Staffordshire Bull Blackpool 16 Judge's Critique

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Staffordshire	Blackpool 16 Judge's Critique
KC Breed Standard Blackpool 16 Judge	STAFFORDSHIRE BULL BLACKPOOL 16 Judge(s): MR PATRICK McGLYNN DCC ROCHLAWIE BEHOLD THE HOUR JW (MR W & MRS C MCCLELLAND) RDCC CH RAMBLESTAFF COS I COULD (MR D BUTLER) BCC REVELRY CUSTOM MADE JW SHCM (MISS J & MR K JOHNSTON & BROWN) RBCC NIZEVA VA NESSA (S BOULTON) BOB ROCHLAWIE BEHOLD THE HOUR JW (MR W & MRS C MCCLELLAND) BP QUATROS IRONCLAD BUDDY (MR A & MRS J TURNER) BJ ROCHLAWIE BEHOLD THE HOUR JW (MR W & MRS C MCCLELLAND) STAFFORDSHIRE BULL JUDGE BLACKPOOL 16 Staffordshire Bull Terriers I had a thoroughly enjoyable day judging the breed at Blackpool – lovely venue, nice big ring & the weather wasn’t bad (for Blackpool that is). My two stewards Karen & Jeff did a great job – Jeff found time to entertain the ringside between classes & I thank them for their invaluable help. Most if not all judges will tell you that the only downside to judging is the critique. I concur but believe it’s necessary to try one’s best & provide one in a readable & informative manner. I’ll try hard not to go down the “good head, good body, movement OK etc.” road. My overall impression of the dogs on view was that despite some top quality dogs present the depth of quality runs much deeper in bitches. Is this a good thing or bad? I’m not sure. We need both for the wellbeing of the breed. My CC & RCC winners in both sexes were, I felt, outstanding & all worthy of a title. There were no undershot mouths on view but dentition is still problematic. I found a fair number of inverted canines, some more serious than others & a few with what looked to me to have filed (?) lower canines – one in a puppy class. Condition was generally good but some would benefit from having a smaller food bowl & a rigorous fitness regime. Presentation was mostly very good but there were a few with dirty teeth. Over the years handling has improved immeasurably & as usual temperament was superb. One final comment – I really enjoyed judging so many lovely dogs & bitches & I thank every single exhibitor who sought my opinion. Good luck to you all in pursuit of your dreams! PD (5,1a) 1 Turner’s Quatros Ironclad Buddy, the winner arrived late due to traffic problems & I was glad to see him. He’s a light brindle with a white chest & is in lovely coat condition. He filled my eye from nose to tail. His outline is where he scores points being short & compact & he carries a level topline on the move. He moved a bit erratically at first probably due to his rushed arrival but he did move soundly eventually. He has a fairly well chiselled head for his age with more to come with maturity. He would benefit before too long by being exercised to a high level of fitness. He’s got plenty of bone & substance & I will look forward to seeing him when he’s older & leaner. I awarded him BP over a sweet little bitch, mainly on maturity; 2 Owen’s Kyraloebis Well Reem at Tagstane, a different package from the winner entirely. This is a very strong headed dark brindle with a good expression but I’d prefer a cleaner muzzle. He is longer cast than 1 but his overall soundness standing & on the move won him this place & he was exceptionally well schooled & handled; 3 Brady’s Foylegarth Hakuna Matata. JD (6) 1 McClelland’s Rochlawie Behold The Hour, where do I start? He’s the most eyecatching young dog I’ve seen in years. His stance says ‘look at me” so I did. His overall condition was stunning, very hard to the touch & his coat is in lovely bloom. In profile & head-on he looks the business with a gun barrel front. I loved his clean chiselled head with lovely ear carriage & his short well ribbed body which looks so compact. He moved positively with discernible drive from his well muscled hind legs. He just needs an excellent handler to get the best from him & guess what? He’s got that as well. It’s easy to get carried away – but this young dog has it all. This was his last Junior class so bring on the big boys. He’s got nothing to fear. A nailed on Ch. CC & BOB; 2 Hirst & Bibby’s Taraiel Darth Vader, another good young dog but for me he failed to 1 in head which hasn’t got the same depth or crucially strength of muzzle as the winner. He too was in good condition & looks very well in profile which shows off his excellent shape. I’ve seen him many times before today & he’s matured a great deal so I’d guess there’s a lot more to come. Unlucky to meet such an exceptional Junior as the class winner; 3 Mayren’s Bellarouge Adonis at Fergiestaffs. YD (7,1) 1 Rowbotham’s Elitebull Black And Brass, a young b/br of immense quality & great promise. He’s standard sized & presents as a compact package – strength without coarseness. His head is broad & chiselled giving him a beautiful expression. In profile he excels although as a young dog he needs to develop further. I’ve no doubt he will. His movement was free & easy showing off his level topline. I felt he looked better free standing. Definitely one to watch out for because in a year or so he should be making the big boys look to their laurels; 2 Baldwin’s Elitebull Night Mission, litter brother to 1 but of a different make & shape – he’s taller & leaner but has a stunning head. Had he behaved & allowed himself to be shown to advantage my decision would have been even harder. He caused his lady handler (& breeder, so well, done on breeding 2 corkers) loads of problems. He leaned when standing & his movement was unruly. Such a pity because he’s a top class male. Despite all I’ve just written I loved him. With training & firmer handling I predict a bright future for him as well; 3 Rowe & South’s Illori Akinlana. PGD (5) 1 Jackson’s Molru Nothing Else Matters, stronger than most of the others I put up today but he’s a very tidy, & crucially, sound dog. He has a broad skull which is in balance with his body – a bit too much for me but he deserved his placing. It was a close run thing between him & 2 but I preferred the more typical expression of 1. Overall he presented as a strong boned compact dog with a level topline that he held on the move. He was very well handled; 2 Martinez’s Bullbrothers D R Who, a dog with most of the points I look for – correct natural stance which his handler used well & a strong compact profile. He’s got good weight of bone & he moved positively. He had the measure of 1 except in head where, as already stated, his expression wasn’t quite as good but he will have a good show career – of that I’m confident. His handling was exemplary; 3 Lee & Coleman’s Bullhawk Archie Bold. LD (10,2) 1 Patrick’s Welshstaff Last Gap, I found this class quite difficult to sort out with a lot of different shapes & sizes on view. The winner scored because of his overall shape & conformation & he was exceptionally fit – a credit to his owner. He’s a big lad but he’s really short in body & looked a picture in profile. When he moved he did so freely & with drive, holding a level topline. Viewed from the front I thought his head let him down being just a bit out of proportion to his body & not as clean as I’d like. He is however a lovely dog I’d be proud to own; 2 Crosby’s Quatros Red Archibald, I’ve always liked this lovely red & feel he gets overlooked a lot. After judging him I don’t know why that should be the case. He hasn’t got the biggest of heads (& that’s no fault in my book) but it’s as clean as a whistle & I like his piercing expression. He’s really well proportioned & scored points in profile & coat condition. His movement when he gets into his stride is good & his topline is spot on. A lovely dog; 3 Hawken’s Carfury Bal Dhu. OD (7,2) 1 Butler’s Ch Ramblestaff Cos I Could, well known & well deserved Ch. It’s always gratifying when a well known Ch comes under you. I’ve admired him from ringside for ages – since long before he got his title. For me, balance is his biggest virtue. Although his head is powerful it’s clean cut & not overdone & I just love his true expression. He’s a lovely size for a male & looks great from all angles. He’s also really short but is well ribbed & on the move he looks a picture showing great animation. He only missed out on the CC to the winner of Junior by the smallest of margins (& he wasn’t as hard to the touch) but nonetheless a beautiful dog easily one of the best around currently. RCC; 2 Stanway’s Waystaff What A Cracker, well marked eyecatching br/w in fit condition. This is a really classy dog with a lovely, typical clean head & expression. He’s really short, sturdy & compact. His movement today wasn’t as positive as the winner (whom I also felt had stronger rearquarters) otherwise the decision would have been closer. If he matures a bit (& time is on his side) then he could easily get his title; 3 Marachowski’s Ch Kalhols Black Magic at Passernomen. MPB (7,1) 1 Rogers’ Ginstean Second Chance for Ynysstaff, it would be handy to have a crystal ball handy judging minor puppies. They will be unrecognisable in a short time but my remit was to judge on the day not try to be a soothsayer. That won’t stop me having a guess however! I loved this little baby puppy. She’s very immature but has bags of promise with her beautiful outline & appealing head & sweet expression. She moved like a minor puppy – all over the place thus difficult to assess but she’s only 6 months. I’ll look forward to seeing her in a year or so. Very promising. BPB; 2 Jack’s Tusslestaff No Angel, similar type & another real baby with a slightly cleaner head (which didn’t have the strength of the class winner & her ears need to settle). Her body shape was similar to 1 & appealed to me a lot. She too had a stab at moving but was erratic – what I’d expect at this age but her shape suggests she will move well on maturity. 2 really nice puppies. I hope they fulfil their early promise. I really liked the third in this class as well. She’s a bit leggy just now but should make a good-un; 3 Ford & Williams’ Dajast Sweety with Jam’loz. PB (6) 1 Harvey’s Subaron Superlicious, the first 2 puppies in this class are of very different type. This one was so elegant both in shape & in her movement. She looks a bit leggy at present but hopefully, with maturity will look more substantial. I loved her head with her sweet expression enhanced by neat ears. I wouldn’t want her to get any taller but I liked her a lot; 2 Owen’s Kyraloebis Vive La Juicy at Tagstane, as already stated a different package altogether. She’s a much stronger type but I liked her from the neck back, her head being a bit overdone for my taste. She has a good shape & moved positively & easily. She was shown to advantage & will appeal to many; 3 Cartwright’s Zakstaff Winterfell. JB (11,2) 1 Boulton’s Nizeva Va Nessa, a stunning young b/br who reminded me so much of Ch Aboriginal Warrior Queen, the best bitch I ever judged. This one, if she gets her act together, deserves to have a similarly stellar show career but here’s the thing – she apparently does agility & boy does it show. She was a firecracker ready to explode (in the nicest possible way). Ignoring all that, I thought her handler did a great job getting her stance correct at the right times. She has such an expressive head, truly beautiful, & strong sturdy body which looked good in profile & when viewed from above. In between her “loony” moments she did enough to convince me she’s a lovely mover with a correct topline. Her animation shouldn’t count against her – she’s the real deal. I awarded her the RCC but she was a whisker away from the top spot just losing out to another excellent (but fully mature) bitch. She should get her title easily. I hope I’m there when she does; 2 Mann’s Nerotoro Cosmic Girl, how unlucky can you be? This beauty will stand out in any company. She didn’t have quite the substance of the winner but she’s top quality & I loved her. Very elegant & shapely & of the right make & size. I preferred the cleanness of head of 1 but there wasn’t a lot in it. She’s a lovely mover, holding a level topline all the time. Another destined for the top? I hope so as she deserves it. The third bitch in this class stands a real chance as well. Unfortunately she was in season & will have better days.3 potential Ch in one class. Now that’s soothsaying! 3 Lewis’ Welshstaff Mysterious Girl. YB (7,1) 1 Byrnes’ Sandstaffs Jewel Delight at Lackyle, another classy brindle who deserved this win scoring heavily with her super body shape & clean chiselled head. She really excels in body which is short & shapely. Her head is pretty which doesn’t mean it’s weak – it’s without exaggeration. My only criticism is that she lacked a bit of animation today although she moved very soundly. She was worth a close look in the challenge; 2 McPhail’s Scorguie Solitaire, a bigger girl & stronger than the winner. I really liked this one as well just preferring the head of 1. Her body shape is excellent & she carries a good topline. In fact her movement was exemplary & she had been well schooled by her lady handler who’s puppy I remember awarding BPB at Belfast Ch show in 1993. I was a teenager then; 3 Matthews’ Janjoma Boniwee Gurl. PGB (12,1) 1 Thomson’s Starolestaff Lady Bea with Siriustaff, by now I was feeling blessed with the quality of bitches & this exhibit kept up the high standard of my previous winners. She’s a lovely mahogany brindle & at first glance I didn’t spot her qualities but the more I looked round the ring the more I realised she was going to be the one to beat. She too should trouble the best. Her head shape should please most judges being strong, clean & shapely, enhanced by a lovely sweet expression. She excels in profile & her movement was flawless – plenty of rear drive & with a correct topline. A real beauty. She too got more than a cursory glance in the challenge. Good luck with her; 2 Stanway’s Waystaff Lady Ambassador, I judged this brindle as a MPB & awarded her BPB. She retains her elegant style & shape. I love her sweet expression but feel she needs more substance to tackle the big girls. Her overall soundness won her this placing. Her movement is flawless & she was shown to advantage by her sensitive handler. A lovely package who lost out to 1 on weight of bone & substance; 3 Holmes’ Aldwych Shanghai Surprise. LB (11,1) 1 Campbell’s Castlejack Dark Orchid, a powerhouse of a bitch with the straightest of fronts & a well muscled body. Her head is striking – very clean & chiselled. She’s top sized & bigger than 2 & 3 who both ran her close. She doesn’t seem to get to a lot of shows which is a pity because she’s a class act. She was in good condition although I’ve seen her even better. Her movement was faultless & I liked her front on & in profile. All over a very good bitch we need to see more of; 2 Molineux’s Jefmor Winter Solstice for Druidhawk, smaller brindle than 1 & at first I didn’t find her so eyecatching but on closer inspection she has a very smart clean cut head with a pleasing expression & she’s sound all over. I liked her very much when stood in profile & this is where she scored over the third in this class. Her movement was pleasing & she carries her topline correctly. Deserves to do well; 3 Duncan’s Nettleworth No Nonsense. OB (7,1) 1 Johnston & Brown’s Revelry Custom Made, dark brindle I’ve admired for ages. I first saw her as a puppy (she wasn’t placed that day) but I was sure at the time she had all the attributes to do really well. Today she shone all the way to the top spot in the face of fierce competition. I love her classy clean cut head, her correct expression & particularly her straight fronted, short, muscled body. She’s one of the best movers around – & she holds her topline perfectly. A bonus for me is that she seems full of joie de vivre when she gets going. Truly a cracking bitch whose day it was. Yet she didn’t stroll it in the challenge. There were a few serious contenders, none more so than my Junior winner. Pleasure to hand her the CC making her a worthy Ch. Congratulations; 2 Sem & Ullaflaen’s Celunas Know It All, yet another classy b/br of the make & shape I admire. She too has a gorgeous head with a piercing expression & has the straightest of fronts & will easily stand comparison favourably in any company. She appealed to me on many levels from her chiselled head to her classy outline (short & well ribbed) & her positive free movement. I can easily see her going on to a title before too long. She deserves it; 3 Wilson’s Bullhawk Jessie Jay at Northstaff. PATRICK McGLYNN Go To Top Of Page
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Staffordshire

Blackpool 16 Judge's Critique

KC Breed Standard

Blackpool 16 Judge

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL BLACKPOOL 16

Judge(s): MR PATRICK McGLYNN

DCC ROCHLAWIE BEHOLD THE HOUR JW (MR W & MRS C MCCLELLAND)
RDCC CH RAMBLESTAFF COS I COULD (MR D BUTLER)
BCC REVELRY CUSTOM MADE JW SHCM (MISS J & MR K JOHNSTON & BROWN)
RBCC NIZEVA VA NESSA (S BOULTON)
BOB ROCHLAWIE BEHOLD THE HOUR JW (MR W & MRS C MCCLELLAND)
BP QUATROS IRONCLAD BUDDY (MR A & MRS J TURNER)
BJ ROCHLAWIE BEHOLD THE HOUR JW (MR W & MRS C MCCLELLAND)

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL JUDGE BLACKPOOL 16

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

I had a thoroughly enjoyable day judging the breed at Blackpool – lovely venue, nice big ring & the weather wasn’t bad (for Blackpool that is). My two stewards Karen & Jeff did a great job – Jeff found time to entertain the ringside between classes & I thank them for their invaluable help.

Most if not all judges will tell you that the only downside to judging is the critique. I concur but believe it’s necessary to try one’s best & provide one in a readable & informative manner. I’ll try hard not to go down the “good head, good body, movement OK etc.” road.

My overall impression of the dogs on view was that despite some top quality dogs present the depth of quality runs much deeper in bitches. Is this a good thing or bad? I’m not sure. We need both for the wellbeing of the breed. My CC & RCC winners in both sexes were, I felt, outstanding & all worthy of a title. There were no undershot mouths on view but dentition is still problematic. I found a fair number of inverted canines, some more serious than others & a few with what looked to me to have filed (?) lower canines – one in a puppy class. Condition was generally good but some would benefit from having a smaller food bowl & a rigorous fitness regime. Presentation was mostly very good but there were a few with dirty teeth. Over the years handling has improved immeasurably & as usual temperament was superb.

One final comment – I really enjoyed judging so many lovely dogs & bitches & I thank every single exhibitor who sought my opinion. Good luck to you all in pursuit of your dreams!

PD (5,1a)

1 Turner’s Quatros Ironclad Buddy, the winner arrived late due to traffic problems & I was glad to see him. He’s a light brindle with a white chest & is in lovely coat condition. He filled my eye from nose to tail. His outline is where he scores points being short & compact & he carries a level topline on the move. He moved a bit erratically at first probably due to his rushed arrival but he did move soundly eventually. He has a fairly well chiselled head for his age with more to come with maturity. He would benefit before too long by being exercised to a high level of fitness. He’s got plenty of bone & substance & I will look forward to seeing him when he’s older & leaner. I awarded him BP over a sweet little bitch, mainly on maturity;

2 Owen’s Kyraloebis Well Reem at Tagstane, a different package from the winner entirely. This is a very strong headed dark brindle with a good expression but I’d prefer a cleaner muzzle. He is longer cast than 1 but his overall soundness standing & on the move won him this place & he was exceptionally well schooled & handled;

3 Brady’s Foylegarth Hakuna Matata.

JD (6)

1 McClelland’s Rochlawie Behold The Hour, where do I start? He’s the most eyecatching young dog I’ve seen in years. His stance says ‘look at me” so I did. His overall condition was stunning, very hard to the touch & his coat is in lovely bloom. In profile & head-on he looks the business with a gun barrel front. I loved his clean chiselled head with lovely ear carriage & his short well ribbed body which looks so compact. He moved positively with discernible drive from his well muscled hind legs. He just needs an excellent handler to get the best from him & guess what? He’s got that as well. It’s easy to get carried away – but this young dog has it all. This was his last Junior class so bring on the big boys. He’s got nothing to fear. A nailed on Ch. CC & BOB;

2 Hirst & Bibby’s Taraiel Darth Vader, another good young dog but for me he failed to 1 in head which hasn’t got the same depth or crucially strength of muzzle as the winner. He too was in good condition & looks very well in profile which shows off his excellent shape. I’ve seen him many times before today & he’s matured a great deal so I’d guess there’s a lot more to come. Unlucky to meet such an exceptional Junior as the class winner;

3 Mayren’s Bellarouge Adonis at Fergiestaffs.

YD (7,1)

1 Rowbotham’s Elitebull Black And Brass, a young b/br of immense quality & great promise. He’s standard sized & presents as a compact package – strength without coarseness. His head is broad & chiselled giving him a beautiful expression. In profile he excels although as a young dog he needs to develop further. I’ve no doubt he will. His movement was free & easy showing off his level topline. I felt he looked better free standing. Definitely one to watch out for because in a year or so he should be making the big boys look to their laurels;

2 Baldwin’s Elitebull Night Mission, litter brother to 1 but of a different make & shape – he’s taller & leaner but has a stunning head. Had he behaved & allowed himself to be shown to advantage my decision would have been even harder. He caused his lady handler (& breeder, so well, done on breeding 2 corkers) loads of problems. He leaned when standing & his movement was unruly. Such a pity because he’s a top class male. Despite all I’ve just written I loved him. With training & firmer handling I predict a bright future for him as well;

3 Rowe & South’s Illori Akinlana.

PGD (5)

1 Jackson’s Molru Nothing Else Matters, stronger than most of the others I put up today but he’s a very tidy, & crucially, sound dog. He has a broad skull which is in balance with his body – a bit too much for me but he deserved his placing. It was a close run thing between him & 2 but I preferred the more typical expression of 1. Overall he presented as a strong boned compact dog with a level topline that he held on the move. He was very well handled;

2 Martinez’s Bullbrothers D R Who, a dog with most of the points I look for – correct natural stance which his handler used well & a strong compact profile. He’s got good weight of bone & he moved positively. He had the measure of 1 except in head where, as already stated, his expression wasn’t quite as good but he will have a good show career – of that I’m confident. His handling was exemplary;

3 Lee & Coleman’s Bullhawk Archie Bold.

LD (10,2)

1 Patrick’s Welshstaff Last Gap, I found this class quite difficult to sort out with a lot of different shapes & sizes on view. The winner scored because of his overall shape & conformation & he was exceptionally fit – a credit to his owner. He’s a big lad but he’s really short in body & looked a picture in profile. When he moved he did so freely & with drive, holding a level topline. Viewed from the front I thought his head let him down being just a bit out of proportion to his body & not as clean as I’d like. He is however a lovely dog I’d be proud to own;

2 Crosby’s Quatros Red Archibald, I’ve always liked this lovely red & feel he gets overlooked a lot. After judging him I don’t know why that should be the case. He hasn’t got the biggest of heads (& that’s no fault in my book) but it’s as clean as a whistle & I like his piercing expression. He’s really well proportioned & scored points in profile & coat condition. His movement when he gets into his stride is good & his topline is spot on. A lovely dog;

3 Hawken’s Carfury Bal Dhu.

OD (7,2)

1 Butler’s Ch Ramblestaff Cos I Could, well known & well deserved Ch. It’s always gratifying when a well known Ch comes under you. I’ve admired him from ringside for ages – since long before he got his title. For me, balance is his biggest virtue. Although his head is powerful it’s clean cut & not overdone & I just love his true expression. He’s a lovely size for a male & looks great from all angles. He’s also really short but is well ribbed & on the move he looks a picture showing great animation. He only missed out on the CC to the winner of Junior by the smallest of margins (& he wasn’t as hard to the touch) but nonetheless a beautiful dog easily one of the best around currently. RCC;

2 Stanway’s Waystaff What A Cracker, well marked eyecatching br/w in fit condition. This is a really classy dog with a lovely, typical clean head & expression. He’s really short, sturdy & compact. His movement today wasn’t as positive as the winner (whom I also felt had stronger rearquarters) otherwise the decision would have been closer. If he matures a bit (& time is on his side) then he could easily get his title;

3 Marachowski’s Ch Kalhols Black Magic at Passernomen.

MPB (7,1)

1 Rogers’ Ginstean Second Chance for Ynysstaff, it would be handy to have a crystal ball handy judging minor puppies. They will be unrecognisable in a short time but my remit was to judge on the day not try to be a soothsayer. That won’t stop me having a guess however! I loved this little baby puppy. She’s very immature but has bags of promise with her beautiful outline & appealing head & sweet expression. She moved like a minor puppy – all over the place thus difficult to assess but she’s only 6 months. I’ll look forward to seeing her in a year or so. Very promising. BPB;

2 Jack’s Tusslestaff No Angel, similar type & another real baby with a slightly cleaner head (which didn’t have the strength of the class winner & her ears need to settle). Her body shape was similar to 1 & appealed to me a lot. She too had a stab at moving but was erratic – what I’d expect at this age but her shape suggests she will move well on maturity. 2 really nice puppies. I hope they fulfil their early promise. I really liked the third in this class as well. She’s a bit leggy just now but should make a good-un;

3 Ford & Williams’ Dajast Sweety with Jam’loz.

PB (6)

1 Harvey’s Subaron Superlicious, the first 2 puppies in this class are of very different type. This one was so elegant both in shape & in her movement. She looks a bit leggy at present but hopefully, with maturity will look more substantial. I loved her head with her sweet expression enhanced by neat ears. I wouldn’t want her to get any taller but I liked her a lot;

2 Owen’s Kyraloebis Vive La Juicy at Tagstane, as already stated a different package altogether. She’s a much stronger type but I liked her from the neck back, her head being a bit overdone for my taste. She has a good shape & moved positively & easily. She was shown to advantage & will appeal to many;

3 Cartwright’s Zakstaff Winterfell.

JB (11,2)

1 Boulton’s Nizeva Va Nessa, a stunning young b/br who reminded me so much of Ch Aboriginal Warrior Queen, the best bitch I ever judged. This one, if she gets her act together, deserves to have a similarly stellar show career but here’s the thing – she apparently does agility & boy does it show. She was a firecracker ready to explode (in the nicest possible way). Ignoring all that, I thought her handler did a great job getting her stance correct at the right times. She has such an expressive head, truly beautiful, & strong sturdy body which looked good in profile & when viewed from above. In between her “loony” moments she did enough to convince me she’s a lovely mover with a correct topline. Her animation shouldn’t count against her – she’s the real deal. I awarded her the RCC but she was a whisker away from the top spot just losing out to another excellent (but fully mature) bitch. She should get her title easily. I hope I’m there when she does;

2 Mann’s Nerotoro Cosmic Girl, how unlucky can you be? This beauty will stand out in any company. She didn’t have quite the substance of the winner but she’s top quality & I loved her. Very elegant & shapely & of the right make & size. I preferred the cleanness of head of 1 but there wasn’t a lot in it. She’s a lovely mover, holding a level topline all the time. Another destined for the top? I hope so as she deserves it. The third bitch in this class stands a real chance as well. Unfortunately she was in season & will have better days.3 potential Ch in one class. Now that’s soothsaying!

3 Lewis’ Welshstaff Mysterious Girl.

YB (7,1)

1 Byrnes’ Sandstaffs Jewel Delight at Lackyle, another classy brindle who deserved this win scoring heavily with her super body shape & clean chiselled head. She really excels in body which is short & shapely. Her head is pretty which doesn’t mean it’s weak – it’s without exaggeration. My only criticism is that she lacked a bit of animation today although she moved very soundly. She was worth a close look in the challenge;

2 McPhail’s Scorguie Solitaire, a bigger girl & stronger than the winner. I really liked this one as well just preferring the head of 1. Her body shape is excellent & she carries a good topline. In fact her movement was exemplary & she had been well schooled by her lady handler who’s puppy I remember awarding BPB at Belfast Ch show in 1993. I was a teenager then;

3 Matthews’ Janjoma Boniwee Gurl.

PGB (12,1)

1 Thomson’s Starolestaff Lady Bea with Siriustaff, by now I was feeling blessed with the quality of bitches & this exhibit kept up the high standard of my previous winners. She’s a lovely mahogany brindle & at first glance I didn’t spot her qualities but the more I looked round the ring the more I realised she was going to be the one to beat. She too should trouble the best. Her head shape should please most judges being strong, clean & shapely, enhanced by a lovely sweet expression. She excels in profile & her movement was flawless – plenty of rear drive & with a correct topline. A real beauty. She too got more than a cursory glance in the challenge. Good luck with her;

2 Stanway’s Waystaff Lady Ambassador, I judged this brindle as a MPB & awarded her BPB. She retains her elegant style & shape. I love her sweet expression but feel she needs more substance to tackle the big girls. Her overall soundness won her this placing. Her movement is flawless & she was shown to advantage by her sensitive handler. A lovely package who lost out to 1 on weight of bone & substance;

3 Holmes’ Aldwych Shanghai Surprise.

LB (11,1)

1 Campbell’s Castlejack Dark Orchid, a powerhouse of a bitch with the straightest of fronts & a well muscled body. Her head is striking – very clean & chiselled. She’s top sized & bigger than 2 & 3 who both ran her close. She doesn’t seem to get to a lot of shows which is a pity because she’s a class act. She was in good condition although I’ve seen her even better. Her movement was faultless & I liked her front on & in profile. All over a very good bitch we need to see more of;

2 Molineux’s Jefmor Winter Solstice for Druidhawk, smaller brindle than 1 & at first I didn’t find her so eyecatching but on closer inspection she has a very smart clean cut head with a pleasing expression & she’s sound all over. I liked her very much when stood in profile & this is where she scored over the third in this class. Her movement was pleasing & she carries her topline correctly. Deserves to do well;

3 Duncan’s Nettleworth No Nonsense.

OB (7,1)

1 Johnston & Brown’s Revelry Custom Made, dark brindle I’ve admired for ages. I first saw her as a puppy (she wasn’t placed that day) but I was sure at the time she had all the attributes to do really well. Today she shone all the way to the top spot in the face of fierce competition. I love her classy clean cut head, her correct expression & particularly her straight fronted, short, muscled body. She’s one of the best movers around – & she holds her topline perfectly. A bonus for me is that she seems full of joie de vivre when she gets going. Truly a cracking bitch whose day it was. Yet she didn’t stroll it in the challenge. There were a few serious contenders, none more so than my Junior winner. Pleasure to hand her the CC making her a worthy Ch. Congratulations;

2 Sem & Ullaflaen’s Celunas Know It All, yet another classy b/br of the make & shape I admire. She too has a gorgeous head with a piercing expression & has the straightest of fronts & will easily stand comparison favourably in any company. She appealed to me on many levels from her chiselled head to her classy outline (short & well ribbed) & her positive free movement. I can easily see her going on to a title before too long. She deserves it;

3 Wilson’s Bullhawk Jessie Jay at Northstaff.

PATRICK McGLYNN

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