Newport & District Agricultural Society

Thank you to Rob Jones for inviting me to judge the Working group. We knew the entry would not be great as this show clashed with the National Working & Pastoral Breeds championship show held very close, at Malvern, on the same day. I was looking forward to having lunch in the Members’ Marquee, as previously, spending the afternoon watching the main ring events from there. Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way. The agricultural society had sited the Dog Show outside the curtilage of the agricultural show ground, making it almost impossible to get to the main ring in one of the hottest days of the year. A shame all round.

My entries were the lowest I have ever received and attendance was worse. The proximity of the championship show and such a terribly hot day did not help the situation. Thank you so much to the exhibitors who brought their three dogs for me to judge. Also, thanks to Rob, for being my steward, who was ‘multi-tasking’ all day. One good thing, I was able to finish early, take my pack lunch home and eat it whilst watching the Wimbledon Ladies’ Final on the TV, in our cool lounge!

BOXER

POST GRADUATE (1)

1. Smith’s Slanstorm Supanatural Dean. A red male, who appeared on the rangy, tall side for me. Masculine head, with good balance of skull to muzzle. Top of skull slightly arched, distinct stop, broad muzzle and well-padded upper lips. Lower jaw undershot, supported by well separated six canine teeth. Super mouth. Moderate ears, well placed. Good dark eyes, forward looking. Round neck. Shoulder placement could have been better, also topline, resulting in shorter strides. Well-muscled hindquarters with good bend of stifle. Presented in superb condition, muscled and fit. Glossy, smooth coat, tight to the body. Nice curve to lower abdominal line. Good feet. Lovely calm even temperament. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

OPEN (1)

1. Smith’s Slanstorm Supanatural Sam. An attractive brindle bitch. Also presented in excellent coat and condition. Good, well-balanced feminine head, with not such a broad muzzle. Well-padded upper lips. Lower jaw undershot, supported by well separated canine teeth. Another with an excellent mouth. Dark expressive eyes with matching dark rims, presenting an intelligent expression. Distinctive stop. Sufficient length of neck and well-placed shoulders. Straight, parallel, sufficiently muscled forelegs. Super fore chest and good depth of chest reaching to elbows. Strong, well-constructed body, giving the correct square appearance. Nice slightly sloping topline and good tuck-up. Moved well. BEST OF BREED.

SIBERIAN HUSKY

JUNIOR (1)

1. Lightfoot’s Penkhalas Pheidippides of Footlite. An 11-month-old puppy, who was feeling the heat. A well-balanced dog, with good shape. Correct chiselled fox-like, well-proportioned head. Nice triangular shaped ears placed relatively close together. He was losing coat badly, making him look on the thinner side. He moved OK, a little close, even at a slower pace. But he was not very happy with the hot weather. BEST PUPPY & BEST OF BREED.

WORKING GROUP

BEST WORKING – Smith’s Slanstorm Supanatural Sam, Boxer.

RESERVE BEST WORKING – Lightfoot’s Penkhalas Pheidippides of Footlite. Siberian Husky.

BEST WORKING PUPPY - Lightfoot’s Penkhalas Pheidippides of Footlite. Siberian Husky.

Felicity A. Snook

JUDGE