Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society

Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their Open Show. Having not judged for 16 years, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and greatly appreciated the opportunity.

My thanks also go to the exhibitors who supported me with their entries. It was a pleasure to go over some lovely dogs, and I was pleased with the overall quality and temperament on display.

Puppy (3,2)

A difficult class between two lovely 7-month-old littermates whom I have admired since they first appeared on the show scene. Both have much to commend them: confident, happy youngsters with excellent coats, plenty of bone and lovely overall shape. On another day they could easily change places, but today the winner scored on being the more settled of the two.

1st: Mrs D Charwin & Mrs P Davies, Jarno Bcoz Its My Time for Debbollinby

Good masculine head of equal proportions for his age, with a lovely dark oval eye and kind expression. Correct dentition. Well-arched neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Nice round, tight feet. Level topline both standing and on the move. Well-angulated rear with correct tail set and carriage. Moved soundly with lovely extension and covered the ground well. A promising youngster. Best Puppy in Breed and later Working Puppy Group 1.

2nd: Mrs D Charwin & Mrs P Davies, Jarno Bcoz Lions Roar for Debbollinby

Very feminine head with lovely dark, expressive eyes. Strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Good topline, maintained on the move. Well-angulated rear, although just a little bum high at present. Correct tail set and carriage. Moved well, but not quite as settled as the winner on the day. Another promising youngster who should have a bright future.

Special Yearling (3, 3)

1st: Mrs D Charwin & Mrs B Bodle, Debbollinby Charbella JW

A very feminine bitch of lovely golden hue whom I have admired from afar. Not the biggest, but she has much to like and is balanced throughout. Attractive head of correct proportions with moderate stop and well-set ears. I would prefer a slightly darker eye. Long, strong neck flowing into the withers and well-laid shoulders. Straight front, tight feet and strong pasterns. Body of correct proportions with a level topline and strong loin. Moderate rear angulation. Correct tail set and carriage. Moved effortlessly around the ring, maintaining her shape throughout. Reserve Best of Breed.

2nd: Glover & Dowthwaite, Mrs S L & Mrs J P Debbollinby Comedy Queen

A lovely red bitch who has only recently turned 12 months and is still very much maturing. Taller and rangier than the winner, but with a pleasing overall outline and shape. Head of correct proportions with a tight oval eye, although again I would prefer darker colouring. High-set ears which she uses well. Strong neck flowing into the withers and supported by a firm topline. Body of correct proportions. Shoulder placement adequate. Well-angulated rear with a long thigh. Correct tail set and carriage. Moved particularly well in profile, covering the ground with ease. A youngster who simply needs time to finish developing

Limit (2, 1)

1 Mrs B Bodle, Debbollinby Time Lord by Lionsridge JW

I have never hidden my admiration for this dog since first seeing him as a very raw six-month-old puppy, when I felt he had something special. It was therefore a delight to finally get my hands on him, and he certainly did not disappoint. Having recently turned two years of age, he is already a very mature and well-put-together male. Red in colour with black tipping, he carries a good coat and boasts an impressive mane, a feature sadly lacking in many males today.

He possesses a strong, masculine head of correct proportions, with tight oval eyes of medium colour and the most beautiful soft expression. Strong neck with slight arch flowing into the withers, level topline and correctly sloping croup. Correct tail set and carriage. Well-laid shoulders, good forechest and a straight front with tight feet. Well-muscled quarters with good rear angulation, enabling him to move with drive and ease while maintaining his outline. A dog that immediately gives the impression of a lion and one I was delighted to award Best of Breed

Lesley Simpson