SWEDISH CAC BREED CLUB SHOW 2008

SWEDEN 2008

I was very honoured to be asked to judge at such a special event and would like to extend my thanks to the Club for inviting me. I would also like to thank the exhibitors for allowing me the privilege of judging their dogs. The Get Together the night before was a memorable occasion and thanks go to Gertie and everyone for the organisation and wonderful food!

The venue was absolutely beautiful and everyone was very helpful and seemed to enjoy the whole show. My stewards were very good and made my job easier, thank you to both. My accent made it difficult for them to understand what I was saying so I apologise that most of the critiques were very basic and much the same.

I was looking for a well balanced dog that looked good on the stand and on the move. I like a Beardie that can move well and if they do this, then they must be made right.

I found that a lot of the dogs lacked muscle and were very flat footed. This results in poor movement and some that I loved on the stand really let themselves down when I asked them to move, I was so disappointed. My other negative comment is the lack of a really well laid shoulder. Some I found very coarse and they didn’t give that lovely elegant outline that I like in a Beardie. This causes a lack of front extension and again I had to penalise some nice dogs. These problems are worldwide and I know that when I last judged in England I made the same comments.

However, the temperaments on all the dogs were very good. Most had been to two shows in two days and took everything in their stride. I also found some lovely heads with nice dark eyes. There is a lack of dark eyes in England and it made a refreshing change to see so many here.

My winners were everything that I look for in a Beardie. They had the outline, a lovely neck that leads to good shoulders and a long back. I have seen some of the photo’s that were taken and put on the Get Together site. There you can see the wonderful extension of my BOB. That is how I like to see a Beardie move. I loved everything about him and will watch his career with interest.

Once again thank you for the opportunity to judge at such a special show and thanks for the entries.

Lesley Tomlinson