm,” and she holds herself with confidence and composure.

Her front is honest and straight for a puppy, with adequate bone and a pleasing stance. With maturity I would expect the usual tightening of feet and pasterns, but the essentials are there and the front reads correct for age. Behind she is nicely balanced to her forehand, already showing good shape and muscle for a youngster; further development of second thigh and firmness through hock will simply add power to what is already a very pleasing, athletic rear.

On the day she was a surprisingly good mover for her age, travelling with more purpose, stability and coordination than is often seen at seven months.

Overall, a high-quality baby bitch with bags of type and maturity of presence well beyond her months—very easy to like and one to watch as she grows on. Best Brindle Puppy and delighted to see her win Best Puppy in Show

CLASS 42 - BRINDLE JUNIOR BITCH (0)

No entries

CLASS 43 - BRINDLE POST GRADUATE BITCH (0)

No entries

CLASS 44 - BRINDLE OPEN BITCH (1)

1st Merwicks Taradanes Star Vision for Saalan

A classy, feminine, beautifully presented bitch which gives a very honest, workmanlike picture.

Her head is well filled and correctly proportioned, with a pleasing, feminine expression and a dark eye. The planes read well and the overall finish gives that unmistakable Dane stamp. Set on a clean, well-arched neck of good length, she creates a very stylish profile as the neck flows smoothly into her forehand and completes an elegant front-to-back picture.

In outline, she shows good depth and an acceptable rib with spring and substance, and she holds a firm shape and correct topline when settled. If one is being particularly exacting, she can come across a shade long through the loin, but she carries the length with elegance.

Her front is well filled, and she stands on good bone. Behind she is well put together and nicely angulated, giving the impression of a capable, functional hindquarter.

On the move she is an easy, fluid traveller who covers the ground well. Arguably, a little more reach would complete the picture, but she remains a genuinely quality bitch with presence, type and balance in abundance.

Dr Emmanuel MAGANARIS