I was surprised to see so many pincer bites in the breed, whilst they are tolerated, since the breed does not have a short muzzle I cannot understand why they should be so prevalent, not something you would have seen 20 years ago. Pigment on some dogs was not ideal; whilst nose leathers were generally good there were pink flews and a number of dogs lacking the classical black roof to the mouth. I think the overall quality of the bitches was better than the dogs, and the puppy bitch class bodes well for the future of the breed, the puppy bitch and open bitch being the classes with depth of quality. I was disappointed with the presentation of some exhibits. This is a beauty competition and some of the dogs were simply dirty, a number of exhibitors could look to the presentation of the main winners, as these were excellently put down by their owners.

PD (3) 1 Kenyon & Ward's Charibere Simply Special At Chezanna, tall elegant dog of excellent bone, standing on neat tight cat feet. Firm back but rising slightly in rear as is often the case with the youngsters. Very promising head, wedge shape developing just needs to broaden as one would expect. Lovely eye shape, correct oblique setting and excellent pigment. Moved ok, just needs to broaden in chest which will come with maturity, promising boy for the future. 2 Janes' Kricarno Karrizzmatick, another with lots of promise, good body shape and proportions, well boned. Strong level back, good broad rump, correct long tail. Would prefer slightly shorter muzzle for overall head balance, and found ears a little high. 3 Salter Kricarno Kookie.

JD (5,1) 1 Traynor's Swed Vi'skaly's Xbalanque Qui-mu At Calsassa (Imp), tall elegant dog, presented in excellent condition. Well boned to tight cat feet. Head developing well, correct wedge with slightly rounded skull. Lovely eye shape and colour, excellent pigment. Very sound on move though at first a little bouncy, lovely to see such an impressive wheel of the tail, rcc. 2 Burwell's Pyrbern Blond Defender at Bursville, very raw youngster, needing time to develop and broaden throughout. Is good size and ok for bone, firm level topline, but narrow in chest. Head also rather narrow and would prefer shorter muzzle for balance. 3 Hillier's Pyrbern Blond Ranger.

PGD (3) 1 Waters's Marbore de Alba de Los Danzantes at Sketrick (Imp), very heavy coated male, perhaps too heavy in neck as makes him appear a little stuffy in outline, but has good neck and angulation on closer examination. Attractive strong wedge skull, round and with balanced muzzle. Correct almond eye set well, good pigment. Easy sound mover. 2 Wells' Sketrick Lupo, I preferred the overall body shape, outline and elegance of this dog, but the head of the winner just gave him the edge in the final decision. The head was not as broad and found eye set just little odd, not quite oblique which spoilt expression. Sound mover covers ground easily just a shade narrow in front. 3 Absolom's Fontenay Newton Wonder.

LD (2) 1 Tadd's Kricarno Khoirboy JW ShCM, very tall dog, impressive in profile, well angulated and has good bone, standing on tight cat feet. Though tends to turn front feet out when standing. Large wedge head, rounded skull, good balance to muzzle, would prefer tighter eye and flews. Good pigment. Covers ground effortlessly, but little loose in front and flat on pasterns. 2 Meakin's Jazanah Josephinite, chunky built dog of good bone, firm topline. Strong broad head but found his muzzle too padded and full, and skull rather flat, with high set ears, would prefer tighter flews. Moves with very positive hind action, plenty of drive, but not so good in front.

OD (6,2) 1 Pollard's Gillandant Rockafella, elegant male, excellent type. Loved his head shape, correct wedge, rounded skull, lovely eye shape and set. Excellent pigment. Strong boned, firm back, and broad rump, chest reaching past elbow, good tuck up. Sound and effortless mover, CC & BOB. 2 Meakin's Jazanah Jaunty, attractive dog of excellent bone and substance, good deep chest, just a shade long in body. Attractive head proportions, correct wedge rounded skull, good eye and excellent pigment. Moved well. 3 Bowker Boyd, & Gibson's Am Ch Gianni Versace (Imp).

GCD/B (4) 1 Jazanah Josephinite. 2 Munson's Alchazandis Foxminty Bear At Pyrbern, found her rather narrow through head and body and head is narrow and flat sided, not typical in head. Gained placing here on movement as non qualifying placing. 3 Munson's Pyrbern Blonde Apache.

PB (5,1) 1 Edwards' Gillandant Leyla Via Shanlimore, heading a trio of very similar promising pups, so not surprised to see they are litter mates, was really splitting hairs to separate and place. Lovely well boned pup, of good overall size, little rump high as is normal at this age. Very attractive head, correct wedge, rounded skull, well set ears and beautiful eye and expression from the dark pigment around eye, and their set. Well developed in chest and good angulation. Moves very well, BP. 2 Pollard's Gillandant Sizzling Spice, smaller than sister, but very well proportioned and feminine. Also has very promising head, correct wedge, and lovely oblique eyes with well pigmented rims. Correct tight well pigmented flews. Well angulated and easy on the move. 3 Ireland's Gillandant Samirah.

JB (5) 1 Ford's Desalazara Alpine Snowbell, tall elegant bitch of good bone, well set neck and firm topline. Stands well on tight feet. Very attractive head, correct wedge, balanced muzzle, and lovely eye, excellent pigment. Very good angulation and lovely mover, covering ground effortlessly, pushed hard for top awards. 2 Vogler's Merzurlaska Zianon Lace, good sized bitch, elegant, but needs to broaden and develop more in body and coat. Has good angulation and moves soundly. Attractive head, good eye, ear set just a shade high. 3 Traynor's Swed Vi'skaly's Mona Monark At Calsassa (Imp).

PGB (3,1) 1 Duffell's Kalkasi Misty Star of Ricaduffal, good strong honest type of bitch, not overly glamorous, but made well and moves soundly, though would like to see her carrying a little less weight as causing her to roll a little in the body. Deep chest well angulated. Correct shaped head and rounded skull. 2 Withheld. 3. Withheld.

LB (2,1) 1 Burwell's Shanlimore Phoebe at Bursville, lovely elegant bitch, well boned yet feminine. In excellent coat and presented beautifully. My notes say stunning head, the shape and set of eye plus tight mouth creating the correct far away expression, so typical of the breed. Very good angulation, strong rump and moves effortlessly, in the challenge she was just a little loose in front, Res CC.

OB (4,1) 1 Edwards' Ch Zalute Zeona Via Shanlimore JW, heading three lovely bitches, a delight to judge them all, this bitch has excellent bone to tight feet. Beautifully presented and handled in good coat. Well angulated front and rear, firm back and strong rump. Good head and eye, tight mouth. Very positive mover, covering ground with ease and true front & rear, and making a wheel with tail on move. I see she is half sister to the BP, which bodes well for the youngsters, CC. 2 Savage's Ch Int & Norsk Ch Vi'skaly's Amazing Alfa At Kington. Attractive elegant bitch in good coat and of good bone, lovely carriage and excellent head and eye, correct far away expression. Good angulation and neck, firm back, good sound mover just not as animated as winner, but incredible condition for her age, credit to breeders and owners. 3 Ford's Ch Gillandant Kiss And Tell At Desalazara.

Toni Jackson