First Place in Post Graduate - Bitch, Judge: Ms Tina Jones (Otterholme)
May I take the opportunity to thank the Club and its members for inviting me to judge at this show, and for the super warm hospitality I received. Special thanks to my ring stewards Carolyn Richardson and Janice Johnson, for being so efficient and keeping me on track.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the exhibitors for giving me the opportunity to go over their dogs, this was a real honour and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
A few observations from the day, I felt rear movement on the whole was good but a few lacked the drive that I looked for, whilst in others it was their elevated front action that indicates an upper arm that is shorter than ideal. Today I saw too many that were far too wide in front, lacking the narrowness to go to ground. I like to see feet that are tight with a good thick pad so vital in an earth dog, many were lacking in this important trait.
Heads which are such a defining aspect of this breed, varied greatly, I found some too exaggerated and coarse for my liking, whilst others were narrow and somewhat snipey in muzzle, neither are correct.
Today I found coats at all stages, perhaps a sign that Crufts was not far around the corner, so perhaps not the best month to find a thick double jacket, so I found myself forgiving a lack of coat if the construction and balance I look for was there.
I found temperaments superb, dentition all good and all dogs entire. I felt the depth of quality was in the bitches, and in some classes I was spoilt for choice. Both puppy bitch classes were high in quality, and I look forward to seeing how they mature.
I am always mindful to judge fit for function, and I was happy that my winners fitted that bill.
won a very strong class, she took my eye from the moment I saw her go around with the others in this class, at close quarters she impressed me even further with her perfect balance and outline. Exquisite and feminine head that is perfectly proportioned, super strong in jaw. Your hands just flowed over this bitch, good reach of neck into good lay and length of shoulder with corresponding return of upper arm, ribs carried well back, the most level of toplines with strong loin. I loved her easy lengthy stride, exhibited in hard condition with super muscle tone. Although she had left her jacket at home, this just showed off her exquisite flowing lines, her overall construction that I look for in an earth dog, coupled with her perfect balance I could not overlook today, I was delighted to award her Rest Best Bitch and Reserve Best in Show.