First Place in Minor Puppy - Bitch, Judge: Mrs Jill Stevens (Cobstoneway)
I would like to thank the committee for giving me the honour of judging at this lovely show, and for the warm welcome and hospitality shown on the day. Special thanks go to the Show Secretary Kathy Wilkinson, my two efficient stewards Liz Barrett and Judy Carr, and Carol Mackenzie for a lovely lunch. Most of all I would like to say a very big thank you to all the exhibitors for giving me such a lovely entry, and for allowing me the privilege of going over their dogs. The depth of quality in some classes, particularly the bitches, meant that I truly wished for more top places to give out. However, I was very pleased with my main winners, who all looked as though they could manage a day’s work. Most exhibits were in hard, fit condition and well turned out. All dogs were entire, I found just a couple of kinked tails, and, understandably, there were a few missing/misplaced teeth in the veteran class. Coats were at various stages, as to be expected, and this had to affect a few places as it is not only a necessity on a working terrier, but completes the picture. I was pleased to have some very promising puppies, and at the other end of the scale a wonderful class of veterans.
Three promising puppies.
Lovely 7 month old grizzle and tan girl with everything in the right place, and I liked her very much. She has a lovely head with strong jaw and good bite, and is very narrow throughout, easily spanned, and ribbed well back. She has a straight, narrow front, adequate bone, and stands on neat feet, and has a good double coat with loose pelt. She has sturdy, nicely angulated hind quarters giving plenty of drive, but just needs to tighten up a little in front, which is where she lost out to an older, more mature puppy later.