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Norma Inglis, Crufts 2006 Report |
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We are happy to be able to give you Norma Inglis report from her judgement at Crufts 2006, the most prestigious dog show in the World. Please read her thoughts about the dogs that she judged. |
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CRUFTS 2006 CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL (DOGS) At the most prestigious dog show in the World I was looking forward to judging the cream of the Cavaliers who had qualified during 2005. I have to say I was disappointed. I did not find quality in depth and some of the qualifiers looked more suited to Open shows than Championship. Too high a percentage of the dogs I examined were oversized, too long, deep in stop, sloping in the croup and the number of correct tail sets were found on less than 20% of the entry. The tail that appears to come out of the anus is not pretty! But that is what we are seeing and it is becoming commonplace. Elegant profiles were not in abundance. Perhaps exhibitors need to be more critical of their own dogs and be more selective in what they take to Championship shows. With the easier qualifying criteria allowed by the Kennel Club maybe more judges should seriously consider witholding awards from exhibits they do not feel worthy. I have been devoted to this breed for over 30 years and have always believed we have the best Cavaliers in the world here in the UK. I still think we do but if we are not careful we are in danger of letting that slip away from us. I know on the health front, choices are difficult. Hopefully we will have answers soon. I would have been delighted to see class after class full of shining examples of our breed.They weren't there and I feel we need to raise our game. I saw pocketfuls of top notch dogs in each class (it was like a breath of fresh air to go over them) but also many that fell far short of the mark. Judges putting up second rate specimens are only partly to blame. Primarily it is the breeders who must take responsibilty for what happens to our breed. They are the ones producing the stock. Sorry if I sound harsh and my criticisms are not meant to come across as holier than thou. I care deeply about our breed and it's future but see no point in waxing lyrical about the lovely entry when that wasn't the case. If by reading this it makes people stop, think and look at what they are breeding and be more choosy then it will have been worthwhile. It was a delight to judge alongside George Donaldson as he was one of the people who helped us on our way when we first started in the breed over 30 years ago. VETERAN (19) 1st PHILPOTT'S CH ROYAL INFLUENCE OF CHARTERWOOD Great start to the day with my favourite class. Filled with dogs who have given their owners much to be proud of. Won by a handsome blenheim champion in his 9th year. Gentle head framed with long ears, dark soulful eyes full of expression. Compact, neatly made body. His bright chestnut/pearly white coat made me realise that we do not see this colouring to the same extent today. Mores the pity. Lots of furnishings that gleamed. Moved out effortlessly retaining a lovely outline. Kept him into the last 5 when giving out the CC. Purely and selfishly to enjoy once more his qualities. 2nd HALL'S MUFFITY JACOB I first judged this dog in 1998 when he won the RCC. The years have been kind and he belies his 10 years. Eyecatching, well spaced tricolour markings draw your eye and on closer inspection he conforms well. A neatly made dog with good tail set and carriage. Did not sport the coat of winner or match his head properties but equally good for fluent movement and went with enthusiasm. A shame he wasn't campaigned more in his prime. 3rd BROOKS & IRVINE'S CH SHENLYN SEPTEMBER SEXTON Respectable blenheim who lacked the bloom of those above but his other points secured this place. Masculine head with large eyes and a kind expression. Again had the outline that I was seeking with neck, shoulders, topline and tailset blending into a clean sweep. Attractively arranged classic markings. Coming up 10 years, he still covered the ground with ease. A "what you see is what you get" kind of dog. SPEC PUPPY (19) 1st SMITH & ALDOUS' ARANEL COSMIC Whilst resisting the pun "out of this world" this blenheim puppy was impressive. Just a year old but will have the maturity soon to be in contention for top awards. One of the best features are his eyes. Large, dark and round and very expressive. Good set of ears framing a sweet yet all male head. He felt good on the table with all parts fitting nicely. Liked his size and substance and his colouring was rich. Excellent rear with well turned stifles and pushing off short hocks. His front is where he is vulnerable and he mustn't be allowed to get heavy. BPD and BPIB with my co judges full agreement. 2nd JONES' TIMSAR MISTER MOONLIGHTER Another talented puppy whose future must also be bright. Only a few weeks in age separate him from winner but less advanced in development. Loved his refinement and elegant outline. Quality head with dense pIgmentation in eyes, nose and carried through to coat colour. Good neck but less convincing behind than winner and longer in body. Lovely offspring of two favourites "Mischief" and "Montrose" 3rd NEWNES' PENQUITE CINNAMON Completed a trio of satisfying puppies. Appreciated the gentle face and soft, round eyes on this 12 month ruby. Looking up his breeding I think the particolour blood he carries may have contributed largely to this. I saw so many later in the day with deep stops and what looked like wrinkles! Lots of silky coat and his ruby colouring was rich red. Good size. Short backed. Nice bone. Needs more self assurance on the move and today he was carrying his tail low. Confidence and more outings will fix this. SPEC JUN (18) The first 3 in this class were all Enchanted sons. 1st HUGHES' LORANKA'S ENCHANTING Small dapper tricolour with good colour distribution. Shiny black coat with no red tinges and rich tan in all desired areas Liked his eyes, round, dark and large set in a head I found attractive but a little blocky. Tidy body shape, short coupled with good ribs. Covered the ground with precision. Lovely tail carriage. After a successful puppy career, is in the process of adjusting from youngster to adult. I have never seen a poorly presented dog from this exhibitor and the effort she puts in pays off. 2nd SURMAN'S ALLRENA ABOUT TURN TO VALLENDER Blenheim dog who did not jump out at me at first glance but after table examination my interest grew and his outline continually drew my attention Spot on for size with adequate bone. Proper angulation front and rear to allow him freedom of movement with rudder tail. Presented in fabulous coat although the ridge of white along his back can make his topline appear uneven so owner must keep him on his toes and be vigilant he does not slouch. I found his head agreeable at this stage but not exceptional and preferred eyes of winner. Only 16 months so will continue to improve and should be heard of many times. 3rd BIGGS' KOROLEVSKY FABERGE KELLORIAN Decent blenheim with kind face and long ears. Good depth to coat colour. A size up from those above but has lots of style evident on the move. Handled to advantage and showed well. YEARLING (17) 1st GILBERT'S TOSHINI BENITO AT CHARVERALE Jaunty blenheim who sparkled both in condition and personality. Has good ring presence and loves to show. Well broken markings and a lavish coat added to his appeal. Looked good in profile with characteristic outline and moved with accuracy, especially behind, which gave him the class. Big enough with stop deeper than prescribed but a stylish dog with many merits. 2nd KIRSCHBAUM & VORDERSTRASSE'S MILETREE NESSUN DORMA Happy blenheim whose coat presentation could not be faulted. Freeflowing outline with good topline both standing and on the move. Scores for dense pigmentation in eye rims, inside lips and nose. Totally different head type from winner. Shallower stop but more lip, and not so convincing going away. Better size than 1. 3rd MACKENZIE'S WENDAVIA CHARLIE COMET Genial little blenheim with deep chestnut coat. Liked his balanced outline and his movement did not disappoint. Had him standing 2nd for a time but expression spoiled by stained face and showing too much white of eye, presentation disappointed and he appeared out of tune with his handler. At this level of competition a good dog needs to be given every opportunity to shine. UNDERGRAD (26) A mixed class of varying qualities. First 3 places won by tricolours. All quite different. |
1st BUBB'S COBBETS COMEDIAN BY WANDRIS Although bigger than my preference this blanketed boy outmoved and outshone his competitors.I liked his head with broad flat skull, just the right blaze and tapered muzzle. Dark eyes and gentle outlook. Carrying a wealth of coat that shone. Well trained and easy to assess. 2nd CROZIER'S KORRAINES JEROME Another in good coat. This one better marked and a more acceptable size. Could have won the class had he shown more interest. Pretty headed dog with lots of clarity but not pzazz and confidence of winner which was reflected in his movement. 3rd BAYLISS' CASTLEWYTCH ZINFANDEL A black boy of quality who disappointed on the day. Had admired him from the ringside on previous occasions and the breed essentials he posseses still appeal. Prettiest of heads with mellow eyes and rich tan. Flat skull and ideal muzzle length. Nice size. Good body shape and proportions with complimentary angles front and rear. Was glum and not in his best bib and tucker. Hope this glitch is only temporary. GRADUATE (17) A difficult class. Lots of good points but sometimes not all on the one dog! 1st HUGHES' LORANKA'S PARTY GAMES JW 2 year old blenheim who puts up a good performance. Won this class as he met most of my requirements. Coat long with well broken markings. Good front and rear assembly. Well set tail and firm topline. Accurate mover. Shows attentivley. Head was agreeable but not quite the expression I was after. 2nd BARKER'S KAISHMAR COOL HAND LUKE Gentle mannered dog with sweet, soft expression. Good breed type. Good mover. Well made but well grown. Just too much of him for me and would like everything condensed. Glamour boy with masses of blenheim coat, Too nice to completely disregard. 3rd CLAYDON'S BRYMARDEN MONTANA JW Quality Blenheim having an off day. Mouth watering head with lovely eyes. Careless with his topline when standing and moved way below his capability. POST GRAD (20) 1st LEVY & SEDGWICK'S PASCAVALE STANLEY Lots to like about this light footed little black/tan who moved with purpose. Plenty of animation channelled to advantage and he sparkled. Round, dark eyes set in a head that I found just a touch feminine. Perhaps his features will strengthen with age and maturity. Neat body with enough substance for his frame. Very good tail coming off his backbone. Not many like that today. Straight, soft to the touch, coat and plenty of it. 2nd KORN'S SANDUSK MONTEREY JW SHCM This deeply coloured blenheim has all the ingredients for a great head. Broad,flat skull, shallow stop, correct length of nose, excellent pigment, large dark eyes, good filling, enough tapering to muzzle and long, well placed ears. Have seen him throw away his chances previously but today he went really well. Close decision for first place just preferring croup and tail set of winner. 3rd BAILLIE'S FYRNROSE LACHIE Well put together blenheim with good neck and shoulders, firm topline and strong hindquarters he uses to drive himself around the ring. Shown today in good coat. After a slow start head now beginning to blossom. Honest type. MID LIMIT (21) 1st COSTELLO'S BEAUELLA RADZINSKI JW Classy blenheim with impressive coat and striking markings. Rich chestnut and pearly white. Great care had been taken with his appearance and he gleamed. Generous head with big soft eyes and kind expression. Loved his outline with reachy neck and good angles. Swept around the ring with a fluid stride holding his topline and attractive tail carriage. Showed with great enthusiasm in the class but in the challenge went off the boil. Fully deserving the RCC today and hopefully before long will make a worthy Champion. 2nd BAKER'S NEVHILL'S NAVARRA Handy sized tricolour with agreeable head features. Pretty eyes. In good coat but lacks the glamour and impact of the markings of winner. Looks good on the move. Respectable dog who will always be considered. 3rd ACKROYD-GIBSON ACEWALL ENIGMA FROM TORAYLAC Upstanding blenheim who has lots of style especially on the go around. Liked his expression, soft and gentle. Up to size but manages to maintain balance. Not so compact as 1 and 2. LIMIT (15) 1st LYMER & SCHEIDT'S LYMREY HI COMMAND JW In my final five. Exuberant blenheim with lots of rich chestnut coat who ticks almost all the boxes. Loved his head that was "all cavalier" with super eyes and huge well fringed ears. Sizeable but shapely. Sound rear movement propelled him around the ring revealing a level topline. Came towards me a little wide but it seemed minor against his strengths. 2nd ENGEL'S ANGEL'S PRIDE LATIN LOVER Strikingly marked tricolour shown in flowing coat. Handsome dog with round eyes and pleasing expression. Full bodied with good ribs and well turned stifles. Kept a level topline on the move but lacked elegant outline of winner whose reach of neck was better. 3rd HILL & WEBBER'S MONTCOLLY BRIAN Ruby with a very attractive head and gentle features coming from expressive eyes of the right size and colour. Just looking leggy against the two above who were carrying more coat. OPEN (10) 1st BAKER & PARK'S CH KEYINGHAM BRANWELL Sparkling blenheim on exceptional form. Judging should always be done from a positive perspective and a judge should look for dogs with the most good points so that they can be utilised to further the breed's progress. Here was a dog that was easy to assess. What's not to like? Great size, good coat, sound mover, excellent topline and tail carriage, pretty head type, eyes and pigment deeply pigmented, ultimate showman. Worthy winner of the CC and my co judge shared the opinion that he deserved BOB. Like the energizer bunny, he just keeps going!. 2nd BUBB'S CH WANDRIS ENTERTAINER JW I was pleased to go over this blenheim dog having competed against him many times and can understand the wins he has accumulated. Classic head and lush coat properties. Has the best attitude and stands willingly showing a clean cut outline that is balanced. Moves out with style. In the decision making my preference was for the smaller frame and topline of winner on the move. 3rd LEVY & SEDGWICK'S CH PASCAVALE ENCHANTED Good to see this well known blenheim champion again. He has proved himself to be a show dog of merit and an exceptional sire, so needs no further endorsement from me. Suffice to say today he looked grand and I liked what I saw. Carrying just enough body coat to match his frame. The carpeted ring suited him and he stepped out briskly enjoying the occasion. GOOD CITIZEN (4) Beauty meets brains. 1st COLE'S DAROZEL DE MONTOYA AT CHRISTOBETH. Pleasant tricolour of good type with attractive head and soft, dark eyes. Flat skull with good fill below eyes. Nothing overdone. Lots of silky coat covering well balanced body. Stood presenting a clean outline with firm topline and wagging tail. Lovely personality who never gave up showing. He wanted to please. A trait so very Cavalier. This class win makes 2 in a row as he won last year. 2nd ROYCE'S STONEPIT TEDDYS BOY AT RUCAZAN Agreeable Blenheim who did all that was asked. Cosmetically pleasing in his well marked coat but mustn't carry extra weight on neck and shoulders. A size smaller would have suited better. 3rd HIGGINS' CHAMANIC CHRISTMAS CRACKER AT CHESALATINA Glamorous black/tan with good eyes and the longest coat of the day. Dare I say more Afghan than Cavalier! His presentation was first class and he showed well. Just bigger and longer than I was seeking. Judge: Norma Inglis |
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