First Place in Limit - 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.
Grizzle and tan, two years old. She has what I would describe as a real old fashioned look to her which really appealed to me and she has an excellent bite. Moderate neck into well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Straight front legs and good bone right through her pasterns to well padded feet. Easily spanned and narrow throughout. Excellent topline and underline with a well set tail. Well muscled hindquarters with just the right amount of angulation without being overdone. In excellent harsh topcoat with a good undercoat and pelt. Very sound and balanced on the move and keeping her good profile. As an honest bitch, free from any exaggeration, I was pleased to award her Best Bitch and Best In Show.