Applecote Golden Retrievers
Ha1
'Where temperament comes as standard'
Bill
A
Applecote Billy Bongo
(Sansue Magic Man x Applecote Rosemary Russet)
D.O.B 12th May 2002 - 2nd November 2015
KC Stud book number ~ Crufts Qualified for life
Championship show winner
Since his first day in the show ring Bill proved to be very confident and outgoing; enjoying every moment of being in the ring and a real character at times!
On his first outing he won best puppy in breed at the tender age of just 6 months, at 10 months he qulified for Crufts and then just one week short of his 1st birthday won best puppy dog and finally best puppy in breed at the Golden Retriever Club of Northumbria Championship show.
Bill was a consistent winner in show ring at both open and championship shows winning numberous best puppy and best of breed awards at open shows as well as championship show 1st placings. The most memorable day in his career was when he gain his kennel club stud book number at The South Western Golden Retriever Club Championship Show under breed judge specialist Mr Bernard Catterall (Golmas).
In later years Bill was only shown lightly until he retired at 10years old after a lovely run of results.
At home Bill was always happy to play with the youngsters, sadly never lucky enough to be a Dad himself so instead he became know as 'Uncle Bill' a role which really suited him.
~ Critiques~
"Gorgeous dark golden, most appealing of expressions, retaining masculinity without coarseness. Very soundly made with all the qualities and plenty of substance. Beautifully ballanced, good forechest, reach of neck and super layback of shoulder into level topline and tailset. Excellent driving movement from well angulated quarters. Not a flashy boy but one who embodies the essence of the breed" Judge Jo Naylor (Frankby)
"Loved this rich golden boy with lovely head and expression. Reachy neck and shoulders, well off for bone, good ribs and short coupled. Good stifles and hocks, a most impressive exhibit"
Judge Lyn Anderson (Lincheal)
"Darker coloured rich gold dog, mature and so sound good head and expression, pleasing angulation. Short coupled and free easy movement." Judge Freda Marshall (Gainspa)
"Compact dog, his dark golden coat just gleaming in the sunlight. Lovely balanced outline, masculine head with good pigment giving a lovely expression. Level topline and good tailset, good straight front with well rounded feet. Strong rear quarters, moved with enthusiasm." Judge Joan Grimmett (Haydene)
"At one with his owner, this dog stands like a rock but moves true with drive and purpose. 6 years and a little grey but nonetheless a real golden with no exaggerations. Beautiful shoulder placement with plenty of neck and upper arm. Short couplings, level topline and correct tailset. Strong straight hocks and cat like feet. In perfect coat and muscular condition" Judge Heather Crawford (Stormford)
"Dark golden of grand type, strong masculine without any coarseness. Quality head and expression, powerful muzzle. Strong shoulders, elbows tight. Well coupled with deep well sprung ribs, good bend of stifle. Moved really well with super strong drive" Judge Richard Stafford (Farnfield)
"One i have not seen before and once he and his owner got their act together what a picture he made.
Alert and freestanding rich gold full coated boy, soft expression, reachy neck, good forechest, straightest of fronts. Really good turn of stifle with short straight hocks, level topline. Moved with excellent reach in front and drive behind" Judge Hazel Kirby (Ambergold)
"Nice young dog in attractive golden coat. Good bone, level topline, well sprung ribs. True mover from sound rear assembly. Typical 'golden' temperament; confident, happy and outgoing. Has a little more growing to do and if he keeps all of his qualities he has now he should have a lot of winning to do"
Judge David Arrondelle (Muirbeck)
Bill being show at Crufts 2008 under judge Pauline Bevis (Starlance)
A gentleman right to the end Bill sadly passed away on 2nd Novemeber 2015 aged 13 years.
He was diagnosed with a nasel tumour earlier in the year but, despite the prognosis being bleak and the vet only giving him a few weeks Bill, as stubborn to the end had to prove everyone wrong and we had an extremely precious 6 months together which i will treasure for ever. Sadly though like all good things we had to make the very hard decision to let Bill go and help him make his final journey.
Like others who have gone before him he will always have a very special place in our hearts
"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day"
