Crufts Archive
Firstly my thanks to the exhibitors for coming, its is always disappointing when there is a change of
judge, and I had visions of massive absentees. Thankfully on the day there were only 3 out of 62 entries
for which I am very grateful.
I would like to send my best wishes to Sue Hewart –Chambers the elected judge, if it’s any consolation
she had drawn the biggest entry in this breed for sometime.
I would like to thank Tom Mather and the Crufts committee for the appointment, also I am grateful to
Andrea at the KC for making all the arrangements in double quick time.
Last and by no means least my two excellent stewards Colin and Michelle who kept the ring moving in a
most efficient and friendly manner. It was a pleasure to be in their company.
It has been 9 years since I last judged the breed at Crufts, and 3 years since I last awarded CC’s in the
breed. I found this a most challenging but very enjoyable appointment, and certainly the highlight of my
judging career to date.
Movement was very disappointing particularly behind, so many flipped a hock or moved close behind.
There were also far too many nervous exhibits although I appreciate Crufts can be a very noisy and alien
environment. I tried to be sensitive in my table examination, and all allowed me to go over them which
was very gratifying.
Type was very varied it was like judging any variety vallhund, they were all shapes and sizes. Some I felt
were far too long in the body, others were far too compact, and many of the bitches were far too small
and fine, something I highlighted last time I judged.
Heads were very much improved, not one bad mouth and coats were of the correct texture, just a
couple of soft ones, and a borderline longcoat which I didn’t place . Also a few of the bitches were
shedding, but I could at least see they had the required soft undercoat.
It was also good to see a number of natural stub tails in the entry, this is an important breed
characteristic which should be preserved at all costs.
It was also good to see a number of imported dogs making their mark in the entry, this can only be good
news for the breed in this country, and increases the genetic diversity with new bloodlines.
My thanks to exhibitors for the sporting way in which they took my awards. I hope the many overseas
exhibitors enjoyed showing at the biggest, and as far as I am concerned best dogshow in the world.
One of my pleasures as a judge is looking through the catalogue after judging, and reviewing the
breeding of placed exhibits, where appropriate I have included this information in my critique.
Veteran Dog 1.
1ST (Lee’s) Eriksfjord Brave Charm
The star of the show as far as I am concerned, it’s difficult to believe this dog is 9 yrs old as he certainly
doesn’t show, or act his age. He is of ideal size and proportions. Has a lovely wedge shaped masculine
head, with an exceptional square profiled muzzle of the correct size. His front is good with a nice depth
of chest, good spring of rib, solid topline which he kept on the move. He has a good texture to his coat
with a good mask and harness markings. He has nice rear angulation with a good bend of stifle. His
movement was outstanding he flowed effortlessly around the ring, really driving from behind and
covering the ground well. Most of all he has the most delightful personality, friendly, active and eager to
please, in fact his long tail held proudly over his back never stopped wagging. CC and BOB, Best
Veteran. This was his second CC and I hope he is soon made up, he did the breed proud in the group.
Puppy Dog(1).
1ST ( Linney’s) Aescwine Bottom Dollar
A very raw 9mth old with a stub tail. He was very anxious to start with, but soon regained his composure
once his handler got control of his nerves. He has a lovely shape to his head with a good eye shape and
colour. Has a full white collar which is well within that allowed in the UK standard, and I thought was
most attractive. Well off for bone, nice front, correct rear angulation, good coat texture. He rises a bit
over his loin at present, and appears a bit long in the back, but all the essentials are there. I would be
interested to see him in a years time, once he has tightened all through. Moved well enough to take best
puppy.
Junior Dog(1)
1ST (Howe’s) Valaller The Photographer
Alone but deserved his place, a 12mth very outgoing dog with a long stub tail and an attractive
red/yellow/grey coat of the correct texture with close fitting topcoat. He has a very nice wedge shaped
head, good muzzle front and sternum. His chest is still developing but the shape is correct. Well layed
shoulders, solid topline and a nice broad slope to his croup. Good rear angulation enabled him to move
very soundly. Closely related to my BCC winner both parents being Swedish Imports
Post Graduate Dog(5,1)
1ST (Ellis’s) Kimaroffs Sidney
Another with a very nice masculine wedge shaped head, good stop, nice eye, his chest is developing
nicely. He had a good coat nice medium harsh texture, and well marked, correct croup and long tail.
Correctly sized hocks. Nicely muscled and shown in good condition. He needs to tighten in front but a
sound mover.
2ND (Richards and Chapppell’s) Starvon Eez The One of Palostras
Nearly 2yrs old and giving a bit away in maturity to winner, light grey but most attractive, liked his size
and proportions. Good head ,front and sternum .Good reach of neck and nice shoulders. Chest needs
time to develop further, He had very nice markings, solid topline, liked his stub tail and rear assembly.
Sound mover , just needs time to mature.
Limit Dog(3,1)
1ST (Spry’s) Westorps Wild Thing to Pepperthyme (Imp Swe)
Liked this 3yr old dog for his excellent type and proportions, good head and very nice eye shape and
colour. Good front and correct sternum, very good depth to his correctly shaped chest. He had a good
length to his rib cage and a good tuck up. He has a rock solid topline, broad slope to his croup with a
stub tail. Correct rear angulation, nicely muscled with a good coat texture. Sound mover. Another
Swedish import making his mark over here.
2ND (Linney’s) Cecil vom Bruggener Land mit Aescwine (Imp Deu)
A very nice 4yr old dog, well marked with a good coat texture has a very good head and eye. He has a
very nice front. Correct lay of shoulder, shown in hard condition .Liked his temperament with a happy full
tail. Sound mover just preferred proportions of winner. Another Import and father of best puppy.
Open Dog(13)
1ST (Pallatina’s) Starvon Dark Knight with Valltineya
This boy headed a very strong class. As his name suggests he is darker than most but still correct.
6.5yrs old and I would suggest he is fully mature. He has a lovely head shape and expression, good
stop, correct scissor bite ,very good square muzzle of the correct length. Nice sternum with an
impressive depth to his well shaped chest. Level topline, good coat and a full tail. Excellent rear
angulation enabled him to move soundly, very accurate behind. Sire of winner of junior bitch and her
placed litter sisters, so he is producing the goods. RCC.
2ND (Ludwig’s) De/dk/int Ch Danga's D'loui X-Son
Close up to winner, and no surprise that he is a multi- titled Champion. 6yrs old and another mature male
with an impressive shape and depth to his chest. He has a masculine head with medium sized ears of
good shape, nice stop, good bite, correct front with good sternum, excellent harsh close fitting coat, very
good topline. Correctly sized hocks, and good bend of stifle. Good muscle tone. Moved very soundly,
just preferred winners size. Another Swedish bred import.
Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog(2,1)
Entries: 2 Absentees: 1
1ST (Lee’s) Eriksfjord Brave Charm.
Still moving and showing his heart out most impressive.
Veteran Bitch(5,1)
1ST (Dodd’s) Ch Hurstfield Renen Vixen at Tanellis
This lovely girl l headed a very strong class. 9yrs old with a full tail and very typical of a lovely size and
proportions. She has a very beautiful head with a lovely oval eye shape, and very dark brown eyes
giving a soft feminine expression. She has a very nice front with an excellent reach of neck, and good
shoulder angles enabled her to move soundly, but I would like more positive rear action.
2ND (Diamond’s) Ch Eriksfjord Aurora Charm ShCM (Miss K Diamond)
Another lovely example of good size and correct proportions, 8yr old grey sable with good coat and
markings. She has a lovely shape to her chest and good depth. Rock solid topline which she held on the
move, nice broad croup and good rear end. Sound mover just preferred winner’s size and front.
Puppy Bitch(1)
1ST (Fithern and Russell’s) Ruserns Miss Adventure
Another very raw puppy of 10mths, she is a good size and is well off for bone. A bit apprehensive to
start with but soon regained her composure. Good rear angulation, her chest is the correct shape but
has yet to develop. Good coat texture and colour. She appears rather long in the back at present, and
needs to settle in movement as she is rather loose all through, as one would expect at this age. Another
I would like to see in a year’s time. I thought the dog puppy was more together all around in the
challenge for best puppy.
Junior Bitch(6)
1ST (Pallatina’s) Valltineya Plot Twist
Three bitches placed in this class were litter sisters and very similar, this one had by far the best
movement on the day. 15mths with a full tail, good size and proportions. Lovely head with good stop,
and medium sized erect ears. She had a good front and enough bone for a bitch, very nice short loin,
although her chest is yet to fully develop. She was well muscled, alert and attentive and showed very
well.
2ND Fernandez, Martinez and Hobb’s) Valaller Copyright .
Another very nice young bitch, 12mths old, and not as advanced as winner. She is nicely constructed of
a good size, with a very nicely shaped feminine head. Good front, excellent topline. Good close fitting
double coat. Nice broad croup into long stub tail. I liked her bend of stifle this enabled her to move very
soundly around the large ring. Another who is by two Swedish imports.
Post Graduate Bitch(7)
1ST ( Patterson and Day’s) Starvon Fits The Standard at Eriksfjord
Aptly named because she is so nicely constructed. She was a very pretty 2yr old stub tailed grey sable.
Her head was a lovely shape with a white blaze and front, well within the UK standard. She has a good
front and sternum, nice shape to her chest with a good tuck up. She had a good backend and a lovely
temperament, alert, attentive and friendly. I see she is by a dog I have admired and given a CC to in the
past, small wonder I liked her. I would just like more of her, but hopefully that will come with time.
2ND (Borlinghaus and McCann’s) Pepperthyme Star Watching (Miss B & Mr P Borlinghaus &
Mccann)
A more mature 4yr old with a good head and particularly nice front and reach of neck. Another whose
chest is developing nicely. Solid topline, correct coat and full tail, sound mover but I preferred winners
hind action.
Limit Bitch(5),
1ST (Warren’s)Valaller in Focus
A lovely surprise finding this lovely girl. 3yrs old and a very nice size with correct proportions. She had a
lovely head, good eye shape, very nice front and a correctly sized and shaped chest. Sufficient reach of
neck, lovely lay back on shoulders. She had a very solid topline and her excellent rear angulation
enabled her to move soundly and accurately around the ring, her rear movement in particular was hard
to fault. She had a lovely harsh close fitting jacket, and enjoyed her showing looking alert and attentive at
all times. Another out of a Swedish import. Very pleased to award her the CC, close decision for BOB
but she couldn’t match the dogs enthusiastic showmanship. I learnt later this was her second CC, I hope
if there is any justice in the dogworld that she will soon be made up.
2ND (Amon’s) Pepperthyme Wild Fire
Another lovely example, but slightly smaller. She is proportionately correct for her size, 18mths old with a
full tail. Very nice head and eye, complete with cowlick, excellent front, nice shape to her chest but
needs more depth which will come with time. Nice coat texture and well muscled. She was a very sound
and accurate mover. I just preferred the overall substance and finish of winner. Another with a Swedish
Import sire.
Open Bitch(10)
1ST (Zbilut and Yacomen’s) Ch Ohanaway She's A Rebel
Headed a very strong class, with some excellent examples going cardless. This 3yr old star has a
lovely shaped feminine head, neat medium sized ears, excellent head planes, good bite and strong white
teeth. Nice front with good sternum, nicely shaped chest with correct tuck up. She has the most beautiful
mask and harness markings accentuated by her dark guard hairs that extend down the full length of her
body. Solid in topline, with a very nice bend of stifle. Good muscle tone and shown in a hard, fit
condition. She is an enthusiastic showgirl who was enjoying her day, a very sound mover covering the
ground effortlessly. Very well handled. RCC but it was a most difficult decision, just preferred the
proportions of winner.
2ND (Biss’s) Valaller Rainmaker
Nearly five yrs, and now fully mature. She has the best of heads, good front and nice shape and depth to
her chest, good tuck up, nice texture to her coat, ,lovely broad slope to her croup with a long stub tail.
She moves very soundly behind but obviously likes her food, which affected her front movement. Her
sire is another Swedish import.
Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch(1)
1ST (Dodd’s) Ch Tanellis Bloomin Primrose
I thought her bloomin marvellous. A fully mature 6yr old of super type. She is of ideal size and so
proportionately correct. She has the most beautiful head and eye, nice square muzzle of correct length,
excellent front with good sternum, and a correctly shaped chest of good depth. Well laid shoulder, good
topline, correctly sized hocks, and nice rear angulation. She has a lovely mask and harness markings.
She is a sound mover but not as positive behind today.
Judge Dr Chris Millard.
12th MARCH 2017
My thanks go to the Kennel Club for their invitation to judge the Vallhunds, my sincere thanks also to the two very efficient stewards, whom I know had a very long tiring day, and of course to the exhibitors for their entries.
Teeth and bites have much improved since I last judged, and you have all obviously been working hard in keeping the teeth clean, every exhibit had wonderfully clean teeth, well done all, eyes have also improved. Overall temperaments were good, some exhibits were a little unsettled in the younger classes, but I put it down to the tanoid, above us and the usual noise level associated with this show. The dogs were much stronger in type then the bitches and I was very pleased with my main winners, however I am very saddened and concerned with the lack of bone and substance, with many of the younger exhibits, the Vallhund standard clearly states “strong powerful sturdy” , remember this is a working dog
VETERAN DOG (3)
1st MR R & MRS D DODD - STARVON TALK OF THE TOWN 7 years, not the biggest of boys but within size, shown in good firm condition, a well balanced compact dog, lovely masculine wedge head with correct ear set, good front and hind quarters, would like a firmer topline, nevertheless, very sound on the move which won him this class.
2nd MRS J &MRS A F DAY & WEST – CH STARVON REACH FOR THE STARS 7 years of excellent type and temperament, a gorgeous head with lovely dark eye, good reach of neck and strong topline, however today carrying to much weight which made him look overloaded in front, moved reasonably well, but have seen him move better, lacked drive from the rear today
3rd MRS F & MR T CAMERON & WOODS - STARVON OFF THE CUFF FOR BOWKOL – 11 Years and in wonderful condition, credit to owner, smaller dog , good head and markings with lovely expression, moved reasonably well overall would like more masculinity and more of him.
PUPPY DOG
1st MR A J & MRS S DRINKWATER - MASTOKK DE JOMMOKK
8 Months, stood alone, a nice youngster with good character, masculine head with correct mask and harness markings, ears well set lovely bone, good length of neck, and topline, feet need to tighten, good hind angulation, rather wide in front, moved well once settled. BEST PUPPY
JUNIOR DOG
Three lovely young dogs, unfortunate to meet each other today, I am sure they will change places many times.
1st MISS PALLATINA - STARVON ALL EYES ON ME AT VALLTINEYA 17 months, very apt name, as my eyes were drawn to him, what a very smart, well balanced dog, of correct type, with lovely bone, good reach of neck into level topline, good length of leg and depth of chest for his age, lovely masculine head, correct mask markings with dark eye and gentle expression, correct front, moved very well for his age, should have a bright future if he preforms as he did today, well done.
2nd MR G & MRS S LEE- ERIKSFJORD BRAVE CHARM 14 months another lovely youngster, again of good type, good head and correct ear set, lovely dark eye and mask markings, good front rear quarters, moved well, but lacked the drive of the winner today.
3rd MRS C HACKNEY STARVON ALL ABOUT ME 17 months litter brother to winner and similar remarks apply, not quite as mature yet and not quite as sound on the move but nevertheless another lovely youngster, he has a good wedge head with lovely dark eye and gentle expression, firm topline which he held on the move, moved well but lacked the reach of his sibling today
POST GRADUATE DOG
1st BRADLEY & UPTONS BOWKOL DRAGON RIDER I have admired this boy from the ringside on the odd occasion he has been shown and was pleased to have the chance of going over him today, I truly was not dissappointed with this 3yr old, what a lovely looking dog, very eye-catching, correct masculine wedge head with well defined mask and harness markings , good neck length and strong firm topline, correct front with good depth of chest, good turn of stifle and strong quarters, sound coming and going with good side gait, and drive from rear, however, owner lacks a little in confidence, there is no need, you have a lovely dog there, just get that right pace with him and I am confident he could be up there with the best.
2nd MR & MRS BAILLIE - PEPPERTHYME WINTER STORM A lovely type 2 yr old , very attractive dog, good eye and expression lovely masculine head, with well placed ears good front and well angulated rear quarters, which he used well on the moved holding his topline, liked this boy, unfortunate to meet 1 today.
3rd MRS L HART - BOWKOL EPIC HAVOC another 2 yr old of correct type, overall would like more masculinity, but this will come as he matures , moved reasonably well side gait, but a little loose in hocks going away.
LIMIT DOG
1st MRS J PRICE – STARVON YOU GOT IT FROM CONINGSBEAR 3 yr old Red dog, nice wedged shaped head with correct stop good dark eye, well placed ears, he had a firm topline, strong rear quarters, with good turn of stifle, would like more length of leg moved soundly.
2nd MR I WESTERBERG- FROJEREDS LASSE LUCIDOR 2yr old ,lovely looking dog of good type, he has a lovely eye and expression, good head with correct ear set , firm topline, good rear quarters, a little wide in front, was a little erratic moving away, but had a good side gait, lacked the maturity of winner but this will come in time.
OPEN DOG
1st MS L & MRS A PATERSON & WEST - CH STARVON WISHFUL THINKING 6yr old every inch male, shown in superb condition, well balanced dog with strong bone and excellent topline which he kept on the move, masculine wedge head with correct stop lovely dark eye and expression, good reach of neck, and depth of chest, correct shoulder placement , lovely front quarters and well angulated rear, which he used to his advantage on the move, powerful drive from rear and lovely front reach, he truly was on top form today, and very well handled, pleased to award him the top honours DOG CC & BEST OF BREED.
2nd MRS L JOHANSSON – CH SKOGSBYGDENS OMOVITZCOMHEM 4yrs, striking boy whom took my eye as he came into the ring and what a pleasure to go over him, very attractive looking dog, full of quality, beautiful head with lovely mask, correct eye, topline, correct angulation front and rear, moved really well in all directions, I really liked this boy, a hard decision, felt he just lacked front reach of winner today. RES DOG CC
3rd MS D HOWE- CH STARVON VENI VIDI VICI 6yrs A favorite of mine, whom I have judged before, sadly today he was not on his normal form, carrying a little weight which made him look heavy over the shoulder, nevertheless a quality dog and very worthy of his title .
GOOD CITIZEN DOG
1st MISS Z D & MR A FITHERN & RUSSELL – LILLE VIKING IVAR AT RUSERN stood alone, but well deserved win. 2yrs smart young dog, maturing well, good type with lovely temperament and expression, good front, firm body , chest developing well, level topline, put everything into it on the move, and was sound coming and going.
VETERAN BITCH
1st MRS A.F & MR T J WEST – CH STARVON RUMOUR HAS IT now 8years, I judged and awarded her top honours as a young bitch a few years ago , on seeing her again today I had no reason to change my mind, what a gorgeous bitch this is, excellent breed type and confirmation, lovely bone, beautiful head, strong yet feminine, correct ear set , lovely reach of neck, onto firm level topline , good depth of chest , lovely front and rear quarters, moved soundly in all directions, lost out in the challenge , she just lacked the sparkle and drive of the dog today, however one cannot deny her overall quality which won her the BITCH C.C.
2nd MISS P HARRILDS - STILLMOOR ODIN MAIDEN AT MOONFIELD 12 year, lovely head with well defined mask markings, dark eye good lenth of neck and carriage, good lay of shoulder, length of leg, lovely bone, lovely front quarters, which she used well on the move, moved very well , presented in wonderful condition.
3rd MISS L & MISS J PATERSON& TAYLOR – CH/IR CH ERIKSFJORD MAGIK BEAN 9years , very smart little bitch, very feminine head with dark eye,good neck, shoulder, good bone and substance moved reasonably well , lacked a little drive from rear today, however , a nice bitch developing well.
PUPPY BITCH
1st MS F & MR T CAMERON & WOODS BOWKOL AM BUACHAILLE stood alone, 10 months, sweet natured little bitch, lovely dark eye and expression, good length of leg and firm in topline, however she was lacking in bone and substance, would like a lot more of her, moved soundly.
JUNIOR BITCH
1st MRS P DRINKWATER – TRYKEIRA DALEESHA overall nice type and size bitch of 16 months, good wedge head with dark oval eye, good reach of neck and level topline, well angulated front and rear, was very overcome by the experience and noise to start but once settled moved reasonably well
2nd MISS K DIAMOND - ERIKSFJORD AURORA CHARM pretty bitch of 14 months, again good breed type with good bone and substance, head and markings, good front, moved reasonably well, but a little loose in hocks on the move, good firm topline which she held on the move.
POST GRADUATE BITCH
1st MS D HOWE – PEPPERTHYME ON A RAINBOW very attractive bitch developing at right pace for her 2 yrs, nice bone, feminine head with lovely mask, good eye and expression, good depth of chest and length of leg, shown in lovely condition, correct front and rear quarters which she used well on the move with a firm topline should have a bright future.
2nd MISS S J & MR C J DOWN & RUSSELL – LADY LYRA another attractive bitch, of 5 yrs, a lot to like about her , lovely size and bone with typical head and markings, correct head with gentle expression, good ear set and carriage, good firm topline was a little unsettled on the move to start but soon settled and moved well coming and going with lovely side gait.
3rd MRS J & MRS A F DAY & WEST - STARVON YAKETY YAK 3yr old unfortunately lacking in coat today, otherwise another of good breed type, good size and substance moved reasonably well.
LIMIT BITCH
1st Mr G D & Mrs L C Simpson – STARVON YOU SEXY THING OF VALLHOLME – 3yrs stood alone,nice type but would like more of her, was very unsettled, however a pretty little bitch with nice head, good eye, neck and topline, good front quarters, moved reasonably well but lacked drive from rear today.
OPEN BITCH
1st MISS P HARRILD – CH UPTON ENIGMA AT MOONSFIELD now 9yrs and looking better as she gets older, a good size bitch with lovely bone and substance, shown in super condition today ,lovely clean teeth, typical wedge head with lovely mask, good ear carriage and set , lovely length of neck, into firm level topline, good shoulder, correct front and rear with good turn stifle, very positive on the move in all directions unfortunate in the challenge to meet such an outstanding bitch, but pleased to award the much deserved RES BITCH C.C.
2nd MR G D & MRS L C SIMPSON – ERIKSFJORD DREAM BUNNY 5yr old feminine well balanced bitch, another that is developing nicely with age, lovely wedge head and markings, dark eye and lovely expression, shown in good firm condition all over with strong powerful quarters which she used well on the move.
Judge - Mrs Louise Richards (Palostras)
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6TH MARCH 2014
My thanks to everyone who had entered with just three absentees on the day. With an entry of this size, it gives you the chance to really see where the breed is heading and how it is looking. On the day I thought that the quality of the dogs far outweighed the bitches, especially in the Open Dog class, with some good ones being unplaced. When you read the breed standard under the heading of General Appearance, it states “small, powerful, sturdily built” but some of the bitches being shown today were far from that; far too many lacked bone and substance. Another issue I had on the day was the handling of some of the dogs. You have two minutes in which to portray your dog in the best possible light to the judge. It is very hard to assess a dog, particularly on the move, when it is continually pulling sideways on the lead or dragging the owner along. Some of the exhibits, particularly in the bitches, seemed very unsure and unsettled by the atmosphere around them, again making it difficult to assess them in their best light. There were also a few suspect bites, again remember your standard says scissor bite. These were bordering on level, something which needs to be paid attention to.
On the plus side, coats were on the whole very good and of good texture, only a couple of open coats on show today, markings were also good and all my winners had correct bites. Movement generally wasn’t too bad, although some were wide in front and pinning in behind. In a large ring with a flat surface there is no hiding poor movement, that said, considering the awful weather we have had, most were well muscled and toned.
VD (3)
1st Bayliss & Etches’ Ch Hurstfield Red Rayda ShCM – Hard to believe this dog is a veteran now, it seems only last year when I gave him his first CC. So sound all through. Masculine head of good proportions with well set ears, good stop and length of muzzle. Correct bite and good facial markings. Would prefer a darker eye. Strong muscular neck into good shoulders and excellent front with good bone and feet. Level back with short strong loin and broad, slightly sloping croup, and overall good body proportions giving a pleasing outline. Strong hindquarters which were well muscled, which showed in his free, easy action when being moved. Can still show the youngsters a thing or two and was close up for RCC. Shown and handled to perfection, please watch this handler as to how to get the best out of your dog! No official award for Best Veteran but he would have been. Thanks for letting me judge him again.
2nd Sibley’s Ch Peakdreams Kinder Scout at Thorjakker - 8 year old male who impresses for his attitude and certainly doesn’t know he’s a veteran. Certainly ticks all the boxes when it comes to alertness and liveliness.. Made in a smaller mould than first but well balanced and showing to advantage. Good wedge shaped head with a dark eye and good expression, although would prefer slightly more fill under the eyes. Good reach of neck in to well placed shoulders and excellent front. Well proportioned body of correct proportions. Level topline with he kept at all times on the move. Free and active mover, who went well round the ring. Coat of good texture, and in great condition. Well handled to get the best out of him.
3rd Phillips’ Linmays Master Magician – another happy lively boy enjoying his day out. Dog of good size and substance, pleasing head with dark eye. Topline OK and well bodied. Moved well but couldn’t quite match 1 and 2 for soundness.
SPD (1, 0)
1st Amon’s Pepperthyme Tapani - Lovely 11 month old boy developing along the right lines. Lovely type and shape, well balanced for age. Pleasing head of good proportions with good depth to muzzle and good bite. Good reach of neck and well laid shoulders. Correct front and depth of chest for age. Level back and short strong loin. Well boned and in excellent condition. Well muscled hindquarters. Smart mover with a good side gait and sound coming and going. Very promising puppy. BPD
JD (1, 0)
1st Sibley’s Thorjakker Hundi Homnelvik - Just over a year old. Lots to like about this young man. Masculine head with a flat skull and well defined stop. Good eye and well set ears. Excellent mask markings. Good reach of neck. Good bone and feet. Good body proportions and overall shape. Well muscled hindquarters. Moved well once settled although a little wide in front. Obviously at this age needs to mature but a promising youngster.
PGD (5,1)
1st Price’s Starvon Xpress Delivery at Coningsbear – smart red boy of pleasing type. Masculine head, dark eye and neat well set ears. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders, well boned legs and good feet. Good width/depth of chest. Firm topline and short loin. His correct angulation front and back enabled him to move very soundly around the ring with a good easy, active stride.
2nd Peacock-Jackson’s Pepperthyme Golden Noble at Kirkholme – 3 year old of good breed type. Pleasing head and expression with good mask markings. Firm front and good feet. Level topline and good depth of chest. Clear colour with good harness markings. Broad, flat croup and well carried tail. Moved soundly but not quite the length of stride of 1. Still needs time to mature, which all good Vallhunds do.
3rd McKellar’s Stillmoor Denace the Menace – another of good type. Good enough in head but I would prefer a slightly longer muzzle to balance overall. Dark eye and neat, well carried ears. Firm body in good condition, moved well but slightly wide in front.
LD (5, 0)
1st Kent’s Hurstfield Vital Shield – mature good sized male of excellent type. Clean cut head with good stop. Well set ears and dark eye. Strong well muscled neck into well laid shoulders. Good front, with good bone and excellent feet. Correct depth of chest and body ratios. Good mask and harness markings. Level topline and well sprung ribs. Free active mover who was very sound and very good moving away and towards me. Could be handled, I think, to better advantage as when relaxed tends to stand with his hind legs under him and this spoils his topline.
2nd Price’s Starvon Uncle Sam at Coningsbear – smaller dog than first but again good type. Seemed a little unsettled here, so not showing at his best, but deserved his placing on his overall type and balance. Good head with neat well placed ears, dark eye. Correct front, with good bone and good feet. Well proportioned body in good firm condition. Good width of hindquarters, which were well muscled. Active mover around the ring, just not quite the precision going away from me as 1.
3rd Kennedy’s Upton Rebus – a good honest Vallhund who deserved his placing here today. For me I would like a slightly more masculine head but he has enough stop, dark eyes and well placed ears. Reasonable lay of shoulder and straight front. Well proportioned body and in good, well muscled condition. A steady, true mover.
OD (9, 0)
A lovely class with some good ones being unplaced – a rare occurrence in the Vallhund world!
1st Gough & Howe’s Starvon Veni Vidi Vici ShCM – judged this dog when he was a raw puppy but even then there was potential to be seen. Now rising 3 years old, he is really looking the part. Masculine head which is long, clean cut and good wedge with a well defined stop. Well placed ears which he used effectively and correct mask markings. To be critical I would prefer a darker eye but this in no way detracts from his expression which is alert and watchful. Strong long neck into excellent shoulders, with a well boned, straight front and strong well padded feet. Well laid shoulders into a level topline, with a short strong loin. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Strong well muscled hindquarters of good width, which enabled him to move actively and freely around the ring. Excellent coat of good colour and markings. Well handled to get the very best out of him. Was pleased to award him the CC, his second and BOB. I am very sure his third (and many more) will follow soon. I considered him a very worthy representative to go through to the group.
2nd Paterson & West’s Starvon Wishful Thinking – another one I judged as a puppy and another one at the time who had good potential and certainly has fulfilled that potential. Similar in type to 1. A good sized, strong male with an excellent head and expression enhanced by a dark eye, with a definite stop and strong muzzle. Strong well muscled neck into well laid shoulders. Excellent straight front with good bone and feet. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Level topline with short strong loin. Excellent on the move with a very good strong side gait, looking like he could go all day. Very well handled and presented. Close decision between 1 and 2 and I am sure these two could, and will, swap places. Pleased to award him the RCC.
3rd Nettby’s Sw Ch Kopparas Romulus – this red male caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring. Appealed very much to me for his type and overall shape, very much my type of Vallhund and is very typical of what you see in Scandinavia. Long clean cut wedge shaped head, with well shaped eyes of good colour and high, well set ears. Strong neck into good shoulders. Level topline and good depth of chest. Well muscled hindquarters which he used well on the move. Excellent red coat of good texture. Great side gait covering the ground well. Moving a little wide in front for me on the day so didn’t quite match 1 and 2 on this score. Nevertheless a lovely dog which I was honoured to judge all the way from Sweden. Tack!
GCD (1,0)
1st Bottomley’s Vallier Bosse of Vimsa – now a veteran this good size male can still look the part. In excellent form and condition. Pleasing head with dark eye and neat ears. Strong bone, with good front and feet. Correct body proportions and pleasing outline, with good spring of rib. Easy mover around the ring, moving soundly and well handled.
VB (1, 0)
1st Harrild’s Stillmoor Odin’s Maiden at Moonsfield – nearly 10 years old but who would have guessed. In excellent form. Pleasing head of good proportions with dark eyes and neat ears. I must mention her sparkling white teeth too! Strong neck into good shoulders and front with good bone and neat feet. Correct body proportions and presenting a pleasing outline. Easy active mover in excellent condition. A true example of what a mature Vallhund should look like and can still show the young ones how it’s all done.
SPB (5,0)
1st Amon’s Pepperthyme Theodora – litter sister to the PD winner. I thought her to be quite stunning. Watchful and alert to her owner at all times, she has that certain something which catches your eye. Feminine yet sturdy with the correct amount of bone and substance, for her age and size. Lovely head of correct proportions, neat well set ears, dark eye to enhance her lovely expression. Strong well muscled neck into well laid shoulders, super front and feet. Level topline and broad flat croup and well carried tail. Well sprung ribs for her age and short strong loin. So sound on the move with a true action to and fro and excellent side gait. For me she stood out amongst the bitches on show today and I had no hesitation in awarding her the CC, her second such award at such a tender age. Only one thing wrong with her, she isn’t mine!
2nd Allsop’s Karmore Cornish Maid – similar age to 1. A real livewire who certainly fulfils the alert and active statement in the breed standard. Pleasing head and expression, enhanced by a dark well shaped eye. Correct front and good shoulders, level topline and good depth of chest for her age. Well sprung ribs and well conditioned body. Moved well when settled, with a good length of stride. Very promising puppy.
3rd Burt & Ashton’s Thorjakker Hjorta Harstad – another of pleasing type. Much to like about her, with a feminine head of correct proportions. Enough bone and substance for her size. Pleasing shape and overall construction. Movement was difficult to assess as she was very unsettled and would insist on pulling away from her handler. Saw enough movement to be able to place her here but more ring training needed to bring out the best in her.
SJB (3, 0)
1st Drinkwater’s Galerita Hollie Berrie – lovely type with excellent bone and substance. Pretty feminine head with dark eye and well defined stop. Strong well muscled neck. Well boned legs and good feet. Stands slightly wide in front. Good body proportions and carrying the right amount of weight. Level topline and strong well muscled hindquarters. Clearly very unhappy on the day and did not show herself or move to advantage but did enough for me to see that she has a good side gait, a little wide moving towards me. Won the class on her overall type, excellent size and substance. Hopefully she will regain her confidence for her next show.
2nd Burt & Ashton’s Thorjakker Hjorta Harstad – 3rd in previous class.
3rd Adamson’s Thorjakker Helga Haugesund – litter sister to 2 but slightly different type. At that in between teenage stage so looked tall and rangy. Dark eyes and well set ears. For me her muzzle could be slightly longer to balance her head proportions. Straight front and level topline, moved well around the ring. Not the bone and substance of 1 and 2.
PGB (6,0)
1st Day & West’s Starvon Xtra Special – very smart 2 year old youngster. Not the biggest but has excellent bone and substance. Lovely head of correct proportions with dark eye and neat well placed ears. Excellent forehand and well laid shoulders into a level topline and broad, slightly sloping croup. She had a good depth of chest and well sprung ribs and a short strong loin. Well muscled hindquarters. Moved very well indeed showing good front extension and an easy active gait. Could have been handled better to keep her in the judge’s eye as she is a lovely girl.
2nd Coombes’ Fennican Elegance Under Mystarz (Imp Fin) – 18 month old of slightly different type. In fact well named as she is indeed elegant in style. Good head of pleasing proportions with a lovely well shaped dark eye and well set ears. Level topline and well sprung ribs. Strong well muscled hindquarters but would prefer slightly more hind angulation as she looked a little straight when standing. Moved soundly all ways with good reach. Just needs to mature.
3rd Stockbridge’s Thorjakker Topsy Turvy – pleasing bitch of good type. Feminine head and expression, dark eye and well set ears. Good front and level topline. In good condition but not so positive on the move as 1 and 2.
LB (5,1)
1st Powney & Paterson-Smith’s Eriksfjord Jazz Bunny – 2½ year bitch of excellent type. Feminine head of good shape and correct proportions, enhanced by a dark eye and well placed ears. Strong well muscled neck into well laid shoulders, straight front with enough bone and good feet. Level topline with good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Strong, well muscled hindquarters and broad croup. Pleasing shape and overall body proportions. Good hind angulation moving very soundly with great side gait and sound to and fro. Very well handled to get the best out of this happy, alert girl.
2nd Phillips’ Starvon Willamina - similar in type to 1 and much the same remarks apply. Well balanced with a pleasing outline. Feminine head and expression with good bone and feet. Level topline and good body length with short loin. Moved well but couldn’t match the side gait of 1.
3rd Simpson’s Eriksfjord Dream Bunny – Litter sister to 1 but slightly different type being slightly finer all through. Good head and dark eyes, well set ears. Good reach of neck and good shoulders. Slightly down on pasterns. Firm body and good topline. Moved well but I would prefer a little more bone and substance.
OB (8, 1)
1st Paterson’s Ch/Ir Ch Eriksfjord Magik Bean – excellent type of pleasing overall proportions. Pretty feminine head with a dark eye to enhance her expression. Well set ears. Strong well muscled neck into well laid shoulders, good front and feet. Good depth of chest and spring of ribs. Level topline and well muscled hindquarters. Good quality close fitting jacket with good markings. Alert, lively and active, she was clearly enjoying her day out. Moved very well around the ring with good front extension and side gait. Sound going to and fro. Not quite back in full bloom after her recent litter but looked the part today. Pleased to award her the RCC
2nd West’s Ch Starvon Rumour Has It – another bitch of excellent type. Handled today by a young junior handler, she made this girl look the best I have seen her for a while. Has a lovely well balanced head with neat ears and medium eye. Strong neck and well boned legs with good feet. Good body proportions and strong hindquarters with a level topline and broad, slightly sloping croup. Has a good textured coat. Very sound mover but couldn’t quite match the first in front extension Well balanced overall but would just like a little more animation, the standard does say alert and active and she couldn’t match 1 for that. Nevertheless, a worthy champion and breed record holder. I do hope that this handler continues to show her as she made a very good job of it.
3rd McKellar’s Vallier Contralto – lovely girl who has a lovely head with beautiful dark eyes. Correct reach of neck and well laid shoulders good front and feet. Level topline, and good body proportions, although doesn’t need any more weight. Excellent spring of rib. Neat hocks and good angulation. Moves well around the ring with a good side gait and is sound both going away and coming towards you. Handler needs to make more of this girl as I am sure she is more than capable of winning a CC or two.
GCB
1st Bottomley’s Stillmoor Kerrybella of Vimsa - bright, lively girl who was thoroughly enjoying her day out. Feminine head with neat ears and a dark eye. Good reach of neck into good shoulders. Enough bone for her size. Good body proportions with a sound front and topline. Strong hindquarters. Moved very well from all ways. In excellent condition.
Judge – Melanie Harris