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| Staffordshire | Judge's Critique Dogs Crufts 18 |
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Crufts 18 Judge Dogs
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STAFFORDSHIRE BULL CRUFTS 18 Judge(s):Judge Patrick McGlynn (D) BEST OF BREED DOGS I've always enjoyed attending Crufts as a spectator and have done so for many years, so to be asked to judge here was a huge privilege. The sense of occasion is palpable - the huge entry (171 with 21 absentees), the large and enthusiastic ringside crowds, the green carpet and the sporting ringside crowd - it just feels special. Such was the size of the entry and the quality in some of the classes it was inevitable that some very good dogs went away cardless. I hoped (and expected ) I would find some outstanding dogs and I did. Clearly, I thought the CC and RCC winners were exceptional but there were others not far away. Over the years while I've been judging the standard of handling has improved beyond recognition - in some cases to a professional level. This was evident today. My sincere thanks must go to each and every exhibitor for seeking my opinion on their dogs and I truly appreciate the effort and expense involved in getting their dogs to Crufts. On the whole the condition of the dogs present was very good. I found one dog with what I perceived to be a breathing problem and a few with converging canines. I'd like to thank my stewards Jaci and Frank for a sterling day's work keeping the ring flowing. They"ve been turning up here for so long now they're becoming part of the fixtures and fittings. Long may they continue. I can't finish this preamble without mentioning the real stars of the show - each and every dog who as representatives of our breed behaved impeccably displaying their unique and wonderful temperament and ensuring this day would remain in my memory. 1. Davies' ¨ Well known champion and potent sire still looking well. I judged him as a young dog when he was still immature and I was pleased to see how he's improved over the years. He has a beautifully shaped head and a so typy expression. He still retains his body shape if not perhaps as hard as in his prime. I think I can excuse him that. He moved easily round the ring looking every inch the champion. 2. Corcoran's Ch/Ir Ch/Int Ch Zakstaff Whats The Story At Molru. Another well known champion but one who is of a heavier build. He's a sound dog in every respect and although his head is very strong it's cleanly made. He moved really well carrying himself like he belonged. 3. Rana's Ch But`S Charming Ruffians Anatol. Another champion but more lightly boned than the previous 2. I really admire this dog but felt that today he lacked a bit of substance. He was in hard condition and his movement was easy and free flowing. 3 great dogs and worth mentioning that in his day the one I placed 4th would have given them all a run for their money - he's now 13. R. Hale's Ch Fordson Major. 1. Johnson's Tillcarr Fire Coanda. Very promising black brindle minor puppy of good size and shape. I was really impressed by him in profile. He's a very typy pup with a clean well defined head for his age. He's strong boned and has plenty of body. He was a bit erratic on the move but that will improve with age and training. I will watch out for him as I feel he will have a good show career. Wonderful prospect. 2. Setchfield's Gusonstaffs Djakadam. Not as mature as 1 but well developed nonetheless. His head shape wasn't as appealing as 1 and on the move he didn't hold his topline level hence placing. 1. Desmond's Elitebulls Challenger. Outstanding black brindle puppy who shone. He's of ideal size and moved freely. His great head shape is evident despite his young age. It's really well sculpted and topped off with perfect ears and ear carriage giving him an alert expression at all times. He has a clean true front but "toes in" occasionally when standing. Handler needs to watch this. He moved freely and with some verve. Truthfully he wasn't far away in the challenge despite his youth. I predict a big future. A future champion in the making I hope. Best Puppy In Breed with my co-judges agreement. 2. Wilson's Northstaff Notorious. Slightly smaller black brindle with a lovely short body. Another good puppy but he didn't have the body and leg length of the winner. His head is very strong but not as clean right now as 1. This could change. He too moved freely and with such confidence for such a young dog. His handler did a great job. 3. Boyle's Kargonstaffs Katana. A leggier puppy who has still to mature but all the essentials are there. Very well shaped strong head gives a good first impression. He's sound in body with a straight front and a good head to leg ratio. He should mature into a very good dog of the type I favour. R. Brandon's Jodanzac Red Gunner. 1. Butler's Nettleworth None The Wiser. Stylish black brindle with a classy clean outline. I liked him a lot. His head is stronger than I thought on first inspection. It's clean cut with no wrinkles or lippiness. Eye placement and ear carriage enhance the picture. He outshone the others in this class with his body profile, every part being in proportion and balance with no exaggerations. His movement, probably because of youthful exhuberance was erratic at times but I saw enough to be satisfied that it was sound. He should have a good future in the show ring. 2. Owen's Tagstane Tomahawk. A much stronger boned black brindle who was also in very good condition. He looked a picture standing, both front on and in profile. His length of leg is spot on for his size. Like the winner he too is short coupled and compact. He wasn't too keen when I placed my hands on his hindquarters. Hopefuly he will, with ring practice get over this. His movement was fine being free and easy. 2 lovely young dogs who will be slugging it out for top honours for some years yet. 3. Rogers & Slack's Berrystock Hawker Tempest. Another lovely young dog with a really powerful head. He's a lovely standard sized specimen who for me excels in body. My personal preference is for a slightly less powerful head but I couldn't deny him this placing. His movement was confident and he was well handled. Another I feel we will be hearing a lot more about. R. Calonge's Diamonds Of Blanch Knock-Out. 1. Jansson's Harrystaff's Yukon. I was most impressed by this black brindle.A dog of exceptional quality who was expertly handled. In my notes I wrote "classy dog on first look" and indeed he was. His head has that sculpted look that makes the dog appear so typy. Clean cut, good eye placement and ear carriage all making the perfect picture. All of this blends in with the clean lines of his well conditioned body. This dog was a serious contender for top honours today and might well reach the top. Good luck with him. 2. Schack's On The Highway To Hell Great 'N Glory. Apart from his head which was a bit much for my taste I thought this was a really stylish dog shown in immaculate condition and so well handled. His body proportions were what made him stand out - he was so classy looking in profile being very short coupled and compact. He moved round the ring effortlessly. A lovely dog unlucky to meet 1 today. 3. Zibolka & Kolassa's Blazenstaff's Enchanted Snowflake. Predominately white dog with red markings. An appealing dog who unfortunately lacked a bit of animation. He's top size and hasn't matured as much as 1 and 2 but has many good qualities. He possesses a strong head of good shape and has a lovely expession. His body is stylish and was in good condition He just lacked a bit of spark on this occasion. R. Kilbride's Briganah Black Diamond. 1. Van Egmond's Old Cross Guns Let's Talk About Sex. A black brindle with a piercing expression who didn't make it easy for his handler. He has an athletic shape and was in hard muscular condition. His head is shapely with good eye placement and he used his ears all the time. He has a straight boned true front and moved showing some power. A really good dog and I liked him a lot. 2. Berto's Easy Dream Personal Jesus. Very close decision. I admired the overall balance of this black brindle of good size. His head is clean and with a fair length of muzzle. He carries a bit more weight of bone than the winner and he too moved well. 3. Cooper's Kirniastaff The Black Spot. Top size pied. On first glance he looks a bit plain but on closer inspection displays some virtues. I particularly liked his body viewed from the side. His head has still to develop but should improve and when he got into his stride he moved well. R. Harris' Caymenstaffs Big Ben. 1. Briting's Danish Angels Flaming Star. An exceptionaly fit black brindle who just never stopped showing. His owner deserves such credit for getting him into this condition. He's a very sound overall package. He's of standard size with a well sculpted head and a piercing expression. Every time I looked at him he was looking straight back at me! His ear carriage distracts somewhat but I could forgive him that. He's short and compact and he moved very well. A proper stafford! 2. Saunt's Alport Rocket Man. This black brindle might have pushed the winner much harder had he made even a tiny effort to behave. As it was it was difficult to assess him although I was sure he was a good 'un. His head is of the type I look for and he has a short coupled compact body. He made it difficult for his handler all the way but I saw enough to award him 2nd place. On another day who knows? 3. Arntzen & Osterem's Catstaff`S Bloodstream. A taller dog than 1 and 2 but appealing nonetheless. He has a good straight front and a shapely head in proportion to his body. He was shown fit and moved accordingly - with some purpose. I felt he needed to mature somewhat and then could be a stronger challenger. R. Williams' Illori Back Chat. 1. Johnson's Shine On My Crazy Diamond At Nikkylestaff. I'd never seen or even heard of this stunning brindle dog but he simply blew me away. Showing outstanding balance and shape he shone in this class. I loved his mature well - filled head and expression and was constantly drawn towards him. His handler told me hadn't been shown a lot but I hope this changes from now on as he deserves a good crack at making a big impression. For me, he's the right make and shape as his head and body proportions are ideal . He's just turned 3 years old and already looks the finished article. Not only does he look correct in profile and head on but he moved effortlessly. Simply a lovely dog who was in shining condition. I'll be watching out for him and wish him every success. 2. Turner's Quatros Ironclad Buddy JW. I've judged this young brindle and white dog already at Blackpool where I awarded him BPIB and wasn't disappointed with him today. He was shown in lovely bloom, he's matured well and his fitness has certainly improved! I really like his head of good proportions - nothing overdone with a body in balance. His coat is exemplary and was shining today. He was unlucky to meet such a good dog as 1 today who's size I preferred. 3. Fallows' Caymenstaffs Stitch Mi Boy. Good sized brindle with white chest which I thinks distracts. He's a good sound dog,well boned and very typy. His head is well shaped and mature and he's got a good strong body. I enjoyed his animation - a huge bonus in a stafford. R. Murray & Fawkes' Antrelleda Squadron Leader. 1. Asberg's Kronsaters Midnight. This was quite a difficult class to sort out. My winner was a top size black brindle with the most glorious head. Best so far today. In profile he looked fabulous showing a level topline, short coupling and strong hindquarters. Front on he looks a bit immature and leggy. Time will hopefully put this right but he's a classy dog with real style as he demonstrated on the move. 2. Rowbotham's Elitebull Black And Brass JW. Of different type to my winner but another lovely black brindle and one I've judged before where I awarded him a first prize. Very compact dog with all parts in balance giving him a great outline standing and on the move. Great clean head on good neck and shoulders. It was oh so close between him and the winner and it was the only time today I nearly changed my mind and switched them. Another top quality dog. 3. Crosby's Quatros Red Archibald. Red and another I've judged before. On that occasion I suggested to the owner that the dog needed to be much fitter and I was delighted to find him in sparkling nick today. Another with a lovely close fitting coat which today gleamed. He hasn't quite got the head shape I was looking for but shows no sign of wrinkle or lippiness. His body is stylish - short and sturdy - which was evident on the move and his handler did a sterling job. R. campbell & Irvine's Diamondstaff Jack N Black. 1. Allsopp's Rubericla Trailbreaker. An outstanding dog in outstanding condition. The first thing that struck me was his animation - he was on his toes all through the class, the epitome of vitality. He's of standard size with every part in balance. He has such a typical expression with a cleanly defined head, correctly placed eyes and ears (which he makes great use of) clean lips and of course a correct mouth with good big teeth. He has a perfect weight of bone and a straight front. His body is exemplary being short, compact and in hard condition. When he gets into his stride his movement is easy and free flowing but at times his exhuberance causes him to move erratically behind (although his handler can correct this by walking him at the correct pace). Every time I glanced his way he looked just right showing what great confirmation he possesses. The perfect staffordshire bull terrier doesn't exist but, for me, this boy comes close. Wish he was mine! CC. I hope his third won't be far away. 3. Asker's Dazmarnic Cetewayos Kraal. Red and white who didn't catch my eye at first. It was in profile where he excelled although he looked a bit heavier when viewed front on and hence (to me anyway) less apppealing. His movement reflected his conformation and helped win him this deserved placing in a competitive class. R. Baldwin's Elitebull Night Mission. 1. Robb's Ch Caymenstaffs Blackthorn. Huge competitive class where a lot of good dogs left the ring cardless. To help me sort it out I had to cut the numbers twice. I counted at least 8 dogs I might have awarded first prize. The winner is a beautifully proportioned black brindle in gleaming coat who is bang on for type. He has a clean superbly defined head with a great expression. His body although fully mature could have been more defined which was the only disappointment and cost him in the ultimate challenge for the big green card. Fine margins can make a huge difference at this level. He showed enough class here for me to award him 1st place and later RCC. 2. Lahadova's Danny G Fransimo Bohemia. Fabulous red dog I hadn't been aware of before today. He was SO close to winning this class. A dog who was shown in exemplary condition which is a huge credit to his owner. I admired his well defined and proportioned head on a strong neck which flowed into really good shoulders and onto one of the best bodies on view today. Looking down on him from behind was a treat. His strongly muscled hindquarters propelled him round the ring with such purpose and drive. I preferred the head shape of 1 but it was a close decision. Great dog. 3. McLelland's Ch Rochlawie Behold The Hour JW. A favourite of mine to whom I awarded a CC when he was younger. My opinion of him hasn't changed. He still shows all the qualities I saw back then - splendid head, body and movement. The deciding factor today was his lack of animation. I thought his performance today was a bit lacklustre. He's been to a lot of shows picking up some impressive awards over the past few years and he looked less than excited to be in the ring today. Well worthy champion nonetheless who managed to beat a good few more lovely dogs. R. Higham's Ch Callastaff Lakeland Lad. 1. Hawken's Carfury Bal Dhu JW. I certainly didn't expect to find such a classy dog in this class. I'm not being disrespectful to the others when I say he won by a large margin. I've judged him a while back and thought then what a lovely package he is. I love his head. It's so well shaped and expressive with a defined stop, lovelyround dark eyes and ears showing off his alertness. He's a cobby brindle and white with a lovely short coat. He was really well handled and when asked to move he did so in such a happy alert manner he gave me a lift near the end of a long day. He didn't look a jot out of place in the final line up. Lovely dog. 2. Rowe & South's Illori Akinlana JW SHCM. Rangier type with a smart head but slightly longer muzzle than 1. Overall a good dog showing strong body shape and very good conformation and movement. Showing strongly to the end. A credit to his handler. 3. Harris & Rowe's Illori Azizi. Litter brother to 1 and a slightly smaller package. Stylish outline but again not the head shape of the winner. He seemed a bit less animated then the first two but did enough to merit this placing. Again sensitively handled at the end of what must have been a gruelling day. R. Buchan's Happystaff Black Sabbath. |
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