Horley & District Show Society

Horley And District Premier Open Show 

August 30 2026

Part I - Utility Breeds

I was grateful for the invite and support across all breeds despite the whimsical weather forecast, which eventually lived up to expectations! It is always an honour when exhibitors choose to enter under me and allow me the privilege of going over their dogs.

All exhibits presented with correct bites and dentition in good condition; I did not encounter any poor mouths. A few youngsters were new to the ring, and the outdoor showground, with its many distractions, certainly tested their handlers’ skills. Nevertheless, they all put on a good show during examination and acquitted themselves well in the group judging.

My sincere thanks to my two ring stewards, Rachel and Nick, who kept the ring running efficiently and remained cheerful throughout. The efficient organisation and superb atmosphere at ringside were testament to excellent management and a great team effort by the committee.

Japanese Akita Inu 

My winner was the 9-month-old puppy dog who, despite his age and immaturity, best captured the essence of the breed. The two white females were presented in superior show condition but lacked the breed type, expression and overall characteristics required to challenge him.

Class 237 Puppy (1)

1st Bennett’s Seijitsu Chikahiko (201)  9-month-old red fawn moderate male. Correct urajiro markings. He is well-boned, and presenting a masculine outline despite lacking undercoat. Clean head displays good breed type, being broad with a defined furrow, developing cheeks, and high set triangular ears. Dark, slightly triangular eyes obliquely set and provide an alert expression. Muzzle is of correct proportion to skull, with tight black lips and strong jaws. Muscular neck. Shoulders well-laid. Forelegs are straight with elbows close to the body. Forechest is developing well. Firm topline and relatively broad loin. Tail is well set and curled. Hindquarters are strong, with broad thighs, moderate angulation and well-let-down hocks. Tight feet and guard hair stand-offish complete the picture. Playful and unsettled on the day, affecting his stack and movement assessment. Once settled, however, he showed balanced, fluid side gait with good reach and drive. A promising youngster with many desirable breed virtues. BOB, BPIB.

Class 238 Junior  (1)

1st Davis’ Kimetsu Ayuki Kori Go At Kasaishiro (202) 17-month-old white bitch, slightly short in body length and finer in bone than preferred, although carrying considerable substance for her age. Presents a somewhat square outline and would benefit from greater femininity. Blunt wedge head however lacks the desired breed type details, there’s no furrow definition, overly small eyes with prominent eyelids and visible sclera resulting in a rather dull, plain expression. Muzzle slightly short; whilst the flesh-coloured nose is acceptable in a white dog, together with slightly loose lips it detracts from overall head strength and expression. Shoulders well placed, with straight forelegs. Level topline, well-muscled loin and correctly set tail, although greater coat volume on tail would improve the breed silhouette. Hindquarters would benefit from more rear angulation and rear drive was limited. Undercoat not in full condition which is forgivable in this weather. However there’s no guard hair of desired harsh, stand-off texture. Well-handled and presented, but unable to match the winner for head qualities, sexual dimorphism, expression and overall breed type. RBOB. Utility Res BOB Stake 1st

Class 239 Post Graduate (2) 

1st Davis’ Kimetsu Ayuki Kori Go At Kasaishiro – Repeated entry

2nd Davis’ Ryuukita Danu At Kasaishiro (IKC) (203)  5-year-old white bitch of good height and adequate body length, presenting a feminine outline. Although balanced in body proportions, she lacks the correct head shape and eye definition. When viewed from above, the head lacks the broad, blunt triangular shape called for by the standard. Dark, untypical shape of eyes, not sufficiently obliquely set lacking the femininity desirable in a bitch. Good length of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, with adequate body development throughout. Maintains a level topline both standing and on the move. Soft coat which lacks the desired harsh, stand-off texture, and the undercoat was not in full condition, affecting the overall silhouette. Forelegs are straight; however, weak pasterns and paddling front action detract from movement. Moved cooperatively and was attentive to her handler, delivering the most polished performance in the ring on the day. However, despite her ring presence and presentation, the narrow skull, lack of breed expression and absence of correct stand-off coat combine to create a less typical appearance, detracting significantly from overall breed type.

Japanese Spitz

Class 245 Puppy (0)

Class 246 Junior (0)

Class 247 Post Graduate (0)

Class 248 Open (1)

1st Ferry’s Ferrybelle’s Take It Easy (206) 4-year-old white bitch of excellent proportions, well boned without appearing heavy, and presenting a beautiful, graceful feminine outline. Head balanced and typical of the breed, with a moderately broad skull, defined stop, high-set triangular ears and dark, oval eyes set obliquely, creating a sweet yet lively expression. Muzzle of correct length and proportion, tapering to a black nose, with tight black lips, strong jaws and correct dentition. Moderate neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Chest well developed, forelegs straight and parallel, level back and firm loin. Well-plumed tail correctly set and carried over the back. Hindquarters strong and well muscled, with broad thighs and well-let-down hocks. In full coat, displaying the desired profuse stand-off texture. Brisk, stylish and effortless on the move. Extremely attentive to her handler. BOB.

Keeshond

Class 249 Puppy (0)

Class 250 Junior (1)

1st Axford’s Watermyth Gota Lota Sass (208) 1-year-old grey & black bitch of pleasing proportions, compact in body and presenting a feminine outline. Well-balanced wedge-shaped head with a moderately broad skull and defined stop. Small, correctly set ivy leaf-shaped ears of velvety texture. Dark, almond-shaped eyes set obliquely and framed by well-defined spectacles, presenting the typical alert and intelligent expression. Moderate muzzle with black nose, tight black lips and strong jaws. Moderately arched neck enhanced by a developing ruff, well-defined harness markings. Well-ribbed body, straight and parallel forelegs with good bone and feathering. Level topline, short loin and a high-set, well-plumed tail carried closely over the back, completing a typical silhouette. Hindquarters well-muscled, with good turn of stifle, well-let-down hocks and profuse trousers. Excellent coat volume and harsh texture. Moved briskly and true. Promising young bitch of excellent breed type. RBOB.

Class 251 Post Graduate (0)

Class 252 Open (1)

1st Axford’s Watermyth Calypso (207)  5-year-old grey and black mature bitch of compact proportions, presenting a feminine yet substantial outline. Typical wedge-shaped head with defined stop, dark almond-shaped eyes displaying correct spectacles and the characteristic alert expression. Small, well-set ears complete the picture. Excellent forequarters with well-laid shoulders, straight front and good bone. Deep chest with well-sprung ribs and compact body. Well-defined harness markings across the shoulders. Strong, level topline and correctly carried tail, completing a typical breed silhouette. Harsh, stand-off coat with profuse ruff and trousers, presented in excellent condition. Strong hindquarters with muscular thighs and correct hock placement. Moved cleanly and briskly coming and going. Excellent attention to her handler. A quality mature bitch combining soundness, femininity and excellent breed type. Best Female and BOB.

Part II - Pastoral Breeds

Border Collie

Class 335 puppy (0,2)

Class 336 Junior (1)

1st Seaborn-Wendland’s Lucky For You Take My Heart At Noblewolves (Imp Hun) (282) 14-month-old black and white bitch of pleasing proportions, femininity and balance, carrying appropriate substance for age. Attractive, balanced head with alert expression. Well-placed shoulders, straight forelegs and developing chest with good ribbing. Firm, level topline with muscular loin; hindquarters still developing but correctly balanced with good turn of stifle and well-let-down hocks. Topcoat still maturing. Moved smoothly and effortlessly with the characteristic stealthy action, maintaining her balance throughout. A sound, fit and functional young bitch with further maturity to come. BOB. Pastoral Group 1

Class 337 Post Graduate (1)

1st Seaborn-Wendland’s Lucky For You Take My Heart At Noblewolves (Imp Hun) (282)  Repeated entry. 

Class 338 Open (0,1)

Smooth Collie

Class 351 Puppy (0)

Class 352 Junior (0) 

Class 353 Post Graduate (0)

Class 354 Open (1,2)

1st Warren & Lusty’s Coldelee Jupiter Rises with Blamorder JW (298) 4-year-old tricolour male of correct proportions and athletic, balanced outline. Clean, well-blunted wedge-shaped head, balanced in skull and foreface, with dark obliquely set eyes giving the desired keen expression. Good length of neck into well-placed shoulders, with straight forelegs and strong flexible pasterns. Deep, well-ribbed body with firm, level topline and strong, muscular hindquarters. Short, harsh coat presented naturally and in fit condition. Moved smoothly and effortlessly, maintaining his balance and topline throughout. A sound, functional male whose construction, movement and overall breed type made him a worthy BOB.

Old English Sheepdog

Class 387 – Puppy (0) 

Class 388 – Junior  (2)

1st Porter’s Ladamis Prince of Darkness With Mellowdee (325) 13-month-old grey male of pleasing breed type, strong, square and well balanced with excellent substance for age. Masculine head with capacious skull, strong truncated muzzle and dark, well-pigmented eyes giving the desired gentle expression. Well-laid shoulders, straight well-boned forelegs and deep, well-ribbed chest. Compact body with short, muscular loin and the characteristic pear-shaped outline developing well. Strong hindquarters with well-turned stifles and low hocks. Correct harsh coat. Moved easily and soundly coming and going. A promising youngster whose balance, substance and overall breed type gave him the advantage. RBOB. Pastoral Reserve BOB Group 1.

2nd Edwards’ Kenbloom You’ve Got A Friend (322) 16-month-old light grey male, masculine and well boned with a pleasing typical head and good strength of muzzle. Good shoulders, straight forelegs and deep, well-ribbed chest. Slightly longer in body and currently lacking the substance of the winner, giving a taller, less compact overall picture. I would also prefer a little more of the characteristic rise over the loin. Strong hindquarters with low hocks and correct harsh guard coat, although more undercoat would complete the outline. Well handled and attentive. A promising young male still requiring maturity and development; the winner scored in overall balance, substance and breed type.

Class 389 – Post Graduate (0)

Class 390 – Open (1,1)

1st Mellowdee Sapphie Moon Avec Meldale JW (324) 3-year-old female of excellent breed type, balance and femininity, with good bone and substance without heaviness. Typical head with capacious skull and gentle, intelligent expression. Well-constructed forequarters, deep, well-ribbed chest and compact body with short, sturdy loin showing the characteristic gentle rise and pear-shaped outline. Strong, muscular hindquarters with well-turned stifles and low hocks. Correct harsh, shaggy coat. Moved effortlessly with good reach and strong rear drive, carrying her head correctly low. A quality, mature bitch presenting an excellent overall picture. BOB.

Polish Lowland Dog

Class 394 Open (1,1)

1st Shrieves’ Ch/Int/Ir/NL/LD/LUX/DK/BEL/SW Ch Mybeards Hope Bel/NL/LUX/DE VCH IR CENT CH AN CH22 CW19/22/23 BW 22 (327) 10-year-old black and white female retaining typical breed type, femininity and correct rectangular proportions. Well balanced and moderate, with a typical head, dark oval eyes and correctly set ears. Strong neck into well-placed shoulders with good return of upper arm; straight, well-boned forelegs and deep, well-ribbed body. Firm back, broad loin and gently sloping croup, with strong, muscular hindquarters. Harsh, dense coat presented naturally. Moved smoothly and effortlessly with good ground coverage and characteristic amble, showing that age has taken little from her balance and function. BOB. Pastoral Veteran Group 1. Pastoral Adult Group 4.

Part III Hound Breeds

Afghan Hound

Class 528 Junior (2)

1st Parson’s Shukriya Fade to Black (432) 16-month-old black/silver male of typical outline, clear masculinity and pleasing proportions. Balanced head with correct foreface and characteristic eye. Long strong neck, well-laid shoulders, straight front and good bone. Chest appropriate for age, firm topline and well-bent stifles. Moved smoothly and springily with style, maintaining his topline. Well presented and developing correctly. 

2nd Parson’s Shukriya The Memory Remains (433) 16-month-old gold bitch, feminine and elegant with a beautifully balanced head and dark, obliquely set eyes giving the desired Eastern expression. Pleasing proportions, good chest and ribbing with well-bent stifles; hindquarters still developing. Moved freely and smoothly but I would prefer the front feet more forward-facing. I preferred the head and expression here, but the winner had the advantage in substance and overall development. 

Class 529 Post Graduate (2,1)

1st Bellringer’s Cloudside Prince of Theives at Johda (427) 2-year-old gold male of beautiful masculine type, strength and overall balance. Strong characteristic head, long neck and excellent chest and rib development. Strong bone, long well-laid shoulders and straight forelegs. Firm topline and short powerful loin, with muscular hindquarters and good length from hip to hock. Moved smoothly and springily with style. An impressive young male who scored particularly in breed type, substance and balance, with further maturity still to come. RBOB, Hound RBOB Group 1. 

2nd Bellringer’s Cloudside Ebony Prince At Johda JW (426) 2-year-old black brindle male, similar in style to the winner, with an elegant masculine head, good foreface and dark near-triangular eyes. Well-balanced construction with deep chest, strong short loin, moderate fallaway and muscular rear. Moved smoothly and freely, but I preferred the winner's expression and firmer topline. A quality young male with further maturity to come. 

Class 530 Open (2,2)

1st Bellringer’s Pramya Keep Your Eyes On Me (IMP FIN) (428) 4-year-old gold bitch of excellent breed type, femininity and elegance. Beautifully balanced head with dark obliquely set eyes producing the unmistakable Eastern expression. Long strong neck into well-laid shoulders, good chest and ribbing and balanced construction throughout. Firm topline and powerful hindquarters with well-bent stifles. Effortless, smooth and springy on the move with proud carriage. A beautifully balanced mature bitch with little I would wish to change. BOB. 

2nd Hills & Thornton’s Absolute Afghans Djibouti At Karnak JW ShCEx OSW (IMP NOR) (430) 6-year-old gold male, upstanding and masculine with an excellent profile and balanced proportions. Strong forequarters, substantial bone, deep ribbed chest and powerful, well-angulated hindquarters. Moved freely with characteristic smooth, springy action and style. A quality mature male with much to admire; in this close class I preferred the winning female's head and expression, while for RBOB the Post Graduate winner had the advantage in elegance, refinement and overall breed type. 

By Tina Johnson (Teikokusou)

10/11/2026