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The first part of most critiques is the place where the judge extends his or thanks to the committee in respect of the invitation to judge, and indeed that is in part what I would like to do here, too. In addition, though, I would like to say an extra special thank you to the committee for the huge amount of work that had obviously gone in, in order to get an entry of 53 (48 dogs) in such trying times as we find ourselves. The individuals responsible are proof that hard work and tenacity are great tools in ensuring the success of a show – my thanks and congratulations on a job well done!
Moving onto the dogs, I have to say that I thought the general condition of the exhibits was good, and mouths, in general, were okay with only 2 or 3 level bites and a few broken teeth to contend with! The handlers and exhibitors conducted themselves impeccably throughout, and accepted all decisions gracefully.
Class 75 – Puppy Dog (4 Entries, 1 Absent)
1. Cooch & Maud’s Funk Odyssey
7 month old red and white pied boy. Very nicely proportioned head for one so young, straight front,correct bite, short back and level topline – when he was concentrating! Moved okay and took the class on superior balance to (2).
2. Enfield & Ingram’s Pitstar’s Romper Stomper
Black brindle dog of similar age to (1), and with a pleasing head and expression. This boy had a nice dark eye, level topline and moved okay, but at this stage of development I thought he lacked the balance of (1) – as well as being a little tight in the front, he needs to rib up and “fill” the length of his back. The boy was on his toes throughout, though, and that sparkle may serve him well in the future.
3. Smart & Hill’s Gwynford Jimi Hendrix
Class 76 – Junior Dog (6 Entries, 4 Absent)
1. Powell’s Ironbrays Maximus Claudius
This 18th month old black brindle just squeezed into Junior today! He moved very well, keeping his topline level at all times. He has a nice expression with a dark round eye, neat ears and correct bite. Would have preferred a cleaner head and a greater bend of stifle, but he deserved first place here.
2. Birbeck’s Janikastco Jumpin Jak Flash
Very typy red boy approaching the 18 months mark. This dog stands well off the front but I felt he was let down by too much length of back, and being in soft condition. Now that he is “coming of age” some serious exercise is required to transform him into the best dog he can be.
Class 77 – Novice Dog (No Entries)
Class 78 – Post Graduate Dog (1 Entry)
1. Clarke’s Jucroc’s Sandras Red Sizzler
A 20-month old Red, this boy has a very typy expression aided by a nice dark mask and nice round eyes. He has a good straight front and is amply boned, although his stifles lacked angulation and his so-so movement was not helped by this, or by his soft condition. He may have competed in this class, but sadly we were not to find out as he was the only one in it!
Class 79 – Open Dog (7 Entries, 3 Absent)
1. Byrnes’ Ir. Ch. Lackyle Diabhal Dearbhchlo
This 3 ½ year old Dog was far easier to judge than to spell in this critique! Pristine, shiny coat displayed good musculature and level topline (both stacked and in motion) to great effect. This dog has a good mouth, clean head, neat rose ears, nice expression and a straight front. Was very pleased to award him first in this class, and BOB.
2. Powell’s Bowtman’s Blood Diamond
19-month old Red dog with very clean head, albeit with a slightly “plain” expression. A reasonable mover, he would have benefitted from a greater degree of stifle angulation and in the end, was always going to struggle to get past (1) today. Still, his level topline and good general presentation earned him a solid second spot in this class.
Class 80 – Puppy Bitch (7 Entries, 2 Absent)
1. Trow’s Hubbulls The Promise
7-month old red girl. I was quite taken with this baby when I first looked up and down, and was not disappointed when I went over her. Her topline is reasonably level (for her age!) with an adequate bend of stifle. She has a very pretty face giving rise to a pleasing expression that should improve further if her ears settle. She has a nice straight front, good bone and tight feet. Won BP today, and well deserved!
2. Hubbulls She's the One
Litter sister to (1), and many of the same virtues. The difference today was in the overall presentation and sparkle of the winner, and it will be interesting to see how maturity changes these two promising youngsters.
3. Beaufoy’s Wyrefare The Heartbreaker
Class 81 – Junior Bitch (3 Entries, 1 Absent)
1. Powell’s Ironbrays Angel of Faith
Litter sister to the Junior Dog winner, this girl kept the family flag flying but sadly against no opposition in this class. For her part she was well turned out with a nice expression and neat ears, straight front and tight feet. For me, she lost out on further honours today with her lack of stifle angulation and a slight dip at her withers when stood. This marred an otherwise appealing side profile. This girl may improve with age, though, so keep trying!
Class 82 – Novice Bitch (3 Entries, 2 Absent)
1. Thorley & Powell’s Ruby Ophelia of Famas
22-month old black brindle and white lady who seemed a little reluctant to show today. She is a very attractively marked Stafford who didn’t get to compete against others today; had there been competition, her excess weight and lack of “polish” may have cost her. Still, she was a pleasure to go over and I thank the handler for giving me the opportunity.
Class 83 – Post Graduate Bitch (8 Entries, 4 Absent)
1. Jones’ Lackyle Duilleog Daracha
20-month old black brindle bitch of exceptional quality. She stood well, had a pleasing expression, correct bite, level topline (although slightly less so on the move), good bone, straight front, moved okay and thoroughly deserved her win in this class. She also went on to a well justified RBOB.
2. Hubble’s Hubbulls Sheery Darling
3-year old red bitch with a really pretty face and lovely dark mask. Lost out to (1) on balance and condition. I would also have preferred slightly more width in front, although it was straight enough.
3. Merrick’s Magicgem Maggie
Class 84 – Open Bitch (12 Entries, 3 Absent)
1. Byrnes’ Aust. / Ir. Ch. Belleden Fleur De Rouge
3-year old red bitch of superb construction from the neck back; beautiful, level topline and correct stifle angulation, complemented by nice tight feet. Lovely. She moved extremely well, too. Lost out on further honours through her slightly tight front, and relatively plain head and expression. I can see why she has enjoyed such success, and good luck in the future.
2. Hubble’s Hubbulls I’m on Fire
4-year old red bitch, arguably more typy than (1), but her topline is not so level and her stifles are straighter. I really liked this bitch’s head in profile; she manages to be kind yet strong and feminine – a neat trick!
Judge Mr Neil Robinson ( Leger )
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