Second Place in Open - 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
It was a pleasure to go over this eye catching grizzle dog, who was beautifully balanced and proportioned. Possesses an otter like head, dark eye and short, strong muzzle and alert expression. Good reach of neck flowed into a lovely layback of shoulder, narrow body, ribbed well back and strong in loin. His tail was moderately short and well set, although I preferred the tail carriage of my winner at times. Well angulated front and rear and in good hard condition, although could not quite match the movement of my winner today. Well presented in excellent hard condition with a correct double coat and thick pelt.