First Place in Puppy, Judge: Siân McKay (Redesholt)
Firstly, my thanks, as ever, goes to the committee and helpers of the shows whose efforts cannot be underestimated. Today it was the turn of Yeovil and District Canine Society whose sterling efforts despite the persistent and often heavy downpour,resulted in a well-run show with ever helpful and smiling faces- Bravo! Secondly my appreciation to Jan Russell de Clifford whose stalwart efforts as steward in our ring for the whole (freezing) day resulted in an efficient and well run ring. My thanks must also go to the exhibitors who primarily turned up on the most inclement of days, and accepted my decisions with good grace and not a little humour as the heavens opened.
The wind and rain did influence the performance of many of the exhibits unfortunately; but some rose to the challenge, and several were simply oblivious to it. Coats, as ever, were in various stages of growth; some great movement noted in many of the exhibits; all teeth clean and with correct bites and no kinked tails to note; feet on the whole were tidy and correct.
Straight out of the top drawer came this young puppy dog of 6 months and a day. Caught my eye as soon as he stepped into the ring- alert and composed with assured movement that belied his age, with a total disregard for the heavy rain.
Correctly proportioned head and ear set, with dark inquisitive eyes and the merest whisper of a stop over a strong muzzle and large teeth in correct scissor bite, giving the impression of a strong otter-like head in the making. Good coat and loose pelt- immaculately presented. Correctly angled front and rear; has good shoulder placement, is narrow throughout, ribs well back nice set on of tail and easily spanned- good underline. He kept his topline on the move and his racy hindquarters propelled him on with excellent drive and corresponding reach, moving effortlessly over the slippery terrain. Pleased to award him B.P.I.B and R.B.O.B and watched him go on to T.P.G.! and B.P.I.S. One to watch.