Kirkcaldy & District Canine Club

Kirkcaldy and District Canine Club

Saturday 18th April 2026

I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge your Handling and Rottweiler classes. It was lovely to see such good sportsmanship throughout the day. I was very honoured to be asked to judge handling, having competed in handling myself, so I understand what to look for and what to ask. The handlers were all smartly dressed and made excellent use of colour to show off their dogs’ outlines. They congratulated each other and all remembered to say thank you, which was lovely to see. Nothing that I did fazed them, and they all performed very well. On another day, the results could easily change, as the standard of handling was so close.

Junior Handling 6 - 11 years old (9,3ab)

1st and Best Junior Handler was Abbie Smith showing a wirehaired standard dachshund. This young lady caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring. From the moment she stepped in, she watched my positioning at all times. She moved her dog around the ring with ease, the pair working in complete sync with each other. She answered all my questions correctly and presented the teeth beautifully. Her pattern work was excellent, with lovely lines, while maintaining constant awareness of my position. Even in the final challenge, she did not panic and managed to move her dog smoothly and precisely at the correct time.Overall, an excellent display of junior handling skills, and a well-deserved win today.

2nd was Arlo Barbi showing a miniature longhaired dachshund. I have judged this young man before, and he never disappoints. He watched my every move and showed kindness and empathy towards his dog. They moved around the ring in true partnership and at the correct pace. He answered all my questions confidently and correctly. His pattern work was good, and he presented his dog well throughout. On another occasion, he could easily have won this class.confidently and correctly. His pattern work was good and he presented the dog well. He could have won this class on another occasion. 

Junior handling 12 - 16 years (7)

1st was Chloe Black showing a papillon.

This young lady had the smallest dog in the ring, but you were certainly aware of its presence. She showed her dog to its maximum potential, and their movement together around the ring was beautiful. She showed her dog’s teeth well and demonstrated good knowledge of the points of the dog. Her pattern work was clean and performed at the correct pace for her Papillon. She was dressed smartly and was very polite throughout. Once again, she watched my positioning in the ring and was not phased. On another day, she could win Best Junior Handler.

2nd was Mairhead Torlay showing a Tibetan Terrier. Dressed ever so smartly, this young lady wore the perfect colour to complement her dog. She was extremely polite and very aware of my positioning at all times, even when entering the ring. She moved thoughtfully out of my way when required and showed the dog’s teeth with ease. She answered all my questions with confidence, and her pattern work was neat and accurate. She was extremely close to winning this class, and on another day it could easily have been a different result.h with ease. She answered all my questions with confidence and her pattern work was neat. She was extremely close to winning this class and on another day it could have been a different result. 

Adult Handling 17 - 37 years (9,4ab)

1st and Best Adult Handler was Jessica Shaw showing a Chinese Crested. This little dog was clearly enjoying its time in the ring today. The dog switched on at the right time and relaxed again when required. This lovely lady showed her dog to its absolute best. She moved as one with her dog and was very aware of her surroundings at all times. She was the only handler to demonstrate knowledge of the points of her dog. Her T-shape pattern was clean and precise, with straight lines, while she continued to watch my position and keep the dog moving at all times. Her final pattern to win Best Adult Handler was extremely smooth throughout and did not phase her at all.

2nd was Stacy Mason showing a Vizsla. This lady always presents her dog well at all times. Even when entering the ring, she did not simply walk in. She moved her dog at the correct pace up the ring to collect her number. She moved in unison with her dog when going around the ring, and her pattern work was very good. She showed the teeth well and moved thoughtfully out of my way when required. She was very close to winning this class.

Adult Handling 38+ Years (6,3ab)

1st was Patricia McMahon showing a Weimaraner. This lady followed all my instructions well and was once again the only handler to demonstrate knowledge of the points of her dog. Even though her dog became excited, she resettled it calmly, and the dog responded excellently. The teeth were shown well, and she moved in unison with her dog around the ring. Her pattern work was lovely and smooth, especially considering it was a reverse T-shape, and overall her dog was presented well. In the final challenge, she coped extremely well with my change of position, with the second part being the smoother transition. It was very close to call, but the final part was what made my decision.

2nd was Laura Smeaton showing a German Shepherd Dog.I was very impressed with this lady’s handling skills, especially considering she was handling a larger breed compared to the others. Her movement was excellent, and they moved together effortlessly around the ring in unison. She constantly watched my position and moved thoughtfully away from me, allowing me to see the dog at all times. She showed the teeth well and handled her dog with confidence. Her pattern work was good, and you could see she was carefully thinking about each movement. Overall, a good handler and certainly one to watch for the future.

Rottweiler Junior (0)

Rottweiler Graduate(1,1ab)

Rottweiler Open (2)

1st and Bob Bunton’s Seittor Moment In Time, 5 year old boy who looks strong and powerful. Head of medium length with a nice broad skull between the ears. Well defined stop, good muzzle and black nose. Neck slightly arched going into well laid shoulders and a nice deep chest. Forelegs straight with a good amount of bone. Back straight and strong. Hocks well angulated. Tail set good when on the move. Moved round the ring with drive and strength. 

2nd Bunton’s Seittor Look Of Love, 4 years old on another day, could have won this class. He was extremely excited and the handler worked hard with him. Head of medium length and nice dark almond shaped eyes that gave a calm gaze. Ears of good size, good stop and nice tan markings above the eyes and side of cheeks. Forelegs straight leading into sloping pasterns. Good spring of rib and nice depth of chest. Good tail set when on the move. He moved round the ring well but I preferred the movement of 1 today. 

 Judge

Melanie Reekie