"My thanks to the Secretary and Committee for the invitation to judge at this well organized show, for the hospitality and making me feel very welcome. This was my first time awarding Challenge Certificates and I cannot let the occasion pass without acknowledging the late Hedd Richards, a stalwart, promoter and protector of the breed – it was he who first encouraged me to start judging. My thanks too to the owners and exhibitors, not just at this show but at all of the Open Shows I have judged, to be afforded the opportunity of going over your dogs I regard as a privilege.

This was just the second Championship Show since the Royal Kennel Club updated the Breed Standard for Newfoundlands. It is now much more detailed and provides greater clarity for judges. Wrinkles on the muzzle and face are now mentioned as a demerit but what hasn’t changed is “impresses with strength, great activity and effortless power” and that was something I looked for.

For the breed in general, the Breed Watch problem of seriously loose eyes was not evident in those dogs present, with only a couple of exhibits showing a very small amount of haw. There were a number of dogs with less well developed forechests which does have a direct impact on front movement in that this is an important skeletal structure for muscle attachment. Ears in several exhibits could not be described as “small”. I’m pleased to say that all of the dogs were very well presented and the hallmark temperament of the breed was clear to be seen."