SIXTH GOLDEN RETRIEVER NATIONAL

Judges:   Barbara Mills (dogs)  –  Peter Mills (bitches) – (Millwater, UK)

First and foremost, we would both like to thank all the exhibitors for honouring us with their entries, and for the sporting manner in which our decisions were accepted.  We were quite humbled by the distances that some exhibitors had travelled, and the trials and tribulations they encountered, to attend.

Thanks also to the Committee of the Tasmanian GRC for making our visit so enjoyable. They truly could not have done any more to make us feel welcome.  We would also like to thank Paul and Patricia Stevenson for being our hosts during our stay. They looked after us so well, and we really enjoyed their company.

Concerning the dogs, we did not know what to expect, but were greatly impressed with the high quality of the exhibits, and the beautiful condition in which they were presented. We particularly admired the hard muscular condition, and the long striding, powerful movement of the majority of dogs, something that has become hard to find in the UK.

Although we both have a definite ‘type’ that we prefer, we feel very strongly that, when judging, correct construction and good movement has to take priority, and be rewarded. We hope that this could be seen in our decisions. If there were any regrets, it was that in many classes there were quality dogs that we did not have enough places for!

BABY PUPPY DOG (4/1a)

1st Smith’s GOLDFLEECE TOBYS OATS (AI)

4 months old and very promising already.  Super front angles gorgeous head and expression, pigment and eye colour. Super  bone and feet.  Nice compact body, good bend of stifle.  Already holding a good topline and tail carriage.  Moved so well for his age. Very exciting prospect.

2nd Joseph’s BARADAV FLYING SOLO

This lad was entering that “in-between” stage when everything goes slightly out of balance, however lots to like.  Head a little coarse for my taste, but good pigment.  Neat feet and well up on pasterns, just tending to lose his topline (as usual at this age) and very loose in movement at the moment

3rd Goldshyne Kennels’ GOLDSHYNE THE PRESIDENT

Lovely head shape and deep muzzle.  Very short coupled, topline good, slightly elongated second thigh which gives the elusion of being straight in stifle.  Very rolly on the move.

Three lovely puppies.

MINOR PUPPY DOG (3a)

PUPPY DOG (6/1a)

1st Counsell’s CLANARAN IM HOT N UR NOT

Beautiful pale puppy who just oozes quality and is definitely one for the top drawer.  Gorgeous head and expression, no doubting he is a male but no sign of coarseness.  Good bone, super round feet and well up on his pasterns and  tight elbows.  Super reach of neck into desirable front angulation.  Good depth of body and good bend of stifle.  Moved with style, drive and a lovely waggy tail.

2nd Jeffrey’s KAPARLA ITS RAINING MEN

Very exuberant puppy (which is just what you want at this age) with a lovely head, slightly larger in skull than 1.  Good bone and feet.  Good flow of neck, into correct front angulation, good spring of rib and short coupled.  A bit proud of his tail at the moment, however he is happy on the move and nicely presented.

3rd Lynch’s YELLOWFETCH ADAMS APPLE

Very taken with this young man who does not show himself to advantage.  Nice head, but rather a small eye.  Good reach of neck and level topline, correct tailset, super rear quarters which give him reach and drive.

4th Brown’s SWIFTREVE SNOW AND ICE

Really liked this pale boy, but unfortunately rather overawed by it all.  Well balanced angulation and when  settled, moved well. 

5th Leppard’s KAPARLA BACKSTREET BOYS

Pale boy who was carrying too much weight.  Much to like, especially his expression.  Would like a little more neck, but moves out well from well muscled rear quarters.

JUNIOR DOG (8/2a)

A difficult class with so many in the gangly stages 

1st  Jestrimski’s TRIGOLDEN POWER O DREAMS

Well balanced dog presented a nice picture.  A little heavy in head for my taste, but lovely straight front and good bone.  Well angulated front and rear, level topline good bend of stifle moved with ease.  Carrying just the right amount of weight.  Nicely handled and very well presented.

2nd Joseph’s BARADAV GOINPLACES

Really liked this boy, but he was a little shorter in neck than 1, a little bit more  trimming may help.  Gorgeous head and twinkly laughing eyes.  Good length of upper arm and plenty of forechest.  Lovely dark coat which gleamed with condition.  Very well muscled which showed in his movement.

3rd Stephen’s FETCHNPOINT KNEE JERKER 

This dog is nicely angulated at the front, but over angulated at the rear making his rear movement close behind.  Good spring of rib and width across the loin.

4th Courtney’s DUNFRIAR HYLAND LAD

Lovely boy in full coat, not quite the angulation of the winner, strong topline, a little proud of his tail.

5th Harrowfield’s CH TRIGOLDEN LUV TO TANGO

Big boy who needs time to fill his frame.  Nice head and expression.  In beautiful coat and muscular condition,  movement OK.

6th Best’s NEIKAGLEN JAZZ SINGER

Another slightly overawed by his surroundings.  Lovely head and expression,  a little over angulated at the rear, but well presented and handled.

INTERMEDIATE DOG (17/3a)

Lovely class, who could all change places on another day.

1st Smith & Clark’s CH GOLDFLEECE KNOCK ON WOOD

Loved this dark boy who just oozes quality and type.  Nothing exaggerated, so beautifully balanced.  Gorgeous head and expression, good pigment and lovely eye shape.  Parallel front legs with good bone and neat feet, nice tight elbows.  Super level topline, good depth of chest and short coupled in the loin. Gentle bend of stifle and super neat hocks.  Moved so effortlessly.  Beautifully presented and in hard muscular condition.  Close up to Res BD

2nd McGrath’s ALNCLAIR GILLYS HERO

Paler boy and slightly longer caste than winner.  Kind masculine head, good reach of neck into well laid shoulders and equal length of upper arm.  Solid topline and tail carriage.  Nice bend of stifle and moved with drive.

3rd Peirce’s RALUN VERSACE

Pale boy just into this class so giving a lot away.  Loved his shape and balance.  Gorgeous expression with smiley eyes.  Moved well from short hocks and well angulated rear quarters.

4th Middleton’s MELVONROY SIMPLY LIAM

Another well balanced dog.  Slightly heavy in head for my taste having a lot of foreface.  Good bone without coarseness.  Neat feet, well up on his pasterns.  Well bodied and mature in full lovely coat.  Moved with drive.

5th Patterson’s PERRECCA UNPRECEDENTED

Lovely upstanding mid gold boy of super type well angulated front and rear a little proud of his tail today, spoiling his outline on the move.

6th Ellard’s SALAMYST HURRICANE

Another giving away a lot in maturity. Well balanced, short coupled who moved with real presence, loved his head carriage on the move.  His time will come.

AUSTRALIAN BRED (15)

This was my class of the day, so many lovely dogs, and some had to go cardless.

1st Addison’s CH FERNFALL ARAMIS GOLD

This mature dog caught my eye on entering the ring.  Epitomises breed type.  Beautiful head and melting expression, so masculine but kind, with super dark pigment and eyes.  His angulation was a joy to see and feel.  Super reach of neck flowing onto a strong topline and the tail just came right off the back.  He has depth and spring, tight elbows, short in the coupling and strong rear quarters with a gentle bend of stifle.  He was presented to perfection with his double coat in superb gleaming condition.  His muscle tone was solid and it was a real joy to watch him striding around the ring as  he demanded your attention..  Would be very proud to own this dog and I could have taken him home.

My pleasure to make him my Challenge dog

2nd Lynch’s AUST GR & NZ CH  YELLOWFETCH AS YOU DO

Upstanding dog and another superb example of our lovely breed.  Slightly longer caste than 1, but a pleasing balanced picture nonetheless. Straight front and good bone.  Solid topline and hard muscular condition. Another lesson in presentation.  Moved with real drive and purpose.

3rd Handley’s GILTEDGE BLACKWATCH

So well balanced and in super coat and condition.  Lovely head shape and good stop.  Dark eye and good earset.  Lovely angulation both ends, good depth and well sprung ribs.

Neat short hocks allowing him to move with drive.

4th Connah’s CH CONARHU GONWITH THE WIND

This glamorous short coupled dog had  a pleasing outline.  Lovely head, though slightly lacking pigment. Parallel legs and tight elbows.  Good depth and strong topline moved with real animation.

5th Parkridge Kennels’ CH AMBERMIST GRAND DESIGN

Paler boy of real substance and depth.  Super angulation throughout, good width across the loin, good second thigh and short hocks.  Moved happily.

6th Brown’s CH SWIFTREVE DROVERS RUN

Lovely youngster who has still not reached his prime, lacking maturity and coat.  Nice head and expression, balanced angulation front and rear. Moved well.

OPEN DOG (9)

1st Stephens’ AUST GR CH YELLOWFETCH AS YOU WILL

Super dog of such a lovely type.  Softest of expressions with large dark eye and super pigment.  Good forechest and tight elbows.  Super body proportions, level topline and well sprung ribs.  Good turn of stifle and neat hocks.  Slightly overangulated at the rear, but moved with super drive and purpose.  Beautifully handled and presented.

2nd Thompson’s CH CALEUR CODE OV SILENCE

Lovely balanced dog in super condition.  Has that presence with a lovely head, dark eye, with a square muzzle.  Straight front, neat feet and well up on his pasterns.  Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders.  Level topline and tailset kept on the move.  Really covered the ground well.

3rd Taumac Kennels’ AUST GR CH TAUMAC COURT JESTER (AI)

Mid gold dog with good head, stop and eye shape.  Lovely flow of neck into shoulders, well bent stifles and a joy to watch on the move.  In lovely coat and hard condition.

4th Rennie’s AUS GR CH WINTERLEA SON OF A KIWI ET (Imp NZ)

Lovely dog who was not as big as some, but pleasing outline nonetheless.   He has good ring presence and moved with drive and enthusiasm.

5th Molnar’s CH DOBRO SAMUARI GUY

Mature dog with lovely front and feet, well up on his pasterns, good depth and strong rear quarters.  Just tends to lose his topline on the move.  Nicely presented.

6th Fall’s CH TULZEAN AUTUMN TANGO

Paler dog of pleasing appearance.  Soft expression and dark pigment and large dark eye.  Good reach of neck.  Well ribbed but slightly long in the coupling.  Sound rear quarters and moved well.

VETERAN DOG (6/3a)

1st Harrowfield’s AUS GR CH GOLDOG ALPINE HIGHLAND

This dog blew my socks off !!!! at nearly twelve years old a fantastic example of our lovely breed.  Proving that they should be slow maturing.  Gorgeous head with a hint of greying around the eyes, but still has his dark pigment.  His angulation was superb.  Still holding a strong topline, and in extremely hard condition for a dog of his age.  A joy to watch on the move.  He must be a delight to own. Res Challenge Dog. Not a dry eye in the house !

2nd Counsell’s KAPARLA ITS SUPERNATURAL

Lovely head and gentle expression.  Good bone and neat feet, lovely reach of  neck into strong topline. Good rear quarters.  Moved well.

3rd Beaucroft Kennels & Wadsley’s AUS GR CH BEAUCROFT THE CADET

Very pleasing outline.  Good neck, shoulders and tailset.  Super muscle tone and coat condition.  Moved very well.

4th Hofto’s CH RALUN GOGETTER CD JD AD TDX ET

Very happy dog who was giving his handler a hard time.  Lovely head and expression. Lovely neck and shoulder, just carrying a little too much weight across the shoulder, but moved with drive.

5th McGrath’s CH ALNCLAIR BEN NEVIS

This youngster has a lovely head, dark eye and pigment.  Short coupled and well balanced throughout moved out well.

Best Dog                 Addison’s CH FERNFALL ARAMIS GOLD

Res Best Dog          Harrowfield’s  GR CH GOLDOG ALPINE HIGHLAND

BABY PUPPY BITCH (6)

1st Joseph’s BARADAV FRAMED IN GOLD

5 month old pale gold baby.  Impressed with her balanced outline and good angulation front and rear. Feminine head with beautiful expression and dark eye, Straight front, lovely round tight feet, sturdy bone, moved straight and true.

 2nd Handley’s GILTEDGE AMELIE

Pale baby presenting a pleasing outline. Feminine head with good pigment. Good length of neck and level topline.  Straight front  with lovely feet, moved with drive, covering the ground well.  Not quite the angulation and body of 1 at this stage.

3rd Parkridge Kennels’ PARKRIDGE CENTERFOLD

Another baby with much to like about her. Very attractive head and expression, good front assembly, rear just a little over angulated which spoilt the otherwise pleasing outline. moved well.

4th Fall’s DEHORSLEY MORNING SONG

Lovely compact baby, loved her beautiful expression and dark pigment. Would have preferred a little more front angulation, otherwise soundly made.  Moved with drive.

5th Smith & Ashlyne Kennels’ GOLDFLEECE FROZEN INTIME (AI)

Pleasing head and expression, well bodied with pale gold coat, over extension of rear assembly spoilt otherwise pleasing outline.

6th Goldshyne Kennels’ GOLDSHYNE THE FIRST LADY

Another baby with lovely gentle expression. Presented a lovely outline, just a little straight in front assembly. Moved straight.

MINOR PUPPY BITCH (7)

1st Grierson’s GOLDLAKE SUMMER BREEZE

Lovely pale bitch with pleasing feminine head and a cheeky twinkle in her eye! Good reach of neck, level topline, straight front with beautiful feet, full pale gold coat. Good angulation front and rear, lovely balanced outline, nothing overdone. Moved straight and try with drive and style.

2nd Morrison’s XANTHOS ARE YOU TALKING TO ME (IMP UK)

Attractive pale bitch, pushed 1 hard. Well chiselled head with good pigment, powerful sweeping neck, level topline, well constructed,  presenting a beautiful outline. Moved straight and true with drive.

3rd List’s NARAGOLD HILL OF GRACE (AI)

Another very nice bitch with most of the attributes of 1 & 2, but just couldn’t keep her topline . Was more interested in giving her handler a hard time!

4th Clark’s NARAGOLD PETALUMA (AI)

Very pretty head, feminine and well chiselled.  Overall a balanced outline, just lacked a little in front assembly.

5th Stephens’ FETCHNPOINT A WORLD APART

Attractive rich gold bitch with feminine head and expression, good reach of neck and level topline. Would like to have seen a little more animation on the move.

6th Lee & Lee-Hartford’s SANTAMARIA LIVE COVERAGE

Pale coated bitch with a pleasing head, dark eye and good pigment. Level topline, nicely bodied. Rear movement let her down today.

PUPPY BITCH (8/2a)

1st Beaucroft Kennels & Wadsley’s BEAUCROFT SORRENTO SUN

Liked this baby a lot. Feminine head with large dark eye. Flowing neck into well laid shoulders. Straight front with tight round feet, level topline with good tailset, deep through the heart and well boned. Well angulated front and rear, moved straight and true with drive and animation. Well presented in full pale gold coat.  BP

2nd Ainsworth’s IAMGOLDN ETERNAL FLAME

Another beautiful sound bitch with all the attributes of 1. Typical golden head with gentle expression. Lovely balanced outline, good bend of stifle. Just couldn’t quite match the movement of 1 today.  In full rich gold coat.

3rd Morrison’s KAPARLA GUILTY AS CHARGED

Attractive light gold bitch, straight front with neat feet.  Larger framed, but still a pleasant balanced outline.  Soundly constructed front and rear with short hocks.  Moved with animation.

4th Smith’s GOANNAGOLD SPICE GIRL

Gentle head with kindly expression, good reach of neck, well bodied, longer cast with level topline. Pleasing outline moved straight and true.

5th Parkridge Kennels’ KAPARLA LEGAL EAGLE

Well presented pale bitch with a gentle feminine head. Just moving a little close at the rear today.

6th Watson’s KAPARLA OJECTN OVERULED

Typical golden expression on this well presented pale coated bitch. Balanced outline, just lacking a little in angulation.

JUNIOR BITCH (11/1a)

1st Stephens’ CH YELLOWFETCH WHATZ IT TO U

Stylish bitch with lovely dark eye and gentle feminine expression. Good flow of neck into well made front assembly. Level topline, correct tailset, good bend of stifle into neat hocks.  Balanced outline, beautifully prepared in her gleaming mid gold coat. Took the class with her powerful striding movement.

2nd Lynch’s YELLOWFETCH WHAT NEXT

Litter sister to 1 equally pleasing pale bitch with a feminine head, dark eye and good pigment. Balanced outline, well angled front, just not quite the rear assembly of 1. Moved straight and true with animation.

3rd Duynhoven’s DALVUIGOLD MISS MILLIE

Lovely compact bitch with a typical golden head and a twinkle in her eye,  level topline and tail well set on, balanced outline, would just prefer a little more upper arm. Moved straight and true.

4th Lee & Lee-Hartford’s SANTAMARIA BLAZE OF GLORY

Pale gold bitch with attractive head, presenting a very pleasing outline both standing and on the move. Just prefer her hocks a little less extended. Moved straight and true.

5th List’s GOLDFLEECE JUST TIMELESS

Pleasing head and expression, soundly made giving a pleasing outline, much to like, would just like a little more animation on the move.

6th Binns’ BLAZEDNGOLD SG ATLANTIS

Pale bitch whose personality showed through in the ring. Sound overall with good rear assembly. Another who didn’t want to move today.

INTERMEDIATE BITCH (14/3a)

1st Petterwood’s GILTEDGE ANGEL DUST

Very impressed with this beautiful pale coated bitch. Gentle feminine head with melting expression. Flowing powerful neck into well laid shoulders and good upper arm. Good forechest, straight front and tight feet.  Sturdy rear quarters with gentle bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Lovely balanced outline, not overdone anywhere. Moving straight and true, covered the ground with long powerful strides. Res Challenge Bitch.

2nd Chaplin’s CH RUSTLEDENE HOT GOSSIP (AI)

Pressed hard for the top spot. This beautifully presented mid gold bitch had similar attributes to 1, such a pleasing outline, deep through the heart with correct angulation front and rear. Just had to give way today, on drive on the move.

3rd Bliss’s SWIFTTREVE CELEBRATION

Quality bitch, unlucky to come up against 1 & 2 in such good form. Balanced outline, nothing overdone, good front and rear assemblies. Looked good on the move in her shining mid gold coat.

4th Molnar’s DOBRO FIRE CRYSTAL

A lot to like about this soundly made mid gold bitch, very nice outline, just a little unsettled today, could not match the movement of above.

5th Hillyer;s WYANDRA SWEET AS CANDY

Loved this petite mid gold bitch for her head and expression, soundly made, moved straight and true, would have liked a little more front angulation.

6th Brady’s CH GOLDOG ALPINE SWEETSUE

Mid gold bitch with much to like about her, pleasing head and outline, happy to find her a card in this strong class.

AUSTRALIAN BRED BITCH (15/4a)

1st Grierson’s CH KAPARLA SUCH IS LIFE

Winner of another tough class that was a pleasure to judge. Beautiful head and expression. Lovely balanced outline good length of neck, level topline, correct front and rear assemblies. Mature, well bodied, and plenty of spring of rib, shown in good hard condition. Full mid gold coat that gleamed as she moved with drive and animation.

2nd Turner’s CH WILLOWBROOK HOT TAMARLI

Mid gold bitch in full coat and excellent condition. Loved her head, very feminine with a melting expression. Lovely outline, good reach of neck, good front angulation with straight legs and tight round feet, sturdy rear with gentle bend of stifle. Just couldn’t match 1 on the move today.

3rd Courtney’s CH TORIADE TIMSBURY

Quality mid gold bitch with that lovely typical golden expression. Sound construction giving a balanced outline. Moved straight and true with drive.

4th Binns’ CH BLAZEDNGOLD INOCENT EYES

Petite pale bitch, full mature body, beautifully presented in good hard condition. Would prefer a little more front angulation, moved straight and true.

5th Connah’s CONARHU SPIRIT IN THE SKY

Pleasing head with gentle expression, Well muscled body presenting a balanced outline. Just lacking bend of stifle.

6th Molnar & O’Sheehy’s DOBRO DIAMOND MAGIC

Lovely head with dark round eye and good pigment. Good reach of neck, level topline, moved well. Pleased to find her a card in this strong class.

OPEN BITCH (12/1a)

1st Turner’s CH AMBERMIST GRACE INMOTION

My star of the day, such a beautifully balanced outline, everything in its place, nothing over emphasised, caught the eye as she entered the ring, and did not disappoint when I examined her. Gentle feminine head with dark eye and neat ears. Strong flowing neck into well laid shoulders, good angulation all round, straight front and rear with tight round feet. Well presented in hard muscular condition, pleasure to watch as she covered the ground effortlessly with long powerful strides. Delighted to award her Challenge Bitch, and with my co-judge’s agreement make her BIS.

2nd Smith’s CH GOLDFLEECE PIE IN THE SKY

Loved this girl’s head and expression, good qualities all through, good front assembly and forechest, level topline, gentle bend of stifle into well let down hocks, Well presented in good hard condition and full mid gold coat. Moved with drive and animation.

3rd Taumac Kennels’ CH TAUMAC PLAYGIRLS GOLD (AI)

Another quality bitch in this strong class with good construction, everything in proportion, presenting a pleasing outline. Lovely typical head and expression, moved straight and true.

4th Counsell’s CH KAPARLA RUMOUR N INNUENDO

Compact bitch with a great deal to like about her, good reach of neck, level topline, presented in full coat. Could not quite match the above on the move today.

5th Thompson’s  GR CH CHALEUR UNFORGETABLE

Pleasing head with typical expression. Soundly made,  presenting a well proportioned outline. Moved straight and true.

6th Wallis’ BOOLAROO LOIS LANE

Well presented bitch with many good qualities, had to give way on the finer points, but very worthy of a place in this tough class where many quality exhibits had to be left out.

VETERAN BITCH (8/3a)

1ST Stafford’s TULZEAN NORWEGIAN WOOD

Winner of a lovely class of mature girls, beautiful head and expression, soundly made all through, excelled in front assembly and forechest. Moved straight with power and drive, which won her the class.

2nd McGrath’s GR CH ALNCLAIR MAGGIE MAY

Quality pale bitch, well made and muscled. Loved her feminine head with its gentle ‘golden’ expression. Pleasing balanced outline with sturdy rear quarters. Never stopped showing, just had to give way to 1 today.

3rd Wallis’  GR CH GOLDOG ALPINE GABRIELLA

Mid gold bitch with a beautiful head and expression. Presented a pleasing balanced outline standing, would have been a contender for the win if she could have kept her topline.

4th Morrison’s CH KAPARLA JUST AN ILLUSION

Beautifully presented pale bitch in good hard condition with many good qualities, slight over extension of rear quarters spoilt the picture on the move.

 

Best Bitch – Turner’s CH AMBERMIST GRACE INMOTION

Reserve Best Bitch  – Petterwood’s GILTEDGE ANGEL DUST

Best Puppy in Show – Beaucroft Kennels & Wadsley’s, BEAUCROFT SORRENTO SUN

 

Property Classes

There were 4 entries in the Sire and Progeny Class with up to four permitted altogether. They all made a pleasing line up and I selected as
winner:  Morrison’s Ch Kaparla Stand n’ Deliver with K. Guilty as Charged, K. Legal Eagle and K. Object’n Overuled the progeny.  All were well
proportioned throughout with good necks and shoulders and moved well.

In the Dam and Progeny Class there were 3 entries and I selected, again I see, the Morrison’s Ch Kaparla Just an Illusion with Ch. K. Live the Dream and Ch K Stand n’ Deliver. They were a lovely set of three, all well constructed, all moved well and were well handled.

In the Breeders Class there were 6 entries and I chose as winners the Giltedge Breeder’s Team with G. Master Craftsman, G. Blackwatch, Ch. G.
Florida Storm and Ch. G. Tara being the line up. They were very well matched both in conformation and colour. Very good neck’s and shoulders throughout the team. All moved well and were in good coat. Some quality dogs.