14/10/2024
Critiques
The Whippet Club of Queensland 12th Championship Show
Saturday 8th June 2024
Judge: Mark Wibier Netherlands
As a start to this article, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Qld Whippet Club for the invitation to judge at the Championship Show in Brisbane. Special thanks go to all exhibitors who entered their dogs under me in large numbers and together ensured a day of great canine sport.
I began the long journey to Queensland with high expectations, and I can say that these expectations were met. From my previous judging trip to Victoria, I remembered that the shows were excellently organized, but above all, that the atmosphere, despite the competitive element, was friendly and sportsmanlike. This may seem obvious, but unfortunately, it is not always the case in our shared sport.
The discipline of the exhibitors in the ring and the professional manner of presenting the dogs made judging much more efficient. The support from my ring steward completed the picture. This, on what you experience as a somewhat cold winter day, but for me was a lovely summer day, made the show a highlight in my judging career.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints because of the CACIB show, there was little time to make extensive critiques as I wished. In a system where dogs are not qualified as in FCI shows, critiques are even more important as a tool to make the evaluation of the dog transparent and to learn from the interpretation of the dog's strengths and weaknesses by the judge. Unfortunately, after the photo sessions, there was no more time for the usual gathering to explain my findings and decisions. I would have liked to share these with the exhibitors and other attendees and discuss our opinions and insights. After all, exchanging impressions and knowledge is the foundation of the institution of dog shows: evaluating breeding according to the breed standard and then learning from each other by discussing what we saw and thought of the dogs.
The foundation in judging is breed type. Breed type is uncompromisingly the most important criterion in the evaluation and placement of every dog. After the evaluation, it is about finding the dog with breed type and soundness. For me, this means looking for anatomical qualities that enhance the type, not seeking faults. The art of judging is looking for beauty and functionality; both concepts are interconnected.
āFault judging,ā in my opinion, often involves looking for a more generic dog, whereas the focus should be on finding and placing dogs that have the specific qualities that distinguish a typical Whippet from merely a beautiful Whippet. A Whippet that makes you turn around for a second look and smile. Essentially, a dog that, as a judge, I critically assess while watching the movement, but also enjoy because all the typical points from the breed standard come together. And I am glad that I was able to smile a lot while judging at the Specialty.
The key elements in breed type for me are the silhouette with the flowing lines in stance, the head and expression, and efficient movement in which the flowing lines are expressed once again. The Whippet is a curvy dog where all body parts and lines are smooth without appearing "blocky" in the overall picture.
The general appearance in the breed standard is all-encompassing regarding the above: āBalanced combination of muscular power and strength with elegance and grace of outline. Built for speed and work. All forms of exaggeration should be avoided.ā
The general appearance aptly describes the curvy lines and soundness needed to be fit for function. The general appearance is thus the basis of several elements in the anatomy that define the type and by which the Whippet distinguishes itself from other (sighthound) breeds. In the sense of the words strength and elegance, it means moderate substance, where muscular power is expressed through a well-muscled body, allowing the desired arch over the loin to be seen in stance and movement. Ultimately, it is about a typical Whippet being able to efficiently perform its original work. The breeding regulations of the Dutch breed club state that at least one of the breeding partners must have passed the aptitude test to be eligible for puppy mediation by the club. In the largest German breed club, there is the dual-purpose title (Beauty and Performance) at club shows, for which points must be earned at the club show on Saturday and in coursing on Sunday.
Personally, I believe that coursing and racing embody the essence of the breed standard and the original purpose and origin of the Whippet: One breed and one breed standard with room for variation in styles within the breed. Fortunately, our breed has this variation, and breeders use dogs and lines from all corners of the world. All appreciation goes to the breeders who spare no (high) costs nor (great) effort to import dogs to give the breed new quality impulses.
I have had the privilege to judge Whippets in various countries in Europe and at your Specialty within a short time frame. Many dogs from many bloodlines, many different styles in type, and all gradations of quality. I have judged dogs within the qualifications of the FCI, ranging from āGoodā to āExcellent,ā including dogs of high international quality. I was pleased to see that quality in some Australian dogs as well. Personally, I find it a loss not to be able to clarify the difference in quality of the dogs using qualifications. I am convinced that qualifications by breed judges add value to a show. Certainly from the principle that dog shows were originally mainly intended as the evaluation of breeding products, thereby guiding the development of the breed, and were more than the competitive element that is paramount today.
But all in all, in my opinion, there are trends that do not always benefit the breed type. As guardians of the typical Whippet with its various styles, we must jointly take responsibility to keep trends that lean towards a more generic "show ring dog" or "sport dog" in check. Form follows function. That goes beyond where the dog was originally bred for; in modern times, it also concerns adjustments in appearances for the sports or hobbies of the owners and breeders.
I notice the trend where the typical more open-angled sighthound front is changing to a more obliquely placed shoulder and upper arm. This gives a bit more forechest and a slightly longer stride, which might add glamour in a showy setting like the show ring but is not fitting for a Whippet. Another trend, sometimes related to what I mentioned earlier, is a more strongly angulated hindquarter that goes hand in hand with a flatter pelvis. The result is a decreased balance and a flatter topline. Although the slight arch over the ribs lies in the flowing lines, it is expressed through a well-muscled loin area. A differently placed pelvis does provide optical lengthāthough in no way to be confused with proper ground coverageābut also an undesirable flat topline and a lesser tuck-up.
Another trend that is seen less often, but which I am concerned about, is that of dogs with a higher carried head in stance and movement. This goes hand in hand with a less arched neck and loss of the so-typical but also functional S-curves.
To illustrate my observations, I have some examples of dogs that do show the desired elegance and power and trends anonymized through black silhouettes. For the record, none of these dogs were shown at the Specialty nor owned or bred in Australia. However, dogs with comparable styles were shown under me in Brisbane.
Regarding this, the quality of the dogs was comparable to what I judge or see shown at Specialties and shows in Europe.
In the Australian system, critiques are unfortunately not dictated directly. On the other hand, making the critiques later gives more time to thinkāor, as in this case, the risk of being delayed by circumstances. The countless photos and videos that ā¦ has published have become a fantastic digital reference work and resource. And, above all, it is a wonderful memory of the show.
Baby Puppy Dog Class (2)
1. Piaffe Lord of the Rings (Greenwood) (Baby Puppy In Show)
A beautiful puppy that is well-developed for his age, showing excellent breed type. His body proportions are good, with sufficient body length in relation to height, and good depth of chest in proportion to length of leg. He has a good head, stop, eyes, and ears, with a charming yet mischievous puppy expression. Scissor bite. Good angulation. Strong back, slight arch over the loins. Neck of appropriate length. Good bone. Coat, color, and pigmentation are good. Movement is suitable for his age. Pleasant behavior in the ring.
2. Piaffe Lost in Translation (Greenwood)
Also a well-developed puppy with excellent breed type. His body proportions are excellent. Nice head with good proportions between skull and muzzle. Good eyes, ears, and stop, with a charming and mischievous expression. Scissor bite. Good angulation, slightly better in the rear than in the front due to a slightly steeper upper arm. Neck of good length. Strong back with sufficient arch in the topline for his age. Strong bone. Good coat, color, and pigmentation. Movement is appropriate for his age. Pleasant behavior in the ring.
Minor Puppy Dog Class (2)
1. Wyldchase Whatever it Takes (Comerford) (Minor Puppy In Show)
A young male who is well-developed for his age, with a lovely breed type. He already shows nice, flowing lines. Excellent proportions in the body (length vs. height, chest depth vs. length of leg) and head. Well-shaped head with dark eyes, light stop, and well-set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Good length of neck, straight back, and a slight arch over the loins. Good croup and tail set. Already well-developed chest and appropriate forechest. Good substance for his age. Nice bone. Movement is appropriate for his age. Pleasant behavior.
2. Shawthing Weekend at Bernies (Shaw)
Also a well-developed male with good breed type. Excellent proportions in body and head. Nice head with correctly placed eyes of appropriate color. Good stop. Well-set and carried ears. Nice expression. Scissor bite. Neck of good length which transitions somewhat abruptly into the topline due to a well-placed shoulder and a more straight angulated upper arm. Good back. Slightly flatter over the loins. Good croup. Strong rear with correctly placed hocks. Excellent bone. Good coat with attractive color. Moves appropriately for his age. Pleasant behavior.
Puppy Dog Class (3)
1. Alarves Porto Ricco (McKernan) (Opposite S*x Puppy In Show)
A beautiful young male with lovely breed type. Already well-developed for his age. Good proportions in the body and head. Nice head, well-placed eyes, and well-carried ears, resulting in a beautiful puppy expression. Scissor bite. His angulations are sound. The neck is strong and well-shaped. Good back with a slight arch over the loins, which transitions into a well-laid croup. Good rear with excellent low hocks. Body with good substance and ribcage development for his age. Good bone. Good coat and color. Moves appropriately for his age with good reach and drive. Pleasant behavior in the ring.
2. Alarves Oh No Scheise Sherlock (McKernan)
A young male with nice type. Well-developed for his age. Excellent proportions in length, height, chest, and leg length. A well-developed head with a dark mask, good eyes, and correctly set ears. Scissor bite. Good angulation in both fore and rear. Already a well-developed topline with a good, slightly arched neck, strong back, and slight arch over the loins in stance. Chest of good depth. Sufficiently sprung ribs for his age. Good coat and warm color. Shows excellent puppy movement with good stride length and drive. Pleasant behavior in the ring.
3. Goodwill Inked in Soul (Albert)
A young male already sturdily built. Good breed type. Body of good length, but slightly flat in his lines. A sturdy and nice head with good eyes in shape and color, light stop, and well-set but slightly heavy ears. Good angulations in both fore and rear. Deep chest and appropriate underline. Strong bone. Good coat and nice color. Moves appropriately for his age with good stride length and drive. Good ring behavior.
Junior Dog Class (2)
1. Ch. Blakriva Bobby Dazzler (Curran) (Junior In Show)
Parti-color male of lovely breed type. He has good proportions in body and head. Already well-developed in the body for his age. Nice head with a good muzzle and skull, light stop, well-placed and colored eyes, and well-set and carried ears. Nice expression. Scissor bite. Good angulation in the fore and rear. Good neck. Good back with a slight arch over the loins in stance and movement. Correctly set and carried tail. Good underline. Good chest and ribcage. Good bone. Moves smoothly with good stride length and drive. Pleasant behavior.
2. Rosiel Rocket To The Stars (McKernan)
Brindle male with a good presence and breed type. Already powerfully developed. Excellent body proportions. Good balance in the length of muzzle and skull. For optimal proportions, a stronger lower jaw and less lip are desired. Good stop and well-placed eyes of a light color. Scissor bite. Beautiful neck transitioning into a good shoulder and back. Slightly flat in the topline. His tail is well set and acceptably carried. Well-developed body and correct underline. Strong bone. Good coat with an attractive color. Moves fluidly through the ring with good stride length and drive. Pleasant behavior.
Intermediate Dog Class (4)
1. Ch. Goodwill Tickle Me Fancy (Albert) (Opposite S*x Intermediate In Show)
Male of ideal size and attractive type. Excellent proportions in body length and height, chest depth with leg length, and in the head. Excellent head with light stop, good ears, and correctly set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Beautiful flowing lines both in stance and movement. Good angulation, slightly better in the rear than the front. Well-arched neck of good length. Flat back with good arch over the loins. Good underline. Excellent bone. Well-set and carried tail. Moves easily and smoothly with good stride length and drive. Pleasant behavior.
2. Blakriva Gellignite Jack (Slingsby)
Powerful male of slightly larger size. Body with good length. Masculine head with a strong muzzle, distinct stop, and good eyes. Nice small and well-carried ears. Scissor bite. Moderate angulation. The neck is also of moderate length. Good back and loins. Deep chest. Sternum of sufficient length. Clear tuck-up. Strong bone. Good tail. Good coat and beautiful color. Moves with somewhat short stride length and drive. Pleasant behavior.
3. Ridgesetter We Go Together (Jenkins)
A young male who is on the larger side. Good breed type. Masculine head with a strong skull and good muzzle. Sufficient stop. Good eyes and ears. Scissor bite. Moderate angulation in the shoulder, more straight in upper arm, and moderate rear angulation. Neck of appropriate length, transitioning somewhat abruptly into the topline. Slightly flat in the loins. Good croup, good tail set, and carriage. The sternum appears slightly short, leading to a pronounced tuck-up. Excellent bone. Good coat and color. Moves with sufficient stride length and drive. Pleasant behavior in the ring.
State Bred Dog Class (2)
1. Ch. Alarves Its A Jungle Out There (McKernan) (Opposite S*x State Bred In Show)
Well-structured male of an attractive type. Masculine in his overall appearance. He shows correct proportions in body and head. Masculine head with good muzzle, stop, and strong skull. Dark, well-shaped eyes. Excellent ear set and carriage. Nice expression. Scissor bite. Very good angulation in both fore and rear. Flowing lines in both top and underlines. Good slight arch over the loins. Good croup and tail set. Good chest and forechest. Well-sprung ribs. Correctly placed parallel hocks. Strong bone. Very good, effortless movement. Excellent behavior in the ring.
2. Ch. Allgard Fire on the Wire (Richardson)
Brindle male of excellent breed type. In his overall appearance, he appears slightly shorter due to steeper angulation in both fore and rear. Masculine, very good head with correctly shaped and placed dark eyes. Nice expression. Scissor bite. Strong, well-arched neck. Good back. Correct slight arch over the loins. Good chest depth and ribcage. Excellent underline. He has good and strong bone. Good coat and attractive color. Moves with good stride length and drive, suitable for his angulation. Pleasant behavior.
Australian Bred Dog Class (4)
1. Ch. Jeulize Wranglers And Boots (Jenkins) (Opposite S*x Aust Bred In Show)
Well-structured male with lovely breed type. Shows good proportions in length, height, and leg length. Nice head with an attractive expression. Good skull and muzzle. Correctly placed eyes. Correctly set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Good angulation in both fore and rear. Good neck and topline. Slight arch over the loins. Excellent underline. Good chest and slight forechest. Well-sprung ribs. Good tail. Excellent bone. Smooth and good movement. Excellent behavior in the ring.
2. Ch Goodwill Listen To Your Heart (Albert)
Parti-color male of a very nice type. Excellent proportions in his body and head. Masculine head with a good muzzle and a strong skull. Good stop, eyes, and ears. Lovely expression. Neck of sufficient length. Flat back and a nice arch over the loins. Good croup and tail. Strong, well-shaped chest and ribcage. Excellent underline. Strong bone. Moves easily and well. Pleasant temperament.
3. Ch Blakriva Way too Cool (Slingsby)
Male with excellent breed and gender type. Good body proportions. Very good head with correct stop, eyes of color appropriate to his coat color. Good ears. Scissor bite. Neck of sufficient length. Good back. Clear arch over the loins. Good angulations. Strong tuck-up. Deep chest with a sternum of sufficient length. Moves smoothly with appropriate reach and drive. Behaves pleasantly in the ring.
Bred By Exhibitor Dog Class (4)
1. Ch Bundoon Simply Wonderful (Cleave) (DCC, Best Bred By Exhibitor In Show, BOB)
Soundly built male with an excellent breed type. He presents himself with a lot of charisma. In his overall appearance, he shows the right mix of type, power and elegance. Smooth lines from all angles. Excellent proportions between body length and withers height, chest depth and leg length. Classic breed-typical head with a good muzzle and an excellent skull. Scissor bite. Long, powerful well-arched neck that flows smoothly into a slight arch over the loins both standing and moving. Good chest and excellent forechest. Typical underline. Strong bone. Smooth and effortless movement covering the ground well.
2. Ch Jetaime Fear the Thunder God (Reichert)
High-quality, classic male with balanced construction. Sound in all aspects. Flowing top and bottom lines. He is masculine, powerful, and elegant. Typical head and expression with a good stop, correct eye shape and color, and correctly set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Very good angulations. Powerful neck. Excellent lines over the loins both standing and moving. Good body with a slight forechest. Strong bone. Moves regularly and smoothly, covering the ground well. Excellent behavior.
3. Ch Goodwill Sway my Way (Albert)
The third male in this class with many breed-typical qualities. Excellent body proportions. Very good classic head with a handsome and masculine expression due to the appropriate eye color and shape, good stop, and correctly set ears that he carries well. Scissor bite. Good angulations. Good neck and topline. Slight arch over the loins both standing and moving. Very well-shaped body with strong bone. Smooth and good movement that he shows effortlessly.
Open Dog Class (10/2)
1. Supreme Ch Ridgesetter Where The Boys Are (Comerford) (ResDCC, Best Open In Show, RUBOB)
Beautiful male showing an attractive mix of breed type, power, and elegance. Sound from all angles. Very attractive classic head with an appealing masculine expression. Dark, well-shaped eyes, good stop, and correctly set thin ears carried properly. Very good angulations. Powerful long neck that flows smoothly into a flat back and well-arched loins both standing and moving, allowing him to move in a typical, easy manner. An excellent body with good forechest. A typical underline. Good coat and color. Presents himself with a lot of allure.
2. Ch Piaffe Ethelred the Ready (Greenwood)
A well-deserved second place in this class with dogs of class. Soundly built. Beautiful type. Masculine head with the correct proportions in and between muzzle and skull. Excellent eyes in color and shape. Good stop. Correctly set and carried rose ears. Lovely expression. Scissor bite. Sound in angulations. Long and well-arched neck that smoothly flows into a good back and a slight arch over the loins. Very good body and bone. Light forechest. Smooth and effortless movement. Presents himself with a typical appearance.
3. Ch Dachlan Mr. Bojangles (Mark)
Classic male of an attractive breed and gender type. He is also soundly built and shows the typical flowing S-curves of the breed. He has the correct proportions in the body and his head. Very well-shaped head with a breed-typical expression. Scissor bite. Very well-angled in the front, good in the rear. Long neck that flows well into a good back and slightly arched loins both standing and moving. Good body with a light appropriate forechest. Somewhat strong tuck-up. Good tail. Strong bone. Smooth and good reaching movement with good reach and drive. Nice behavior.
4. Ch Shawthing Paddy Pawz A Minit (Dawson/Shaw)
Male with an attractive breed type. Masculine in appearance. Body with good length and correct proportions in chest depth and leg length. Beautiful classic male head with a lovely expression. Good eyes, stop, and ears. Scissor bite. Good balanced angulations. Well-formed neck that transitions into a good back. Flat over the loins both standing and moving. Good chest and ribs. Strong bone. Smooth movement. Pleasant behavior in the ring.
5. Ch Shawthing Ima Luigi (Shaw)
Beautiful breed type with good length and height proportions. Masculine head with a good muzzle and a strong skull. Dark, well-formed eyes. Good stop. Correctly set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Neck of sufficient length. Balanced and well-angled front and rear. Good back but flat over the loins. Well-formed body with a good underline. Good tail. For a more harmonious overall picture, I would wish for slightly stronger bone. Moves smoothly with excellent reach and drive. Behaves nicely in the ring.
Veteran Dog Class (1)
1. Ch Alltalk Wild Irish Heart (Delaney) (Best Veteran In Show)
Veteran with an appealing breed type. He presents himself overall younger than his calendar age. He shows a beautiful breed type. Masculine head with typical proportions. Scissor bite. Well-angled in front and rear. Powerful neck that flows smoothly into a breed-typical topline both standing and moving. Well-formed body in good condition. Strong bone. Efficient and effortless movement. Behaves with dignity in the ring.
Baby Puppy Bitch (2) Critiques TBA
1. Ricoshade Jungle On The Inside (White) (Opposite S*x Baby In Show)
2. Piaffe Lucia Di Lammamoor (Greenwood)
Minor Puppy Bitch Class (4)
1. Alarves Porto Katharina (McKernan) (Opposite S*x Minor Puppy In Show)
Beautiful puppy already showing great potential for the future at this age. For her age, she is already excellently developed. Growing in beautiful flowing and graceful lines. Excellent puppy head and expression. Good eyes, stop, and ears. Scissor bite. Sound in angulations. Long neck and already an excellent top and bottom line. Strong bone. Good tail. Her puppy movement is appropriate for her stage of development and age.
2. Goodwill Little Queenie (Albert)
Also a beautiful pup who, if her development continues, has a bright future in the show ring. Feminine overall appearance in body and head. Lovely expression with dark eyes, excellent pigment, good stop, and ears. Scissor bite. Good angulations. Neck of correct length. Good back and a slight arch over the loins. Chest of good depth, slight forechest. Sufficient substance in the body for this age. Good tail. Good bone. Youthful but appropriate movement.
3. Alarves Quite the Scene Stealer (OāNeill)
Again a minor with an attractive type. She shows the correct body proportions. Beautiful and typical head with a slight stop, good muzzle, and a fine skull. Well-set thin ears. Scissor bite. Neck of good length. Good angulations. Good back and loins. Good chest but needs more development in the chest area considering the proportions. Sufficiently arched in the ribs. Good underline. Strong hindquarters that are already excellently muscled. Good bone. Moves with good stride and drive but still loose in the front, which is appropriate for her age.
Puppy Bitch Class (4)
1. Shawthing Leading Lady Spencer (Comerford) (ResBCC, Best Puppy In Show)
The youth is the future. There is truth in every clichƩ, and this young bitch embodies it. She shows an attractive breed type where feminine elegance combines with power. Very good proportions in length versus height, chest depth versus leg length. Beautiful in all parts. Lovely expression. Scissor bite. Harmonious angulations. Beautiful S-lines both standing and moving. In body already very well developed for her age. Strong bone. Efficient movement that is quite firm for her age, allowing her to outshine many competitors. Presents herself
with confidence and allure.
2. Ricoshade Have Courage ān be Kind (White)
Beautiful puppy bitch showing a lot of potential and qualities. Shows good proportions in length versus height and between chest depth and leg length. Feminine head with dark eyes and good pigmentation. Good stop and ears. Scissor bite. Good angulations. Good neck in length and shape. Long flowing lines on the top and bottom with a slight arch over the loins. Already well-developed body with a slight forechest. Strong bone. Moves with excellent reach and drive, but compared to the first-placed bitch, more youthful looseness. Pleasant ring behavior.
3. Goodwill Champagne for Lulu (Albert)
Slightly larger-looking bitch of an attractive breed type. Feminine in her overall appearance. Head with a good muzzle and slightly rounded skull, causing the well-carried ears to be set a bit lower. Scissor bite. Adequate, balanced angulations. Neck of appropriate length that transitions somewhat abruptly into a good back and well-arched loins. Already well-developed body with a good tuck-up. Good bone. Youthfully loose movement with good stride and sufficient drive.
Junior Bitch Class (4)
1. Kallrea Divine Intervention (Comerford) (Opposite S*x Junior In Show)
Attractive, already well-developed bitch connecting power and elegance. She shows the correct flowing lines both standing and moving. She is soundly built. Attractive head that is correct in all parts. Lovely expression. Scissor bite. Very well-angled forequarters. Hindquarters with good knee and 2nd thigh. Powerful neck that flows smoothly into a well-developed chest with good forechest. Good back and slightly arched loins. Good underline. Moves efficiently with powerful strides and an excellent drive. Behavior in the ring is top-notch.
2. Ch Blakriva Wild But Cool (AI) (Curran)
Attractive type and showing a feminine appearance. She is in every way an elegant yet powerful bitch. Beautifully proportioned body. Nice, typical head and expression. Good eyes, stop, and ears. Correct bite. Neck of sufficient length. Good angulations and good back. Well-arched over the loins. Good chest and body with a sufficient forechest. Already good substance for her age. Strong bone. Good tail. Moves well with good reach and drive.
3. Shawthing Lavender Haze (Shaw & Dawson) Critique TBA
Intermediate Bitch Class (7)
1. Ch. Highmarcs Love Actually (Cleave) (Best Intermediate In Show)
Elegant bitch of a lovely type. Feminine in her entire appearance. Soundly built with correct proportions and lines. Beautiful head with good eyes, stop, and nice small ears. Lovely expression. Scissor bite. Very good angulations. Long, smoothly flowing neck that transitions into a good back and a typical arch over the loins. Good croup and tail. Defined forechest. Chest of good depth with well-sprung ribs. Good tuck-up. Good coat and beautiful color. Moves effortlessly with excellent reach.
2. Ch. Shawthing Pippi Longstocking (Shaw)
Another beautiful, elegant appearance with an attractive breed type. She is soundly built and shows lovely flowing lines. Feminine head with a light stop, good eye color, and well-set ears that are slightly large. Scissor bite. Long, well-formed neck. Good topline. Good angulations. Good forechest and depth of chest. Good underline. Good bone. Good coat and color. Excellent movement. Pleasant behavior.
3. Ch Iftikar Starry Starry Night (AI) (McKernan)
Fawn bitch with a good type. Feminine in her overall appearance. Good head and expression. Correctly set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Moderate angulations. Her neck is of appropriate length. Good back. Light arch over the loins when standing, flatter in movement. Chest of sufficient depth. Somewhat flat in the ribs and could use more substance. Moves with sufficient reach and drive. Shown in excellent muscle condition. Pleasant behavior.
4. Allgard Act Hard to Fire my Heart (Richardson)
Elegant bitch of a good type. Well-shaped head with good proportions. Good eyes, clear stop, and good ears. Shows some lip, and the muzzle could be slightly stronger. Scissor bite. Neck length is sufficient. The arch over the loins is set early, causing the lines to be not completely smooth. Good chest depth. Somewhat flat in the ribs, resulting in a lack of body substance. The underline is slightly more pronounced but still well-tucked. Moves with sufficient reach and drive but is slightly loose in the elbows when coming and going.
5. Blakriva Very Elegant (Slingsby)
Good breed type. Good proportions in length and height. Well-shaped head with dark eyes and excellent pigmentation, good stop, and ears. Scissor bite. Good angulations, better in the rear than in the front. Good neck length. The topline is adequate when standing but flat and not completely firm in movement. Good chest depth. The sternum appears short, so the underline should be more typical. Strong bone. Moves with somewhat short stride in the front and good drive.
State Bred Bitch (4)
1. Ch. Bellarell Black Magic Woman (OāNeill) (Best State Bred In Show)
Evenly built bitch with a powerful body and feminine appearance. Beautiful type. Excellent head with dark, well-placed eyes. Good stop and ears. Outstanding pigmentation. Beautiful, alert expression. Scissor bite. Strong long neck that flows smoothly into a good back and slightly arched loins. Strong body with good substance. Excellent underline. Strong bone. Good tail. Moves smoothly with correct reach and drive. Pleasant behavior.
2. Jetaime Oh La La (AI) (Reichert)
A bitch with a beautiful gender and breed type. Shows correct body proportions and head. Feminine head with a charming expression. Dark eyes and correctly set slightly large ears. Scissor bite. Average angulations. Neck of good length. Slightly stretched in the body. Lightly arched over the loins when standing, flatter in movement. Well-shaped chest, well-sprung ribs. Correct underline. Good tail set and carriage. Moves smoothly with good reach and drive. For the critical eye, she could be slightly stronger in the pasterns.
3. Blakriva Iām on Fire (Slingsby)
Compact bitch of good breed type. Well-shaped head with appropriate eye color and light stop. Correctly set slightly large and heavy ears. Scissor bite. Average angulations. Neck of suitable length. Good back. Slightly sloping from the loin to the croup. Short sternum, causing a steeply rising underline. Good tail. Good coat and color. In movement, her stride is short, and she shows little drive. Friendly behavior in the ring.
Australian Bred Bitch (4)
1. Wyldchase Wheels in Motion (Cleave) (Best Australian Bred In Show)
Elegant bitch with beautiful lines. Compactly built. Shows a nice breed type and is feminine in her overall appearance. Feminine head with good eyes and stop. Correctly set ears that are typically carried but slightly large in proportion. Scissor bite. Good angulations. Good neck that flows smoothly into the topline. Somewhat flat in the arch over the loins. Good chest and ribs. Good forechest. Excellent bone. Good tuck-up. Moves smoothly with good reach and drive.
2. Ch. Shawthing Dance Wit Somebody (Shaw)
A feminine and elegant appearance with a beautiful breed type. Well-shaped head with excellent eyes and correct stop. Correctly set and carried slightly large and heavy ears. Scissor bite. Good front angulations. Strongly angulated rear, affecting the balance in movement. Long, strong neck. Good back. Somewhat flat over the loins. Good chest and forechest, good ribs. Typical underline. Moves with good reach and stronger drive.
3. Piaffe Handmaids Tail (Greenwood)
Elegant bitch with a lovely breed type and good presence. Attractive head and expression. Good dark eyes. Light stop. Correctly set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Well-angulated shoulder but steep in the upper arm. Strongly angulated rear. Good neck. Good back. Somewhat flat over the loins. Short sternum, causing a steeply rising underline. Good bone. Good tail. Moves with a stride length difference that is difficult to compensate for with the rear, causing a tendency to slip under.
Bred by Exhibitor Bitch (4/2)
1. Ch. Ridgesetter Sunshine ān Roses (Comerford) (Opposite S*x Bred By Exhibitor In Show)
Beautiful breed type and smooth lines from nose to tail. Feminine and elegant, also showing power. Good head and body proportions. Beautiful classic head with good eyes, stop, and ears. Scissor bite. Correct front angulations, rear slightly stronger. Good topline and light arch over the loins. Excellent body with good forechest. Breed-typical underline. Strong bone. Good tail. Excellent coat and beautiful color. Moves smoothly with good reach and drive. Pleasant behavior.
2. Ch. Illicium Tell Me You Love Me (Maddox)
Slightly larger but with a feminine appearance. Beautiful type. Good head and body proportions. Beautiful head with good eyes, light stop, and good ears. Scissor bite. Well-arched neck. Good topline and light arch over the loins. Good croup. Good chest with prominent forechest. Good underline. Good tail. Good coat. Moves smoothly with correct reach and drive. Excellent behavior.
Open Bitch Class (7/1)
1. Ch. Jeulize You Look Good In My Shirt (Jenkins)(BCC, Opposite S*x Open In Show, BOS)
Bitch with an attractive breed type combining elegance and power. Smooth lines from nose tip to tail tip. Presents herself with attitude and dignity. Excellent proportions in length and height, chest depth, and leg length. Feminine and classic head with correct proportions, highlighted by a lovely expression with dark eyes of the right shape and well-set thin ears. Scissor bite. Sound angulations. Long, powerful neck that flows smoothly into an excellently angulated front. Good arch over the loins in stance and movement. Strong body with good substance. Correct underline. Well-set hocks. Excellent movement, keeping her topline. Beautiful appearance.
2. Ch. Goodwill in My Soul (Albert)
High-quality bitch with a beautiful classic appearance. Very good head and body proportions. Classic head with good stop, muzzle, ears, and eyes. Very well pigmented. Scissor bite. Long, well-shaped neck flowing into a breed-typical topline. Her smooth lines are accentuated by a good underline. Well-shaped chest and ribs. Good forechest. Strong bone. Well-placed hocks. Moves smoothly with good reach and drive.
3. Ch. Shawthing I Lead You Follow (Shaw)
Number three in a lineup of high-quality bi***es. Lovely type. Elegant and feminine. Beautiful head in all aspects. Lovely expression. Scissor bite. Long, strong neck flowing into a good back and somewhat flat loins. Excellent angulations, with the rear close to being over-angulated. Good forechest, good chest. Correct underline. Strong bone. Moves well, with good reach and a smooth gait. Pleasant behavior.
4. Sup. Ch. Shawthing Floozie In The whirlpool bath (Shaw)
Also high-quality and showing a lovely breed type. Correct proportions in her head and body. Very good head in all aspects. Excellent pigmentation. Scissor bite. Good angulations, stronger in the rear than the front. Good topline and light arch over the loins. Light forechest. Sufficient length in the sternum. Somewhat strongly tucked-up underline. Good bone. Smooth movement with strong drive and good stride length.
5. Ch. Blakriva Cool ān Collected (Slingsby)
A bitch of an optically good size. Good length and height ratio. Good breed type. Good head with eye color matching the coat color. Good stop and ears. Scissor bite. Good front and rear angulations. Good neck and back. Somewhat flat and sloping in the loins and croup. Good body with a nice forechest. Good chest. Good underline. Moves with good reach and drive.
Veteran Bitch Class (3)
1. Sup. Ch. Goodwill Soul Deep (Albert)
Attractive bitch presented in excellent condition. Sturdy and feminine in both body and head. Well-shaped head with a good stop and eyes. Correctly set but slightly large ears. Scissor bite. Excellent angulation in both the forequarters and hindquarters. Powerful neck of good length. Strong back with a slight arch over the loins. Robust body with a well-developed forechest, good depth of chest, and well-sprung ribs. Correct underline. Solid bone. Good coat and color. Moves smoothly with good stride length and powerful drive.
2. Ch. Lysnagah Tullamore Dew (Burn)
Elegant bitch with a beautiful breed type. Attractive head with good eyes and pigmentation. Well-defined stop. Correctly set ears. Scissor bite. Good neck that transitions smoothly into the back, though slightly flat over the loins. Well-angled shoulder with moderately angled upper arm. Light forechest. Somewhat strongly tucked-up underline. Excellent bone. Good tail. Nice coat and color. Moves excellently.
3. Sup. Ch. Piaffe Bertana (Greenwood)
Elegant and feminine with correct body proportions. Good head, eyes, and stop. Correctly set but slightly large ears. Has the charming expression of a lady of age. Scissor bite. Good neck. Good back, slightly flat over the loins. Well-structured body with a somewhat strongly tucked-up underline. Good bone. Moves with good reach and sufficient drive.
Neuter Classes
The neuter classes were beautiful and valuable classes to judge. In the FCI system, we do not have this class, which is unfortunate, as many beautiful dogs disappear into anonymity. These classes are perfect for showcasing dogs that deserve to be seen. Today, all of the dogs were ones that deserved to be showcased and could have certainly played a role in the competition had they still been intact.
Neuter Open Dog Class (3)
1. Neut Ch Blakriva Dream Catcher (Slingsby) (Neuter DCC RUBOB BOS)
A male of a nice type that displayed the correct proportions in both body and head. Well-formed masculine head with a slight stop, eyes of suitable shape and color, and well-set and carried ears. Scissor bite. Moderate angulation in the front and rear. Strong, long neck flowing into good shoulders and a flat back. A lovely light arch over the loins, resulting in good lines in both stance and movement. Strong body with a nice underline. Excellent bone. Well-set tail. Good coat and lovely color. Moves smoothly with great reach and drive. Pleasant temperament.
2. FCh Neut Ch Alarves Gotcha For Life (McKernan) (Neuter ResDCC)
Also a male with a correct breed type. Good in proportions. Well-formed head with a correct balance between skullāwhich is sufficiently flatāand muzzle. Good eyes, stop, and ears. The lower jaw could be a bit stronger. Scissor bite. Good angulation front and rear. Good neck, back, and loins. Slightly sloping croup, which is appropriate given the stronger angulation in the rear. This allows him to maintain soundness in both stance and movement. Prominent forechest. Good ribcage and ribs. Correct underline. Bone is appropriate for his size. Good coat and color. Moves fluidly and with sufficient stability front and rear. Nice temperament.
3. Neut Ch Shalique Dancing In The Dark (AI) (Cooney)
Masculine male with a good breed type. Excellent proportions in body. Good balance between skull length and muzzle. Good muzzle, but the underjaw could be stronger. A slightly strong stop transitioning into a skull that is sufficiently flat. Eye color matches his coat color. Well-set, somewhat large ears. Scissor bite. Neck of sufficient length that is carried high. This results in a relatively high head carriage during movement. Good shoulder, but with a steep upper arm. Flat back, also flat over the loins in both stance and movement. Good depth of chest. Sternum of just sufficient length, resulting in a slightly tucked-up underline. Excellent bone. Good tail. Moves with good reach and correct drive. Nice behavior.
Neuter Open Bitch Class (3)
1. Ch Neut Ch Debrignac Jean De Clisson JC (Reichert) (Neuter BCC, BOB Neuter)
An elegant bitch of a beautiful type. Classic in her lines. She covers a lot of ground in an excellent manner. Well-formed head with a beautiful feminine expression. Correct stop. Good eyes and lovely small ears. Scissor bite. Good angulation, with the rear slightly better angulated than the front. Good neck in length and arch. Good back. Lovely light arch over the loins. Strong body with a correct underline. Good tail. Smooth and light movement. Pleasant demeanor in the ring.
2. Alarves My Silver Reflection (Mueller) (Neuter ResBCC)
An elegant bitch displaying good lines and hitting the important breed characteristics. Well-proportioned. Good head, eyes, ears, and stop. Scissor bite. Good angulation in the front, stronger angulation in the rear, which puts some pressure on the soundness in both stance and movement. Excellent neck line. Good back with a slight arch over the loins in stance. Slightly sloping croup. Good chest, light forechest. Well-defined tuck-up. Good tail. Good bone. Moves with good stride length in the front, but compensates in the back due to the stronger drive. Good temperament.
3. Coolgully Second Nature JC (Else & Halls)
A typical bitch who undoubtedly enjoyed her day out at the show, more for the attention, relaxation, and companionship than to show off how beautiful she is. Nice type. Good proportions. Good head with a good stop, dark eyes, and well-set ears. The underjaw could be stronger. Scissor bite. Neck of sufficient length. Adequately firm back. Slight arch over the loins in stance, flat line during movement. Good chest with a light, correct forechest. Good underline. Good bone. She is capable of moving well if she had brought a bit more enthusiasm.
