West Of England Dachshund Association

West of England Dachshund Association 5th April, 2026.

I would like to thank the Officers & Committee for their kind invitation to judge all three Miniature varieties at their Open Show. I was afforded a very welcoming reception and loved talking 'all things Dachshund' with true ‘died in the wool’ Dachshund enthusiasts. Thank you to my steward Ann Jeffrey for your company and efficeint support. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Best in Show judge Carole Warswick (Dolyharp) assessing the principle winners. It was so enlightening watching such an experienced breed specialists going over the dogs in such a systematic ‘breed specific’ manner, You could see her hands ‘talking to her’ as she mentally critiqued each dog from the nose to the very tip of the tail. I was delighted to see my choice for BOB in Miniature Smooth-Haired got Carole’s seal of approval and was her Best in Show and Best Puppy in Show winner; my choice of BOB in Miniature Wire-Haired taking RBIS.

Dachshund (Miniature Long-Haired)

Baby Puppy (3,0) 1st Allforus Vanilla Ice. Beautiful head and eye on this 4 month old cream dog. Admired his body proportions being long in rib and short in loin. Fore chest developing well. Well-angulated forequarters. Moved swiftly showing strength in his hocks and holding his top line well. 2nd Crownlake Dream Weaver for Sudbury Hill. Black & Tan bitch who although a month older was not so confident today. She has a long head with super dark almond eyes. Huge teeth and full adult dentition through. A fraction longer in loin than the winner and losing her topline on the move. 3rd Allforus Iced Magic.

Veteran D/B (1,0) 1st Abbilis Maleficent at Treranch. A happy red bitch who, like me, is enjoying her Veteran years a little too much and carries a little too much weight. Her long well-proportioned head is carried proudly on her neck and she has a strong jaw with massive, clean teeth. Dark eyes which I would like a little more almond in shape. Her fore chest is well developed. Makes a balanced silhouette stood being just a fraction longer than height at withers. Moved steadily but a little close behind.

PD (1,0) 1st Donnydax Run The Avenue for Jarletts.A well-grown red dog who I wouldn’t want to grow on much more as he is already a big lad. Beautiful dark, almond eye. Muzzle longer than skull just making him look a bit snipey. Well angulated forequarters giving good reach in front just a little loose at elbow coming towards. Strong in hocks giving drive. Good length to his rib cage but longer in loin than ideal so looking a little un-balanced in outline.

LD (2,0) 1st All For Show. Beautifully conditioned red dog who won here on the overall balance of his body proportions; height at withers to overall length. Long head with dark almond eyes set well. Strong jaw and big teeth. Moved positively with strong drive from his lo hocks and moderate extension in front. Holds a strong top line which just dips to the withers slightly. 2nd Revdvickis Theodore by Urishay JW. An eye-catching black and tan dog with a raven black coat who felt a little under weight and had dropped body condition and muscle tone compared to the winner. Super head proportions with strong jaw and dark almond eyes. Long neck and held top line well stood and on the move. A fraction longer in the loin than ideal. Moved with good extension in front but a little close behind today.

OD (2,0) 1st Minard Darque Red for Devondax JW. Best Dog and RBOB. Loved the size and overall balance of this young red dog. He carries his beautiful head on a long strong neck. Dark almond eyes full of expression. Showed strength to his back with long rib and short loin. Well-muscled thighs and strong hocks. Moved with freedom with long stride in front and drive from his hocks. Soft. Straight coat with slight ruff and plenty of feathering. 2nd Ch Dolyharbp Amadeus at Sidburyhill. Another appealing for overall size but fraction longer in loin than the winner. Beautiful head which is balanced and well-proportioned with a strong jaw and impressive teeth. Almond eyes set well of a paler brown. Long neck into well laid shoulders. Showed good reach in front some drive from behind but moving closer going away. Just lacking some muscle tone over last ribs and loin. Lovely soft straight coat with obvious ruff and good feathering.

PB (2,) 1st Foxfly Magnifique. BOB & BPIB. A beautiful 8 month old black and cream bitch who I understand now was at her first show. I am pleased someone persuaded her very new and inexperienced handler to show her. I could have taken her home. She is so obviously a Miniature and has no chance of ‘tipping scales’. I loved the fact she was in such great condition for one so young. Quality of her coat, her skin and her muscle tone was exemplary. Such a beautiful head with the darkest almond eyes set obliquely to give an intelligent and doting expression. Muzzle to skull shows balanced and she has a strong underjaw with massive teeth. Well angulated fore quarters with prominent forechest and a bend fo stifle and low hocks to balance. Long rib and short loin create level back and perfect silhouette. Holds herself well on the move with proud head carriage and tail set and carried low. Absolutely parallel away and back. 2nd Summerview Lucy Locket. A black and tan bitch out of a larger mould but presents a balanced outline stood. Loved her long well-conditioned neck which gives her a proud head carriage. Shoulders well laid back and very clean coming towards. Liked her long rib and short loin. Little close going away and top line is level and slopes towards the withers. Coat well-developed with slight ruff starting to form and good feathering. 

JB (1,0) 1st Urishay Quizzle. Really admired the initial silhouette of this 15 months old black and cream bitch but a shame (and frustrating) she was having a ‘shy’ day and insisted on ‘collapsing’ into herself so made her legs look short. Liked her head and dark, almond eyes. Lovely long neck and well-proportioned body with long rib and short loin. When stood she has correct height to length ratio. A little narrow going away and coming towards. Coat in great condition with a really wet-coal shiny jacket. 

PGB (2,1) 1st Minard Whispering Angel at Treranch JW. Immediately appealed for overall size and shape. Would like head a little longer and slightly narrower in back skull, Super dark almond eye. Strength to underjaw but shorter muzzle. Long, strong neck with slight arch. Prominent chest bone with balanced angulation to forequarters. Height to length of body just right. Moved soundly away but a little untidy coming towards; held a typical shape in side gait with strength to his topline and proud head carriage. Coat in super condition and just enough length and feathering. Lacking some confidence on the table today but happier on the floor. 

LB (3,0) 1st Dolyharp Grace Kelly at Cheritondax JW. Beautiful cream with black shading with a very attractive head and expression from her fabulous dark, almond eyes and her high set ears. Length to her neck into well angulated forequarters. Well balanced overall in body with long rib and a slightly longer loin but with leg length to match; plenty of ground clearance. Very sound away and back and showed a real freedom in side gait. Coat developing well now in her junior months. 2nd Sudasam Arbennik True Dream. A cream bitch who appealed in head and eye but was lacking some condition in coat and body. Long head with strong muzzle and big teeth. Long well-muscled neck. Short hocks giving drive on the move; untidy coming towards. Would like tighter feet. Coat a little open and tear staining. 

OB (4,0) 1st Ralines Ways And Means JW. A cream bitch who won the class in her impressive movement and her overall silhouette. Loved her long head and her dark expressive eyes. Clearly much-loved and looking a little ‘chunky’ all through so neck looking a bit short and loin lacking definition. But obviously transient issues and that said, she is perfectly proportioned height to length and holds her top lien stood and on the move. Parallel away and back and drive well from her low hocks with a good length to her stride. 2nd Ch Minard Out Of The Darque from Drymoor JW. A worthy black and tan Champion and fully mature at just over 4 years old and another who impresses on the move wit her proud head carriage, strength to her top line. Low set and carried tail and freedom of stride. Beautiful head and eye, strength to underjaw but teeth very dirty which was disappointing. Long neck and well angulated forequarters. Leng rib cage and slightly longer loin than the winner but still presents balanced picture overall. Coat a little thick and wooly with frizzy feathering. Ruff well developed.

Dachshund (Miniature Wire-Haired).

Veteran D/B (1,0) 1st Blackvein Cupid at Janacop. Impressive outline stood; beautifully balanced with super long neck and proud head carriage. Full of confidence and plenty of attitude. Head well-proportioned with dark almond shaped wye and strong jaw. Prominent fore chest with strong legs and big tight well cared-for feet. Long in rib and short in loin. Super harsh coat with mature eye brows and beard. Front straight coming towards but would like a slightly longer stride; just a little close behind. Tail carried just above his back.

PD (1,0) 1st Janacop Sweet Child Of Mine. BD & BPIB. A smart red dog puppy who makes a very typical shape stood and on the move. His fore chest is already well developed with prominent breast bone. Long, muscled neck and well laid shoulders. Shows real strength to his top line stood and on the move. Head balanced but needs to grow into his ears and whilst his eyes were dark I would like them a little more almond shaped. Moved swiftly with reach in front and drive from well-muscled thighs and short hocks. Super harsh coat with furnishings all well developed for age. 

PGD (1,0) 1st Milkwood’s May Time. Appealed in head with dark almond eyes and ears of correct size to balance. Muzzle and skull of same length. Strong jaw and healthy teeth. Proud head carriage on his long neck. He has a very typical silhouette stood but today he as carrying a little too much weight and looked heavier all through. Coat very short but harsh texture in places, Great eyebrows and beard. Moved close coming towards but sound going away. Losing his top line today.

LD (2,0) 1st Collidach Thomas Tank JW. An ideal size and presents a balanced picture overall both stood and on the move. Really fit and well-conditioned with a willing spirit and attitude to work. I liked his head and expression; eyes could be a fraction darker for perfection. It is his confirmation and body proportions where this dog really appeals. So sound in all directions. Moves with drive and a long stride holding his top line perfectly. Wiry coat with good eyebrows and beard. 2nd Milkwood’s May Time.

JB (3,1) 1st Lordscairnie Love In Paris. Very smart young bitch in fabulous coat with was dense and wiry finished with bushy brows and a neat beard. Loved her size and her overall body proportions. She has a well-developed chest, with ribs well back and a short loin which supports her spine perfectly. Tail set and carried nicely. She carries her beautiful head proudly on her slightly arched neck. Moved nice and parallel with drive from her low hocks and a long stride to match. 2nd Rozamie Reflection of Rosencrantz. Another young bitch with lots to like. She carries her beautifully proportioned head very regally on her long well-muscle neck. Very balanced angulation in her forequarters and had good length to her stride. Elbows fitting neatly to her ribs. Just lacking a little strength in hind quarters so closer going away and not so firm in hocks as the winner. Coat short and harsh in places. PGB (1,0) 1st Rozamie Reflection of Rosencrantz.

LB (3,0) Splitting hairs with these two super bitches. Close decision but the silhouette of the winner was just perfect and she had a slightly better density of her harsh, wiry coat. 1st Merryline Martha with Rosencrantz JW. A balanced first impression from the proportions of her head to the ratio of height to length of her body. Beautiful dark almond eye and perfect sized ears to create a most attractive expression. Neck of ideal length; elegant yet well-muscled. Moved so soundly away and back and shows great freedom in side gait. 2nd Rozell Rosalie at Janacop JW. I loved ger overall make and shape and she too was an ideal size. Head well-proportioned with strength to her underjaw. Outline similar to the winner. Show strength in top line and was really well conditioned particularly her hindquarters with rock solid parallel hocks and well-muscled thighs. Another very sound bitch.

OB (1,0) Emem Hazel Sunshine JW. BOB and RBIS. A perfect size and catches your eye for her overall balance and body proportions. Full of attitude in her expression and spirit on the move. Beautiful head with dark almond eyes and smooth ears of right size to complement her long balanced head. She has the best eyebrows and beard with leg furnishing well developed. Coat dense and harsh textured. Her body is just the right height to length with long rib and short loin Breast bone prominent, plenty of heart room in her deep chest but clears the ground well. Strong legs with neat, well-conditioned feet. Moves with natural speed from effortless reach and drive courtesy fo her fore and hind quarter angulation. Hold her top line perfectly complemented by her head carriage and tail carriage. Delighted to watch her also get the ‘thumbs up’ from the breed specialist BIS judge.

Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired)

Baby Puppy (3,0). Two very promising baby babies who were a credit to their owners and handlers. Both bold put on a polished performance. 1st Stoweytop Bryonys Magic. Very pretty red bitch of an ideal size and overall shape. Long head with balance between muzzle and skull. Dark almond shaped eyes and strong jaw with big teeth. Holds her top line well stood and on the move. Sound away and back; moves with pace and an air of authority in side gait. Her coat was short and sleek and in great condition. 2nd Kelsomaid Black Dragon. This black and tan bitch was also an ideal size. Her coat was short and shiny like wet coal. She presents a very balanced outline and like the winner holds her head proudly on her long slightly arched neck. Well angulated forequarters allowing a long stride. Moving a little close behind going away than the red bitch winner.

Veteran D/B (2,1) 1st Pennydach Mystique at Rosencrantz JW. What a credit to her owner as she certainly belies her age at 8 years. In super condition with tans still bright and a ebony black shining coat. Loved her overall balance stood making a very typical outline. Long head carried proudly on her elegant neck with beautiful dark almond eye. Her height to length of body just right. Prominent chest bone and deep chest with good length of rib and short loin. Well-muscled hind quarters with rock solid hocks. Parallel away and back and moves at a swift pace covering ground with ease. Just softened in top line on the move.

PGD (2,0) Two boys of an ideal size and overall shape with correct proportions. Both had typical heads with muzzle and skull of equal length, strength to their jaws and dark eyes.1st Brogansian Barbarian.BD. This brindle dog was in hard fit condition, and his short sleek coat had nearly a polished sheen to it. Moved with real purpose driving from his strong hocks and with a long stride. Head carried proudly on his long well-muscled neck. Firm in top line both stood and held beautifully on the move. 2nd Stargang Morrisey for Devondax. A black and tan dog who wasn’t very settled today which was exaggerated by the uber confident winner. In very good overall condition with shiny, short black raven coat and rich tans. Stood a little higher on the hock than winner and not quite as accurate in front coming towards. 

LD (2,0) 1st Teckeltowns The Show Man. An impressive red dog of an ideal size and makes a typical silhouette stood and on the move. Looked a picture of health from his gleaming coat to his overall body condition. Balanced head proportions with strength to his muzzle and big clean teeth. Lots of heart and lung room with his prominent fore chest, deep brisket, long rib cage. Short in loin. Front legs ‘wrapped’ nicely around his chest with his front feet just turning out slightly Sound away and back. Moved briskly with purpose living up to his name. Would have been my Reserve Best Dog. 2nd Bronia Lucien for Devondax. Holds his head proudly which is well-balanced with dark eyes which I would like a little more almond in shape. Longer in the body than the winner and not quite the condition with last ribs showing. Hocks showing strength allowing drive on the move. Move at a pace but not so happy so a little rushed rather than free stride. Not as tidy as the winner coming towards. 

OD (2,1) 1st Bronia Gustave of Meriding. A larger, deep red dog but everything in the right place in terms of his construction and overall balance. Beautiful head and expression from his dark almond eyes. Long neck with slight crest. Well angulated fore quarters with good bend of stifle to balance. Comes into his own on the move showing great freedom driving from his well muscled thighs and short hocks with ability to reach in front to create a long stride. Parallel away and back. 

PB (3,1) 1st Teckeltowns Kelby Springs into Collidach. BOB, BPIB and later BIS and BPIS. What a beautiful red 10 month old puppy and a credit to her breeders and owners in term of her conditioning and her temperament. Has so much attitude and confidence and quite clearly loves herself; I am sure many more judges will love her too. Of an ideal size and presents such a typical silhouette. Beautiful head and expression with really dark pigmentation. Strong jaw with massive, strong white teeth. Her fore chest is so well developed for her age. Strong front legs set well under her well laid shoulder blades covering the bottom of her keel. Stands proudly on gorgeous broad front feet with well arched toes and neat nails – perfect for digging. Plenty of ground clearance. Her body is long but exactly twice the length of her height at the withers. Long rib cage and short well-muscled loin supporting a super topline. Tail straight and carried perfectly to balance never rising above her top line. Well-muscled thighs and strong well let down hocks. Super sound moving with great freedom, plenty of drive and a long stride. So proud to see the BIS judge approved of my choice and gave her all the top awards too. 2nd Bronia Rihanna at Lourimi. A very promising baby who was so happy and excited being shown. Loved her confidence and everything you would want from a puppy of this age in terms of temperament and joie de vivre. Beautiful head and expression. Long neck with slight arch. Very balanced overall body shape and correct ratios. Holds her top line well stood and on the move thanks to her long rib and short loin. Moves away well driving from her hocks. Front just needs to settle coming towards. A little proud of her tail today but personality linked rather than tail set. 

JB (4,3) 1st Bronia Mirielle. Young 16 month dark red bitch who won this class on her overall shape, correct body proportions and balance; immediately appealed for her overall silhouette. Particularly impressed by the strength of her hindquarters with well-muscled thigh and second thigh and the strength of her hocks. Has well-laid shoulders and good length to upper arm so moves with a long stride and plenty of drive. She carries her head proudly, but I found her skull a little domed and her larger yes a little full in shape. 2nd Marvale Golden Oriole for Devondax JW. Well-conditioned and immediately appreciated her prominent long sternum, depth of keel and long rib cage. A little longer and narrower all through than the winner. Head long but balanced in terms of muzzle and skull length. Long elegant neck with slight arch. Slightly longer in loin. Moved well going away but narrower in front coming towards. Top line not quite as crisp today.

PGB (6,2) 1st Bronia Solange at Lourami JW. Just 18 months and this dark red bitch who headed this class based on her sound movement and beautiful head. Of an ideal overall size although could be just a fraction shorter in loin. That said, she holds her top line so well and has perfect tail carriage. Her angulation of fore quarters and hind quarters matches, and her muscle tone ensure she moves with drive ad a long stride. 2nd Stoweytop Susie. This black and tan lady was in gleaming condition overall with an impressive sheen on her short dense coat. Liked her n=balanced head proportions and dark expressive almond eye. Carrying a little bit more weight than ideal so looked a bit ‘chunky’ today and lacked definition of loin. A little higher on hock than the winner but same height at withers as her quarters so plenty of ground clearance. Moved away and back parallel.

LB (2,0) 1st Glynlythe’s Heirloom for Devondax JW. A dark red bitch of an ideal size with well angulated forequarters and a prominent chest bone. Her head is well balanced but a little fine in muzzle and a smaller dark almond eye. She carries it proudly on her long neck. Shows strength to her top line but could be a fraction shorter in loin to balance the height at her withers. Moved with drive from her low hocks. Nice and sound away and back and moves with a free stride in side gait. 2nd Rozamie Making Magic. A sturdy looking bitch who clearly enjoys her food and is happy with her life (I know that feeling). She had plenty of confidence and attitude but would benefit from a diet as her body is actually so well balanced overall. Her height to length is just right and she is super sound holding her top line perfectly stood and on the move. A little proud of her tail today but nice to see her so happy ‘doing her thing’.

OB (4,2) 1st Ruletadax Evie Antonia. Presented a beautiful outline stood with proud head carriage, long neck, well developed fore chest and strong quarters. Her head is long and balanced with strong under jaw and massive clean teeth that could do their job for sure. Appealed in body proportions and holds her top line well. Moved away soundly enough but narrower coming towards. Ebony black coat, rich tans; a picture of health and obviously well-conditioned and cared for. 2nd Muzzleflash’s Brandy Snap. A chocolate and tan bitch with a pleasing head and almond shaped eyes. Well angulated fore quarters in terms of upper arm and shoulder blade. Long rib cage and a little longer in the loin. Only a moderate bend of stifle which causes top line to slope towards the withers and exaggerates and a more obvious arch over loin. Showed good reach in front but not quite the drive required.

AV Dachshund Open Stakes (17,8)

1st Ch Emem Joyful Sunshine JW. (Miniature Wire-Haired). I judged this beautiful bitch last year and, if anything, she has got better the more she has matured. Love her silhouette. Still fit as a flea, an ideal size, beautiful head and expression, perfectly balanced body. Coat is short, dense, straight and harsh with well-developed brows and beard. Very impressive on the move; super sound and holding her frame with extra special deportment. 2nd Jacksondax Hornet Hurrah at Trisensara JW Sh CEX OSW (Smooth-Haired). Impressive black and tan dog who stands so proudly and has great presence. Carries his handsome head proudly on his long neck which has slight arch. Fabulous fore chest with long sternum and prominent chest bone. Deep in brisket but clears the ground well. Long in rib and short in loin. Strong quarters which he uses to drive. Showed great freedom on the move. In fit, healthy condition; a credit to his owner. Surprised he doesn’t have his 4th title to his name ?

Nick Gourley (Judge)