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Critique - Judge: Miss Becky Box (Fernstart)

Thank you for a wonderful entry for my first CC appointment – I thoroughly enjoyed judging each and every exhibit.  Overall I found the bitch entry to be stronger than the dogs.  Perhaps because it was my first appointment at this level, I found that many of the classes, particularly in dogs, contained exhibits of varying size and type, and it was generally more difficult to find dogs that pleased me in all respects. 
The standard of presentation overall was very good. One of two exhibits were carrying a few extra pounds, perhaps because of the difficulties in exercising dogs over the past weeks due to the extreme weather conditions.  Fronts and feet are areas to watch out for, particularly in dogs.  I also found many heads which were rather plain, disappointingly sometimes on otherwise attractive exhibits.

 Minor Puppy Dog (11, 1 abs)

 1^st Willis’ Carnbargus Con Amore, adorable 7 month old pup.  Balanced throughout with good bone, good front and neat feet.  Handsome, soft expression with raised brows, lovely kind eyes and good ear set.  Well developed hindquarters which he used to advantage on the move, moving with style for such a baby.  Presented in excellent condition.  Will watch his development with interest.

 2^nd Swainston’s Glenvarna Givenchy.  Nice puppy, larger frame than 1 and not such a balanced picture at this point in time but lots to like about him. Good bone, nice depth to chest, good neck and strong topline.  Balanced head showing good stop and pleasing expression.

 3^rd Murray & Berry’s Harvancourt Hudson

 Puppy Dog (14)

 1^st Gisby & Pike’s Suteresett Milky Way With Scarletti, beautifully made 10 month puppy built on racy lines.  Standing he has a very eye catching outline which he holds well on the move.  Good reach of neck set well into gently sloping topline, good depth chest and forechest.   Moving he strode out well, using his tail.  Handsome balanced head with raised brows and gentle expression.  Lovely dark coat.  Must have a bright future. BPD.

 2^nd Ciechonska’s Coppers Champagne On Ice At Aoibheanne (Imp).  Striking puppy, not a big boy but very nicely made.  Not quite the overall balance of 1 at this point in time, but has many of the same qualities.  Lovely bone and feet. Balanced head with lovely eyes and expression. Moved well but not as positively as 1.

 3^rd Stubbs Riverbrue Zeus

 Junior Dog (9, 1 abs)

 1^st Axon’s Brinara Back in the Running.  Felt he was the clear winner in this class, beating his class mates on overall balance and movement.  Well developed body with good depth of chest, good reach of neck and a balanced head.  Just really needs the feathering to complete the picture.

 2^nd Wood’s Reddins Falcon. Only just into junior. Nice outline but not the overall balance of 1 at this time, and needing to ‘fill out’, as one would expect at this age.  Lovely head and expression. In good coat and condition. Moved well but not as happily as 1.

 3^rd Price’s Severnvale Simply Special

 Yearling Dog (12)

 This class gave me a real headache as the variations in size and type were most prominent in this class.  I liked my first four very much for different reasons and in particular it was a very close call between the first two, separated in the end by my personal preferences in expression.

1^st Edden & Crocker’s Meadway Morrisey.  Not a big dog but very attractive in outline.  Good reach of neck flowing into gently sloping topline, good depth of chest and straight front.  Nicely developed hindquarters with good stifle.  Moved soundly and freely. Balanced head with raised brows over lovely dark eyes and a hint of naughtiness which he displayed by giving his handler a hard time!

2^nd Shaw-Rainey’s Ir Sh Ch Trawricka High Jinks at Starchelle (Imp) Impressive dog both standing and on the move. Bigger built than 1 and very well made throughout with substance and style.  Shown in beautiful coat and condition and moved with real drive.  Balanced, handsome head, just preferred the expression of 1.

 3^rd Laidlaw & Green’s Glencarron Olympic Gold

 Graduate Dog (12)

 This class was headed by two top quality dogs, both of whom I feel sure will go on to achieve higher awards in the future.

1^st Holley & Cheney’s Gwendariff Pop The Question JW.  Striking racy outline, with balance and substance and presented in excellent condition.  Excellent body proportions with well angulated forequarters and powerful hindquarters which he uses in his driving movement.  Lovely balanced head with a gentle expression which gives a hint of his outgoing personality, which he then shows to advantage on the move.  For me just yet to achieve the overall maturity to compete for top honours.

 2^nd Hunter & Brown’s Shenanagin Scholar With Braidmount JW.  One I have had my eye on as a spectator and have watched develop into a lovely example of our breed. So much to like about him, balanced, racy outline, scores in neck, chest and hindquarters.  Moved very well. Super head and expression.  Lovely dark coat. I will keep watching him with interest!

 3^rd Murray & Berry’s Harvancourt Capello. 

 Post Graduate Dog (12, 1abs)

1^st Magee’s Kirkavagh Tolomeo at Jonromac. An elegant, honest boy, loved the overall picture he presents, with nothing exaggerated. Lovely deep chest, with good reach of neck set into gently sloping topline, strong loin and well angulated hindquarters. Balanced head with low set ears and kind expression. Moved well.

2^nd Brown’s Caskey’s Hazard.  Pleasing dog, not quite the balance in hindquarters as 1, hope there is still time for him to develop in this respect as I liked his overall make and shape. Has good body proportions with good bone, a strong straight front and neat feet.  Lovely dark coat.  Scores highly in head with his gently raised brows and soft expression.

 3^rd Swainston’s Glenvarna Himself JW

 Limit Dog (15, 1abs)

 By far the best dog class of the day.

1^st Bott’s Bardonhill Ginger Whinger JW.  Love this dog for his overall quality, make and shape.    Refined head and wistful expression with lovely dark eyes.  I am quite sure he knows how lovely he is as he has that ‘look at me’ attitude, particularly on the move when he demands attention with his driving movement and lashing tail.  Excellent front, good reach of neck set into super laid back shoulders and firm, gently sloping topline, with strong, well bent hindquarters. Presented in immaculate coat and condition.  Pleased to award him the RCC and I hope that he goes on to obtain his title.

2^nd McNeil’s Glencarron Shakatak.  Another dog I have admired for some time. Taller boy than 1 but balanced throughout, all parts flowing together seamlessly.  Has many virtues, particularly in his forequarters with good spring of ribs and well developed quarters.  Beautiful clean outline and presented in excellent coat and condition.  Moved soundly.  The competition in this class is hot but I hope his owner perseveres with him.

 3^rd Willis’ Jacwillins Willoughby JW

 Open Dog (6, 1abs)

1^st Holehan and North’s Sh Ch Erinade Starwars JW.  I have admired this dog since he was a junior and was delighted to have the opportunity to go over him – he did not disappoint!  So well made throughout and presented in tip top condition from nose to tail.  Beautiful outline, scores in neck and shoulders, deep chest and ribbed well back.  Gently sloping topline with strong loin.  Strong hindquarters which he uses to advantage with sound, driving movement with good tail carriage.  Balanced head with raised brows and a pleasing, handsome expression.  Really demands attention in the ring and today he sparkled. Pleased to award him the CC and BOB.

2^nd Roffey’s Sh Ch Danaway Lancelot of Autumnwood.  A dog that I really had to go over to fully appreciate but I can see now why he has done so well as he is so very well made and is presented in really hard condition.  Balanced with good depth of chest, good front and strong topline. Lovely head with raised brows and dark, kind eyes. He is a joy to watch on the move, covering the ground with ease and style.

3^rd Stocker’s Kirkavagh Bikala JW

Veteran Dog (3)

This class was headed by two favourites from recent years.

1^st Bailey’s Sh Ch Covarney Monello JW Sh.CM.  A very elegant yet masculine dog with an attractive outline, good neck, good depth of chest, good front and correct topline.  Pleasing head. Presented in wonderful coat and condition.  Moved with real style and obviously thoroughly enjoying his day out.

2^nd Richardson’s Sh Ch Kirkavagh Fidalgo JW  Such a star from recent years and still looking good.  Has so many qualities that I like, particularly scoring in head and expression. Did not have the drive and sparkle of 1 today.

3^rd Rose-Hay’s Cataluna Nickle ‘n’ Dime

Minor Puppy Bitch (13)

This was an excellent class with a number of promising pups going home cardless. Your day will come.

1^st King’s Kirkavagh Ebadiyla. 8 month old puppy at her first show and loving every minute!  This breeder consistently produces high quality bitches and for me this one is the perfect size, make and shape for a puppy of this age.  Quite stunning in outline for one so young she is quality from nose to tail. Correctly arched neck set into well laid back shoulders and firm topline. Stands on good legs and has well developed hindquarters for her age. Took time to settle on the move but got better as the day went on. Balanced head showing good stop and prettiest of expressions.  Mischievous personality, each time I looked at her she wagged her tail and I fell for it and her! BPB and PB.

2^nd Durant’s Kirkavagh Escena. Litter sister to 1 and many of the same comments apply, she is also a most promising puppy, just lacked the sparkle of 1 today but I will watch with interest to see how they both develop.

3^rd Murray & Berry’s Harvancourt Heavenly

Puppy Bitch (14, 2 abs)

1^st King’s Kirkavagh Ebadiyla

2^nd Limpus’ Shenanagin She’s The One For Karidell. A classy puppy with many qualities.  She is built on racy lines with a good depth of chest and good front.  Lovely oval skull with pleasing expression. Firm topline and happy mover. Not the overall balance of 1 today but I’m sure she will have a bright future.

3^rd Hall’s Shenanagin Stardrift at Glennara

Junior Bitch (18, 4abs) 

1^st Milligan-Bott & Bott’s Thendara Vanilla Ice.  My notes say naughty but nice! Surprised myself with this young lady but she could not be denied her place.  Attractive, darkly coated bitch made with substance and style.    Lovely, classic head with soft expression.  Scores in neck and shoulders, good spring of rib and firm loin.  Strong hindquarters that she uses to drive round the ring, when she concentrates!

2^nd Douthwaite & Wharf’s Gracewood Shannon.  Thought this young lady would be my winner at first but just lacked the verve of 1 on the day.  An elegant, racy bitch, Very attractive head with pretty expression.  Nicely arched neck with good depth of chest and gently sloping topline and good tailset.  Moved soundly.  Needs more feathering underneath to complete the picture but time is on her side.

3^rd Holley’s Gwendariff Whata Wynjill

Yearling Bitch (14, 5 abs)

1^st Hillock’s Jonola Hot and Sassy.  Another young lady determined to throw it all away!  Love her overall type, clean outline, well arched neck and firm topline with muscular loin and good tailset.  Well angulated hindquarters, short strong rear pasterns and neat feet.  Pretty, balanced head showing good stop and dark eyes.

2^nd Barker-Bell’s Balintyne Luck Be A Lady.  An attractive bitch, balanced outline with correct reach of neck and good shoulders. Strong hindquarters with good width of thigh. Nice head with soft expression. Moved soundly.  Not as clean in outline as 1.

3^rd Lorrimer’s Danaway Dominique

Graduate Bitch (18, 5 abs)

1^st Mugford’s Lynwood Started With A Kiss JW. Up and coming young bitch from another consistent kennel.  A very pleasing bitch, nice shape and made with substance.  Good reach of neck set into well laid back shoulders and good spring of rib.  Strong hindquarters with good width of thigh.  Balanced head with soft, wistful expression. Moved well, striding out and showing herself to advantage.

2^nd Durrant’s Kirkavagh Perola. Pretty bitch with lots to like about her. Good front with neat feet, nice shoulders, good depth of chest and well sprung ribs.  Strong loin and good tailset.  Balanced head with pretty expression. Moved soundly and very happily.

3^rd Rout’s Shaytell Joleene

Post Graduate Bitch (14, 2abs)

1^st Hogsflesh’s Lyngor Living Water JW. This is a youngster that I have admired from the ringside.  She has grown into an impressive bitch who is elegant and refined.  Good body, well ribbed and muscular loin, well angulated front and hindquarters.  All parts in proportion. Graceful, effortless movement. Balanced head with pretty expression and lovely eyes. Presented in gleaming coat and condition. A star in the making I’m sure, I wish her owner good luck for the future.

2^nd Weller’s Bambarella Love Story.  I judged this young lady as a junior and did her well and was pleased to see that she had grown into a lovely bitch.  Looking back at my notes from the previous occasion the same comments still apply. She is built on clean lines, elegant with good front, good depth of chest and well sprung ribs.  Feminine throughout.  Moved well.

3^rd Rout’s Shaytell My Happiness

Limit Bitch (23, 9abs)

The hottest class of the day and what a wonderful collection of bitches to go over. It is a cliché but I was spoilt for choice and would have been happy to hand a red card to any of my five placings.  Therefore a number of bitches that I admire had to go cardless today.

1^st Ciechonska’s Coppers Champagne Bubble at Aoibheanne JW (Imp).  I have watched this young lady since the start of her career wishing she was mine. Small yet beautifully formed she oozes quality from nose to tail, whichever angle I looked at her she pleased me.  Beautiful balanced outline.  I do like bitches to be pretty, but to find this combined with so many of the other qualities that define our breed is a bonus. For me she has it all.  I have seen her throw it away on the move in the past, but today she didn’t put a foot wrong and flowed around the ring.  I was thrilled to award her third CC.

2^nd Chorley & Chorley-Newton’s Outfoxed by Kerryfair. A very successful bitch and it is easy to see why.  Another I have done well before, she has gone on to develop into a truly lovely example, a classic Irish Setter. Striking, racy outline and very well made throughout. Loveliest of heads with raised brows and soft, wistful expression.  Moved well and well presented. Very close up but just not the bloom of the CC and RCC winners today. I hope her time for further top honours comes soon.

3^rd Willis’ Jacwillins Miss Dashwood JW

Open Bitch (6, 2abs)

1^st Hunter & Brown’s Sh Ch Braidmount Geisha Girl. What can I say about this wonderful bitch that has not been said before?  Such an honour to have the opportunity to go over her and what a credit to her owners that she has retained such sparkling form for so long.  So racy and balanced, she has substance and elegance.  Excels in front and rear angulation, and used her strong hindquarters to move effortlessly around the ring.  Attractive balanced head with kind expression.  I was pleased to add to her collection with the RCC.

2^nd King’s Kirkavagh Primera JW.  This bitch looked the best I have seen her today, pulling out all the stops to beat another beautiful bitch that I have long admired.  Such an attractive bitch, with a classic outline, excellent lay of shoulder and good depth of chest, well sprung ribs and strong loin.  Excellent hindquarters.  Balanced head showing good stop, and dark expressive eyes.  Moved soundly.

3^rd Watt’s Sh Ch Shenanagin Shooting Star

Veteran Bitch (8, 4abs)

1^st Townsend’s Sh Ch Follidown Red Hot Poker JW.  I judged this bitch as a puppy – loved her then and still do!  In the intervening years she has fulfilled her early potential and it was lovely to see her striding out around the ring today.  She has substance with femininity and grace.  Lovely head and soft, pretty expression. 

2^nd Berry and Morris’ Sh Ch Brinara Backseat Driver.  Another lovely show champion enjoying her day out. Attractive bitch made with substance and elegance. Nice head and expression. Presented in great condition.  Unlucky to meet such an old favourite in such good form on the day.

3^rd Waterton’s Lynwood Strands of Silk at Sandstream JW Sh.CM

Becky Box

Manchester Canine Society 24 January 2010 

Judge: Miss Becky Box (Fernstart)

Photo Ian Newsham

Dog Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed:
Sh.Ch. Erinade Starwars JW

Congratulations to his owners Wendy Holehan and Andy North

~~~~

and many Congratulations to Eva Ciechonska and Vita on the Bitch CC 
the first Show Champion to be made up in 2010

Photo by : Roger Mugford

Sh.Ch. Coppers Champagne Bubble at Aoibheanne JW