Walsall & District Kennel Association

Walsall & District Kennel Association 8th August 26’

A huge thank you to the committee for the kind invitation to judge. The amount of hard work, thought and dedication that goes into putting on a successful Open show was evident throughout the day. Everything was organised with such care, creating a genuinely warm and welcoming atmosphere for exhibitors, judges and spectators alike. It was a real pleasure to be part of such a friendly and enjoyable show. 

Junior & Adult handling 

I would like to commend every competitor today for the consistently high standard throughout the classes. I was particularly impressed by the dedication shown by each handler and the evident time/effort being invested in learning their craft and getting the very best from their dogs. The quality of presentation and teamwork made for some genuinely challenging decisions, which is always a wonderful position for a judge to find themselves in. It was a pleasure to see such enthusiasm, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the judging.

Junior Handling 6-11 years 

1st Rosalind Smith

Rosalind presented herself smartly and professionally, showing a very good understanding of the basic principles of handling. At just 11 years old, she demonstrated confidence and maturity beyond her years, listening carefully to instruction and putting suggestions into practice readily. Her rapport with her 2 old Beagle was particularly pleasing; there was a genuine partnership between them, with Rosalind clearly understanding and responding to her dog’s needs. The Beagle did test her at times, as young dogs can, but Rosalind remained composed and worked through the moments calmly rather than becoming flustered. She showed good awareness of her dog’s position and was developing a nice sense of ringcraft, allowing the Beagle to move freely while maintaining control. With continued experience, I would encourage Rosalind to trust her instincts and become even more confident in making adjustments independently. A lovely young handler with a genuine connection to her dog and a very promising future.

2nd Sadie Giles-Wyatt

Sadie - at just 6 years old, showed a lovely understanding of the partnership between handler and dog with her 2 year old Beagle. She presented herself well and was clearly keen to do her very best, showing good awareness of her dog and responding positively to instruction. There were some lovely moments of connection between them, although on occasions Sadie appeared to rush when moving her Beagle, perhaps through nerves or eagerness to do well. I would encourage her to take a breath, slow down and give herself time to think about each movement. The dog will benefit from her calmness, and Sadie will find it much easier to maintain control and presentation when she is not hurrying. She has a good foundation and a genuine rapport with her dog. With confidence, patience and plenty of practice, I am sure this young handler will continue to develop beautifully.

Junior Handling 12-16 years

1st Holly Dungar-Bullock

Holly - aged 12, presented her 6 year old Labrador Retriever with a lovely sense of partnership and clear understanding of her dog. Her breed specific attire was a thoughtful touch. Most pleasing was the rapport between Holly and her Labrador; they worked together naturally, with Holly maintaining a calm, kind and effective approach throughout. She demonstrated good awareness of her dog’s position and was able to make adjustments without disturbing the partnership. Her handling was confident without being overbearing, allowing the Labrador to show itself to advantage. Holly listened well and showed a sound understanding of ringcraft, particularly in the way she positioned herself in relation to her dog and the judge. A considerate young handler with a genuine connection to her dog and plenty of promise for the future.

2nd Daisy Nicholas 

Daisy, at 16 years old, was immaculately presented and showed excellent attention to personal presentation and ring etiquette. Her overall appearance was polished and professional. Today, however, the partnership with her 2 year old Papillon did not quite come together as I am sure Daisy would have wished. Her dog was particularly distracted and at times, made it difficult for Daisy to show the dog to its best advantage. I would encourage Daisy to focus on re-establishing that connection, using calm, positive communication and allowing her Papillon time to settle and engage with her. She clearly has the presentation and experience to progress, and with a little more emphasis on maintaining rapport and reading her dog, I am sure we will see a stronger partnership next time.

Adult Handling 17-40 years

1st Phoebe Toublic 

Phoebe - aged 20, was a pleasure to watch from start to finish and a thoroughly deserving Best Handler in Show. Her simple yet elegant attire was beautifully chosen, complementing the colouration of her 2 year old English Springer Spaniel without distracting from the dog. In the ring, Phoebe demonstrated the qualities I look for in a top class handler: calmness, awareness, empathy and excellent ringcraft. She maintained a wonderful rapport with her dog throughout, communicating quietly and effectively while allowing the Springer to show itself naturally and confidently. Her handling was never hurried or overworked; every movement had purpose and she appeared to anticipate her dog’s needs rather than simply react to them. Particularly impressive was the way she maintained that connection while moving, stacking and changing position, always remaining aware of both her dog and the judge. There was a lovely sense of trust between them, creating a polished and harmonious partnership. Phoebe made handling look effortless, but beneath that ease was clearly considerable understanding and experience. A genuine class act from beginning to end and a very worthy Best Handler in Show.

2nd Roxanne McDonald 

Roxanne - aged 38, was another quality handler who made this an exceptionally competitive class. With her 3 year old Irish Red & White Setter, she demonstrated excellent rapport and a genuine understanding of her dog. Their partnership was calm, connected and purposeful, with Roxanne showing good awareness and sympathetic handling throughout. She worked extremely hard to present her Setter to its very best advantage, and the partnership really pushed hard for the class win. There was a lovely sense of communication between them, with Roxanne making appropriate adjustments while maintaining her dog’s confidence and focus. Their consistency and determination kept them firmly in contention right to the end. This was a particularly difficult final decision, with the strength of their partnership making the class incredibly close. A polished, committed and accomplished performance from a handler who clearly knows how to get the very best from her dog.

Adult Handling 40+ years

1st Layla Porter

Layla - aged 44, made an excellent impression in her first adult handling class with her 21 month old Miniature Pinscher. She worked extremely hard throughout, showing a very good understanding of the importance of partnership and maintaining a lovely rapport with her young dog. Her handling was sympathetic and thoughtful, with Layla clearly attentive to her dog’s needs and willing to adapt when necessary. Her attire was particularly well chosen, complimenting her Miniature Pinscher’s colouration without distracting from the dog. For a first venture into adult handling, she showed impressive commitment, enthusiasm and ringcraft, growing in confidence as the class progressed. She and her dog really rose to the occasion in the challenge for Best Handler in Show, pushing hard and giving a determined performance right to the end. A very promising partnership and a thoroughly creditable first adult handling experience.

2nd Debra Kay 

Debra - aged 61 brought a quiet confidence to the ring with her Jack Russell, producing a thoughtful and well executed performance. She showed a good feel for her dog, allowing its character to come through while keeping the presentation controlled and purposeful. Rather than overhandling, Debra used subtle communication and gave her dog the opportunity to respond, which created a natural flow between them. Her timing and positioning were well judged, and she remained attentive to the judge without losing focus on her dog. There was a pleasing ease to the partnership, reflecting experience and genuine enjoyment. Debra worked hard throughout and demonstrated that effective handling is about communication, trust and allowing the dog to shine.

Samoyed

P (1) 1st Rojowska DYNAR LADY SLIPPER TO ARCTICUNO. A very promising 8 month old bitch, presenting a lovely feminine head with good expression and well set ears. Good neck and shoulder placement, with a developing topline and sound body proportions. Good bone for age, with neat, well shaped feet. Hindquarters show good promise and she moved positively, with good reach and drive when settled. Coat of good quality and texture, though naturally still developing at this age. Tail well carried. A pleasing youngster with a good overall balance and breed type, showing promise for the future. BPIB & RBOB.

J (1) 1st McGreade VANDREEM IMPERIAL OCEAN FOR FORSTIA JW. A quality 15 month old bitch with excellent breed type and a lovely feminine head, lovely smiling expression and well placed ears. Beautifully balanced throughout, with good neck and shoulder, strong topline and well developed hindquarters. Good bone and substance without coarseness, with neat, correct shaped feet. Excellent coat texture and presentation, with the correct harsh outer coat and soft undercoat. Tail well set and carried. A particularly impressive mover, showing excellent reach and drive with effortless, balanced footfall and good carriage. A very pleasing young bitch, combining sound construction, elegance and substance. BOB. 

PG - no entries O - No entries

Japanese Spitz

J (3,1)

1st Prout 1st TINY SNOWBALLS AKI FOR KESSAKU (IMP DEU). A very promising 9 month old dog, showing excellent breed type and a pleasing, well balanced outline. Good masculine head, correct shaped dark eyes and nicely carried ears. Good neck and shoulders, with a firm topline and developing hindquarters. Good bone and substance for age. Feet neat and cat like. Excellent coat, with good texture and the profuse, pure white appearance desired in the breed. Tail well set and carried correctly over the back. A cracking mover, displaying effortless, light and free footfall, maintaining a lovely outline. Particularly pleasing was his rapport with his young handler; they worked together with confidence, understanding and obvious enjoyment, making them a pleasure to watch. BOB & BPIB.

2nd Prout KANRAI DANNY BOY AT KESSAKU (IKC). A delightful 6 month old dog who is very much at the baby stage, but already showing plenty to like. Attractive head with a good expression and nicely carried ears, with a pleasing overall balance for one so young. He has good bone, tidy feet and a developing topline, while his body is still understandably immature. Movement was promising, with a light, positive action that should strengthen and improve with age. He is currently just beginning to come into his coat, so I would not expect the finished picture at this stage. Tail correctly carried over the back. A lovely youngster with lots of potential; I would be happy to see him again when he has had time to mature and develop. RBOB. 

PG (3,1) 1st Prout TINY SNOWBALLS AKI FOR KESSAKU (IMP DEU).

2nd Roberts TAWVALE GISEI. A pleasant 21 month old bitch with good breed type and an overall pleasing outline. Feminine head with good expression, neat ears and sound proportions. Good neck, shoulders and hindquarters. Bone is appropriate for size and feet are neat and well formed. Coat has good texture and the desired pure white colour. Tail well set and carried correctly over the back. Moved soundly and positively, maintaining outline. A nice bitch with good overall breed characteristics. 

O - no entries

Dobermann

P (3,1) 1st Webb SHALISSA’S VERA WANG. A beautiful 10 month old black and tan bitch who immediately caught my eye. She has a wonderful feminine quality without losing the substance and presence, with a lovely head, expressive eye and clean, elegant lines. Her neck and shoulder are excellent, flowing into a strong back and good body proportions for her age. Lovely bone and feet, with correct black and tan markings. What really impressed me was her movement: she covers the ground with an effortless, free gait while retaining a superb outline and balance. She was expertly handled and presented, allowing her many qualities to shine. A very special young bitch, full of quality, elegance and promise, and one I thoroughly enjoyed judging. BOB, BPIB & WPG1. 

2nd Webb SHALISSA’S CHANEL. A lovely 10 month old black and tan bitch whom I have had the pleasure of judging previously, and she continues to impress. Feminine, elegant and beautifully balanced, with a lovely head, good expression, clean neck and shoulders and a strong topline. Excellent bone and feet, with correct black and tan markings. She moved particularly well, showing good reach and drive while maintaining a lovely outline. Presented and handled to advantage, allowing her qualities to be appreciated. It was a close decision today, but on this occasion her kennel mate just edged her for the class win. Nevertheless, a quality young bitch with much to admire and plenty of promise as she matures.

J (3,3)

PG (1) 1st Billington SHALISSA’S LOUIS VUITTON AVEC AQUEPINS. 10 month old black and tan male with good masculine breed type and a pleasing head. Good neck and shoulder, developing topline and correct proportions, with good bone and feet for age. Correct black and tan colouring and well-defined markings. There is much to like in his construction and when settled, he shows good reach and drive. Unfortunately, today he gave his handler a particularly hard time on the move, which affected his ability to show himself to best advantage. With strong competition, particularly from some excellent females, he sadly fell short today. Nevertheless, he is a quality youngster and with maturity and greater ring experience, I am sure there will be better days ahead.

O (3,2) 1st Bromwich RAFTHOUSE KICKBACK. A mature 5 year old black and tan male with good breed type and a particularly good head, showing the desired masculine expression and clean lines. Good body proportions, bone and feet, with correct colour and well defined tan markings. A pleasing adult with much to admire. I felt a little more forehand angulation would have improved his overall balance and allowed for a more efficient front action; but ultimately in the challenge for BOB preferred the lighter, more balanced movement of the puppy class winner. RBOB. 

Dogue Du Bordeaux 

J - no entries PG - no entries O - (1,1)

Rottweiler

P - no entries

J (1) 1st Twigg RIVERSROCK SILVER PRINCESS VON TEFFYS. 14 month old bitch with good breed type and a pleasing, feminine head and expression. Good neck and shoulders with developing hindquarters. Good bone and substance appropriate for her age. Good feet and correct black coat with clearly defined, rich tan markings. Nice overall proportions and a pleasing outline. On the move she was certainly enthusiastic, showing plenty of drive and character, although at times her exuberance made it difficult for her to demonstrate her movement to its full advantage.RBOB.

PG (1) 1st Vadhia BLUI OF TORMA HOUSE (IMP SRB). A quality 19 month old bitch with excellent breed type and a lovely feminine head and correct proportions. Strong neck and shoulders, firm topline and well developed hindquarters, with good bone and substance without coarseness. Good feet and beautifully defined rich tan markings. She presents a very pleasing overall picture and is developing into a quality young adult. Movement is a particular highlight, with good reach, drive and balance, covering the ground freely while maintaining a strong, purposeful outline. Lovely temperament and presence in the ring. A very promising young bitch with plenty to admire and one I thoroughly enjoyed judging today. BOB & WG1. 

O (1,1)

St Bernard

J (1) 1st Dowden SVANASJONS YARROW FIELD BLOSSOM AT LUNORVI. A very pleasing 16 month old bitch with good breed type and a lovely feminine expression. Strong, well shaped head, good neck and shoulders, with pleasing body proportions and substantial bone appropriate to her age. Good topline and developing hindquarters, with neat feet. The smooth coat is of good texture and gives her a clean, attractive outline. Particularly pleasing was her movement: clean, true and purposeful, with good reach and drive while maintaining a steady outline. BOB. 

PG - no entries O - no entries

Bernese Mountain Dog

J (1) 1st Hyde FORTONPARK HOT SECRET. An utter delight to judge, this 6 month old bitch is a happy go lucky youngster with a lovely temperament and plenty of promise. Beautiful feminine head with good expression, good neck and shoulders, and pleasing proportions for her age. Nice bone and feet, developing topline and hindquarters, with good substance without losing femininity. Excellent markings and pigmentation and pleasing overall balance. Her coat is still very much developing, as expected at this age, but the texture and colour are encouraging. She moved happily and positively, showing good potential. A delightful puppy who thoroughly enjoyed her day, and one I look forward to seeing develop and mature. BOB, BPIB & WPG2.

PG - no entries O - no entries

AV Working

J (7,5) 1st Webb SHALISSA’S CHANEL. See class critique.

2nd Billington SHALISSA’S LOUIS VUITTON AVEC AQUEPINS. - see class critique.

V (1,1)

AVNSC Working

P - no entries J (1,1)

PG (1) 1st Thomas & Bull REESLEY THE DREAM MAKER WITH PHORIA. Bullmastiff - 15 month old fawn male who is still very much finding his feet in the show ring. His head is broad and square; with good depth and pleasing proportions, a definite stop and strong muzzle. He has well defined black mask which complements the fawn colouring beautifully. Overall there is plenty of bone, balance and substance, good feet and useful hindquarters. He certainly kept his handler on their toes at times, but once the pair found their groove, he relaxed and gave a much better account of himself. Movement was sound and purposeful, with good reach and drive. Still plenty of growing and maturing to do, but there is a lot to like here. A commendable performance from this youngster. BAVNC & WG3. 

O (1,1)

Working Group

G1. Rottweiler - Twigg RIVERSROCK SILVER PRINCESS VON TEFFYS. See class critique

G2 Greenland Dog - Blaney BE, IT CH NIPNATTENS STRONG AVAALAQIAKULOOQ FENRIRKIN. A powerful 2 year old male who immediately gives the impression of the strong, capable working dog. Excellent masculine head, broad and wedge shaped, with a strong skull, moderate stop and powerful jaws. Rather short, muscular neck leading into broad, heavily boned powerful forequarters and well sprung ribs. Strong level back, substantial bone and excellent feet, with broad, muscular thighs and well let down hocks. Good heavy double coat and characteristic high set, bushy tail. What really impressed me was his movement; he covered the ground with remarkable ease, showing tremendous drive. Powerful yet effortless, it was a pleasure to watch a dog move with such efficiency and purpose.

G3 - Thomas & Bull REESLEY THE DREAM MAKER WITH PHORIA. - see class critique 

G4 - Hudson NORWILBECK BELLCHIME A STAR. A lovely 20 month old bitch with excellent breed type and plenty of quality. On entering the ring she was a little unsure of herself, but as the examination progressed and her confidence grew, so too did the qualities she had to offer. Beautiful feminine head with good proportions, lovely dark eye and correct mouth, with the desired clean, elegant lines. Good neck and shoulders, firm topline, excellent body proportions and good bone, feet and hindquarters. Correct rich red colouring with attractive white markings. Her movement was particularly pleasing; she true coming/going with good reach and drive while maintaining balance and purpose. By the end she was showing herself with much more confidence and allowed her quality to really shine. A very appealing young bitch with considerable promise.

Kat Copley- Holland

Katabatic Alaskan Malamute.