Second Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Nicola Howard (Tyneotter)
I would like to thank the club and committee for the invite to judge their show, this was my first judging appointment for several years so I particularly appreciated of my stewards, Katrina and Liz in keeping the ring running smoothly.
Thank you to all the exhibitors for making the journey and allowing me to go over their dogs. There was a lovely friendly atmosphere around the ringside.
On the day I thought the quality of the bitches surpassed the dogs overall. Movement seems to be an issue, particularly coming but I did find some lovely exhibits who covered the ground effortless.
Fitness and muscle tone was lacking in a few of the exhibits which I was surprised about and did factor into my decision making, they are ‘essentially a working terrier’ after all.
Coats were varied with a number in full coat, some in between and a few with little coats. Bites were good .I found one kinked tail.
Another blue and tan male who was also presented in a lovely harsh jacket with plenty of undercoat, he has the most fantastic thick pelt. He was smaller in height than the first dog but slightly stronger made and was well off for bone. He stood on tight well-padded feet.
He had a strong head with a short muzzle with a correct bite. Again, another dog in good firm condition who was moderately angled front and rear, with a firm loin and well set tail.
He moved well around the ring driving from his well-muscled rear, however a little wide coming. A lot to like about him however I just struggled to span him which factored into the placings between the 1st and 2nd today.