Windsor Dog Show Society

It is always an honour to judge at this level and am grateful for having to opportunity to judge the Pastoral Group at one of my special shows, I won my first CC with a Pyrenean bred by my parents at Windsor in 1987.

It was a super group full of quality and most of the dogs were coping extremely well with the heat, though I did reduce the amount of moving required to take account of the temperature. My G1 was the amazing BSD, Tervueren, Ch Domburg Made by Hawksflight, now a veteran, but you just would never believe it, she was shown in tip top condition, she has such ring presence, with proud stance, always alert, yet so calm and steady. Her head is so typy, with clean lines and well placed eye and ear. Square in body with lovely moderate angles and so light and easy on the move. Delighted to see her also take RBVIS. G2 the bearded collie, Ch Scalbeck Sophistication at Menander, another veteran, hard to believe she is 9 years old. Super condition, good proportions in outline, well-muscled and lovely broad square head. Well angulated and this showed on the move, super extension, gliding effortlessly around the ring. Shown in correct coat, not over done. G3, Kalaju Krown Jewel of Portville (OES), really impressed me for her conformation, under the super coat is a well angulated bitch with short back and strong loin. She has a strong square head with good muzzle, but is so feminine. Was very impressed with her coat, with lovely harsh rough outer coat, and very clean. Typical on the move with good extension and plenty of drive, not affected by the heat at all. G4, Ch Foryd Denali at Hawksflight, BSD Malinois, another who exudes breed type, lovely square outline with arched neck to give the proud head carriage. Super head, and love her expression from the well set eye and ear. Deep chest and has good rib. Light brisk movement with correct upward lift of tail on move.

I shortlisted 8, and the four that caught my eye for a second look included the ASD, Del Caufosca All Pieces Fit Jww23 Ita/slo/int/snm Jch, feminine, attractive head, with lovely eye well-constructed, and in super coat. Hungarian pumi, Breezelyn Ear Sumut Special Cw25, favourite of mine, he is such a show man and have to say he was the best muscled dog in the ring. Correct square online, good length to head and muzzle. Neat on the move. The Polish lowland sheepdog, Ch Mybeards Sweep, loved him as a puppy and he has matured well, a little power house, with good depth of chest and breadth of withers and rump. Super shaggy coat, but think on the day he just lacked the alertness of the top four. And last but not least the Shetland sheepdog, Ch Edglonian Golden Graham, super construction and shown in lovely condition with correct jacket. He is a lovely mover as you expect from a dog so well made.