Midland Counties Canine Society

My thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge at this year's show. I thoroughly enjoyed assessing the variety of breeds presented in these classes. Thank you to all exhibitors for their gracious acceptance of my decisions and for contributing to such a pleasant atmosphere around the ring. Special thanks go to my ring stewards, Andy and Sue Foreman, whose efficiency, good humour and excellent teamwork kept everything running smoothly.

1098. A.V.N.S.C. Pastoral - Puppy Dog

Entries: 3, Absentees: 2

1st 3450 Overhill’s Stateside (Miss L Whitticombe) Beauceron

Six months old and still very much a baby but with lots to like about this young male. Particularly liked his overall balance and proportions for his age. Pleasing head with parallel planes, correctly carried drop ears and dark eyes. Excellent bone and tight, round feet. Good forequarter development for his age and correct double dewclaws on the hind legs. Just needs to strengthen a little through the hocks, which should come with maturity. A very promising youngster who is developing nicely. Beautifully handled and well presented. BD & BP

1103. A.V.N.S.C. Pastoral - Puppy Bitch

Entries: 2, Absentees: 1

1st 3449 Trelowen Illusion at Siberstorm (Ms M R Taylor-Smith) Norwegian Buhund

Six months old bitch presenting a pleasing, typical outline. Lovely feminine head, wedge shaped with good proportions, excellent pigmentation and characteristic expression. Correct bone for her age and coat development. Particularly liked her attentiveness to her handler giving her the alert, lively expression so typical of the breed. Moves very well once settled, showing a pleasing, light action. Still very much a baby but lots to like. Well handled. RBB

1104. A.V.N.S.C. Pastoral - Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 3, Absentees: 0

1st 3444 Starvon Hello There at Spawood (Messrs P & A Conway & Oakden) Swedish Vallhund

Two years old, very typical bitch presenting a pleasing, well-proportioned outline. Feminine, wedge-shaped head with good markings and an excellent, alert expression. Correct front with good depth and breadth of chest, giving the substance expected in this small but sturdy working breed. Firm topline, well-set tail and muscular hindquarters. Moves true coming and going but particularly liked her profile action, showing good reach and drive. Beautifully handled and presented. BB & BOB

2nd 3451 Tallowah Nell Gwyn (Miss L Whitticombe) Beauceron

Two and a half years old, strong, substantial bitch presenting a pleasing, well-proportioned outline while retaining femininity. Feminine head but in no way weak. Dark eye and correct bite. Particularly liked her bone and rich tan markings. Well-set tail, muscular hindquarters and correct double dewclaws on the hind legs. Tends to lose her topline a little at times on the move but plenty to like about her overall construction and breed type. Well handled.