Euro Corgi Dog Show

To receive an invitation to officiate at the first UK Euro Corgi show, which celebrated its 10th birthday was a dream come true. Organised jointly by the WCL and the CWCA, this show, the brain-child of Kim Vigso Nielsen and Christine Sonberg, was held at Crick in the grounds of the Holiday Inn.

Although the weather tried to spoil the party, judges for both breeds, Vicki Sandage (Sandfox) from the USA and “Mr Corgi”, Peter Clifton (Joseter) found two top class exhibits for my choice as BIS Judge. Thank you

Having awarded the Pem, Dover & Saether’s Ch Pemcader Thunderball, his first RCC back in 2015, I had watched his progress from youngster through to maturity with interest as he has collected 51 CC’s.

He is now at his best and in my opinion is a fine example of the breed. His virtues are there for all to see. He is a Natural Bob Tail and this, to me, enhances his outline. Appealed in expression with good foreface. Well placed shoulders and good body length Nice well padded feet and moved out with drive both front and rear, he entered the ring with a presence and attitude from one who knows how good he is and helped by his handler powered around the ring in style.

His opposition was the just Veteran lady, Taylors, Ch Bymil Smile please, another who gained a RCC from me as a puppy and the CC at Crufts in 2016 so both exhibits were well deserving of their BOB status on the day. She too is a delight to handle. Dark brindle in superb hard condition with a gleaming coat. Lovely head, well balanced with a good foreface and under jaw. Good length of neck, good fore chest and bone. Excellent feet. Lovely top line on the move.

Perhaps with the advantage of having a day’s rest, Thunderball just edged out Smile Please to take the BIS award, it was my pleasure but such a close decision.

Roberts & Williams, Coventry Sky Full of Stars, came in to challenge for RBIS. This young tri bitch although has plenty of potential lost out for the award on maturity and showmanship but her day will come so Ch Smile Please took RBIS/BOS and Best Veteran In Show to add to her many awards

BP was an interesting and close decision between a Pem, owned by Gordon & Heath, Crescent Hill Brynlea Moonglow (Imp USA) and the Cardigan, Froggat’s Wildcard Queen of Clubs for Gerefa, handled by the co-owner of the Pem dog puppy! The award went to the Cardigan as the Pem boy was not at all settled and was not as positive on the move.

I would like to thank all the exhibitors involved for bringing in exhibits in immaculate condition and presentation and this made my day.

Carole A Smedley (Judge)

JUNIOR HANDLERS

There were 2 classes for our up and coming handlers scheduled with qualification to the JHA later in the year

6-11 years just 3 entrants of very well schooled young ladies who really showed off their skills, especially when the dog was placed incorrectly (by me) on the table and they all handled their dogs well

1. Miss K Read aged 7 and what a little star this young lady was. Handling a dog with sympathy and kindness. She did not do very much wrong. Dressed well in a lovely outfit and had her hair tied back so when she knelt down to handle her charge, she could still keep an eye on the judge – well done

2& 3 Eleanor Thomas and Emily Matthews were not far behind the winner although one had been given a dog that would not co-operate and this was the deciding factor in her placement

12-16 years

5 entrants all of whom were excellent in their showing skills but I could only award one 1st place which went to:

Fleur Walker handling a young bitch. Picked up on everything I asked her to do, including correcting the stance on the table. I do realize these youngsters are taught never to get between the Judge and the exhibit and my only comment would be that this young lady was quite abrupt in her movements which at times disturbed her exhibit.

2) Line Eriksen, what a smart young lady, I discovered later she had come with her family from Denmark and I really do hope she will be able to return as she shows so much potential in her handling skills. Handled her charge with ease and listened to everything and was only just pipped at the post by Fleur, to whom I awarded Best Junior Handler.

To all me entrants, thank you for waiting but your handling skills put many season exhibitors to shame.

Carole Smedley (Judge)