Border Union Agricultural Society (17-06-2017)

First Place in Post Graduate - Dog, Judge: Mr Phil Sharp (Martec)

Show Critique:

I would like to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge at this Show. It was my first visit to Kelso and I was most impressed with the hospitality and organisation there. My two excellent stewards, Gordon and Donald, kept me on the straight and narrow and contributed to a lovely atmosphere in and around the ring.
I did not make my usual visit to the SBTC championship show the weekend before as I wanted to see all the dogs afresh, and I am glad I did as many of the exhibits were new to me. In general, mouths were good, with dentition only slightly awry in one instance. I found no kinked tails and all dogs were entire.
It was a very hot and sunny day and this affected some dogs, who perhaps lacked their normal animation and were moving lethargically. As usual, there was a wide variation in coats, with some totally lacking top coat, and this naturally had an effect on the placings.
I would like to thank the exhibitors for the large entry and for the sporting way in which my decisions were taken throughout my judging stint.

Placing Critique:

yet another of the same litter as 1 and 2 in GD, moved very well today, not surprisingly as he has excellent hindquarters, with a good bend of stifle, and a nice straight front. Pleasing head, good dark eyes. In good coat. My notes say ‘liked him a lot’.