First Place in Open - 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.
Top drawer Grizzle who excels in size, type, make and shape and is full of quality. Such a smart dog at his mature best presented in cracking form and shows himself off to advantage. In super coat and condition with thick pelt he stands out for type. Quality head and expression with strong reach of neck, well put together with a super topline and tailset matched with an equally good underline. Beautifully balanced and correctly angulated with a particularly good layback of shoulder and length in upper arm, good legs and feet. Very sound, muscular yet racy hindquarters. Presented a good picture on the move, active mover who opened up in profile around the ring with plenty of forward reach. Lovely to go over, a really impressive dog, delighted to award him DCC & BOB.