• Show Date: 26/09/2021
  • Show Type: Championship Show
  • Judged by: Andrew H. Brace Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 28/07/2023

Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

Breed: Best in Show

BIRMINGHAM NATIONAL BEST IN SHOW

I had an exciting day at Birmingham National where I had the honour of judging my 18th Best In Show at a UK general Championship show, the first being 33 years ago.

It was good to catch up with so many old friends who I haven’t seen for some years and the officers and committee of The National were so very hospitable. Throughout the day I felt the presence of my dear friend Meriel Hathaway and I hope she was smiling down on the proceedings.

Just as I was about to step into the big ring Nick Gourley made a presentation to me which was perfect – a boxed bottle of Veuve Clicquot. I read the inscription – fine, the name of the show and the BIS judge and then I read the inscription at the base of the box … MEMORIES OF MERIEL … and I totally lost it. Nick and Jennie, you know how to make a grown man cry.

Having regained composure I went in to be greeted by seven excellent examples of their breed but from the start there were two that really held my eye and neither disappointed on close inspection. When I first set eyes on the Irish Wolfhound bitch, SARABI DELLA BASSA PAVESE, the all-important opening General Appearance paragraph of the Breed Standard suddenly came to life – “Of great size, strength, symmetry and commanding appearance, very muscular, yet gracefully built” – and as she powered around the ring she totally satisfied my eye. To go over she is a delight – a beautiful head and expression, perfect bite, great bone and general substance and yet she still has that Sighthound elegance about her. She was hard and fit with absolutely correct coat texture and hands just flowed over her.

The little apricot Toy Poodle male, AFTERGLOW AGENT ORANGE, is still a Junior but is already an absolute showing machine who never stops trying for his handler whose grooming skills are truly remarkable. He has a long, elegant head, the outline is perfectly proportioned and his coat is exceptional, especially in view of his colour. On the move his profile is spectacular and he is the ultimate showdog.

Having given each of the seven due consideration I invited these two to step forward and then, still undecided, I asked them to do another circuit of the big ring.

The Wolfhound just opened up and, considering a breed of such substance, her movement was simply effortless and covered so much ground. Out and back her footfall was impeccable and in a very closely fought contest the larger rosette was hers, the little Toy having to take Reserve but in the near future and with full maturity I am sure he will better today’s result.

Thank you The National for a day I will never forget.

ANDREW H. BRACE