Ronneby 2009
Firstly, I must thank the officers and committee of the Club for the invitation to judge at this superb show, for their wonderful hospitality and organisation, also a big thankyou to my two stewards, Anna and Sandra, for making my task so much easier and lastly to the exhibitors for the warm, friendly atmosphere and good sportsmanship shown throughout the day.
I had the honour of judging an amazing entry of 93 dogs, so unfortunately I could not get my hands on the gorgeous puppies, that honour fell to Janet and I know she loved them. I would like to congratulate you all for turning out your Beardies in such wonderful coat and condition, presentation and handling was of a very high standard. Ofcourse there were a few exceptions, but these were in the minority. Body condition was generally good, with only a few lacking muscletone. Tail carriage was also very good and most Beardies displayed happy temperaments, although I would like to have seen a little more animation and wagging tails. Eye colour, pigmentation, strength of skull and foreface were good, also croups and rears with only a few overdone. Ribcages were mostly long and chests deep and balance and proportions generally good. Fronts, the same as at home, were mixed. Layback tended to be acceptable on most but upper arms of good length were not so common. Also I was surprised to find a few level bites, which I did not penalise unless they were bordering on reverse scissor, a few of which I also found, also a couple of wry jaws. I am not obsessed with mouths by any means as I have other priorities, but I was surprised to find so many level ones. Coats were pleasing, no floor length skirts and texture was mostly good. Movement! Most were adequate. Up and back was very good. Reach and drive in profile was what I was looking for and dogs that really opened out were harder to find, but I did find them in my winners. Bitches had more quality in depth, just as at home, and in the bitch classes I could have awarded several a CC. The Open and Ch. Classes were a sight to behold.
Going on to the main winners. Winner of Ch. Dog class just blew the rest away on the move, I found it quite breathtaking to watch and he was a clear winner in that department. The CAC winning Open Dog was a powerful, free moving boy of lovely substance, proportions and size with no exaggerations, beautifully put together, a very honest dog, I loved him. The Open and ultimately CAC winning bitch was another stunning mover, who completely opened out on the move, superbly proportioned, had the best front of the day and just could not stand wrong. Athletic and light on her feet with wonderful length and so pretty. I see I placed her litter sister second in a great class. Finally onto the Ch. Bitches. I had great difficulty splitting the first two, I loved them both, but in the end the lovely dark slate girl had it all, a classic Beardie type, wonderful dreamy expression, lovely length to height, ideal shoulder and rear, moving as if she owned the ring, I see she has the same dam as my first two in Open Bitch. Just pipped by the male for BIS, but it could be the other way round on another occasion.
So thankyou all and your lovely Beardies for a day I will always treasure.
Glenda O’Connell.