West Of England Ladies Kennel Society

WELKS Championship Show 2019

BEST IN SHOW

I would like to thank the Ladies on the WELKS committee for this very kind invitation to judge Best In Show at this famous and prestigious show. Although not born in the West, I consider myself a West Country lad and it was indeed an honour. To say that the weather was a little trying would be an understatement and I have to commend the whole team for their efforts. I know only too well how difficult this can be and how much of a team effort it is, you are to be congratulated.

I was very pleased with my Best In Show line up and I thank the group judges for a job well done. It gave me food for thought, with a collection of super dogs in the line-up and so performance on the day played an enormous part.

Coming from the Gundog Group was the supremely sound GWP. He really is a super dog with a delightful head and in rock solid condition. This is one that could easily do a day out in the field with no troubles. I liked him very much. Representing the Toy Group was the oh so charming little Pug. What a delight she is and I can see that we will certainly be seeing a lot more of her. Her head and expression are a delight, compact, good for size and substance, yet retaining femininity. Another who put on an excellent show and is so very stylish. From the Pastoral Group came the Briard, she has a very eye-catching shape and her presentation is to be commended. Holds her outline in profile and covers the ground. Her young handler must also be commended for a job very well done. The workmanlike Irish Terrier came through from the Terrier Group. Good for size and in super condition, he has a long head and racy outline. Puts his feet in the right place. From the Hound group came the exceptionally regal Borzoi. Completely graceful and feminine with a delightful outline. Sound as a pound and in superb condition.

For RBIS I chose the Newfoundland CH/AM CH MAINLAND ANCHORBAY NOW I KNOW MY ABC'S. What a magnificent dog he is. His presentation was superb and he is in the most wonderful condition. A real powerhouse of a dog who has size and substance, yet retains such incredible soundness when he moves. Gorgeous head and expression, firm topline and well set tail. He never stands wrong and can never be overlooked when he moves. Completely balanced outline that will always take the eye. Grand dog.

BIS went to the Superb Lhasa Apso CH SANDAURI SHOWSTOPPER FOR KUTANI. He owned the ring from the moment he entered it. His presentation and condition was faultless. On the table he has the most delightful head and expression, strong, arched neck, firm topline and perfectly set tail. Nothing exaggerated at all about this boy and, being totally balanced, your hands flow as you go over him. In full coat of superb texture. On the move he carries himself with that typical gay and jaunty attitude and is a sound as a pound. A real class act, it was my pleasure to award him the top spot.

Lee A S Cox (Judge)