First Place in Minor Puppy - Dog, Judge: Mrs Elizabeth Barrett (Howthwaite)
Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge their show, and thank you to the exhibitors for the lovely entry. Thank you also to my ring stewards Jem Thomas and Paul Brannan for their hard work and efficiency in keeping the classes running smoothly. I had some very pleasant surprises on the day when going over new dogs. Some dogs I found to be much lighter to handle than they appear from the ringside and also in the same vein, two or three were way over an acceptable departure from the standard weight. I found what I was looking for in so much as I believe we should be looking at the whole dog in balance. I sometimes think it is easy to get so hooked up on breed points that we lose sight of the whole picture. There were one or two difficult decisions on the day, but the dogs with balance, lightness and lack of exaggeration were generally rewarded and I do like to see a dog “active” as the standard calls for.
Dark grizzle & tan that caught my eye straight away. Lovely head and expression. Nice neck and shoulders. Up on the leg and well grown for his age, but balanced in outline. Narrow and ribbed well back. Just right for bone, standing on good feet. Excellent topline and well set, short tail. In very good coat with plenty of undercoat and thick pelt. Moved very true, I’m sure he has a bright future ahead of him.