City of Birmingham Championship Show

Judges Critiques

Mr John Macfall

Judging: Hound Group, Rhodesian Ridgeback

City of Birmingham Canine Association.

Held at Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire.

Thursday 4th of September 2026.

Judge John Mackfall (Africaner).

Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Ring 19.

Judges Critique.

It was an honour to be asked to judge such a prestigious dog show as the City of Birmingham. I was also very happy with the entry number with very few absences. I noticed no health issues over all the dogs entered under me, which is a positive for the breed. I was also very pleased that all the dogs Ridge and Crowns which are the distinctive feature of the breed were all present and correct. In general, the majority held good movement front and rear on the move, with just a few who were either too wide or too close in movement due to shoulder angulation or hips. Also, most top lines were correct with just a few with saggy or sloping top lines when stood and on the move. My placements on the day reflected this. In general, the vast majority of the dogs showed well and were to standard with good temperaments.

As exhibitors may be aware my judging consists of giving each dog the same amount of time in the ring, studying each dog closely without taking my eyes off the dog when it’s their turn to stand and show.  I go over each dog and study its movement, structure, temperament and muscle to ensure we have a dog that is fit for purpose and a credit to the breed. I can hand on heart say that I chose in my view the most correct, able and best examples of the breed on the day as they performed in front of me. However, you all take home the best dog after the show.  Big thank you to Jenny Vincent one of the best ring stewards around she kept the classes moving and ensuring everything went well. 

SBD. (3) 

1st: 2271 NOSSA, Mrs Cristina Kinabula Captain Pugwash. Handsome head with level planes and good breadth and depth of muzzle with a strong lower jaw.  Clean neck to well laid shoulder, good withers and topline.   Good length of ribbing forming a tidy underside. Moved well fore and aft, age-appropriate muscling on his first and second thigh. Future prospect. Handled well, BSB.  2nd: 2296 SPENCER, Mrs Julie Zejak Chinosa. Beautiful red wheaten male with a masculine head with good ear carriage and deep muzzle. Nice level top line moved straight coming and going with correct movement.  3rd: 2267 NEVISON, Mrs Nicky & NEVISON, Mr Jaime Bikquest Helios.

VD. (4:3)

1st: 2247 HOUSE, Mr M J & ARMOUR, MR Richard Diamondridge Keep It Dark For Kemgordoni. His head is typical with a lovely expression, good reach of neck and a level topline, good bone throughout and excellent hind quarters, moved straight and correct with plenty of drive. 
PD. (7:1) 

1st: 2235 FARLEIGH, Mrs M L Kinabula's Milky Bar Kid. Good width of skull and excellent depth of muzzle, good reach of neck, strong bone, straight forelegs and tight feet. Excellent depth of chest, level topline, He moved with ease and grace around the ring. Great future ahead of him BPIB.

2nd: 2218 CATHARELL, Miss Megan Kinabula's Master Of Joy. Pleasing head with correct round eye with deep muzzle and masculine features. Nice deep chest with good lay of shoulder.  and strong hind quarters. 3rd: 2241 HANSON, Mrs Gillian & ADDERLEY, miss Jackie Tambyssa's The Starman To Ilizulu.
JD. (4:1)

1st: 2248 HOUSE, Mr M J & ARMOUR, MR Richard Diamondridge Deliverance For Kemgordoni. He has a masculine head with correct dark round eye. Strong in neck and clean over a good lay of shoulder, he has a well-made front and firm topline with good muscle tone, Moved with ease.
2nd: 2301 WHITNEY, Mrs Sara Dale Voorlooper Raadi Mosi. Masculine dog of good height and substance for age. Handsome head, with dark round eye Clean through the neck and into well laid shoulder. Deep brisket and well ribbed back, he used his hind quarters well on the move with plenty of drive. 3rd: 2296 SPENCER, Mrs Julie Zejak Chinosa.
GD. (1)

1st: 2301 WHITNEY, Mrs Sara Dale Voorlooper Raadi Mosi.

PGD.(3)

1st: 2238 GEEVES, Mr Andrew Peter & GEEVES, Mrs Sharon Kiromol Knight of The Realm JW. Nice Light Wheaten male with head of correct proportions with strong lower jaw, good width to skull and high set ears. Neck, strong and of good length, flowing into well laid shoulders, correct topline and tail set. Good return of upper arm and depth of brisket. Ribs moderately sprung and well set back, with good strength to loins and well-muscled hindquarters, 2nd: 2264 MUSGRAVE, Mrs V & COX, Mrs Linda & COX, Mr Carey Carlincox Knock Em Out. Handsome masculine broad head and defined stop with long deep muzzle, strong neck and prominent deep chest. Good lay of shoulder going into a level top line and correct ridge and crowns. Good tail set, moved with vigour, just missed out to one. 3rd: 2230 EDWARDS, Mrs Claire Rubiltra Gunna Be Striking.
LD.(9:1)

1st: 2284 RAYMOND, Mrs Norah Denise Sofala's Raffaello (ai) JW. This boy took my eye, very impressive male of excellent breed type. Masculine throughout with strong bone, presented in hard, well-muscled condition. Clear, well-defined ridge. Level balanced outline when stacked, with good angulation. He moved with plenty of reach and purpose, covering the ground efficiently. Well-deserved DCC. 2nd: 2303 ZHAO, Mr Aibing Vkloof Duke Lambo Galardo JW. This boy has a strong neck set into well laid shoulders, decent return of upper arm, giving a deep forechest. Good depth of body with ribs extending back into a strong loin, good tail set and tapering to tip. Nicely balanced rear with good width of second thigh, well-turned stifle and low on the hocks, he moved true with a good reach of stride. 3rd: 2250 HURN, Mrs Nikki Kwanza El Faiyum At Matikiridge Jw (Imp NLD).

OD. (10)

1st: 2217 BARNES, Miss K J Ch Diamondridge Dreadnought JW. A striking male that set a high benchmark.  Everything appropriate for his age, masculine head with flat skull and breath between his well-set ears, good stop, Long, powerful neck flowing to excellent lay of shoulder, excellent angulation with elbows tightly under him.  Good straight forelegs with excellent bone.  Good deep long rib cage, tidy underline to strong compact loin, strong through his back and topline.  Excellent length of upper and second thigh, good turn of stifle and hocks well let down.  He moved with ease with good reach.   Stands on beautifully compact feet. RDCC.  
2nd: 2227 DAVIES, Miss K J Ch Gunthwaites Fancy Man JW. A good example of the breed so balanced with a masculine outline. His head is typical with a lovely expression, good reach of neck and a level topline, good bone throughout and excellent hind quarters, moved around the ring with drive and vigour. 3rd: 2288 RHODES, Mrs Kerry Ch Priorpark You Coda Be Mine Of Metalrock JW OSW.
GCD. (2)

1st: 2229 DIGBY, Miss Joanne Sonnypride Cookies An Cream Of Inbajsha. Strong male with a masculine head and kind eye. muscular neck with well laid shoulders and deep chest and level top line going into a well-placed tail set, holds a good bend of stifle, with tight feet. Moved well and straight fore and aft. 2nd: 2271 NOSSA, Mrs Cristina Kinabula Captain Pugwash. 

SBB. (4:1)

1st: 2275 PHILLIPS, Mrs Sally Rosanne Alexia Lyonesse. Nice feminine head with correct ears and long neck. Nice round eye and deep muzzle. A well-balanced young girl that moved straight and true. 2nd: 2240 HALL, Mrs Hayley Nyasharose Let's Dance. Well-proportioned head with slightly lighter eye, nicely proportioned ear carriage. Excellent outline on the stand. In beautiful condition, moved with reach and vigour. Ran straight going and coming, nice temperament. 3rd: 2251 PICTON, Miss Heather & INCE, Mr Anthony Jolihem Truly Scrumptious.
VB. (3) 

1st: 2276 PHILLIPS, Mrs Sally Rosanne Amber Rainbow Westkamp At Alexia. A beautifully balanced girl with a feminine head, good length of neck and correct shoulders deep prominent chest, elbow tucked nicely in and correct spring of rib. Good first and second thigh. Well-developed hindquarters with good angulation. She moved true fore and aft. Well-handled and in coordination with her handler, a well-deserved BVIB.  2nd: 2222 COX, Mrs L A & COX, Mr C & MUSGRAVE, Mrs V Ch Carlincox Pure Gold JW ShCEx OSW. Good example of the breed with a feminine head with good round eye and correct ear set. Strong clean neck with good lay of shoulder. Level topline, correct ridge and crowns and correct tail set, good angulation going into good first and second thigh, Tight feet. Moved well. 3rd: 2243 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Queen Of Clubs JW.

 

PB. (7:1)

1st: 2300 TAYLOR, Mrs Emma Salome's Charm Truly Arte Cassari At Tokwe (imp Svk). feminine girl of good proportions. Correct round eye. Good length of neck leading into a well laid-back shoulder. Good depth and width of chest for such a youngster. Good length to body with well angulated hindquarters. Moved straight coming and going, has good length of reach in front and drove from behind.
2nd: 2251 PICTON, Miss Heather & INCE, Mr Anthony Jolihem Truly Scrumptious. Feminine head with correct dark eye. Muzzle of good length and depth, strong neck going into well placed shoulders. Good rear angulation with correct tail set and low on the hocks. 3rd: 2265 NEALE, Miss, Trinity Zodiac Mystery Prada Southern Africa (imp Pol).
JB. (6:2) 

1st: 2216 BARKER, Mrs Kate Delianza She's Timeless. A beautiful young girl stands with confidence and symmetrical overall, Level top line and good strong rear angulation.  Good length of neck leading into clean, well laid-back shoulders. Nice deep prominent chest. Excellent feet, correct rear angulation. Moved with reach and confidence striding straight and true. Proud to award her Best Baby Junior and RBCC. One to watch. 2nd: 2214 AKERS, Mr Marc Stuart & AKERS, Mrs Kelly Carlincox Laters Taters. Feminine expression with correct ear set and stop. Good round eye with length of muzzle. Well-proportioned in body, correct bone, good rear angulation with well let down hocks with correct tail carriage.  Moved true and clean. 3rd: 2255 KAPMA-SAUNDERS, Mrs C R Oostblik Rivier Annan.
GB. (5:2) 

1st: 2298 STOREY, Mr & Mrs P & E & PIEHL, Mrs L Kiromol Ain't Misbehavin (ai). Liked this light wheaten girl a lot, lovely feminine head with good length of neck, good depth of chest. Level topline and quality bone throughout. Correct ridge and crowns with good lay of shoulder and correct tail set. She moved with plenty of drive and elegance, one to watch out for in the future. Worthy BCC and BOB.  2nd: 2258 LO NIGRO, Ms M E & RICE, Miss Francesca & RICE, Mi Nuthouse Shall We Dance.  Beautiful head and expression with good dark round eye. Strong clean neck into well placed shoulders and level topline. Well-developed forechest. Good strong hindquarters, Moved well coming and going. 3rd: 2266 NEVISON, Mrs Nicky & NEVISON, Mr Jaime Bikquest Envy Blazingstar JW.
PGB. (5) 

1st: 2294 SHAW, Mrs Margaret Crombie & SHAW, Mr William, Negasi Goldberry. A nice feminine girl with a symmetrical outline. Level topline with correct ridge and crowns, correct tail carriage and length of tail, correct rear angulation going into well let down hocks and tight feet. good depth of rib with deep prominent chest, Moved straight and true. 2nd: 2232 FARLEIGH, Mrs M & MCDONNELL, Mrs D Droimdara, Kiss The Blarneystone For Kinabula (ikc). Feminine head with good depth of muzzle, nice round eye and correctly proportioned ears. Good lay of shoulder with deep brisket, slight rise over the loin, super tail. Well let down hocks, tight feet and in excellent condition. Handled well. 3rd: 2285 RAYMOND, Mrs Norah Denise Sofala Angel Band.
LB. (11:1) 

1st: 2291 SALMON, Mrs K & HAWKINS, MR Adam Lobengula Giah. A Good standard bitch of quality. Well balanced in profile with a nice level top line. Beautiful feminine head and excellent length of muzzle with correct eyes. Well placed ear carriage. Moved with vigour and drive.

2nd: 2244 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Going For Gold JW. Beautiful girl looked really good in profile and with great proportions and lovely level top line, Nice deep chest going into correct lay of shoulder. Good ridge and crowns and correct tail set, nicely let down on the hocks with very tidy tight feet. Moved straight and true, nothing to choose between this and first place, it could have been either one.  One to watch for in the future. 3rd: 2297 STOREY, Mr & Mrs P & E & PIEHL, Mrs L Kiromol Dare To Flair.

OB. (11:5)

1st: 2220 CLARK-MACLEAN, Mr Andrew & CLARK-MACLEAN, Mrs Loui Callmn's Cut The Crop. Another girl who looked great in profile, with prominent chest and good lay of shoulder, feminine head with correct ear set, Lovely level top line and good tail carriage. Good bend of stifle, another very close call between 1st and 2nd place. 2nd: 2257 KERR, Mrs A & MILLWARD, Mrs K Ch Priorpark Pure Theatre At Buhera. Another well balanced girl with level top line and good angulation. Good depth of chest and good spring to ribbing. Good length to body with well let down hocks and tight feet. Pretty head with nice round eyes and good ear placement. Very close choice to 1st place. 

3rd: 2290 SALMON, Mrs K Lobengula Pearl.
GCB. (2:2)

BEST OF BREED : 2298 STOREY, Mr & Mrs P & E & PIEHL, Mrs L Kiromol Ain't Misbehavin (ai)
Dog CC : 2284 RAYMOND, Mrs Norah Denise Sofala's Raffaello (ai) JW - CC
Res Dog CC : 2217 BARNES, Miss K J Ch Diamondridge Dreadnought JW - RCC
Bitch CC : 2298 STOREY, Mr & Mrs P & E & PIEHL, Mrs L Kiromol Ain't Misbehavin (ai)
Res Bitch CC : 2216 BARKER, Mrs Kate Delianza She's Timeless
Best Puppy : 2235 FARLEIGH, Mrs M L Kinabula's Milky Bar Kid
Best Veteran : 2276 PHILLIPS, Mrs Sally Rosanne Amber Rainbow Westkamp At Alexia
Best Junior : 2216 BARKER, Mrs Kate Delianza She's Timeless
Best Special Beginner : 2271 NOSSA, Mrs Cristina Kinabula Captain Pugwash

Class 1166 SBD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2271 NOSSA, Mrs Cristina Kinabula Captain Pugwash
2nd: 2296 SPENCER, Mrs Julie Zejak Chinosa
3rd: 2267 NEVISON, Mrs Nicky & NEVISON, Mr Jaime Bikquest Helios Sunreacher
Res:
VHC:

Class 1167 VD (4 Entries) Abs: 3
1st: 2247 HOUSE, Mr M J & ARMOUR, MR Richard Diamondridge Keep It Dark For Kemgordoni
2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 1168 PD (7 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 2235 FARLEIGH, Mrs M L Kinabula's Milky Bar Kid
2nd: 2218 CATHARELL, Miss Megan Kinabula's Master Of Joy
3rd: 2241 HANSON, Mrs Gillian & ADDERLEY, miss Jackie Tambyssa's The Starman To Ilizulu
Res: 2215 ASHMAN, Mrs Michele & ASHMAN, Mr Neil Robert Jolihem Shumba For Kitaarka
VHC: 2271 NOSSA, Mrs Cristina Kinabula Captain Pugwash

Class 1169 JD (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 2248 HOUSE, Mr M J & ARMOUR, MR Richard Diamondridge Deliverance For Kemgordoni
2nd: 2301 WHITNEY, Mrs Sara Dale Voorlooper Raadi Mosi
3rd: 2296 SPENCER, Mrs Julie Zejak Chinosa
Res:
VHC:

Class 1170 GD (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2301 WHITNEY, Mrs Sara Dale Voorlooper Raadi Mosi
2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 1171 PGD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2238 GEEVES, Mr Andrew Peter & GEEVES, Mrs Sharon Kiromol Knight Of The Realm Jw
2nd: 2264 MUSGRAVE, Mrs V & COX, Mrs Linda & COX, Mr Carey Carlincox Knock Em Out
3rd: 2230 EDWARDS, Mrs Claire Rubiltra Gunna Be Striking
Res:
VHC: 

Class 1172 LD (9 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 2284 RAYMOND, Mrs Norah Denise Sofala's Raffaello (ai) JW - CC
2nd: 2303 ZHAO, Mr Aibing Vkloof Duke Lambo Galardo JW
3rd: 2250 HURN, Mrs Nikki Kwanza El Faiyum At Matikiridge Jw (Imp NLD)
Res: 2260 MITCHELSON, Mrs Gillian & MITCHELSON, Mr Paul Amahle Red Hot Zephyr At Voortrekker
VHC: 2245 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Mastermind

Class 1173 OD (10 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2217 BARNES, Miss K J Ch Diamondridge Dreadnought JW - RCC
2nd: 2227 DAVIES, Miss K J Ch Gunthwaites Fancy Man JW
3rd: 2288 RHODES, Mrs Kerry Ch Priorpark You Coda Be Mine Of Metalrock JW OSW
Res: 2246 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Roger The Dodger
VHC: 2262 MURRAY, Mr & Mrs Jonathan & Julie Kinabula's Bojangles Of Dellared

Class 1174 GCD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2229 DIGBY, Miss Joanne Sonnypride Cookies An Cream Of Inbajsha
2nd: 2271 NOSSA, Mrs Cristina Kinabula Captain Pugwash
3rd:
Res:
VHC:

Class 1175 SBB (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 2275 PHILLIPS, Mrs Sally Rosanne Alexia Lyonesse
2nd: 2240 HALL, Mrs Hayley Nyasharose Let's Dance
3rd: 2251 PICTON, Miss Heather & INCE, Mr Anthony Jolihem Truly Scrumptious
Res:
VHC:

Class 1176 VB (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2276 PHILLIPS, Mrs Sally Rosanne Amber Rainbow Westkamp At Alexia
2nd: 2222 COX, Mrs L A & COX, Mr C & MUSGRAVE, Mrs V Ch Carlincox Pure Gold JW ShCEx OSW
3rd: 2243 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Queen Of Clubs JW
Res:
VHC:

Class 1177 PB (7 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 2300 TAYLOR, Mrs Emma Salome's Charm Truly Arte Cassari At Tokwe (imp Sv
2nd: 2251 PICTON, Miss Heather & INCE, Mr Anthony Jolihem Truly Scrumptious
3rd: 2265 NEALE, Miss, Trinity Zodiac Mystery Prada Southern Africa (imp Pol)
Res: 2212 ADDERLEY, Miss J Tambyssa's The Temptress
VHC: 2240 HALL, Mrs Hayley Nyasharose Let's Dance

Class 1178 JB (6 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 2216 BARKER, Mrs Kate Delianza She's Timeless
2nd: 2214 AKERS, Mr Marc Stuart & AKERS, Mrs Kelly Carlincox Laters Taters
3rd: 2255 KAPMA-SAUNDERS, Mrs C R Oostblik Rivier Annan
Res: 2263 MURRAY, Mr & Mrs Jonathan & Julie Dellared Easy Skanking
VHC:

Class 1179 GB (5 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 2298 STOREY, Mr & Mrs P & E & PIEHL, Mrs L Kiromol Ain't Misbehavin (ai)
2nd: 2258 LO NIGRO, Ms M E & RICE, Miss Francesca & RICE, Mi Nuthouse Shall We Dance
3rd: 2266 NEVISON, Mrs Nicky & NEVISON, Mr Jaime Bikquest Envy Blazingstar JW
Res:
VHC: 

Class 1180 PGB (5 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 2294 SHAW, Mrs Margaret Crombie & SHAW, Mr William Negasi Goldberry
2nd: 2232 FARLEIGH, Mrs M & MCDONNELL, Mrs D Droimdara Kiss The Blarneystone For Kinabula (ikc)
3rd: 2285 RAYMOND, Mrs Norah Denise Sofala Angel Band
Res: 2277 PHILLIPS, Mrs Zoe Shakina Bee Light In The Dark
VHC: 2242 HEALEY, Mr John & HEALEY, Mrs Kay Kiromol Reckon I'm Hot (ba2)

Class 1181 LB (11 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 2291 SALMON, Mrs K & HAWKINS, MR Adam Lobengula Giah
2nd: 2244 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Going For Gold JW
3rd: 2297 STOREY, Mr & Mrs P & E & PIEHL, Mrs L Kiromol Dare To Flair
Res: 2233 FARLEIGH, Mrs M L Kinabula's Cup Of Ambition
VHC: 2211 ADDERLEY, Miss J Tambyssa's Tawny Sky (ai)

Class 1182 OB (11 Entries) Abs: 5
1st: 2220 CLARK-MACLEAN, Mr Andrew & CLARK-MACLEAN, Mrs Loui Callmn's Cut The Crop
2nd: 2257 KERR, Mrs A & MILLWARD, Mrs K Ch Priorpark Pure Theatre At Buhera
3rd: 2290 SALMON, Mrs K Lobengula Pearl
Res: 2299 TAYLOR, Mrs Emma Tokwe Truly Your Song
VHC: 2261 MUNCIE, Mr John Callmn's Queen Bee Of Mahanovemi

Class 1183 GCB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: NO ENTRIES
2nd:
3rd:
Res:
VHC: