Rhyl Canine Society

My thanks to the welcoming and friendly society for the invite to judge a number of breeds, the pastoral group and handling classes. A long day for all involved but I very much enjoyed. I would like to make comment on a situation that occurred at the show that I hope will never be repeated. 

I learned from multiple sources of the steward in the ring that junior handling was to be judged, receiving some extremely negative and inappropriately rude comments from a parent of a junior handling competitor whilst waiting for me to finish judging breed classes and the group before being able to judge the Junior Handling. Whilst I appreciate it is not always convenient to have to wait for judges to finish their previous classes, judging orders and usually numbers of entries are published for a reason. And even when they are not, there is absolutely no place for rudeness to any steward, judge or fellow exhibitor – especially for circumstances beyond their control. Even moreso – when the very class is Junior Handling – one in which we should be encouraging our exhibitors for the future and setting an example of positive behaviour. Behaviour of this inappropriate nature would not be accepted in the ring, and it should not be tolerated outside of it either. 

Rottweiler

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (1,0)

1st Deltarott Lightnin McQueen - 14mth exuberant male who was well up for size and eager to show himself off. Strength to his head, correct front and well-muscled rear. Once he settled himself, he was easy and measured on the move. Just needs time to tighten, which should hopefully come with his maturity. BOB

Post Grad (0,0)

Open (0,0)

German Shepherd Dog

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (1,0)

1st Chalksville’s Maverick Lux JCh - 15mth young male of good size and proportion. Correct head proportions with well placed ear and eye. Excellent front angulation through his shoulder and upper arm, pasterns currently a little loose. Needs time to strengthen in rear. Covered the ground well with measured strides.

Post Grad (3,0)

1st Chalksville’s Maverick Lux JCh

2nd Reyakosa Diablo - 4yr male, correct body to head proportions. Balanced in head with a correctly shaped, kind eye. Not using his ears today. Front angulation was good to go over, would prefer a stronger rear to balance him up. Decent texture to coat. 

3rd Denis Z Nekielki

Open (2,0)

1st Droyales Present Verdandi - 2yr upstanding male whose balance and presence cannot help but make you look at him. His side profile is a pleasure, and he holds that shape on the move. His head is balanced, decent neck, strong topline. His front is well angulated with flexible pasterns; his rear has strength and in balance with front. Strength to his hocks with well set and carried tail. Moves away with strength and power keeping his hocks parallel from the rear. On the go round, he eats the ground up. BOB. In the group, it was a tough call between him and the Sheltie, but his overall presence won through. Congratulations. 

2nd Reyakosa Brando VW - 9yr male who was truly excellent for his age and perfectly sound. Head good to go over, lovely expression aided by oval dark eye. Moderate in neck, balanced in fore and aft angulation and moves with purpose and ease of one a few years his junior. Tendency to use his tail as a rudder – possibly this has come with age. Owner to be commended for his hardy condition.  

Border Collie

Puppy (3,1)

This class came down to proportions of exhibits on the day. 2nd was just slightly rangier in profile than 1st – clearly at a different place in her maturity. No doubt can change places on another day.

1st Blackgold Autumnal Mist - Sweet young bitch, pleasing head proportions for age, mobile ears that were well set. She moved ok but needs to be encouraged to reach more to better display her angulations. 

2nd Jerseywood Love in the Dark - Handled well to get the best from her. Stronger and more mature in head than 1st with a slightly blunter muzzle. Angulations a little more upright than first. Carried head high – very interested in her surroundings!

Junior (3,0)

1st Jerseywood Keep on Loving - 11mth bitch who I liked. Correctly proportioned throughout, dark eye, correctly shape and set. Ear widely set and used well. Pleasing neck of moderate length and good shoulder placement. Level topline and balanced in the rear. A little pensive on the move but once settled, she was measured and even.

2nd Jerseywood Love in the Dark

3rd Piece of Happiness Tornado at Petalnote

Post Grad (3,1)

1st Wizaland Minnie the Moocha at Alsagri - 20mth bitch – presented in her bikini today with nothing to hide. Head well proportioned, would prefer a blunter stop. Ears were expressive and demonstrated her alertness. Moderate length of neck and decent front angulation demonstrated by a good forward reach. Head carried level on the move which was nice to see. Unfortunately, she was not a fan of the floor which hindered a little.

2nd Jerseywood Love in the Dark

Open (3,1)

1st Borderbrook Fire and Flame ShCEx - 7yr definite male. Of good bone and wholly in proportion. Skull to muzzle ratio was balanced, separated by a deep stop. Dark eye, ear wide set and well used. Neck broadens over his withers and good shoulder angulation. Level topline. Balanced on the move. BOB.

2nd Kinaway Dark Chocolate for Blackgold - 12yr young brown bitch who I was pleased to meet. A touch matronly in her appearance but still very much a BC. Distinguished eyebrows curtesy of a touch of frosting, but still with a twinkle in her eye. Carrying a little excess weight but some might argue a lady’s prerogative. 

Bearded Collie

Puppy (2,0)

1st Astuce de Vauboison for Aratika (Imp Fra) - 9mth bitch who is already well up for size. Head correctly proportioned in length with equidistant skull to muzzle. Width to come. Sweet large eye with nice large nose. Length to her neck and good layback of shoulder. Decent length of rib, tidy rear angulation. Moves at a steady pace. Coat coming on nicely, needs to harden off.  

2nd Wreckinroc Neon Moon - 7mth longer cast bitch than 1st and still very much a baby. Skull yet to broaden, pretty expression. Chest yet to drop and fill but when viewed from front and rear, already stands straight and true. Rear hocks parallel. Already an easy mover and happy to be in the ring. 

Junior (3,2)

1st Malandex Xquisit’s Legacy for Talluarchy - 14mth brown bitch very much on the colour change at present but still possessing required texture. Required length to head, would prefer a shade more width. Gentle stop, eye correctly shaped and toning with coat. Decent length to neck and balanced fore and aft angulation. Length to body, topline slightly dipping, will hopefully firm up as matures on. Decent croup and set of tail. At first on the move, she was a little bouncy, but once settled into her stride, did move out well.

Post Grad (6,1)

1st Breaksea It’s Time at Nellbrook - 2yr brown bitch with a pleasing overall outline possessing required length to body and 5/4 proportions. Head of correct length with balance to skull and muzzle, moderate stop, dense nose pigment and of attractive large size. Sweet eye and expressive eyebrow. She had length to her neck, strong withers, good layback of shoulder, strong loin, balanced in angulation and measured on the move. 

2nd Talraz Midnight Lady JW - 18mth bitch with lots to like and with the sweetest expression and appealing dark round eye. More compact all through than 1st but all in proportion with herself. Length to neck and carried herself well on the move. Preferred the croup of the first. 

3rd Corimist All That Glitters

Open (5,1)

1st Matamata Lorien Lady at Talraz - 5yr ultra feminine bitch with a very appealing expression. Skull to muzzle was balanced with good strength in backskull. Sweet round dark eye and expressive brow. Well coloured nose leather and of good size. Neck of good length, smoothly onto withers and a level topline, made possible by her strong loin. Was pleased to find strong bone without a hint of coarseness. On the go over, she had a good layback of shoulder, which if being picky, she could demonstrate better with extension on the move. This bitch’s fortune is her excellent rear angulation, strong hocks and power without effort. Couldn’t deny her BOB and went on to a very credible Group 3 in good company. 

2nd Nellbrook Dark Illusion at Wreckinroc JW - An incredible 9yr old bitch whose only telltale sign was her slightly aging teeth. Correct head proportion, dark pigment, sweet round eye. Narrower through than 1st but very sound and secure from all angles. Parallel rear hocks on the stand and move. An education to meet. 

3rd Breaksea Timeless

Briard

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (2,0)

1st Stormymoon Is Enough

2nd Stormymoon Limited Edition

A class of littermates who were both good examples of their breed. What split these two for me was the simply the attitude of the male, who embraced his size, strength and substance, whilst the bitch was happy to stand back and let her brother show off. Heads were comparable, good to go over and both had good bites – a fortune in this breed. Both were defined at the withers, strong in rear, gentle croups and correctly set and carried tails with required ‘J’. Is Enough became my BOB and strong contender in the final stages of the group. Will enjoy watching them mature on. 

Post Grad (0,0)

Open (1,1)

Collie (Rough)

Puppy (2,1)

1st Gataj Peggy Sue - 11mth old bitch – sweet in both her attitude and demeanour. Dark almond eye, wide set ear correctly tipped. Moderate length of neck and balanced in her angulation and resultant movement. Moved parallel from the rear. Beautifully groomed.

Junior (0,0)

Post Grad (0,0)

Open (3,0)

1st Essanjay Heartbreaker - 2yr blue merle bitch. Balanced head with parallel planes, good underjaw and bite. Ears wide set and tipped. Her body conformation is visually hidden by a profuse coat of good texture. Straight and sound mover. BOB

2nd Cambrogan Ladt of Loch’aber at Cariadhaf - 6yr sable bitch. My notes say winner on the stand. Well groomed and presented. Sweet in eye and correctly placed ears to complement expression. On the move, her front was a little loose and not her fortune today.

3rd Barrenclough Diamond Dawn at Myjacks

Collie (Smooth)

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (1,0)

1st Wynele Ace of Spades - 14mth black tri male. Good overall outline. Strong head and in balance with slight break between skull and muzzle. Prominent eyebrows. Strength to his neck and withers, level topline and balanced on the move. Now just needs to mature up in both body and mind! BOB.

Post Grad (1,0)

1st Wynele Ace of Spades 

Open (1,1)

Finnish Lapphund

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (0,0)

Post Grad (1,0)

1st Bridus Ukkonen ShCM - 12yr black tri who does not look his age at all. Pleasing head proportions with a good stop. Thick set short strong neck, sturdy and robust all through with no coarseness. Good coat texture. Sound on the move. A credit to his owner.

Open (3,0)

1st CH Oberitz Buoremus - Wolf sable 6yr old male who was extremely fond of his voice. Good overall outline. Correctly proportioned head, small ears set wide, correctly shaped eye and well-placed good stop, all together giving desired open and welcoming expression. Balanced in his angulation and with width all through. Correct set and carried tail. Strength in his rear and when he decides to move he really can! BOB

2nd Arianrhod Havuruunu (AI) - 2yr black tri male. Although longer in leg than first, he was balanced in his angulations and moved out well. Has a wider rounder eye than 1st which gave a slightly hard expression.

3rd CH Oberitz Upponalle VW

Hungarian Pumi

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (0,0)

Post Grad (1,0)

1st Schnaubern Fawaris - 3yr male of good size. Ears wide set, carried correctly. Dark eye and good pigment. Balanced in body and gentle in movement. Carrying a little excess weight today. 

Open (1,0)

1st Schnaubern Fawaris

Samoyed

Puppy (4,1)

1st Dynar Lady Slipper to Arcticuno - 9mth bitch. Decent head to go over, small correctly set ear, oblique eye. Strength to her neck with arch already prominent. Length to body which comes from the rib giving strength to her core. Parallel and balanced moving away and toward. BP.

2nd Cocosamel Lisboa Riviera - 6mth pretty baby with lots to like. Kind eye and already with strength and depth to muzzle. Neck of good length with arch, width throughout and just enough rear angulation to push away with necessary drive. 

3rd Cocosamel Lisboa Biarritz

Junior (2,1)

1st Cocosamel Lisboa Biarritz - 6mth male and litter mate to 2nd in puppy. Currently all legs and very rangy at present due to different bones growing at different rates. Already presenting masculine head with strength to his muzzle like his sister. Standing large feet and with length to his body it should all come together in the end. This one needs time – and that is perfectly fine!

Post Grad (1,0)

1st From Oslo with Snow White Touch of the Sky to Arcticuno (Imp Pol) - 19mth male who was well up for size. Good head proportions, almond shape eye, possibly set a little wide for me. Width to ear set. Shorter than ideal neck but with decent length to body and good width throughout. Just enough angulation, presented in gleaming coat of good texture. 

Open (5,3) Both these exhibits definitely made themselves heard!

1st Cocosamel Camellia JW - 5yr old bitch, correctly proportioned overall profile. Strong muzzle, length in balance with skull, good clean underjaw. Decent stop. Stood on correctly shaped feet and nice clean angulations demonstrated well on the move, which won her this class and ultimately BOB. 

2nd Jewel Child of Joy Orleansnow (Imp Cze) - Taller than 1st still very much a bitch, pretty head with oblique eye correctly set. Correct texture of coat. A little untidy in her front movement.

Shetland Sheepdog

Puppy (2,0)

1st Mohnesee Sky Mistress - 11mth pretty happy girl with a very sweet eye. Ear set a little wide but well used. Good length to neck and balanced on the move. Very tidy coming toward and moving away. BP.

2nd Tooralie’s Fortune Teller for Willowthorn - A very beautiful 8mth bitch who was my winner on the stand. Balanced and in proportion all through. Balanced in head with a sweet dark eye placed at the correct point. Her chest is yet to come but once it does, will fill her frame and her front visual will look just as good as the side. Rather nervous today which unfortunately prevented her from 1st place. Would very much like to meet once she is settled within herself. 

Junior (3,1)

1st Jaelis Mystique Realism - 13mth bitch with good length to her head, eyes correctly shaped and placed. Ears correctly placed and expressive in use. Decent underjaw which completes her head frame. Pleasing rear angulation and shape of foot, she pushed herself from the rear gently round the ring. Short attention span but when she was ‘in the zone’ she looked lovely. 

2nd Tooralie’s Fortune Teller for Willowthorn

Post Grad (5,1)

1st Shadowess If I Can Dream at Cochochr - 22mth sable male with balance to his head, almond oblique eye with good fill underneath. Expressive ear. He had length to his body which was of correct substance and stood on sweet very neat feet.

2nd Balidorn Olympic Star with Solyric JW - 2yr male who I understand is coming through a fear period and did exceptionally well in the circumstance. Balanced in head, his eye was a little round and staring due to his alertness of surroundings at present. Used his ears when he wanted to. Narrower through than 1st but with time, should body up. 

3rd Shadowess Moonlight Blue

Open (6,1) My notes say it was a challenge to split the first two males in this class.

1st Shelcrest Winter Solstice at Suthesley JW - 5yr male in his prime. Decent headpiece with good underjaw and fill below his almond obliquely set eye. Ears were expressive and of good size. His body had substance with good covering and presented in excellent order. Good muscletone. Moved with purpose and a calm commanding attitude. BOB and resulting Group 2 in a quality group. Congratulations. 

2nd CH/SWISS/FR/LUX/INT CH Tooralie Pie in the Sky - 7yr male who pushed hard for top spot. Lovely headpiece, sweet eye and stood on the very best of feet. Had to give way to 1st who had a sharper topline and better croup today. 

3rd Jaelis Mystique Reality JW

AVNSC Pastoral

Puppy (1,0)

1st Bohemian Rhapsody Dei Baci Di Dama (Imp Ita) - 6mth BSD Malinois bitch who I don’t deny was an absolute joy to meet. Immature in her ring etiquette at present but so very much to like. Head still to break but correctly proportioned in relation to body. Beautifully balanced in her angulation on the stand and move, incredible hardy coat, loved her shape and robustness of feet. She is young and knows her mind but definitely worth persevering with. BP and presented Puppy Group 1 to her delighted owner. Well deserved. 

Junior (1,0)

1st Bouvibear Emerald Banjo - 15mth Catalan male who is well up for size but still within standard. Substantially made all through, slightly longer than tall as required, correctly proportioned head, complete dentition. Required double dewclaws and a very easy mover. Liked him. BNSC and Group 4 in a strong group. Congratulations. 

Post Grad (0,0)

Open (1,0)

1st CH Vegas VD Vaardekenshoeve (Imp Bel) JW - 4yr BSD Malinois male. Balanced in head, strong underjaw. Open front angulations and balanced in rear. The most amazing muscletone which was well demonstrated in his powerful rear movement. Pleasing to watch.

AV Pastoral Import

Puppy (0,0)

Junior (1,0)

1st Hearts of Destiny H’Glorious Purpose of Celsiorex** (Imp Deu) - 17mth Min ASD which was a true education for me. I judge Aussies at CC level, but this was my first time with hands on a miniature and I thank you for the opportunity. Correctly proportioned head for size, good stop, ear a little low set. Dark eye. In profile, the body had a good outline, robust neck, level topline and balanced in angulation. Coming toward was a little wide in front. 

Post Grad (2,0)

1st Tamalden All Eyes of Me (AI) - 20mth White Swiss Shepherd. Balanced and elegant, pleasing head with correctly taped muzzle, not snipey. Length to neck, decent fore angulation and balanced by a well muscled rear. Moved with a measured pace. 

2nd Rebelsoul Sun and Stars of Celsiorex (Imp USA) - 4yr tri Miniature ASD bitch. Head correctly proportioned, slightly round eye. Level topline standing on wonderful feet. Today her movement was a little short stepping, she may have better profile movement with a longer stride of handler. 

Open (1,0)

1st Tamalden A Head of the Game - Litter brother to PG winner. The power in this dog is visibly evident and a joy to see. Balanced in head and of excellent bone. Long sloping shoulder, strong topline and balanced in his muscular parallel rear. Powered round the ring with absolute ease. Now just needs his mind to mature along with his body. BIR. 

AV Pastoral Veteran (18,7)

1st CH Nellbrook Pure Imagination JW VW

9yr Bearded Collie bitch, Excellent head and well placed stop ‘made’ this expression the picture that she is. Expressive eye, Long and lean in body with the desired 5/4 proportion. Her foot fall on the move is a joy to see and she is wonderfully animated. Really liked her. 

2nd CH Farmarens Drums of Spring at Talraz (Imp Swe) JW

A pleasure to finally meet this 7.5yr chap. The best of noses greeted me. Balanced in head with desired proportions and decent backskull. Beautiful eye shape and an amazing lay of shoulder – must be felt to be truly appreciated. Strong at withers, level topline which was held on the move. A challenge to split. 

3rd CH Kilfinan Mister Moonlight for Talluarchy 

Junior Handling

Please read opening comments in conjunction with these individual appraisals.

JH 6-11 (8,3)

1st Gracie Elizabeth - Competent and smart young lady handling a Whippet on a complementary lead. Tidily presented her charge and did not cross the line allowing me a clear view at all times. Knew where her withers were on her dog and was able to visibly identify.

2nd Rhys Maddocks - Very pleasant young man with a charming Daxie. Firmly handled and kept his charg steady at all times. His lead placement was excellent and spoke to me clearly and confidently. Just crossed the line in front of me once so had to give was to 1st, but hopefully knows how to work on this now. 

3rd Cecily Black

JH 12-16 (3,2)

1st Darcie Fleming - Smartly dressed in a sensible blue suit to set off her whippet well, this was an elegant dog and elegant handler combination. Sensitively handled to get the very best from a slightly reserved dog, I had a clear view of the dog at all times and lead was kept tidy and out of the way. BJH. Congratulations.

Louise Bermingham