I had to step into this appointment at short notice as unfortunately the appointed judge, Paul Harding was unwell. I do hope that Paul is now feeling better.Thank you to the Officers and Committee of the Society for asking me and thank you to all the exhibitors for accepting me so willingly as a substitute judge.

Best in Show

It was a quality Best in Show lineup, so I was able to select a decent shortlist for further examination. One or two dogs that might ordinarily have made the cut didn’t simply because the line up was quite strong.

For BIS I selected the Kerry Blue Terrier bitch, Davani and Potts’ Kebulak Plum Pudding. This one took my eye as soon as she came into the ring. There is no doubting her sex. She possesses terrier style and was on her toes throughout the competition. She didn’t disappoint when I did the hands-on examination, as she’s well put together and moves very true in all directions. Lovely proportions, great outline, super head and expression and finished off with excellent presentation on a correct silky blue coat. Well handled to get the very best out of her.

Res BIS was the exciting young prospect, Britten’s WHWT Krisma Fine Fettle. This young man was my best puppy in breed when I did the breed at Windsor last year and I’m pleased to see that he is fulfilling his early promise. He is a sound as a pound in all directions and maturing into a very nice young Westie. Super head, lovely bite, so correct in neck and shoulders, level back and good quarters. Coat sensibly presented. Tail bang on.

BIS 3, the young Airedale, Toulson’s Toulsyork Taylor Made and certainly cut from the correct cloth – not yet two and starting to come to his best. Presents a lovely outline, super coat condition and presentation, correct proportions for the breed and another who moved well in all directions. Kept taking my eye and couldn’t be denied his place.

BIS 4 England and Burrage’s Cesky, Ch Ashleyheaths Black Thunder – the other end of the spectrum as regards age as this guy is now almost 11. He is in remarkable condition for his age, has done really well under me before and nothing today changed my opinion of him. He is very typical of the breed, super proportions, another good mover, correct head and furnishings and presents a good outline, standing and showing.

Best Puppy in Show

BPIS was Irving‘s Jack Russell Twinan High Regard and I certainly developed a high regard for this youngster as he really filled my eye. No mistaking his sex, masculine, but not bulky, good proportions, super outline – masculine head, good bite, decent neck, a good fronted dog and tail in the right place. I was particularly impressed with his rear as he really did have some drive. Should have a very bright future to add to his already bright puppy career.

Res BPIS- Bradleys, Irish Terrier, Pinleygreen Irish Star for Montelle. I think that she is a star in, the making. Feminine, on her toes, looked at me right and presented the correct racy outline – super type, lovely head. Keeping her handler busy which is very typical of this breed. I thought she was very promising indeed.

Puppy Gp 3-Walkers, Manchester, Terrier, Wystry Depths of Glory for Sizlin-I liked this young man very much, particularly his size and the fact that he held his outline correctly, both standing and moving. A good mover, decent head and everything in the right place.

Puppy Gp 4-Pederson’s Bedlington, Silverkinn Skyfall of Topaz. Handsome youngster, a good outline, which he held standing and on the move, correct proportions and immaculately presented. Showing promise.

AV Vulnerable Native Breeds

Puppy-10 entries, 5absent

1st Hendricks Dandie Dinmont Cloverwood Precious Pansy-this young lady is developing along good lines, shapely and holds her outline moving and standing, sound up and back and head developing well. Showing promise.

2nd. Amel-Azipour’s SCWT Crofftysofty Hay Jude

Junior-5 entries, 1 absent

1st Williams’s SCWT Evesdale Summer Breeze-promising young lady, good size, super sound on the move, excellent temperament, will be interesting to see her with an adult coat.

2nd Russell’s Dandie Dinmont Jollygaze Ursula at Hawkesmill (Imp Aus)

Post grad-10 entries, 7 absent

1st Munn’s SCWT Snowmeadow Treacle Toffee-this young lady is shaping up well, very typical outline, correct proportions, good in front and rear, feminine, but with enough substance, good size and really good coat coming through.

2nd Heath’s Skye Skyeshire Rosie

Open-11 entries, 7 absent

1st Munn’s SCWT Ch Snowmeadow Suzy Sixpence-super lady, fully mature, very sound, gorgeous outline and good outgoing temperament. Maturity carried her through to best AV Vulnerable Native Breed.

2nd Sanderson’s Skye, Egsia Highland Laddie

Paul Eardley

MATT SMITH

A.V. Terrier P(9,6) 1 Lane & Lane-Ridyard’s Kulawand White Diamond, Jack Russell. Very promising 6 month old dog pup that must have been making his debut in the show ring today but you wouldn’t know. Lovely size with decent head and good sized ears. Good neck and well made front, good ribbing, topline and tailset. Well presented and neat feet. Stood away in this class for his movement. 2 Gill & Gibson’s Oregill Take My Breath Away at Wychvalley, Lakeland Terrier. 8 month old dog, neat masculine head, okay in neck and shoulder, good ribbing and body, moved okay in profile. 3 Mills’ Stormbreakers Vengeance, Staffordshire Bull Terrier 

J(2) 1 Lowe’s Bisbee Bulldozer with a Tessarion, Bedlington Terrier. 1 year old dog, good head with good strength to muzzle. Pleasing length of neck, good front, balanced, neat feet. Well presented and typical movement. 2 Russell’s Jollygaze Ursula at Hawkesmill, Dandie Dinmont. 1 year old bitch, attractive feminine head, good reach of neck, okay in front, good ribbing. Turned out well, very good movement, particularly in profile, when she was in the mood to show it off. 

O(6,3) Three nice dogs that could change places on another day. 1 Cox’s Wyeafon Illusion in Ember at Petitpaws, Australian Terrier. 18 month old bitch, showy youngster with keen expression. Pleasing head, okay in neck, good shoulder and topline. Moves well, particularly in profile. 2 Nixon’s Tout Nouveau Tout Beau Du Clan Des Petits Colonels Karmaristol JW, Scottish Terrier. 2 year old dog, Good expression, ear and eye. Good neck and shoulder, well bodied. Good mover. 3 Jones’ Chadbrook Enhance the Dance, Parson Russell

Matt Smith