Crufts 2009

Crufts

Saturday 7th March 2009

Judge: Mrs Michaela Edridge (Tilita)

Best Of Breed

Camusmor Whattabargin For Ruddyduck

Bradley

Best Dog	Camusmor Whattabargin For Ruddyduck	Bradley
Reserve Best Dog	Hillscourt Baron Theobald	La Turner
Best Bitch	Camusmor Madjestic Vision	Macleod & Hussey
Reserve Best Bitch	Camusmor Caol Ila Of Trevargh	Hawkins
Best Puppy	Eusanit Try And Love Again	Moore

I was honoured to be asked to judge Tollers at Crufts, a breed I have been interested in since they first came into the UK in the late eighties. I am thrilled with my entry and it was an absolute delight to have the chance to judge all these lovely dogs. The Toller really is an exceptional and rewarding breed, versatile enough to turn his paw to all other disciplines. I am pleased with the improvement over the years; the quality, type, movement and presentation can now compete at highest level and I hope this will move us closer to being awarded CCs. The fact that top honours are now distributed amongst several dogs, instead of one dominant dog, will help to show that we have quality coming from various kennels. This can only be a good thing for the breed. The standard calls for a 'powerful, well muscled, compact dog' strong enough to retrieve 'dead and wounded birds'. Movement should give the 'impression of power' 'single-tracks at speed; head carried almost level with back.' Handlers who attempt to make their dogs run with head up high on a tight lead should read the standard again; as should judges who reward this. It makes them look like a different breed. Some exhibits could do with more muscle and a bit more attention to presentation. I was looking for type, fitness, soundness and condition; and finally, that elusive bit of Show Quality that makes a dog stand out. I found this in my winners.

Veteran Dog (6 entries, 1 absent)

1^st	Harding & Whitehill NAROD THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM This ten year old is still going strong, and although he has lost the bloom of youth he still has plenty to offer, having set the standard for others to aspire to. Balanced, with a head of good proportions, clean-cut, a handsome and stylish dog, a little lack-lustre in movement today.
2^nd	Stacey & Copeland NEWFANOVA NORDIC XANADU OF AVONWHARFE SHCM A slightly smaller dog who performed well, and moved with a lively, jaunty gait. Appealing, alert expression from a balanced head; muscular body, good depth of chest.
3^rd	Mortimore LYONHOUSE BASIL In his 12th year this dog still has it. He made an attractive picture, strong-bodied, and handsome of head. Although the movement was not as powerful as it probably once was, he gave the impression that he could still enjoy himself in the field.
Res	Winwood & Ward MELANITTA FAZZINATION
VHC	Mortimore FOXDOWN LAID BACK SAM

Special Puppy Dog (2 entries)

1^st	Moore EUSANIT TRY AND LOVE AGAIN A well-constructed and upstanding young man; muscular forequarters, with straight, strong legs, well-boned, and good lay-back of shoulder. Deep-chested, level topline; masculine head and expression. Rear movement needs to tighten up a bit, but time and exercise will help that.
2^nd	Reader EUSANIT VISIONS Litter brother to 1 and similar in type, but slightly smaller and more compact. With this dog the rear movement was good, with straight hocks, promoting good drive. But I preferred the front construction and feet of 1. Pleasing balanced head with kindly expression.

Special Junior Dog (2 entries)

2 very different dogs in this class.

1^st	Symons DANEHAVEN MUSHAMUSH This boy is looking a little long in leg at the moment, needs coat and more body to balance him, which will come as he matures. But still well constructed with a good level topline, pleasing head proportions, and moved out strongly.
2^nd	Chapman DECOYMANS PIPER HARRIS HAWK I liked the compact balance of this one, his friendly, alert face full of expression and his movement was jaunty and happy.

Post Graduate Dog (29 entries, 3 absent)

How lovely to see all those tollers in one ring. I short-listed to 11.

1^st	La Turner HILLSCOURT BARON THEOBALD RBD. A really smashing boy who had to be on top form to head this class. Lovely head and expression; powerful looking, well-off for bone; good front and rear construction, excellent topline and tailset, with true movement and great drive. A well-balanced and appealing boy and very well handled.
2^nd	Moossun TASARLA SNOW BLIZZARD Although this dog was not making life easy for his handler I will never penalise a Toller for being spirited, so could not deny him this place. A really well-made, balanced dog, exhibited when standing correctly for the odd moment. A most appealing head with alert, playful expression; in full red coat and moved with enthusiasm and drive.
3^rd	Anghileri KITIMAT TASTE OF RUSSET JW Such a handsome, masculine dog of quality. Well-balanced with excellent conformation front and rear and with muscles to match, enabling him to move with drive. Typical Toller head of good proportions.
Res	Paans LAUVSTUAS INDIAN PAYAT
VHC	Powley KYMIN GONNA BE GREAT AT DANEHAVEN

Open Dog (19 entries)

Another 'spoilt for choice' class.

1^st	Bradley CAMUSMOR WHATTABARGIN FOR RUDDYDUCK P-BEG EX BD & BOB. This dog has it all – the Breed Standard describes him perfectly. From nose to tail everything was right about him. Super head, balanced body, in great coat and exuding quality; presented so well in hard, muscular condition, and moved with drive and purpose. He was also handled expertly. I watched their splendid performance in the big ring and was very pleased with my choice.
2^nd	Praag O'CONOR SPICE V D AMANDELGAARD Another very well-balanced dog who moved with drive and attitude. Laid back, muscular shoulders, deep-chested body, good back and topline. Well-feathered tail, carried correctly.
3^rd	Smith CAMUSMOR GLEN SCOTIA AT DALLYVISTA Although this dog is of good construction and a dog to be reckoned with, he was not showing as well as first two today. Balanced head, strong shoulders, straight forelegs and correct stifles; good bone and feet and in full coat. He kept his topline on the move and carried himself well, but did not achieve the positive drive of first two.
Res	Hunt NAROD AROONA
VHC	Powley DANEHAVEN SEVERN

Special Working Gundog Dog (1 entry)

1^st	Burchell PALUDIC PLEASURE TRIP Alone, but a worthy winner anyway. A lovely boy in great coat with all the Toller attitude and great driving movement. How good to see a working dog, in hard condition, toned and muscled, who also looks so good in the Show Ring.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog (7 entries)

1^st	Moossun TASARLA SNOW BLIZZARD
2^nd	Bradley CAMUSMOR KNOCKANDO AT RUDDYDUCK P-BEG EX This one really gives the impression that he is ready to go and would work his socks off. Another in great, hard condition, muscled and strong. Well made, compact; strong shoulders, powerful hindquarters. Appealing head with intelligent expression.
3^rd	Lovett NEILSHARBOUR GILLS LAP Handsome, masculine boy, showing well and working happily with his handler. Good overall body proportions, charming head; moved out on round, tight feet with enthusiasm.
Res	Rogers EUSANIT TAKE IT EASY
VHC	Morgan-Lloyd & Parr KYMIN GLYNDWR

Veteran Bitch (6 entries)

1^st	Macleod & Hussey NEWFANOVA JEMIMA BEAR AT CAMUSMOR This super 9 year old is such a showgirl. Presented in her best coat she looked a picture and was still pushing for the top spot. She has the most feminine of heads, whilst at the same time exhibiting strength and power. Her conformation fits the standard perfectly. A most appealing and outstanding bitch.
2^nd	Mortimore FOXDOWN AMBILA Another well made lady who did her handler proud. Well off for bone and substance and very happy to show her attributes.
3^rd	Powley JABY LAVENDER AT DANEHAVEN Standing she did not have the level topline of 1 & 2, but on the move she levelled up and looked good. Very well off for coat and with a kindly expression, strong bone and body.
Res	Mortimore FOXDOWN RUSSETT
VHC	Withey DECOYMANS MORNING FIRE

Special Puppy Bitch (1 entry)

1^st	Diss & Haynes SECRET SQUIRREL What a sweet little girl, standing all alone, full of mischief – but moved round the ring beautifully. Very feminine, with gentle and kindly expression. Nicely made and with plenty of potential.

Special Junior Bitch (8 entries, 1 absent)

1^st	Thompson DANEHAVEN PIPESTONE A charming bitch who won her class with her good conformation, strength of bone and body; well shaped head and very feminine expression. She was in lovely rich coat and moved happily.
2^nd	Sayer DANEHAVEN ROUGE WITH HOLLYMIST Good front construction, and topline maintained on the move. Good clean head proportions and correct ear set.
3^rd	Powley DANEHAVEN RED ROCK Another appealing girl with good topline and tail set, solid bone and good, strong forequarters. Small points divided these three promising bitches.
Res	Symons DANEHAVEN BELLA COOLA
VHC	Withey & Norris DECOYMANS PIPER EIDER

Post Graduate Bitch (23 entries, 2 absent)

1^st	Lovett NEILSHARBOUR WRENS WARREN A lovely bitch – so well made all over which showed up in her true movement. I liked her head, expression, outline and general demeanour. There was substance without heaviness and strength without coarseness. She won this class with a little to spare. Close to top winners.
2^nd	Elliott KYMIN GWENNI AT DINASKARREK A sweet lady, good outline standing and moved with happy attitude. Appealing head, and a nicely balanced body.
3^rd	Brown FOXDOWN MYSTERY AT STELLENBOSCH Another girl that appealed with her kindly expression, her compact, well-muscled body and her depth of coat. Attentive to handler and moved jauntily.
Res	Mattelaer NEILSHARBOUR CHAYLEBEATE
VHC	Strevens DECOYMANS PIPER MAGGIE AT TOLLISTY

Open Bitch (22 entries, 5 absent)

What a lovely class, with 3 stunning girls up front.

1^st	Macleod & Hussey CAMUSMOR MADJESTIC VISION BB. I have to say that I would be very proud if I had bred the dogs that have come from this kennel. This bitch has all the attributes; balance, quality, style, type, and a lovely head to finish the picture. And it all came together today, in a beautiful shiny red coat.
2^nd	Hawkins CAMUSMOR CAOL ILA OF TREVARGH RBB. So close to winner and also full of quality. Super outline and conformation; compact with laid back shoulders, strong pasterns and good hindquarters. Moved with drive.
3^rd	Lovett CANDEEBAR CHOCTAW DESIGN I loved this girl too; in full coat, super front and rear angulations; a most charming head and expression; and moved with symmetry and style.
Res	Clark HILLSCOURT ARTY MISS AT FLANOVA
VHC	Powley DANEHAVEN TASEKO

Special Working Gundog Bitch (no entries)

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch (9 entries, 1 absent)

1^st	Macleod & Hussey CAMUSMOR TOMINTOUL A delightful little lady, in her best coat and strong in body, with good solid bone and excellent angulations. Her tail never stopped wagging. She motored round the ring with her young handler.
2^nd	Strevens DECOYMANS PIPER MAGGIE AT TOLLISTY Another happy girl, and how nice to see them enjoying themselves. A strong little bitch, well bodied up and really striding out round the ring.
3^rd	Charlton TASARLA SNOW FLAKE Also enjoying herself and happy to show off her attributes. Well proportioned, compact body and enough muscle to give her the drive to move out with ease.
Res	Robinson FOXDOWN PUZZLE WITH WEYFROME
VHC	Withey DECOYMANS MORNING FIRE