Spire Toy Dog Society

My sincere thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge. It is a fabulous show that I have always greatly enjoyed, both as an exhibitor and as a judge.

Russian Toys

I was delighted to receive an entry of 10 dogs, an excellent turnout for the breed at an open show, with no absentees. I was looking for the best overall package of breed type, construction and movement and, while there were many lovely dogs present, I felt my principal winners best embodied the complete package on the day.

Puppy (2,0)

1 Poxon’s Lazurniy Bereg. 11-month-old, blue and tan, smooth coat, dog. A very showy youngster who strides out confidently, making excellent use of the ring. He has a great temperament and presented himself with enthusiasm throughout. Lean muzzle, correct bite and pigment befitting his coat colour. Head is a little stronger than ideal at present and should refine with maturity. Square in profile and moderately angulated, giving a balanced outline overall. Stood correctly slightly wider behind than in front. Forequarters should tighten in elbow with time. Topline was a little unsettled on the day and should firm and steady as he develops. Correct tail shape, carried well. Well trained and confidently handled throughout. I would prefer to see him free stood, as this would further enhance his natural outline and presence. BPIB

2 Thomas-Wright’s Warrsan Girl in White Satin. Celebrating her first birthday today, brown and tan smooth coat bitch. A pretty little girl, on the smaller end of the breed standard, yet still in proportion and balanced throughout. Feminine head of correct shape and proportions, with correct bite, lean cheeks, tight-fitting lips and pigmentation befitting her coat colour. I particularly admired her head qualities, which were refined and feminine, with ears of pleasing size, shape and placement that completed the picture well. Square in outline and fine boned, she has a pleasing overall balance. Chest of correct oval shape and size, with straight forequarters and elbows set close. She appealed greatly for her refinement and construction, and in many respects, I preferred her overall. However, she has a tendency at present to hunch herself when standing and moving, which affected both her topline and general profile on the day. With increased confidence and a more settled carriage, she should be capable of fulfilling her potential.

Junior (2,0)

1 Austin’s Garnox Damien at Mairichis. 16-month-old black and tan long coat dog. A confident, showy youngster who impressed for his ring presence and excellent attitude, showing superbly for his young handler. Moved with brisk, positive action and maintained his topline well on the move, making the most of himself throughout. Masculine head with correct dentition and black pigment. Good ears, well carried and contributing to his keen expression. Correct size and presented in pleasing coat condition. Stands well, with correct tail shape, carried well and used to advantage. Broad through the front, with a well-developed chest, and this influenced his forehand action on the move. Rear movement was sound and parallel. A stronger type than I personally prefer, though full of quality and character. His positive movement, steady topline and excellent showmanship secured him the class on the day.

2 Thomas-Wright’s Warrsan Girl in White Satin – 2nd in Puppy class.

Post Graduate (6,0)

I was spoiled for choice in this class! The size and quality of this class was commensurate with a championship level class, and presented some tough decisions. All of the dogs in this class presented with pleasing breed type, so construction and movement were what separated the top two dogs in this class, notably their rear movement.

1 Welch’s Beaconsfylde Antila of Fennyfare. 2-year-old, long coat, red, dog. A stylish, breed-typical exhibit who immediately appealed for his overall balance, quality and ring presence. Attractive outline with balanced proportions, appearing compact, elegant and true to type. Lovely head and expression, with eyes of correct shape and placement, black pigment and correct bite. Excellent ear carriage, adding greatly to breed character and expression. Balanced in body with a firm topline, which he held on the move. Tail set on correctly and well carried, completing the picture. Stood correctly; slightly wider behind than in front, with straight and parallel front and rear action. Small, compact feet. Coat in superb condition, with furnishings that enhanced the overall picture without excess. Best mover in the class, and when viewed in profile his movement displayed textbook angulation with brisk, positive, effortless action. Alert, confident and very much on the job throughout. A quality exhibit who fully deserved both the class and Best of Breed.

2 Thomas-Wright’s Warrsan Rebel Jones. 2.5-year-old, smooth coat, black and tan dog. A smart, elegant exhibit who presents a very attractive outline and plenty of breed character. Well-handled and shown to advantage. Lovely clean head with keen expression, dark eye and excellent ear carriage. Neck flows neatly into well laid shoulders, with a firm topline and balanced body proportions. Good tail set and carriage, completing the overall picture. Fine bone, parallel front and rear, elbows close. Moderately angulated, good movement front and rear, small compact feet. Just preferred the ear set on 1. RBOB.

Open (1,0)

Thomas-Wright’s Warrsan Marvel Wolf. 2.5-year-old black and tan smooth coat dog. Litter brother to Number 2 in the Post Graduate class, much the same comments apply. However, his brother was just more together on the move with more accurate movement in the challenge for RBOB. Nicely balanced, moderate angulation, tail shape correct and used well, topline held on the move.

Rachel Berrington (Pappersley)