First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
My thanks to the committee of Windsor Championship Dog for their invitation to judge at this show which is so efficiently organised and well run. Thanks also to my stewards Elaine Waddingham and Lynn Crane for their help and assistance in keeping the ring running smoothly at all times. My appreciation also to the exhibitors for their entries .
As usual at Windsor the ring was large in/out with lots of space for dogs to move freely and a fairly flat surface enabling movement to be assessed, without being forced to stop/start when moving the whole class. In general the dogs were in good condition and I found no dogs that were not entire. Although teeth were generally good, apart from a few misaligned, they varied greatly from very small to huge in size. Disappointed to see a few light eyes creeping in.
Coats varied as always with many shown in soft undercoat but lacking topcoat, but worryingly I found several with a decent topcoat but very little undercoat. Movement particularly at the front end continues to be of concern, whilst a puppy can improve and tighten in front as it matures, moving wide or high stepping in an older exhibit is difficult to change,
Generally the standard of the bitches was better than that of the dogs.
What a super dog, out of the top drawer. Excellent for size and so well balanced when handled to span well. Everything as it should be and nothing exaggerated. Head so well proportioned, excellent skull shape with bite of large teeth. Straight, narrow front with the best of neat, tight well padded feet. Good neck flows into well laid back shoulder. Good in body and underline with best of tail sets and topline. His well muscled rear end is used to advantage when driving out well from behind with good front extension.His double coat is at its best with a thick pelt. Pleased to award him DOG CC & BEST OF BREED