First Place in Open - 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
CC it was a real pleasure to arrive at my short list in this class, heading the way was this smart, well bodied and well ribbed example, impressive to handle and all male in outlook I loved his lithe flexibility. Very sound and free moving as a result of his excellent construction with the natural arrogance of a good male, he is good in skull and foreface with well placed and shaped eyes, super neckline of good length flowing into firm backline, has scope and stands evenly on his well padded feet he is very deserving of his title which I understand accompanies this high award today