"What a wonderful day. The quality of some of the dogs was extraordinary and I was thrilled by the entry. I had some really outstanding dogs and I hope my notes do them justice. Some of the decisions were hard but it was great to have such quality present. Some of the movement was outstanding. I do not comment on coming and going in my notes but largely the winners were all good enough in that area (and some as good as I have seen). There were many unplaced dogs that were poor in this department particularly when going away and this showed up when they lacked drive in profile. There were a number of dogs that were very tight at the elbow and really lacked width. There was a range of type which in smaller classes made it hard to be consistent. Dentition was generally good in 95% of the dogs and there were many good bites with big white teeth. I was also impressed with general eye quality - size, shape and colour. I can hardly recall a really offensive light eye. Ears were generally good but there were some that were low set and long giving a hound like appearance. There were a few heads which lacked top skull making the head look too flat and a number where the head was not clean and wrinkle free. Muzzles were generally well balanced and appropriate but there were one or two snipey heads. Generally I thought the breed was better balanced than the last time I judged.

I was able to give the dogs plenty of opportunity to move, thanks to the attentive and sportsmanlike handlers, and those with balanced movement, good powerful drive and reach and proper head and tail carriage fared well. My dog winners were all substantial masculine and had a noble majestic appearance with kind expression. My Bitches were substantial but feminine with some lovely melting faces.

Presentation was superb – thank you everybody, I understand how much work was involved to prepare the dogs. There were many beautifully prepared double coats. Handling was good at all levels but some of the handling was quite outstanding really maximising the dog’s performance. Thank you to the handlers for their excellent sportsmanlike behaviour and also your dogs who were impeccably behaved in true Newfoundland tradition – not a cross word all day.

My Best of Breed distinguished himself in winning the Working Group, where he looked magnificent moving so stylishly and strongly, being an outstanding ambassador for the breed, showing no sign of waning after a long day. He went on to be awarded Reserve Best in Show with another stunning performance. Congratulations to his Slovakian owners Mr & Mrs Krockovci."