|
| Bedlington | Darlington 2009 Judge's Critique |
|---|---|
|
Darlington 09 Judge
|
BEDLINGTON DARLINGTON 09 Judge: Mrs Viv Rainsbury BEDLINGTON JUDGE DARLINGTON 09 The Kennel Club’s “Fit for Function” drive should serve as a timely reminder that the Bedlington is, in essence, a sporting terrier and not merely a glamorous stuffed toy, but some exhibitors appear to be losing sight of that fact. I was disappointed in many of the exhibits, which were shown in poor body condition with no muscle tone, resulting in loose elbows, weak hocks, plaiting and weaving in front and moving close behind, as well as a generally uncharacteristic and lethargic demeanour in some of the dogs on show. The unevenness of the ring, along with the damp grass which evidently held some fascinating scents, also contributed to some of the less-than-positive movement. On the whole, the bitches were superior to the dogs in most respects. A couple of the lower dog classes raised some concerns for me, and breeders do need to take care when selecting dog puppies, as they will have an impact on the breed in the future, and whilst some of the prettier ones may well enjoy success in the ring, their future input as stud dogs may not necessarily benefit the breed. I have always tried to be a little forgiving on coats, which as we all know, can come and go with the seasons, particularly in the bitches, but I was pleased that my top winners were all shown in jackets of decent colour and good texture. I came away from this judging appointment a little depressed and disappointed, with worries for the future of this beautiful, active and sporting breed, but relieved that I was able to find enough outstanding exhibits to award the top honours. Veteran Dog (1, 0 abs) 1. Bannister’s Ch Moltyke Taggles with Miteymidgets. At 11½ years of age, this chap can still show the youngsters a thing or two about movement. Shown in grand condition, from his still perfect mouth to his well-muscled quarters, he excelled in quality, construction and light, springy and driving movement. Kept a beautiful outline standing and on the move, and in good coat. If ever a dog were “fit for function” this lad is it. A well-deserved CC and BVIB, also pleased to see him win Vet Gp2. MPD – no entries PD (2,1) 1. Bussey’s Bad to the Bone. Dreadful name for a really rather attractive pup. Nice size and correctly proportioned, slightly greater length than height, with long masculine head, well-filled under the eye and a nice length of foreface. Decent width across chest, deep flat ribs and good length of loin with correctly placed arch. Still a little loose in elbow, as you would expect in a young puppy, but generally moved well coming and going. Coat still at the baby stage, but crisper hair beginning to come through. BPIB and PG4 JD (4,0) 1. Hall’s Palm of the Desert. Nice head with dark well-placed eye, good ear-set and lovely big teeth, but I would have liked a little more foreface. Well angulated shoulders and quarters, flat ribs, balanced in shape, presented a nice outline standing but tended to flatten a little on the move. PGD (2,0) I had to make a very difficult decision in this class, and withheld first place. Both dogs have their virtues, and under different judges will, no doubt, enjoy better placings, but today, and for different reasons, I felt they both fell short of the standard I believe is needed for a win at this level. My thanks to the exhibitors for accepting my decision with good grace. 1. Withheld LD (4,0) Movement in this class was generally not of the best 1. Ames’ Sharnor Blue Diamond. Nicely balanced, but for me is rather slight, fine and not masculine enough to take top honours, although he deserved his win in this class. Nice length of neck, correct angulation both ends, good width across chest and deep flat ribs. Carried a good topline, with correct tail-set and carriage. Let down by movement, weaving a little in front and slightly close behind. Coat colour and texture OK OD (4,0) A much higher standard throughout this class, with four top-flight exhibits, made the decisions close, and I was hair-splitting on some issues. 1. Phillips’ Rathsrigg Ask Im. I’ve liked this dog for some time, and standing, I thought he would be my CC winner, but on the move he rather threw in the towel, and refused to put in any effort. Consequently, his movement lacked drive, and seemed a little stilted behind. Good for size, beautifully balanced, masculine without coarseness and well proportioned. Lovely head, good mouth, well-set ears. Nice length of neck into well-laid shoulders, deep chest and long flat ribs. Right length of loin with good topline held standing and on the move, and correctly angulated quarters, shown in first-class muscular condition and good coat. Another evidently fit for function, RCC VB – no entries MPB (1,0) 1. Worrall’s Bisbee Everlasting Life with Bluesmurf. An enchanting little lady, teeming with quality, and one to watch for the future. Nicely proportioned and balanced, fitting the standard well. With correct angulation both ends, good depth and nice flat ribs, decent length of loin and already showing a correct topline. Movement a little hard to assess, as she was thoroughly enjoying her debut in the ring, but when she did settle she moved OK. At the moment, she is a little narrow across the chest, but this should improve with maturity. BPB PB (3,0) 1. B Everlasting Life with B JB (3,0) 1. Phillips’ Cassdenal Serendipity. Outstanding youngster, was a serious contender in the challenge, and maturity should see her do well. Long head with strength of foreface, but feminine. Excellent bite, dark, well-set eye. Good length of neck into well-laid shoulders, beautifully proportioned body and strength in her correctly angulated quarters. Shown in lovely coat and good, hard condition. Somewhat distracted by the scents on the grass, made her movement a little erratic when she lost concentration, but on the whole moved true from all directions. PGB (7,0) 1. Bannister’s Miteymidgets Hawkers Cove. Lovely young bitch, just coming to her best, fits the standard to a T, but, as so many from this kennel, has to be handled to truly appreciate her outstanding qualities. Perfectly proportioned, well-balanced, presenting a beautiful outline, with excellent head carriage. Correct topline with arch over the loin, good angulation at shoulder and quarters, low hocks and super muscular condition resulting in light, spring and driving movement, true coming and going. Coat of lovely colour and correct texture, not over-done, exaggerated or glamorised, looks like she could do a good day’s work. RCC LB (2,0) 1. Bannister’s Miteymidgets Matilda. Similar comments as for winner of previous class. Another well-made girl, good head, nice conformation, and a true mover. Well-muscled, in hard condition, deep chest of correct width, perfect horseshoe front, flat ribs, nice length of loin, good angulation both ends. OB (4,0) 1. Collier’s Mollora Little Rosie at Pocoblu. I had seriously considered this one in the challenge when I last judged at this level, but felt then that she was slightly lacking in maturity. She has now fulfilled all hopes and expectations, and has finished a beautiful, well made, correctly proportioned bitch who thoroughly deserved the top honour today. Super head, strong yet feminine, beautifully carried on long, elegant neck leading into well-laid shoulders. Good width across chest, correct horseshoe front, long flat ribs, and perfect length of loin, along with her superb muscular condition resulted in good movement, holding a lovely topline. Coat of first-class colour and texture completed the picture. The uneven ground caused a slight wobble on her hocks now and then, nevertheless an outstanding bitch beautifully handled, and I was delighted to award her 3rd CC and BOB.
Viv Rainsbury (Judge)
|
