Second Place in Open - Bitch, 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
Undoubtedly some very nice ones went cardless
Handled well, free moving and sound, she just sold herself to me the longer she was in the ring, mature and feminine, of good type, head balanced, loved her expression, well constructed throughout, excellent straight front with good legs and feet, good angles both ends including those optimum settings to provide well co-ordinated, effortless, powerful action, well ribbed, good in loin and underline RCC