Scottish Kennel Club

The Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show 

24th August 2019 

Utility Group 

I would like to thank the Scottish Kennel Club for the kind invitation to judge the Utility Group at this prestigious Championship Show and they are to be congratulated on their forward thinking regarding prejudging the groups which, with 4 groups on one day making a total of 12 groups in total, made for much smoother running.  

I found this to be rather a mixed group today and there were a couple of dogs which I have thought highly of in the past who didn’t put all in sadly, but they will have better days I’m sure. 

However, the shortlist was made up of some high-quality representatives of their breeds, some young and their best is yet to come but I could see myself happily placing them on another day. This consisted of The Akita, Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Poodle, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel and Tibetan Terrier.  

Group 1 went to the beautiful Tibetan Spaniel Ch SOUSHKA I NEED YOUR LOVE. Bang on form and the consummate show dog. His head is masculine and he has the most delightful expression. Strong neck into firm topline and well set and carried tail. He has good length of leg and presents a very balanced outline. In full bloom he was presented to perfection. On the move he carries himself with importance and is as sound as they come. Couldn’t be ignored today and I was delighted to award him the group. Really beautiful dog. 

Group 2 and very close up was the delightful Shih Tzu CH TAMERON MISS BLACK OPIUM. A favourite of mine and I have previously awarded her a CC and BOB. She is totally typical in outline, gorgeous head and expression, strong topline and carries her tail correctly. She too was in the most fabulous condition and presented to the hair. On the move she has an arrogance about her, so typical of the breed. Handled beautifully, she was a very strong contender. Beautiful bitch at the top of her game. 

Group 3 was a new one to me, the Miniature Schnauzer CH JASTALLA BORN LEADER. Was extremely impressed with this totally typical young man, all Schnauzer being compact and robust. Delightful head, strongly made and powerful. His coat was of superb texture beautifully presented. Nothing much to change about him on the table and he moved soundly around the ring defying you to ignore him. Good one and not the last we have heard of him I’m sure.  

Group 4 and making up a very pleasing quartet was the delightful Toy Poodle CH NASAILLEEN THIS IS ME AT TIRKANE. What a charmer she is. I have seen her from the ringside, but this was my first opportunity to get hands on. Super head and wicked expression. She has a long neck, typical Poodle topline with the desired dip behind the withers into well set tail. Well bodied with good spring of rib. Pleasing to find a good front on her, she is short coupled and balanced behind. Presented beautifully without exaggeration, her coat is of the correct texture. Move around the ring with correct outline and covered the ground. On this form she is hard to ignore.  

Lee A S Cox (Judge)