First Place in Minor Puppy - Bitch, Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee, members and exhibitors for the fantastic entry at this, my first club open show. It was a great privilege to judge here on the 50th anniversary of the Jedbergh show and to be able to get my hands on all these dogs. Thank you to my ring stewards, Jane Morton-Shaw and Janice Johnson for their hard work and efficiency. Thank you also, to Carole MacKenzie for going the extra mile with my lunch and plying me with all sorts of gluten free goodies!
All the dogs were entire and I found only two or three kinked tails, but mouths were a bit of a concern. There were a lot of level bites, and although “acceptable” we should all be mindful of this when breeding on. Strong scissor bites with typically large teeth is what we should be aiming for. The majority of dogs were in good fit order, but unfortunately a small number of exhibits were rather thin and lacking condition. The two shouldn’t be confused. There were also quite a number of very short, and in some cases, sprung ribs, and quite a few lacking angulation and length of upper arm in front. On a positive note, there were some very promising youngsters, especially in the young bitch classes, which can only bode well for the future.
Light grizzle and tan, eight months old. Caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring and on closer inspection, just got even better. Excellent otter head with good mouth, a short strong muzzle, shallow stop, flat skull and lovely dark, kind eye. Good reach of neck into the best of shoulders. Ribbed well back with good topline and underline. Narrow throughout but strong through loin and nicely angulated hindquarters. Shown in a short tight coat with a thick close fitting undercoat and thick pliable pelt. Moved well in all directions. It was a pleasure to go over her and a pleasure to award her Best Puppy Bitch and Best Puppy In Show.