"A huge honour to be judging this super entry, although a little disheartening to have to dismiss quality dogs who would otherwise be worthy of top awards in a numerically smaller entry - however, that made the winners very special indeed. This was undoubtedly the best collection of dogs I have judged in one show. Presentation was of the highest order and many dogs were well muscled and able to fulfil the 'strength and great activity' part of the Standard.

Temperament was excellent and I received many 'Newfie kisses' while I went over the dogs. Toplines were firm with broad, strong loins in most. Size of bone was proportionate to the rest of the dog. Movement was very eye-catching, especially in profile, with very few proud tails. Apologies for making handlers move so much but while profile movement is so attractive to watch, it only gives a two dimensional view of construction and soundness - 'out and back' shows another dimension and demonstrates how 'true' the dog is (therefore saving on 'wear and tear' of joints, muscles and ligaments). More than once around the ring will also highlight the dog’s true shape as it drops into its most economic movement.

There are still Breed Watch issues present (eyes) - not so much in loose eye rims as in slightly turned inward - but in general were only mildly affected, which gives hope that things are on the way to improved eye conformation.

Some skilful trimming created some illusions that told a different story when the dog was assessed 'hands on' - please do not let them become a 'hairdressing dog'. In particular, those 'large well-shaped feet' were sometimes well covered with trimmed and tufted hair but had large gaps between splayed toes when checked physically.

I was very lucky to have an entry where the above 'nit picking' was needed in order to select my winners."