Second Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
My thanks go to the committee and volunteers of BOTKA for putting on this well organised show, under rather challenging circumstances, with sunny smiles and cheery dispositions. But, above all, my thanks go to the stewards, Margaret and Julie, and the brave exhibitors- the hardy few- who endured the awful road conditions to make it to Newark today.
In the ring, unfortunately both the colder than expected temperature, and the fan blowing warm air right next to the ring did affect most of the dogs to a varying degree- mostly in movement unfortunately. There were no kinked tails, all were of sound temperaments with keen gaze. Every dog had a strong scissor bite and clean strong teeth, and were spannable, with some good pelts and jackets on show today.
3-year-old grizzle and tan dog- lighter framed and less up on the leg than 1 but in correct proportions. Good masculine otter like head with shallow stop and keen alert gaze, strong jaw and big teeth. Easily spanned but less length of back than 1. Nice angles fore and aft and shown in a great thick jacket with super pelt and thick skin. A little hesitant on the move today- another affected by unfortunate environment today.