West of England Ladies Kennel Society (27-04-2023)

First Place in Junior - Dog, Judge: Mr Mark Walshaw (Janmark)

Show Critique:

Many thanks to the officers and committee for the invitation to judge at WELKS, it was quite a few years ago now, as I was due to judge them at the beginning of lockdown. Due to the heavy rain that had fallen over the preceding days, all judging was inside. It was slightly draughty, but we were allocated a double ring, so plenty of space, to see the exhibits stride out. I must thank the two stewards Lynn Jones and Celia Vines who kept the ring flowing beautifully and the exhibitors for making prompt appearances, we did well for time, starting approx. 0930 and finishing around 14:45. I thank all exhibitors for a wonderful entry (123 dogs making 172 entries} for a Thursday in Malvern and appreciate their time and expense for entering under me. There was plenty of quality to choose from and I was happy with my final decisions. Dentition was very good and a pleasure to judge dogs with clean teeth. I did find muscle tone to be poor/average in a lot of the exhibits, which must be one of the key areas for any working terrier. Jackets were mixed as was movement.

Placing Critique:

A balanced youngster of good length. Flat, moderately broad skull, small dark eye and small well placed ears. Good length of neck leading into clean shoulders. Stood on neat feet and just right for bone. Clean through good ribbing and level topline. Tidy tail set and short thick carrot tail. Pliable pelt and thick coarse coat. Stifles well angled, which showed as he moved out with drive and purpose, covering the ground with purpose and maintaining his clean outline.