BMDCI Ruby Anniversary
40th Championship Show
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Ireland held their Ruby Anniversary, 40th Championship Dog Show on Saturday 21st May 2022 at Naas Racecourse. As a founder member of the club I was invited to judge the breed on this very special occasion. It was suppose to happen in 2021 but because of COVID like everything else it got postponed.
On paper it was a massive entry with 27 males and 30 females.
This weekend had 3 sets of green stars on offer as in addition to the speciality there were 2 group championship shows. It’s amazing to think that 40 years later the breed will produce such a wonderful entry.
Congratulations to Sally Murphy and family with the brilliant carting demonstration. Lovely to see in action what the breed is known for.
Thank you to the committee and show secretary Paul Lawless. A very big Thank you to Karen Cobbe who did not show and did so much work. A fantastic lady. We were a great team in the ring together and for writing out my words so clearly. Thank you to my ring steward Derec Mac Cnaimhin who was judging Great Danes at the Group Show and agreed to steward for me. Much appreciated. A fun day together with great dog people.
The venue was lovely and the ring beautifully decorated. It was so lovely to see Michael Forte open the show and Bernie Ladd work with me in the ring. These are 2 people that have done so much for breeds down through the years. I also have to mention the late Stella Harte. Well I remember Stella Michael and myself back in 1979 in Stella’s kitchen filling in papers to have the club and the breed recognised with the Irish Kennel Club.
Our first club show was held in 1981 in Harolds Cross Greyhound Stadium and our Judge was the late Jack Travers. There was 11 entered in puppy dog or bitch. This was our 1st litter and everyone showed up. Was amazing. The one Jack placed first actually became the first champion to be made up from this litter. So he had a great eye and we were so happy he accepted the appointment to judge the first club show.
A lot of people have to be Thanked for progressing the club through the years to bring it to where it is today and this is fantastic to see what has been achieved. I know if I start mentioning names I will miss out someone and I do not want this to happen so apologise but in my time special mention has to be for Yvonne Ladd-Cannon, Evelyn Davis, Bernie Ladd, Ann and Donal Kelly. Nancy and Gerry Daly. It was also lovely to see past members turn up to watch the show.
Another man I must mention is the late Peter Embleton who left us nearly 8 years ago. He put the Irish Bernese on the International show map.
It was my 66th Birthday today and the club presented me with a beautiful birthday cake which I know Bernie Ladd organised. Thank you Bernie.
Club members also produced beautiful refreshments and a very special Ruby Anniversary cake that was stunning.
Thank you also for my judges gift. A stained glass Bernese which is now proudly displayed on my wall as a memory of the show.
Before judging starts I get this nervous excited feeling in my stomach and soon as I touch my first dog it goes and I’m fully in control. If this feeling ever went I would give up judging. It’s actually been a long time since I judged the breed in Ireland so I do not really know many of the dogs exhibited under me so it was lovely to go in with a fresh eye. I know I have done a proper job if people outside the ring can look at my line up of winners and can see what I was looking for. You don’t have to agree but if the outlines are similar then my message has come across. For me when I judge I look for balance and shape. The bone must be good and when they first enter the ring you need to be able to see the difference between the sexes. Males should look like males and females like females. This is why when the class comes into the ring I step right back and look at each dog from a distance. I need to see a balanced body. Then moving closer I walk up and down the line to check the size of heads and expressions. If the head is balanced and has the right proportion then the expression will be correct. You also need correct ear set and eyes of correct shape and colour to give that Berner expression that melts your heart.
Grooming for the major part was good and bites in general were correct.
Unfortunate a problem in our breed is tail set and in some the tails were carried too high over the back. You will also find as well that if the tail carriage is incorrect then in most cases the top line will also be incorrect.
Movement in general was good but some of the dogs which had beautiful outlines on the stand we’re not so hot on the move. It was very disappointing to see overloaded shoulders and towing inwards or close behind action on the move.
These are my individual word I have written about each dog. It’s my honest opinion on what I saw and not intended to upset anyone. Please see it as constructive criticism. Each dog under me had exactly the same attention and winners picked on their merits and what I considered to be the closest
to what I see in the breed standard.
Class 1. Baby Puppy Dog. (1)
1. Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, PRINCE RIOMADEA GRANDE AT SEANRI.
Beautiful baby puppy. Wonderful shape and size. Excellent balance. Very good bone. Correct shaped head. Lovely expression. Full of confidence for one so young.
Very promising. Best Baby puppy in show.
Class 2 Puppy Dog. (1) 1 ABS
Class 3. Junior dog (3)
1. Stafford Byrne, Mrs FSB, UP TO DATE VON ROMANSHOF( POL) TIGER BEAR.
He won this class on his movement. Excellent reach in front and good drive behind.
Very sound which was lovely to see. The body had good length of back but for a male I would like more height of leg. Also would like a stronger neck to balance the outline.
Correct shaped head and nice expression but needs time to develop. Excellent.
2. Mcentee, Mrs Jean, CONSTANT VICTORY MOZART.
Overall good breed type. I like the shape. The body is balanced with correct height of leg and length of back. Has good bone. The neck has good length. To be critical the tail carriage was too high and the top line could be better. Moved ok but needs more drive behind. Excellent.
3. O'Neill, Mr G & Mrs L, THEOBEAR BANJORA.
Another one that I’m pleased to say moved well. Sound and balanced in all gaits.
Excellent bone. Head needs time to develop. Had a strong muzzle of good width but I would like a broader skull with more width between the ears. To be critical I found him quite long in back and the top line could be stronger. Excellent.
Class 4. Intermediate Dog. (5) 1 ABS
1. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE HOW IT IS.
Very much a teenager. Needs to mature and develop in all areas. At the moment he looks high in leg and long on back. When the chest deepens the balance will be better. He has time for the outline to improve. I liked very much his strong masculine head and nice expression. Excellent bone. On the move the elbows could be tighter and needs stronger hind action. Excellent.
2. Kelly, Mr & Mrs D, ANNEALDON HANDSOME HIGHWAYMAN.
I really liked this boy and at the beginning when the class first came in I felt of all in the class his outline on the stand was the most balanced. On first impressions my favourite in the class. Exactly the right shape and size for his age.Very masculine. Good bone. Nicely balance head and lovely expression. But unfortunately on the moved he had no personality at all. Totally lacked drive in the hind action and carried the tail a little high. Excellent.
3. Bukartaite, Ms D, OLANDAS KALNU TALISMANAS LTH JUN CH.
Another one I liked very much when he came into the ring. I loved the shape. The body was very nicely balanced. Excellent height of leg and length of back. Correct bone. Balanced head and very typical expression. To be critical for the age I would have expected the chest to be deeper and in front action elbows could be tighter. His front movement let him down. Also needs more drive behind. Excellent.
4. Griffin, Mrs, MAJOWY SKARBIEC DANNY MAJOWY SKARBIEC.
If this was a grooming competition this would have been my winner. Beautiful coat and so well presented. Very nice temperament. Good natured. Well balanced body and good bone. To be critical the tail carriage was far too high and as a result the top line could have been much stronger. Front movement was not so sound. Because of this the grading is very good.
Class 5. Adult Dog. (1)
1. O'Callaghan, Mr & Mrs Joseph & Mod, LAMBORGHINI ROJAUS BERNAS.
Overall some nice qualities and good breed type. The body is well balanced and overall excellent shape. Strong bones and excellent movement. Free stride reaching well in front and good powerful hind action. To be critical I found the head lacking. For a male I would have liked a larger head and a broader skull with more width between the ears. He also needs a stronger neck to balance the outline. Excellent.
Class 6. Open Dog. (7) 2 ABS.
1. Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, SEMUS DE ZANDVIJVER AT BERNERVALLEY.
Have to say I got excited when I went over this dog. He is not finished yet but will be very strong competition when he matures. On my notes the first thing I wrote down is absolutely beautiful. Perfect balance. Beautiful shape. In top condition. Strong body and correct coat. Strong masculine head. Excellent movement in both front and hind action.
Did not know at this stage but he would become my best male and reserve Best of Breed. I predict a very good future and certainly fills most of the terms of the breed standard. A lovely example of the breed. Excellent.
2. Erskine, Mrs Alison, PANISSE D’AINHOA.
Good breed type. In top condition presented with a strong masculine body. The back is firm straight and level. Chest well developed and good muscle. Excellent bone. Strong masculine head and lovely expression. Really good strong reach of neck. Good drive in the hind action. To be critical he just steps a little too high in the front action. Overall a lovely example of the breed. Excellent.
3. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE EVERYBODY'S TALKING. I'm reading my notes and thinking why did I not place this dog higher as most of my notes are positive. And the reason is this was a strong class with some very nice Bernese. This one overall nice breed type and good qualities. The balance is correct and the head strong and masculine. Moved well in front but needed more drive behind. Just did not have the extra sparkle of the previous 2. Overall a solid nice Bernese. Excellent.
4. Davis Goonan, Mr F & Ms A, DAITHI MAGIC BERNESE OF BALLYFORD
Overall a very nice shape. Lovely condition with body very well developed and coat of good texture but between coats at the moment. Strong bone and good breed type. Moved well front and hind action. To be critical for me he lost it in the head. For the age I would have expected it to be more developed. I would have liked it larger in size and the skull was just too rounded. Ear set was a little low. Would have liked more width between the ears. Neck for balance could be slightly stronger. Excellent.
Not placed. Cahill, Mrs Marie, LEADER OF THE PACK FROM CHRISTOFLAND.
Unfortunately let down by tail carriage. Carried far too high and top line not so strong.
In hind action moved close behind. Presented in beautiful condition. Great body and lovely coat. Strong head and very nice expression. Body nicely balanced. Lovely temperament. Unfortunately when I judge and see incorrect tail carriage it ruins the outline. Very Good.
Class 7 . Champion Dog. (5)
1. Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, CH BERNERVALLEY YOGI BEAR.
Beautiful strong masculine dog in top condition. Excellent qualities and excellent breed type. Balanced shape. Deep Chest. Very strong head . Well defined stop and typical expression.Lovely markings and great coat. Strong movement front and hind action. To be critical his top line is beginning to fail slightly. Very worthy reserve best male winner. Excellent.
2. Maguire, Mrs Louise, CH RIDGEWATER EVERGREEN REUBEN.
A super dog with excellent breed type. So much to like about this boy. Strong and masculine. In top condition. Soft and silky coat with a beautiful shine. Strong body great bone and balanced head and typical expression. A lovely example of the breed. Beautiful on the stand. Lacked personality on the move and this is why he was 2nd and not first today. I liked him very much.
3. Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, CH CH SENNEN CRUISE CONTROL.
Again another dog with excellent breed type. Fully matured and in top condition. Really liked his strong head with correct shape and typical expression. Very masculine, excellent bone and beautiful coat. I just felt for balance I would like a shorter back. Needed more drive in hind action and elbows could be tighter.
4. Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH RKF, CH OF BELARUS MAROUSSIA WISH YOU WERE HERE AT KINELARTY.
Beautiful moving dog. So light on his feet. Legs moving forward in straight line and powerful hind action. Top condition and good balance. Nice expression. To be critical overall just a bit too feminine in type. Excellent.
Not Placed. Jakutyte, Mrs.Loreta, CONSTANT VICTORY ESPRIT. RUS. CH.
Really good body shape. Excellent length of back and correct height of leg. Good bone, deep chest. Excellent coat and well presented. To be critical. He lacked in neck. The head I would prefer larger for a male and front action could be better with tighter elbows. Excellent.
Class 8. Veteran Dog. (1)
Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH. KINELARTY BENVENUTO BJORN.
9 Year old male. In wonderful condition for the age. A total credit to the owners. Excellent temperament and very happy to be at the show. Tail was going 100 miles an hour. Very sound in movement. A little bit sluggish but who cares in veteran class. A lovely honest Bernese with breed type. Excellent. Best Veteran in Show.
Class 9. Baby Puppy Bitch. (1)
1. Binns, Mrs. P., MY MISTY MORN SKYE.
Needs to build on confidence and get use to the ring. Very mature and big size for her age. Unfortunately I did not find the head shape typical of the breed.
Need to develop in all area and grow into her body. Promising.
Class 10. Minor Puppy Bitch. (2) 1 ABS.
1. Bukartaite, Ms D, CINDERELLA DE MAGIC KAUSTANTIS ZVILGSNIS.
I like the shape. The body is balanced. The outline is correct. Has good bone and a strong neck. The body is very advanced for the age but the head size needs to catch up.
Top line at the moment needs to settle. Very Promising. Awarded Best Puppy in show today.
Class 11. Puppy Bitch. (1)
1. Davis Goonan, Mr F & Ms A, KAIMON GERHEIL PRIMADONA BALLYFORD (EST).
Absolutely full of confidence and very happy to be in the ring. Moved well for the age in both front and hind action. Needs to mature and develop in all areas but would like to see at this stage more height of leg. I hope it develops.
Size of head could also be larger as at the moment it looks small for the body. She has a very nice expression. Very Promising.
Class 12. Junior Bitch. (3) 2. ABS.
1. Keane, Mr J, SALLYBROOK HEAVENLY FUDGE.
What a wonderful temperament this female had. You could see the wonderful bond between both of them. My first question I asked was do you do obedience training which she confirmed was true. It was very obvious in a good way. Very nicely presented. Very much a teenager and needs to develop in all areas. To be critical she lacked breed type. Bone is very light. Height of leg very high. The skull is too narrow and the muzzle long and narrow. Moved well front and hind action. Very Good.
Class 13. Intermediate Bitch. (5) 1 ABS.
1. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE CANDY MAGIC.
Very honest type of female. Not the most glamorous in the ring but excellent breed type and some nice qualities. Not yet fully developed but the balance and shape are correct. The bone is strong. The head is balanced and a typical nice expression. Moved well in both front and hind action. Excellent.
2. Murphy, Sally & Philip, SCHASTIE EVROPY FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE AND JOY AT KINELARTY.
Loved her movement. Excellent reach in front . Covered a lot of ground and good power in hind action. Legs moving forward in a straight line. Lovely coat of correct texture and very well presented. For balance need a little more height of leg. Head not fully developed yet but a nice expression. Unfortunately the tail carriage was too high. Excellent.
3. Stafford Byrne, Mrs FSB, HONEY BEAR HONEY.
Super temperament. Excellent coat and body and well presented. Very strong light movement with correct shoulders and drive in hind action. The balance was good in proportion to the size but unfortunately for me she was just too small. I would like to see more height in the leg and length in the back. Head also was small. Very Good.
4. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE ROCKABY.
Presented very well and in lovely condition. Excellent bone, deep chest and a strong neck of good length.
To be critical. Too masculine in type. Elbows could be tighter. Shows a lot of pink around the eyes and was a little nervous. Did not want to be handled. Very Good.
Class 14. Adult Bitch. (3) 1 ABS.
1. Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, SENNEN UNDERSTANDABLY WICKED AT SEANRI.
Absolutely beautiful. Caught my eye as soon as she came into the ring. When I stood back it was beautiful to observe the balance and my hope at this stage was that she moved well. Did not disappoint on the move as apart from been very sound she had that extra showmanship that will make her feature in groups. Excellent breed type. Not yet fully matured and needs to settle in the ring with the handler. It’s nearly there. I predict a very exciting show career for this lady. A wonderful example of the breed. Excellent.
Best Female and Best in Show.
2. O'Callaghan, Mr & Mrs Joseph & Mod, KOKO ROJAUS BERNAS.
Very feminine and pretty female. A little bit nervous and did not show herself off to full advantage. Still need to build on confidence . Lovely expression. Excellent coat and body. Overall I felt that for a more balanced outline she needs more height of leg. Moved ok. Excellent.
Class 15. Open Bitch. (4) 2 ABS.
1. Hughes, Ms V., CARRAIGBERN LOVELY LADY.
Another stunning female with excellent breed type. Loved her very much. She had shape. excellent balance, good bone, strong neck. Body in top condition. beautiful coat and very well presented. Strong head of correct shape and size and lovely expression.
Sound in movement in all gaits with great drive behind and good shoulders. Had a really difficult decision picking my best female. Either could have won and I would have done a great job. Reserve Bitch winner.
2. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE WHO'S THAT GIRL.
Overall some nice qualities. Nice shape. Good outline. Strong neck. Good size head and a nice expression. Good coat and well presented. Unfortunately she was a carrying too much weight and front movement was loose.Elbows needed to be tighter to the chest. Very Good.
Class 16. Champion Bitch. (2)
1. Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, CH BERNERVALLEY SUMMER DREAM.
Another female in top condition and good breed type. The outline was correct and the body very nicely balanced. She has good bone. Strong head. Muzzle of correct width and length. Excellent breed type. Moved with great drive in hind action. For balance I would have like a stronger neck and the elbows to be tighter. Excellent.
2. Jakutyte, Mrs.Loreta, REGENE TRISPALVE GUOSTA.
Very pretty female. Overall good breed type. Very feminine. In excellent condition with well developed body and correct coat presented very well. For a more balanced outline would have liked some length to the back. In the head shape I would expect at this age for more width between the ears. Moved ok in both front and hind action. Excellent.
Class 17. Veteran Bitch. (1)
1. Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH KINELARTY AMO TIZIANA.
What a beautiful old girl. 10 years old. In really good condition a credit to the owners. She is very feminine. Wonderful temperament and you could she she was enjoying herself. Who cares if she did not want to move quickly. Great respect to the owner who was very considerate and moved her at the pace she wanted to move. Excellent.
Green Star Dog: Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, SEMUS DE ZANDVIJVER AT BERNERVALLEY.
Reserve Dog: Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, CH BERNERVALLEY YOGI BEAR.
Green Star Bitch: Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, SENNEN UNDERSTANDABLY WICKED AT SEANRI.
Reserve Bitch: Hughes, Ms V., CARRAIGBERN LOVELY LADY.
Best of Breed: Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, SENNEN UNDERSTANDABLY WICKED AT SEANRI.
Reserve: Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, SEMUS DE ZANDVIJVER AT BERNERVALLEY.
Best Baby Puppy: Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, PRINCE RIOMADEA GRANDE AT SEANRI.
Best Puppy: Bukartaite, Ms D, CINDERELLA DE MAGIC KAUSTANTIS ZVILGSNIS.
Best Veteran: Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH. KINELARTY BENVENUTO BJORN.
Thank you to everyone who attended the show.
Just seen the beautiful photographs taken by Visions Photography. Ervin and Franka.
Amazing.
I wish you all every success in the ring and for the Club to get stronger and stronger.
Cheers to the next 40 years.
Michael Leonard
08/06/22
On paper it was a massive entry with 27 males and 30 females.
This weekend had 3 sets of green stars on offer as in addition to the speciality there were 2 group championship shows. It’s amazing to think that 40 years later the breed will produce such a wonderful entry.
Congratulations to Sally Murphy and family with the brilliant carting demonstration. Lovely to see in action what the breed is known for.
Thank you to the committee and show secretary Paul Lawless. A very big Thank you to Karen Cobbe who did not show and did so much work. A fantastic lady. We were a great team in the ring together and for writing out my words so clearly. Thank you to my ring steward Derec Mac Cnaimhin who was judging Great Danes at the Group Show and agreed to steward for me. Much appreciated. A fun day together with great dog people.
The venue was lovely and the ring beautifully decorated. It was so lovely to see Michael Forte open the show and Bernie Ladd work with me in the ring. These are 2 people that have done so much for breeds down through the years. I also have to mention the late Stella Harte. Well I remember Stella Michael and myself back in 1979 in Stella’s kitchen filling in papers to have the club and the breed recognised with the Irish Kennel Club.
Our first club show was held in 1981 in Harolds Cross Greyhound Stadium and our Judge was the late Jack Travers. There was 11 entered in puppy dog or bitch. This was our 1st litter and everyone showed up. Was amazing. The one Jack placed first actually became the first champion to be made up from this litter. So he had a great eye and we were so happy he accepted the appointment to judge the first club show.
A lot of people have to be Thanked for progressing the club through the years to bring it to where it is today and this is fantastic to see what has been achieved. I know if I start mentioning names I will miss out someone and I do not want this to happen so apologise but in my time special mention has to be for Yvonne Ladd-Cannon, Evelyn Davis, Bernie Ladd, Ann and Donal Kelly. Nancy and Gerry Daly. It was also lovely to see past members turn up to watch the show.
Another man I must mention is the late Peter Embleton who left us nearly 8 years ago. He put the Irish Bernese on the International show map.
It was my 66th Birthday today and the club presented me with a beautiful birthday cake which I know Bernie Ladd organised. Thank you Bernie.
Club members also produced beautiful refreshments and a very special Ruby Anniversary cake that was stunning.
Thank you also for my judges gift. A stained glass Bernese which is now proudly displayed on my wall as a memory of the show.
Before judging starts I get this nervous excited feeling in my stomach and soon as I touch my first dog it goes and I’m fully in control. If this feeling ever went I would give up judging. It’s actually been a long time since I judged the breed in Ireland so I do not really know many of the dogs exhibited under me so it was lovely to go in with a fresh eye. I know I have done a proper job if people outside the ring can look at my line up of winners and can see what I was looking for. You don’t have to agree but if the outlines are similar then my message has come across. For me when I judge I look for balance and shape. The bone must be good and when they first enter the ring you need to be able to see the difference between the sexes. Males should look like males and females like females. This is why when the class comes into the ring I step right back and look at each dog from a distance. I need to see a balanced body. Then moving closer I walk up and down the line to check the size of heads and expressions. If the head is balanced and has the right proportion then the expression will be correct. You also need correct ear set and eyes of correct shape and colour to give that Berner expression that melts your heart.
Grooming for the major part was good and bites in general were correct.
Unfortunate a problem in our breed is tail set and in some the tails were carried too high over the back. You will also find as well that if the tail carriage is incorrect then in most cases the top line will also be incorrect.
Movement in general was good but some of the dogs which had beautiful outlines on the stand we’re not so hot on the move. It was very disappointing to see overloaded shoulders and towing inwards or close behind action on the move.
These are my individual word I have written about each dog. It’s my honest opinion on what I saw and not intended to upset anyone. Please see it as constructive criticism. Each dog under me had exactly the same attention and winners picked on their merits and what I considered to be the closest
to what I see in the breed standard.
Class 1. Baby Puppy Dog. (1)
1. Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, PRINCE RIOMADEA GRANDE AT SEANRI.
Beautiful baby puppy. Wonderful shape and size. Excellent balance. Very good bone. Correct shaped head. Lovely expression. Full of confidence for one so young.
Very promising. Best Baby puppy in show.
Class 2 Puppy Dog. (1) 1 ABS
Class 3. Junior dog (3)
1. Stafford Byrne, Mrs FSB, UP TO DATE VON ROMANSHOF( POL) TIGER BEAR.
He won this class on his movement. Excellent reach in front and good drive behind.
Very sound which was lovely to see. The body had good length of back but for a male I would like more height of leg. Also would like a stronger neck to balance the outline.
Correct shaped head and nice expression but needs time to develop. Excellent.
2. Mcentee, Mrs Jean, CONSTANT VICTORY MOZART.
Overall good breed type. I like the shape. The body is balanced with correct height of leg and length of back. Has good bone. The neck has good length. To be critical the tail carriage was too high and the top line could be better. Moved ok but needs more drive behind. Excellent.
3. O'Neill, Mr G & Mrs L, THEOBEAR BANJORA.
Another one that I’m pleased to say moved well. Sound and balanced in all gaits.
Excellent bone. Head needs time to develop. Had a strong muzzle of good width but I would like a broader skull with more width between the ears. To be critical I found him quite long in back and the top line could be stronger. Excellent.
Class 4. Intermediate Dog. (5) 1 ABS
1. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE HOW IT IS.
Very much a teenager. Needs to mature and develop in all areas. At the moment he looks high in leg and long on back. When the chest deepens the balance will be better. He has time for the outline to improve. I liked very much his strong masculine head and nice expression. Excellent bone. On the move the elbows could be tighter and needs stronger hind action. Excellent.
2. Kelly, Mr & Mrs D, ANNEALDON HANDSOME HIGHWAYMAN.
I really liked this boy and at the beginning when the class first came in I felt of all in the class his outline on the stand was the most balanced. On first impressions my favourite in the class. Exactly the right shape and size for his age.Very masculine. Good bone. Nicely balance head and lovely expression. But unfortunately on the moved he had no personality at all. Totally lacked drive in the hind action and carried the tail a little high. Excellent.
3. Bukartaite, Ms D, OLANDAS KALNU TALISMANAS LTH JUN CH.
Another one I liked very much when he came into the ring. I loved the shape. The body was very nicely balanced. Excellent height of leg and length of back. Correct bone. Balanced head and very typical expression. To be critical for the age I would have expected the chest to be deeper and in front action elbows could be tighter. His front movement let him down. Also needs more drive behind. Excellent.
4. Griffin, Mrs, MAJOWY SKARBIEC DANNY MAJOWY SKARBIEC.
If this was a grooming competition this would have been my winner. Beautiful coat and so well presented. Very nice temperament. Good natured. Well balanced body and good bone. To be critical the tail carriage was far too high and as a result the top line could have been much stronger. Front movement was not so sound. Because of this the grading is very good.
Class 5. Adult Dog. (1)
1. O'Callaghan, Mr & Mrs Joseph & Mod, LAMBORGHINI ROJAUS BERNAS.
Overall some nice qualities and good breed type. The body is well balanced and overall excellent shape. Strong bones and excellent movement. Free stride reaching well in front and good powerful hind action. To be critical I found the head lacking. For a male I would have liked a larger head and a broader skull with more width between the ears. He also needs a stronger neck to balance the outline. Excellent.
Class 6. Open Dog. (7) 2 ABS.
1. Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, SEMUS DE ZANDVIJVER AT BERNERVALLEY.
Have to say I got excited when I went over this dog. He is not finished yet but will be very strong competition when he matures. On my notes the first thing I wrote down is absolutely beautiful. Perfect balance. Beautiful shape. In top condition. Strong body and correct coat. Strong masculine head. Excellent movement in both front and hind action.
Did not know at this stage but he would become my best male and reserve Best of Breed. I predict a very good future and certainly fills most of the terms of the breed standard. A lovely example of the breed. Excellent.
2. Erskine, Mrs Alison, PANISSE D’AINHOA.
Good breed type. In top condition presented with a strong masculine body. The back is firm straight and level. Chest well developed and good muscle. Excellent bone. Strong masculine head and lovely expression. Really good strong reach of neck. Good drive in the hind action. To be critical he just steps a little too high in the front action. Overall a lovely example of the breed. Excellent.
3. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE EVERYBODY'S TALKING. I'm reading my notes and thinking why did I not place this dog higher as most of my notes are positive. And the reason is this was a strong class with some very nice Bernese. This one overall nice breed type and good qualities. The balance is correct and the head strong and masculine. Moved well in front but needed more drive behind. Just did not have the extra sparkle of the previous 2. Overall a solid nice Bernese. Excellent.
4. Davis Goonan, Mr F & Ms A, DAITHI MAGIC BERNESE OF BALLYFORD
Overall a very nice shape. Lovely condition with body very well developed and coat of good texture but between coats at the moment. Strong bone and good breed type. Moved well front and hind action. To be critical for me he lost it in the head. For the age I would have expected it to be more developed. I would have liked it larger in size and the skull was just too rounded. Ear set was a little low. Would have liked more width between the ears. Neck for balance could be slightly stronger. Excellent.
Not placed. Cahill, Mrs Marie, LEADER OF THE PACK FROM CHRISTOFLAND.
Unfortunately let down by tail carriage. Carried far too high and top line not so strong.
In hind action moved close behind. Presented in beautiful condition. Great body and lovely coat. Strong head and very nice expression. Body nicely balanced. Lovely temperament. Unfortunately when I judge and see incorrect tail carriage it ruins the outline. Very Good.
Class 7 . Champion Dog. (5)
1. Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, CH BERNERVALLEY YOGI BEAR.
Beautiful strong masculine dog in top condition. Excellent qualities and excellent breed type. Balanced shape. Deep Chest. Very strong head . Well defined stop and typical expression.Lovely markings and great coat. Strong movement front and hind action. To be critical his top line is beginning to fail slightly. Very worthy reserve best male winner. Excellent.
2. Maguire, Mrs Louise, CH RIDGEWATER EVERGREEN REUBEN.
A super dog with excellent breed type. So much to like about this boy. Strong and masculine. In top condition. Soft and silky coat with a beautiful shine. Strong body great bone and balanced head and typical expression. A lovely example of the breed. Beautiful on the stand. Lacked personality on the move and this is why he was 2nd and not first today. I liked him very much.
3. Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, CH CH SENNEN CRUISE CONTROL.
Again another dog with excellent breed type. Fully matured and in top condition. Really liked his strong head with correct shape and typical expression. Very masculine, excellent bone and beautiful coat. I just felt for balance I would like a shorter back. Needed more drive in hind action and elbows could be tighter.
4. Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH RKF, CH OF BELARUS MAROUSSIA WISH YOU WERE HERE AT KINELARTY.
Beautiful moving dog. So light on his feet. Legs moving forward in straight line and powerful hind action. Top condition and good balance. Nice expression. To be critical overall just a bit too feminine in type. Excellent.
Not Placed. Jakutyte, Mrs.Loreta, CONSTANT VICTORY ESPRIT. RUS. CH.
Really good body shape. Excellent length of back and correct height of leg. Good bone, deep chest. Excellent coat and well presented. To be critical. He lacked in neck. The head I would prefer larger for a male and front action could be better with tighter elbows. Excellent.
Class 8. Veteran Dog. (1)
Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH. KINELARTY BENVENUTO BJORN.
9 Year old male. In wonderful condition for the age. A total credit to the owners. Excellent temperament and very happy to be at the show. Tail was going 100 miles an hour. Very sound in movement. A little bit sluggish but who cares in veteran class. A lovely honest Bernese with breed type. Excellent. Best Veteran in Show.
Class 9. Baby Puppy Bitch. (1)
1. Binns, Mrs. P., MY MISTY MORN SKYE.
Needs to build on confidence and get use to the ring. Very mature and big size for her age. Unfortunately I did not find the head shape typical of the breed.
Need to develop in all area and grow into her body. Promising.
Class 10. Minor Puppy Bitch. (2) 1 ABS.
1. Bukartaite, Ms D, CINDERELLA DE MAGIC KAUSTANTIS ZVILGSNIS.
I like the shape. The body is balanced. The outline is correct. Has good bone and a strong neck. The body is very advanced for the age but the head size needs to catch up.
Top line at the moment needs to settle. Very Promising. Awarded Best Puppy in show today.
Class 11. Puppy Bitch. (1)
1. Davis Goonan, Mr F & Ms A, KAIMON GERHEIL PRIMADONA BALLYFORD (EST).
Absolutely full of confidence and very happy to be in the ring. Moved well for the age in both front and hind action. Needs to mature and develop in all areas but would like to see at this stage more height of leg. I hope it develops.
Size of head could also be larger as at the moment it looks small for the body. She has a very nice expression. Very Promising.
Class 12. Junior Bitch. (3) 2. ABS.
1. Keane, Mr J, SALLYBROOK HEAVENLY FUDGE.
What a wonderful temperament this female had. You could see the wonderful bond between both of them. My first question I asked was do you do obedience training which she confirmed was true. It was very obvious in a good way. Very nicely presented. Very much a teenager and needs to develop in all areas. To be critical she lacked breed type. Bone is very light. Height of leg very high. The skull is too narrow and the muzzle long and narrow. Moved well front and hind action. Very Good.
Class 13. Intermediate Bitch. (5) 1 ABS.
1. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE CANDY MAGIC.
Very honest type of female. Not the most glamorous in the ring but excellent breed type and some nice qualities. Not yet fully developed but the balance and shape are correct. The bone is strong. The head is balanced and a typical nice expression. Moved well in both front and hind action. Excellent.
2. Murphy, Sally & Philip, SCHASTIE EVROPY FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE AND JOY AT KINELARTY.
Loved her movement. Excellent reach in front . Covered a lot of ground and good power in hind action. Legs moving forward in a straight line. Lovely coat of correct texture and very well presented. For balance need a little more height of leg. Head not fully developed yet but a nice expression. Unfortunately the tail carriage was too high. Excellent.
3. Stafford Byrne, Mrs FSB, HONEY BEAR HONEY.
Super temperament. Excellent coat and body and well presented. Very strong light movement with correct shoulders and drive in hind action. The balance was good in proportion to the size but unfortunately for me she was just too small. I would like to see more height in the leg and length in the back. Head also was small. Very Good.
4. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE ROCKABY.
Presented very well and in lovely condition. Excellent bone, deep chest and a strong neck of good length.
To be critical. Too masculine in type. Elbows could be tighter. Shows a lot of pink around the eyes and was a little nervous. Did not want to be handled. Very Good.
Class 14. Adult Bitch. (3) 1 ABS.
1. Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, SENNEN UNDERSTANDABLY WICKED AT SEANRI.
Absolutely beautiful. Caught my eye as soon as she came into the ring. When I stood back it was beautiful to observe the balance and my hope at this stage was that she moved well. Did not disappoint on the move as apart from been very sound she had that extra showmanship that will make her feature in groups. Excellent breed type. Not yet fully matured and needs to settle in the ring with the handler. It’s nearly there. I predict a very exciting show career for this lady. A wonderful example of the breed. Excellent.
Best Female and Best in Show.
2. O'Callaghan, Mr & Mrs Joseph & Mod, KOKO ROJAUS BERNAS.
Very feminine and pretty female. A little bit nervous and did not show herself off to full advantage. Still need to build on confidence . Lovely expression. Excellent coat and body. Overall I felt that for a more balanced outline she needs more height of leg. Moved ok. Excellent.
Class 15. Open Bitch. (4) 2 ABS.
1. Hughes, Ms V., CARRAIGBERN LOVELY LADY.
Another stunning female with excellent breed type. Loved her very much. She had shape. excellent balance, good bone, strong neck. Body in top condition. beautiful coat and very well presented. Strong head of correct shape and size and lovely expression.
Sound in movement in all gaits with great drive behind and good shoulders. Had a really difficult decision picking my best female. Either could have won and I would have done a great job. Reserve Bitch winner.
2. Shields Byrne, Mr M & Mrs T, AUSEIRE WHO'S THAT GIRL.
Overall some nice qualities. Nice shape. Good outline. Strong neck. Good size head and a nice expression. Good coat and well presented. Unfortunately she was a carrying too much weight and front movement was loose.Elbows needed to be tighter to the chest. Very Good.
Class 16. Champion Bitch. (2)
1. Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, CH BERNERVALLEY SUMMER DREAM.
Another female in top condition and good breed type. The outline was correct and the body very nicely balanced. She has good bone. Strong head. Muzzle of correct width and length. Excellent breed type. Moved with great drive in hind action. For balance I would have like a stronger neck and the elbows to be tighter. Excellent.
2. Jakutyte, Mrs.Loreta, REGENE TRISPALVE GUOSTA.
Very pretty female. Overall good breed type. Very feminine. In excellent condition with well developed body and correct coat presented very well. For a more balanced outline would have liked some length to the back. In the head shape I would expect at this age for more width between the ears. Moved ok in both front and hind action. Excellent.
Class 17. Veteran Bitch. (1)
1. Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH KINELARTY AMO TIZIANA.
What a beautiful old girl. 10 years old. In really good condition a credit to the owners. She is very feminine. Wonderful temperament and you could she she was enjoying herself. Who cares if she did not want to move quickly. Great respect to the owner who was very considerate and moved her at the pace she wanted to move. Excellent.
Green Star Dog: Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, SEMUS DE ZANDVIJVER AT BERNERVALLEY.
Reserve Dog: Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, CH BERNERVALLEY YOGI BEAR.
Green Star Bitch: Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, SENNEN UNDERSTANDABLY WICKED AT SEANRI.
Reserve Bitch: Hughes, Ms V., CARRAIGBERN LOVELY LADY.
Best of Breed: Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, SENNEN UNDERSTANDABLY WICKED AT SEANRI.
Reserve: Benson, Mr D & Mrs J, SEMUS DE ZANDVIJVER AT BERNERVALLEY.
Best Baby Puppy: Giffney, Mr & Mrs Eamonn & Winnie, PRINCE RIOMADEA GRANDE AT SEANRI.
Best Puppy: Bukartaite, Ms D, CINDERELLA DE MAGIC KAUSTANTIS ZVILGSNIS.
Best Veteran: Murphy, Sally & Philip, CH. KINELARTY BENVENUTO BJORN.
Thank you to everyone who attended the show.
Just seen the beautiful photographs taken by Visions Photography. Ervin and Franka.
Amazing.
I wish you all every success in the ring and for the Club to get stronger and stronger.
Cheers to the next 40 years.
Michael Leonard
08/06/22
