First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mr David Hunt (Ottaswell)
It was a tremendous honour and a great privilege some 3 years ago to be asked by the Kennel Club to judge at Crufts in 2025. Having attended and enjoyed this show over many years it felt strange to be finally standing centre stage.
My grateful thanks to the exhibitors and handlers from both home and overseas for giving me a fantastic entry of 249 dogs making 279 entries. I wish to sincerely thank my 2 stewards Ken Francis and Bill Ashworth for organising the ring and me so efficiently and thus avoiding any delays between classes in what was a long and tiring day starting at 08.00. Thanks also to Joyce Martin for the excellent photographs.
I was looking for an exhibit that best fitted the standard and most importantly that they were spannable. With kennel cough widespread throughout the country I requested handlers show me the exhibits teeth to avoid possible further spread. On the day I tried to ensure that each dog was given equal time on the table and moving around the ring.
The general condition of most exhibits was fine with coats as usual at all stages and some appearing to have been stripped the day before. Movement was generally good at the rear but less so in front where several were loose and moving in various directions usually caused by poor shoulder construction. Feet were disappointing in some exhibits being spread and well down on their pasterns with thin pads. I found 2 kinked tails and in the mouths 2 undershot plus several with missing and misaligned teeth. All males were entire. Temperaments were good throughout the day.
I was pleased with my final lineups and delighted to see my Best of Breed make the shortlist and be awarded Group 4
A dog I awarded the DCC to, as a junior, on my last appointment in 2022 and my opinion of him has not changed. Now as a mature adult he is of an ideal size, spans well and look balanced from all angles whenever and wherever you look at him. Has a super head, large teeth set square to the jaw, flat skull and dark eye to give great expression. His neck flows to a well laid shoulder, ribs of good depth and length, a strong loin and good bend of stifle at rear end with a correct tail set. In a harsh double coat and loose pelt. He moved freely with correct action both coming, going and around the ring. He was handled to perfection and never stopped showing. Pleased to see him in the shortlist of 8 in the strongest of terrier groups and delighted to see him awarded Group 4 in the big ring.