The Scottish Kennel Club (October Show)

Judges Critiques

Mr S KINSELLA

Judging:

A huge thank you to Scottish Kennel Club for invitation to judge Newfoundland’s at your Championship show at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston. I was made to feel very welcome and your hospitality was heart-warming. 

To the exhibitors an even bigger thank you for your entries and I know many of you travelled a long way and I want you to know it’s very humbling and so much appreciated.   

I have had this breed for in excess of 30 years and have had the honour to judge them around the world many times and each appointment is a privilege.  I have to say despite the lovely atmosphere around ringside there were some people that showed poor taste in and out of the ring.  This is a competition and you enter for an opinion, nothing more nothing less. As I said I have had this breed more than half my life and I am hugely passionate about them. I judge each and every exhibit to the breed standard without deviation.  When I enter a ring I am conscious of the current state of the breed and each exhibit I assess I consider what attributes this dog has that can help or hinder the breed and I place accordingly.  I have never,  nor will I ever judge anything only the dog in front of me.  I am here not to make friends or play political games, regardless of what pressures are bestowed on me I will always be true to this breed …100%!

It has been six years since I judged in the UK and it was so nice to see so many familiar faces, many I have known decades.   I have to mention one person in Particular, Mrs Anne Springthorpe (Millthorpe Newfoundlands ) I have known Anne over 20  years and a more genuine kind person you will never meet.  Her caring attitude every time I see her humbles me and it would do any exhibitor good to emulate her professionalism and sportsmanship.  A true Newfoundland person with a lifetimes experience in the breed and its always an honor to be in her company.

Overall I was massively concerned and a little saddened that a huge percentage of the dogs present today have lost breed type.  From the entry at least half were slab sided with pinched chests, no spring of rib, upright in shoulder, narrow skulls and poor dentition. Lacking bone and overall poorly constructed and lacking typical breed specific movement.  I have heard a lot lately of particular types and it infuriates me.  There is one breed standard and one type … the correct one.  Because a dog deviates from correct type does not mean we can create a new mold to fit it in to make it correct and call it “The other type”

Head type in so many resembles a Labrador more than a Newfoundland.  The Newfoundland’s head is such an important part of the overall picture of this gentle giant, it should give that unmistakable gentle expression and ooze kindness.  

Size again is becoming an issue and I think in part this is due to the original breed standard being adapted by different Kennel Clubs, the removal of the word massive in my opinion was detrimental to the breed.  Great size should never be penalized as long as they are symmetrically balanced.  That said I judged and placed smaller dogs on breed type over larger less typical specimens as I believe it’s a lot easier breed size into a line than type.  

Presentation was disappointing in a lot with many badly matted and generally unkempt.  Many had incorrect open coats lacking protection from the elements. 

That said I was delighted with my main winners and was proud that they represented true Newfoundland type. 

BEST OF BREED : 265 BLAKE, Ms S Ch Sandbears Masterpiece
Dog CC : 265 BLAKE, Ms S Ch Sandbears Masterpiece
Res Dog CC : 305 RYAN, Mrs J Newfangled Shenanigans
Bitch CC : 274 DOBBIN, Mr WILLIAM & DOBBIN, MRS Amanda Brooklynbear Wisteria
Res Bitch CC : 272 DAVIS, Ms N Schimo's Joan Jett at Sasquatch
Best Puppy : 273 DAVIS, Ms N Sasquatch Dream your dreams
Best Veteran : 305 RYAN, Mrs J Newfangled Shenanigans
Best Special Beginner : 304 RUSSELL, Mrs Karen Zentaur Fizzical Damage

Class 137 PD (5 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 286 JENKINS, Mrs Michelle & SLAUGHTER, Ms Rachael James Bear of Geletsland (IMP SK) TAF NAF

Good size with excellent bone, good skull to muzzle proportions, dark eyes, correct ears, pleasing overall head type.  Nice reach of neck, good depth of chest and acceptable width for age. Presented a balances outline with level topline, correct croup and tail set. Nice overall angulation and presented and handled well. Covered the ground well on the move. 

2nd: 289 LEECH, Mrs Pamela & MOIR, Miss Angela Elgrandbear Razz Ma Taz

Slightly smaller than one but good overall balance. Very young so head needs to develop.  Slightly narrow at present and lacking development of superciliary brows.  Good eye shape and colour but a little loose at present.  Prefer slightly smaller ears.  Was impressed with his overall angulation front and rear with very good upper arm and shoulder.  Bone to match his size and held his topline well. Moved well and presented in super coat and condition. 

3rd: 285 IRVINE, Mrs Kirsten & IRVINE, Mr John Royleway Jester
Res: 280 GOODWIN, Mr D Valhalabears Jedi Returns
VHC:

Class 138 JD (6 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 268 CHAPMAN, Mrs Lyn Nandobears You'll Never Walk Alone (IMP DEU) (AZ4)

Super Balanced youngster loved his overall type. Head is well developed with Dark expressive eyes and tight fitting lids. Lovely development for his age with true Newfoundland expression. Strong powerful teeth with correct dentition.  Presented a lovely balanced outline with good reach of neck into a good well-made front, nice depth and width of chest for age, short loin and just enough bend of stifle.  Strong hocks which he used well on the move. Beautifully presented and handled. 

2nd: 288 LEECH, Mrs Pamela & LEECH, Mr Gary Nandobears Yabba Dabba Doo at Mileoak

Litter brother to 1 and very similar, slightly larger but didn’t have the skull development. Dark expressive eyes. Nice muzzle proportions and good strong correct dentition. Lovely outline, balanced with correct front and rear construction.  Good bone all through with correct rib development for age and nice feet. Moved out well with positive correct strides.  Good coat and presentation.  I have no doubt these two will changes places a lot as they grow. 

3rd: 263 BLACKBURN, Mrs Michelle Disaranto A Perfect Match (Imp Pol)
Res: 286 JENKINS, Mrs Michelle & SLAUGHTER, Ms Rachael James Bear of Geletsland (IMP SK) TAF NAF
VHC: 285 IRVINE, Mrs Kirsten & IRVINE, Mr John Royleway Jester

Class 139 PGD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 293 MAIN, Mr W ELGRANDBEAR COASTAL STORM

Well grown male with good skull to muzzle proportions. A little loose in eye but shape and colour was excellent.  Good dentition, correct ear set and carriage. Pleasing expression.  Had good static balance but needs a shade more neck, super chest development with good upper arm and shoulder. Strong back and correct croup and tail set. Good rear angulation which showed in his movement. Liked his bone and correct feet very much and he was in good coat and presented well. 

2nd: 304 RUSSELL, Mrs Karen Zentaur Fizzical Damage

Well grown with good balance, looked impressive in profile. Liked his head to muzzle proportions very much. Had a pleasing expression with kind eye and good bite. Would prefer a shade more neck but he has lovely shoulder and upper arm and well developed chest.  Good bone and feet correct loin, good croup and tail set.  Rear angulation to match his front which on the move gave him good reach and drive.  A very nice youngster in good coat and presented and handled well.  

3rd: 276 DRAKEFORD, MR MARTIN MISSISSIPPI-MISSOURI WALKING MY ANGEL
Res:
VHC:

Class 140 LD (6 Entries) Abs: 1

This was a strong class with some lovely dogs with lovely breed type in profile.  Many however were pinched in chest and stood east-west. 

1st: 294 MCINTYRE, Mrs Nicole & MCINTYRE, Mr John Shirebears Enchanter For Edbear

This dog impressed me as soon as he entered the ring.  He shouts breed type and reminded me of some of the dogs of the past.  He is well grown with impressive bone all through. Loved his head proportions with slightly arched crown, correct superciliary brows,  dark expressive clean eyes, strong muzzle perfectly proportioned with his skull and well developed cheeks.  He has good reach of neck into lovely upper arm and shoulder.  Chest is deep but still needs to broaden a little more as he tends to stand a little lazy in front. Strong back into correct rear with just the right bend to stifle with strong short hocks. On the move he had good extension and drive.  Presented in beautiful condition and handled sympathetically.  A really lovely dog with a kindness of expression that sadly the breed is losing. 

2nd: 313 TURNER, Mrs Janet Newfangled Roodimental at Torbenpaws

Beautiful type dog with super breed characteristics. Has a beautiful head with pleasing skull to muzzle proportions. Lovely clean dark eyes, good ear set and carriage. Good reach of neck into a lovely forequarter which was mirrored by his rear resulting in positive movement.  Super bone and chest development.  Lacking some rear furnishings to complete the picture but a really lovely example of the breed. 

3rd: 291 LINDLEY, Ms J M LEGEND I AM CANADIAN BEARDOG FOR LINDGREAVE (Cze I
Res: 311 THOMPSON, Ms Karen Comfortcove You Can Fly to Safeharbour
VHC: 275 DRAKEFORD, MR MARTIN SASQUATCH ZERO TO HERO

Class 141 OD (5 Entries) Abs: 1

Some lovely dogs here that could swap and change on any day.

1st: 265 BLAKE, Ms S Ch Sandbears Masterpiece

What a beautiful dog, not the biggest but he has breed type in abundance. Presented a beautiful outline and didn’t disappoint on inspection.  His head is correctly proportioned with text book measurement from stop to occiput and stop to nose.  Lovely width to the skull and deep clean muzzle. Correct eye shape and colour with just the perfect development of the superciliary brows and cheeks Contribute to a melting expression.  Lovely reach of neck into a super front with correct upper arm and shoulder.  Lovely depth and width to the chest.  Large white chest markings perhaps more than the standard specifies which from a distance may detract from his front. But on hands on inspection everything is as it should be.  He has lovely bone for his size, strong back and level topline, good width across the hips, lovely rear angulation to compliment his front with correct short powerful hocks which boy did he use to his advantage on the move. He strode out beautifully, one of the few dogs here today with width between the hocks as he moved away. Coming towards me he was effortless with typical Newfoundland movement.  He stood out here today and was presented to perfection. I have to compliment his handler on her skills in the ring, standing back and allowing free unimpeded access to asses him.   An absolutely gorgeous dog that oozes type and soundness. It was an absolute pleasure to award him the CC and BOB.

2nd: 310 SPRINGTHORPE, Mrs Anne Ch Millthorpe Mr Rochester JW Sh.CM ShCEx OSW

This dog for me epitomises breed type and holds a special place in my heart.  He has the most gorgeous static balance.  Text book outline and a head that just shouts look at me. Exceptional skull to muzzle proportions with clean dark eyes and strong deep muzzle.  Slightly arched crown and well developed cheeks completes an expression that is all Newfoundland.  Kind gentle benevolence that the breed is famous for. Powerful strong neck into a lovely forequarter with super bone and feet. His chest is deep and barrelled. Strong back and short loin with the best of rears. Lovely coat and presentation complete a striking picture.  He moved out beautifully in the class but in the challenge was showing signs of tiredness. He was handled to perfection and has a bond with his owner that just make your heart smile.  A beautiful pair equally matched in all the best qualities anyone can hope to possess. 

3rd: 262 BLACK, Mrs M Ch Lux Ch Gunnersnewfs Black Desire for Blackcoast
Res: 297 MOIR, Miss A Newgraden's Gold Bullion
VHC:

Class 142 VD (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 305 RYAN, Mrs J Newfangled Shenanigans

Wow, at Seven years old this dog impressed me no end.  He just oozes breed type.  Has the most impressive static balance and on inspection didn’t disappoint.  His head is beautiful with lovely balance of skull and muzzle, losing a bit of substance in the skull now due to age but still retains a beautiful balance. Kind dark deep set eyes, correct brows, clean muzzle with the best of bites.  Beautiful neck, Very good front assembly with super depth and width of chest. Strong powerful back and text book rear angulation.  His bone throughout is impressive and sadly missing in many dogs today.  He was in rock hard physical condition and he would put many of the younger dogs here today to shame on his physical condition. Presented in beautiful coat.  He moved out effortlessly with drive and reach. One of the best dogs in the ring here today.  I loved him and was delighted to award him the Reserve CC and to see him win the veteran working group.  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assess him, an absolute privilege. Best veteran In Breed and Best Veteran Working Group Veteran.

2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC: 

Class 143 SBD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 304 RUSSELL, Mrs Karen Zentaur Fizzical Damage

See No. 2 in Post Graduate. 

2nd: 285 IRVINE, Mrs Kirsten & IRVINE, Mr John Royleway Jester

Just coming up on one year old and will take some time to mature. Nice overall balance to the head with sweet expression and nice eyes. Good ear set.  Good reach of Neck and nice depth to chest but still needs time to broaden.   Bone to match his size.  Presented in good coat and moved out well if a little close.  Will be interesting to see him in 12 months. 

3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 144 GCD (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 304 RUSSELL, Mrs Karen Zentaur Fizzical Damage

See No. 2 in Post Graduate. 

2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 145 PB (4 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 273 DAVIS, Ms N Sasquatch Dream your dreams

Well grown bitch that impressed as soon as she entered the ring. Only a baby but she has everything in proportion. Beautiful static balance. Her head is so pretty with just the correct development at this age, dark deep set clean eyes, correct ear set and carriage.  Beautiful reach of neck flowing into an impressive front with correct shoulder and upper arm. Lovely bone for her size, nice chest development, super strong back and powerful rear quarters. Despite her young age this bitch really impressed me and on the move she didn’t disappoint with far reaching strides and great drive. If the open bitch was not present today this bitch would have challenged for the reserve CC.  I loved her. Best puppy In Breed. Puppy Working group 2nd 

2nd: 315 WEBB, Mrs Hailey Maroteam Ora U Piu Morticia (Imp)

Smaller size than one and doesn’t have the advanced development in head as yet.  Still a baby so all will come in time. Very nice profile but perhaps needs a little more neck. Has lovely front assembly with correct upper arm and shoulder. Nice depth of chest for age but will need time to broaden. Rear angulation matching front well. Presented well and handled sympathetically.  On the move she strode out well but a little close all through.  Just needs time.

3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 146 JB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 279 DUFF, Mr Drew & DUFF, Mrs Anna Titanbears Fallen Angel JW

Well grown bitch with good overall balance. Good skull to muzzle details with dark expressive eye if a shade loose. Good ear set, good bite.  Good depth and width of chest, nice upper arm and shoulder, enough bone for her size.  Like her rear angulation and croup, good tailset.  Moved out well but like one just a little narrow all through and needs time to grow into herself. Presented and handled well. 

2nd: 299 MORGAN, mrs Kimberley Newfangled confidential

This bitch scores on head type, lovely balance all through, dark deep set eyes and correct bite and ear set. Kindest of expressions.  Didn’t quite have the maturity in body of one.  Good neck, pleasing front and rear angulation. Good depth of chest but needs time to broaden.  Movement was positive but a little close. Nice bone for her size. Presented well and handled to get the best out of her. 

3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 147 PGB (8 Entries) Abs: 3
1st: 272 DAVIS, Ms N Schimo's Joan Jett at Sasquatch

This bitch took my eye on entering the ring and all through the class I was drawn to her.  Lovely well grown mature body for her age with an air of importance about her.  Her head is powerful yet feminine with everything balanced, dark deep set eyes and correct ears present a kind mischievous expression. Lovely reach of neck into a super well constructed front with correct upper arm and shoulder. Lovely bone all through, straight strong forelegs, well developed chest. Strong level topline and correct length of loin. Super rear with nice muscle tone. On the move she impressed no end with far reaching strides and powerful drive. She covered the ring with ease and has a lovely ring presence.  She was unlucky to come up against the open bitch winner today.  Presented in super coat and first class presentation with just the right amount of trimming.  A worth Winner of the RCC. 

2nd: 312 THOMPSON, Ms Karen Saskinbears True Blue For Safeharbour JW

Another lovely bitch with super breed type. Her head type impressed with correct proportions, dark expressive eyes, and good ear set. Nice reach of neck and super upper arm and shoulder. Chest is deep yet can still broaden a little more.  Tends to stand close when relaxed, Super bone all through. Level topline, Correct rear.  Movement was good but a shade close. Another lovely bitch Presented to get the best out of her. 

3rd: 302 POPPLE, Mrs Ginny & POPPLE, Dr Mark MILEOAK LOCH NOIR
Res: 267 BLANCHARD, Miss Vikki ValhalaBears Galaxy Star
VHC: 282 MCFARLANE, Mrs S Way To My Dreams Chariboo (IMP POL) (AZ3) at Awebe

Class 148 LB (9 Entries) Abs: 1

This was a difficult class to judge as such a variance.  Many bitches here lacked presentation and with a little effort could present so much better. 

1st: 308 SMITH, Miss L & SMITH, mr J Comfortcove Pixie Dust

This bitch stood out in this class for overall type, balance and presentation.   Well grown but still needs to mature and body up. Has a beautiful head with everything in the right place, kind dark expressive eyes, good bite, ear set and size all contribute to a very pretty expression.  Nice reach of neck and level topline with correct height to length balance. Had good fore and rear quarter construction with bone to match her size.  On the move she showed good reach and drive with minimal effort and looked a picture. Well handled and presented very well.  A lovely bitch which I considered in the challenge, she just needs more time some are late bloomers. 

2nd: 306 RYAN, Mrs J Newfangled Juniper Berry at Elleandre

Very solid female with overall beautiful type. Super head type with nice width of skull correct muzzle proportions, undecided stop dark deep set eyes and correct ears. A little short on neck.  Has a super front assembly with correct depth and width of chest. Strong level back and one of the few with width across the hips, Powerful bone all through. Loved her rear angulation and hocks.  Carrying a little too much weight today but she held it well on the move.  A really lovely bitch of solid type.

3rd: 298 MOIR, Miss A Elgrandbear walkin on water in Newgraden
Res: 314 WEBB, Mrs Hailey Barracechi Limited Edition (ai)
VHC: 281 HARESIGN, Miss Rebecca WILL OF THE EMPEROR'S COULD THIS BE LOVE (IMP ESP)

Class 149 OB (5 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 274 DOBBIN, Mr WILLIAM & DOBBIN, MRS Amanda Brooklynbear Wisteria

This bitch stood out here today, she has lovely breed type in abundance. Such a pretty well proportioned head with lovely skull to muzzle proportions, Clean undecided stop, just enough superciliary brow development, eyes are correct shape and size but a little lite however this didn’t detract from her soft expression. She could benefit from  a shade more neck.  Lovely strong bone with good upper arm and shoulder. Chest is deep but for her age could be a little broader.  Lovely topline and strong loin, super rear construction which she used well on the move with good drive. Presented to perfection and looked a picture. 

2nd: 300 PALLETT, Mrs Sheena Auldmoor first edition for Sheenmarie

A well grown female who looked so well balanced in profile. Head was feminine but a shade narrow, She has good muzzle length and depth and kind dark expressive eyes. Loved her bone, had super depth of chest but a little narrow.  Lovely upper arm and shoulder, strong back and excellent rear assembly. She was fluid on the move with nice reach and drive.  Presented well and a lovely happy character. 

3rd: 301 PALLETT, Mrs Sheena Yulla for Sheenmarie von Baywatch imp Germany JW
Res:
VHC:

Class 150 VB (1 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 
2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC: 

Class 151 SBB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 299 MORGAN, Mrs Kimberley Newfangled confidential

See 2nd in Junior Bitch

2nd: 282 MCFARLANE, Mrs S Way To My Dreams Chariboo (IMP POL) (AZ3) at Awebe

Delighted I got to Critique this bitch as she was in several classes but didn’t make the cut. This bitch is actually a lovely overall type. She has such a pretty type with a lovely head with super proportions.  Lovely dark deep set eye with the kindest expression. Lovely neck and super front and rear assembly.  Has the best bone for her size with a lovely depth of chest.  She didn’t want to move in the earlier classes but as the day went on she came into her own and showed nice action.  This bitch would really benefit from ring craft and some more defined grooming to accentuate her lovely qualities.  I really loved her type and her handler is so sweet with her.  She may be perhaps new to the breed and if so please offer her all the help she needs because this bitch has a lot to offer the breed. 

3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 152 GCB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 309 SMITH, Miss L & SMITH, mr J Newetta's Precious In Brown For Comfortcove JW (Im

Small female with the most gorgeous colour for a brown. She is quite a well-balanced, just a little too fine all through. She has good balance to the head in skull and muzzle measurements but would prefer more development in brow and cheeks, has nice neck, correct upper arm and shoulder, Chest is deep and has good width for her body size. Good rear angulation and level topline.  Very little wrong with this bitch in construction and her movement fitted with her frame, I’d just prefer more of her.  She was presented and handled well. 

2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC: