Norfolk & Norwich Canine Society

Norfolk and Norwich Canine Society Premier Open Show April 26. 

My sincere thanks to Jackie Cutler and the committee for the kind invitation to judge at such a well-run and welcoming premier open show. The friendly atmosphere and smooth organisation made for a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Leonberger

P (1) 1st Glover DEBBOLLINBY CRAFTSMAN. A promising 10-month-old male who is still very much a youngster and has plenty of maturing to do. He presents a pleasing overall outline with correct proportions developing, though he will benefit from further depth and substance as he matures. His head is balanced with a kind expression, and while still refining, shows good breed type with a developing muzzle and correct eye shape and colour. Front assembly is adequate, though more strength and forechest will come with time. Body is slightly immature, needing to firm through the topline and broaden in loin. Hindquarters show promise with good angulation but require more muscle. Movement is sound and free, if a little loose, which is typical for his age. Coat is appropriate, and temperament is confident, friendly, and true to type. BPIB

SY (2) 1st Charwin & Bodle DEBBOLLINBY CHARBELLA. A very appealing 16-month-old female, remarkably together for her age and presenting a balanced, feminine outline. She is well proportioned with correct height to length ratio and already shows pleasing substance without coarseness. Her head is of excellent type, with correct proportions of muzzle to skull, clean lines and no excess, complemented by a kind, intelligent expression. Eyes are of ideal medium to dark brown, certainly I would not wish them any lighter and well set. Front assembly is sound with well-laid shoulders, and she carries a firm, level topline. Body is developing nicely with good depth of chest and strong loin. Hindquarters are well angulated and already showing strength. She moves with reach and drive, maintaining her outline. Coat and colour are correct with an attractive mask. Temperament is confident and friendly. I admired her greatly and strongly considered her for Best of Breed. Her time will come! RBOB. 

2nd Charwin DEBBOLLINBY CRAFTY BEGGAR. Litter brother to the puppy class winner, and sharing many of the same pleasing attributes. He presents a balanced outline with correct proportions and developing substance appropriate for his age. His head is of good type with equal muzzle to skull proportions, clean planes, and a kind expression. Eyes are well shaped and of good colour. Front assembly is sound, with straight forelegs and adequate bone, while the body shows good depth and a firm topline. Hindquarters are well angulated, needing only further muscle. He moves freely, just requiring maturity to tighten overall.

L (1) Bodle DEBBOLLINBY TIME LORD BY LIONSRIDGE JW. A striking 23-month-old male who immediately appeals for his presence and overall harmony. He is a large, strong yet elegant dog, with a confident outlook and excellent breed type. His head is masculine without heaviness, showing the desired elongated shape, slight arch to skull and well-balanced muzzle. The black nose and well-fitting lips, with a friendly expression. Ears are correctly set and carried, framing the head well. He has a strong, slightly arched neck flowing into a well-constructed shoulders, firm broad loins and a gently sloping croup. Tail is well furnished and correctly carried. His double coat is of good texture with appropriate mane and feathering. Movement is a highlight - free, ground covering and steady, maintaining a level topline with good extension and drive. A confident, well-made dog with much to admire. BOB & WG2. 

O (1,1)

Finnish Lapphund

P (1) 1st Birks SAMITE TAIGA OF SOTKA (IMP EST). A very pleasing 11-month-old female who is developing well and presents a balanced outline. She is strongly built without heaviness, with correct body proportions, and already showing good substance for age. Her head is feminine with correct proportions, a defined stop and a soft, friendly expression. Eyes are well shaped and of good colour, harmonising nicely with her coat. Ears are well set, mobile and used to advantage. Neck is of good length, leading into a firm, straight back and well-developed body for her age. Forequarters and hindquarters are sound, with adequate bone and angulation. On the move she excels, showing effortless, brisk and agile movement, maintaining a level topline. Coat is profuse and of correct texture, completing an attractive youngster. BPIB.

SY (1) Birks SAMITE TAIGA OF SOTKA (IMP EST). See 1st in Puppy.

L (1) 1st Birks PAVOSKAS GALENA. A quality 3-year-old red female who appeals for her overall strength and breed type. She is a strongly made bitch of correct size, with body slightly longer than height at withers, giving a well-balanced and workmanlike outline. Her head is strong yet feminine, with a slightly rounded forehead and clearly defined features, complemented by tight lips and good dentition. Eyes are oval with a calm, friendly expression. Correctly constructed forequarters, with straight, well-boned legs and slightly sloping pasterns. Body is firm with a broad back, moderate spring of rib and a well-defined forechest. Her croup is of good length and gently sloping. Feet are well arched and well furnished. She is agile and brisk on the move, covering the ground with ease. True coming & going. BOB. 

O (1,1)

French Bulldog

P (1) 1st Jacobs BESTFRENCHIE OZZY. A promising 8-month-old pied male who is developing well and shows good breed type for his age. He is a sturdy, compact youngster with good bone and a balanced, cobby outline. His head is square with a well-defined stop, broad muzzle and correct cushioning of lips, neatly covering the dentition. Ears are of good size, well set and carried correctly. Eyes are round, dark and expressive. He has a strong, slightly arched neck leading into a well-rounded body with good depth of brisket and spring of rib. Hindquarters are developing well with appropriate angulation. Movement is free and sound, maintaining his shape. His pied markings are clear and well distributed. A confident youngster with plenty of promise. BPIB. 

SY (2,2)

L (1) 1st Humphries THEAPAUL I BELIEVE IN MAGIC FOR CRACKATARI JW. A well-made 4-year-old brindle bitch who presents a lovely balanced package. She is compact and solid with good bone, showing the desired cobby outline and overall soundness. Her head is square with a defined stop, broad muzzle, while her eyes are dark and expressive. Ears are well set and carried correctly, enhancing her alert expression. She has a strong neck flowing into a firm back with a gentle rise over the loin, good depth of brisket and well-sprung ribs. She moved freely and soundly, holding her shape throughout. However, the true highlight was her wonderful 97-year-old handler, whose lifelong dedication to dogs was evident. Presented with quiet pride and supported by a carer, their partnership was deeply moving and a reminder of the enduring bond between dog and handler. RBOB. 

O (1) 1st Timms CH OLIJAH GOING IN DEEP JW. An outstanding 18-month-old dark male who excels in overall quality and breed type. He is a compact, solid and well-balanced dog with excellent bone and a truly cobby outline, showing strength without exaggeration. His head is square and in proportion, with a well-defined stop, broad, deep muzzle and correct cushioning of lips, neatly covering the dentition. Eyes are dark, round and set well, giving a keen yet affectionate expression, complemented by well-set, correctly carried bat ears. He has a powerful, slightly arched neck leading into a strong back with the desired gentle rise over the loin, well-sprung ribs and a deep, wide brisket. His hindquarters are muscular and well developed with moderate angulation, and he stands on compact, well-knuckled feet. On the move he is free, flowing and sound, maintaining his outline and showing excellent coordination. His coat is a real highlight—short, smooth and lustrous, with rich dark brindle colouring and excellent pigmentation. Muscle tone throughout is superb, reflecting his condition and fitness. A high-quality exhibit. BOB & GP2. 

Basset Hound

P (0)

SY (1) 1st McLean LAURALEE DREAMS OF MAGIC AT STOOKEWOOD. A very pretty red and white bitch of just 12 months, a lovely overall feminine package. She is well balanced with good proportions, showing sufficient substance without losing her femininity. Her head is pleasing, with a slightly domed skull, defined stop and lean foreface, giving the desired calm, gentle expression. Eyes are of good shape and colour, and her ears are long, low set and of fine texture. She has a reasonably long, well-arched neck flowing into a long, deep body with well-sprung ribs and adequate ground clearance. Forequarters show good bone with correct placement, and hindquarters are developing well with appropriate muscle. On the move she is smooth and true, covering the ground steadily. Coat is short, clean and close fitting, completing an attractive picture. RBOB. 

L (2) 1st Allchorne NELGUS GOLDEN NUGGET. A quality red and white dog, 2 years who immediately caught my eye with his quality and balanced outline. He has ample substance and is clearly fit for purpose, showing strength without exaggeration. His head is typical, with domed skull, prominent occiput and well-proportioned muzzle, the toplines running near parallel. He has a calm, serious expression, with correctly shaped eyes of good colour, and long, low-set ears of fine, velvety texture framing the head. His neck is muscular and well arched with appropriate dewlap, flowing into a long, deep body with well-sprung ribs extending well back and a firm, level back. Forequarters are strong with correct bone and placement, while hindquarters are full of muscle with good bend of stifle and low-set hocks. He moves with smooth, powerful, ground-covering action, true both coming and going. Loved him! BOB. 

2nd McLean SWITHERLAND GABRIELLA AT STOOKEWOOD. A mature 5-year-old red and white bitch presenting a typical outline with correct substance and overall balance. She is clearly fit for purpose, with a long, deep body, well-sprung ribs and adequate ground clearance. For me, she is just a shade longer than ideal in body, which slightly affects overall proportions. Her head is feminine and correct, with domed skull, defined stop and a calm, serious expression. Eyes are of good shape and colour, and her ears are long, low set and fine. She has a well-arched neck, and moves steadily and true, covering the ground well.

O (1) 1st Allchorne NELGUS THYME FLIES ShCEx.A 7-year-old male of good type, presenting a sturdy, well-balanced outline with the substance expected of his age. He stands true on short, powerful forelegs with strong bone, elbows fitting neatly to the body and adequate forechest. His body is long and deep with a broad, level back and ribs carried well back, allowing sufficient ground clearance for free movement. Head properties are correct, with a well-developed foreface, good length of muzzle. His ears are correctly set, long and right texture. Neck is of good length and strength; however, he carries rather more loose skin and wrinkle than I would prefer, detracting slightly from the overall package. He moves with a steady, ground-covering action, remaining sound and purposeful.

Kat Copley-Holland

Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes.