Crufts 2007

bitches What an honour to judge at this most prestigious show, the whole day was amazing. I had some really quality bitches to go over and in some classes decisions were hair splitting. I was looking for a racy, well balanced bitch with free flowing, driving movement. I did find one or two quite boxy in appearance, which of coarse altered their movement. Tail carriages have vastly improved, which is credit to the breeders. One point of concern were pendulous flews, giving the appearance of the muzzle to that of an English setter. Coats I know are difficult in bitches, sadly some were out of coat, in others the body coat lacked lustre and general condition, too much bathing and not enough brushing with a bristle brush too increase body oils. On a positive note there are some beautiful young bitches whose journey I will look forward too following.

V (22,6) Fabulous class my first 4 all a great credit too the breed. 1 Limpus’ Sh Ch Shenanagin that’s it to Karidell. One I gave a first too as a puppy what a delight to go over her in her twilight years. At 10 she can really show the youngsters how to move. Classic head, eye shape long arched neck body proportionate. Good angulations, neat feet. I was delighted to award her Rcc. 2 King Sh Ch Kirkavagh Kooyonga. In excellent coat, beautiful top line, good angulations preferred the head and expression of first. 3 Powis Sh Ch Amberwave Dazzle. Unlucky to meet 1&2 lovely profile, good angulations a little down on pasterns today.

P (13,2) 1 Willis-Jackwilins’ Miss Dashwood at 9mths what a baby moved so gaily and true for one so young. Dark coat. Gorgeous head shape, correct eye shape and dark colour. Well arched neck, deep chest, well balanced for her age. 2 Bott’s Bardonhill Blonde moment. Not at one with her handler today but other wise I predict a bright future. Sweet head and expression, good angulations. Good arched toes. 3 Naylor & Morrison’s Anlory Durize,12mths very clean body lines, good angulations, preferred head and expressions of 1&2.

J (13,2) A lovely class of youngsters. 1 Chorley-Newton & Chorley’s Outfoxed by Kerryfair JW. This bitch really caught my eye one I would love to own, Presented in lovely dark coat and condition (very much like her sire) Long lean head, arched neck, well balanced body strength over the loins. Good angulations, tail well set Moved freely. One for the top draw. 2 Heron’s Caskey Happy Hour. Close to first but I preferred the tail set of 1st. Lovely head, expression, excellent length neck, she is mature in body.good angulations. 3 O-Connor’s Caispern Miss Eyre Alittle bit bigger than one and two. Not so settled on the move. Dark coat. Good balance and angulations’.

Y (35,3) 1 Condron-Scotsla Memphis Belle at Corvarney. Headed a fabulous class so many quality bitches, I was quite taken with this little madam. She moved around the ring as if she owned it. Shown in fabulous coat ,condition. She is well balanced and racy. Lovely head shape low set ears.Long arched neck set into the withers. Deep chest. Another one with a bright future. 2 King Kirkavagh Pimera. Unlucky to meet first, though her coat was not her fortune today. Another one for the top draw as she is so soundly constructed. And has a gorgeous head and expression. 3 Ellis’ Brayville Love Affair. Same comments apply as she is such a nice type these top 3 will change places on many occasions. For me today she was heavy on the shoulders.

UG (30,2) 1 Bott’s Bardonhill Cutie. At 2yrs she is beautifully balanced. Moved soundly, she just lacks that extra driving movement. Lovely head eye shape, colour. Carries her top line well. Good angulations neat feet. 2 Henderson’s Wickenberry gazelle, different type lovely head. Well arched neck good angulations, Not the tail set of first. 3 Cowell & Stewart’s Cook’s Dawnglo Cinderella. In good coat and feathers,has good angulations neat feet.

G (22,4) Another class of high quality. 1 Henderson’s Sametsuz Secret Affair JW. Gorgeous head expression. Good length neck level top line. Deep chest, strong in the loin stifles well bent and well developed second thigh, Moved with great drive, To be critical, I would prefer a darker coat. 2 Gurney’s Danaway Isadora. Much smaller and compact but everything in the right balance. She moved very well. Sweet head, expression, good angulations. Neat feet. 3 Hall’s Glennara Klipspringer Jw. Nice oval skull.good expression. Nice top line. Not quite the balance of one & two.

PG (22,4) 1 Hirons’ Loskeran Larch. A lovely bitch, Has excellent balance and angulations, deep chest. Tail well set, moved superbly. Shown in first class coat condition that won her the class. 2 Hillocks’s Jonola Liberty JW. This bitch is quite stunning she has a fabulous head expression, sadly today she had left her coat at home. That was necessary to win this class. 3 Walsh’s Millcroft Moonballard, lovely head good arch neck. Good angulations.All top three moved so well covering the ground with lovely strong driving action.

Mid-L 1 Limpus’ Karidell Endless Kiss JW. 4yrs. Long lean head with lovely skull shape and brow giving her a wistful expression. Well arched neck superb angulations, deep chest well set tail. 2 Waterton’s Lynwood Strands of silk at Sand stream JW. Darker coat to first, but preferred the head of one. She is a lovely type and was beautifully presented will be unlucky if she does not get made up. 3 Dale-wyer-Aubajon Celtic Spirit. Different type to first two, classic head shape dark eye. Very well constructed and moved very well. Would prefer tighter feet.

L (12) 1 Cregan’s Wishingtree Golden Legacy This bitch caught my eye shown in lovely coat and condition. Long lean head, almond eye shape. Excellent angulations. Sadly her croup is not her fortune which detracts from a n otherwise level top line. 2 King’s Jumilla JW. Fabulous clean lines and beautifully presented which one expects from this kennel sadly though she had left her coat behind. Classic head expression. 3 McLarnon’s Nortamber Baccarat via Kerryfair JW. A nice type all round but would prefer a better tail set

. O (19,8) This was the best class of the day some simply stunning bitches most in top condition. 1 Hunter & Brown’s Sh Ch Braidmount Geisha Girl. My notes say certainly "Memoires of a Geisha" This bitch was in the most amazing coat and condition it had a lustre second to none and with just a little bit of movement, She was handled superbly and was at one with her owner. Gorgeous head shape, (would prefer her eye shape to be more almond) well arched neck set well at the withers,deep chest, level top line, excellent shoulders, strong at the loins well set tail. Good bend of stifle, well developed second thigh. Neat feet, moved with drive from the rear and with the correct amount of extension at the fore, I was delighted to award her the CC of which in this present condition she will gain many more. Congratulations. 2 Henderson’s Sh Ch Sametsuz Honey Trap. Fabulous clean outline and so beautifully balanced moved superbly. Unlucky to meet first in such amazing condition. 3 Van Hal- Germ/Lux/D Ch Charmain of the Travelin star. This bitch caught my eye she is lovely to go over, everything is in the right place and she has a gorgeous head one I contended for the class, sadly she lacked sparkle and drive on the move, I think the long journey had taken its toll.

F-Trial (4,3) 1 Dunroon Sunbright.

Gd cit (15) 1 Cowell & Stewart’s Cook-Dawnglo Tinkerbell. Nice head and expression , deep chest, well bent stifles would prefer better croup. 2 Martin’s Silvagem pearl of the orient –11mths, good coat for age. Long neck good angulations. 3 Stephenson-Drumwhaur Heart of Gold. Nice head expression in good coat. I was in full agreement that the dog Sh Ch Thendara Don Corleone be declared BOB He is a quality dog in all departments and moves well with great drive. He showed very well in the group to represent our breed.

Ms Viveca Vamplew

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