Second Place in Post Graduate - Dog, Judge: Miss Sarah Dandy (Dandale)
There was a good depth of quality overall across both sexes which proved for good competition and some very close decisions especially in the larger classes. Thank you to all those who accepted my decisions so sportingly. Temperaments were excellent especially the youngsters with the added challenge of the tannoy right overhead. There were some very promising youngsters which is always pleasing and positive to see, and I was delighted with my winning line up in both sexes, with top honours closely contested. I was disappointed that some exhibits who looked so good standing fell apart on the move, there were quite a few upright shoulders and I felt that efficient ground covering movement so essential for the breeds ability to follow a horse was somewhat lacking. It is encouraging to see quite a few younger handlers taking an interest in our breed today, so positive for the future. Thank you to both my excellent stewards who most competently kept the ring moving all day.
A different type to 1 but a lot to like, an eye-catching, masculine Grizzle in super jacket who also moved out well in profile around the ring, soundly made and well bodied with a firm topline and good underline. Good masculine head type, a reach of neck into soundly constructed well paired quarters standing on good legs, pasterns and feet, hocks well let down and used to advantage on the move.