MANCHESTER CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Judges Critiques

Dr K BOND

Judging: Gundog Group, Weimaraner

Many thanks to the officers and committee of Manchester Championship Show for their kind invite to judge Weimaraners. Thank you also to the exhibitors who kindly entered and braced cold conditions to attend on a “school day”! I really enjoyed my day and found a number of lovely dogs. There were more good dogs than there were green or even red cards available to give. The big ring suited the stride of a bigger gundog and allowed those who could keep up the pace to use it to their advantage. Two areas for improvement I noticed on more dogs than could be counted on one hand were Fronts - short upper arms and front legs standing ten to two whilst stacked and Teeth -  poor dentation. The short upper arms and leg length restricted that front stride and I saw multiple undershot and scissor bites and one dog with very poor oral hygiene. These were penalised accordingly as HPR breeds should be able to work the field and carry game. On the plus side most (not all) were shown in hard condition showing that the fields were still visited and handlers were not too distracted by the mince pies over Christmas, showing dogs presenting a picture of power and stamina as the breed standard demands. 

BEST OF BREED : 1939 PHILLIPS, Mr L Rivertone Retrograde
Dog CC : 1939 PHILLIPS, Mr L Rivertone Retrograde
Res Dog CC : 1905 BURGESS, Mr D & BURGESS, Mrs R Gunalt Vettel To Hantzburg ShCEx
Bitch CC : 1944 ROWBURY, Ms Sandra & TRANQUADA, Ms Daniela Rivertone Confetti Over Stormdancer
Res Bitch CC : 1916 HESFORD, Mr & Mrs M & J & CAMPBELL, Miss H Sh Ch Pipwell Penny Lane
Best Puppy : 1907 BYRNE, Mrs J Amazing Forest Of The Dutch Grey At Enryb (imp Nld
Best Veteran : 1948 SNAITH, Mrs T Skilaki Move On Up To Bifonda Jw
Best Special Beginner : 1952 WALTON, Mrs Faith Katherine Akwamar Under My Thumb

Class 505 MPD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1907 BYRNE, Mrs J Amazing Forest Of The Dutch Grey At Enryb (imp Nld

Very raw minor puppy dog with a lot of  maturing and strengthening to do but everything to like and all the potential to be a very stylish dog when he matures. Measurement from top of nose to stop equal to measurement from stop to occipital prominence and length of ears high set and correct. Topline level, with slightly sloping croup and although his stride was very much a baby stride his legs landed in all the right places. He did a bit of baby fidgeting but when he held his stack he was very pleasing. Please to award him Best Puppy in Breed. 

2nd: 1915 GATT, Ms Maria Sireva Maestro

A slightly smaller dog but a lovely head with a kind and intelligent expression. Lovely front shoulder furnishings and correct dentition. A beautiful colour. He was a little close at the front on the move today which was unfortunate as actually this was a very close call because I really liked this boy. Hopefully as he matures and develops this will change. He is an overall lovely shape with a level topline and correct length of body. Very promising. 


Class 506 PD (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1904 BUCKLEY, Mrs Jayne Brownbank Juniper
Correctly placed eye sat in an aristocractic head. Kind expression and delicate around hte nostrils. Equal measurements between floor and elbow and elbow to withers and overall appeared balanced.  Strong topline on the move but still some maturing to do Very promising. Dog shown in hard condition which was nice to see.

Class 507 JD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1952 WALTON, Mrs Faith Katherine Akwamar Under My Thumb

Very nice young dog. Preferred his length and front over the 2nd. Found him to be very pleasing when stood (fleetingly!). Beautiful head of equal proportions with a high set long ear. Arched elegant neck and beautiful shoulder furnishings and brisket to elbows. Lovely length as per breed standard and all feet pointing in the right direction. 

Madam, you must control and handle this dog better. His movement was difficult to assess giving me only a few sensible strides. He has as much potential as any dog in the ring today to be made up to a champion but needs presenting in a way that allows for an full assessment of all of his attributes.

2nd: 1904 BUCKLEY, Mrs Jayne Brownbank Juniper
See above

Class 508 YD (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1939 PHILLIPS, Mr L Rivertone Retrograde

What a lovely young dog. His head  aristocratic and evenly proportioned with a  moderate stop, slight median line extending back over forehead.  Correct dentition. Loved his length of neck giving the overall impression of elegance.  Intelligent and kind expression and proportions from elbow to ground perfect as was his shoulder furnishings which allowed his effortless and ground covering movement. Moderately angulated, with well turned stifle. Hocks let down and both front and rear legs facing the correct way! Moved effortlessly round the ring with his young handler matching his enormous stride. This beautiful dog took my eye as soon as he entered the ring. Breed standards do not give the descriptions for the “extra bit” that enable a narrative around presence, willingness, confidence and taking your eye but this boy did all of the above. He was up against it in the challenge because I loved the reserve CC aswell but he won the day with his elegant neck and front which on the stack gave a picture that could not be denied. I gave him his first CC and I suspect it will not be long before he gets his other 2. Every bit a champion. Dog CC. BOB.  Very proud to watch him attain Group 4.

2nd: 1952 WALTON, Mrs Faith Katherine Akwamar Under My Thumb
Overall appearance of power and stamina and this dog was shown in hard condition. Head of equal proportions and a lovely high set ear 2.5 inches from his nose. Moved around the ring with some power. Deep bodied and well presented. Just preferred the length of 1 today.

Class 509 PGD (5 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 1950 THOMAS, Mrs Lydia & THOMAS, Mr Jamie Silverweis Summer Love

Evenly proportioned head, high set ear and an intelligent expression. Deep chest all the way to his elbows and and preferred the rear angulation of this dog.  Would like to see him a little bit longer in the rib but he is nice dog. Moved with drive.

2nd: 1937 OSBORNE-FARDON, Mr Richard James Silberliss Bombadier
Not much between 1 and 2. Well proportioned head with a kind eye and intelligent expression and correct dentition. Chest down to his brisket and good angulation at the rear.  

Class 510 LD (6 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 1918 HILL, Miss Cheryl Weipowa Double O'seven JW

I really liked this well balanced mature male dog. He filled my eye and was shown in hard condition and was well presented. Well balanced head, high set ear all the way down to towards his nose. Deep well let down chest off a long elegant neck, body longer than the height from floor to withers as the breed standard requests. Moved straight and with power. One of the better moving dogs on the day he was considered for top honours. Well handled.

2nd: 1924 JENNINGS, Dr Lisa Wallaroo Romeo JW
Another nice dog. He was carrying a little bit of post christmas weight and that was a little bit distracting. However, lovey balanced head and correct ear. Elegant neck and lovely shoulder with correct rear angulation. Quite a refined dog, not overly heavy but still masculine. Would have liked a little bit more length perhaps but he is a contender without a doubt.

Class 511 OD (8 Entries) Abs: 3
1st: 1905 BURGESS, Mr D & BURGESS, Mrs R Gunalt Vettel To Hantzburg ShCEx

Another very classy and stylish mature male dog. I have judged this dog as a puppy and a two year old and I have always liked him and he has come into his own. Today this handler presented this dog beautifully and that really made my decision difficult. Moved straight and effortless covering the ground with ease and holding his topline as he went. Deep chest ribs with well sprung and a deep chest all the way to his elbows. Good rear angulation and shown in excellent condition. Enjoyed going over him and awarding him the reserve dog CC today.

2nd: 1908 CHARLISH, Miss Ellen Sh Ch Gunalt The Hangover JW
Another very very nice dog well presented and in good hard condition. I would like to see a touch more length of leg on this dog but is stylish and has a lot to like. Well balanced head and lovely high set ear.  Deep chest to his elbows and in good condition and well presented. His handler made the most of the space available and his powerful movement is  one of his strengths. 

Class 512 VD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1948 SNAITH, Mrs T Skilaki Move On Up To Bifonda Jw

Very nice veteran dog with a well balanced head and a high ear off a slightly arched long neck. Elegant shape and deep to the elbows chest. Body proportions from the floor to elbow and elbow to withers and point of shoulder and buttock all correct. Moved well placing with some power around the ring.  Preferred his length. BEST VETERAN.

2nd: 1932 MCMAHON, Mrs Patricia & MCMAHON, Mr Anthony Ir Sh Ch Silverkelvin Jupiter Over Magdala
Presents a very typical outline and is very balanced. Pleasing head and expression. Good topline and correct croup.  Elegant neck and lovely shoulder with correct rear angulation. Moved with purpose.

Class 513 SBD (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 1952 WALTON, Mrs Faith Katherine Akwamar Under My Thumb

I really liked this dog in his earlier class and only mention him again as despite this being a special beginners class his handlers are struggling with him and it is very frustrating to judge/ assess as he is a lovely dog! 

2nd: 1930 MARTINEZ, Miss Rebecca Jayne Meinweg Autumnal Frost
Unfortunate to be up against such a quality dog. Well proportioned head with a kind eye and intelligent expression and correct dentition. Chest down to his brisket and good angulation at the rear.  

Class 515 PB (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1900 ANDERSON, Mrs C & Mr J Gunalt Gift Of The Gab

Really liked this quality youngster. Pleasing head and expression, elegant neck, correct shoulder placement, forechest, top and underline. Her rear quarters were well muscled and hocks straight and well let down. Moved effortlessly, covering the ground with ease. One to watch. 

2nd: 1922 INGRAM, Miss H Gunalt Chinwag
Lovely feminine length of neck onto well laid shoulders. Good length of body and overall impression one of balance and symettry. This is one to watch I really liked her just not quite the maturity of the other puppy in the challenge but her time will come. 

Class 516 JB (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 1931 MASKELL RAYNER, Mrs & Miss & Mrs S & G & C Brownbank Willow With Raystans

Lovely puppy bitch  full of type and quality. Her head is superb, and she has a great expression.  Her condition could not be faulted more mature than her months. Her topline was level and strong, loin short and muscular, rear quarters were well muscled and her hocks, straight and well let down. She flows from head to tail and on the move has an extremely free and economical action. All of the right proportions and I was pleased to give her Best Puppy Bitch. 

2nd: 1925 KELLY, Mr J Vansant Vixen
Classic head and expression, strong neck, good front, elbows tight to body forelegs, straight and true, feet tight. Her topline was level and strong, loin short and muscular, rear quarters were well muscled and her hocks, straight and well let down. Her movement was sound. I suspect she will mature well but at the moment needs a bit more maturity around her depth of chest.

Class 517 YB (7 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 1944 ROWBURY, Ms Sandra & TRANQUADA, Ms Daniela Rivertone Confetti Over Stormdancer

Beautiful and pretty bitch with an equally proportioned head and beautiful arced long elegant neck. Aristocratic head with moderate stop and kind expression. Shoulder furnishings which allowed her front freedom of movement as she made the ring seem smaller than it was with a balanced and ground covering gait. Well-turned stifle and lovely firm feet with toes well arched. She was well handled and presented in hard condition. Pleased to have given her her 2nd CC today and I am sure her 3rd will not be far away. Bitch CC. 

2nd: 1914 DYER, Mrs S & ODDIE, Mrs Samantha Sh Ch Sharnphilly Annie Mac JW
Elegant mature looking bitch with a beautiful well proportioned head and kind eye. Long elegant neck sitting on a deep chest down to her elbows. Good rear angulation and presented and handled to perfection. On the move she is very sound  but not the reach in front of the winner today I preferred the length of leg and upper arm on 1 but this was a very close call. 

Class 518 PGB (3 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1917 HILL, Miss Cheryl Weipowa Ida JW

Her head has strength but unquestionably feminine still. Would like a little more length of body but ribs well back. A super strong back end with a good turn of stifle and straight well let down hocks, all used to her advantage on the move where she showed super reach and drive all whilst maintaining a correct top line.  Preferred her length.

2nd: 1953 WEST, Mrs Joanne & WEST, Mr Campbell Gunalt Frequency By Hantu (a.i.)
Well bodied dog with complete and correct dentition and good head proportions and light eyes. Prominent occipital bone and clean neck leading through to a well laid shoulder and deep chest. Well-muscled thighs and tail reaching to hocks. Moved straight.

Class 519 LB (7 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 1911 DENNIS, Mrs M Silverweis Sparkler

A super well proportioned head with excellent ear length with correct fold. Super strong neck leading into clean well-placed shoulders. Excellent hind angulation standing on good bone a nice tight feet. Correct length to rib and short in loin. Moved well and was well presented in hard condition. Preferred her length. Moved straight and powered from behind. Very nice and one to watch. 

2nd: 1913 DOBBS, Mrs D Kalimor Summa Love JW
Loved her shape and type. She is so balanced. Pleasing head and expression, ample forechest, elbows tight to body, correct topline and short loin. Her hindquarters were moderately angulated and well muscled. She moved soundly with drive and style.

Class 520 OB (7 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 1916 HESFORD, Mr & Mrs M & J & CAMPBELL, Miss H Sh Ch Pipwell Penny Lane

Beautiful stacked really lovely bitch of real type and quality. Super head proportions and expression,  excellent ear length with correct fold. Super strong neck leading into clean well-placed shoulders delightful to go over and moved out with style. Her front movement became unsettled in the challenge and let her down but she was worthy of RBCC.

2nd: 1921 INGRAM, Miss H Gunalt Chattering
The more I watched this bitch, the more I liked her. Scores highly in head, superb front, and shoulder placement. Strong, level topline, short loin with well muscled hindquarters. She is very eye catching on the move with her long, easy, ground covering strides. These two could reverse on another day. 

Class 521 VB (1 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 1912 DOBBS, Mrs D Oakswarren Ice Maiden
Feminine head, elegant neck. Correct shoulder placement. Balanced fore and aft and still out moving the youngsters with her purposeful, driving movement. Handled well.

Class 522 SBB NO ENTRIES