Second Place in Junior - Bitch, 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.
One of the best classes I have ever judged! Think I shortlisted 8, any of whom I would have been more than happy to award a first prize to on another day!
Blue and Tan, 11 ½ months. Apart from being a Blue, pretty much the same comments apply, as to the 1st, although she is still, obviously, a baby, but so full of incredible promise. The dog puppy had a good length of stride, but in the challenge for Best Puppy, she showed her fabulous construction, by effortlessly opening up her stride and could easily have passed him, without trying, had she not been held back! Not seen that length of stride on a Border, since my own Betwixt! Delighted that the Group Judge was equally impressed, she went on to win Terrier Puppy Group 3. Congratulations!
Pushed, all the way, by the 3rd, who also had such a length of stride, her handler couldn’t keep up!