Judge's Critique

Irish Wolfhound Society Championship Show

Sunday 28th January 2024

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I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at the Society Championship show, it is always a privilege to be able to judge your own breed at a breed Championship Show. I was pleased with my overall entry especially as entries are dropping at most shows at the moment, I would like to thank all exhibitors that entered under me. I checked all dogs/bitches mouths and bites they were all as per the breed standard. I also checked for the RKC’s ‘breed watch’ point regarding misplaced lower canine teeth and only found one case of this in the whole entry which I think is encouraging. It was good to see so many promising young dogs and bitches which bodes well for the future. I would like to thank the committee for my present and have signed up for the next AA meeting!

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MINOR PUPPY DOG  1 entries 0 absent

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1st. Mr A Dunwell’s Glengail Ccillian. An 8 month old with a pleasing head and muzzle being masculine with the correct proportions, dark eyes and the correct ear set, correct length of neck. Nicely angulated front and rear quarters, he has depth of brisket for his age and rib cage carried well back. He was a little unsettled on the move but appeared to be sound coming and going with reach in front when moving around the ring.

PUPPY DOG 2 entries  0 absent

 

1st. Ms K Gregory’s Killoughery Touchstone.  An 8 month old and is masculine throughout being well boned and strong, masculine head and muzzle, dark eyes and ears well laid back. Long strong neck, well laid shoulders, deep brisket, and ribcage nicely sprung and carried well back, I would prefer a little more overall length of body. Strong and well bent stifles, he was a little unsettled today but hopefully will become more confident in time, BPD.

 

2nd. Mrs K Roebuck’s Killoughery Transcript.  Litter brother to the first placed dog and having a nicely constructed head and muzzle, dark eyes, and well placed ears he has a long strong neck. Nicely angulated front and rear quarters coat of the correct texture. Similar in type and construction to his brother but unfortunately, he paced all the way around the ring making it difficult to assess his movement.

 

JUNIOR DOG 5 entries 3 absent

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1st. Mrs D Tebbutt’s Caredig Maffioso.  A 14 month old dark brindle and a young male showing excellent breed type and construction, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, ears carried well back, strong well set on neck, correctly angulated front quarters, deep chest, and ribcage carried well back. Correct topline, strong loin and strong nicely angulated rear quarters, low set hocks and correct feet, coat of the correct texture, his movement was sound coming and going and showed reach and drive in profile, a very promising young dog and I am sure he has a successful show career ahead.

 

2nd. Mrs T Sumner’s Dukesarum Murphy. A 13 month old and another young quality male, masculine throughout with a typical head and muzzle, dark eyes and well set ears, a strong neck, well laid shoulders, and a deep brisket. Ribs carried well back, strong loin and the correct topline. Nicely angulated rear quarters and low set hock, coat of the correct texture, he moved well, being sound in all directions but I just preferred the easy flowing action of the first placed dog.

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YEARLING DOG 2 entries 0 absent

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1st. Mrs K Sharratt’s Lynelouper Lynedene Laddie.  A 21 month old brindle, head of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears carried correctly, long neck, a little upright in front, deep chest and ribcage carried well back. Correct length of loin and nicely bent stifles. Coat of the correct texture, he moved soundly coming and going but I would prefer more reach in front.

 

2nd. Mrs C Kelly’s Bonaforte’s Zippity Do.  A 23 month old wheaten and presented as being a little hesitant today, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears held well back, strong neck, deep brisket, and ribcage carried well back, I would prefer more angulation in his front and rear quarters, his movement appeared laboured and not easy and active as specified in the standard.

 

NOVICE DOG 1 entries 1 absent

POST GRADUATE DOG  4 entries 0 absent
 

1st. Mr & Mrs D & D Redfern’s Rainster Explorer.  A 2 year old and is masculine throughout, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears well set, long strong neck, shoulders and upper arms well laid back, deep chest and correct spring of rib. Ribcage well laid back, strong loin, topline correct, wiry coat texture, strong, rear quarters and well bent stifles, low set hocks and correct feet, his movement was sound and true showing reach and drive in profile with the correct tail carriage, a promising prospect for the future, RDCC.

 

2nd. Miss E Pantoja’s Killoughery Rockafella.  A 2yr 8 month old grey brindle, a typical breed outline but I would prefer more overall size, head and muzzle strong, dark eyes and ears well carried. Strong neck, nicely angulated front and rear quarters, deep brisket, ribs carried well back, strong loin, well bent stifles, and low set hocks, he moved well showing reach and drive.

 

3rd. Ms S Evans’s Killoughery Ricochet With Braewisan.  A 2yrs 8 month old and is taller and rangier than the 2nd placed dog, but I would prefer a stronger more masculine muzzle, he has dark eyes, well carried ears and a strong neck, well laid shoulders, deep chest, ribs carried well back, topline correct , well bent stifles, low set hocks, he moved soundly coming and going and showing reach in profile.

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LIMIT DOG  7 entries 1 absent

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1st. Mr & Mrs PV & PA Pask’s Baronglen The Nobleman JW (Sh Cm) (A.I.)  A 2yrs 5 month old male of great size and commanding appearance, very masculine throughout, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears well carried back, strong powerful neck, well laid shoulders, deep well sprung ribcage, and ribs carried well back, strong loin and the correct topline. Nicely angulated rear quarters and low set hocks, coat of the correct texture, he has presence and carries himself well on the move showing reach in front and drive from behind. He was well handled allowing him to show off his easy and active movement. Very pleased to learn that I awarded him his third CC today, he pushed the best bitch hard for BOB but just gave way to her feminine and shapely outline. DCC and Reserve best in Show.

 

 

2nd. Mrs & Mrs A&C White & Anderson’s Whitglen The Real Thing.  A 2yrs 8 month old grey brindle, not the size of the first placed dog but masculine throughout, head and muzzle of the correct proportions and dark eyes, strong neck, nicely angulated front and rear quarters, deep brisket, and the correct spring of rib. Ribcage carried well back, correct length of loin, well bent stifles and low set hocks, correct coat texture, he moved steadily around the ring being sound coming and going.

 

3rd. Mrs T Sumner’s Creena Atticus Finch At Dukesarum A.I. (Imp Aus).  A 2yrs 4 month old substantial male, well up for size and well boned, I would prefer more width in front, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, long strong neck, deep brisket, and ribs nicely sprung and ribcage carried well back. Correct topline and strong rear quarters, coat of the correct texture and he moved steadily with drive and reach in front.

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OPEN DOG  2 entries 0 absent

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1st. Mr & Mrs Reeves Whiteorchard Arcturus.  A 3 year old grey brindle, masculine throughout, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears well set on, strong neck leading into nicely laid back shoulders and upper arms. Deep chest and ribs carried well back and the correct length of loin, topline correct, strong rear quarters with well bent stifles, coat in good condition with the correct texture. He moved very soundly showing reach and drive in profile.

 

2nd. Sade Melchior (A.I).  A 3 year old lacking coat today and looking finer than the first placed dog, structurally sound, with nicely angulated front and rear quarters, masculine head and muzzle, dark eyes, long strong neck, deep chest, and ribs carried well back and a strong loin, topline correct, gentle slope to his croup, his movement was sound and true coming and going with reach and drive in profile.

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VETERAN DOG  2 entries 1 absent

 

1st. Miss K Webb’s Goldswift Mission Possible For Inkleboys.  A 7 ½ year old masculine male in good condition for his age, substantial and well boned throughout, strong masculine head and muzzle, dark eyes, strong neck, and shoulders well laid back, deep chest and well sprung ribcage, ribs carried well back making for a strong loin of the correct proportions, gentle slope to his croup and powerful rear quarters, well bent stifles, and low set hocks. He moved around the ring with drive and purpose.

 

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CHAMPION DOG  1 entries 0 absent
 

1st. Mrs M L Severn-Kumar’s Ch Gaelmarque Russet Roman.  A 4 year old athletic looking dog and is well constructed throughout, long head of the correct proportions, dark eyes, neck well set on and shoulders laid back, deep chest and ribs nicely sprung, ribcage carried well back giving the correct length of loin. Topline correct with a gentle rise over his loin, strong rear quarters, coat of the correct texture, his movement was sound and true showing reach and drive in profile.

 

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MINOR PUPPY BITCH  2 entries 0 absent
 

1st. Mr S Bradley’s Glengail Eenfys.  An 8 month old dark brindle, very typical breed outline, substantial but feminine throughout, long head and a strong muzzle, dark eyes and ears carried correctly. Strong neck, shoulders and upper arms laid back, deep brisket, ribs carried well back, topline correct, coat of the correct texture, gentle slope to her croup well bent stifles and low set hocks, feet correct, her movement was sound and true coming and going and she showed reach and drive in profile, a very promising puppy. Best puppy bitch and BPIS.

 

2nd. Mrs L Waslin’s Glengail Ccaoimhe.  Litter sister to the first placed puppy, she is rangier than her sister and I would prefer more lay of shoulder and upper arms, head and muzzle correct, dark eyes and ears carried correctly, deep brisket, topline correct, nicely bent stifles and low set hocks, coat texture correct, her movement was sound and true.

 

PUPPY BITCH  2 entries 0 absent 

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1st. Mr S Bradley’s Glengail Aarcus.  An 8 month old, lovely overall type, balanced and in proportion, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, feminine expression, dark eyes, and correct ear set. Long neck, shoulders laid back and a deep chest, correct topline, gentle slope to her croup and well bent stifles, low set hocks. She moved very soundly showing reach and drive in profile, another very promising puppy.

 

2nd. Mrs L Waslin’s Glengail Ccaoimhe.  See above.

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JUNIOR BITCH  5 entries 2 absent

 

1st. Ms C Stirling’s Rysheron’s American Hope for Clanlily (IMP USA).  A 15 month old dark grey brindle, substantial but feminine throughout, typical outline, balanced and in proportion, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears held correctly, long strong neck, shoulders well laid and a deep chest, ribcage carried well back, strong loin, well bent stifles, and low set hocks. She moved easily and was true coming and going and showing reach in profile.

 

2nd. Mrs D Tebbutt’s Caredig Medici.  Another quality bitch but not the height of the first placed bitch, strong substantial and balanced throughout, skull and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and correctly held ears. Strong neck, well laid shoulders and upper arms, deep brisket, and a strong loin, correct topline and a gentle slope to her croup. Well bent stiles and low set hocks, she moved purposefully with reach and drive, a very promising youngster.

 

3rd. Mrs T Sumner’s Dukesarum Niamh.  A 13 month old with a balanced and breed typical outline, in good competition today, she has a lovely head and expression, dark eyes and ears carried correctly, neck well set on, well laid shoulders and upper arms, deep brisket and ribcage carried well back, correct topline, nicely bent stifles and low set hocks. She moved soundly showing reach and drive in when moving around the ring, I am sure she has a promising future ahead.

YEARLING BITCH  3 entries 1 absent
 

1st. Mr & Mrs C & J Amoo’s Sade Prelude.  An 18 month old and another quality bitch from this kennel, substantial but feminine throughout, balanced outline and in proportion, well presented and handled. Neck well set on, shoulders and upper arms well laid back, depth of chest and nicely sprung ribcage, ribs carried well back, strong loin, well bent stifles and low set hocks, coat of the correct texture. She was sound and true coming and going and showed reach and drive in profile, pleased to award her the RCC today.

 

 

2nd. Mr J Sales Francistown Bonnie.  A 14 month old dark brindle, balanced and typical outline, her head and muzzle were a little finer than the first placed bitch, dark eyes and ears carried well, neck of the correct length, nicely laid shoulder blades and upper arms, deep brisket, ribcage carried well back, coat of the correct texture. Topline correct, nicely bent stifles, she moved well and was sound and true.

 

NOVICE BITCH  2 entries 1 absent
 

1st. Mrs & Mr E & P Catlow’s Hydebeck Ring Of Roses At Laoiseach.

 

A 2 ½ year old and a substantial and well boned feminine bitch with a balanced outline, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears carried correctly. Strong neck, deep chest and well sprung ribcage, strong rear quarters and low set hocks, coat of the correct texture, she moved well with reach and drive.

 

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POST GRADUATE BITCH  8 entries 2 absent
 

1st. Mrs S Wilkinson’s Rainster Eilex Among Hunacres.  A 2 year old and the litter sister of my RDCC winner, this was a good litter, she is well balanced and in proportion, a quality head and muzzle, dark eyes, strong neck, nicely angulated front and rear quarters, deep brisket, ribs carried well back giving the correct length of loin, coat in good condition and of the correct texture. Well handled and presented and her movement was sound and true, she showed reach and drive when moving around the ring.

 

2nd. Ms K Gregory’s Killoughery Redemption.  A 2yrs 9 month old, showing a typical breed outline, head of the correct proportions, dark eyes, neck well set on, shoulders and upper arms well laid, deep chest and correct overall length of body, strong loin, gentle slope to her croup and nicely bent stifles and low set hocks, she moved soundly.

 

3rd. Mrs A Crosse’s Rainster Evie.  A 2  year old and showing good breed type, being balanced and in proportion, correct length to height ratio, I would have preferred a stronger muzzle, dark eyes and well carried ears, long neck, well shoulders and upper arms, deep brisket, ribs carried well back, correct topline, strong rear quarters, well bent stifles and low set hocks, her movement was sound and true.

 

LIMIT BITCH  9 entries 2 absent
 

1st. Mr J Sales Oh Baby! Von Der Eichenkoppel.  A 3 year old cream, showing substance throughout but still feminine, lovely head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and ears carried correctly, neck well set on, shoulders and upper arms well laid, chest deep, topline correct, gentle croup and well bent stifles and low set hocks. Coat of the correct texture well handled and presented, she moved soundly showing reach and drive.

 

2nd. Mrs & Mr E & P Catlow’s Hydebeck Dream Of Lorelei At Laoiseach.  A 5 ½ year old cream, a typical balanced breed outline, being balanced and in proportion, feminine but with substance, I just preferred the head and muzzle of the first placed bitch. Nicely angulated front and rear quarters, topline correct, deep chest ribcage carried well back, low set hocks and her movement was sound and true.

 

3rd. Mrs D Treadwell’s Floydian Fionn. A 3 ½ year old well-proportioned bitch, a little unsettled today, long head with correct skull and muzzle, dark eyes. Strong neck, well laid shoulders and upper arms, chest deep and ribcage nicely sprung, and ribs carried well back. Topline correct and a gentle slope to her croup, well bent stifles, she moved soundly.

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OPEN BITCH  1 entry 1 absent

 

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VETERAN BITCH  6 entries 1 absent
 

1st. Miss W Heather’s Ch Whiteorchard Nebula.  A 7 ½ year old bitch, having all the correct attributes of a quality Irish Wolfhound, carries her age well and she is strong and substantial, with the correct skull and muzzle, dark eyes and well set ears, strong neck, shoulders and upper arms well laid, deep brisket and correct spring of rib,  ribcage with ribs carried well back and a string loin. Powerful rear quarters used well on the move showing reach and drive, Best Veteran.

 

2nd. Ms & Ms K & N Gregory & Warwick’s Goldswift Bronntanas To Cairnstorm.  A 7 years and 5 month old, and another veteran looking good and belying her age, head and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes and well set ears, neck well set on, shoulders well laid and good depth of brisket, topline correct well bet stifles and she moved soundly with reach and drive.

 

3rd. Mrs K Bruce’s Goldswift Leap of Faith.  Litter sister to the 2nd placed veteran, overall, very similar but a little smaller, correct length of head, skull and muzzle of the correct proportions, dark eyes, ears carried correctly, shoulders and upper arms well laid, deep brisket, good length of rib and correct length of loin. Nicely angulated rear quarters and she moved soundly.

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CHAMPION BITCH  1 entry 0 absent

 

1st. Dr & Mrs C & C Sheppard’s Ch Gaelmarque Treasured By Goldswift JW.  A 2 ½ year old of excellent quality, she is very shapely with all her curves in the right places, very feminine throughout but substantial at the same time, looks like she could do her job. Lovely length to her head, skull and muzzle correct, dark eyes and ears well carried, elegant neck strong and powerful, shoulders well placed with the correct return of upper arm. Chest deep and the correct spring of rib, ribcage carried well back and strong loin of the correct length, topline correct, lovely gentle rise to her underline adding to her overall shapeliness. Strong nicely angulated rear quarters, her movement is the epitome of easy and active, flowing around the ring showing reach in front and drive from behind, expertly handled to presents a picture of unexaggerated and correct breed type. She is still young, and I am sure she will go on to be a force to be reckoned with, very pleased to award her the CC and BIS today.

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BRACE  6 entries 3 absent

 

1st.  Tebbutt’s Brace.

2nd. Catlow’s Brace.

3rd   Bruce’s Brace.

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Ian Sexton 

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