Cheshire Agricultural Society

Royal Cheshire Agricultural Premier Open Show 16th June 

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at the Royal Cheshire County Show, and I am grateful to the exhibitors who supported my appointment on a weekday so close to Blackpool Championship Show later in the week. It is always an honour to be involved in this occasion; the dog show forms part of a larger, prestigious regional agricultural event that brings together agricultural interests and the local community.

All exhibits were presented with good bites, well groomed, and handled with professionalism. Some of the younger dogs were understandably playful on the move, clearly enjoying their day out and giving their handlers a lively test of their skills, but they all went home happy.

With a little spare time after judging, I also used the opportunity to learn more about the specialist coat management techniques required for breeds that do not follow the usual bath and dry routine. An exhibitor kindly talked me through the level of work involved in achieving a true show quality presentation, including the many hours of careful drying and preparation undertaken before a dog even reaches the ring. Every show teaches something new, and Cheshire was no exception — I thoroughly enjoyed learning from everyone today.

Eurasier

Class 300 Junior (0)

Class 301 Open (1,1)

1st Luckman’s Albionspitz Revel 

Four year old red fawn male of medium size with a balanced outline, clear masculinity and good bone. Head wedge shaped with parallel planes; triangular ears set high and well furred. Dark, oval, slightly oblique eyes giving a calm, typical expression. Strong muzzle equal in length to skull, firm jaws and correct pigmentation. Neck strong into a well laid shoulder, with evident prosternum, matching forechest and a deep oval ribcage. Forelegs straight and parallel with a gentle pastern slope. Topline level and firm with a strong croup; tail profusely coated and carried high. Hindquarters powerful with well muscled thighs, good stifle and low hocks. Full coat today with harsh topcoat and soft undercoat, giving correct northern spitz appearance. Movement clean with good reach and drive, maintaining his outline. Despite the humidity, he and his handler worked well as a team. BOB

Japanese Akita Inu

Class 318 Puppy (0)

Class 319 Junior (0,1)

Class 320 Post Graduate (0,1)

Class 321 Open (1,0)

1st Duffield’s HR CH Meiho Kensha Akioshiro Go SW25

Medium red fawn male just short of three years old, showing a proportionate body, clear masculinity and a correct compact outline, with good bone that is strong without being overly heavy. Blunt triangular head, clean and free of loose skin, with parallel planes. Well furred, hooded ears set high. Dark, triangular eyes giving an alert expression. Muzzle of good length and strength with tight black lips and strong jaw; cheeks still developing and I would like more fullness to complete the head, as males often mature until four. Medium, muscular neck flowing into a level back. Forechest and ribcage developing well at this age; straight forelegs with a gentle pastern slope. Short loin and moderately broad croup; tail set high and correctly carried. Powerful hindquarters with broad thighs and low, well let down hocks. Well groomed coat; I would like slightly more length at withers and rump to enhance the stand off outline. Rhythmic, resilient movement with excellent rear action. A compact, moderate male of excellent temperament and a highlight mover of the day. BOB.

Toy and pastoral breeds critique in separate page. 

By Tina Johnson (Teikokusou)