Second Place in Minor Puppy - Dog, Judge: Mr Peter Armstrong (Atron)
I would first like to thank the Officers and Committee of Leeds City & District Canine Association Championship Show for inviting me to judge at their show, and for the hospitality shown to me on the day. However, most of all, thank you to all the exhibitors for providing me with such a quality entry to assess on this, my first appointment in the breed at this level. I had the privilege of going over so many quality dogs that difficult decisions often had to be made. As always, coats were at different stages, sometimes reflected in the placings, but coats come and go, construction does not. I did not discern any kinked tails and no bad temperaments were apparent. The adequately sized ring however was quite difficult for the exhibitors to circumnavigate, with varying gradients, going uphill away from the judge, coming back downhill but with another gradient across the ring to cope with as well. There were several bumps and hollows in the ring as well, in places which made standing your exhibit to best effect not quite so easy. Many astute exhibitors realising this changed their handling technique to cater for this, some did not
7 month old grizzle dog of a slightly larger build than the winner. Possesses a broad head of correct proportions, moderately short muzzle, and dark eye. Adequate length of neck fitting into laid back shoulders. Good straight front. Narrow all through and easily comes to hand. Level topline and correctly set on carrot tail. Shown in harsh coat and a pliable pelt. Movement not quite as positive as the winner as he was not quite in harmony with his handler.