DOG CRITIQUE - Jackie Whitaker-Crosby (Mulcair)
Many thanks to the committee for my invitation to judge the dogs at what was the first championship show I ever competed at in 1986 ! Golden jubilee year with the great Terry Thorn as the judge. Winning my first ever class of minor puppies I was hooked!
My 2 young ladies, Emilie & Paige, who stewarded for me did an excellent job, Thank you for all help.
Obviously it was an honour and thanks to everyone for bringing their dogs for me to assess and for my opinion, I judge the dogs on the day ,and being in the middle of the ring gives you a completely different view of them, In the challenge for Best in Show my co judge Rachel Smith and I both loved each other's C C winner, so we left it to the referee Michael White to decide, similar with the Puppies, but we were both in agreement with Best Veteran and racing class
On the positive side all dogs were of excellent temperament ,entire and had correct bites . Most in super fit condition without being over done, Wet wipes used but remained clean, always a plus I was more than happy with my main winners, in fact all my class winners.
Now to the negative side, obviously being males they should be slightly larger than the bitches but should still have the elegance and curves of a whippet. Sadly many did not. No dog is perfect but I feel we are losing breed type!
When judging i'm looking for the breed points that make a whippet a whippet, fault judging is not the way forward, but some had more faults than pluses, faults I found I couldn't ignore.
Shoulders ! So many completely upright with no return of upper arm at all, and obviously when it came to moving it showed.
Movement, I wonder do people not watch their dogs movement when out and about, or even in the lounge/ kitchen? Elbows out, platting in front, toeing in ,wide behind.! I know that many overseas judges completely ignore the fore and aft and just concentrate on profile movement ,but that for me is ridiculous, especially in a running, athletic breed like a whippet.
Size is another thing we must be aware of , yes we've always had ‘ big ‘whippets over breed standard height, but now not just tall but heavy, large boned and nothing like an elegant whippet should be. On saying that id sooner have a good big one than a correct size poor one.
Apart from my winners in the early classes it left me quite depressed at what the future holds for this breed. Thankfully the latter classes had many more quality whippets that I was looking for.
Vet dog 7-9 years 4
1 BV DOG Wayman Speymalt Northern Star 8 year old Fawn white boy, lovely for size, fine elegant boy with sweet expression, Good flat bone, balanced and a true mover.
2 Robertson Moonlake My Way ,fawn boy, again lovely for size in super fit condition,
3 Skelly Ringmore Dalrympl
Minor puppy 6
1 Wheeler Ranvelli Diki Diki. Classy ,elegant boy, just a baby but so well put together, lovely for size and shape. So sound on the move and had lovely reach and drive too. Really liked this boy, future star for sure.
2 Fryer Dreamjet Rock The Boat at Stonefox, bigger all through, super head and melting expression, he just needs to settle into himself and not give his handler such a hard time.
3 Cahill and Timberlake Shine on Harvey Moon at Chipperlake
Puppy 12
1 Wayman Collooney Charlie Brown at Scarlettfair Cream fawn boy. Plenty big enough, but a nice shape with correct arch over loin, stands on good feet and correct spring of pasterns, sadly lacking in many exhibits. Movement ok for his age .
2 Arkell Fantastic Fred , another strong boy but I saw enough quality to place him here , he was lovely to go over and in super fit condition ,
3 McConkey Barmol Billy Joel
Junior 8 (1)
1 Wilton- Clarke Shalfleet Chasing The Wind ,brindle and white boy super for size and shape. Handsome boy, correct bone ,best of shoulders and super depth of brisket, Loved his hind angulation that helped propel him around the ring in a free easy movement.
2 Morris Waddle Crosscop May Boy, fawn brindle ,Best puppy dog Just loved this boy, elegant throughout, must be a future star, just what I was looking for in a Male, still needs to mature obviously but he is so lovely to go over, your hands just flow over him. Well balanced, but its on the move he comes into his own, he just floats around the ring and once he settled he’s as sound as a pound fore and aft. What a shame that the referee upset him in the challenge for best Puppyin show!
3 Holland Elmanash Grecian King
Yearling 6 (1)
1 Howgates Palmik King Arthur Well constructed quality ,,brindle white boy, Lovely shoulder and front, slight spring of pastern , sound on the move , held his topline throughout.
2 Brew Crosscop The Show Must Go On,Handsome fawn boy, quality all through, super for size ,excellent head neck and shoulders super depth of brisket and correct tuck up, powerful rear end with excellent2 nd thigh. Best of feet,
3 Wilton- Clarke Shalfleet Making Waves
Novice 10 (3 ) Lewis Luckhurst Rainbow Warrior Silver brindle, good for size , masculine head , kind eye, shoulders ok, correct topline, lovely condition, moved soundly , well handled.
2 Wayman Collooney Charlie Brown at Scarlet fair,
3 Beckett- Hughes Dreamjet The King Fisher at Mulranny.
Grad 9 (2) 1 Shepherd Kidaruka Its show time at Oxana Red fawn boy, masculine without being coarse, enough size and substance, well balanced, presented in excellent muscular condition, moved well with drive
2 Martin Bowdonia Go the Distance for Stalwart, fawn brindle boy , super head, slightly upright in shoulder, lovely fine coat ,correct arch over loin , moved ok.
3 Bingham Wrennalla Steel
Special Beg 9 (1)
1 , Brew , 2nd in yearling
2 Dimmock Selinko Festive Prancer fawn boy, ideal for size, sweet expression, nice fine coat, handled well by the young handler
3 Arkell Swistir Bailey's Cream
Post graduate 11 (1) 1 Woodcroft and yacoby- Wright Cobyco City Limits. Easy winner of this class Quality red fawn dog, best of heads ,super melting expression, finest of coat ,in super fit condition. My hands flowed over him, super depth of brisket and tuck up ,one of the few with the correct arch over the loin, So well balanced. 100 % sound fore and aft and covered the ground in profile. I don't think I have ever seen this dog or handler before but reading my catalogue when finished judging i wasn't surprised to see it was a Cobyco !
2 Walton Gazenorth Gugh Fawn boy , another in super fit condition, well balanced ,not the smallest but in no way coarse, pleasing head ,long neck and excellent shoulder placement. Well handled
3 McKenzie Aberlark Burning Love
Mid limit 8 (1 ) Best class so far
1 RCC Holland Elmanash Glenfidditch At last a shapely, correct sized whippet!Fawn boy So well balanced and definitely fit for function. Best of shoulders with plenty of fore chest, Ribbing is good with correct topline and underline, lovely hind angulation which he uses on the move. Loved his profile movement and completely sound fore and aft, couldn't deny him the RCC .
2 Tyson Starceylon Summer Bran. Gleaming black unlucky to meet the winner in such good form Beautiful boy who has all the curves i was looking for, super for size .so well balanced throughout. Elegant head but in no way feminine, best of feet and correct bladed bone ,another with correct top line and underline . Well handled and in super condition
3 Winston Lolani Moonshine Over Monelli JW A favourite of mine but a really good class
Limit 11 (2 ) My star of the day 1 and CC Yeates and Winter Lolani Cafe Amore . Fawn boy . All whippet, super for size , masculine head, a lovely dog to go over, he's so well balanced with long neck, well laid shoulders, correctly filled in front He has a well shaped body with deep chest and curved under line, i would prefer slightly more arch over the loin but no dog is perfect. He excels on the move, moving effortlessly with great front reach and drive .Pleased to award him his first CC
2 Varnam and Parker Supeta Mojito for Aylros unlucky to meet the winner on top form, This lovely fawn boy has so many qualities, a super head and eye with melting expression, super long neck leading to the best of shoulders, good infil of chest, excellent bone, feet and just the right spring of pasterns .longer in loin than the winner and slightly taller but well balanced, another super sound mover .handled to perfection
3 Gibbins Osterfen Janus
Open 11 A super quality class as one would expect, full of champions, Thank you for giving me the chance to judge such a lovely class of whippets
1 Johnson Ch Aarminias Dragon Lord of Danluke. Very handsome pale fawn, masculine head with melting expression ,lovely dark eyes, best of ears, lovely long neck leading into well angulated shoulders, best of fronts, good depth of brisket with plenty of heart room, covers the ground both standing and moving
2 Richards Ch Richclass Run for Cover, worthy champion, Masculine boy but in no way coarse ,clean neck and good shoulder placement, correct spring of pasterns, good depth of brisket and topline, correct gentle arch over the loin ,moved well in all directions.
3 Fryer Ch Collooney Eye Love to Tease at Stonefox
Spec racing/ lure coursing 7 (1 )
1 Webber Denimblue Will Do Blue with white trim , A very balanced boy which is even more evident on the move, holding his top at all times Well off for bone, in super condition and expertly handled , would just prefer a size smaller
2 Yeates and Winter Zoraden Bright Star, brindle and white, completely different type to the winner better for size, super head and excellent front and shoulders, shorter in loin , super fit condition but couldn't match the movement of the winner
3 Rossa and Brown Ryemeadows Midnight Sun
Many thanks to the committee for my invitation to judge the dogs at what was the first championship show I ever competed at in 1986 ! Golden jubilee year with the great Terry Thorn as the judge. Winning my first ever class of minor puppies I was hooked!
My 2 young ladies, Emilie & Paige, who stewarded for me did an excellent job, Thank you for all help.
Obviously it was an honour and thanks to everyone for bringing their dogs for me to assess and for my opinion, I judge the dogs on the day ,and being in the middle of the ring gives you a completely different view of them, In the challenge for Best in Show my co judge Rachel Smith and I both loved each other's C C winner, so we left it to the referee Michael White to decide, similar with the Puppies, but we were both in agreement with Best Veteran and racing class
On the positive side all dogs were of excellent temperament ,entire and had correct bites . Most in super fit condition without being over done, Wet wipes used but remained clean, always a plus I was more than happy with my main winners, in fact all my class winners.
Now to the negative side, obviously being males they should be slightly larger than the bitches but should still have the elegance and curves of a whippet. Sadly many did not. No dog is perfect but I feel we are losing breed type!
When judging i'm looking for the breed points that make a whippet a whippet, fault judging is not the way forward, but some had more faults than pluses, faults I found I couldn't ignore.
Shoulders ! So many completely upright with no return of upper arm at all, and obviously when it came to moving it showed.
Movement, I wonder do people not watch their dogs movement when out and about, or even in the lounge/ kitchen? Elbows out, platting in front, toeing in ,wide behind.! I know that many overseas judges completely ignore the fore and aft and just concentrate on profile movement ,but that for me is ridiculous, especially in a running, athletic breed like a whippet.
Size is another thing we must be aware of , yes we've always had ‘ big ‘whippets over breed standard height, but now not just tall but heavy, large boned and nothing like an elegant whippet should be. On saying that id sooner have a good big one than a correct size poor one.
Apart from my winners in the early classes it left me quite depressed at what the future holds for this breed. Thankfully the latter classes had many more quality whippets that I was looking for.
Vet dog 7-9 years 4
1 BV DOG Wayman Speymalt Northern Star 8 year old Fawn white boy, lovely for size, fine elegant boy with sweet expression, Good flat bone, balanced and a true mover.
2 Robertson Moonlake My Way ,fawn boy, again lovely for size in super fit condition,
3 Skelly Ringmore Dalrympl
Minor puppy 6
1 Wheeler Ranvelli Diki Diki. Classy ,elegant boy, just a baby but so well put together, lovely for size and shape. So sound on the move and had lovely reach and drive too. Really liked this boy, future star for sure.
2 Fryer Dreamjet Rock The Boat at Stonefox, bigger all through, super head and melting expression, he just needs to settle into himself and not give his handler such a hard time.
3 Cahill and Timberlake Shine on Harvey Moon at Chipperlake
Puppy 12
1 Wayman Collooney Charlie Brown at Scarlettfair Cream fawn boy. Plenty big enough, but a nice shape with correct arch over loin, stands on good feet and correct spring of pasterns, sadly lacking in many exhibits. Movement ok for his age .
2 Arkell Fantastic Fred , another strong boy but I saw enough quality to place him here , he was lovely to go over and in super fit condition ,
3 McConkey Barmol Billy Joel
Junior 8 (1)
1 Wilton- Clarke Shalfleet Chasing The Wind ,brindle and white boy super for size and shape. Handsome boy, correct bone ,best of shoulders and super depth of brisket, Loved his hind angulation that helped propel him around the ring in a free easy movement.
2 Morris Waddle Crosscop May Boy, fawn brindle ,Best puppy dog Just loved this boy, elegant throughout, must be a future star, just what I was looking for in a Male, still needs to mature obviously but he is so lovely to go over, your hands just flow over him. Well balanced, but its on the move he comes into his own, he just floats around the ring and once he settled he’s as sound as a pound fore and aft. What a shame that the referee upset him in the challenge for best Puppyin show!
3 Holland Elmanash Grecian King
Yearling 6 (1)
1 Howgates Palmik King Arthur Well constructed quality ,,brindle white boy, Lovely shoulder and front, slight spring of pastern , sound on the move , held his topline throughout.
2 Brew Crosscop The Show Must Go On,Handsome fawn boy, quality all through, super for size ,excellent head neck and shoulders super depth of brisket and correct tuck up, powerful rear end with excellent2 nd thigh. Best of feet,
3 Wilton- Clarke Shalfleet Making Waves
Novice 10 (3 ) Lewis Luckhurst Rainbow Warrior Silver brindle, good for size , masculine head , kind eye, shoulders ok, correct topline, lovely condition, moved soundly , well handled.
2 Wayman Collooney Charlie Brown at Scarlet fair,
3 Beckett- Hughes Dreamjet The King Fisher at Mulranny.
Grad 9 (2) 1 Shepherd Kidaruka Its show time at Oxana Red fawn boy, masculine without being coarse, enough size and substance, well balanced, presented in excellent muscular condition, moved well with drive
2 Martin Bowdonia Go the Distance for Stalwart, fawn brindle boy , super head, slightly upright in shoulder, lovely fine coat ,correct arch over loin , moved ok.
3 Bingham Wrennalla Steel
Special Beg 9 (1)
1 , Brew , 2nd in yearling
2 Dimmock Selinko Festive Prancer fawn boy, ideal for size, sweet expression, nice fine coat, handled well by the young handler
3 Arkell Swistir Bailey's Cream
Post graduate 11 (1) 1 Woodcroft and yacoby- Wright Cobyco City Limits. Easy winner of this class Quality red fawn dog, best of heads ,super melting expression, finest of coat ,in super fit condition. My hands flowed over him, super depth of brisket and tuck up ,one of the few with the correct arch over the loin, So well balanced. 100 % sound fore and aft and covered the ground in profile. I don't think I have ever seen this dog or handler before but reading my catalogue when finished judging i wasn't surprised to see it was a Cobyco !
2 Walton Gazenorth Gugh Fawn boy , another in super fit condition, well balanced ,not the smallest but in no way coarse, pleasing head ,long neck and excellent shoulder placement. Well handled
3 McKenzie Aberlark Burning Love
Mid limit 8 (1 ) Best class so far
1 RCC Holland Elmanash Glenfidditch At last a shapely, correct sized whippet!Fawn boy So well balanced and definitely fit for function. Best of shoulders with plenty of fore chest, Ribbing is good with correct topline and underline, lovely hind angulation which he uses on the move. Loved his profile movement and completely sound fore and aft, couldn't deny him the RCC .
2 Tyson Starceylon Summer Bran. Gleaming black unlucky to meet the winner in such good form Beautiful boy who has all the curves i was looking for, super for size .so well balanced throughout. Elegant head but in no way feminine, best of feet and correct bladed bone ,another with correct top line and underline . Well handled and in super condition
3 Winston Lolani Moonshine Over Monelli JW A favourite of mine but a really good class
Limit 11 (2 ) My star of the day 1 and CC Yeates and Winter Lolani Cafe Amore . Fawn boy . All whippet, super for size , masculine head, a lovely dog to go over, he's so well balanced with long neck, well laid shoulders, correctly filled in front He has a well shaped body with deep chest and curved under line, i would prefer slightly more arch over the loin but no dog is perfect. He excels on the move, moving effortlessly with great front reach and drive .Pleased to award him his first CC
2 Varnam and Parker Supeta Mojito for Aylros unlucky to meet the winner on top form, This lovely fawn boy has so many qualities, a super head and eye with melting expression, super long neck leading to the best of shoulders, good infil of chest, excellent bone, feet and just the right spring of pasterns .longer in loin than the winner and slightly taller but well balanced, another super sound mover .handled to perfection
3 Gibbins Osterfen Janus
Open 11 A super quality class as one would expect, full of champions, Thank you for giving me the chance to judge such a lovely class of whippets
1 Johnson Ch Aarminias Dragon Lord of Danluke. Very handsome pale fawn, masculine head with melting expression ,lovely dark eyes, best of ears, lovely long neck leading into well angulated shoulders, best of fronts, good depth of brisket with plenty of heart room, covers the ground both standing and moving
2 Richards Ch Richclass Run for Cover, worthy champion, Masculine boy but in no way coarse ,clean neck and good shoulder placement, correct spring of pasterns, good depth of brisket and topline, correct gentle arch over the loin ,moved well in all directions.
3 Fryer Ch Collooney Eye Love to Tease at Stonefox
Spec racing/ lure coursing 7 (1 )
1 Webber Denimblue Will Do Blue with white trim , A very balanced boy which is even more evident on the move, holding his top at all times Well off for bone, in super condition and expertly handled , would just prefer a size smaller
2 Yeates and Winter Zoraden Bright Star, brindle and white, completely different type to the winner better for size, super head and excellent front and shoulders, shorter in loin , super fit condition but couldn't match the movement of the winner
3 Rossa and Brown Ryemeadows Midnight Sun
BITCH CRITIQUE - Rachel Smith (Citycroft)
Please find below my critique for bitches at Nwa Championship show 2 May 2022:
I have been looking forward to this appointment for a long time. It was an honour to be invited by the committee to judge at my local club club show. Thank you so much to all the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of judging your beautiful whippets and for accepting my decisions graciously.
The KC building is a brilliant venue for whippets; having an even floor and large rings means that we really get to see them at their best. I was fortunate to have 2 brilliant steward Jeannie and Becky who ensured things ran smoothly. Thank you ladies.
It was a pleasure to share the ring at the end of the day with my Co-judge Jackie Whitaker and to find ourselves both so complimentary of each other’s CC winners. we therefore decided to leave the BIS decision in the hands of the referee.
A few overall observations; starting with the negatives. I was surprised to see more than a handful of suspect bites and really disappointed that a number of exhibits had very little muscle tone, which consequently negatively affected their movement. I found rather a lot of bitches to be rather “Tube like” in outline; with no discernible topline and not enough tuck up. That curvy outline is the real distinguishable breed characteristic of a whippet and one we must hold on to.
On the positive side, I was able to find lots of whippets who had the attributes I was looking for; Quality, moderate, sound moving bitches with unmistakable whippet curves. My CC and RCC winners both had the icing on an already delicious cake in that they were both of correct size. I am happy to forgive a little size wise when elegance and type are maintained but it is such a treat to get the complete package. I loved them both.
As an exhibitor my favourite class to show in is Veteran; so it seemed a fitting start to the day to be presented with a class full of gorgeous Special 7-10 veterans (10,2). All a credit to their owners but the top 5 really made for a difficult decision. However, just edging it on the day was
1. Mcconkey’s Barmoll Bag O’ Tricks. 7 year old Fawn brindle who is in the most fabulous condition. Full of quality with the ideal combination of substance and elegance. Her front assembly was one of the best in the entire entry, smoothest of shoulders flow into a lovely topline, she has lost none of her underline at all - therefore presenting the curvy outline I was looking for. She has moderately angulated and well muscled quarters. On the move she was foot perfect; covered the ground effortlessly and completely true up and back. Loved her! My co-judge and I were in agreement that she was a very worthy BVIS.
2. Glaholm’s Gazenorth Gan Canny Fawn bitch who was also presented in first class order. Super size and moderately angulated throughout. Good fill, correct bladed bone, neat feet and well sprung Pasterns. She was so sound coming and going; just couldn’t quite match the winner in profile.
3. Brown’s Ardencote Star Maker
Special Veteran 10+ (4)
1. Hawker’s Mollytop Dreamy
Lady This fawn bitch is a real credit to her owner/breeders. She is quite simply fabulous for 11.5. I loved her type and overall outline; moderately angulated, beautiful coat and condition. She excelled on the move in all directions.
2. Vaughan’s Shirotae Gin Sing red fawn out of a slightly larger mould; sharing many of the same attributes as 1. Shapely and well angulated throughout. Beautiful head and expression. Not quite the movement of the winner.
3. Healion’s Anywhere and when at Clynecourt
MPB (11) 1. Howgate & Hull’s Palmik Chasing Rainbows. 7 month old fawn bitch of the highest quality who has everything in the right place at this age. Perfect size, good bone but still feminine. The prettiest of heads, well laid shoulders, excellent return of upper arm and corresponding curvy top and underlines. Strong quarters and short hocks. She had the ideal muscle for her age which was evident in her movement; fluent and true from all angles. She was presented in first class order and I was delighted she was awarded BPIS on the referees decision.
2 Wheeler’s Ranveli Glowtini. Another super puppy. Very different in type to 1 and I’m sure these two will change places many times. Brindle bitch with the most beautiful head and expression. Another who is of a good size. She is all curves, strong, elegant neck flowing into the best of shoulders. Standing on super feet, and presented in fabulous condition. She excels on the move; her profile movement is outstanding for her age and she is equally impressive on the up and back. The winner was just that bit more settled today.
3. Jones’ Jothryn Black Eyed Blonde
PB (16,6) 1. Gillespie’s Penbriar Bewitched 10month old black with the most beautiful glossy coat. She presents such a balanced and curvy outline. Well filled front, good upper arm and lay back of shoulder. Well muscled, moderately angulated quarters. Neat feet and adequate bone. She moved very soundly and with sufficient reach and drive in profile, holding her lovely topline at all times.
2. Mycroft, Morris & Waddell’s Crosscop True Love 9 month old fawn bitch who was very similar to first in a lot of respects. She is developing super curves, good front assembly, smooth shoulders. Really good tuck up and the right amount of rear angulation. Very sound coming and going. Just preferred the shape of 1 in profile.
3. Tyson’s Starceylon She’s a Mover
JB (10) 1. Perkins Silkridge Jasmine Fawn brindle parti - a real pocket rocket! Ideal size and substance; she is so feminine. Prettiest of heads. Moderate in all respects; balanced in angulation, curvy and elegant. Lovely feet and well sprung Pasterns. She was presented in excellent order; super muscle tone which allowed her to move with real purpose when viewed in profile and with accuracy away and back.
2. Fryer’s Osterfen Lakota at Stonefox. This fawn bitch is ultra feminine, like the winner she is of correct size. So elegant and when stacked she is a picture of gentle curves. Adequate substance for her size. She moved very well viewed from any angle. I just preferred the topline of first on the move.
3. Maxwell’s Maccus Rosa Gallica Daphne
YB (5,2) 1. Salkeld’s Crosscop A Dream Come True. Fawn bitch. Exceptionally pretty and inquisitive expression. Lovely size and overall balance. Super front construction; good fill and bone. Really curvy. Moved out very well and soundly up and back.
2. McConkey’s Barmoll Bayou. Blue bitch who is of a heavier type but still a classic whippet shape. Super front assembly and well muscled quarters. Excellent side gait.
3. Wilkinson’s Silkridge Saffron
NB (9, 5)
1. Howgate & Hull’s Palmik Chasing Rainbows
2. Courtney’s Courtbirch Love over Gold. Very attractive dark pigmented fawn. Slightly larger than my ideal but she is curvy and clean in outline. Quality coat and skin. Correct, moderate angulation and a sound mover.
3. Leathart’s Ringmore Iona
GB (12,1)
1. Service & Poole’s Crosscop Proud Mary. Fawn and white parti bitch. Perfect size and an unmistakably whippety outline. Correct bladed bone, neat feet and well sprung Pasterns. She is very well made throughout; presenting a very neat and unexaggerated package. Moving really well for her sympathetic handler who got the best out of her.
2. Wood’s Elmanash Mist O The Moon. This blue bitch was a lovely find. She is so good for type and quality. Her outline is shapely but moderate. She moved very well in every direction. Well handled and presented
3. Brodie & Owen’s Wolfcastle Dare to Dream
SBB (7,2)
1. Maxwell’s Maxwell’s Maccus Rosa Gallica Daphne. This red fawn bitch was placed 3rd in a competitive junior class. There is so much to like about her; as she is so Sound and balanced. Presented in beautiful condition and moving with drive and front extension and accuracy coming and going. Superbly presented.
2. Wood’s Elmanash Mist O The Moon
3. Salkeld’s Crosscop A Dream Come True
PGB ( 16, 3) This was a really lovely class. 1. Yacoby Wright’s Cobyco City Lights. This fawn bitch appealed to me very much for type. She is of the highest quality and is so smooth to go over. Her coat was gleaming. So shapely in top and underline; without being in any way over done. Her neck into shoulder was one of the best of the day; she just flows from head to tail. Balanced in angulation. She moved with purpose in profile and once settled I could see how sound she was coming and going.
2. Rees’ Kierpark Dancing Queen. This sparsely brindled and white girl is so appealing. She is elegant, balanced and moderate in angulation. Moving well in profile and coming and going. I preferred the neck into shoulder on 1st
3. Home & Fisher-Home’s Jasarat Gin Fizz
MLB (11, 2)
1. Richards’ Kierpark You Are My Sunshine. Aptly named fawn parti bitch. She was a real surprise for me today; I admired her return of upper arm and lay back of shoulder, which was incredibly smooth. Her rear quarters were moderate in angulation. She was so balanced with nothing out of place. Moving she did not disappoint. In the challenge she was strongly considered for top honours.
2. Turner’s Gilnockie Have Faith. I have admired this bitch from the ringside on several occasions and found her just as I had expected to go over she has the most beautiful black jacket, she is smooth, clean and elegant in outline. Excels in profile movement. I felt the winner moved better up and back on the day. She is a super quality whippet.
3. Wood’s Crosscop She’s A Lady at Ardencote
LB (17,3)
1. Brown’s Ardencote Sweet Destiny at Bluestreak. I judged this beautiful fawn and white almost 2.5 years ago and liked her very much then but in the intervening years she has matured into a really fabulous whippet. Spot on for size, moderate, elegant, smooth and with nothing out of place. She draws the eye as she is just so correct. I was pleased when going over her to find that she was well muscled and that she moved incredibly soundly and with reach and drive. She was my RCC winner and I firmly believe she would make a worthy champion.
2. Morris, Waddell & Mycroft’s Crosscop Candle in The Wind to Supeta. What a beautiful outline this classy fawn bitch has - so smooth and clean. She is of super quality. Ultra pretty and feminine; beautiful head and expression. Moderate angulation throughout. Very sound on the move and moving well in profile. A close decision.
3. Robertson’s Moonlake Medium Blonde
OB (7) 1. Lain’s Lolani Tennessee Honey. This red fawn bitch was the full package for me today; correct size, but with enough substance, curvy, nothing over done, undeniably whippet and wow she can really move! She has the most beautiful head, coat and skin. Outstanding in front assembly; return of upper arm and lay back of shoulder, meaning her front legs fall perfectly beneath her. She is so smooth under the hand; just a series of gentle curves. Hind quarters were moderately angulated, well muscled and were used to move round the ring with purpose and Grace. She was absolutely foot perfect and her added sparkle on the move won her the CC today. I hope her crowning CC soon follows as she is a beautiful example of the breed.
2. Howgate & Hull’s Ch Palmik Misty Eve. Very classy fawn bitch who looked the best I have ever seen her. She exudes quality and breed type. So classic in her outline. As always from this kennel she was presented in beautiful condition. She moved very well.
3. Morris, Waddell, Mycroft & Mitchell’s Crosscop Just What I Need
Special Open Racing/Lure Coursing (2,1)
1. Leathart’s Ringmore Hectate. Cream bitch who is so whippety and elegant in outline. Lovely for size and substance. Very feminine. Balanced in angulation and matching curvy top and underlines. Presented in excellent condition.
Rachel Smith (Citycroft)
Please find below my critique for bitches at Nwa Championship show 2 May 2022:
I have been looking forward to this appointment for a long time. It was an honour to be invited by the committee to judge at my local club club show. Thank you so much to all the exhibitors who allowed me the privilege of judging your beautiful whippets and for accepting my decisions graciously.
The KC building is a brilliant venue for whippets; having an even floor and large rings means that we really get to see them at their best. I was fortunate to have 2 brilliant steward Jeannie and Becky who ensured things ran smoothly. Thank you ladies.
It was a pleasure to share the ring at the end of the day with my Co-judge Jackie Whitaker and to find ourselves both so complimentary of each other’s CC winners. we therefore decided to leave the BIS decision in the hands of the referee.
A few overall observations; starting with the negatives. I was surprised to see more than a handful of suspect bites and really disappointed that a number of exhibits had very little muscle tone, which consequently negatively affected their movement. I found rather a lot of bitches to be rather “Tube like” in outline; with no discernible topline and not enough tuck up. That curvy outline is the real distinguishable breed characteristic of a whippet and one we must hold on to.
On the positive side, I was able to find lots of whippets who had the attributes I was looking for; Quality, moderate, sound moving bitches with unmistakable whippet curves. My CC and RCC winners both had the icing on an already delicious cake in that they were both of correct size. I am happy to forgive a little size wise when elegance and type are maintained but it is such a treat to get the complete package. I loved them both.
As an exhibitor my favourite class to show in is Veteran; so it seemed a fitting start to the day to be presented with a class full of gorgeous Special 7-10 veterans (10,2). All a credit to their owners but the top 5 really made for a difficult decision. However, just edging it on the day was
1. Mcconkey’s Barmoll Bag O’ Tricks. 7 year old Fawn brindle who is in the most fabulous condition. Full of quality with the ideal combination of substance and elegance. Her front assembly was one of the best in the entire entry, smoothest of shoulders flow into a lovely topline, she has lost none of her underline at all - therefore presenting the curvy outline I was looking for. She has moderately angulated and well muscled quarters. On the move she was foot perfect; covered the ground effortlessly and completely true up and back. Loved her! My co-judge and I were in agreement that she was a very worthy BVIS.
2. Glaholm’s Gazenorth Gan Canny Fawn bitch who was also presented in first class order. Super size and moderately angulated throughout. Good fill, correct bladed bone, neat feet and well sprung Pasterns. She was so sound coming and going; just couldn’t quite match the winner in profile.
3. Brown’s Ardencote Star Maker
Special Veteran 10+ (4)
1. Hawker’s Mollytop Dreamy
Lady This fawn bitch is a real credit to her owner/breeders. She is quite simply fabulous for 11.5. I loved her type and overall outline; moderately angulated, beautiful coat and condition. She excelled on the move in all directions.
2. Vaughan’s Shirotae Gin Sing red fawn out of a slightly larger mould; sharing many of the same attributes as 1. Shapely and well angulated throughout. Beautiful head and expression. Not quite the movement of the winner.
3. Healion’s Anywhere and when at Clynecourt
MPB (11) 1. Howgate & Hull’s Palmik Chasing Rainbows. 7 month old fawn bitch of the highest quality who has everything in the right place at this age. Perfect size, good bone but still feminine. The prettiest of heads, well laid shoulders, excellent return of upper arm and corresponding curvy top and underlines. Strong quarters and short hocks. She had the ideal muscle for her age which was evident in her movement; fluent and true from all angles. She was presented in first class order and I was delighted she was awarded BPIS on the referees decision.
2 Wheeler’s Ranveli Glowtini. Another super puppy. Very different in type to 1 and I’m sure these two will change places many times. Brindle bitch with the most beautiful head and expression. Another who is of a good size. She is all curves, strong, elegant neck flowing into the best of shoulders. Standing on super feet, and presented in fabulous condition. She excels on the move; her profile movement is outstanding for her age and she is equally impressive on the up and back. The winner was just that bit more settled today.
3. Jones’ Jothryn Black Eyed Blonde
PB (16,6) 1. Gillespie’s Penbriar Bewitched 10month old black with the most beautiful glossy coat. She presents such a balanced and curvy outline. Well filled front, good upper arm and lay back of shoulder. Well muscled, moderately angulated quarters. Neat feet and adequate bone. She moved very soundly and with sufficient reach and drive in profile, holding her lovely topline at all times.
2. Mycroft, Morris & Waddell’s Crosscop True Love 9 month old fawn bitch who was very similar to first in a lot of respects. She is developing super curves, good front assembly, smooth shoulders. Really good tuck up and the right amount of rear angulation. Very sound coming and going. Just preferred the shape of 1 in profile.
3. Tyson’s Starceylon She’s a Mover
JB (10) 1. Perkins Silkridge Jasmine Fawn brindle parti - a real pocket rocket! Ideal size and substance; she is so feminine. Prettiest of heads. Moderate in all respects; balanced in angulation, curvy and elegant. Lovely feet and well sprung Pasterns. She was presented in excellent order; super muscle tone which allowed her to move with real purpose when viewed in profile and with accuracy away and back.
2. Fryer’s Osterfen Lakota at Stonefox. This fawn bitch is ultra feminine, like the winner she is of correct size. So elegant and when stacked she is a picture of gentle curves. Adequate substance for her size. She moved very well viewed from any angle. I just preferred the topline of first on the move.
3. Maxwell’s Maccus Rosa Gallica Daphne
YB (5,2) 1. Salkeld’s Crosscop A Dream Come True. Fawn bitch. Exceptionally pretty and inquisitive expression. Lovely size and overall balance. Super front construction; good fill and bone. Really curvy. Moved out very well and soundly up and back.
2. McConkey’s Barmoll Bayou. Blue bitch who is of a heavier type but still a classic whippet shape. Super front assembly and well muscled quarters. Excellent side gait.
3. Wilkinson’s Silkridge Saffron
NB (9, 5)
1. Howgate & Hull’s Palmik Chasing Rainbows
2. Courtney’s Courtbirch Love over Gold. Very attractive dark pigmented fawn. Slightly larger than my ideal but she is curvy and clean in outline. Quality coat and skin. Correct, moderate angulation and a sound mover.
3. Leathart’s Ringmore Iona
GB (12,1)
1. Service & Poole’s Crosscop Proud Mary. Fawn and white parti bitch. Perfect size and an unmistakably whippety outline. Correct bladed bone, neat feet and well sprung Pasterns. She is very well made throughout; presenting a very neat and unexaggerated package. Moving really well for her sympathetic handler who got the best out of her.
2. Wood’s Elmanash Mist O The Moon. This blue bitch was a lovely find. She is so good for type and quality. Her outline is shapely but moderate. She moved very well in every direction. Well handled and presented
3. Brodie & Owen’s Wolfcastle Dare to Dream
SBB (7,2)
1. Maxwell’s Maxwell’s Maccus Rosa Gallica Daphne. This red fawn bitch was placed 3rd in a competitive junior class. There is so much to like about her; as she is so Sound and balanced. Presented in beautiful condition and moving with drive and front extension and accuracy coming and going. Superbly presented.
2. Wood’s Elmanash Mist O The Moon
3. Salkeld’s Crosscop A Dream Come True
PGB ( 16, 3) This was a really lovely class. 1. Yacoby Wright’s Cobyco City Lights. This fawn bitch appealed to me very much for type. She is of the highest quality and is so smooth to go over. Her coat was gleaming. So shapely in top and underline; without being in any way over done. Her neck into shoulder was one of the best of the day; she just flows from head to tail. Balanced in angulation. She moved with purpose in profile and once settled I could see how sound she was coming and going.
2. Rees’ Kierpark Dancing Queen. This sparsely brindled and white girl is so appealing. She is elegant, balanced and moderate in angulation. Moving well in profile and coming and going. I preferred the neck into shoulder on 1st
3. Home & Fisher-Home’s Jasarat Gin Fizz
MLB (11, 2)
1. Richards’ Kierpark You Are My Sunshine. Aptly named fawn parti bitch. She was a real surprise for me today; I admired her return of upper arm and lay back of shoulder, which was incredibly smooth. Her rear quarters were moderate in angulation. She was so balanced with nothing out of place. Moving she did not disappoint. In the challenge she was strongly considered for top honours.
2. Turner’s Gilnockie Have Faith. I have admired this bitch from the ringside on several occasions and found her just as I had expected to go over she has the most beautiful black jacket, she is smooth, clean and elegant in outline. Excels in profile movement. I felt the winner moved better up and back on the day. She is a super quality whippet.
3. Wood’s Crosscop She’s A Lady at Ardencote
LB (17,3)
1. Brown’s Ardencote Sweet Destiny at Bluestreak. I judged this beautiful fawn and white almost 2.5 years ago and liked her very much then but in the intervening years she has matured into a really fabulous whippet. Spot on for size, moderate, elegant, smooth and with nothing out of place. She draws the eye as she is just so correct. I was pleased when going over her to find that she was well muscled and that she moved incredibly soundly and with reach and drive. She was my RCC winner and I firmly believe she would make a worthy champion.
2. Morris, Waddell & Mycroft’s Crosscop Candle in The Wind to Supeta. What a beautiful outline this classy fawn bitch has - so smooth and clean. She is of super quality. Ultra pretty and feminine; beautiful head and expression. Moderate angulation throughout. Very sound on the move and moving well in profile. A close decision.
3. Robertson’s Moonlake Medium Blonde
OB (7) 1. Lain’s Lolani Tennessee Honey. This red fawn bitch was the full package for me today; correct size, but with enough substance, curvy, nothing over done, undeniably whippet and wow she can really move! She has the most beautiful head, coat and skin. Outstanding in front assembly; return of upper arm and lay back of shoulder, meaning her front legs fall perfectly beneath her. She is so smooth under the hand; just a series of gentle curves. Hind quarters were moderately angulated, well muscled and were used to move round the ring with purpose and Grace. She was absolutely foot perfect and her added sparkle on the move won her the CC today. I hope her crowning CC soon follows as she is a beautiful example of the breed.
2. Howgate & Hull’s Ch Palmik Misty Eve. Very classy fawn bitch who looked the best I have ever seen her. She exudes quality and breed type. So classic in her outline. As always from this kennel she was presented in beautiful condition. She moved very well.
3. Morris, Waddell, Mycroft & Mitchell’s Crosscop Just What I Need
Special Open Racing/Lure Coursing (2,1)
1. Leathart’s Ringmore Hectate. Cream bitch who is so whippety and elegant in outline. Lovely for size and substance. Very feminine. Balanced in angulation and matching curvy top and underlines. Presented in excellent condition.
Rachel Smith (Citycroft)