Second Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mrs D Lorraine (Raleniro)
Firstly I would like to thank the officers and committee for inviting me to judge at the club’s limited show, my first breed club appointment. Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality, and special thanks to my very efficient steward Joyce Orr who kept things running smoothly. Many thanks to all the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to go over their dogs and the sporting way in which they accepted my decisions.
As to be expected at this time of year, coats were at all stages with some exhibits in full coat and some without any, and in certain classes this was a deciding factor. Mouths were good with only one or two exhibits having the odd misplaced or dirty tooth. Size was a slight concern, with a few exhibits being well up to size and difficult to span, and some carrying a little too much condition. Movement on the whole was good, however, some exhibits did not cover the ground with the drive and economy of movement that would be essential when working. Generally temperaments were excellent and all males were entire.
I was very pleased with my main winners, in my opinion good examples of the breed and very capable of doing the job they were bred for.
A very nice 8 year old grizzle and tan who belied his age. Excellent otter head with broad skull and lovely expression. Good scissor bite with large teeth. Nice size and type with good pelt and jacket. Spannable with good rib shape. Good topline and tailset. Moved well but didn’t stride out quite as much as winner.