Judge:

Kerry Daly

Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank the committee of the Southern Counties Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society for their hospitality and the tremendous amount of hard work that went into organising this show. It was clear throughout the day that the welfare of the dogs was a priority, with plenty of fans and water stations provided around the hall. Thankfully, the temperature had dropped a little from previous days and the conditions in the hall were comfortable for both dogs and exhibitors.

It was a great honour to be invited by the Southern Counties Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society to judge this show. This was my third breed club appointment and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I would also like to thank every exhibitor who entered under me. I appreciate each and every entry and recognise the commitment involved in exhibiting dogs today. The costs associated with our hobby continue to rise, from entry fees and accommodation to fuel and travel expenses, making your support all the more appreciated.

A special thank you must also go to my stewards, Claire with an “i” and Clare without an “i”, who kept me on track throughout the day and ensured the ring ran smoothly and efficiently. Their help was greatly appreciated and allowed me to concentrate fully on the dogs.

I will mention dentition only briefly, as the vast majority of exhibits placed had correct mouths. Having owned a dog previously with incorrect dentition myself, it is something I pay particular attention to and am always mindful of when judging, however not fault judging.

Fitness played a significant part in my decisions on the day. In several classes, placings could easily have changed, and overall condition and fitness often made the difference. I appreciate that the recent hot weather has made maintaining peak fitness more challenging, but it remains an important aspect of presenting our breed at its best and is something within our control. Nails as well, please keep on top of this with your dogs, it can make such a difference!

It was particularly pleasing to see some promising new puppies being brought out. They are the future of our breed, and I would encourage exhibitors to continue the hard work with their training and ringcraft. New exhibitors and newcomers are vital to the future of the breed, and it is important that we encourage, support and welcome them into our Staffordshire Bull Terrier community.

Thank you once again to everyone who entered and gave me the opportunity to assess your dogs. It was a thoroughly enjoyable appointment, and I was pleased with the overall quality of the exhibits presented to me on the day.

Class 1 – Veteran Dog (1,0)

1st: Mr D Wise. Montgomery Guard

Black brindle male who is still fit, strong and in excellent condition for a veteran. Presents a strong, typical head with plenty of underjaw, good width and bone throughout. Well ribbed with a good spring of rib, deep brisket and tight feet. Strongly behind with a pronounced second thigh. A sound, honest veteran who retains his strength and breed type and was shown in good condition. My pleasure to award Best Veteran Dog and Best Veteran in Breed. 

Class 2 – Minor Puppy Dog (3.1)

These two delightful puppies full of beans made their owners work hard today, I tried not to put the puppies off with over handling and going over them while trying to see enough for placements. It does get easier, I promise, just please keep up the training and ensure they love every minute.

1st: Mr R and Miss M Jarvis and Quintero. Kenbelt Royal Tumeric

Black brindle puppy of good breed type. Has a pleasing head that is developing well, with a good length of muzzle and balanced proportions. Fitness is coming as expected for his age, and he is developing nicely throughout. Good rib development for a youngster and top line when he wanted to stand still. Moved well.

2nd: Mrs J and Mr R Karadal. Kentstars The Wonder Of You

Red and white dog who is well developed for his age. Strong head with a dark muzzle, giving a pleasing expression. Good rib development and deep brisket. Fitness is coming along nicely, and the second thigh has started to develop already. Difficult to fully assess his movement on the day as he was clearly enjoying himself and was very excited, but with a little more ring craft training I am sure he will do well in the future. 

Class 3 – Puppy Dog (2,1)

1st: Mrs K and Miss N Walker. Teshleystaf Higher Power

Red and white dog with a good length of muzzle and pleasing dark pigmentation around the muzzle and eye. Showing good fitness for his age and developing well throughout, with rib coming on nicely. A lovely side profile and top line.  Moved particularly well, moving with drive and little effort. My pleasure to award Best Puppy Dog. 

Class 4 – Junior Dog (1,0)

1st: Mrs H C Nolan. Hammystaff Tainted Love

Red and white pied dog who is compact in outline yet oozes balance and bone. Strong head with a distinct stop, good under jaw and well-developed cheek muscles, complemented by dark eye rims and a correct ear set to frame his expression. Great width through the chest with good brisket and spring of rib. Stands four square when he wanted to stand still with straight front. Moved with plenty of drive, making his handler work hard at times, but she got the very best from him. Fitness is still coming, and he has much to admire. Pleased to award him Reserve Best Dog and Reserve Best in Show. 

Class 5 – Yearling Dog (2,0)

1st: Mr K and Mrs L Wells. Wellsstaffs Young Warrior JW

Black brindle dog with a good length of muzzle, distinct stop and well-set ears, giving an alert expression. A very fit lad, presented in hard condition with well-developed muscles throughout and second thigh is developing well. His ribs are developing well for his age. Stands four square and straight front. Moved soundly and was shown in excellent condition.

2nd: Mrs S Birmingham. Niatona Inspector Blake

Red and white dog of good strength and fitness, presented in excellent condition. Strong head, correct ear set, good stop and dark muzzle of good length. Nice width through the chest, giving a balanced outline and good spring of rib. Another exhibit shown in great muscular condition and fitness. Moved ok, although I preferred the movement of my first-placed dog on the day. 

Class 6 – Novice Dog (2,0)

1st: Mrs K and Miss N Walker. Teshleystaf Higher Power

1st in Puppy Dog

2nd: Mr A Grindy. Shieldstorm Two Face

Brindle and white dog, up to size but balanced for it. Strong head with a good length of muzzle and wide-open nares. Well-set ears framed his head nicely and completed a pleasing expression. Great depth of brisket and carried himself well. Very in tune with his handler. Moved ok, I preferred the movement of my first-placed dog on the day. 

Class 7 – Post Graduate Dog (2,1)

  1st: Mr R J Terry. Kannechor Guess He's Back At Gnosall

Brindle and white dog with a lovely dark eye and presented in exceptionally fit condition. Strong but not overdone head, with correct muzzle length in proportion to the skull and a lovely ear set that framed his head well. Good spring of rib and balanced throughout. Moved with purpose and drive. 

Class 8 – Limit Dog (2,0)

1st: Miss F Gardner.  Labrastaf Espresso

Black brindle dog with a white chest. Good head, pronounced cheek muscles,  with correct muzzle length and a well-set ear that framed his head nicely. Presented in good overall fitness with a good spring of rib and nice depth of brisket. Moved well on the day and was a very happy dog in the ring.

2nd: Mrs T and Mr J Mills. Stormbreakers Vengeance At Milarkebull

Red dog with excellent dark pigmentation around the muzzle and eyes, which enhanced his expression. Strong head with pronounced cheek muscles and a distinct stop, complemented by a good ear set. Alert throughout and attentive in the ring, always aware of where I was. Movement was ok.  A lot to like about this dog but for me today I would prefer a little more covering. 

Class 9 – Open Dog (4,1)

1st: Mr H, Mrs MA, Mrs CL and Mr SC Robinson, Robinson-Cox and Cox. Hamason Sweet Little Mystry JW

Brindle and white dog with excellent balance throughout. Good head proportions with a great length of muzzle, wide open nostrils and well-set ears that frame the head nicely. Beautiful dark eyes completing a wonderful expression. Good width through the chest, good depth of brisket, strong neck and well-sprung ribs, tucking up neatly into a well-developed rear. Well laid shoulders contributing to a balanced outline. Moved with agility and power, covering the ground well whilst maintaining his topline and balance. A quality exhibit who I have no doubt will go onto winning top honours. A clear winner for me today, Best Dog and Best in Show.

2nd: Mr A G Norris. Labrastaf Magma At Haidastaff

Brindle dog with a small amount of white on his chest. He has a well-balanced head with good length of muzzle, good ear set and a pronounced stop. Wide open nostrils, tight feet and well-sprung ribs. Moved ok. Presented in good fitness and condition, although not quite to the same level as my first-placed dog on the day. I have judged this dog before and have always admired many of his qualities, but today he came up against a particularly strong winner.

Class 10 – Veteran Bitch

1st:  Mrs V and Mr PJ Batten. Hammystaff Happiness (6.5)

Red and white bitch whom I have had the pleasure of sharing the ring at many shows whilst exhibiting myself.  She possesses a feminine head with well-pronounced cheek muscles and a pleasing expression. Good ear set, strong neck and balanced throughout. She held her topline well on the move and gave a good account of herself on the day. She clearly loved her day out, carrying a super waggy tail throughout, which was lovely to see. My Best Veteran Bitch. 

Class 11 – Minor Puppy Bitch (1,0)

1st: Mrs C Rowland. Bilrosestaff Sweetie Pie

Red bitch with a white flash on her chest and good dark pigmentation around the muzzle and eye rims. A well-balanced, compact youngster who is developing nicely without being overdone, exactly as a minor puppy should be. Good length of muzzle, feminine head and a well-set ear that frames her head beautifully. Dark nails, well-developed ribs and balanced throughout for her age. Very well trained for one so young and showed herself confidently throughout. She has one of the sweetest expressions, which certainly lives up to her kennel name, Sweetie Pie. 

Class 12 – Puppy Bitch (3,1)

1st: Miss S and Miss J Bibby and Hirst. Taraiel Amazing Grace

Black brindle bitch with a well-developed head, good ear set and correct length of muzzle. Lovely dark eye and a strong neck flowing into a compact, balanced body. Ribs are developing well, good width of chest and she was presented in outstanding fitness, with well-defined musculature throughout. She has a punishing expression which catches your eye and demands your attention. Her rear has developed well and this helped her move with purpose around the ring. A well-balanced youngster shown in excellent condition. My Best Puppy Bitch and pleasure to award Best Puppy in Show.

2nd: Mrs K and Miss N Walker. Teshleystaf Everglow

Red and white bitch with a feminine head and pleasing ear set. She has a distinct stop, good length of muzzle and a strong neck. Holds her topline well and presents a pleasing side profile with good depth of brisket. Moved ok, maintaining her top line on the move. Fitness is coming, but today she was just behind my first-placed bitch in overall condition and movement. 

Class 13 – Junior Bitch (3.0)

1st: Mrs LM Ship. Idyllicstaff Nangi

A bitch with a very bright future ahead of her. She possesses a feminine yet strong and balanced head, pronounced cheek muscles, with a good stop, pronounced cheek muscles, dark eyes with dark rims and a dark muzzle. Her well-set ears frame her head beautifully and complete a typical expression. She has a lovely strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, a deep brisket and well-developed ribs. Stands four square and great tails set pump handle. Her fitness is appropriate for her age and maturity, and her rear is developing well. Balanced throughout, she holds her topline elegantly on the move and has excellent width to her front whilst remaining compact and balanced. In my notes I simply wrote "lush", which sums her up rather well. A stunning bitch who was a worthy winner and one I believe has a very bright future. Best Bitch and Best Opposite Sex in Show.

2nd: Mrs T and Mr J Mills.  Milarkebull Eleven

Black brindle bitch with white on her chest. She has a lovely head shape with a complementary ear set, good length of muzzle and wide-open nostrils. Her rib development and fitness are both coming along nicely for her age, and she has a well-developed rear. Stands four square and straight front. Good rear angulation and she held her topline well on the move. Moved soundly and, when animated, was up on her toes with a cracking expression. Unlucky to come up against my first-placed bitch today; I just preferred the overall strength of 1st place. 

Class 14 – Yearling Bitch (5,0)

Now this was a great class oozing with quality which made me smile and could have been different placings on another day.

1st: Miss G and Mr M Billingham and Willetts.  Hamason Heart's On Fire JW

Red and white pied bitch of excellent breed type. Good head with pronounced cheek muscles, correct length of muzzle and wide-open nares and ear set that frames this feminine head. Good width of chest, well sprung ribs and tuck leading to a powerful, well-developed rear. Stands four square, good tail set and well balanced throughout. Good shoulder angulation allowing her to move extremely well, showing drive and purpose whilst maintaining a level topline throughout. Well-developed muscle definition, hard to the touch and pronounced second thigh. A lovely bitch whom I was delighted to award Reserve Best Bitch.

2nd: Mr JD and Mrs SM Hammond. Hammystaff Love Yourself

Another quality red and white pied bitch with a strong yet feminine head and correct ear carriage to complement her expression. Great width through the chest and a deep brisket. Distinct stop, good length of muzzle and balanced proportions throughout. Stands four square and strong pasterns. Fitness is developing well and muscle definition is coming through. Moved well holding a level top line. Slightly shorter in body than my first-placed bitch, but still well balanced. A very close decision between the two, with the winner just feeling slightly harder and more mature in condition on the day. 

Class 15 – Novice Bitch

1st: Mrs K and Miss N Walker. Teshleystaf Everglow

2nd in Puppy Bitch.

2nd: Mr A Fryatt. Brinstar Red Willow

Red bitch with very dark pigmentation around the muzzle. Good length of muzzle with wide open nostrils, feminine balanced head with good stop. Nice tight feet, dark nails and good width of chest and substance. Movement was ok, I preferred the movement of my first-placed bitch. 

Class 16 – Post Graduate Bitch

1st: Mrs G and Mr G Jefferson. Alport No Surrender

Black brindle bitch with a strong yet feminine head. She has an excellent ear set, which she uses to her advantage and gives her an eye-catching expression. Well-muscled neck, good spring of rib and tucks up nicely into a powerful rear. Really nice tight feet, stands four square with straight front. Moved well, showing power and drive effortlessly. A well-balanced bitch who was shown in great condition.

2nd: Mrs V and Mr PJ Batten. Trawden Summer Breeze

White pied bitch with a strong yet feminine head, good underjaw. Dark pigmentation around the eye rims and muzzle enhanced her expression. Good stop, correct length of muzzle and wide-open nostrils. Well-set ears framed her face nicely. Strong neck, good width of chest and deep brisket. Well-muscled, hard to touch and good spring of rib. Makes her handler work hard and is a lively one but these make me smile. Just preferred the compactness of 1st place. 

Class 17 – Limit Bitch (6,4)

1st: Mr D Cazal. Un Jolie Kafrine Dain Ker Salaozy

Black brindle bitch with a stunning headpiece, complemented by an excellent ear set that gives her a truly punishing expression. Good length of muzzle and a strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, stands four square and straight front. Great spring of rib and presented in phenomenal fitness; in fact, my notes simply read, "fitness – amazing!" She was alert throughout, always up on her toes, and has beautiful tight feet. This bitch has tremendous ring presence and demands your attention. Moved well with plenty of drive and purpose. A quality exhibit who pushed very hard for Reserve Best Bitch in the lineup.

2nd: Mr M Burton. Trufflestaff Bambernie At Barbary

Brindle bitch with a feminine head, good stop, great length of muzzle and wide-open nostrils. She has a good ear set and a strong neck leading into a well-muscled front assembly. Good tuck-up and a well-developed rear for her size. Moved soundly on the day. In this class, I preferred the overall fitness and condition of my first-placed bitch, which ultimately decided the placings.

Class 18 – Open Bitch (2,2)

Special Awards Classes

Judge: Simon Green

Class A- Puppy Dor or Bitch (3,1)

1st. Rowland "Bilrosestaff Sweetie Pie".

2nd. Jarvis & Quintero "Kenbloom Koala Turmeric".  

Class B- Post Graduate Dog or Bitch (13,3)

1st. Willetts & Billingham "Hamason Heart's On Fire"JW.

2nd. Mills "Milarkebull Eleven".

3rd. Wells "Wellsstaff Young Warrior"JW.

Res. Hammond "Hammystaff Love Yourself".

VHC. Wells "Wellsstaff Shine A Light" JW.

Class C- Open Dog or Bitch (7,2)

1st. Robinson, Robinson-Cox "Hamason Sweet Little Mystry"JW.

2nd. Gardner "Labrastaf Espresso".

3rd. Mills "Stormbreakers Vengeance at Milarkebull".

Res. Nolen "Chiswellstaff I am Legend".

VHC. Jarvis & Quintero "Kenbloom Koala Turmeric".