I would like to thank the committee of The Whippet Club for inviting me along to judge their Members Limited Single Breed Show, in such a lovely setting. The Whippet Club is the worlds first ever Whippet breed club, so for me it was a huge honour to be invited along to judge. The hospitality I received was wonderful, and the atmosphere around the ring was warm and friendly, with everyone clapping those on the cards. My ring was a lovely size, which enabled me to fully access movement in all directions. I would like to thank my stewards, Rachel, Amy and Lucy for doing such a wonderful job on the day. For a limited show the standard of exhibits was really high, especially among the bitches, I would therefore like to thank all the exhibitors for allowing me to judge your beautiful whippets. As a judge, I think it’s very important to treat every exhibitor and exhibit with respect and kindness and give each the same amount of judging time in the ring. Therefore, thank you to everyone for accepting my decisions sportingly.
For me whippets are such a graceful breed, so I was looking for a whippet which I could run my hand over smoothly from nose to tip of tail. Whippets are full of elegant curves and shouldn’t be over done in any form. I was also looking for correct laid back of shoulder, and a dog with moderate rear angulation. As we know, in order for a whippet to move correctly with great freedom of action, easy long strides and with drive in all directions, these angles should be correct in forequarters and in rear. I was also looking for a whippet which was fit for function, with depth of chest, flat muscle, firm back, powerful well arched loin and width along the rear quarters. In my opinion I found these traits in my main winners, and I was therefore delighted with my final line up.
Dogs
Minor Puppy Dog 4 (1)
- 1st: Mrs S.J Pirie’s – Dejare King of Dreams at Limasfault. 6 month old fawn, loved his masculine head, and elegant arched neck, he had a lovely smooth top-line and was shown in lovely condition. As he matures, I hope he drops down into his frame, as I wouldn’t want him much bigger. Won his class on his movement.
- 2nd: Mr D Wallace – Collooney Playing away at Courtbirch. Another 6 month old, pale fawn, with a striking dark mask, he is of different type to 1, lovely for size at this age, he has good depth of chest, and a sweeping underline, nicely angulated rear for his age. Top-line still needs to develop, which am sure it will do, as he matures.
- 3rd: Mr A.P Hewlett & Miss R.L Browning – Dejare Follow that Dream
Puppy Dog (4)
- 1st: Mrs C Nunneley – Kelsmonk Kind of Magic. 10 month old fawn, I loved his masculine head, and expression, he has a good depth of chest, and is certainly not too over done in rear, once settled he moved well coming and going and in profile. BPD RBPIS.
- 2nd: Mr MacDonald & Miss C Allansso-Runesson’s – Jasarat – Salted Carmel of Macalldon. 9 month old, fawn/parti, a very well made dog, I loved his elegant neck and sweeping top-line, he has nicely set rear quarters with plenty of width around his thighs, shown in lovely condition, just preferred movement of 1.
- 3rd: Miss J Barkas – Citycroft Fred Astaire.
Junior Dog 2 (2)
Maiden Dog 3 (2)
- 1st: Mr D Wallace – Collooney Playing away at Courtbirch
Novice Dog 2 (0)
- 1st: Mr A.G & Mrs D.J. Gower – Courtbirch Storm Warning. Lightly fawn/brindle parti, I loved his soft expression, he also has good length and reach of neck, with moderate broad rear quarters, well arched in-foot and moved ok coming and going and in profile.
- 2nd: Mrs C Hillyer – Evaluna Blue Bayou. Blue dog, who has plenty depth of chest, and a sweeping top-line, he is strong in front and in the rear quarters, shown in hard condition, handled very well by his young handler.
Graduate Dog 4 (2)
- 1st: Miss Z & Ms G Perkins – Jasarat Jetsetter at Zeglynn. Light fawn/brindle dog, with a typical nice masculine head and a moderate length of neck, he has a smooth top-line and firm in loin, nice rear angulation, moved ok in all directions, handled well.
- 2nd: Miss B Seviour – Evaluna Black Orchid. Black/white trim dog, who is very much larger frame then 1, he has such a strong masculine head, and plenty of depth of chest, shown in lovely condition, just didn’t have the movement of 1 but certainly enjoyed his day in the ring.
Post Graduate Dog 7 (0)
- 1st: Messers A & M Cahill & Timberlake – Enolacans Antonio Banderas at Chipperlake JW (imp). Lovely quality fawn dog who caught my eye, as soon as he entered the ring. I loved his soft whippety expression. Good depth of chest, and well laid back shoulders, a lovely smooth top-line, which he held well on the move. Strong rear quarters, with correct length of second thigh, moved well, both coming and going and in profile. He is very much all whippet, and was handled to his full advantage delighted to award him BD, RBIS and BOS.
- 2nd: Mr A.G & Mrs D.J Gower – Courtbirch Storm Warning.
- 3rd: Mr A.P Hewlett & Miss R.L Browning – Dejare Dutch Coin.
Limit Dog 3 (1)
- 1st: Mr MacDonald & Miss C Allansson-Runesson’s – Nattah Echo in the Mist Over Macalldon. Blue fawn dog, I loved him for size, and for his elegant arched neck. He has a sweeping top-line and underline and is therefore curvy, nicely angulated rear quarters, held his top-line well on the move, however for me he moved better in profile then coming and going.
- 2nd: Miss Z & Ms G Perkins – Dejare Dutch Masterpiece at Zeglynn. Fawn dog, larger frame then 1, he has a masculine head and correct length of neck, good depth of chest though would prefer more in fill, he was a little unsettled in movement today.
Open Dog 4 (1)
- 1st: Mr & Mrs A Bellamy – Kandalma Royale. Brindle/fawn parti, a dog I have judged before, he is a little unsure of himself, he is of heavier type, lovely masculine head, he has depth of chest, smooth top-line, nicely angulated rear quarters, he moves a little unsteady in rear when first setting off but soon settles into his stride.
- 2nd: Mrs C Neale – Stromalong Romantic Romeo . Brindle/parti dog, another I have judged before, he is of different type to my winner, he has a lovely sweet expression, and a masculine head, good depth of chest, and a sweeping top-line with a good firm loin, just preferred movement of 1
- 3rd: Miss D Webber – Dark Wing.
Special Open Racing Dog 1 (1)
Special Open Lure Coursing Dog 4 (0)
- 1st: Miss D Webber – Zoraden Paint it Black. Brindle dog with a black mask, nice strong head, good width and depth of chest, good spring of pastern, firm over the loin, powerful rear quarters.
- 2nd: Mrs C Osborne – Derohan Viking Flagship. Brindle dog, plenty of width of chest, lean neck, good firm back, another with a powerful front and rear, just preferred the top-line of 1.
- 3rd: Miss K Saxby – Nattah Knight Gawaine with Sandspring.
Veteran Dog 3 (1)
- 1st: Mdmes J.M & C.J Home & Fisher-Home – Bescott Lessons Dreamer of Jasarat. 9½ year old dog, shown in lovely condition for his age, nice masculine head, and a good length of neck into well laid back shoulders, he moved well in all directions and certainly gave the youngsters a run for their money, delighted to award him BVD and RBD.
- 2nd: Miss K Saxby – Nattah Knight Gawaine with Sandspring. 7 year old brindle dog, lovely masculine head, good depth and width of chest, nice firm body, in lovely condition for his age.
Bitches
Minor Puppy Bitch 5 (0)
- 1st: Miss L. Smeath – Dejare Only Dreaming at Willingwisp. This pretty fawn is also the litter sister of my MPD winner. I loved her feminine type, she has a pretty head, good depth of chest for her 6 months age, lovely smooth top-line and broad rear quarters. She was rather unsettled on the move, but I saw enough to merit her winning this class.
- 2nd: Bunney’s – Bunnehug Blessed ‘n’ Bewitched. Very similar traits to my winner and am sure on another day these places will change but just felt 1 edged it today. It will be interesting to see how both these lovely pups fair in the future.
- 3rd: Mrs M Pace & Miss D Reedng – Dejare Dream On
Puppy Bitch 4 (0)
- 1st: Mrs A & Ms R Snelgrove – Kayasal Starlight Rascal at Huntinhill. I loved this 11-month-old fawn/parti bitch, she has a typical pretty feminine head, and a lovely elegant arched neck. She was so smooth to go over, she had correct laid back of shoulder, and moderate rear angled quarters. She is so elegant throughout and moved well in all directions around the ring. I was delighted to award her BBP and BPIS.
- 2nd: Mdmes J.M & C.J Home & Fisher-Home – Jasarat – Jasarat Sugar Candy. This 10 month old fawn bitch is full of breed type, she has such a feminine head and sweet expression. Another who is so smooth to go over. She is a little shorter throughout then 1 but still has that typical curvy outline. She seemed a little unsettled today but moved elegantly and with purpose in all direction. She was unfortunate to meet a more maturer pup today.
- 3rd: Mr W & Mrs A Moore – Zoraden Secret Sins at Sunwalkers.
Junior Bitch 2 (1)
- 1st: Mrs M Davies – Collooney Black Velvet Pasharif. This black bitch stood alone is this class but was very much deserving of her 1st place today. I have awarded her sire highly in the past and was delighted to get my hands over her. She is very curvy throughout and maintains her shape on the move. I loved her feminine lines, she has plenty of depth, firm in back and broad rear quarters, moved well in all directions.
Maiden Bitch 3 (0)
- 1st: Mdmes J.M & C.J Home & Fisher-Home – Jasarat Sugar Candy
- 2nd: Mrs E Bass & D.M. Hall – Shalfleet Zante and Silverfrith. A pretty brindle/parti bitch, loved her size, she is well made throughout. Nice head and whippety expression. Good depth and width of chest. Lovely elegant arched neck, strong broad rear quarters, shown in lovely condition, moved ok in all directions.
- 3rd: Mrs M Pace & Miss D Reed – Dejare Dream on
Novice Bitch 3 (0)
- 1st: Mr W & Mrs A Moore – Zoraden Secret Sins at Sunwalkers. This shaded fawn/parti bitch is lovely for size, loved her sweet expression, she has plenty depth of chest, a lovely curvy outline with a firm back, nice broad thighs and she moved well once settled. I think she lacked a little in confidence in the ring today. Handled well.
- 2nd: Mrs A.D Williamson & Mrs L Grant – Windfly One Perfect day. Black bitch who is of completely different type to my winner. She is larger in frame but still remains feminine, I loved her curvy outline, she is well made throughout. She has a lovely lean arched neck, width and depth of chest and powerful rear quarters. Shown is hard condition.
- 3rd: Mrs C Zevenbergen – Little Willow Grace
Graduate Bitch 5 (0)
- 1st: Mrs S Wignall – Crosscop The Wonder of You at Starswift. I loved this girls sweet expression though she is rather plain in head. She has an elegant arched neck, into a smooth flowing top-line. She has depth of chest, and a sweeping underline. She is firm in back and has moderate rear angulation. Moved well in all directions..
- 2nd: Mrs C Hills & Miss M Hills – Shimmeree Black Liberty. This black with white trim bitch is another who is curvy and feminine throughout. She has a pretty head and such a sweet expression, she is longer in body then my winner, but maintained her shape on the move. She stands naturally over the ground and has plenty of drive around the ring. I just preferred the rear movement of my winner today.
- 3rd: Mrs M Pace & Miss D Reed – Southgrove it’s my World at Dejare
Post Graduate Bitch 2 (1)
- 1st: Mrs V.J Smith – Whelstar Airs and Graces at Cryhavoc. I loved this pretty feminine bitch, she has such a sweet head and expression, an elegantly arched neck into a sweeping top-line. She was very smooth to go over, I loved her curves. She is moderate throughout and moved ok in all directions around the ring.
Limit Bitch 12 (0)
This was my class of the day, and I had some difficult decisions to make and am sure on another day these places, will change around.
- 1st: Ms S Courtney – Courtbirch Diamond Dust. I loved this fawn bitch with blue mask, she is so feminine throughout. She has such a pretty head with the sweetest of expression. She was so smooth to go over, she is long in length but still retains a curvy top-line. She is correct in front and in rear and moved well in all directions. She reminds me of a bitch I have at home and would gladly add her to my sofa sleepers. I was delighted to award her RBB.
- 2nd: Mrs C Julian – Blondessa Be Happy. Lightly red fawn bitch, who is another one who is so feminine throughout. She is smaller in frame and shorter in body than my winner. I loved her head and elegantly lean arched neck, she has a curvy top-line and underline. She kept her shape on the move, she moved soundly around the ring and was handled well by her owner. She was unfortunate to meet my winner today.
- 3rd: Ms C Brown – Ardencote Sweet Destiny for Bluestreak
Open Bitch 5 (1)
- 1st: Mdmes J.M & C.J Home & Fisher-Home – Citycroft My Fair Lady of Jasarat JW ShCM. I have judged this bitch before and I can honesty say she is looking much maturer since having a litter of puppies. She just shouts whippet at you. I love her head and expression, she has such a well arched neck flowing into a smooth top-line, my hands glided over her with ease. She is correct in front and in rear, nice bladed bone with moderate flat muscle, she is not over done at all. She moved with grace and purpose around the ring in all directions. I was delighted to award her BB and BIS, it was thoroughly deserved. I will watch her return to the ring with interest.
- 2nd: Ms C Brown – Ardencote Star Maker . Another lovely fawn bitch who is of correct whippet type. Again I loved her feminine head and sweet expression. She is smaller in frame and shorter in body than my winner, but still has such flowing lines throughout. She is nicely angulated in front and in rear, lovely flat muscles, shown in wonderful condition. She moved well in all directions around the ring, and oozes gracefulness. She push hard for RBB.
- 3rd: Miss L Smeath – Willingwisp Moment of Love.
Special Open Racing Bitch 3 (0)
- 1st: Mrs A.D Williamson & Mrs L Grant – Windfly One Perfect day.
- 2nd: Miss K Saxby – Sandspring Sunset Gold. A small fawn bitch, very feminine head and curvy throughout. Though very petit, she has plenty depth of chest and plenty of power in front and rear, good spring of pastern and firm over the loin.
- 3rd: Mr K & Mrs S Shakespeare – Winterfellin Pipsqueak of Cairdean.
Special Open Lure Coursing Bitch 3 (1)
- 1st: Miss D Webber – Zoraden Darkest Wings. A bitch I have judged before, I love her curves, she is smooth to go over. She has a lovely head and elegant lean arched neck. Plenty of depth of chest, powerful front and rear quarters, broad in thigh but not overdone. A firm back with powerful loin, moved with purpose and drive around the ring.
- 2nd: Mrs C Osborne – Loroli Lets do it at Derohan. Brindle bitch of slightly larger frame to my winner. She has plenty of depth of chest, well muscled front and rear quarters but again not overdone. Plenty of width of thigh and spring of pasture, shown in lovely condition.
Veteran Bitch 8 (3)
- 1st: Mrs A Snelgrove & Ms R Snelgrove – Huntinghill Jazzmatazz. This 7 year old bitch was shown in lovely condition. She has a lovely typical whippet head, an elegantly lean arched neck which flowed into her curvy top-line. She is moderately angulated in front and in rear. Good depth of chest and well made broad thighs, she moved well in all directions around the ring. I was delighted to award her BVB and BVIS.
- 2nd: Mrs S Wignall – Starswift Sunset. This 11 year old bitch is a credit to her own. Despite her age she still retains her whippet type. She is curvy throughout, she has such a lovely head and a sweet expression. She is shown in wonderful condition, though at times not willing to co-operate with her handler, she moved with purpose around the ring still maintaining her shape.
- 3rd: Mrs C Osborne – Loroli Lets do it at Derohan.