DARLINGTON DOG SHOW SOCIETY

Judges Critiques

Mr M GILCHRIST

Judging: Utility Group

Darlington Ch Sh 2026

Utility Group

My sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee for the privilege and pleasure of allowing me to judge at this lovely well run show, and to the various stewards who make a judge’s job so much easier.  

Gp 1 

Ch Wellingley Won For The Road JW – Miniature Schnauzer 

Presents a beautiful balanced outline, sturdy  and well-muscled without being overdone. Head masculine without any coarseness, nicely balanced muzzle with moderate stop, dark eyes, and neat well placed ears.  Good depth of the chest, correctly placed shoulders, elbows fit cleanly into the body line.  Top line correct, rear is well muzzled  which works in harmony with the correct angles at the fore, and this all shows in his foot perfect, tidy movement. Harsh coat, put down to perfection and is handled with expertise.

Gp 2 

Ch Dream High Kai Kennel Afterglow Adrenaline – Top Poodle

Reputation precedes her and it is easy to see why.  Stunning outline, huge personality in such a small body.  Head is totally balanced, dark eyes which give her a melting expression, yet they still convey that mischief may come soon.  Carries her head with pride, lovely neck and shoulders, good depth to her chest, firm top line and nicely muscled throughout.   Watching her side gait one cannot help but be impressed as she covers so much ground with ease.  Coat and presentation exactly as it should be.

Gp 3

Ch Vormund Coachella - Japanese Shiba Inu

Her presence announces her; it would be very difficult to ignore at any time. Loved her femininity, her head is perfection for the breed and the obliquely set eyes giving the true and typical expression. Nicely set ears.  Arch to the neck sets off her outline, has correctly set shoulders, firm top line, good depth of chest, clearly defined forechest, front angle in balance with the rear, which shows in her light and fluid movement, lovely coat and presentation and at one with handler

Gp 4 

Middanwinter War Horse At Kerelkoor JW - Kooikerhondje  

Happy chap, lovely disposition, certainly self confident and at one with his handler. Good masculine head, dark almond eye with a friendly expression.  Nicely set pendant ears, well feathered with black tips.  Well-muscled neck gives for good head carriage, firm top line, good depth of chest, moderate tuck up. Shoulders and rear quarters work in harmony, and a good tail set which is well feathered.  He has an easy, fluid movement, with both drive and reach, but appears to cover ground almost effortlessly.

Also shortlisted were, Akita, Japanese Akita Inu, Shar Pei & Shih Tzu

Mike Gilchrist - Judge