BMD Club of Great Britain Golden Jubilee Championship Show

Saturday 24th September 2022

Judge: Helen Davenport-Willis – Nellsbern / Nelstephbern (UK)

Main Show Judges Report by Helen Davenport-Willis

Thank you to the committee of the GB club for the invitation and opportunity to judge both sexes at the Golden Jubilee Ch show, it was an honour to be part of such an important milestone in the club’s history. Congratulations to all on the hard work put in over the 5 days. It was a resounding success. Thanks also to the parent club of the breed in Switzerland, the Klub fur Berner Sennenhunde (KBS) for entrusting me to present, on their behalf, the generous gift of a traditional Swiss plate which was to be awarded to my Best Veteran in Show. I felt honoured and know it was graciously received by the owners of the veteran female. At the start of the day, we had a minute’s silence in memory of Lena Robbins, “Tancred” who had recently passed away and who would have enjoyed being at this celebration for a club she was a founder member of all those years ago. The decorated carts opened the show. It was obvious the handlers had gone to a great deal of effort to show off their dogs, carts and costumes. The ringside applause reflected this appreciation and the dogs seemed to relish their time in the limelight.

Thanks are due in no small way to the proficiency of my stewards, the mother and daughter duo, Wendy and Michele Smee who did a sterling job all day with the necessary paperwork. Additional thanks to the exhibitors who supported me with a large entry across the 24 classes. To those who made it on the day, thank you for accepting the decisions in a favourable manner. The international atmosphere ringside was relaxed, cordial and very supportive for my winners and placegetters. It was a day I shall treasure and remember with affection and joy, always. Thanks to all who made it so.

A judge’s task is not without its deliberations. In a limited time, we have to compare each exhibit to the breed standard, determine which is the best, place in order and reward accordingly, added to which we have a great variation in type and movement. Selection is made more difficult because there are those Bernese who have elements of breed type, but lack the stamp of quality, whilst others might have their failings, but in their favour, they have the defining elements of breed type and excellence. Compromises have to be made and we have to look at the wider picture.

Progress can be slow and changes cannot be made overnight, but I do think there are at least three areas which we need to pay attention to by way of improvements: – Proportions, forequarters and tails. The standard is our blueprint for excellence and is clear in its directive for these areas. We ignore it at our peril. Temperaments on the whole have improved and I had many confident, happy dogs presented to me. Regrettably, there were a handful which were less so and although they didn’t back away, they could have been more relaxed. I found some untidy bites, really dirty teeth, some missing teeth and surprisingly, some small incisor teeth. Some Bernese were carrying a little too much weight which was reflected in their movement. Sound movement is important of course, but correct breed type is vital since without it we don’t have our breed; a mongrel can be sound, but it doesn’t have any breed type. On the plus side I had some quality exhibits across both genders, the females having the edge here numerically, which is often the case. I was happy with my line up across both sexes and it was encouraging to see so many Bernese presented naturally coat wise, although a number were out of coat. I like to see dogs shown with consideration and not strung up. Some handling did not help the dog, but once they started to move, I could see the structural formation quite clearly.

My comments and critiques reflect what I saw and committed to paper at the show. I present them here, not in an attempt to damn any particular dog or breeding, but in the genuine belief that they might be viewed as constructive, thought provoking and of interest to connections and those not at the show on the day, but with a high regard for our wonderful breed.

Minor Puppy Dog (6 entries/2 absent) Difficult to assess baby puppies at this stage in their development. 1. Bridge’s Krimm Bernenska Sfora at Kernow (imp Pol) NAF, 8 mths, head still developing, good ear placement, strong bone, would prefer a little more neck, good ribbing and length of loin, very good tail carriage. Sound through the rear pasterns, moved with good attitude. Friendly temperament. Hope he makes size. 2. Giffney’s Prince Riomadea Grande 8 mths, good size for age, masculine head which is strong and well-marked, dark eyes, bright markings, good neck, top line needs to settle, rounded rump and good tail carriage. Richly pigmentated and well-marked coat. Wanted to stride out on the move, showed a good attitude generally. Outgoing temperament. 3. Lorenzo’s Bernaroso Ronnie Rocket, 6 mths, good size, richly pigmented, rather deep in body. His head is masculine and well-marked, he has a good length of neck, top line needs to settle, long tail and good tail carriage, good coat and markings. A raw puppy who was a little uncoordinated and not really sure what was required of him. Happy temperament.

Puppy Dog (5/3 absent) 1. Reynold’s Etterbern Bolt Out the Blue, 10 mths, good size, typey, well proportioned. Strong, masculine head, with soft expression and dark eyes, good width between the ears, straight muzzle which is strong and well cushioned, very good ear placement, bright white markings, rich pigmentation, presented well. Sturdy legs, correct front on with very good prosternum development, good neck, well ribbed up, loin of good length, very shapely hind angles, rounded rump, good croup and tail carriage. Strode out well with sound movement and a happy outgoing temperament. I wouldn’t change anything about him at this stage. He is a big boy, showing lots of promise, not over done in any way, maturing slowly, as per the breed standard, just needs to firm with maturity, grow his coat and furnishings. Delighted to award him Best Puppy Dog and Best Puppy in Show. 2. Fasso’s Miles Del Sacro Fiume 8 mths, giving so much away to the winner. His head is still developing, markings are clear and clean, dark eyes. In profile he is very shapely with a firm, top line, balanced angles to the forehand and hind quarters, rounded rump, good tail carriage and very good side gait; could be a little firmer through the rear pasterns. Tried very hard to please his handler. I would like more of him all over and for him to have been less anxious. 3. Lorenzo’s Bernaroso Ronnie Rocket (as above).

Junior Dog (5). 1. Meakin’s Bernsego Suburban (imp RUS) 16 mths, good size, typey young male, could be shorter coupled. Excellent pigmentation, dark markings, strong head, good expression with dark eyes. Stands correct in front, good bone, top line, rounded rump and shapely hindquarters well carried tail. Coat in good order. Willing on the move with effective hind thrust but could use more forereach. Good temperament. 2. Byrne’s Up to Date von Romanshof, 17 mths, under med size, typey, good proportions and bone for size, could be bigger. Masculine in head, well-marked, could use a little more neck, top line is firm and well held, rounded rump, moved well with purposeful hind thrust and good stride. Correct temperament. 3. Copeland’s Kernow Dollar Promises at Maxjabar, 15 mths, med size, could be shorter coupled. Masculine head and good expression, can stand a little narrow front on. He is very light on his feet, has an effective hind thrust, well held top line and positive attitude. Happy temperament.

Yearling Dog (3/ 2 absent) 1. Stood alone. Peacocke & Plant’s Bobb von Durrbachler Wald. 23 mths, upper med size, could be shorter coupled. Masculine head which is very strong, muzzle well cushioned, good fill out under the eye, dark eyes, good expression, clear markings overall. Good width of chest, sturdy legs, top line could be firmer, good tail carriage. An easy-going type of dog with a relaxed attitude on the move, who still has some maturing to do. Steady temperament.

Novice Dog (4/ 3 absent) 1. Stood alone. Brunning’s Jaybiem the Circus Master, 26 mths, under med size, but well proportioned. Presented in good coat and condition, rich pigmentation and shiny coat. Positive movement when going away, firm through the rear pasterns and holds a steady top line. In motion his tail carriage should be carried lower, he could use more hind angulation and could be bigger. Friendly temperament.

Post Graduate Dog (8/1 absent) 1. Cooke & Stevens’ Tickbern Yardhand 29 mths, med size, well proportioned. Good plains to the head, well-marked, dark eyes, good ear placement and set on. Stands correct in front, good neck, forehand assembly in keeping with his hind angles, well ribbed up, firm loin, good croup and tail carriage. Would prefer a little more bone, but he is still maturing and needing to fill out; pleasing for overall type and moved soundly with good attitude and purposeful steps. Coat in good order. Friendly and willing in temperament. Liked his ratios height to length. 2. Davis & Goonan’s Daithi Magic Bernese of Ballyford 3 yrs, med size and strength, slightly stretched proportions. Good head and markings, stands correct in front, could use a little more neck, firm top line and shapely hind quarters, rounded rump and good tail carriage. Moved well. Presented in good coat and condition. Very good attitude. 3. Fasso’s TR Washo del Sacro Fiume 3 yrs, strong bone, correct type and general proportions, rich pigmentation. Attractive, masculine head, pleasing markings, dark eyes of good shape. Stands correct in front, good neck, upper arm could be better angled, deep chest, well ribbed up, firm loin, level top line and rounded rump, very good tail carriage. Moved well with a pleasing out line. Should be more relaxed.

Mid Limit Dog (7/2 absent) 1. Atherton’s Valentinn von Durrbachler Wald, 27 mths, med size, well- proportioned, typey. Attractive masculine head with good plains to the skull, dark eyes, a little round, clean, clear markings. Stands correct front on, neck of good length and shape which he uses well. Balanced angles to the fore hand and hind quarters, firm top line, rounded rump, good croup, tail carried well. Attentive to his handler at all speeds, he has a willing attitude on the move with an efficient hind thrust, at times seemed to step carefully in front, when he did extend it was effective, covering the ground well keeping a pleasing profile. Happy dog with friendly temperament. 2. Fasso’s Peter Pan del Sacro Fiume 5 yrs, med size, well proportioned, tan could be darker, strong head, well-marked. Overall pleasing for general structure, with shapely hind quarters. Coat in good order. Moved well but could be a little more relaxed. 3. Shields & Byrne’s Auseire Everybody’s Talking, 5 yrs, med size and strength, typey with balanced proportions. Strong head, good expression, stands correct front on, broad chest, good neck, ribbing, top line and loin, could be cleaner going away tail carried well and low. Good coat and markings. Quiet in temperament.

Limit Dog (4) 1. Cahill’s Leader of the Pack from Christoland 4 1⁄2 yrs, very typey, med size, good strength, well proportioned. Attractive, masculine head, dark eyes which are expressive, good width of skull and ear placement, richly pigmented coat and generally well-marked. Stands correct in front with broad chest, good neck, shoulder, upper arm and ribbing, broad back, strong hind quarters, rounded rump and good tail carriage. Efficient mover, covered the ground with an easy stride. Top line could be a little firmer. Good coat and condition. Outgoing temperament. Liked his ratios of height to length. 2. Manix & English’s Waldershelf Fame ‘n’ Fortune, 2 years typey male who could use a little more leg length to advantage. Masculine head which is strong, with balanced plains, dark eyes with kind expression, big ears, clear markings. Good bone and feet, well ribbed up, firm loin, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump, good tail carriage. Moved out well with positive attitude, effective hind thrust, good follow through and pleasing side gait. Steady temperament. 3. Wakeland’s Collansues Secret Potion at Bramikdel, 5 yrs, above med size, very out of coat. Mature, powerful male. Strong head with good plains, dark eyes, rich pigmentation. Stands correct in front, neck of good length, upper arm could be better angled, loin a little long, broad back, balanced hindquarters. Bouncy and wanting to power around the ring, his tail never stopped wagging. Lively, outgoing in temperament.

Open Dog (10 entries /3 absent) 1. CC & RBIS & BOS Benson’s Irish Ch Bernervally Yogie Bear, 4 yrs, upper med size, substantial and very typey. Well proportioned. Very strong masculine head, good ear set and positioning, skull wide between the ears. He has too much stop and his eyes, though dark, are a little too deep set. The muzzle is straight, strong and well cushioned, well developed cheek bones. Good markings and rich pigmentation. Stands clean front on with well boned legs, chest is of good width, powerful body, good brisket, neck, shoulder and upper arm angles. Loin of good length, broad back, balanced hind angles, strong rear pasterns, rounded rump, tail well set on and bushy. Steady temperament, he moved with positive attitude and very good stride. Presented in first class order with good coat and conditioning, in his class he tried all he could to throw his chances away. I liked his masculinity and ratios and there is no mistaking his gender, as he is very eye catching for type. I had no hesitation in awarding him the CC. 2. Benson’s Irish Ch Semus de Zandijver at Bernervalley 3 1⁄2 yrs, attractive type, dark pigment, strong bone, slightly stretched proportions. Strong masculine head, dark eye, good markings ear shape and positioning. Deep chest. Neat feet and pasterns, good shoulder, upper arm and ribbing, could use a little more 2nd thigh. Moved out well with good side gait, extension into the forehand and tail carriage. Not the presence of the winner and in the challenge for the Res CC, preferred the winner of Champion class overall. 3. Niccoli’s Int Ch Michael Schumacker del Sacro Fiume. 3 yrs, med size and strength, typey and well proportioned. Masculine head, eyes could be a little darker, very good markings. Would prefer a little more bone. Stands correct front on, good width of chest and depth of brisket, his neck is of good length and he has balanced angles to the forehand and hind quarters, well ribbed up, strong loin, firm, broad back, a little long through the rear pasterns, very good tail carriage. Good attitude on the move, kept a pleasing profile at all times. Needs to be more relaxed.

Champion Dog (4 entries/1 absent) 1. Res CC. Hartley-Mair & Baldwin’s Ch Tjofselinas Chirac (imp SWE) 4 yrs, med size, typey, well proportioned. Richly pigmented all though, masculine head, expressive dark eyes, good ear placement, well-marked, sturdy bone, strong legs, deep chest, can stand a little close through the front pasterns and could use a little more neck. Good ribbing and loin, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump, short rear pasterns, good tail carriage. He has a wealth of coat. Moved out well with good strides, pleasing out line and an outgoing temperament. 2. Bridge’s Ch Kernow Troublue 5 yrs, med size, another typey male with a very attractive masculine head, displaying excellent plains, dark eyes, richly pigmentated. Stands correct in front, chest of good width, with overall strong bone, neat rear pasterns. Would like a little more neck and he could be firmer in top line. Very willing mover and steady in temperament. 3. Fasso’s B & E Ch Jonathan A Don Aspen, 4 yrs, med size, well proportioned. Strong head with good plains of the skull to foreface, well-marked, good expression, bone could be better, dark pigmentation, good feet and well angled pasterns, balanced angles to the forehand and hind quarters, rounded rump, tail carried low. Coat not in the best order. Moved soundly, could be more relaxed.

Veteran Dog (2 entries) 1. Vaychkus & Vaickus’s Flintas Kalnu Suo at Bernaroso Sh CM (imp LT) 9 yrs, just on med size, well proportioned. Masculine head, which could use a little more stop, dark eyes, good neck. Stands correct front on, upper arm could be better angled, rounded rump, sound rear pasterns. He was a little stiff in hind quarters getting going, but once on the move, kept a correct outline with good hind thrust transmitted through a firm back into the forehand. Looks very well for his age and showed to be a happy boy with a pleasing temperament. 2. Hughes’s Ch Waldershelf Causing Kaos (Sh CM), 8 yrs, above med size, well proportioned. Strong masculine head, eye a little round, but he is very expressive, stands correct front on, upper arm is long but could be better angled, good neck, rounded rump, shapely hind quarters. Very enthusiastic mover, with efficient forereach and hind thrust, there was just a slight roll over his back in movement. Coat in good order and very shiny. Looks in great condition for his age and displays a lively, extrovert temperament.

Good Citizen Dog (4 entries/ 2 present) 1. Flanaghan’s Collansues Magical Spell 4 yrs, med size, good strength, a wealth of coat and a deep chest which can make him look short on the leg. Pleasing for overall type. Attractive masculine head, balanced ratios of skull to foreface, good expression, stands correct front on, firm top line, could use a little more neck and more width to the second thigh. Rounded rump. Willing on the move with proficient forereach and hind thrust. Very good temperament. 2. Austen’s Kernow Blue Mist 2 yrs, not the biggest but he is well proportioned for his size. Good coat, tan could be richer, body condition good and his angles fore and aft are matching. Head in keeping with his size, clean, clear markings, dark eyes which are expressive. Could be bigger and could use more bone. Balanced hindquarters, a willing mover, insisted on holding his tail to the side when gaiting. Friendly and eager to please.

Minor Puppy Bitch (4 entries/ 2 placed and 1 withheld) 1. Bridge’s Karmen Bernenska Sfora at Kernow (imp POL) NAF 8 mths. Feminine head, dark facial markings, some freckles. Good body proportions, top line needs to settle, good neck, front, bone for size, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump, waggy tail, well held. Happy puppy which she showed in her movement. Best Puppy Bitch & Res Best Puppy in Show. 2. Akehurst’s Velvet van’t Pachthof (imp BEL) 8 mths, typey puppy, presented in pleasing coat and condition, good bone. Her head is feminine and well-marked, eyes a little light, good body, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump. A little unsettled in her individual, she did recover well and moved out holding an attractive outline, although a touch close moving away through the rear pasterns. Hope she gains more confidence as I think she is worth persevering with. 3. Withheld.

Puppy Bitch (2 entries) 1. Davis & Goonan’s Kaimon Gerheil Primadona Ballyford (imp EST) 11 mths, could use a little more leg length and be shorter coupled. Attractive puppy, with a strong yet feminine head and soft expression, clear markings, rich pigmentation and very good coat. Stands correct front on with ample width of chest, strong bone, good feet and pasterns, very good neck, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump, good tail carriage. Positive steps on the move with an easy stride, her top line needs to firm. Correct for temperament. 2. Cooke & Steven’s Tickbern Zonly One of Me, 10 mths, better leg length than the winner. Feminine head, at this stage a little plainer and not quite so appealing in expression. Dark eyes, clean, clear markings, presented in good condition. Good neck, balanced forehand angles and loin. She needs to strengthen in top line and could use a little more hind angulation, but is very light on her feet, covers the ground well and is sound with an easy going, willing temperament.

Junior Bitch (3 entries/1 absent) 1. Marshall’s Mountain Crystal Scarlett at Bernannan (imp HUN) 13 mths. Richly pigmented, feminine head, still developing, dark eyes which are a little round, very good neck and front, good length of rib and loin, firm top line, balanced hind angles with good width of 1st and 2nd thigh, rounded rump, clean rear pasterns, very good tail carriage. Kept her pleasing outline on the move, very workmanlike, she has an excellent basic shape, a very firm back and balanced proportions, could be bigger and obviously needs to mature and definitely needs to fill out. Very quiet and willing in temperament. 2. Price’s Akela z Labskeho Zatis 17 mths, med size, could be shorter coupled. Her head is feminine with a good expression, the eyes are dark, good markings, coat and pigmentation. Forehand angles could be better positioned and she could use more bone. Good hind thrust, rounded rump and good tail carriage. Not the outline or movement of the winner. Correct for temperament.

Yearling Bitch (4 entries) 1. Shields & Byrne’s Auseire Candy Magic, 22 mths, good size and shape, well proportioned. A quality female, richly pigmented with good bone and substance, well built. Attractive head which is strong, dark eyes, very good neck and front, balanced angles to the forehand, firm top line, broad back, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump, good croup and a very good tail carriage. She tended to stay behind her handler most of the time but when she did move out, she had a good stride and kept a pleasing out line. Just a little cautious in forereach at times. Quiet temperament. Liked her shape and proportions. 2. Flanagan’s Collansues Gold Blend 23 mths, med size, typey female, attractive head with good expression. Very good bone and feet, stands correct front, good width of chest, though not so positive in top line as the winner, good loin, rounded rump. She covers the ground well with efficient hind thrust and follow through, but insisted on carrying her tail to the side. Presented in good coat and condition. Good temperament. 3. Kluge’s Chanel Kielo Cud at Morgenmegs 19 mths, below med size. Feminine head, well-marked, good neck and front, top line and balanced hind angles with good tail carriage. In movement, once she settled into her stride, she maintained a good outline and pleasing overall shape, just a little close away. Could be a little more outgoing in temperament.

Novice Bitch (3 entries/1 present) 1. Flaxman’s Derebern Catch the Sun 19 mths, med size, good strength, would prefer her a little closer coupled. Feminine head, could use a little more stop and fill out under the eye. Very good neck and front, level top line. Good bone and substance, ex pigmentation. Strides out well on the move with good tail carriage. Willing in temperament.

Post Graduate Bitch (13 entries/3 absent) Difficult class and the biggest of the day. 1. Abbott Brown & Abbott’s Kingstonia Northern Soul, 3 yrs, good size female, well-proportioned and eye-catching profile. Feminine head, could use a little more fill out under the eye, well-marked, good neck, well held firm top line, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump, good tail carriage. She is very effective moving in side gait, covers the ground well with very little effort and holds a firm top line and pleasing outline; could be more positive coming and going. Presented in good coat and condition, she took my eye immediately she entered the ring and her make and shape were the deciding factor in placing her first. Well handled to get the best out of her. 2. Benson’s Truly a Girl van de Klaverhoeve at Bernervalley 29 mths, med size, med strength, quality female, would like her a little shorter coupled. Presented in very good coat and condition, well-marked and richly pigmented. Attractive, feminine head, dark eyes, good expression. Stands correct in front, good depth of chest, firm top line, could use a little more second thigh. Willing co-operative mover. Quiet in temperament. 3. Tickbern Yes, I Can Yodel 29 mths, med size, pleasing for overall type and proportions. Well put together with balanced height to length ratios. Attractive feminine head, with good plains and expression, well-marked. Would like a little more neck and more bone, very good middle piece, rounded rump and tail carriage. She is a good mover, with sound, efficient hind thrust and a good sequence of steps. Slowly maturing. Correct for temperament.

Mid Limit Bitch (5 entries) 1. Baldwin’s Fortonpark Chase That Dream, 26 mths, med size, quality female, could be shorter coupled and firmer in top line. She came into the ring with authority, as if she owned it, never stopped showing and wagging her tail. Strong head, broad skull, good ear placement, attractive clear markings, good coat and condition. Sturdy bone, and legs, good feet. Shapely hindquarters, effective in rear pasterns and very good tail carriage. Sound movement with positive steps, covering the ground well. Happy temperament. 2. Bramble’s Shirdees Me and My Girl, 3 yrs, med size, well built, pleasing for overall breed type and well-marked. Feminine in head, eye a little round, good ear placement, very good neck and front, well-shaped feet, good pasterns, length of ribbing and loin, broad back, rounded rump, and tail carriage. She moved soundly with good attitude, loved her handler so much at times she tended to turn her head, look up at him and

lean in. Very good temperament. 3. Fasso’s Uga Del Sacro Fiume, almost 2 yrs, med size, pleasing for type and proportions. Feminine head good markings. Could use a little better angle to the upper arm and a little more bone. Firm top line and good hind quarters, with correct tail carriage. Moved well and kept her profile. Could be a little more relaxed.

Limit Bitch (7 entries/1 absent) 1. Reynold’s Etterbern Forever Fashion, 24 mths, med size, med strength, well-proportioned. Feminine in head, well-marked, soft expression and dark eyes. Good width of chest, stands clean front on, good neck, forehand and hindquarter angles are balanced, well ribbed up, loin of good length, rounded rump, good bone and feet, effective through the rear pasterns, at times on the move just tended to lift her tail. Absolutely at one with her handler, she displays a very good side gait, positive hind thrust and good follow through. Happy, outgoing temperament. Still a young female with maturing to do. Preferred her height to length ratios. 2. Wright & Kirk’s Object D Art Du Hameau de Baika Avec Roesilbern, 4 yrs, med size, slightly stretched proportions. In facial appearance she is feminine, expressive with good ear placement and is brightly marked, foreface could be a little shorter. Stands correct in front with a well held, firm top line, good hind angles, neat rear pasterns. Moves with good energy, efficient hind thrust and very good forereach, tail could be carried a little lower. Overall, a very good rapport with her handler. Steady, outgoing temperament. 3. Krjukova’s Kaimon Gerheil Lizzy (imp EST) med size, med strength, could be a little closer coupled. Typey female with an attractive head, good plains of skull to foreface, dark eyes, well-marked with good expression, rich pigmentation. Good chest development, neck of good length and well-muscled, firm top line, would like a little more second thigh. A willing mover not quite so positive in hind action. Very good temperament.

Open Bitch (6 entries/3 absent) 1. CC & BIS. Giffney’s Ir Ch Sennen Understandably Wicked at Seanri CW22 31 mths, upper med size, strong bone, very typey, super bloom to the coat. Attractive, feminine head, pleasing expression, very good plains of skull to foreface, correct stop, bright, clear markings, richly pigmented, eyes are dark but a little round, well placed ears. Stands correct front on, good neck, balanced shoulder and upper arm angles, well ribbed up, loin long enough, shapely hindquarters, short, neat little rear pasterns, broad back, rounded rump, croup well angled and correct set on of tail. She doesn’t always help herself in stance, but on the move, she comes into her own without any assistance from the lead, where she displays natural deportment with a firm top line, very good hind thrust, efficient forereach and excellent tail carriage. Would like her a little cleaner through the front pasterns. Calm and steady in temperament, she is a beautiful female and I had no doubt whatsoever in awarding her the CC. When it came to the challenge for BOB, her profile in side gait sealed it in her favour. 2. Goodyear’s Harvestbank Just One Kiss, 22 mths, med size, med strength, feminine head with good markings. Stands correct front on, deep chest, wealth of coat which can make her look a little short on leg. She is well ribbed up, her upper arm could be better angled, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump and good tail carriage. Sound mover, but not so firm in top line as the winner when moving. Steady temperament. 3. Watson’s Stepdasher Winters Wish 5 yrs, med size. Feminine in head with good expression, clear, white markings. Her neck is of good length and well-muscled. She has a rounded rump and good tail carriage. Would prefer her to be a little shorter coupled and to have a firmer top line. Willing mover. Happy temperament.

Champion Bitch (5 entries/2 absent) 1. Weston’s Ch Bernfawr Jonquill 5 years, quality female, good size, pleasing for type and overall proportions. Presented in good coat and condition. Feminine head with good plains, well-marked, eyes a little round. Good bone and substance, chest is of good width, upper arm could be better angled, firm back, good ribbing and loin, very good top line, broad back, shapely hindquarters, firm rear pasterns, rounded rump, well angled croup and laudable tail carriage. Efficient, sound mover with a steady ground covering gait, pleasing profile and good sequence of steps. Quiet in temperament. Close decision between first and second, just preferred the winner’s profile in side gait. 2. Balwin’s Ch Fortonpark Look Who’s Talkin, 30 mths, med size, mature looking, typey female, could be a little shorter coupled. Strong head which is feminine with good expression, dark markings, rich pigmentation. Stands clean front on, good width of chest, well boned legs and good feet, shapely hindquarters, rounded rump. Well presented, she moved out well with good reach and drive, friendly, outgoing temperament. 3. Spencer’s Ch Padiky Starr Studded Skye (JW) 5 yrs, upper med size, mature, typey female, stands on sturdy legs with strong bone. Feminine head which is strong with a broad skull and dark expressive eyes. In side profile she has a high elevation, the upper arm could be better angled and she could use more neck, firm top line, shapely hindquarters, bushy tail. Well handled and attentive to her handler at all times and whilst she is a willing, co-operative mover, unfortunately, in my opinion, she was lame, which was disappointing for her handler who suggested it might be the ground and decided to remain in the class.

Veteran Bitch (7 entries/2 absent) Great to see so many veterans looking so well. 1. & Res CC & Best Veteran in Show. Abbott-Brown & Abbott’s Meadowpark Dream Come True with Kingstonia Sh CM VW. 8 yrs 9 mths, med size, excellent type of female, very shapely with strong bone. Feminine head, which is strong, her eyes are round but very expressive. Neck of good length, she stands correct in front, very good ribbing and firm loin, super top line, rounded rump, short, neat rear pasterns which she uses so well and correct tail carriage. Wearing her years lightly, she powered around the ring with good energy, keeping a pleasing profile at all times. Very good coat, well- conditioned and handled. Loved her happy, positive temperament. In the challenge for the CC, she had a Herculean task in trying to get past the eventual winner, unfortunately had to be content with the Res CC. 2. Akehurst & Bridges’ Ch Kernow All My Loving VW 9 years, 1 mth, just on med size, could be a little shorter coupled. Very attractive type, feminine head with good fill out under the eye and good skull shape, dark pigmentation, good bone, feet and pasterns. Her thick coat can make her appear a little short on the leg. Pleasing hindquarters, rounded rump, she moved out well with a good temperament and condition for her age. 3. Watson’s Stepdashar Sommer Girl, the oldest veteran at the show at 2 mths over 9 yrs, she was presented in excellent condition. Well up for size, with matching bone and substance, a strong head which is feminine and attractive, albeit with a little too much white. Stands correct front on, with good width of chest, ample neck, her long upper arm could be better angled. Pleasing top line and rounded rump, strong rear pasterns and good feet. Moved very well with powerful stride, holding her top line and good tail carriage. Friendly, easy temperament.

Good Citizen Bitch (3 entries) 1. Flaxman’s Glanzberg See the Sun, 6 yrs, good size and strength, could be shorter coupled. Feminine head, good neck, very good front, deep chest, firm, level top line, very good croup and hind angles. Moved and showed well. Very good temperament. 2. Paterson’s Tamarbern Tia Mkira Abjess, 4 yrs, med size, could be shorter coupled. Good bone and pleasing coat and markings. Her head is feminine, neck of good length, chest is rather deep and her top line could be firmer. Good tail carriage and attitude on the move. Correct temperament. 3. Hyde’s Jesterbrock Apus at Calizley, 4 years, med size, feminine head which is attractive, top line could be a little firmer and would prefer a little more second thigh. Free mover with good attitude. Plenty of coat. Happy girl with an outgoing temperament which reflected in her delightful waggy tail.

Helen Davenport-Willis (judge)

N.B. Full Results will appear here shortly.

Paige started handling at the age of 8, when she first stepped into the ring with Archie, the Bernese Mountain Dog. Even at that young age, with Archie she won YKC 6-11 and, it’s fair to say, she never looked back. Since then, she has handled many dogs over all 7 groups, achieving numerous Challenge Certificates and Best of Breeds, when handling within the UK, and achieving multiple Green Stars, CAC’s and CACIB’s when handling internationally. Whilst she has handled various dogs over the years, her Bernese Mountain Dogs and her Australian Shepherd ’Dream’ hold a special place in her heart, not forgetting her trusty Shetland Sheepdog ‘Harry’. In 2017 Paige won Best Junior Handler in Show at The Rotterdam IDS, reached the Junior Handling Semi-Finals at the World Dog Show in 2018 and was shortlisted as a Junior Handler of the Year finalist at The Pawscars in 2018.

Paige’s time spent handling dogs has allowed her to build an understanding of how to get the best from any dog but also how to support other handlers. She has been known to offer help and guidance to youngsters starting out in the show world and we are very happy to invite her to judge Junior Handling at our event.