First Place in Open - Dog, Judge: Mrs Melanie Lewis
Thank you to the exhibitors for giving me a record entry for the breed of 303 exhibits making 340 entries and indeed the largest entry for a single Judge at this prestigious show, also for the sporting way in which my decisions were accepted. Thank you also to my two Stewards, Roger and Heather Chaston, who worked tirelessly throughout the day, for their assistance in ensuring that I was able to get through this huge entry in plenty of time for my Best of Breed to compete in the Group.
It was an interesting entry with some difficult decisions having to be made such was the high standard of exhibits present. I felt that movement had improved since the last time I judged. Heads and expressions were good, although a few were a shade heavy in ear. Mouths overall were much improved with a marked reduction in the number of dogs presented with overcrowded jaws of small teeth, only the odd few having either a chipped, or in the case of an older exhibit, a missing tooth. The majority of teeth were clean with just a small number needing more attention in this area. All dogs were entire.
I was pleased that so many were presented with the correct double jacket that the standard asks for, unfortunately some exhibits that really appealed for type and size had very little evidence of, or no, jacket and on another day could have done better. Attention to feet was very evident, many of whom I believe may have benefited from plenty of roadwork, resulting in tight thick pads and short claws. Inevitably with any entry of this magnitude I had to let a number of worthy exhibits leave the ring without a prize card, which I really did not enjoy doing.
a great showman with such lovely ring presence and sound movement. A masculine dog that is moderately broad in skull with dark v shaped ears falling close to the cheek complemented by a keen varminty expression and good mouth. His harsh double jacket covered a good thick pelt; he has nice body proportions and bone, good topline and tailset, with well muscled racy hindquarters. He spanned with ease and stood on the neatest of firmly padded feet. He is of an ideal size and his overall condition and presentation were a credit to his owner. I was pleased to award him the DCC and BOB and also to see him shortlisted in the Group. I note that he also sired the RDCC; BPIB and BPB winners.