WELKS (25-04-2022)

First Place in Limit - Dog, Judge: Mr S A Mcpherson (Brumberhill))

Show Critique:

Thank you to the WELKS committee for the invitation to judge their show and to my stewards, who did a sterling job, keeping everything moving, to get through the entry.
Wasn’t sure what to expect, being on a Monday, in the current financial climate, so was delighted to receive an entry of 126 dogs, making 181 entries, topping the Terrier Group, by quite a margin. Thank you to those exhibitors, for bringing their dogs, and wanting my opinion. There were very few I’d actually judged before, having last judged at Blackpool ’19.
We were blessed with a lovely sunny day, and a huge double sized ring, giving everyone full chance to show their dogs to full advantage.
I felt it was a high quality entry, especially the bitches, where, I felt, my final bitch challenge line up was one of the best I’ve judged. There were a number of bitches, both there, and in the placings, I have no doubt will gain their crowns, given a fair chance.
Main points of concern, as last time I judged, at Blackpool ’19, are still deep stops, with a rounder eye, giving an untypical expression. A few, with this problem, also had tighter, untidy bites, as they were very short in muzzle.
A few knobbly tails, some too long, carried high, but most were ok and well carried.
On the whole, I thought movement had improved, although still a few high steppers, due to incorrect shoulder and upper arm. Toplines were good, on most. Presentation, on the whole, was good, as most were in good coat, or evidence of texture.

Placing Critique:

Grizzle and tan. Super head and expression, with a lovely dark eye. Excellent neck, shoulder, front and feet. Super rib, giving a good underline, easily spanned. Excellent topline and tailset. Excellent coat and pelt. Totally balanced, front and back, which showed in sound, free, accurate, movement. Not a “flashy” dog, but he is one who has always caught my eye, from ringside, for his typical “old school “ qualities. Delighted to get the chance to go over him, he certainly pulled out the stops, today, in a big ring, in the dog challenge, which gave him the chance to show off that fabulous long, even stride, giving ground covering movement, keeping his outline on the move. Delighted to award him his second CC, and, even more pleased to see he gained his well deserved crown, and title, at Birmingham National, with a Group shortlist! Congratulations!