First Place in Yearling - Dog, Judge: Miss Sally Leslie (Risdene)
It was a great honour and pleasure to examine a superb entry of 250 dogs with 28 absentees. I was conscious that the judging period available had to be used wisely. My profound thanks to all exhibitors, my splendidly efficient stewards Mr R and Mrs A Green and the marvellous exhibitor who provided the red chair as my unofficial ring marker (even if she did occasionally have the temerity to sit in it) for co-operating famously to ensure that we completed our task in a timely manner while hopefully enabling everyone an equal opportunity to put their best foot forward.
To go over something special and send it round and see proof that it meets the crucial test of health and conformation makes the pulse quicken. I was looking for typical, well knit, well conditioned, free moving specimens exhibiting all the breed characteristics we need to retain while trying to minimise undesirable aspects. This is a natural and unexaggerated breed and my ultimate line-ups pleased me immensely displaying exactly what I was seeking
What a promising class! Topped by this very lovely b/t with too many good points to ignore. If there were prizes for hiding light under a bushel this partnership would surely qualify. Standing naturally he kept catching my eye and as he circled the ring with a clearly effective profile action he snatched the top spot, scores in head properties having skull and foreface in harmony, expression just right, carries his head well on good length of shapely neck to give him that touch of quality, good bone, well bodied and ribbed for correct underline. Correct length of second thigh and resultant good angulation behind. Moved true. Good coat and pelt