First Place in 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
Attractive, light red grizzle with a black muzzle to his masculine head. Well set ears, nice eye and good skull. Good neck and lengthy body, narrow throughout, with good balance and depth to chest. Presented in super condition with a harsh, double coat and thick pelt. Very sound when moving with a good length of stride, level topline and correctly set on and carried tail. A very promising puppy who did well to beat his sibling who pushed him hard. On another day I am sure they could well change places. Well deserved Best Puppy in Breed.