Bon Accord Kennel Association

Bon Accord Kennel Association, 10th January 2026

I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge at their open show. I was originally scheduled to judge the Tibetan Spaniels; however, due to circumstances beyond their control, the Utility Group judge had to withdraw, and I was asked to cover the remaining breeds in the Utility Group. My thanks also go to my ring steward who ensured the ring ran smoothly and efficiently throughout. Finally, I would like to thank the exhibitors who supported the show, attending on a very snowy winter’s day, and who accepted my decisions with good grace despite the late change of judge.

Tibetan Spaniel

P (1)

1 Acercrombie, Miss Lucy, Tibwood It Means Beautiful, 8-month-old Bitch. A confident youngster who settled well into the ring. She presented a very pleasing typical Tibetan Spaniel expression with dark, expressive eyes and correct head proportions. Correct bite. She carries herself well with a well-set tail carried over the back as required for the breed, and showed a good amount of bone for her age without losing the overall balance expected of a Tibetan Spaniel. Once she relaxed, she moved freely and soundly around the ring, showing the light, free action. Overall, a very promising puppy with plenty to like at this stage of development. A deserving Best Puppy in Breed, and I was delighted to see her go on to take Puppy Group 3.

J (2,1)

1 Duncan, Miss Layla, Susu Appley Ever After JW, A 16-month-old Dog who presented a very pleasing picture and clearly enjoys an excellent rapport with his handler, which showed in his confident and happy ring presence. He has a masculine head with correct muzzle and good cushioning, giving the desired soft yet alert expression called for in the breed standard. His oval, dark brown eyes further enhanced this expression. Correct bite and well feathered ears that were correctly set and carried, framing the head well. He is well put together throughout and moved strongly both for and aft, covering the ground with purpose. In profile he maintained his outline well on the move. A quality young dog who already shows great promise for the future, and I can fully understand why he has been winning as he has. He deserved his class win and Best of Breed today. Unfortunately, he was unable to compete in the group stages, but it was nice to see him take a well-deserved lap of honour.

PG (3,1)

1 Christie, Doreen & Louisa Christie, Balgay Golden Buzzer (A.I), A 23-month-old Dog who presented a pleasing outline. He has a lovely, shaped head which gave the typical Tibetan Spaniel expression so desired in the breed. Dark eyes with correct dark rims enhanced this expression. Well boned throughout and balanced in construction. On the move he went well both fore and aft and was more settled in his movement than the second placed dog. Correct hare feet completing the overall picture. A quality young male who showed well today.

2 Abercombie, Miss Lucy, Souska Can We Talk to Tibwood, A 22-month-old Dog who unfortunately was unsettled today and therefore did not show himself to his best advantage. Nevertheless, he possesses many pleasing breed qualities. He has an attractive head, slightly domed with a defined stop, giving a typical outline. Correct bite. His ears are set correctly and well feathered, framing the head nicely. Moderate bone with the characteristic slightly bowed forelegs, and his shoulders appeared well laid. Movement was difficult to assess fully today as he remained unsettled on the move, but he still showed enough of his overall quality to suggest he should present better on another day when more settled in the ring.

O (2, 6)

1 Christie, Doreen & Louisa Christie, Betranna Athos A 4-year-old Dog who was well presented and shown in good condition. I would have preferred a slightly more domed head to more closely match the breed standard, however he still has a warm expression aided by dark eyes with correct rim colouring. He presented a balanced outline with a level topline and carried a good amount of coat without being overcoated. He moved in a balanced manner around the ring and showed with confidence, giving a pleasing overall picture.

2 Abercombie, Miss Lucy, Tibwood She Tells our Story JW JW, A 3-year-old Bitch who was a little unsettled today but still showed several pleasing breed qualities. She has a pleasing head with a typical expression, correct bite, and well-placed eyes and ears which complemented her overall look. I would have preferred a little more length of neck to enhance her outline. She has moderate bone and holds a level topline. Despite being slightly unsettled, she moved well around the ring.

Boston Terrier

O (2,2)

1 Cox, L Y and C & Mrs Y and Mr C Cox, Ruciona Mor’Du The Brave at Halloxwishes A 6-year-old Dog who presented a balanced and typical outline. He has a pleasing square head with good width of skull and a well-defined stop. Dark, expressive eyes completed the characteristic alert Boston Terrier expression. Good neck leading into a well-muscled body with a level topline, and good bone throughout. On the move he was sound and steady, maintaining his balanced outline. Best of Breed.

2 Mccallum, Mr Gerry, Burlesk Varlove Billy Whizz Bang NAF 1-year-old Dog. A well-balanced Boston Terrier who presented a pleasing overall picture. He has an attractive head with dark eyes giving the characteristic alert expression of the breed. Short muzzle with correct bite. Compact in body with a level topline which he maintained both standing and on the move. Moved soundly around the ring, completing a tidy and typical example of the breed.

Akita

O (1,1)

1 Hunter Miss Claire & Miss C Allen, Whitewreath Casmere Casakura, 1 year old Dog. Strong masculine Akita who presents a powerful and well-balanced outline. Borad head with correct proportions, small well-set ears and dark eyes giving a dignified expression expected of the breed. Well boned and substance throughout with a level topline and well carried tail over his back. Coat of good texture and condition. He may have stood alone but he owned the ring, with confidence presence and moved strongly with purpose and drive. I was very please to see him take Group 2 today.

Miniature Schnauzer

PG (1,2)

1 Flynn, Mrs. K Moira, Rynuan Swing That Music, 13-month-old Dog. A well-balanced male who presented a pleasing overall picture in line with the Miniature Schnauzer breed standard. He has a correct head with good proportions, and his eyes, ears and mouth were all as required for the breed, giving the typical keen and alert expression. His overall construction was balanced, allowing him to move with purpose around the ring. On the move he was free and vigorous, covering the ground well without losing his balance, maintaining his outline throughout. A sound and typical exhibit who showed well on the day.

O (1,3)

1 Black & Black, Mrs. B & A & Miss A Black, Rynuan Sea The Stars With Zaandam. A 6-year-old Dog, beautifully presented and shown in excellent condition and he owned the ring today. He has a stunning head which immediately catches the eye and is very typical of the breed. A balanced outline with good bone throughout, giving a strong yet compact appearance. On the move he went well around the ring, maintaining his balance and outline. A quality exhibit who was deserving of Best of Breed today.

Poodle (Toy)

O (1,3)

1 Gianntti, Mr. Joe, Aftershine Just Look Don’t Touch. A 2-year-old Bitch making her first appearance back in the ring following maternal duties. She presented a pleasing outline and overall balance. White in colour with correct black nose, lips and eye rims which gave a clean, typical expression. She has a strong foreface with flat cheekbones and a head well proportioned to the rest of her body, creating a balanced picture. Correct ear set and a scissor bite present. Her shoulders are well laid back and muscular, leading into a deep chest with well sprung ribs. She has well muscled thighs and strong pasterns, supporting her overall structure. Tail set correct and carried well, completing her outline. A pleasing exhibit who showed well on her return to the ring.

Poodle (Standard)

O (1,2)

Stephen, Miss Lauren, Kamarri Step Ahead. A 7-month-old Dog who presented a lively and enthusiastic attitude in the ring. He is clearly enjoying his showing and, with a little more maturity and ring experience between him and his handler, he should be able to show himself to even better advantage. At this young age he is already displaying many qualities called for in the Standard Poodle breed standard. He is black with the correct dense, curly coat texture and good presentation. His head is well proportioned with a handsome expression full of fire and intelligence, which is so typical of the breed. Correct ear set framing the head well and contributing to his overall expression. His head and body proportions are pleasing, giving a balanced outline for one so young. He has good overall construction with developing muscle and balance appropriate for his age. When he settled on the move he showed good reach and drive, covering the ground well and maintaining his outline. Despite his youthful exuberance he demonstrated that he has the basic soundness and movement required in the breed. A very promising youngster who should have an exciting future ahead of him as he matures. I was delighted to see him go on to take Group 1 in both the adult group and the puppy group, a lovely achievement for such a young dog.

Tibetan Terrier

PG (1,2)

1 Ritchie, Mrs J, Araki The Devil’s Candy JW A 2-year-old Bitch who presented a beautiful square outline, very typical of the Tibetan Terrier breed standard. She has a well-balanced head, not coarse, with a marked stop and a strong muzzle. Her head is well furnished with hair and she carries the characteristic small beard which adds to her expression. Pendant ears, heavily feathered, set well and framing the head nicely. Correct bite present. She has a strong, muscular neck leading into well laid-back shoulders with a good slope to the upper arm, allowing for balanced construction. Well-muscled throughout with a level topline which she maintained both standing and on the move. Her movement was steady and balanced, covering the ground well while maintaining her outline. A quality bitch who impressed on the day. I was pleased to award her Best of Breed and equally pleased to see her go on to take Group 4.

O (1,2)

1 Ritchie, Mrs J, Dudleylarch Spend A Penny.5-year-old Bitch. A pleasing exhibit who unfortunately did not have her mind fully in the ring today. Nevertheless, she has many good breed qualities. She has a lovely expression, enhanced by dark eyes with correct dark rims. Correct ear set and bite present. She presented a well-balanced outline and is well boned and well-muscled throughout. A quality dog who, on another day when more settled, should show to even better advantage.

Schnauzer

PG (2.0)

1 Sutherland, Miss, Donna, Rugtara Not On The Sideline. A 10-month-old Bitch who presented a pleasing exhibit with a balanced and workmanlike outline in keeping with the Schnauzer breed standard. She has a strong head with a flat skull and well-developed muzzle, giving the characteristic Schnauzer expression. Her clean neck flows nicely into well-placed shoulders and a firm, level topline which she held well. She is well muscled for her age with good depth of chest, and her tail set was correct, completing her overall outline. On the move she looked sound and purposeful, covering the ground well and maintaining her balance. A promising young bitch and I was pleased to see her go on to take Puppy Group 2 today.

2 Sutherland, Miss Donna, Rugtara Crossing The Try Line 10-month-old Dog. Litter brother to the first placed dog. He presented a pleasing outline with a strong head, compact body and good bone throughout, giving a balanced overall picture in keeping with the Schnauzer breed standard. His ears are well set and his expression was enhanced by the correct beard and brows, adding to the typical keen and alert appearance of the breed. On the move he went well, balanced and steady, maintaining his topline as he moved around the ring. A sound and pleasing exhibit who showed well today.

O (1,1)

1 Sutherland, Miss Donna, Nirvana Alarm Beskyd IMP CZK. 3-year-old Bitch. A well-presented 3-year-old bitch who showed a balanced outline in keeping with the Schnauzer breed standard. She has a feminine head with good length of foreface and a flat skull, giving the typical keen Schnauzer expression. Her ears are well set and carried correctly. She has a good length of neck flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders. Her body is compact with good depth of chest and adequate ribbing. The hindquarters were well muscled with sufficient angulation, providing the structure required for sound movement. On the move she was sound, covering the ground well and maintaining her balance and outline. A quality bitch whom I was pleased to award Best of Breed, and I was delighted to see her go on to take Group 3 today.

French Bulldog

O (3,0)

1 Cox, L, Y and C & Mrs Yvonne and Mr Cammy Cox, Halloxwishes Ernesto Cruz A 1-year-old male who presented a well-balanced and compact outline, typical of the French Bulldog breed standard. He is a muscular young dog with good substance throughout. His head is strong with good breadth of skull and a well-defined stop, complemented by correctly placed bat ears which give the desired alert and typical expression. He has good width through the front with adequate bone and substance. His body is compact with good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs, giving a solid and balanced appearance. The hindquarters were well developed, supporting his movement. On the move he was sound and free flowing, covering the ground well while maintaining his balance and outline. A pleasing young dog whom I was happy to award Best of Breed.

2 Cox L, Y and C & Mrs Y and Mr C Cox Princess Warrior Mulan and Halloxwishes. A 3-year-old bitch and dam to the first and third placed dogs. She was not quite on her best form on the move today and appeared somewhat distracted while going around the ring. Nevertheless, she is a feminine exhibit with a pleasing outline. She has an attractive head with good ear placement and dark, expressive eyes giving a typical expression. Neck of good length leading into a compact body. She has good bone and well-constructed hindquarters, completing a balanced overall picture.

3 Cox, L, Y and c & Mrs Yvonne and Mr Cammy Cox, Halloxwishes Elena Coco