Crufts

Crufts 2019-Vulnerable Breeds Final

I was delighted to be invited to judge the final of the vulnerable breeds competition and it was an engagement that I had very much looked forward to.

In order to reach the final each participant has had to win won BOB at its group championship show so qualification itself is the result of a significant win. The group of dogs that I was presented with in the afternoon's pre-judging was a quality group and there was certainly plenty to go at. Thank you for bringing them.

However decisions have to be made and I pulled into my final cut the six that I felt were really asking for a second look, each vying for my attention. These included the Manchester Terrier, Ch Digelsa Declaration, the Otterhound, Ch Teckelgarth Maximus, the Irish Red & White Setter, Sh Ch Alanea Summer Cottage and the Irish Water Spaniel Sh Ch Gloi Donn All or Nothing at Stanegate.

My overall winner was the magnificent Skye Terrier, Ch Brakemill Barnum. I have done him well on previous occasions and in true Skye form he gets better with age. He is now at his mature best. He possesses a beautiful head with the correct width of skull and his head matches the body. His overall proportions are lovely and he has good bone and substance. Top that off with super condition, a lovely well presented straight cream coat and movement that glides him round the ring showing a clean pair of heels and there you have it. Just lovely.

Runner-up was the Curly Coated Retriever Ch Brightmeadow Never Say Die and he certainly brightened up my day. He really impressed me hands on as he was in super hard condition and all parts fitted together so well with no exaggeration. He was smart and stylish both standing and on the move with lovely bone and super legs and feet. He moved soundly and assertively and his quality shone through.

Paul Eardley