First Place in Open - Bitch, 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
A super quality grizzle & tan. Feminine otter head with a dark eye, keen expression and strong jaw with good sized teeth. Straight narrow front with tight feet, well angulated front assembly with a good reach of neck that flows into a level topline with correct tailset. Looked superb in profile without any exaggeration. Presented in good harsh wire coat with a good thick loose pelt. Strong well angulated hindquarters, easily spanned. Moved around the ring with drive and purpose showing herself to the full. Today preferred the enthusiasm and spirit of the CC winner in the challenge. Delighted however to award her the Reserve CC.