Mr Frank Kane (Hirontower), Mrs Shiela Hindle (Ellisiana)
Ch Ellemich American Express DCC, BIS, Ellemich Bulletproof BPD, BPIS,
Ch Granasil Bourbon RDCC, RBIS

DOG WINNERS

Russmic Olivia Rose BPB, RBPIS,
Charnell Here Comes Summer JW RBCC,
Mrs Lisa Gamble (Lisgarth),
Ch Lovetrac Born To Boogie BCC, BOS,
Rosirius Bluebell BVIS,
Toscam Mckayla BVIS.

BITCH WINNERS

Judge: Mr. Frank Kane (Hirontower)

Northern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Society
51st Championship Show 14th September 2024
Frank Kane
I felt very sorry that the invited judge Nemanja Jovanovic from Serbia was prevented from travelling owing to the non-arrival of his visa. He must have been very disappointed. Thanks to the exhibitors for their understanding and their warm welcome.
Judging the dogs I felt that croups and tail sets and carriage had improved but I was disturbed to find a lot of dogs which I considered short on the leg for balance. Shape and balance are so important for giving the correct outline for the breed and whilst the breed is a scaled down version of a sporting spaniel there still has to be balance. Too many looked too long and low for my interpretation.
It was a pleasure to meet my co-judge Lisa Gamble, awarding CCs for the first time as a specialist judge and her chosen bitches were very good representatives. Whilst we called for the referee to decide Best in Show and Best Puppy in Show, we saw the same qualities in the dogs before us and also had the same criticisms of things we might alter; – just a matter of our individual priorities, which is what shapes and determines a judge’s placings. A pleasure to work with her and an excellent addition to the A list. Sheila Hindle was the referee so we called her in to decide.
Best in Show was Ellemich American Express, Reserve Best in Show without need for the referee was the ruby dog Ch Granasil Bourbon.
Best Puppy in Show the blenheim dog Ellemich Bulletproof, son the BIS winner. Runner up Puppy the ruby bitch Russmic Olivia Rose a daughter of the Reserve BIS winner.
Best Veteran was the blenheim bitch Rosirius Bluebell. I thought she was lovely, typical all through with lovely balance, body, topline and tail carriage and a beautiful head and expression and a superb clean and complete bite. She is a little pale in colour now but absolutely sound. I was very surprised that she does not have a title to her name.
Best Vintage was the tricolour bitch Toscam McKayla. Many thanks to my stewards Susan Smith and Jenny Nolan.

Veteran (6, 0)

1 Whitman & Tarabad’s Ch Khatibi Bark Obama JW ShCEx VW 8-year-old black and tan good winner of this class on topline and movement. A real toy spaniel full of type. In good coat and retains his colours.
2 Kynaston’s Granasil Goldden Nugget ShCEx VW 10-year-old ruby in lovely condition with silky coat. Compact toy spaniel but not the topline of the winner or the reach and drive but retains all his quality.
3 Slack’s Kinvaar Jumping Jack Flash at Eversbabes

Vintage (1, 0)

1 Gilbert’s Sweetbriar Mr Darce at Cavigil 12-year-old blenheim a compact dog of refined type with typical head and expression. In good condition. Just shows his age in movement now but enjoying his time in the ring.

Minor Puppy (4, 0)

1 Hartill-Speak’s Verheyen Woody under Gracewincavs 7-month-old most forward of these puppies and scored in bone and body. Good head type and well ribbed he needs to strengthen in hind quarters but he is sound and holds a lovely shape when moving. Quality puppy.
2 Griffith’s Icartiam’s Gomez For Me 6-month-old I liked his shape and balance and he went well. The winner score in head on the day but he has plenty of promise.
3 Mordecai he Only Destination

Puppy (8, 2)

1 Chapman & Ireland’s Ellemich Bulletproof 10-month-old blenheim, small compact toy spaniel who moved very well at both ends. Good skull. Muzzle a touch short. Good rib and chest. Carried himself well, his scopey movement coming from well-constructed forehand and rear. He has a really good topline. Best Puppy in Show.
2 Leach’s Ouzlewell’s Ralphie Lauren 11 months similar for size and type. Correct in skull, stop and foreface. Moved well in rear. Can tighten in front. He needs a little more schooling to be seen at his best.
3 Mackenzie’s Carsan In Your Dreams

Junior (5, 0)

1 Walker’s Carsan Richie Rich 13-month-old tri he has quality and type with very good head piece and lovely expression. Compact and well ribbed. His front movement can tighten and his tail carriage is a little high but he was a good winner for me here. Presented in lovely form.
2 Hamilton’s Kringleholme Continental 15-month-old blenheim out of a heavier mould. He is very sound mover but I’d prefer a little more refinement in head and bone. Won this place on rib, chest and front action.
3 Hughes’ Loranka’s Secret Spell

Yearling (7, 0)

1 Lovel’s Juzandia Keverne at Lovetrac 19-month-old Blenheim I would refer a little more leg on him but appealed greatly in head, rib and fore chest. Very good topline and tail set. A little extravagant in his front action.
2 Walker’s Carsan Richie Rich repeat
3 Mackenzie’s Carsan Hot An Tasty

Novice (4, 1)

1 Nolan’s Castlewytch Nevada Gunclub 2-year-old blenheim compact and well ribbed and with good skull, tapered muzzle which could have a little more fill under the eyes. Excellent rear action and tail carriage.
2 Renaud’s Ellenaud Oliver Twist 5-year-old blenheim with lovely head and eyes. Lacking in rib and body on the day and not the movement or tail carriage of the winner.
3 Bloice’s Scotlass Benny Hill

Graduate (5, 1)

1 Kynaston’s Granasil Ovaltine JW 17-month-old ruby. As the standard requires, he is, well ribbed and short coupled. A masculine head which could be more refined but had a big pull in movement and carriage to win this. Not yet fully mature in body or coat but has good breed type.
2 Wilkins & Wilcock’s Fortunamajor Bettelgeuse at Tebaldi 15-month-old tri with a beautiful head and expression. At the moment he lacks rib and chest but will look more balanced when he matures. Heavily marked, coat was well presented.
3 Sim’s Llapsttam The Soprano at Tayhaar

Post Graduate (8, 4)

1 Hughes’ Loranka’s He’s The One 19-month-old blenheim compact well ribbed and short coupled. Scored in his head to take this place. His nose pigment could be stronger. Very good on the move at both ends and correct tail carriage. Well broken in colour and rich chestnut and clear white. Should finish well
2 Kynaston’s Granasil Ovaltine JW repeat
3 Lunt’s Oaktreepark Royal Austin

Limit (6, 2)

1 Price’s Brymarden Busby for Almonroyd 2-year-old blenheim, comfortable winner of this class for type and balance. I liked his proportions and he is well made at both ends, giving good movement Quality head and good eyes. Tail carriage a touch high but he appealed a lot, especially for shape and balance.
2 Spall & Clark’s Llapstam’s Sir Prize refined 2-year-old black and tan, with good coat and colours but not the ribs and chest and short couplings of winner. Refined head with large dark eyes. I preferred s masculinity and balance of the winner
3 Gow’s Lyncraeg Little Pip

Special Open B/T or Ruby (2, 1)

1 Kilcoyne’s Ch Granasil Bourbon 5-year-old quality compact ruby dog in excellent condition. Well ribbed and short coupled. Excellent rear and tail carriage. Lovely expression. Could be a bit more refined in skull. In superb coat. Very good movement and carriage. Top quality dog who won RDCC and, RBIS today. He pressed winner hard. In a close decision I preferred the skull of the DCC winner bu he is undoubtedly a lovely dog.

Special Open Blen or Tri (5, 2)

1 Inglis’ Ch Verheyen Reacher at Craigowl JW 2-year-old blenheim who won on his movement in this class. He has an excellent head and eye, is well angulated but needs more rib and body for his age. Movement at both ends is accurate and has reach and drive. His topline will look better when he has more body.
2 Lovel’s Ch Lovetrac Brandon 3-year-old blenheim scored in rib and body but was rushed into the ring and didn’t settle to move well. Very good masculine head and lovely eyes. I liked him a lot on the table but a pity that he didn’t settle.
3 Slack’s Dalvreck Dreams for Eversbabes

Special Open Breeders (6, 3)

1 Rees Embeth Rock The Boat 4-year-old blenheim, an excellent mover who carried himself well. He is well ribbed and short coupled but I would prefer a little more leg and neck. Large dark eyes. very happy and full of type.
2 Spall & Clark’s Llapsttam’s Heavenly Scent 3-year-old ruby who is balanced with good leg length and he has a quality head and eye. Very good movement at both ends. He was not using his tail today. Not the ribs and finish of the winner.
3 Lunt’s Oaktreepark Royal Austin

Open (2, 1)

1 Chapman & Ireland’s Ch Ellemich American Express 2-year-old blenheim shown in superb condition. His outline is held on the move and he goes with good stride. Quality head and eyes. Excellent rear action. Coat on his front legs detracts from his front action and makes him a touch wide but he has very good reach and drive in his profile movement. Topline, and tail carriage are very good. DCC and on Referee’s decision BIS.

Frank Kane (Hirontower)

Judge: Mrs. Lisa Gamble (Lisgarth)

Northern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Society.
51st Championship Show 14th September 2024
Lisa Gamble
I would firstly like to extend my immense gratitude to the committee for inviting me to judge their 51st Championship show, this being my first appointment awarding Challenge Certificates in the breed I love so dearly. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day, thanks to my stewards who kept everything running smoothly and the exhibitors who accepted my decisions with grace and forgave my occasional menopausal moment. Thanks must also be extended to my co-judge Mr Frank Kane, who, despite his abundance of experience and knowledge, treated me with respect, accepted my point of view and ultimately agreed to call on the referee where needed.
Having never been one to push myself forward, I have waited patiently and learned my trade over some 29 years and consequently felt suitably equipped to undertake the task in hand. Over the years, I have seen a number of “trends” come and go. Of late, I have noticed an increase in the number of dogs whom I consider deficient in length of leg, therefore completely foregoing the required shape and balance of the Cavalier according to breed standard. Length of neck is of upmost importance to me, in order to give an elegant outline both in profile and on the move. There were a few, otherwise nice bitches, that lost out for these reasons on the day. Heads, I’m sure will continue to be a contentious issue, with varying shapes, stops and muzzle length. However, one of my biggest concerns of the day, was that of temperament. Whilst none were particularly aggressive, nervousness seemed to be a worryingly reoccurring theme. In addition, so many exhibits stood like statues, with very few wagging tails, which I feel is the “piece de resistance” when appraising the form of the Cavalier. We must not forget what endeared us to this delightful little breed and therefore ensure that alongside construction, health and breed type that we strive to produce a “Gay, friendly, affectionate and absolutely fearless sporting spaniel with no tendency to nervousness”. That said, I was able to find the qualities I was looking for in my final winners.

Veteran (3, 0)
1 LOADE’S Rosirius Bluebell. What a delightful way to start the day! Classic Blenheim bitch with correct head proportions. Good dark eye and pigment, lending to a most pleasant expression. Well set ears with long feathering. In profile, she had an elegant neck, leading into well laid shoulders and level top line. Good rear angulation allowed her to move with drive. She held a correct tail carriage and was well presented. My thoughts when looking at her were just “Correct” and therefore with complete agreement of my co-judge she was awarded BVIS.
2 POTTER’S Toyswood Blackstar. Feminine B/T with a pretty expression. Couldn’t match the winner for overall shape and balance, but moved well enough.
3 CHAPMAN’S Kinvaar Raindriops on Roses at Daltonian.

Vintage (5, 0)
1 SCOTT’S Toscam McKayla. 11-year-old heavier marked Tri who belies her age. Skull could be broader for preference. However, she has a good eye and her head is framed by ear feathering of the most fabulous length. Loved her overall shape and construction, which showed in her driving movement. She held a level top line and carried her tail well. A wealth of coat completed the picture. Again, with approval of my Co – judge, Best Vintage in Show.
2 MADDY’S Korraines Button N Bows at Gabmaddi. 11-year-old Blenheim. feminine little girl with lovely, pretty expression. Liked her neat, compact body. Moved well.3 FOX’s Lewharle Izzadorable For Lynmily Vw.

Minor Puppy (5, 1)
A difficult decision between the first 2. I’m sure they will “yo – yo” between placings when meeting in future.

1 HALL’S Granasil Miami Secret for Rootessma. 7 month old ruby bitch of good colour. Could be considered a “tomboy” at present, but will no doubt “soften” with age. Good head, skull almost flat between ears, which are well set and used to advantage. Good pigment and correct dentition. Good neck, well put together, moved soundly with a level top line and tail carriage.
2 BRYSON’S Myglee Blame it on my juice. Presently, a more feminine bitch than winner but a lot of the same remarks applied. Liked her top line, rear angulations and tail carriage. She moved with pizazz. Just needs to tighten in front to complete the picture.
3 WADDINGTON’S Spindlepoint California.

Puppy (9, 2)
1 SEDGBEER Russmic Olivia Rose. This bitch caught my eye back in May, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to assess her. Feminine, pretty bitch of good size. Good ear set and feathering, good pigment and well tapered muzzle. Well put together throughout with good balance and angulations. Today, whist standing, she didn’t make the most of herself, but following a satisfactory table examination, I’m pleased to say she came into her own on the move, showing a lovely, elegant neck, head carriage and level top line. Her well set tail didn’t stop wagging. She covered the ground well displaying the exuberant show personality that is so important. Just my type! BPB.
2 LEONARD’S Ellemich Bombshell at Witchstone. Exquisitely pretty, 10 month old tri with large melting eyes well filled muzzle. Compact body, well angulated with a level top line. Not quite the balance I was looking for. Well -schooled and a steady mover for her age with an abundance of well-marked and beautifully presented coat.
3 SPALL & CLARKE’S Bevelmount Nannette by Llapstam.

Junior (9, 2)
1 IRELAND’S Charnell Here Comes Summer Jw. Pretty blenheim bitch of only 13 months. Coat of correct texture. Headpiece of good proportions, well filled muzzle and soft expression. Good reach of neck, leading into a well laid shoulder. Good spring of rib, and well- muscled body. Good rear angulations and therefore moved soundly whilst holding a good tail carriage. In the challenge, she spent most of her time attempting to crawl up her handler’s leg. Typical cavalier attitude! Was pleased to award her the RCC.
2 SMITH’S Beaudale Little Bit Naughty. Ruby girl with the happiest of temperaments. Rich in colour, her coat is of the correct texture if not plentiful at this stage. Large dark eye and pretty expression framed with well-set ears. Good balance and moved well. Just preferred the top line of 1 when standing.
3 BREWER’S Bowfort Day Dream Express.

Yearling  (9, 3)
1 CORNER’S Toyswood Magic Dance at Delaby. B/T, silky raven coat with Rich tan markings. Nice for size and balance. Good dark eye, head still needs to mature, but at 14 months, she has time. Good neck and lay of shoulder and is well bodied. Moved well.
2 BARWELL’S Charlottetown Gold Magic . Well broken Blenheim with good chestnut markings. Liked her neat shape. Moved well, holding a level top line.
3 LEE’S Kelrick Trinity .

Novice (4, 0)
1 WILKIN’S & WILCOCK’S Llapstam’s Phil me in for Tebaldi. Extremely feminine 15-month-old Blenheim who is very raw at present. Prettiest of heads with a luscious dark eye and well filled muzzle. Rich chestnut markings, level top line, good turn of stifle, moves well with a good tail carriage. Will be interested to watch her mature.
2 CHADWICK’S Cavillibrook Why oh Why. A larger type than winner all through. Shows a small amount of white in eye, but this does not detract from her pleasant expression. Good pigment and dentition, moved well with a level top line.
3 WOOD’S Spindlepoint Desdemona .

Graduate (6, 1)
1 KILCOYNE’S Granasil Tea Leaf. Sweet B/T, Feminine head and expression with good dark eye. Silkiest of raven black coat and good tan markings. Good for size and shape, well angulated throughout and therefore moved well with good head and tail carriage when settled. Personality a plenty, and just as I love, a little bit naughty!
2 WATERS’ Sweetbriar a Singer. Exquisitely pretty 17 month old Blenheim, as one would expect from this kennel. Correct skull and ear set. Dark eye, full, long ear feathers, Couldn’t quite match one for length of neck or overall balance, but moved well with a level top line.
3 JARAMILLO’S Connabec Lady Madonna

Post Graduate (7, 0)
A variety of types in this class made for some difficult compromises.

1 TARABAD’S Frondil Dahlia Smith. This petite Black and tan was presented in excellent condition. She has a good dark eye and sweet expression. Good angulations all through, level top line and tail carriage. Moved with such verve, which, along with her front movement won her the class. Not quite the balance I was looking for. A little more leg would complete the picture.
2 LUNT’S Oaktreepark Royal Ava. Pretty headed Blenheim with the desired lozenge. Liked her length of neck and shoulder placement, flowing into a level top line. Good for balance and moved happily around the ring.
3 PARSON’S Anjomil Harvest Moon.

Limit (14, 3)
1 RYAN’S Cavallibrook Ophelia. At first glance, in profile, this bitch immediately caught my eye. I loved her length of neck, head carriage, well laid shoulders, short coupled body and sufficient length of leg, which gave the balanced outline I was looking for. Good rear angulations were apparent as she happily moved around the ring, driving off her well let down hocks with her tail wagging. Split to my last four in the challenge and a serious contender. Just couldn’t match my eventual winners in expression. Nonetheless, a very nice bitch.
2 IRELAND’S Charnell Songbird. Another Blenheim, of similar type in profile to winner. Lovely head and expression with excellent pigment. Well balanced throughout and with good angulations, she moved well. The winner just had the edge on length of neck, although there wasn’t a great deal between them.
3 WATERS’ Sweetbriar La Dee Da

Special Open Black & Tan/Ruby (3, 1)
1 HUGHES Loranka’s Secret Potion. I have regularly admired this 5 year old bitch from the ringside and thought I would have loved to have owned her. I was not disappointed having examined her. Ultra – feminine, with the prettiest expression, framed by glamorous ears. She is small, neat and compact with correct angulations throughout. She moves soundly holding a level top line and has a wealth of coat to finish the picture. Another who I considered in the challenge. Today, she just didn’t seem to be enjoying herself as much as I have previously witnessed, but for me, still the best B/T of the day.
2 LEE’S Conchellia Vivi Velvette by Kelrick This little bitch was good for size, was well presented and was a neat shape. Pretty head, good eye. Liked her top line but could be sounder in hind movement.

Special Open Blenheim/Tricolour (5, 1) 
1 CHADWICK’S Juzandia Lady Bug. This Blenheim bitch had correct head proportions, a large dark eye and excellent pigment. Well bodied and well angulated throughout, she moved well coming and going holding a level top line and good tail carriage.
2 TREMAIN’S Bonitos Companeros First Class. Another nice Blenheim bitch with a really pretty expression and good eye. I Liked her length of neck and balance. In profile, she looked good on the move, but couldn’t match the winner in hind action when moving away.
3 BREWER’S Bowfort Kay Tara Tara.

Breeders Bitch (4,2)
Both seen in puppy class and placed 4th & VHC respectively.
1 PARSONS’ Anjomil Moonflower . Blenheim with good skull and ear set. Ears used to full advantage. Large dark eye. Good chestnut markings on a pearly white background. Neatly put together, her shoulders and front angulations won her the class.
2 WILLIS’ Dinitro’s Madelaine. Slightly bigger bitch than winner. Again, nice expression, good colour and markings. Moved happily around the ring with a good tail carriage

Open (8, 2) 
1 LOVEL’S Ch Lovetrac Born to Boogie. I wanted Cavalier temperament and boy did this girl bring it! 3 year old Blenheim who showed her socks off. Another who screamed “Correct”. Classic head with correct stop, large dark eye and good pigment and well filled muzzle, all serving to produce that all important gentle expression. Loved her neck and front angulation, she is well balanced with a firm body, good stifle and well laid down hocks, enabling her to move true and freely with her head held high. Her well- presented coat, of good colour, finished the picture perfectly. She is the epitome of a “showgirl”. On the day, she was, for me, the obvious winner of the Bitch CC.
2 ROBB’S Ch Ellemich Good Trouble with Gleniren. Another who caught my eye immediately for showmanship. Pretty Blenheim with good dark eye, well cushioned muzzle and correct dentition. Petite in size with a compact body. In profile, couldn’t match one for neck and balance and lacked overall finish today. That said, she has a good spring of rib, is well bodied and moves soundly with a level top line and that all important “look at me attitude”.
3 LUNT’S Oaktreepark Royal Bliss