First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson
My thanks go to Blackpool & District Canine Society for the invitation to judge their show, my very efficient stewards and to the exhibitors for their wonderful entry, topping the Terrier Group by quite a margin!
It was a good quality entry, all the way through, especially in the younger classes, Junior bitch being quite exceptional, which bodes well, for the future!
I thought the line ups, for the CCs, were excellent, all, for me, fitting the Standard well, good for size, lithe bodied, easily spanned and with a good length of stride.
Only a very few were difficult to span.
As for points of concern, a number with very deep stops, often with a rounder eye, which gives a rather untypical expression, more reminiscent of the Asian short clawed Otter, rather than the English River Otter.
Forehand construction, as ever, is the main area for concern, correct shoulder and upper arm being the most difficult thing to breed for and attain. A correct forehand is a joy to watch, on the move, especially if they have the rear angulation to match, giving totally balanced, efficient, ground covering movement, but get it wrong and the movement is a bit like a “ bike with square wheels! “ in profile! I’m well aware it’s possible to win, at the highest levels, with the latter, but it doesn’t make it correct, when the Standard asks for the soundness to follow a horse, which, obviously, would require a good length of stride.
A few dogs weren’t too keen on the bandage on my hand, covering up the aftermath of an unfortunate trip up, on gravel, none were unduly penalised.
Blue and Tan. No secret he’s a favourite of mine, having given him Res CC when I did the Southern Club Show, in 2015, and have used him twice, he being the sire of my latest star! “Old school” Border, of the old “Wharfholm” type, who wouldn’t have looked out of place, in the ring, from when I first started showing! Typical head and expression, with a beautiful flat skull, a rarity nowadays! Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Super topline and tailset, with a neat tail, well carried. Easily spanned, as he has a correct rib. Good underline and a racy hindquarter. Super double coat, of fabulous colour, on a thick pelt. Sound, free mover, just losing out to the bloom of youth, in the challenge, the CC winner being his grandson!