Fife Kennel Association

Critiques for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Fife Kennel Association Open Show June 2026

Judge: Leigh Wighton Sim

Thank you to the committee of Fife Kennel Association for the invitation to judge Cavaliers at their Open Show in June 2026. It was such a friendly and well run show. Well done to all the hard working committee, the hospitality was also excellent. Thank you to The Scottish Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club for the supported entry and beautiful rosettes. Thank you to my lovely steward, Melanie Reekie who was so well organised and efficient making every class run smoothly. And thank you to all of the exhibitors for their support and bringing their lovely dogs, there were some very close decisions in my lovely line ups. All exhibitors showed great sportsmanship and accepted my decisions gracefully.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Junior (5,2)

1st Chantismere Neopolitan At Linetive, Ms H Byers,

This 9 month old blenheim male has good structure and angulations and great muscle tone for his age. Good front and plenty heart room. He was distracted and playful initially keeping his handler on her toes, but once settled he moved well both coming and going, held a level topline and had good drive from his rear. He’s a confident, fearless young male with good promise. An exciting one to watch for the future. Delighted to award him BP.

2nd Estrella Magic Noblesse for Rosymorn, Mrs Rose Tremain,

A 9 month old tricolour bitch. Very nice in type. Good size, well balanced and compact. She has a good front giving a nice stride out and her well turned stifles make for good drive from the rear. Nice head carriage on the move and holds an excellent topline. I liked her shape and type a lot and think she has promise as she matures. A close decision for 1st place against the male.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Post Graduate (4,1)

1st Ellemich Love And Roses at Marisk JW,Mr J & G Finlay-Kirkwood,

This 21 month old black and tan bitch has femininity in abundance. She has the desired melting expression. Beautiful round brown eyes and a lovely head with correct ear set and feathering framing her endearing face. Good neck and front and carried her head well on the move. She has a balanced frame, good topline and short coupled. Her coat is glossy black with rich tan markings in all the right places, well feathered and groomed to perfection. A very pretty, well balanced toy spaniel. I was delighted to award this one BOB.

2nd, Marisk Groban at Cavallino, Mrs Moira Baillie,

4 year old ruby dog. A masculine male, flat skull between ears that are well set with plenty feathering. Strong jaw and good front with heart room. Ribs are well sprung, short coupled and good rear angulation and muscle tone. Moved well with ease both towards and away. Nice rich ruby coat that was well groomed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Open (3,1)

1st Marisk Greatest Showman at Cavallino, Mrs Moira Baillie,

An 8 year old ruby male. I noticed a striking resemblance in this one to a male in the previous class and it happens they are from the same kennel and parentage. This male also has masculine quality. He is well balanced and boned with good angulation front and rear. Lovely round dark eyes. Ribs are well sprung and he moved well both coming and going, held a level topline with tail well set on. Lovely rich ruby coat that was well groomed. Was delighted to award him BV.

2nd, Lewis’s Leonardo at Fraskye, Rev Lesley Fraser,

A 10 year old black and tan male. He has a pretty head and face. Lovely round dark eyes and sweet expression. Nice size and compact. He has a lovely coat and feathering. He was perhaps showing his age on the move today, but his tail was ever wagging happily and he showed a great connection with his handler which is lovely to see.