DRIFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW - 49th

Judges Critiques

Miss Kirstie FORSTER

Judging: Newfoundland, Working Group

Driffield 49th Championship show 22nd August 2025 - Newfoundlands

Class 129 SBD (2 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - MOORE, Miss Carla & JAMES, Mr Darren - Starnewf Mr Dark Sky – At just 14 months of age this black male is growing nicely and presents a well balanced shape in profile, his head is pleasing with a good width in skull and a good eye for shape and set, his eye just needs to tighten a fraction on the lower rim which should come with age as his head matures on, he has super dark pigmentation in his flews, his neck flows into well placed shoulders and a good balance in front angles, he is well ribbed and has a firm topline and a good rump, his rear angles are well matched to the front and this shows when on the move, he moved round with good reach and drive, he was presented and handled well. Best Special Beginner in breed.

Class 130 VD (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - MYCOCK, Mr J & Mrs T - Zentaur Hot Diggity (ai) – This 7-year-old male is in super condition for both coat and muscle tone and easily took his place in the line up to compete with the younger class winners today, hence why I moved him up to the front in the challenge rather than leave him with the puppies. He scores well in head proportions, his skull and muzzle are matched well and he has good depth of muzzle too, his ears are placed well and add to the picture, he has a strong neck which flows to a well laid shoulder and clean wither, his chest is broad and deep, his ribs are well sprung and his topline firm, he has a good broad rump and his tail is set on well although he can be a tad proud of it at times, he moved round the ring with a well balanced gait with reach and drive and he was true coming and going, I feel he is still here to challenge for top honours in the future.

2nd: - DICKSON, Mrs E - Zentaur Der Kapitan Wisperedomen Sh.CM JW ShCEx VW – A 9 year old black male who again is in excellent order, yes he is showing his years as expected but he still has it all going on, his head differs slightly from 1 but also has many super attributes and is in no way overdone, his eyes are super dark with close fitted rims and give a super soft expression, his width of neck matches his width of body and rump giving him a flow from nose to tail, he stands on strong straight bone, he moved out well with precise foot fall and was presented in a super jacket, he was unlucky to meet 1 today.

Class 131 MPD (3 Entries) 0 abs, 1 withdrew
1st: - BLAKE, Ms S - Sandbears Magnum Opus – This super black puppy at 8 and a half months old was a clear winner in this class today, he is at a puppy stage where everything looks together and he looks a smaller version of what he promises to be, his head is well balanced with a pleasing eye for its dark colour, super set and shape and lovely close fitting rims, he has neat ears which sit well and he has super dentition, he holds a strong topline at all times, his angles are balanced front and rear and he stands on strong bone and good feet, on the move away you can see the strength in his hocks even at this tender age, yes he is a tad raw moving but the obvious strength in those hocks impressed me today, he moved with confidence in the class and the best puppy dog challenge but lost out for best puppy in breed due to holding back and looking behind to the bitch puppy which spoilt him a tad, he was presented in a super black puppy coat with sparkling white markings. Best puppy dog.

2nd: - OHARA, Mrs Amanda Jane-  Shirebears Supernatural Ai (ai) – At 8 month of age this black puppy was not quite as together as 1 today, he does however score well in head and has a good chest for depth and width, his topline is strong but he slopes away a tad more than ideal at the croup, he stands on amply boned limbs which are strong and straight, whilst he moved out well he is a very raw baby and is a little loose and moves a little unevenly currently, this will improve as he matures I’m sure.

Class 132 PD (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: -  BURTON, Mr R C-  Vodahond Arlo – Black 10 month old puppy who is pleasing in so many departments and showing great promise when it all comes together, he has a pleasing head which whilst still needs to mature and broaden is showing all the right signs and he has good depth in his muzzle, his eye is nice and dark and adds to his kind expression, I found his neck to be well muscled and of correct length and flowing into a nice clean wither and a well laid shoulder which is complimented so well with his length of upper arm which returns at such a good angle, his topline is a tad soft when static but he holds it much firmer on the move, I thought he moved out nicely for a puppy, reaching out in front and pushing well from the rear, he also held himself quite proud so he is showing the signs of a real showman, he was presented in a super black jacket, one to watch in the future.

Class 133 JD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: - SHERIDAN, Mrs Julie Ann-  Two Rivers Wise Choice At Colnbear (imp Usa)- This super black male is an exceptional example of the breed, he is well developed for his age with only the odd “tell tale” sign pointing to his tender years, he ticks the box in every aspect, he is an upstanding male and has quality bone throughout. His head piece is classic and balanced throughout and enhanced with the smaller details of super eye shape, set and colour, neat well placed ears and super dentition, his chest has depth and reaches down to his elbows which sit close to his body and remain so on the move, his angles front and rear are beautifully matched and just add to the silhouette of a super well balanced Newfoundland, he moved with a free and easy gait and was true coming and going, he was presented to perfection in a squeaky clean and gleaming black jacket, for me the only give away on his age was that his topline is a tad soft, but once fully matured this stunning young male is certainly going to be a force to reckon with I’m sure.
2nd: - MOORE, Miss Carla & JAMES, Mr Darren - Starnewf Mr Dark Sky – See SBD
3rd: - DUFF, Mr Drew & DUFF, Mrs Anna - Titanbears Malevolent

Class 134 PGD (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - STEELS, Mrs Kerry - Nurburgnewf Ironman – This brown male is of super size and substance, he was a bit untidy in coat but what is underneath is really nicely put together and he had more width in frame and this is what won him the class today, he has a well balanced headpiece which has width of skull and width and depth of muzzle, his eyes are medium brown in colour and are a pleasing shape and have well fitted rims, his eyes give such a sweet calm expression, he has super dentition, his neck is strong and flows to good shoulders which are complimented with his return and length of upper arm giving for a good forechest, he is well ribbed and he holds a strong topline static and moving, on the move he has a balanced gait and puts in a solid performance, his strong hocks push him round the ring and also give him a straight clean action coming and going.
2nd: - MCINTYRE, Mrs Nicole Michelle & YATES, Mr Garry & - Shirebears Mystify With Edbear – In contrast this brown was presented in excellent order throughout but for me did not quite have the balance and strength in frame as 1 did, he does score well in head which has balanced proportions in skull and muzzle and dark eyes for a brown, he has depth of rib and his shoulders are well laid, he could have a better length and return of upper arm which would give him more forechest, his back is strong and level and he has a good croup and well set on tail, he also scores well in angulation at the rear and strong hocks, he moved with a balanced gait and was true coming and going.

Class 135 LD (6 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - BROWN, Miss N A - Valhalabears Jibber Jabber – This black male of just over 2 and a half years of age topped a really super class of dogs, this male just kept drawing me back to him and just didn’t put a paw wrong, he was so impressive on the move and other than to be picky he could maybe be a tad shorter in loin, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like about him, he was so unlucky that the 2 open dogs were here today because he was certainly in my mind for the CC & RCC, he scored well in head, his eyes are a lovely shape and set, his ears sit well and are neat, he has a strong neck which flows into his well placed shoulders which are matched well with his length and return of upper arm, he is well ribbed and his depth sits just at the elbows which he keeps neat to his body on the move, his back is strong and level and he has lovely depth in loin and a lovely width of rump and good tail set, he stands on straight well boned limbs and good feet and he was presented in a gleaming black jacket, there was a lovely cheer from ringside when he won this class which was great to hear, he is one I will watch with interest.
2nd: - HOSIE, Mr & Mrs Kevin & Kirstin - King Of Helluland Jungle Book At Shadowrise (imp Svk) JW – Another super black male who is slightly younger than 1 and has so many of the same qualities, it was very hard to split them and it came down to that I just preferred the eye on 1 and 1 had a bit more width in frame due to being slightly older, this male also has a good clean healthy eye and well matched head and skull ratio’s, he has a super forechest and good depth with his ribbing reaching down to his elbows, he has balanced angles front and rear and stands on good bone, he holds a strong topline and has super width to his rump, he moved out with a free balanced gait and is very much in tune with his handler, he was presented in a super black jacket, both these males are super examples of the breed.
3rd: - OWLES, Miss Nicole & OWLES, Mrs Catherine & BRISTO -  Zentaur Fizzical Therapy

Class 136 OD (5 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - CHAPMAN, Mrs Lyn - Ch Nandobears You'll Never Walk Alone (imp Deu) – This stunning black male was exactly what I was looking for and ticked every box for me, so much so that his melting expression brought a tear to my eye, his silhouette just shouts Newfoundland, he was presented to perfection and handled beautifully, the bond between dog and handler was very evident, I could not look past this exceptional male for top honours today. His qualities are from nose to tail, his head is classic for a newf, he has width in skull and in muzzle and his muzzle is clean and square, he has super dentition and although his head is masculine he has the most appealing expression coming from those beautiful eyes, on side profile he is so well balanced, he has a super forechest, his neck is strong and broad and flows into well placed shoulders, his length and return of upper arm match perfectly which is why he has that super forechest and why his elbows sit just where they should be, his back is broad and strong and he has a proper “newfie bum” his tail is set on beautifully and carried correctly, when you stand behind this boy and look down him everything fits so well and doesn’t stop there, he has super boned limbs which are straight from all angles and he stands on large round feet, he was presented in super muscle tone throughout which was then covered by this beautiful black jacket which was squeeky clean and just the right texture, on the move he retained all his balance and has near perfect footfall, he has reach at the front and drives from the rear, he is straight coming and going, I just loved him and was delighted to award him the CC and he then went on to take best of Breed from the super Bitch CC winner, I later found out they both have the same sire.
2nd: - BLAKE, Ms S - Ch Sandbears Masterpiece – A truly exceptional male that oozes breed type, he is presented to perfection in an immaculate black jacket with not a single hair out of place, he presents a super side profile although his white chest marking can distract and make him appear to lack forechest which is not the case when you get hands on, that said I did prefer the forechest of 1.  This male scores well in head, it is well balanced throughout, his eyes are dark, clean and he has a nice expression, his body proportions are well balanced and he has a super strong topline static and moving, his underlines match and compliment, he is well ribbed and has a deep short loin, he has super muscle tone throughout including his upper thigh, he is well angulated front and rear and stands on strong well boned limbs, on the move he produces a well balanced free and strong gait and is true coming and going, he was an absolute joy to judge and a very well deserved winner of the RCC.

Class 137 SBB (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - TURNBULL, Mrs Stacey - Valhalabears Kailani Wave – At just over 18 months this brown bitch still has a good bit of maturing to do, she is not the biggest and is a little light of bone but she does present a balanced outline, she was a little unsure at first but did settle with a little time and encouragement spent, she holds a decent topline and has a pleasing head, she did move nicely again once she settled, she was presented in a super rich brown jacket.
2nd: - MCFARLANE, Mrs S - Way To My Dreams Chariboo (imp Pol) (az3) At Awebear – This 4 year old bitch is pleasing for type, she has a very nice head and a lovely eye, her topline is strong but she does fall away at the croup a little, sadly on the move she mostly galloped rather than gaited which made her movement hard to access, a little ring craft to correct this would be ideal and would probably move her up the placings.

Class 138 VB (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - ADAIR, Mrs Abbi & ADAIR, Mr Steven - Ch King Of Helluland Love Actually At Darebear (imp Svk) JW, Sh.cm,Shcex, OSW, VW. I have had the pleasure of judging this beautiful black bitch a few years ago and awarded her the RCC that day, she is still of the quality to take CC’s and RCC’s as a veteran today, she is in the most amazing condition, her black jacket is absolutely gleaming and she put in a flawless performance, she was very unlucky that the two in open bitch were here today, she was definitely in the running for top honours otherwise, her headpiece is from the top drawer, her skull and muzzle ratios are beautifully balanced and her expressive eyes and neat ears complete the picture, she is as well balanced in body length and height ratios and she stands on super straight well boned limbs, on the move she gives many of the youngsters a run for their money and out moving many, she may be a veteran on paper but certainly not in body and mind, she was very ably piloted,  but I do think if you just put her in the ring on her own she would do just as good a job all by herself, I loved her as much today as I did when I judged her last time. Best veteran in Breed and Veteran group 3. 
2nd: - STEELS, Mrs Kerry - Nurburgnewf Beamer – A very well put together brown bitch who has the most amazing head piece, her skull is broad and matched with a super square muzzle, she has decent teeth and her eyes are of good shape and a good colour for a brown, her ears are neat and extend the width of her head and frame her face, she has a super strong neck and a broad back which is held level at all times, she has that lovely newfie bum too, she stands on well boned limbs and good feet and has matching balance in angles front and rear, this shows on the move and she put in a good performance moving with a positive balanced action from all angles, a really lovely brown bitch who was unlucky to meet 1 today.


Class 139 MPB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: - HOSIE, Mr & Mrs Kevin & Kirstin - Shadowrise Smash'n Grab – This 8 and a half month old black bitch headed a class of two super puppies, although they are very much matched on age, this puppy won on her slightly more mature look at this stage over 2 and she had a more balanced gait on the move currently, she has the most beautiful pretty head which scores well in eye shape, set and colour, dentition, neat ears and the sweetest of expressions, she is so well balanced throughout and is currently a mini version of what she promises to be when she matures, everything is so well put together, her topline is strong and level and held both static and moving, she has a good width of rump already and her tail is set and used well, she is balanced in angles fore and aft and stands on well boned limbs, the picture is finished with a super puppy coat, she moved out well on both side profile and coming and going, she won this class on maturity but also lost best puppy bitch on less maturity than the puppy bitch winner, all such super puppies and ones I will watch with interest.
2nd: - WEBB, Mrs Hailey & HARRISON, Mr G - Green Pearl Very Taylor Made For Barracechi (Imp Fra) – Another quality puppy, she is currently a tad softer in topline than 1 and has a little less rear angulation, other than that there was not much to split these super puppies, this lovely puppy has a pleasing head, its at just the right stage for her age, her muzzle is showing good depth and is square, she has a good reach of neck, just the right length and it flows into good shoulder placement and a complimented length and return of upper arm, she has a tad les angle at the rear than 1 but its still well balanced for her and I thought she had lovely strength in her hocks, she also moved nicely but not quite the flow of 1 yet but I am sure this will come. Again, she was presented in a clean puppy coat and was handled nicely.


Class 140 PB (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: - LATHAM, Miss Caroline - Valentine De La Baie De Pempoul For Morrelham – I was really impressed with the balanced picture this puppy gives at first sight, she then followed this up with the same balance throughout when you get hands on.  Her head is balanced in all departments and she has the most appealing expression, her neck is strong and broad for one so young and her frame there after delivers the same strength, she has depth of chest and her loin is strong and deep and a perfect length for her frame, her angles both front and rear are equally as well balanced and she stands on strong straight bone, I was not surprised to see her produce a balanced gait on the move and she was also straight coming and going, she was presented in excellent muscle tone throughout and presented in a super quality black jacket, an outstanding quality puppy who I’m sure has the brightest of futures ahead of her. Best puppy in breed.
2nd: - BURTON, Mr R C - Vodahond Bluebell – This puppy at 10 months of age is quite raw and at that lanky stage of growth, her topline is a tad soft compared to 1 and she is a tad bum high currently, but this should level out as she matures, she has a pleasing head with a good depth of muzzle and dark eyes, her neck has good strength and is the correct length to balance with her body proportions, her shoulders are laid back well and her front angles well matched, her rear angles whilst moderate are enough and I found her hocks to be strong and straight and this showed in her movement which came together very nicely and was more polished than I expected from her at this stage in her development, she held her topline better on the move which is a pleasing sign of whats to come.


Class 141 JB (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: - MCDONALD, Ms S - Sandbears Dreams And Wishes – At almost 17 months of age this beautiful black bitch presents a super shape in profile and holds the strongest of toplines, her neck is strong and she has width and depth in her chest, she stands on strong straight limbs and is another who impressed me with her strength in hocks and her width of thigh which is also well muscled,  she also scores well in head with a kind dark eye which is a lovely shape and has close fitting rims, she moved well with good reach in front and a super drive from the rear from those strong hocks, although she could have a tad more coat today what she had was presented to perfection, a really super young bitch.
2nd: - DUFF, Mr Drew & DUFF, Mrs Anna - Titanbears Requiem – I really liked this young black bitch, she was very unlucky to meet the 2 winners of her classes today, she had a real presence about her which caught my eye many times in both classes. Her head is beautiful and has a kind expression, dark eyes of reasonable shape, neat well placed ears and a lovely skull which is complimented by her length, width and depth of muzzle, on profile her balance is obvious and when you get hands on, her super constructed frame is covered in good muscle tone and a squeaky clean jacket, on the move she has near perfect foot fall and her attitude on the move tells me she loves what she does, she is a tad proud of her tail at times but I’m sure that will subside as she matures.
3rd: - BURTON, Miss J A - Vodahond Jasmine


Class 142 PGB (8 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: - WEBB, Mrs Hailey - Green Pearl Uniquely Barracechi (Imp) Fra JW – This 2 year old bitch is dripping in coat which is beautiful and means she is one you really have to get under the coat on to find her super assets, even whilst judging her head you need to move the coat and look beneath where you will find a super balanced head which has a good width of skull matched with a lovely square muzzle which is strong and has super depth and also strength in under jaw, her eyes are just beautiful, they are dark, a lovely shape and give a for a melting expression, her neck flows into a super lay of shoulder and she has an equal length of upper arm returned at just the right angle, her chest has good depth and again you have to get under that coat at elbow level to be sure of her length of leg because the coat could give an impression she is short in leg but she isn’t if you get under that coat, her rear angles compliment the front, she holds a strong level topline both static and on the move and she has a lovely rounded newfie bum and a well set tail, she moved round the ring with ease and was true coming and going, a really lovely bitch who is sure to secure top honours very soon.
2nd: - DUFF, Mr Drew & DUFF, Mrs Anna - Titanbears Requiem- See JB
3rd: - HIETSCHOLD, Mrs K L & HIETSCHOLD, Mr S M - Davistell Babee Love At Chrishelkate (a.i.)

Class 143 LB (10 Entries) Abs: 4
1st: - ARKELL, Ms Natalie - Camnoire She's A Star By Cannark – This 4 year old black bitch of outstanding quality oozes breed type, she has a beautiful headpiece which fits perfectly with her body proportions and has the correct width of skull and muzzle, dark eyes of super shape and set, her neat ears are set perfectly to complete the picture, she has a strong neck and well placed shoulders, her front angulation is spot on giving her a super forechest, she has well sprung ribs, a solid topline and a strong deep loin of just the right length, her bum has good width and is well rounded and her tail is set on perfectly and she uses it to her advantage, her well boned limbs are strong and straight and she stands on good feet, on the move she holds a beautiful shape and she produces a well-balanced gait, she was presented in the most beautiful gleaming black jacket, to be picky she maybe carries a pound or two more than is ideal for her, she is another who is worthy of top honours.
2nd: - MILBURN, Mrs Dawn & MILBURN, Mr Steven - Talk Of The Town Du Clos Des Abysses De Provence At Dawstenbears (imp Fra) – 2 and a half year old black bitch of good size and substance, she has a well-balanced head with a good strong square muzzle, her eyes are dark and of good shape and set, her neck is of the correct length and flows into clean withers and good shoulders, her topline is strong, for me I would like a tad more depth in body which I think will come as she matures and when it does she will have a shorter appearance overall, her proportions are good and that bit of depth will enhance this, she benefits from super well balanced angles front and rear and she moved with a balanced and free gait, presented to perfection in a gleaming black jacket and super muscle tone.
3rd: - RYAN, Ms Julie - King Of Helluland Harley Quinn For Bearnessitie (imp snk Ba1)

Class 144 OB (6 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: - FARRAR, Mrs K J & FARRAR, Mr Alan - Ch Darkpeak Starlight Express – I have admired this beautiful black bitch from afar so was delighted to see her walk into my ring today and she did not disappoint, she is just as beautiful as I hoped she would be, she has everything you are looking for in a Newfoundland bitch, her head is just divine, the expression melts you and her eyes draw you in, those eyes are a super colour, shape and are set perfectly, her width of skull and muzzle ratio’s are bang on and her length of muzzle is just as it should be, her dentition is good and she had decent size teeth, she carries her head beautifully on her super strong neck, her neck flows into a well laid shoulder and she has a clean flow over her withers, her back is broad and strong and she has just the right spring in her rib and just the right depth of chest, her underline compliments her top line and we have that “newfie bum” and a well set on tail and although on the move she can hold that tail a tad higher than her topline she does hold it out perfectly straight, on the move she just flows, her gait is effortless and she reaches out in front and has a driving rear action, coming and going she is straight and true, she was presented in a super black jacket and her muscle tone is truly commendable, I just loved her and was delighted to award her the BCC.
2nd: - BALDOCK, Mrs C - Ch & Bel Ch & Lux Ch Ohoi's About Damn Time (Imp Nor) – I was certainly spoilt for choice today in this class and this black bitch was also an absolute delight to judge, her head is strong but retains femininity, her strength in frame from nose to tail is from the top drawer and is covered with super conditioning for both muscle and coat, she is absolutely gleaming, she is another that you do have to get right into the coat to check the balance of length and height and when you do you find its spot on, she is well ribbed, she has a broad level back and her loin is strong and deep, her underlines match her topline which all put together gives for that super silhouette that’s is so typical for a Newfoundland, on the move she holds herself perfectly and she has near perfect foot fall with every stride, she is true coming and going and never put a foot wrong, she pushed 1 hard but had to settle for the RCC today.
3rd: - POPPLE, Mrs Ginny & POPPLE, Dr Mark - Mileoak Loch Noir Shcex

Kirstie Forster (Judge) (Megalmar)