First Place in Limit - Dog, Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
I was pleased with the quality of both my dog and bitch line ups, all were worthy winners with several most promising youngsters in both puppy and junior classes. I do like to watch movement in profile not only does it give a good indication of conformation but also the ability to follow a horse efficiently, so essential to the fitness for purpose of this working breed. I noted a lack of angulation front and back in many which restricts reach and drive. Untidy feet with unclipped nails do somewhat spoil the overall picture when an exhibit is standing on the table and can be easily fixed. Temperaments were uniformly sound which is of great importance and I thought the dogs (and exhibitors) coped really well in the extremely hot temperatures today.
One I have judged and admired before as a youngster. Striking blue and tan who commanded the ring with his style and ring presence. A joy to watch on the move, extending so well in profile around the ring, demonstrating free and easy driving movement with a ground covering stride, he could easily and efficiently follow a horse. Really good to go over and presented immaculately with quality B/T coat, in a fit honed condition he presents an equally good profile standing, being very well balanced he holds himself so well with flowing topline, matched by an equally good underline with a length of body, well ribbed back. Particularly liked his superb angulation with a very attractive masculine head to finish the picture. On top form, not his usual handler today but showed and handled to advantage. DCC & BOB.