First Place in Junior - Bitch, Judge: Mr Colin Girling (Benattivo)
I had the most enjoyable experience from the first to last minute of my judging day, the Northern hospitality from all was exceptional and I thank the Committee for giving me such a great opportunity. The quality and depth in some classes was a real treat for me to discover on judging ‘up north’ for the first time. Thanks to my stewards who helped keep everything managed practically perfect throughout the day. I enjoyed the lunch and my gift is displayed in pride of place on the mantle. Thank you all for trusting me to take on such a wonderful show.
A couple of untidy mouths, some unclean teeth but bites generally good. Found a dog and a bitch with kinks and there were a few thin pelts. Overall however I found good quality in the majority, good heads and expressions are essential but I especially like to see a dog moving forwards with drive, not pulling but setting off to get somewhere. I believe a working terrier needs good tight feet and thick pads to be able to meet the standard, most feet were good although I observed some long claws which do not help.
The girls matched the dogs in another great class of youngsters which gave me a real challenge to ‘split hairs’ to place the top 3.
Her fitness and condition was such that she started from a strong position from the moment she entered the ring. Strong but feminine head with appealing expression. Good reach of neck and nice topline just falling away at the rump. To me her hindquarters are the definition of racey, not at all weak, well boned and muscled which would in my opinion allow her to be active all day.