Crufts 2023

Judge: SHEILA JAKEMAN

CCs on offer

BEST OF BREED: CH KICHIGAI'S ONLY THE LONLEY
BEST DOG: CH KICHIGAI'S ONLY THE LONLEY
RES. BEST DOG: CH KICHIGAI BOY IS BACK IN TOWN FOR WATCHKEES
BEST BITCH: CARASPITZ GOOD LUCK CHARM
RES. BEST BITCH: KEITAKEES YOU ARE MY WORLD
BEST PUPPY: LIEFKEES ASSISI

ENTERED/PRESENT: 69/56

VETERAN DOG – 5
1ST : HICKSON’S CH KICHIGAI’S ONLY THE LONLEY
2ND : BAKER’S NERADMIK BOY NEXT DOOR ShCM
3RD : MILES, CULLEN & BROWN’S CH ROSSVALE’S LEGACY FOR LEKKERBEK
4TH : NEWMAN’S LEAZEHOND LIGHTNING BOLT
5TH : LINDSAY’S MEZANDA MERRY STARSHOWER (AI)
PUPPY DOG – 2, 1AB
1ST : DOWNS’ LIEFKEES ASSISI
JUNIOR DOG – 4
1ST : BURNETT’S TORRIKEES WE WILL ROCK YOU
2ND : LINDSAY’S MEZANDA MYSTIC STARMAN
3RD : RING’S NERADMIK SHINE ON HARVEY MOON
4TH : HOPKINS’ SERENAUBACH DRACO
POST GRADUATE DOG – 6, 1AB
1ST : CHURCH’S SHELDERON STEMMIG SAGE WITH TYKEES
2ND : GARDNER’S KEITAKEES SMALL TOWN BOY WITH MANZANAKEES
3RD : PATTISON’S QUEST’ EASTKEES DEL MONTE DRAGNONE
4TH : MURRAY’S FLATMEER FLIEGEND
5TH : KERR’S STORM V KEES UIT DE POLDER’S (IMP NLD)
LIMIT DOG – 8
1ST : PARKER-REES’ NERADMIK PEARLY KING
2ND : TEW’S TORRIKEES PURPLE REIN
3RD : MARSHALL’S ARABESQUE AT DEVONIA (IMP RUS)
4TH : BARDSLEY & BAKER’S SKATHKI KING OF THE FOREST
5TH : PATTISON’S SERENAUBACH FULL OF WONDER
OPEN DOG – 7, 1AB
1ST : HARRIS’ CH KICHIGAI BOY IS BACK IN TOWN FOR WATCHKEES JW
2ND : FITCHES’ NL CH SAMOYKEES HARBOUR LIGHTS
3RD : MILES & DEAN’S CH NERADMIK KISS CHASE WITH LEKKERBEK
4TH : HOPKINS’ CH INT CH QUASARS BRILLIANT LIGHT VAN HET EARLSKAMP SERENAUBACH (IMP BEL)
5TH : GRASA’S FR CH RAKHAN RONIN DU ROUSSILLON
GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME DOG – 1
1ST : CRAIG’S FLATMEER FLORISEL

VETERAN BITCH – 7, 1AB
1ST : KERR’S CARASPITZ GOOD LUCK CHARM
2ND : HATTERSLEY’S TORRIKEES SEA BREEZE
3RD : GATE’S CH LACETROM SHUNA ShCM
4TH : BRUNT’S CH VANSTRAND QUANTUM OF SOLACE
5TH : GATE’S LACETROM CRUIVIE ShCM VW
PUPPY BITCH – 3, 1AB
1ST : FITCHES’ SOFIA LOREN DELLA GINEVRINA (IMP ITA)
2ND : SHARP BALE’S NERADMIK PANDORA’S BOX
JUNIOR BITCH – 3
1ST : DEMBINIOK’S MEZANDA MISSY SPARKLES WITH HOLLREXIA
2ND : CHURCH’S TYKEES WE GO SOLO
3RD : JOHNSTON’S TYKEES FULL OF CHAOS
POST GRADUATE BITCH – 8, 2AB
1ST SHARP BALE & PARR’S NERADMIK SHIMMER N SHINE
2ND : LUSH’S DIANAKEES CAROLINA MOON
3RD : BATES’ ALLFORUS ETERNAL FLAME
4TH : QUEEN’S SERENAUBACH FULL OF MYSTERY AT MARTELLKEES
5TH : AXFORD & SHERWOOD’S WATERMYTH CALYPSO
LIMIT BITCH – 5, 1AB
1ST : REDLAR & WHEATLEY’S KEITAKEES YOU ARE MY WORLD
2ND : CHURCH’S LEAZEHOND AMBER STEPPES FOR TYKEES
3RD : NEWMAN’S WOLFSWINKEL MARIA OGREN AT LEAZEHOND (AI)
4TH : RING’S NERADMIK TANTRUMS N TIARAS
OPEN BITCH – 10, 6AB
1ST : GREGORY’S CH AMIKIRS LOVEALICIOUS JW
2ND : TEW’S ART PRIDE BOMB EXPLOSIVE BEAUTY (IMP RUS)
3RD : MARSHALL’S TORRIKEES MADE IN HEAVEN AT DEVONIA
4TH : PASSMORE’S CH TORRIKEES LUST FOR LIFE
GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME BITCH – 1AB

Mrs Marfleet asked me to forward my show critique and also suggested that I might wish to add additional personal observations that might be best just shared with Keeshond people direct. I think I understand her request as anyone who judges such a representative entry as Crufts must surely form an opinion of “how the breed is right now”. As an outsider, of course, you can all think what you will of my opinion but the following is how I saw the breed on the day.
Not having judged the breed for five years it was quite a surprise to find so many were really small, seeing them in some sort of isolation when at general shows and not standing ringside and watching class after class I had not been aware of this subtle change in the breed. Yes, I know that there are always some small ones, like there are in my breed but I had not become aware how it was affecting, in particular, the males in Keeshonds. I was aware many bitches have been small for a long time but had not seen it so much with the males. You might think my comment about Keeshonds hopping from Barge to Towpath is flippant but this is what they surely should be able to do and I am not sure the short legged little round ones could do so effectively.
I thought there was great consistency for head type and stature generally as the majority are well balanced.
In the separate features I am not sure round eyes are what is required having read the standard yet again and noted that it contains the word “almond” for eyes (making me jealous as the KC made Chows remove that description when we were trying to improve eyes!) many of the younger exhibits tended to have a fairly round eye, in the main they were a great colour.
I seem to recall that the last time I judged I found a lot of much straighter tails than were present on this occasion so I consider there is good improvement there. Though I wonder if they should be like a “Chelsea Bun” on the end of the spine? I recall helping the Japanese Spitz folk re-writing their standard and that was the difficult area to define. Perhaps when a breed talk is done this is an area that requires some detailed explanation of the ideal?
Temperaments are fantastic and not one objected to my attention. The bruises on my left arm are just fading now from the bashing so many front feet gave me as I went over them. Keeping four feet on the floor in one place would make the task of judging them a lot easier but perhaps not so much fun!!!!!!

I was delighted to accept the kind invitation of Crufts committee to judge this breed at the 2023 show. Due to a Covid cancellation it is five years since I judged the breed and I found a difference in the standard of the exhibits. Most of the more mature exhibits were reasonably well constructed and of a size that I find acceptable in the breed. Some of the younger ones are beginning to appear almost toyish with a combination of lack of size, somewhat barrelled ribcages (especially if they were rather overweight) and bordering on too much coat. I am sorry to say these did not have as much appeal for me as the ones that looked as if they could actually jump from a Barge to a Towpath.

Veteran Dog Entries: 5 Absentees: 0 It was lovely to start with such a nice class of veterans, proving the longevity of the breed. 1St – Ch Kichigai’s Only The Lonley (Mr C & Miss N L Hickson) Very well balanced and giving the impression of masculinity. Head of correct proportions, good eye shape, nicely set ears and with clear markings. Well held on a nice neck, decent shoulders and good length of ribbing with enough spring and depth. High set on tail with good curl. Adequate bone, with tight feet and moved really well in both directions. Good quality coat of correct colour and markings and in fabulous condition CC and BOB also Best Veteran. 2ND- Neradmik Boy Next Door ShCM (Mrs S A & The Late Mr C F Baker) This too is a good sized male with a good head and neck. Pleasing strength of bone and in very nicely conditioned coat. Excellent spring of rib, well curled tail and decent on the move.
Puppy Dog Entries: 2 Absentees: 1 1ST – Liefkees Assisi (Mrs Ann Downs) It is almost his birthday and he is well grown with a super coat of good colour. A pleasing head with good proportions and showing enough masculinity. I would prefer a bit more angulation in his forehand and hope his ribbing will improve with maturity. Well boned and nicely shaped feet. Good in both directions on the move. Best Puppy
Junior Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 0 1ST – Torrikees We Will Rock You (Miss A Burnett) This young male really impressed me and it was not just his size. Sometimes balance is lost in bigger examples of the spitz breeds but not here, he is just spot on with a good neck, well sprung ribbing, excellent front construction and strong at the rear. He has a good type head though I would prefer smaller ears. He is well boned and could move true in both directions. If one of his excellent size can come out of his small champion dam all is not lost and hopefully he will enhance the breed in the future both with his construction and size. He is carrying a huge coat which perhaps could be darker but maybe at just over one year old it is just about to blow. 2ND- Mezanda Mystic Starman (Mrs S E Lindsay) OK for size and with a pleasing head of good proportions and well marked. Lacking some angulation in front and his pasterns were soft today. Well shaped body with good topline and tail with good curl. Moving true but a bit close at rear which I witnessed on so many today, not quite so positive in front.
Post Graduate Dog Entries: 6 Absentees: 1 1ST- Shelderon Stemmig Sage with Tykees (Miss T A Church) This one has a well defined stop and correct length of muzzle to skull relationship with nicely positioned ears. Clearly defined markings throughout and super coat and condition. Good front and rear construction and a definite double curl to his tail. The better mover in this class. 2ND – Keitakees Small Town Boy with Manzanakees (Mrs S & Mr S Gardner) This one is smaller and very compact. Pleasing in head with nice expression. Nicely carried tail and well muscled throughout. In good coat and condition. Decent on the move but not quite as positive as the winner.
Limit Dog Entries: 8 Absentees: 0 The first two here were of very similar type and stature and splitting hairs was needed to separate them. 1ST- Neradmik Pearly King (Mrs D Parker-Rees) Well carried head of good type with nice expression, good stop, dark eyes and well set ears. Well sprung in body with high set on tail with good curl helping to give that balanced overall appearance. Nicely boned and moved well in both directions. In well presented jacket of correct colour. 2ND- Torrikees Purple Rein (Ms R Tew) So similar to the one above with lovely coat condition and desired markings. Good neck carrying his pleasing head with style. Strong in body and carries his tail well. Well boned and with tight feet, did have a tendency to stand untidily in front at times. Decent on the move in both directions.
Open Dog Entries 7 Absentees 1 1 ST CH Kichigai Boy Is Back In Town for Watchkees (Harris Mrs M) Of very good type and never put a foot wrong here. Correct head with good wedge shaped muzzle, excellent stop and broad flat skull, showing good spectacles and neat ears. Enough neck and well sprung in body with decent length of ribbing and short and compact. Nicely boned with excellent tight feet and moved well in both directions. Good presentation but was lacking his trousers today which spoiled the overall look. Res CC 2ND- Nl Ch Samoykees Harbour Lights (Mr A J & Mrs J M Fitches) Darker in colour but of good type and in excellent beautifully presented coat. Liked his head and expression but would prefer smaller ears. Well boned with good feet supporting well sprung body of correct shape. Moved rather well and nicely handled. 3RD- Ch Neradmik Kiss Chase with Lekkerbek (Mrs J A & Miss S A Miles & Dean) Decent sized solid male of 7 who has a super head and is in the best of coats. Nicely constructed with good bone. Not quite as positive at the rear as the two above when on the move
Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog Entries: 1 Absentees: 0 1ST- Flatmeer Florisel (Mrs S Craig) Pleasing head and expression, carried on a good neck. Well sprung ribcage of good length. Excellent tail with double curl. Well boned with tight feet. In good body coat of correct colour and markings but lacking his trousers. Good action going away but coming back with a little too much enthusiasm, perhaps hiding the food would help.

Veteran Bitch Entries: 7 Absentees: 1 1ST- Caraspitz Good Luck Charm (Mrs N Kerr) I gave this girl a third as a puppy and know that one of those that beat her is titled. She is a lovely girl of the right size, very feminine, pleasing in head properties and has correct markings. Soundly constructed all through with a good tail and tight feet. Just enough strength of bone and moved out and back with really good action, covering the ground effortlessly and with style. BCC. 2ND- Torrikees Sea Breeze (Mrs C Hattersley) Very similar to the winner, in good coat, nicely balanced head though I thought her eyes to be somewhat round which spoils expression. Good angles, well boned and neat feet. Tail carried with good curl. Pleasing on the move.
Puppy Bitch Entries: 3 Absentees: 1 Two lovely babies. 1ST- Sofia Loren Della Ginevrina (Imp Ita) (Mr A J & Mrs J M Fitches) Loved the head and expression on this one with neat ears too. Pleasing angulation at the front which enhances her neck, good topline and well carried tail. Nicely boned with good feet and moved well in both directions. 2ND- Neradmik Pandora’s Box (Mrs J Sharp-Bale) This one is very similar in size and shape and I hope both grow on to improve their size. Lovely headpiece and in beautiful coat with the correct markings. Somewhat upright in shoulder and too wide and loose at the elbows which is demonstrated when coming towards, nice rear action.
Junior Bitch Entries: 3 Absentees: 0 Three very similar girls of typical size. 1ST – Mezanda Missy Sparkles with Hollrexia (Mr M J & Mrs P A Dembiniok) Pretty in head and in excellent coat of good colour and thus clear markings. Nicely angulated and well boned with good plume and curl to tail. Balanced in outline and moved well both going and coming. Has learnt to be a steady lady. 2ND- Tykees We Go Solo (Miss T A Church) This one too has learnt to behave and was nice and steady on the move but a little less positive at the front than first. In excellent coat and condition and although presents as slightly longer than some she is still a quality exhibit. Nice moving at the rear. On the day the name of her sister who was third proved to be apt.
Post Graduate Bitch Entries: 8 Absentees: 2 1ST- Neradmik Shimmer N Shine (Mrs J & Mrs Kim Sharp-Bale & Parr) Not the biggest but brim full of type and in a beautiful jacket. Nicely sprung in body with good bone and excellent tail. She moved at her owners pace which held her back a little but when allowed to flow she demonstrated decent action and the briskness required. 2ND – Dianakees Carolina Moon (Miss S K Lush) Nice for size and has a good head with neat ears which balance well with her head. Super spectacle markings. Nice angulation fore and aft and a good tight tail. In well presented coat and a nice mover.
Limit Bitch Entries: 5 Absentees: 1 1ST – Keitakees You Are My World (Mr M A & Mr D A Redler & Wheatley) So very feminine with a lovely head of correct proportions and good stop. Good expression, neat ears and dark eyes of good shape. Really well made in front and nicely sprung in body with enough leg length to make her beautifully balanced. Correct double curl to tail. A really nice mover in both directions. Still has some maturing to do in body but I think she may well have an excellent future. Res CC. 2ND- Leazehond Amber Steppes for Tykees (Miss T A Church) Another in great coat and condition, lovely in head though her dark mask does mean the specs are not quite as clear. A tad longer in body than the winner. Well sprung in rib and with nice bone though her feet could be tighter, maybe at nearly 6 years young she does not rush about so much to keep them tight. Tightly carried tail. Pleasing on the move, particularly at the rear.
Open Bitch Entries: 10 Absentees: 6 Disappointing so many were missing from here, the resultant four were like a class of two halves with two of decent size and two very much smaller and particularly well coated. 1st Ch Amikirs Lovealicious JW (Mrs D C Gregory) Super body coat and ruff of good colour. Nice head type with correct stop and lovely dark eyes. Decent reach of neck and good front. Good markings throughout and nicely made in body with nice bone and tight feet. Very nice on the move, I am not at all surprised she is titled. 2nd Art Pride Bomb Explosive Beauty (Imp Rus) (Mrs V Tew) Somewhat larger and oozes great quality. Pleasing head type with good stop and muzzle shape. Nicely made with good angles but is a bit longer in couplings than is ideal, tightly carried tail. Nicely boned and is good on the move. In great coat and condition but I would like a clearer colour. 3rd Torrikees Made in Heaven at Devonia (Mrs V & Mr S Marshall) One of two litter sisters here that are like two peas in a pod. Small and very heavily coated so this masks the length of leg and makes them look unbalanced. Though I feel their heads are correct they are diminished by the wealth of ruff. Somewhat short in neck and fully sprung in ribbing with perhaps a little too much weight as well. OK on the move.
Sheila L. Jakeman
21.03.23