AMCUK Open Show – May 4th 2019 – Dogs & Selected Stakes.

I’ll start with thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge at what is one of my favourite annual shows as an exhibitor, for their hospitality on the day and of course for enlisting my efficient stewards, Les & Julia, who were superb in keeping things running smoothly even when the elements turned against us.
Not the biggest of entries, but of good enough quality throughout to still give some tough decisions. All dogs were of sound temperament and none were carrying any excess of weight, which is always a good sign in a working breed. Dentition remains a watch out though, with a few level bites sneaking in. The generous rings on offer here give plentiful room for assessing movement, however today I found that a combination of the high winds and slightly uneven surface seemed to unsettle some exhibits on the move, which affected some of the final placings.

In agreement with my co-judge, Best In Show went to the Dog (see Open Dog for critique), with Reserve Best in Show & Best Opposite Sex going to the Bitch (see Working Certified Bitch for critique). Best Junior and Best Puppy in Show both went to the bitch winners, and it was interesting to see that Reserve Best Puppy In Show was taken by the winner’s littermate (see Minor Puppy Dog / Puppy Dog critiques).

DOGS

Minor Puppy Dog (3 Ent, 0 Abs)
A promising start to the day.
1st. Page’s Snow Legend Believe In You (IMP RUS) NAF
8 month old grey/white, with such a sweet, appealing expression and an abundance of character. Dark, oblique, almond eyes with nicely set ears. Skull & muzzle proportions good for age. Good length of neck, beginning to show the characteristic slight arch, leading into a slightly sloping topline. Chest coming on well, with legs nice and straight viewed front on. Strong pasterns. Balanced in front and rear angulation, with a good layback of shoulder and nice, short, strong hocks. Good, tight, well shaped snowshoe feet, plenty of bone and a very happy waving plume tail. Quality coat with adult texture now coming through and standing off correctly. Was super enthusiastic on the move, but when settled showed balance for his age with good ground cover and drive. Best Puppy Dog and pushed very hard for BPIS, but his enthusiasm perhaps got the better of him on the move and today it was a well deserved RBPIS.
2nd. Barstow’s Ayakulik Sorcerer’s Trick
6 month old grey/white baby of different type to first, and of course less maturity, but a lot of good qualities already evident. Nice dark eye with correct almond shape, and a kind expression. Ears set well and although skull still developing showing correct proportions for age. Nice length of neck, a little narrow in chest at this age but enough bone for size, with a bit of knuckle left to grow into, and nice tight feet. Slightly longer in loin but shows overall balance in angulation with well let down hocks and strong pasterns. Adult coat still coming through but texture correct. Good tail set and carriage. A little looser on the move than my class winner, but footfall was nice in side profile when settled.
3rd. Barstow’s Ayakulik Black Magic
6 month black/white, littermate to second place and with a lot of the same qualities. A touch stronger in skull and muzzle than his brother at this stage, with good proportions and the same lovely dark eye. Ears slightly larger but well set on skull. Enough width to his front for his age with strong pasterns and correct feet. Moderately angulated front and rear with enough bone for size. Topline coming on nicely and coat of correct texture. Chose to show characteristic malamute stubbornness for his individual movement assessment, but on the final group run round showed promise, with correct tail carriage and overall balance – just needs a bit more time.

Puppy Dog (4 Ent, 1 Abs)
1st. Page’s Snow Legend Believe In You (IMP RUS) NAF.
As per 1st in Puppy Dog.
2nd. Barstow’s Ayakulik Sorcerer’s Trick
As per 2nd in Puppy Dog.
3rd. Barstow’s Ayakulik Black Magic
As per 3rd in Puppy Dog.

Junior Dog (Nil Ent)

Post Graduate Dog (Nil Ent)

Limit Dog (4 Ent, 1 Abs)
A difficult class to decide on, in that they presented three very different type of dogs, all possessing differing virtues.
1st. Anderson’s Cherubini Atene Cinquale
4 yrs old black/white, and although the smallest in size in this class was the most mature in overall shape and structure. A very typey headpiece, with a good eye shape, lovely small ears and nice muzzle proportions. Carries a profuse coat of fantastic texture, which can hide what is a good length of neck and a super, sloping topline. Good depth & width of chest, with plenty of spring of rib and a strong loin. Well muscled rear with short compact hocks. Correct tail set. Well angulated in front and rear which gave him great extension on the move. Good footfall coming back and forth and showed a typical, workmanlike side gait, holding his topline well and cinching him the top spot.
2nd. Raby’s Yuayua At Icemoon (IMP SWE)
2.5 years grey/white and still with a youthful demeanour and expression, but a nice masculine outline. Loved his super dark, almond eye with classic oblique set. Broad skull, ears thick and well furred but ear set could be stronger. Enough length of neck leading to a slightly sloping topline. Well developed chest with broad front and lovely big snowshoe feet. Moderately angulated with plenty of bone all through and a lovely, harsh, stand off coat. Well muscled on the move, with good overall balance in side profile, but not quite the drive of my class winner today.
3rd. Fiege’s Chivas Regal Malamute Sanctuary
At not quite 2 years this sable boy was youngest of the class, but arguably the most substantial with plenty of bone all through. Strong masculine skull, perhaps a touch heavier in stop than I prefer giving a slightly less oblique set to eye, but good shape and very dark. Lovely bulky muzzle & good ear set. Nice arch of neck leading to a slightly sloping topline. Lovely tail set and carriage. In side profile shows good balance in proportions, with moderate angulations front and rear. Good stand off coat and nice big feet. At this stage still a touch narrow in chest viewed front on, which did show in his movement and cost him a higher placing, but one I would love to see again in a few years time.

Open Dog (5 Ent, 1 Abs)
Another lovely class of mixed type, but plenty of quality.
1st. Loades’ CH Snowolf Black Ice Buddy
4.5 year black/white really coming into his prime and pulling out all the stops today. Has such a kind expression, with super dark pigment and a correct size & shape of eye. Lovely small ears, thick and well furred, with a bulky muzzle and good overall skull proportions. Strong, well arched of neck leading into a correct sloping topline. More than enough bone for his size, with well sprung ribs and a good depth of chest. Strong front with short, slightly sloping pasterns. Shoulder well laid back, giving good angulation that was in balance with his rear. Broad thigh, with well let down hocks. Harsh, stand off coat and well muscled all through. Tendency to drop his tail on the stand but well set and showed the correct waving plume on the move. In motion he really excelled, so balanced, not overdone in any way but holding his shape superbly and driving round the ring with an efficient, fluid motion that caught my eye every time. Clean coming and going, I was delighted to award him Best Dog and even moreso when in agreement with my co-judge he went onto BIS.
2nd. Thompson’s Libertia In The Red Again At Shomont
6 year red/white, with a naughtiness to his expression. Lovely shape of skull, with good breadth and super small ears. Very good pigment with a nice almond eye. Good length of neck and a strong, sloping topline leading to a perfect waving plume. Good depth & breadth of chest, stood on strong pasterns in front and nice tight feet. Good angulation all through, with strong hocks, good bone and a nice harsh coat. On the move he showed power and determination, with good extension and obvious drive, however the efficiency of first place beat him today in the final challenge.
3rd. Horsman & Horsman-Phoenix’s Nordicwinds American Idol JW ShCM.
5 year grey/white with a typical malamute expression. Beautiful dark, obliquely set almond eyes and a good set of ear, although I would prefer a touch smaller. Good broad skull and nice length of neck leading to a slightly sloping topline. Broad chest and well sprung ribs, with strong bone throughout and lovely shaped, snowshoe feet. Good length of leg and nice overall proportions in side profile, moderately angulated front and rear. Lovely waving plume and although not in full coat still dense with a nice texture. Well muscled and holding his shape well on the move, his footfall was pleasing but he seemed to lose his focus in the final run round which cost him in the final placings.

Special Veteran Dog, 7-9 Years (8 Ent, 2 Abs)
A really lovely class of males not showing their age and who could probably swap places on another day – splitting hairs with the final decisions.
1st. Thompson’s CH Shomont Raising Cain ShCM
8.5 year grey/white male, and masculine in every way the standard asks for. Strong skull without being overdone, with fantastic, small, well furred ears, a good almond eye and a bulky muzzle. Lovely arch of neck leading to a typical sloping topline and a beautiful waving plume tail. Well constructed front with strong, well boned legs, no sign of weakness in pastern and large, tight feet. Nice spring of rib and depth of chest. Slightly longer in back, and has a tendency to over-stretch himself on the stack, but this can be forgiven when he moves and comes into his own. He showed a strong, powerful and driving action from all angles, moreso than many of the younger exhibits, holding his shape well and covering the ground with determination. Although not in his best coat, he didn’t let himself down in the challenge, claiming Best Veteran Dog & Reserve Best Dog. Strongly considered for BVIS, but up against a bitch of almost 4 years his senior still holding herself so well, in agreement with my co-judge had to today concede.
2nd. Robb’s CH/INT/BEL/LUX/GER/NL CH Under Icewolf’s Star Inditarod JW ShCM EJW’10 (IMP CZE).
9.5 year grey/white male, more compact in type to first but full of quality. A typical Malamute headpiece with a sweetness to his expression. Lovely, dark, almond eye, obliquely set, and super small ears. Nicely arched neck leading to a slightly sloping topline. Good proportions with a well laid back shoulder, legs straight and true viewed front on with strong pasterns. Nice short hocks in the rear and good bone all through with nice tight feet. Good, harsh, stand off coat. Perfect waving plume carried proudly on the move. Moved cleanly coming and going, and covered the ground well, just not quite the workmanlike attitude of my class winner in motion.
3rd. Wolfe’s CH Hawkeye Polarni Usvit (IMP CZE)
8yr grey/white male and another with a striking, masculine outline. Pleasing headpiece, with dark, almond eyes and small ears, broad in skull and good overall proportions. Strong neck leading to a slightly sloping topline. Moderately angulated front and rear with good overall balance in side profile. Strong front and good shape of feet. Good bone all through, with a nice spring of rib and well muscled loin. Another with a lovely tail set and carriage, taking the waving part particularly seriously, and a quality, stand off coat. On the move he was full of enthusiasm, and certainly not lacking in reach and drive, however, perhaps due to the less even ground, he wasn’t quite as consistent as first and second today.

Special Veteran Dog, 10 Years & Over (1 Ent, 1 Abs)

STAKES CLASSES

Brood Bitch (1 Ent, 0 Abs)
1st. Page’s Cedarcreek Exquisite.
A delightful class to judge, with a veteran and her two daughters showing such impeccable type and consistency. All shared the same darkest of almond, oblique eyes, typical wedge shaped heads, good quality coats and overall substance and balance. The trio moved well together, sharing good drive and balance. Best Brood Bitch.

Brace (Nil Ent)

Special Open Red (2 Ent, 1 Abs)
1st. Clarke’s Indian Dreamcatcher Illa Kuvianartok At Whiteout (IMP POL)
Not long turned 7 year red/white female with a cheekiness to her expression that made me smile. Strong, broad skull with nicely sized ears and good bulky muzzle. Well muscled neck leading to a slightly sloping topline and a beautifully carried tail. Chest deep with well sprung ribs. Good length of leg and plenty of bone throughout. Stood on strong pasterns and tight feet. Well angulated rear with strong hocks and finished with a harshly textured coat. She moved with determination, power and drive, holding her shape well. Best Special Red.

Special Working Certified Bitch (9 Ent, 2 Abs)
A really lovely class to judge, mixed in type and maturity but with so many lovely ladies in great condition; a credit to their owners.
1st. Page’s Cedarcreek Frozen In Time
4 year grey/white female just reaching maturity. Such a pretty, feminine headpiece with the darkest of oblique, almond eyes and lovely, thick, small ears, set well on skull. Good overall proportions, and a slightly arched neck leading to a strong, sloping topline. Well laid back shoulder and strong pasterns. Good spring of rib and a pleasing front. Balanced in rear angles with strong, short hocks. Plenty of bone, and good length of leg leading to a well balanced outline in side profile. Well furred, plume of a tail, set well. Fantastic coat with great texture and nicely shaped feet. Loved her in motion, very clean footfall coming and going and had an efficient, effortless sidegait. Best Working Certified today, and also had the pleasure of awarding her RBIS in conjunction with my co-judge.
2nd. Wolfe’s Just Got To Love Me Polarni Usvit
5 year grey/white bitch, with a sweet expression. Lovely dark, almond eyes and a nice bulky muzzle without losing femininity. Nicely shaped, well set ears and good breadth of skull. Good arch of neck leading to a slightly sloping topline and a lovely tail set & carriage. Good breadth & depth of chest, with a well laid shoulder. Strong pasterns and tight feet. Well muscled rear which she used to advantage. Not in full coat but what was there had good texture. She moved out well, with good reach and drive, but wasn’t quite as fluid as the class winner.
3rd. Butler’s Arcticdawn Free and Easy at Kaytoo
Almost 12 yr old bitch who certainly held her own against the younger girls in attitude and condition. Typical wedge shape of skull, with nice dark pigment and almond shaped eye. Ear could be smaller, but set well back on skull, leading to a good length of neck and slightly sloping topline. Good breadth to front with no weakness in pasterns and tight feet. Nice spring of rib. Moderate in angulation, with good length of leg and a correctly set tail. Not the biggest of coats but well textured. Bone adequate for size. Very well developed in muscle and this showed on the move, holding her shape well and giving an efficient motion from all angles without lacking drive. It was a delight to judge her in the Best Veteran In Show challenge where, in agreement with my co-judge, she pushed hard enough to take BVIS over the younger male.

Alanna J Blaney (Fenrikin)


AMCUK Open Show – May 4th 2019 – Bitches

I noticed today that there were more level bites than my previous appointments, just a quick mention so breeders are aware. Temperaments throughout were excellent.

MPB (2)
1 Horsman & Horsman-Phoenix’s Snow Legend Be My Lucky Nordicwinds (imp Rus). Caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring. Quality puppy. Super topline. Sound in front & rear, moved like a dream. Happy character. BPB & BPIS.
2 Warwick’s First Lady with Tolketna (Imp). Another quality youngster with a bright future. Moved well with happy temperament.

PB (6,1a)
1 Horsman & Horsman-Phoenix’s Snow Legend Be My Lucky Nordicwinds (imp Rus).
2 Robb’s Icewolf Jupiter Rising. Prefer head to 1. Shows promise, lovely front, topline level at present. Short loin. Moved out well.
3 Dobson & Wolfe’s Dreamwolves Ma Lil’ Cushla. Another showing promise, close up to 2. Would like more chest at this stage. Movement needs to settle but sound.

JB (3)
1 Copley-Holland & Hug’s Katabatic Adair’N’Hug It’s Me You’re Looking For (Imp Usa).Excellent in profile, good neck & topline, tail set a fraction high. Good head with nice dark eye. Moved really well. Lovely bone.   BJIS.
2 Sutherland’s Dreamwolves Hocus Pocus. Change of handler greatly improved her confidence & performance. Lovely for topline & angles. Would like a little more bone. Good length of loin. Moved out well.
3 Horsman & Horsman-Phoenix’s Nordicwinds In Your Dreams. Pretty girl. Good in outline, moves out well, would like a little more bone.

PGB (5,1a)
1 Dobson & Wolfe’s Sutarka La Dolle Vita. Really liked this girl. Lovely head & expression. Correct front & topline. Tail a fraction tight. Excellent bone. Stunning on the move. RBB.
2 Ballington-Graham’s Noraisy Ring of Fire in Catua JW. Feminine head still developing. Overall pleasing bitch of good bone, pleasing topline. A little long in body. Moved well.
3 Whyman & Murray’s Tailfly Flamenco. Bitch of good overall type. Good bone and best tail of class. Lost her topline on the move today.

LB (9,4a)
1 Page’s Cedarcreek Frozen In Time. Sound, quality bitch. Would like a little more strength in head. Excellent in profile, neck, topline & tail. Super well balanced angles. Excelled on the move due to outstanding construction. BB, BOS & RBIS.
2 Innes’ Icycool Oriana. Strong bitch on good pasterns. Pleasing outline. Moved soundly but lost topline today.
3 Burgess’ Cedarcreek Forever Young at Mountainglen. Pleasing head, would like a shorter muzzle. Good for outline and topline. Good front, rear could be better angulated to produce better drive.  

OB (6,2a)
1 Wolfe’s Just Got To Love Me Polarni Usvit. Good quality bitch, really liked her standing. Super head. Good bone & angles. Topline was level. Moved out soundly. A little heavy in condition.
2 Loades’ Snowolf Blackpowder Chick. Top sized bitch with good head & outline. Well balanced, moved well.
3 Jarvis & Troisi’s Nordicwinds All Attitude. Feminine bitch of good proportions & angles, would like a little more strength throughout.

VB (7-9yrs) (7)
1 Page’s Cedarcreek Exquisite. Another sound, honest bitch from this kennel. Moved out really well.
2 Clarke’s Indian Dreamcatcher Illa Kuvianartok at Whiteout (Imp Pol). Lovely outline, strong but feminine all through. Super tail, good sound mover.
3 Anderson’s Cinneli Fast’N Furious Phinx to Cherubini. Another strong but still feminine bitch of lovely type, and outline. Moved soundly. Not in best coat.

VB (10+yrs) (4,1a)
1 Butler’s Articdawns Free and Easy at Kaytoo. 11 years and moves better than many half her age! Lovely honest bitch, well balanced with lovely tail. BVB & BVIS.
2 Ballington-Graham’s Nowitnas Ataataga Tabbaq Von Catua. Lovely quality bitch with pleasing expression. Good for outline & substance. Really liked her, at 11 years she is still sound but lacked the drive of winner.
3 Page’s Icebound Ice Ice Baby for Cedarcreek. 10 years. Pleasing outline, good for bone. Unsettled moving today.

Judge: Mark Plummer
 

Rescue Stakes critiques: Izabela Nawrocka (Monikoona)

I would like to thank the Alaskan Malamute Club of the UK for inviting me to judge at our annual club open show. A huge thank you to the exhibitors for bringing their dogs under me today, I was extremely happy with the number of entries I received and the quality of dogs entered. The weather didn’t was very brisk to say the least, however, it did not spoil the day. The dogs were in great spirits and I hope I managed to keep the owners warm despite the breeze.

Special Rescue Junior Stakes Dog/Bitch (5,1)
1st Horsman&Horsman- Phoenix, Mr J& Mrs J SNOW LEGEND BE MY LUCKY NORDICWINDS(IMP.RUS) 8 months old, wolf grey & white very, happy baby girl who stole my heart on the day. Beautiful head with a sweet expression. Lovely almond shaped eyes, correctly set small thick, well furred ears. Correct scissor bite. Good length of neck and lay of shoulders, correct sloping topline, moderately angulated in front and rear. Correct tail-set & carriage. Moved well and worked as one with her handler. Will be watching her showing career with interest. Best Junior Rescue Stakes
2nd Page, Mr P&MRS M SNOW LEGEND BELIEVE IN YOU(IMP. RUS) Litter brother to 1. Masculine handsome head on this youngster with soft expression, broad skull, correctly set small ears and scissor bite. Good pigmentation. He is well off for bone and has large snowshoe feet. Straight in front, deep chest with good spring of ribs, correct topline. Well angulated front and rear. Moved well when settled, however, made his handler work hard. Another one to watch for in the future. Could swap places with his sister on a different day.
3rd Barstow, Mrs S J AYAKULIK SORCERERS TRICK Lovely baby boy, different in type to 1& 2. Attractive head, lovely dark almond shape eyes obliquely set, small ears. Correct scissor bite. Well balanced with correct proportions and medium bone. Correct sloping top line. He still has a lot of growing to do which influenced my decision. Moved well when relaxed.
Res. Barstow, Mrs S J AYAKULIK BLACK MAGIC

Special Rescue Open Stakes Dog (7,3)
Some lovely quality males to go over in this class. 1st Robb Miss T, Mrs R& Mr A CH/INT/BEL/LUX/GER/NL CH UNDER ICEWOLF’S STAR INDITAROD, JW, ShCM (IMP CZE)
There isn’t much I haven’t already said about this handsome strong male in the past. 9,5 years old now yet he doesn’t show his age. Beautiful masculine head with soft expression, broad skull with small well furred ears, scissor bite. Well angulated front & rear. Deep chest. Well let down hocks. Correct topline. Such a powerful mover and in immaculate condition. Real credit to his owners. Presented to perfection. Res Best Overall Rescue Stakes.
2nd Wolfe, Miss S CH HAWKEYE POLARNI USVIT (IMP CZE) Another beautiful male in tip top condition. 8,5 years old, powerfully built. Masculine head with soft expression, broad skull, almond shaped eyes correctly set, small ears. Straight front, good bone and snowshoe feet. Nice deep chest, beautiful tail set and carriage. Clean coming and going. Moved very well with good reach and drive. Correct harsh coat. Very well presented. Pushed hard for 1st place.
3rd Anderson, Mrs A E CHERUBINI ATENE CINQUALE 4 year old seal and white male, different in type to 1 & 2. Liked this male a lot too, reminded me of one of ours we sadly lost last year. Nice head with dark almond shaped eyes, thick correctly set small ears. Scissor bite. Good substance, bone and spring of ribs. Moderately angulated. Correct sloping topline, good tailset and carriage. Moved well, in tune with his handler.
Res. Isherwood, Mrs J &Mr B ISHJAMANI PURPLE HAIZE ShCM

Special Rescue Open Stakes Bitch (12,5)
The strongest class of the day and some lovely girls left the ring sadly with no placings.
1st Innes Mr B& Mrs S ICYCOOL ORIANA Gorgeous sable and white bitch I’ve loved since she was a baby, and seems to be getting better every time I see her. Stunning head with the sweetest of expressions, lovely dark almond shaped eyes correctly set, nice thick ears. Substantial girl with plenty of bone and snowshoe feet. Strong arch of neck, good lay of shoulders and topline leading to a well set and carried tail giving her an eye catching profile on the move. Moved with good reach and drive. In full coat and presented in tip top condition. Beautifully handled. I would have happily taken her home with me. Best Overall Rescue Stakes
2nd Wolfe, Miss S JUST GOT TO LOVE ME POLARNI USVIT (IMP CZE) Very aptly named 5 year old female that I do indeed love. In great condition. Feminine head with small ears and almond shaped eyes giving her a really sweet expression. Straight front, good bone and feet. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Correct topline, tailset and carriage giving her a beautiful outline. Moved well with reach and purpose. Lovely presented. 1st just won me over on the day.
3rd Ballington- Graham , Mrs A J &Mr D S NORAISY RING OF FIRE IN CATUA JW Another pretty bitch, not in full coat on the day. I judged her as a pup and she is maturing lovely. Standing today in a strong competition and giving a lovely picture amongst more mature bitches. She has a pretty feminine head, lovely small well furred ears & dark eyes. Correct scissor bite. Well angulated front and rear, good slightly sloping topline. Powerful mover with good reach and drive. I believe the best is yet to come for her. Well handled.
Res. Clarke, Mrs C ELECTRA ILLA KUVIANARTOK AT WHITEOUT(IMP POL)
VHC Whyman &Murray, Mrs J&Mr J TAILFLY FLAMENCO


Special Championship Stakes Class – Judge: Liz Bruns

3 (1 ab)
Only two dogs in this class but what quality! I have had the privilege of judging these two dogs in the past and I certainly wasn’t disappointed this time round. Both dogs are fine examples of the breed.
1. Loades. S J. Ch Snowolf Black Ice Buddy. A dog that’s maturing very nicely. A good proportioned head with lovely expression. Small ears, broad muzzle and dark oblique eye. Strong arched neck with good length. Strong shoulders and deep chest. Sloping topline. Body muscled throughout. Good bone and feet, strong pasterns. Balanced angulation front and rear. Movement was strong and easy. Best mover on the day.
2. Wolfe. S. Ch Hawkeye Polarni Usvit (Imp Cze). A dog that certainly doesn’t give his years away. Strong masculine head with great expression. Broad muzzle and small ears. Strong neck of good length. Sloping topline. Good bone and strong pasterns for age. Shown in hard condition. Lovely balanced outline. Held topline on the move. Covered ground well and moved with drive.