First Place in Open - Bitch, Judge: Mr Graham Pickering (Picer)
I would like to thank the committee of Ladies Kennel Association for their kind invitation to the judge the breed at this well organised show and their generous hospitality. It was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I would also like to thank my stewards Tony and Katherine for keeping things running smoothly throughout the day. Thank you also, to all the exhibitors for their entries and the sporting way that they took the decisions that I made.
As for the dogs – as expected, coats varied, all the dogs were entire, in clean condition and well behaved. There were a couple of dogs with teeth not set square in the jaw or with teeth out of line. I was looking for dogs of the correct size, with a typical otter head, a harsh double coat and a thick pelt, plenty of muscle, the correct amount of bone, and shown in hard condition. I also expect to see dogs that move true and with ease around the ring and look physically capable of doing a days’ work, whether they get the opportunity or not. All my winners had these attributes and as often happens many deserving exhibits went without cards on the day.
Another class that was a pleasure to judge – lots of quality and some difficult decisions as a result.
I have observed this bitch from the ring side and she didn’t disappoint. A bitch of excellent make and shape, with a feminine head which has good breadth of skull and neat well placed ears. I would have liked to see a little more strength of foreface – but her other attributes outweigh this. She has a nice front assembly, well laid shoulders and easily spanned. She has a good level top line, correct tail set and good rear angulation. Shown in good double coat and pelt. Moved very well fore and aft to complete the picture. Pleased to award her RBCC.