Second Place in Minor Puppy - Dog, Judge: Mrs Karen Stockley (Foxfactor)
My thanks to the Officers and Committee for giving me the opportunity to undertake my first Breed Club judging appointment and my stewards Ken Mackenzie and Margaret Warren for their assistance in the ring.
My enjoyable day started with the picturesque drive to the venue, in the sunshine, a rarity lately! Grateful thanks also to the competitors for an entry of 111 (5 NFC) making 141 entries affording me the opportunity to go over some lovely dogs and sportingly accepting my choices.
The majority were in good coat and condition, a couple difficult to span, due more to being a little plump rather than in construction. All males were entire (a few would have benefited from a hygienic wipe for better presentation !), no kinked tails, one incorrect mouth and a couple of ‘acceptable’ level bites and some teeth really needed cleaning. I was surprised by the amount of untidy feet and overlong claws considering how claws can ultimately affect posture, balance and movement. I was pleased with both my line ups and had some close decisions to make.
Two very different types
very much a baby at under 7 mths,grizzle with a pleasing head and expression,correct bite,exellent coat and loose pelt,built on narrow,racy lines,he has all the essentials for a promising future,good shape and length tail,he strides out well covering the ground in profile just needs to find his balance coming and going away as he strengthens up with maturity and ‘show experience’.