| Dogs |
Mr M Hegarty (Chantismere) |
My grateful thanks to the NICKCSC for the opportunity to judge at this lovely show. While not the ambience of the ‘Halfway House’ of years gone by, it was a well-served venue with a large and spacious ring affording many opportunities for exhibits to stride out freely, thus allowing ample opportunity to assess movement.
On the downside, it was incredibly noisy. I really felt for 2 exhibitors whose bitches did not perform due to the noise and constant din. This is unacceptable and incredibly sad as both owners had made long and expensive journeys to get there only to have their chances thwarted by an unnecessarily loud PA system.
The most satisfying entry awaited me, and I was pleased to find quality in nearly all classes. As with any entry there were those who favoured either side of the breed standards requirements, however the thing that perturbed me most was a distinct and worrying trend of narrow rear movement in too many exhibits. I like to see good width from behind enabling strong drive and propulsion. At best, it was only acceptable in most cases. In others, it was deplorable and alarming that many have been awarded highly by others, despite it.
Judges need to be more critical of this; otherwise, we are going to encourage people to use dogs with pretty heads who move on a single track at the rear!
My grateful thanks to my two efficient ring stewards, Hazel O’Shaughnessy and Lana Sherrard who kept things moving smoothly.
Lastly and most importantly, thanks also to each exhibitor for taking the time and effort — not to mention the expense — to show their dogs. Some decisions were made on the most hair splitting of decisions and as I always say, I could judge the same dogs tomorrow and things might change. It’s all about that split second moment of decision!
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| Dog CC |
McMurray’s |
Chadwick Perfect Tonight at Merryoth JW (Imp USA) |
| Reserve CC |
Spall & Clark’s |
Llapsttam Luther Vandross |
| Best Puppy Dog |
Lamont’s |
Moorfields Lochlann |
| |
|
|
| Veteran |
(4 Entries, 0 Absent) |
What a beautiful start to the proceedings. It was so nice to see our seniors out and enjoy their day. Each one seemed to relish their time to shine. Thank you all for showcasing these lovely examples of the breed. |
| 1st |
Rhodes’ |
Calonlan Café Noir
A great start to the day! I had never seen this black and tan boy before and was delighted to hear that he has pleased many others, having picked up many similar awards. He totally belies his 9+ years and was on his toes all the time with a ‘look at me’ attitude not to be ignored. He looked good in profile but on the table, he stood out for his lovely conformation; neat and well balanced with lovely angles all through. Very satisfying to go over. He took to the floor with enthusiasm and held everything together, going around with a lovely drive from the rear. Very pleasing head with dark eyes and gentle outlook. Lovely coat with rich tan I had no hesitation awarding him first and BVIS. |
| 2nd |
Slack’s |
Willowheart Louis VW
Another lovely boy who scored in the head with the best of eyes. Coped very well with his change of handler and didn't miss a beat. Nicely balanced throughout and moved well. Though heavier marked, his coat was rich in colour and in good condition. I liked him for size. |
| 3rd |
Hamilton & Hogg’s |
Kilbarchans Moonwalker at Hamhoggs VW |
| Minor Puppy |
(3, 1) |
|
| 1st |
Lamont’s |
Moorfields Lochlann
Just 6 months on the day. I was charmed by this very pretty blenheim boy with beautiful large, dark and round eyes set in an attractive headpiece with good fill under the eye and correct ear placement. Needs time to grow in confidence but was relaxed enough for me to see a nicely balanced outline which he carried well on the move in both directions showing off his good angles and soundness in both coming and going. Coat is coming nicely. He was the type I like and was pleased to award him BPIS. |
| 2nd |
Rix’s |
Ricksbury Roosevelt
Upstanding Blenheim boy who stood in a well-marked coat of the richest chestnut and the best of textures. Classic head piece with high set ears and the darkest eyes. Moved well and looked particularly good in side profile going around showing off his super top line. His handler was busy in another ring and was not present for his next class. |
| Puppy |
(1, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Kerr’s |
Caramoone Canadian Club at Kinvaar
Mature boy who was brimful for type. Generous head with deeper stop and really super large and dark eyes. Good dentition. Neat shape, well off for bone and made a lovely picture going around with excellent top line and very assured footfall and soundness in both directions. Shown in lovely coat and condition. Super attitude and one I think will have great days ahead. An asset to the kennel. |
| Junior |
(1, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Spall & Clark’s |
Llapsttam Luther Vandross
Another gem from this kennel. Though by no means the finished article as yet, this boy locked my eye when he came into the ring in a jacket of the richest colour and shown in excellent condition. His outline is beautifully balanced with the correct angles front and rear. He has the right amount of everything to guarantee a second look and hands on did not disappoint on the table. A most pleasing headpiece that fulfils the requirements of the breed standard. Great ear set, good under eye fill and a correctly tapered muzzle was all topped off with the absolute best of eyes. He came into his own on the move and going around he ate the ground up with his impressive, elegant easy action. But it was on the out and back that he excelled. Best rear mover on the day. Just needs a tad more time to fulfill his early promise, which I'm sure he will accomplish with ease. No hesitation in awarding him the Reserve CC. |
| Yearling |
(3, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Lovel’s |
Ch Lovetrac Banksy
A real Toy Spaniel who will always catch the eye and most deserving of his title. Blenheim of ideal size and proportions. Shown in a well broken coat and in immaculate condition. Sweet face and beautiful expression with dark eyes and super head proportions making for a very harmonious picture. In profile he is so well balanced with moderate length of neck, correct lay back of shoulder, level top line and well carried tail. Delightful temperament. Thought he was my winner, but on the day his rear movement was outshone by both CC and RCC winners. |
| 2nd |
Maclaine & Vella’s |
Lochbiue Julius Baer
Much to admire about this small compact toy Spaniel. Ideal size with very pleasing outline both standing and on the move. Most beautiful headpiece with lovely eyes which appealed greatly. Shown in a well broken coat and has a delightful temperament to boot. I thought he carried an extra pound or two that detracted from the elegance I was looking for. That said, he is a lovely boy who I’m sure will continue to have many good days ahead. |
| 3rd |
Mackenzie’s |
Carsan In Your Dreams |
| Novice |
(1, 1) |
|
| Post Graduate |
(5, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Maclaine & Vella’s |
Lochbuie Goldman Sachs
Upstanding Blenheim boy who had to cope with the noise but gathered himself admirably and showed off his good construction which was elegant and of correct proportions. Well balanced head proportions with excellent eyes that just need time to fully mature. Moved positively with a good tail carriage. He ticks many of the boxes but lacks overall maturity and finish at this stage. I think with more time to fulfill his early promise he will have many more good days. |
| 2nd |
Rhodes’ |
Calonlan Zeus
What a smart little boy with real substance! Stood in a heavier marked jacket of lovely condition. Such an attractive head piece that was both pretty and masculine. Neat proportions all through. He carried himself well in all directions, but I just felt he lacked the drive in rear which could have been adversely affected by the overhead noise. Delightful temperament and is a credit to his owners. |
| 3rd |
Eccles’ |
Llapsttam Get Knotted JW |
| Res |
Searle’s |
Stonepit Into The Blue |
| VHC |
Hamilton & Hogg’s |
Kringleholme Continental |
| Limit |
(8, 0) |
|
| 1st |
McMurray’s |
Chadwick Perfect Tonight at Merryoth JW (Imp USA)
Today was his day as he confidently came into the ring, taking it all in his stride. Active, graceful and well balanced, he looked a picture standing in the lineup. His temperament shone through not only in his gently wagging tail but also in the intense adoration he had for his owner. He scored for type and had just the correct amount of everything needed to give him an air of non-exaggeration in both head properties and construction. Balanced with corresponding angles at both ends. Sweetest expression from beautiful eyes! Correct ear set, breadth of skull and gently tapered muzzle all combined to produce a headpiece that was harmonious in every detail. Very satisfying to examine on the table. Again, complete harmony in terms of shape and balance, but it was on the move that he came into his own. Elegant, free easy action propelled from strong hind quarters saw him take the ring with ease. Shown in an immaculate rich chestnut jacket. I could not go past him for the CC and RBIS alongside another equally unexaggerated exhibit. A very deserving champion on the day. |
| 2nd |
Walker’s |
Stavonga Sky Walker Kayceekay JW OSW ShCEx
This boy has really blossomed since I saw him last and ticks many of the boxes that are required as per the breed standard. Decent size, nicely balanced, showing off a shapely outline. Classic head with the best of dark round eyes. Coat of rich chestnut and in super bloom. Moved well and made a lovely picture going around. A very honest dog all through with a delightful temperament. One not to be overlooked. |
| 3rd |
Mitchell & Cox’s |
Owencurra Walk In The Park |
| Res |
Smith’s |
Beaudale Smooth Criminal |
| VHC |
Mackenzie’s |
Carsan Hot An Tasty |
| Open |
(3, 0) |
Lovely class of three quality dogs. |
| 1st |
Lovel’s |
Juzandia Keverne at Lovetrac
A real Toy Spaniel who looked very finished in the day. Nice shape with pleasing angles and lovely bone for his neat frame. The short back and driving rear movement made a lovely picture going around. Shown in a lovely coat of correct texture. Very pleasing head, pretty, yet retaining a masculine outlook with melting expression and huge high set ears. Hard to ignore and typical of his breeding. |
| 2nd |
Conlon & Kotani’s |
Ir Ch Rathbrist Rewrite The Stars
So much to like about this quality boy who was very satisfying to go over on the table. Beautiful head with correct stop and the most beautiful expression from large, dark lustrous eyes. Firm well-conditioned body with the correct leg length to give a picture of balance. Lovely front assembly with excellent lay back of shoulder, generous spring of rib and strong hind quarters, allowing for good movement in each direction. Shown in perfect body and coat condition. He was attentive to his owner and delightful in temperament but another who was uneasy in the noisy hall. Hair splitting decision on relatively minor differences. |
| 3rd |
Rees’ |
Ch Embeth Rock The Boat |
| Special Open B/T or Ruby |
(3, 1) |
|
| 1st |
Spall & Clark’s |
Ch Llapsttam’s Heavenly Scent
Very elegant dog with the most harmonious and well-balanced headpiece and the absolute best eyes of the entry. All this was framed by glamorous high set ears that completed a very lovely picture. Nothing discordant in outline with each part blending seamlessly into the next, making for a well-balanced and harmonious picture. Shown in super coat and condition but would have preferred a shade darker. That said, the sum of his good parts far outweighed any perceived shortcomings, and I could not deny him his place. |
| 2nd |
Lamont’s |
Moorfield’s Mier
No disgrace to stand second; this boy has so much to be commended. Not overdone in any way, he will always be competitive. Lovely size with the correct ratio and proportions for super balance. Nothing discordant in outline with good construction all through. On the move, he is accurate and efficient in all directions with perfect footfall. His head is classic and correct in all respects with the darkest eyes and a well taped muzzle.
We do not often see rubies these days with this depth and richness of colour. Very unlucky to meet 1. but one to be immensely proud of.
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Back to Top
| Bitches |
Mr M Hegarty (Chantismere) |
| Bitch CC |
Smith’s |
Beaudale Little Bit Naughty |
| Reserve CC |
Spall & Clark’s |
Llapsttam’s Eunice JW |
| Best Puppy Bitch |
Kerr’s |
Kinvaar Airy Fairy |
| |
|
|
| Minor Puppy |
(1 Entry, 0 Absent) |
|
| 1st |
Byers’ |
Moorfields Maple
Small neat and well-marked baby who coped well with the noisy conditions and was not over-awed. Adequate bone for her well-constructed frame which she carried well on the move. Nicely balanced all through with short back and level topline. Show in a well-broken rich coat of the richest chestnut. Prettiest heads with super dark eyes and sweet expression. Lovely dentition and jet-black nose pigment. All this topped off with a delightful temperament. |
| Puppy |
(2, 1) |
|
| 1st |
Kerr’s |
Kinvaar Airy Fairy
Well put together tricolour bitch with rich tan in all the right places who made a good first impression. Shapely body and pleasing outline she handled well on the table with good neck, shoulders, top line and tail set. Good coat coming through which though heavier marked was set off by an attractive large white collar. Head is as it should be at this stage with nothing overdone and lovely expression. Moved well and looked good going around. Everything is there and just needs more time to reach her full potential. My notes say, ‘one to watch!!’. |
| Junior |
(1, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Wilkins & Wilcock’s |
Llapsttam Four Tea Love at Tebaldi
Very smart elegant black and tan bitch of moderate substance. Great neck and shoulders leading into a super top line and bang on tail set carried well. Her head is delightful and she has the most expressive eyes. Nicely balanced all through, she was hard to ignore on the move with strong positive action in all directions. A wealth of silky black coat and rich tan which was well presented. Close up and will always be a contender. |
| Yearling |
(3, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Mackenzie’s |
Carsan Struck Rich
A small, neat tricolour who grew on me the more I watched her. Nicely balanced with short back and level topline. Shown in good order. Pretty head and pleasing expression. |
| 2nd |
Lovel’s |
Lovetrac Angelica
Small, compact pretty blenheim who was well balanced and adequate bone for her petite frame. Her head is so very pretty but a bit more extreme than I prefer. Huge eyes and fullest of ears framed her pretty face. Rich chestnut markings and well presented. I just slightly preferred the hind movement of 1. |
| 3rd |
Hamilton & Hogg’s |
Invincible Angel Magic Oak at Hamhoggs (Imp Pol) |
| Novice |
(2, 0) |
|
| 1st |
Ryan’s |
Cavallibrook Demelza
Very shapely ruby girl who was in great form today. Well-balanced with the best of neck and shoulders, good top line and pleasing angulation making for crisp picture in profile. She has a lovely headpiece with super dark eyes and desired gentle expression. Well-schooled and thus showed herself off on the move with enthusiasm. Coat of lovely colour and just at the age where she needs time to grow her full wardrobe. |
| 2nd |
Kerr’s |
Kinvaar Strawberry Tart
Pushed one all the way. Slightly longer cast but looked good in profile with her rich colour and happy disposition. Pretty, balanced head with all the essential features. Especially good eyes. Well off for bone and moved true at all times. Though she was lovely but carrying a tad too much weight on the day which impacted her elegance in motion. |
| Post Graduate |
(4, 1) |
|
| 1st |
Maclaine’s |
Ellemich Whoops A Daisy at Pennygown
Hard to ignore this shapely girl who was very balanced with all the right proportions. She scored highly for type and her head was delightful. Best of eyes, large, dark and round with a truly melting expression. Moved well with positivity both ends, and her top line was level and carried so well on the move. Another who was carrying too much condition. An asset to any kennel as she has little I’d like to change. |
| 2nd |
Richardson’s |
Kringleholme Caprice
A very lovely girl who appealed for her unexaggerated qualities all through. A beautiful size and lovely balanced outline. Her head was most pleasing with lovely eyes of good colour, correct stop and muzzle. Good top line and tail carriage. One to be proud of and unlucky to meet 1. |
| 3rd |
Hall’s |
Granasil Miami Secret for Rootessma |
| Limit |
(3, 1) |
|
| 1st |
Wilkins & Wilcock’s |
Llapsttam’s Phil Me In for Tebaldi
Most lovely expression on the bitch of lovely, correct proportions. Lovely head with good eyes and expression. Made a nice impression in profile being nicely balanced with good angulation. Although heavier marked her many good qualities and admirable type more than compensated. She moved well to win the class. |
| 2nd |
Kilcoyne’s |
Granasil Bird In The Hand
Lovely Black and Tan who was lovely to go over on the table. Unfortunately, she was totally spooked by the noise in the venue. Sympathetic handling by her owner enabled me to see just enough to appreciate her many good breed qualities we have come to associate with his kennel. Shown in great coat of raven black and best of tan. Lovely head with great eyes and soft expression. When settled she moved with great reach and drive. I hope she gets over this episode as she has unchecked to offer. |
| Open |
(4, 1) |
|
| 1st |
Shaw-Rainey & Rainey’s |
Moorfields Galadriel at Starchelle
A very honest bitch who is completely unexaggerated in every way. Pleasing head with correctly placed ears, good eyes and well tapered muzzle. Moderate neck leading into well laid shoulders with corresponding length of upper arm allowing for good reach in front. Good drive from well angulated hindquarters allowed for impressive movement in all directions. Rich chestnut markings which were well broken and pleasing in texture. Temperament was friendly and outgoing. A very useful girl. |
| 2nd |
Conlon & Kotani’s |
Rathbrist A Million Dreams
Petite, pretty bitch who scores well for breed type. Shown in a heavier marked and profuse jacket in great condition. Good ear placement and dark eyes exuding a sweet expression. Good make and shape which she used well on the move. So much to like about this girl just preferred the less exaggerated features of the winner. |
| 3rd |
Richardson’s |
Kringleholme Caprice |
| Special Open B/T or Ruby |
(3,1) |
|
| 1st |
Smith’s |
Beaudale Little Bit Naughty
Lovely girl who has so much what I look for. This beautiful girl stood in a rich ruby jacket of lovely silky texture. Her head is of correct balance and proportions with enough fill under eyes which were large, dark and round. Correct ear placement and almost flat skull made for a beautiful picture. On the table everything was where it should be with nothing discordant to the touch. Good neck leading into well laid shoulders, level top line, good spring of rib and short couplings. Her tail set was both well set and carried correctly. Beautiful balance and moderately boned she moved with elegance, with her gently wagging tail that just underscored her delightful temperament. I was captivated. She looked a picture and could deny her top spot on the day and Best of Breed over a very worthy Dog CC winner. |
| 2nd |
Spall & Clark’s |
Llapsttam’s Eunice JW
One I have judged as a puppy and grateful to have had the opportunity to judge once more. I had no idea that in awarding her the RCC that she would now join the upper house. She has type in abundance and a delightful personality that was not to be ignored. Prettiest head with an endearing expression from the best of eyes. Although a little shorter in leg for perfect balance and on the smaller end of the scale she was solid in construction and filled my eye. Good coat with rich tan in all the right places and gleaming condition. She deserved everything she got today and more. |
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