Second 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.
Similar in type to 1 and lots of the comments apply. This girl has a lovely head of correct proportions with good scissor bite and a strong jaw. She has a narrow front, good shoulders and is just right for bone. She is easily spanned, has well shaped ribs and well muscled hind quarters. Shown in a good tweedy coat. Moved very well fore and aft. Very close decision in this super class of Borders.