Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland
Championship Show Sat 4th September 2021 Wiston Lodge Biggar
Judge:
Mrs Ann Danabie (Glendaruel)
I would like to thank The Flatcoated Retriever Club of Scotland for the invitation to judge at their recent Championship Show. The show was originally scheduled to take place in April at Lanark but due to the pandemic was rescheduled for September at an outdoor venue. This country venue seemed popular with exhibitors as the area had plenty of room for exercise in a safe environment with only exhibitors and lodge employees present. My only criticism was that the ground was difficult in places and movement was not as easy to assess as at an indoor venue but those exhibits with true driving movement prevailed in the large ring.
It is a great honour, privilege and responsibility to judge at championship level and award CCs and I would sincerely thank those exhibitors who travelled to the show at this uncertain time as I was not sure if anyone would actually enter and attend! I know that there are now many opportunities to exhibit all over the UK and it can be a long journey to Scotland for many exhibitors.
The quality of the entry was without question of the highest standard and I was spoilt for choice with my C C line up in both dogs and bitches. Since my last appointment I noticed an improvement in head shape and eye colour but the rather long uneven grass did not allow for assessment of feet. I also prefer to assess mouth and teeth myself but of course had to rely on the exhibitor opening the dog's mouth. I am not a mouth fanatic and believe there are much more important points in a working breed but I did notice that the scissor bite was not as normal as when I previously judged but mouths do change sometimes as dogs mature and of course dogs pick up honourable injuries when working.
My CC and RCC winners showed excellent conformation, head quality and wonderful movement. It was a joy to watch them flow, with drive, round the ring despite the uneven ground. A fit, well made dog can move effortlessly anywhere.
When judging the dogs for the CC I was torn between the winners of the Champion Class, the Veteran Class and the Open Class. These three dogs were outstanding in every way and in the end I could not deny the lovely veteran as he was so full of quality and his free flowing stylish movement won him the day.
The bitch CC line up was equally full of quality and my winner from the limit class, which was full of outstanding quality, has everything to make her a champion. I also awarded her B I S as her overall balance, good construction and movement were perfect. She was also handled to perfection, well done.
I hope both dog and bitch attain their well deserved titles.
Best Puppy was a handsome liver puppy who won this ward as his correct conformation showed through in his outstanding driving moment, could not believe a pup this young could produce this type of movement. I shall be watching this outstanding boy and his litter sister with interest.
PUPPY DOG 1 (1)
JUNIOR DOG 0
YEARLING DOG 2 (0)
1st
Egginton's Pajanbeck Shall We Dance. 19 months old dog so well balanced throughout with beautiful outline, gorgeous head with correct dark eye. Correct well placed shoulders. Moved very well for one so young with reach and drive. Shown in lovely coat and condition as one would expect from this exhibitor.
2nd
Reekie's Skyloch Have A Say. This lovely boy is of similar age as first and the same remarks apply to this boy I just preferred the movement of first on the day, sure these boys will change places many times.
MAIDEN DOG 2 (0)
1st McNeill's Finhamspride Cupid. This dog presented a nice outline with good upper arm and well defined brisket and good turn of stifle. Good head shape, shown in good coat and condition, moved well.
2nd Blair's Pick Pocket. Dog presenting a more masculine type. Well balanced head, good deep body and quality bone
GRADUATE DOG 6 (1)
1st Egginton's Rewrite The Stars. 17 month old dog with really beautiful well balanced head with kind dark eye. Lovely outline showing correct confirmation. Shown in good coat and condition. Moved well.
2nd Romeo - Dieste's Hopevalley Morning Circus Lovely well balanced head and eye, level top line, good upper arm angulation, deep body, good turn of stifle. Good bone and feet, shown in good coat.
3rd Reekie's Skyloch Have A Say
POST GRADUATE DOG 5 (2)
1st Douglas' Plainfire's Quintessential Greenbayhill. (Imp Che) Dog with beautiful correct outline. Well balance head with dark eye. Good front angulation with well defined brisket and good turn of stifle, good bone. Shown in good coat. I judged this lovely dog before and was glad to see his movement has improved as this let him down previously.
2nd Fox's Satinbaze Cracksman For Blacktoft JW (AI) Lovely type of well made dog, more workmanlike than first. Well balanced head with dark eye. Good bone, feet and turn of stifle.
3rd McConnell's Kazval Lugano At Torrweaving
LIMIT DOG 7 (3)
1st Bellamy's Woodfinch Masquerade. Dog presenting everything to like in a Flacoat. Well made throughout, well balanced head with dark eye. Very good front assembly with correct upper arm and shoulder placement . Correct turn of stifle. Good bone and feet. Shown in lovely coat and condition.
2nd Ross' Go With The Flow Ebony In Harmony At Qlocontrail (imp NL) . Well made dog presenting a lovely outline with correct conformation, good depth of body with level top line, good turn of stifle. Very good bone, moved very well. Loved his overall picture but, for me, he just lacked the balance of head I was looking and this lost him the first place.
3rd Flynn's Ballyriver Back To Basics
OPEN DOG 5 (0)
This was a super class filled with quality, I was spoilt for choice and I am sure all the dogs, and in particular the first three, could change places at another time.
1st McCormick's Steelriver Suns's Up RCC
The following remarks apply to both first and second as I was splitting hairs between these two as they presented such a similar picture. Well balanced head with kind dark eye, good bone and depth of body, correct front assembly with well defined brisket. Moved very well showing drive and style. Presented in good coat and condition. In the end it was his good tight feet that gave first the edge.
2nd McConnell's Feldkirk Fearghal At Torrweaving
3rd Cooves' Draketor Sea Shanty ShCM
VETERAN DOG 7 (2)
1st
Fox's Black Mica's Likes It Hot At Blacktoft J W (imp Swe) DCC , This dog filled my eye the minute he entered the ring, he showed such class and style and moved round the ring with flowing reach and drive holding level top line, and for me, everything a Flatcoat should be. I was not disappointed when I went over him, great front with well defined brisket, quality head with kind dark eye. Good quality bone and feet. Shown in great coat especially for a veteran. So pleased to award him the CC.
2nd McKenzie's Aricdell Leonidas At Damashi Another super dog, well made throughout, more workmanlike type. Lovely head and eye, deep well made body and spring of rib, good bone. Moved very well, shown in super coat.
3rd Davis' Pajanbeck Rumour Has It
SPECIAL LIVER DOG 2 (1)
1st Varity-Lindsay's Levliann Wanted For You. Beautiful liver pup 10 months old. Presented a lovely outline with excellent confirmation throughout. Correct front assembly with good angulation and great brisket into good reach of neck. His head has overall length, to be critical I would prefer a softer expression but I know this is not easy in a liver with the normal lighter eye. Correct turn of stifle which allowed this boy to move fluidly round with real drive. His outstanding movement won him the
Best Puppy over the bitch. I do hope he has many more awards in the future.
CHAMPION DOG 1 (0)
1st
Stevenson's Sh Ch Plainfire's The Captain Of My Heart Is Steelriver (imp CHE) ShCex. This handsome masculine boy is every inch the champion, easy to see why he has his title as his confirmation is superb with correct angulation front and rear. Lovely typical head with dark eye. Deep body, good bone and feet. Moved so well and in great coat. At one with his handler. I found it very difficult to separate this handsome boy from the CC and RCC winner.
PUPPY BITCH 4 (1)
1st Johnston's Kazval Angel In Your Sky Over Feldkirk Such a beautiful well made puppy presenting a typical feminine outline, beautiful head with correct kind dark eye and soft expression. Good front assembly with well pronounced brisket, good turn of stifle. Good quality bone. Moved so well for one so young. Won best bitch puppy over the liver bitch puppy as she had more femininity but lost to dog puppy for Best Puppy as his stronger driving movement gave him the edge.
2nd Stevenson's Blacktoft Caress Of Steelriver Very well made baby with all the essentials. Lovely head with dark eye. Good bone, correct reach of neck from well placed shoulders. Held her level top line on the move.
3rd Williamson's Hoedun Joy Ride To Sandt
JUNIOR BITCH 2 (0)
1st Flynn's Rodsdream She Doesn't Mind 13 month youngster with lovely typical outline with correct overall confirmation front and rear. Good head and correct dark eye. Good bone. Moved very well just needs time.
2nd Gogarty's Padend Just The Way You Are Older youngster displaying correct outline. Well made with correct confirmation front and rear, excels in well defined brisket. Good bone and feet. Moved very well.
YEARLING BITCH 5 (1)
1st Cooves' Pajanbeck I Have A Dream By Draketor 17 month bitch with beautiful head, kind dark eye with soft expression. Good bone and feet. Her correct conformation allowed for free accurate movement keeping her level top line on the move.
2nd McDonald's Skyloch Final Say 19 month bitch with lovely head and dark eye. Good bone and feet. Good reach of neck from well placed shoulders. Moved well.
3rd Gogarty's Pandend Just The Way You Are
MAIDEN BITCH 3 (1)
1st Stevenson 's Blacktoft Caress Of Steelriver Stylish bitch with typical outline with level top line. Nice front with good angulation and well defined brisket. Good head and dark eye. Very good bone . Moved well.
2nd Hoedun Joy Ride To Sandti
GRADUATE BITCH 4 (1)
1st Rattray's Rotherfield Another Time. Bitch with really lovely outline showing off her excellent conformation displaying correct front and rear angulation. Good well shaped head with dark typical eye. Good bone and moved well keeping topline. In the challenge for RCC she just stood out for her overall balance and conformation, every time I looked at the line up she was standing in perfect balance and never seemed to need to be moved into a better position, very well handled.
2nd Egginton's Pajanbeck Georgy Girl. Quality bitch who I have judged and liked previously. Today she appeared less mature than winner. Good outline with excellent reach of neck and required turn of stifle. Good deep body. Beautiful head and eye with correct soft expression. Moved well and shown in lovely coat and condition. Another bitch well handled.
3rd Westoncruive Black Aurora
POST GRADUATE BITCH 4 (1)
1st McNeill and Boyd's Kazval Maid In Manhattan For Glennlokhen. Bitch with lovely correct outline and confirmation displaying good front and rear angulation and well defined brisket. Good well shaped head with dark eye with kind expression. Good bone. Would prefer tighter movement which hopefully will come with maturity.
2nd Cowan's Draketor Dartmoor Beauty With Andwalls Loved this beautiful bitch, so well made with correct conformation with good bone and tight feet. Such a beautiful head and expression. Moved very well at one with handler. This bitch is everything one would want in a flatcoat but unfortunately she was carrying too much weight over the shoulders which spoilt her outline today. Hope she gets back to full fitness soon as she deserves top awards.
3rd Ball's Pure Genius At Champunzie
LIMIT BITCH 8 (2)
This was a superb class of top quality bitches and I was spoilt for choice, such a pleasure to judge such quality.
1st Hightyne Ramblin Rose. Lovely bitch presenting perfect outline and movement without any exaggerations. Super well balanced head with kind dark eye. Correct upper arm and shoulder placement and well defined brisket. Good deep body with correct spring of rib. Quality bone and coat. Good turn of stifle and tight feet. Moved with real drive and style. Never put a foot wrong and so well handled and presented. Pleased to award her the well deserved CC and BIS. Hope it isn't before long she attains her well deserved title.
2nd McDonald's Steelriver Dance In The Sun At Skyloch. Bitch I have judged and liked a lot previously. Bitch full of quality and type. Lovely outline with correct angulation, good spring of rib and depth of body. Super head with dark eye and kind expression. Good feet, bone and movement. Moved very well, she pushed winner hard for first place.
3rd Fox's Blacktoft Dancing The Blues
OPEN BITCH 7 (2)
1st Burr 's Woodfinch Rubha Innis Of Scheindubh Quality bitch with everything to like from her good head and eye to her tight feet and excellent bone. Well made throughout from her front angulation to her correct turn of stifle. Moved well holding her topline.
2nd Flynn's Simon Says Home To The Castle (imp Nor) Sorry this bitch was so out of coat today. Correct type with lovely outline. Correct front angulation showing good upper arm placement and well defined brisket. Lovely head with dark eye. Moved very well.
3rd Wright's Lacsar Tequila Mockingbird (IKC)
VETERAN BITCH 3 (0)
1st
Egginton's Pajanbeck Tears In Heaven Beautiful 8 year old showing a well balanced outline with good upper arm and shoulder placement leading to lovely head with correct dark eye colour and shape. Another with correct well defined brisket. Moved with style and drive and shown in good coat and condition.
2nd
Grant"s Rotherfield Time To Dream 7 year old with beautiful head, dark eye showing kind expression. Good front with well defined brisket. Quality bone with good feet another moving so well on the day.
3rd
Stevenson's Blacktoft Misty Blue Steelriver
SPECIAL OPEN LIVER BITCH 1 (0)
1st Varity-Lindsay's Levliann Wait For Rainbows. 10 month old pup, litter mate to BPIS, well moulded long head from good reach of neck. Beautiful outline showing a well constructed body with correct quality bone, well angulated upper arm and shoulder placement, well defined brisket. Correct turn of stifle. Moved with drive and style.
CHAMPION BITCH 0
E Ann Danabie
Thirty Fifth Anniversary Stakes Classes
Judge: Mrs Maureen Scott (Branchalwood)
I felt honoured to be asked to judge the 2 stakes classes, which were well supported, giving me some quality dogs to go over. The committee must be congratulated on finding such a super outdoor venue in an idyllic setting. The atmosphere throughout the show was happy and friendly.
SPECIAL BEGINNERS STAKES (9)
1/ McConnell’s FELDKIRK FERGHAL AT TORWEAVING (ShCM)
This young man had a lovely outline both standing and on the move, he has a good headshape with dark eye. Good lay of shoulder, bone and feet. Level topline, muscled quarters and moved well.
2/ Grant’s WESTONCRUIVE BLACK TORNADO
Another nice male with balanced head and nice eye. Strong neck and topline, well muscled quarters. He has good shoulder placement, bone and feet, deep in chest, moved well.
3/ Reekie’s SKYLOCH HAVE A SAY
This young man is only 19 months old and at his first show due to lockdown. He shows a lot of promise for the future. Lovely one piece head, dark eye, good shoulders , bone and feet. Moderate bend of stifle, well muscled quarters and good movement.
MEMBERS OPEN STAKES (20)
1/ McDonald’s STEELRIVER DANCE IN THE SUN AT SKYLOCH.
This bitch just oozes quality, she has a lovely moulded head and dark eye with soft gentle expression. She has good shoulder placement and length to upper arm, good bone and feet. Good reach of neck flowing in to strong topline and good tailset. Well muscled with moderate bend of stifle, in lovely coat and condition. She shows effortless, ground covering movement.
2/ McCormick’s STEELRIVER SUN’S UP
Upstanding dog with well moulded head and almond shaped, dark eye. He has good lay of shoulder, good bone and excellent tight feet. Strong neck and topline, moderate bend of stifle, well muscled, especially his second thigh, something not often seen now.His movement was good with forward reach and drive.
3/ Fox’s BLACKTOFT DANCIN THE BLUES
Lovely, typy bitch with good head, almond shaped dark eye and gentle expression. She has a good lay of shoulder, good upper arm, level topline. Well muscled quarters, sound, free mover.
Maureen Scott (Branchalwood)