Show Type: Championship
Venue: NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT
Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
Entries: 250 making 275
Website: www.crufts.org.uk/...
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
Best Of Breed: Mansergh Plusfours
DCC: Bandicoot Doc Martin
RDCC: Karison Kosta
Best Puppy - Dog: Wintergarden Fly's Finale to Manorcroft
BCC: Mansergh Plusfours
RBCC: NORD UCH Crazy Train Cranberry SE JV-15
Best Puppy - Bitch: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Best Puppy: Ridgebow Pendle Witch
Entries: 11 Absentees: 1
1st - CH Cobstoneway River Magic JW ShCM (Miss C Spencer)
A good start to the day with a nice class and this worthy CH, I have judged him before and have no reason to withdraw previous compliments, meets the standard well, good moving, straight in front with good legs and feet, excellent coat and pelt, attractive head and expression put down in super condition
2nd - Colourbox Gunpowder (Mrs L A Fordham)
smart b/t, easily spanned and workmanlike, well proportioned with good height to length ratios, good in body, topline and well assembled throughout
3rd - Grettacs the Wizard ShCM (Mr B & Mrs L P Inness)
shapely individual with lots to like, stands balanced with good angulation fore and aft, racy and fit
Res - CH Lairehope Lord of the Glen At Tweedburn (Mrs C Archibald)
VHC - Mansergh Song Thrush AW(G) (Mrs V Woolrich)
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0
1st - Oakyard Out N'about At Dassett (Mrs S Spafford)
stood alone but worthy of his 1st place, readily spanned, narrow build but not lacking required substance, pleasing head and expression, correct bone, well shaped body, good coat and pelt, should continue to develop well
Entries: 9 Absentees: 2
1st - Wintergarden Fly's Finale to Manorcroft (Mr D J Bean)
BPD, very pleasing head pattern, lovely outline and of good size and type, narrow and presented in fit condition with good coat and skin. Stands evenly on his toes, good forehand generally, I liked his well placed shoulder and springy, correct pasterns. Freely constructed hindquarters of good width and length with good angulation in stifle and hock gave the correct natural rear assembly I was looking for and not surprisingly he covered the ground efficiently.
2nd - Karison Kustard (Miss K Johnson)
smart masculine puppy, nicely proportioned head of good shape with correct strength in muzzle and underjaw complimented by well placed ears and lovely dark eyes, his expression shouts Border, correctly boned, good neckline, built on active lines, should finish nicely
3rd - Stowthorney Renegade (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
racey and a little leggy, not as forward in development as 1 and 2 which is fine as growth patterns vary, has lots to like, super correct, double coat and in good fettle generally, just needs to tighten a tad in front
Res - Karison Red Rock (Miss S Coop)
VHC - Chorbeck Space Cowboy (Mrs H Haughton)
Entries: 11 Absentees: 0
1st - Cedarhill Ghost Writer (Mrs M Fleming)
good to handle, I know he can grow a proper coat as he was in it and I appreciated it for texture and the presence of a good undercoat, may have blurred his outline a little ringside but underneath has correct bone and is of good size, make and shape, good skull and foreface, lovely expression, sufficient neck, good head carriage, correct depth of body, good in loin and moved well using his tidy quarters to really drive forward
2nd - Oxcroft Jethro (Mr J Price)
By contrast to 1 this excellent exhibit was rather short of coat but evidence of correct texture present. As always with this kennel very typical in head pattern, good reach of neck and well constructed forequarters with good legs and feet, correct width behind the withers, pleasing body, well ribbed back with good loin and well made in rear.
3rd - Etterbern Sloane Ranger (Mr L Reynolds & Miss S Marston - Pollock)
good sort but does his utmost not to stand balanced leaning backwards with hindquarters propped in an exaggerated way. In fact he has the right length of bone and I saw his correct construction and many nice qualities including perfectly satisfactory angulation, hope his handler will endeavour to keep him up to his work in this regard as he continues to mature
Res - Benattivo Gun Fire At Rubyfin (Mrs S J Channer)
VHC - Tojamatt Moriarty (Mr & Mrs D Matthews)
Entries: 16 Absentees: 1
1st - Hawcoat Mr Fixit (Mrs E J & Miss R C Larner)
What a promising class! Topped by this very lovely b/t with too many good points to ignore. If there were prizes for hiding light under a bushel this partnership would surely qualify. Standing naturally he kept catching my eye and as he circled the ring with a clearly effective profile action he snatched the top spot, scores in head properties having skull and foreface in harmony, expression just right, carries his head well on good length of shapely neck to give him that touch of quality, good bone, well bodied and ribbed for correct underline. Correct length of second thigh and resultant good angulation behind. Moved true. Good coat and pelt
2nd - Chorbeck Chatty Man JW ShCM (Mrs H Haughton)
Another very nice one who really seeks attention, good to go over because he is made right and moves accordingly, just preferred the coat and flow of neckline of 1. Spannable, stands balanced and has pleasing head and typical expression he was only just denied the red card and fought hard
3rd - Chatmoss Bullet Tooth Tony JW (Miss J Hughes)
It is nice to be spoilt for choice, a natural well built exhibit with lots to like including strong, unexaggerated quarters used to advantage to propel him over the ground
Res - Brumberhill Back T' Future JW (Mr S A Mcpherson)
VHC - Lairehope Highland Chief Of Tweedburn (Mrs C Archibald)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 0
1st - Orangebox Dark Energy (Mr M & Mrs T Anscombe)
free shown to advantage, pleasing type and size, well proportioned, spannable and narrow with good body lines, good legs and feet, well ribbed, not quite the undercoat I was looking for and would have preferred a slightly less prepared look with a little more top coat left in but a sound and active true moving exhibit
2nd - Roxambor Magical Timepiece ShCM (Mr B J & Mrs A E Read)
would not want any more of him but nicely constructed with correct angulation and presented in good order, moved out well really using himself effectively fore and aft
3rd - Keebank Charlie's Diamond (Mrs L Keeffe)
In ideal coat and pelt, workmanlike and very sound
Res - Kirkbyvalley Silent Storm (Mr L & Miss I M Jackson & Dugdale)
VHC - Onthill Pathfinder (Mrs A J Osler & Mrs J E Nadian)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 0
1st - Rhozzum Gwilym (Mrs M Sharp)
so typical, of good make and shape, lovely head with good skull and eye, appealing expression, correct bone, fit and really holds his own on the move, accurate and able to reach and drive holding his topline like a good one should
2nd - Breckgreen Soldier Blue (Mrs. J. Green)
likely example, preferred 1 in foreface but good in skull and keen expression, has many virtues, stands balanced, good size, correct depth of body, good in rib and good loin
3rd - Alcumlow Parsley (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
pleasing type, narrow but with required strength and flexibility, good construction throughout, well conditioned and stands evenly on his toes, just not quite so positive in front coming towards me
Res - Glebeheath Smash N'grab (Mrs L.M.I & Mr A.M. Jordan-Smith)
VHC - Glenbucket Highland Lad (Mrs N Anderson)
Entries: 13 Absentees: 1
1st - Orangebox Stewards Enquiry (Mr & Mrs R Greenhill & Mrs M Thomas)
well handled, appears to show himself so his good conformation is clear to see, good front assembly with well laid shoulder and good upperarm, narrow and spannable, good in body, with correct rib, excellent underline, pleasing head and expression, but really scores on the move where he is powerful and true
2nd - Question Master (Mrs S Waller)
true Border, you have to handle this boy to appreciate what he has to offer, good and strong coat, masculine attractive headpiece, could have a little less stop but does not detract from his typical expression, well bodied, good rear assembly, very sound, lacked the oomph of 1 when he declined to use his tail but I saw it when he deigned to oblige
3rd - Onthill Aramis (Mr R & Mrs A Ramus)
quality individual, of good size, nice type, straight front, well padded feet, good body lines, held himself well, moved ok
Res - Raleniro Second Time Around (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine & Miss P Thomas)
VHC - Badgerbeck Prototype (Miss S L Hillman)
Entries: 15 Absentees: 2
1st - Karison Kosta (Miss K Johnson)
RCC captured a good class, so very much to like here, he sells himself, correctly muscled and firm all through, good body and level back with ribs extending well, masculine headed dog with good underjaw, well moulded skull and dark expressive eyes, he is very sound in action with good length of stride, stands balanced with shapely neck into well laid shoulders, good in loin and well developed rear quarters with correct length of bone and free from exaggeration he certainly used his best endeavours in the challenge for the top spot
2nd - Cedarhill Once Upon a Time (Mrs C Dean)
another good example, most typical and presented in harsh weatherproof double coat with good pliable thick skin, a well produced, natural dog with all the attributes of a nice one, holds himself well and moves as his good conformation indicates he should
3rd - Manorborders Maverick By Tyrian (Mrs K Dean)
lovely spannable, narrow and good sized exhibit with excellent straight front and correct bone, well ribbed back with good flowing topline and nice underline, moved accurately but have had the benefit of judging him in slightly better nick
Res - Alcumlow Parsley (Mr P, Mrs B & Miss R Barber)
VHC - Ridgebow Rifleman JW (Mr N & Mrs A Duxbury)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 2
1st - Bandicoot Doc Martin (Ms V L K Docwra)
CC it was a real pleasure to arrive at my short list in this class, heading the way was this smart, well bodied and well ribbed example, impressive to handle and all male in outlook I loved his lithe flexibility. Very sound and free moving as a result of his excellent construction with the natural arrogance of a good male, he is good in skull and foreface with well placed and shaped eyes, super neckline of good length flowing into firm backline, has scope and stands evenly on his well padded feet he is very deserving of his title which I understand accompanies this high award today
2nd - CH Badgerbeck Uncle Fester (Miss L M Jenkins)
I particularly liked the way this good exhibit uses his excellent hindquarters to advantage, sound as a pound he appeals in most departments and pressed hard in the challenge, good head, eyes and expression, a tad shorter in neck than the winner it did not detract from his overall stance, has strength but in the right workmanlike way, well ribbed, good top and under line generally with well set on tail
3rd - Int CH / Ir CH Ploughdown Plato (Mr E & Dr M Armstrong)
quality b/t balanced, well proportioned head, no overdone stop here, lovely legs and tight feet, satisfactory angulation all through, has all the essentials
Res - Wadesleia Mr Herriot (Mrs H A & Mr A Fletcher)
VHC - CIB/NORD/FI/SE/NO CH Roziedor Shot With Gold Fi JWW-14 (Ms N Sihvonen)
Entries: 9 Absentees: 3
1st - Benattivo Gun Fire At Rubyfin (Mrs S J Channer)
very likeable and typical youngster, in super coat and pelt, good head properties and eye, easily spanned nicely made body, correct bone, sound
2nd - Thorneyburn Peace Pipe at Wreighaugh (Mr M & Mrs A J Carr)
pleasing head and expression, on the right lines generally with shapely quarters
3rd - Cedarhill Stargazer JW ShCM (Miss A Speake & Mr H S Speake)
a little fuller in eye and preferred rib and underline of 1 and 2 but well proportioned head and honest type
Res - Mansergh Song Thrush AW(G) (Mrs V Woolrich)
VHC - StBedehounds Frank in Sense of Raleniro ShCM (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 3
1st - CH Cobstoneway Moon River at Clipstone (Miss E & Mrs J Jackson)
Topped a cracking trio of worthy individuals, fit as the proverbial, showed many of the young ones how it should be done and so in tune with her handler moving with economy to cover the ground well, pleasing head and expression, lovely frame, racey and all Border
2nd - CH Southash Blue Betty Boo Gameway JW (Mrs P Clark)
Classic b/t very laid back but what she occasionally lacks in enthusiasm she more than makes up for in sheer type and quality, scores in head properties, beautifully proportioned and well bodied she is utterly feminine and a treat to go over
3rd - Int/Am/Can CH Sulan Fancy That (Mrs S J Baxter)
Charming exhibit not disgraced here with all the essentials and carrying her years lightly
Res - Hollowmoor Casilva (Mrs A D Williams)
VHC - Badgerbeck Tree Pipit At Tilmoray JW ShCM (Mrs M Small)
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0
1st - Oakyard On Song (Mr J Parry)
sweet and feminine baby, nicely made all through, easily spanned, correct bone, good body shape with ribs carried well back, attractive head with neat ears and typical expression, really liked her legs and lovely tight, well padded feet, lots to like, should continue to develop well
Entries: 12 Absentees: 0
1st - Ridgebow Pendle Witch (Mr N & Mrs A Duxbury)
BP b/t lively and beautifully proportioned, handles well presenting classy outline from nose to tail, good head pattern and appealing expression, stands herself a little wide in front but inspection confirms correct, straight bone and satisfactory elbow placement, in lovely fit condition, good angulation all through with stifle and hock providing good stance and rear drive
2nd - Totherend Blue Jean Topsy (Mr R G & Mrs E A Wright)
appealed for type and size, comes to hand well, expect head to develop a little further in foreface, but pretty and expression good, satisfactory in neck and shoulder flowing into good firm backline, loin, and pleasing rear assembly, sound
3rd - Karison Krumble (Miss K Johnson)
another goodie, narrow, racey and steps out well on good legs and feet, should mature nicely
Res - Dowgri Demelza (Mr W & Mrs T J Baird)
VHC - Stowthorney Clairvoyant (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
Entries: 19 Absentees: 1
my book records this was a superb class of high quality juveniles – I could have done with more cards!
1st - Heathberry's Chasing Rainbows (Mrs H Tuomi)
undoubtedly a very bright future beckons for this superior example, as good on the move as standing still, has a very characteristic headpiece, slightly rounded, fairly wide skull with just the right amount of stop, lovely well shaped eyes set in just as they should be, keen and expressive. Shapely all through, well bodied with good muscletone just needs to fully mature and will threaten the best and indeed was a strong contender today
2nd - Bon Appetit By Tythrop (Mrs J L Lee)
aptly named and a tasty proposition indeed, I understand was only attending her 2nd show and was not quite as settled as winner but narrow with beautifully straight front legs and tight, well padded feet, good pattern head with pleasing expression, carried well on super neck and well laid shoulder with good upperarm, a shade longer in loin than winner but still well proportioned with firm backline and moved soundly
3rd - Foxpaw Revelation (Mrs H Fulker)
another very appealing exhibit, presents well, good height to length ratios, attractive head, lovely neck and shoulder, well ribbed with good underline and topline, excels in rear assembly which she really used to effect round the ring
Res - Southash Finding Bliss (Mr J & Mrs I M Southam)
VHC - Benattivo Fire Flower JW (Mrs S J & Mr C P Girling)
Entries: 17 Absentees: 2
1st - Tythrop Tissot IR JUN CH (Mr A Rock & Ms J Wallett)
utterly feminine in outlook, I loved her head which is so balanced with neat ears and good eyes and a very true and taking expression, moved so well in profile but complimented by accuracy fore and aft, has all the essentials, correct in bone, satisfactory neck and shoulder, correct depth and width of body, decent angulation all through, presented in good coat and pelt and never stopped trying, one to watch
2nd - Shiftyfox Fairydust Of Glenoak (Dr J A & Mrs E J Hudson)
another with lots to like, presented in good order, of lovely size, easily spanned, pretty head and keen expression, holds her topline nicely, well ribbed back, good firm rear quarters with tail set on well and correct in stifle and hock, very balanced in side action but winner just scored coming towards me
3rd - Hawcoat Ugogirl (Mrs E J & Miss R C Larner)
b/t, typical and workmanlike individual, good head and frame, pleased in most areas and moved out well with a spring in her step
Res - Awbrooksky Geeteethree (Mr R & Miss L Goddard)
VHC - Bandicoot Maid Of Tarth (Miss R Lane)
Entries: 18 Absentees: 4
1st - Foxpaw Revelation (Mrs H Fulker)
3rd in Junior Bitch
2nd - Cedarhill Shooting Star (Mrs J Alpe)
attractive and well proportioned with good head and pleasing expression, good length of neck into nicely laid shoulder, correctly boned and bodied, has all the attributes required for a typical specimen, moved ok
3rd - Picer Flora Mcivor JW (Mr G & Mrs S Pickering)
Lovely coat and pelt with tight strong topcoat and dense undercoat, fits the standard, good neck and shoulders and very shapely rear assembly, lacked a little enthusiasm and tried to pace but an able handler brought her back to her work
Res - Brackenfell I Go To Pieces (Mrs T.J. & Miss C.A. Lister)
VHC - Raleniro New Rose (Mr M J & Mrs D A Lorraine)
Entries: 15 Absentees: 8
1st - Brankell Double Or Quits JW (Mr P Brannan & Miss M Kelly)
Lovely bitch who comes to hand well, in ideal coat with super pliable skin, really pleases in head with good skull and foreface, ears could be a tad neater but does not detract from expression, lovely straight front, well padded feet, beautifully laid shoulder and good upperarm, correct depth and length of body, good strong quarters, stylish economical mover
2nd - Howthwaite Gold Dust (Mr R J & Mrs E A Barrett)
Iovely to go over, light framed but strong and supple, feels like she could get anywhere, good forehand, pleasing head and expression, correct body shape with good loin, well made hindquarters, holds herself well
3rd - Achnagairn Prim N'proper (Mrs A Fraser)
scored in head properties with the right amount of stop and good skull to muzzle ratio, good moving with strong profile action and workmanlike throughout
Res - Byrewick Valentine (Mr R Brewster & Ms J Green)
VHC - Heatherdrift Harmony At Bluebabel (Mr K P & Mrs N B Yates)
Entries: 18 Absentees: 1
could have easily used more cards in this class,
1st - Brumberhill Miss Dior (Mrs N E Ellis)
in full bloom, a classy young bitch who is beautifully constructed and very sound and typical with lovely head and expression with neat ears correctly placed and well shaped eyes and a proper Border nose, lovely straight narrow front, good neck and shoulders, well ribbed back, pleasing quarters with well shaped tail, and all complemented by a dense weatherproof coat and pelt
2nd - Tojamatt Debutante For Dowgri ShCM (Mr W & Mrs T J Baird)
another good sort, honest and workmanlike with pleasing head and expression, neck and shoulders, bodyline and quarters, firm and well toned, stands evenly on her toes and appears ready for anything, moved out well.
3rd - Tarkaswell Doctor's Orders JW (Mrs C E Sansom)
lost out slightly in forehand but correct bone and good feet, feminine with very pleasing expression, carries herself well, good in loin with correct width and strength of rear quarters,
Res - Olympia De Paris Fiery Lucifer (Mr Z Kubik)
VHC - Byrewick Princess Kate (Mrs. L. Foulger)
Entries: 10 Absentees: 3
1st - Sulan Strictly Blues Dancin' (Mrs S J Baxter)
sound proper Border exhibited in good harsh double coat, lots to like, good head and expression set on good length of neck, well shaped body, good underline, racey quarters which are perhaps a shade out of proportion but used them well to cover the ground moving with rather more enthusiasm than 2,
2nd - Olderhill Malvena (Mrs S Wilson)
put down in super condition and coat, classy exhibit of lovely size and type, stands balanced, well boned, pleases in head, correct depth of chest, good reach of neck flowing into good shoulders, just wish she had used a little more verve round the ring as this did not help her cause
3rd - Bardenfox Pussy Galore JW (Mr K H & Mrs D Moore)
nicely headed, honest exhibit who ticks most of the boxes, free from exaggeration and sound
Res - Ploughdown Persephone (Miss C Spencer)
VHC - Withershins Daddies Girl (Mr M J Day)
Entries: 19 Absentees: 2
Undoubtedly some very nice ones went cardless
1st - Mansergh Plusfours (Miss A Roslin-Williams)
CC and BOB and I understand elevated to the upper house today. Headed a smashing class of high class, free showing specimens boding well for the future with the qualities needed for the breed to continue well. I have judged this one before and thought very highly of her but this time she went one better. Radiates classic type and moderation, all of a piece, lovely size and in proportion, comes up beautifully balanced, conditioned to perfection, good jacket and long, supple muscles, no bulk yet strong throughout with excellent bone and substance but light and readily spannable with a liveliness that never let up right into the group ring. Scores in skull and muzzle with that bright, anticipatory, keen expression which is so appealing. Has a lovely neck and head carriage, well laid shoulder and really good upper arm, firm backline and moves with reach and drive using her excellent well let down hocks to produce that seemingly effortless rear propulsion. She also has an undeniable presence and I would snaffle her in a heart beat.
2nd - NORD UCH Crazy Train Cranberry SE JV-15 (Miss A K Jiderlund)
Handled well, free moving and sound, she just sold herself to me the longer she was in the ring, mature and feminine, of good type, head balanced, loved her expression, well constructed throughout, excellent straight front with good legs and feet, good angles both ends including those optimum settings to provide well co-ordinated, effortless, powerful action, well ribbed, good in loin and underline RCC
3rd - CH Tythrop Turn Back Time (Mrs J L Lee)
Decided air of quality and unsurprisingly titled, b/t of lovely make and shape, in good bloom, excellent head piece with pleasing expression, not far adrift here
Res - Multi CH Meadowlake Black And Gold For Optimistik Border (Dr E Sekach)
VHC - NORD CH Rabalder Ingen Protest (Mrs A K Bergh)
Entries: 4 Absentees: 0
1st - Borderella Snap Dragon (Mr F & Mrs H Freeman)
good proportions, presented in excellent fettle with good coat and pelt, straight bone, held her topline well moving
2nd - Imperterrito Agenda By Borderella (Mrs P South)
typical exhibit of good size, handy and attractive, not quite the scope of 1
3rd - Baywillow Brown Braid JW ShCM (Mrs G Hyslop)
wears her years admirably, pretty, feminine example who has all the essentials and moved soundly with conviction
Res - Bimandi's Bellissima (Mr V J Pearce)