Crufts

After nearly 20 years of dedication to this Vulnerable Native British Breed I felt very honoured to have been invited to judge at the greatest dog show in the World. I would like to thank The Kennel Club and in particular the Crufts Committee for this privilege. My stalwart stewards, Margaret Garland and Tracey Gray, were superb and allowed me to focus totally on the job in hand namely assessing your dogs. I would like to thank the exhibitors who decided my opinion was worth having. I trust my critiques explain the placings that your dog’s received. 

This was the 5th time I have awarded CC’s in the breed and given our credentials as Top Breeders for the last 15 consecutive years I feel I have a duty of care to share my opinion regarding the state of the breed at this moment in history as opposed to this entry alone. I believe that in the last two decades the breed has significantly improved as a whole. The really ‘good uns’ have been able to regularly win at the very highest level against our more glamorous counterparts in the Toy Group as well as in all-breed Championship Show competition. We must make sure we recognise and retain the improvements made by past generations of breeders to ensure we move forward in the same vein. I hope my comments will be taken in the same positive spirit in which they are given.   

We only have circa 100 puppies registered a year and perhaps only 20% of those go on to be shown and even less go on to be bred with. We have a small gene pool and there has always been a variation in breed type with some breeders preferring the more ‘Toy Type’ and others preferring the ‘Terrier Type’. The ideal for me is to stay focussed on the KC Breed Standard and produce something in between.  

Most committed breeders have been forced to look abroad for inspiration to advance their breeding programme and in particular to introduce fresh bloodlines. My time in the breed has given me an appreciation of variation in breed type and the influence of the imported lines. The way our Breed Standard is written allows for individual interpretation; something that must be accepted and embraced for the long term betterment of this ‘rare’ breed. Variety within a small gene pool is an essential tool for future generations and should not be the subject of dispute, argument or angst.  

That said, there are definitely some fundamentals within the standard that should not be compromised or wrongly interpreted. These elements of the standard are the essence of ETT breed type.  

Our standard asks for movement ‘akin to an extended trot’ and flowing movement. It is vital that the basics of construction are completely understood so that this can be incorporated or maintained with your breeding programmes. This will also help exhibitors understand why the same dogs seem to always win and why perhaps their dogs do not achieve the same success.  

The ETT’s top line is unique and therefore has to be a major focus for all breeders. It is this unique top line combined with the angle of croup and low set tail that helps our well-constructed Terrier to be able to turn on a sixpence and yet, combined with well angulated and balanced quarters, still move at the pace needed for an extended trot.  

Size has always been a debate within the breed and sadly too often a narrow minded criticism rather than a healthy debate. The breed standard asks for an ideal height of 10-12 inches at the withers. As a breeder, size is really not an issue for me as every pedigree has the ability to throw some larger frame dogs and bitches. Given the population of our gene pool worldwide we really do not have the luxury to select purely on size; something that was clearly happening a lot in years gone by but sadly to the detriment of the breed. It should be a key objective for all breeders to produce an ETT as close to the ‘ideal’ size within the standard as possible. As a judge however we do have an obligation to keep size as a key attribute and it should therefore always be a consideration. 

Markings were generally good with various shades of tan, different degrees of definition and clarity of markings. Only one or two had ‘black legs’ where their thumbprints have run so on the whole I was presented with ‘black and tan’ terriers. 

My dog showing mentors always taught me to build the house on solid foundations so it will last the test of time, then decide how to furnish it and then how to decorate it. The foundations are the health and construction of our dogs – this ensures they are ‘fit for function’. Whilst I am confident the health of the breed has improved I am afraid breeders and exhibitors need to ensure they totally understand construction and movement when breeding and choosing dogs to show if they have aspirations of winning top honours in the show ring. 

So to the job in hand. A comparatively small entry for Crufts given the norm but quite expected as on average there are 15 Witchstone dogs usually being campaigned at Championship Shows (19 at Crufts 2019). Last year there were also 20 puppies exhibited at the Club Championship Show in November, LKA, Manchester and then subsequently at Crufts. This year there is only a quarter of that number with late summer 2019 litters not old enough to qualify. A number of overseas exhibitors sent apologies as the World Dog Show in sunny Madrid got their vote and they are heading there in April. 

So with just 47 entries I knew I faced a challenge. Absentees in the already disappointing Dog entry created a real headache with lots of compromise and prioritising from my benchmark ideal. My CC & RCC winners were worthy winners with sufficient virtues to warrant their awards on the day.  

The Bitch entry provided a much better experience with a number of bitches having Champion quality and deserving of their titles. There were some very close decisions and I could have happily awarded a number of CC’s from this bitch entry. 

Puppy - Dog (1,0) 1st  TWOWAYSHOUSE TUDOR KING (MR S & MRS N WHITEHOUSE). Standing alone and first impression was of an elegant young dog with an alert expression. Scores in head with a long, narrow wedge with strength to underjaw. Flat skull, erect ears and small, dark almond eye. Slight arch to neck. Still immature in body and could carry more weight given his frame. Fine bone and makes a good shape stood with gentle curve to top line and moderate tuck up. Would like a thicker coat and clearly still suffering from ‘winter moult’. Bright tans and thumb prints evident. Moved with drive going away but unfortunately his front movement lacks coordination and has an obvious undesirable ‘hackney’ action as opposed to the desired ‘extended trot’.  

Post Graduate - Dog (4,0) 1st & DOG CC  PEDARA THE WORLD IS MINE (SULASKY MEANT TO BE X SULASKY OUT OF CONTROL) MRS T & MR J M L WARREN  Immediately appeals for overall breed type being an ideal size, compact in shape and showing elegance. Well balanced head of correct wedge shape with strength to underjaw. Flat skull and really erect ears of desired candle flame shape. Eyes are dark enough and can appear a little round but shape improves the more he relaxes which then gives him an appealing alert expression. Very shapely when stood presenting all the gentle curves the breed standard asks for; gentle curve to top line, correct angle of croup and low set tail. In good black shiny jacket and rich tans with well-defined thumbprints. On the move he showed me glimpses of a ‘collected trot’. He moves with drive from his low hock and well bent stifle but was, at times, a little tense and this caused him to be erratic in front. A more experienced and confident charge would perhaps get him under better control on the move. On the final run around he pulled it together, moving as a piece and in today’s competition deserved this win.   

2nd & RCC PALLISANDRE PERSIAN PRINCE (WITCHSTONE PRAY YOU CATCH ME X CH WITCHSTONE SIOUXSIE SIOUX) MISS C & MR M S RAMSDEN & KAGZI). His clever breeder/handler presented him perfectly on the stack and immediately noticed his correct body shape, his gentle curve to his top line and wonderful arch of neck into really well laid shoulders; key attributes in the breed standard. He also stood out for his immaculate condition with sparkling white teeth and short well-kept nails. His head is longer in foreface than desired and I would like more strength in underjaw. His ears are also very tall although held erect and of correct candle flame shape; the rat would certainly have a lot to nip at. Eyes were dark enough but would benefit from being a little smaller and more almond shaped to create a more typical expression. His body is well conditioned carrying just the right of muscle for his frame. On the move he had better drive and extension than my winner and shows freedom of movement. Tail was not set as low as I would like and as such he carries it very high on the move which detracts.  Really clear, well defined marking with bright tans and jet black and well defined neat thumbprints.  

3rd ROSEOFPERN STARMAN (MRS Z CLARKE). Of ideal size and well within the standard. Scores in compact body and overall shape stood. Gives an impression of elegance and displays the correct breed top line with gentle curve from shoulder to croup. Neat wedge shaped head with ears of correct size and candle flame shape. He lacked an alert expression and he needs to use his ears more which were often flared. He lacks definition of markings and breaching was evident on his hind legs. He was in ‘winter jacket’ and did not move with the drive or extension of the winners. 

Limit - Dog (2,0) 1st ROYOMAS WALKING IN MEMPHIS WITH SHAREX (MRS K J & MISS C E WILLIAMS) A much bigger and longer dog who could carry a lot more weight for his frame. I really liked this dog’s head. He has a long narrow wedge with the correct slight stop and flat skull with just the right width of back skull to give balance to the wedge. Ears were of good size and set high when he decided to use them. Small dark eye of almond shape. Strength to underjaw and correct bite. Elegant in neck with slight arch and well laid shoulders. His head and neck ideal for acquitting himself in the rat pit. Slightly longer cast in body than my principle winners. He carries his tail high which extenuates his overall length on the move. In side gait he has reach and drive with good foot fall but did not display parallel movement on the out and back. Well defined markings, rich tan and clear thumbprint. 

2nd  LASAGESSE STARMAN (MR D C & MRS C M HOWARD). My notes say “could have been my CC winner stood” and was handled to advantage. This dog displays many the breed essentials I was looking for and impresses in silhouette. Elegant neck with slight arch, his excellent gentle curve to top line and correct low set tail. Of really good size, compact in shape and in hard muscular condition – looked more than capable of doing the job he was bred to do and therefore ‘fit for function. He has strength to his wedge with two flat planes and slight stop. Would prefer a slightly smaller, darker eye but of good shape. Ears erect and of good size and shape. Really clear markings and well defined black and tans. I was impressed with his overall confirmation but he was not happy at all on the move today. He was very hesitant and did not want to cooperate despite being given fair chance and being handled kindly and patiently. As such he had to be 2nd today. 

Open - Dog (6.4) The absentees from this class were a little disappointing and included an Australian import and two dogs from Italy which as a breeder I would have been interested to assess.  

1st MORETONIA EASTER PARADE (MR J WOOD). Up to size and longer cast but still elegant and with fine bone. Alert and attentive to his handler. Long narrow wedge and small dark eye, ears of good size and held high but leathers appeared thin and they appeared to be weak. On the move he has good reach and drive allowing him to move at the pace of an extended trot which won him this class. Moved parallel away and back. Today he was flying his tail and as his body has now lengthened he loses top line with a slight dip in his top line and slightly rising over the loin. Tans were nice and rich in colour but his thumbprints have now run and overall markings lack definition.  

2nd NEERODAN JUST THE TICKET (MRS G & MISS I PERRY). Of ideal size and more compact in shape than the winner but square in outline and flatter in back rather than the desired gentle curve to his top line he also lacks angulation fore and aft. He makes a neat package stood and has an alert expression and is really focussed and attentive to his young handler. Wedge shaped head and firm erect ears of a good size and shape. Small dark eye and good chin. Another that was much happier stacked than on the move – despite best efforts of his very smart and capable handler he would not cooperate today and was therefore out-moved by the winner. 

Good Citizen Dog Scheme - Dog (1,0)  1st  NEERODAN TOP NOTCH (MRS G & MISS I PERRY). Like this handlers charge in the Open Class this castrated dog is of ideal size and has a better outline than his kennel mate with the correct gentle curve to his top line and better angulation to forequarters and a good bend of stifle. Wedge shape head with alert expression and ears of good size, set high and used to their advantage. Moved parallel away and back and showed freedom of movement – handled at just the pace for the dog. Was flying his tail today.  

Veteran - Bitch (4,2) 1st & BVIB    ARIANE OH WHAT A NIGHT AT EDALENE SHCM VW (NAPSANNALAN ULI ULJAYS AT ARIANE X ARAINE MYSTIC MEG) (MRS C H INCH). In super condition at 8 years of age and an attentive show girl. Alert and focussed on the job in hand. Has a very good rapport with her owner/handler. Presents a typical shapely outline stood being compact in body with gentle curve to her top line and low set tail. Long narrow wedge with high set ears – prefer her flatter in skull. Small eyes of good shape and dark in colour. Elegant neck with slight arch. Moves with good reach but a little too straight in stifle so lacks the balance and drive in side gait and shows a rise over her loin. A picture of health with short dense black coat and bright tans 

2nd MENUSHKIN QUITE EXCLUSIVE TO BOIMANS (MR T & MRS J HARMAN).  A larger and heavier bitch and again of good overall balance. A little longer cast in body but not as shapely and compact as the winner. Very typical wedge shaped head with bright eye and alert expression. At 11 years of age she was in fabulous condition and her dentition was exemplary for her age. Her teeth were so clean in fact far better than a number of the much younger bitches in Limit and Open. Moved well in side gait but not quite so accurate away and back. In shiny black jacket, tans faded as one would expect with age. Clearly defined markings. A credit to the owner. 

Puppy - Bitch (2,0) 1st & BPIB  NASABE LILY MARLENE (CH MORETONIA BAY CITY ROLLER X MORETONIA WICKED IN OZ) ( MRS H J HAFFENDEN). An eye catching bitch and handled so very well to show off her virtues. This puppy bitch already has a very good bond with her handler and as such she presents beautifully. Text book for size and makes a very typical shape stood; an ideal package. Very shapely with very gentle curve to her top line, shapely tuck up and low set tail. Long, narrow wedge and dark almond eye. Ears set high and of candle flame shape and used all the time to create an alert expression. She has well laid shoulders and a straight front. Her hind quarter angulation does not quite match her super front so on the move she is starting to lose her top line which appears to dip at the withers. Parallel away and back. Her coat was like shiny black coal and she was in wonderful condition. Rich tans but already starting to lose definition of thumbprint as they have started to run.  

2nd LOKEREN ABBA ANNIFRIED (MRS J & MR P FIERS). A smaller bitch well within the breed standard height range and more toy than terrier in type. A neat little package. Very elegant but a little longer and flatter in back especially on the move. A wedge shaped head; not so long but in proportion to her body size. Small dark eye and high set ears. Elegant in neck. Very fine boned. Moved swiftly with good freedom just lacking some accuracy going away and back. Despite her smaller frame I still thought she could carry a little more weight and body condition. Her coat was much thinner than required emphasised by her pale skin.  Tans bright and markings clearly defined. 

Junior - Bitch (4,1) A class of three bitches all of good shape and all with lots to admire. I am sure they will change place many times but this is how they had to stand today. 

1st  EDALENE ALL ABOUT EVE (MRS C & MISS R INCH). A very attractive young bitch with classic breed shape and type – really liked the silhouette she made with text book top line stood; particularly liked her over the croup and her low set tail. She displays all the gentle curves the standard asks for. Long narrow wedge shaped head with small dark almond eye. Ears of good size and shape just a little wide apart at times. Elegant in neck with slight arch. Straight front with legs well under body. Moved well in side gait with good extension. Moved with drive from behind but not quite so accurate in front. Dense black jacket and in very good body condition and muscle tone. Rich tans and very good contrast including clearly defined markings and neat thumbprints. Just requires a little more table confidence. 

2nd LOKEREN ABBA AGNETHA (MRS J & MR P FIERS). Makes a very typical shape stood and is particularly elegant. A really beautiful head to this puppy bitch with a long narrow wedge shape and balance to length of muzzle and her flat skull. Ears of super candle flame shape and held high. Eyes dark and expressive; of an ideal size and shape. Shows strength of under jaw and correct scissor bite. Very elegant in neck. Gentle curve to her top line and low set tail. She moved parallel away and back. In profile she has reach and drive but can flatten in top line. She needed to carry more weight and body condition as she had her pin bones showing. Suffering from winter moult so coat not as dense and lacked shine.  

3rd ETRURIA JUST THE ONE FOR REEBERRICH (MR H & MR J R F WINES & RICHARDSON). This young bitch was right up my street. An ideal shape and spot on for size – she was my clear winner on initial inspection. She is so well balanced and fits the standard perfectly in outline. Long narrow wedge with small wicked eye and high set ears of candle flame shape. Beautiful in neck and well laid shoulders. Her top line is spot on with a gentle curve, angled over the croup and low set tail. Good bend of stifle and low hock. Carrying just the right weight and condition with dense coat and bright tans. Markings all clearly defined. She did not seem to like the carpet and despite several chances she did not move well enough for a higher place today – such a shame. 

Post Graduate - Bitch (9,1) 1st PELUGIAS LIGHT UP MY LIFE AT PETITPAWS (MISS V COX). Headed a large class of bitches based on both her accurate side gait and soundness away and back. A mature bitch for her age and was I liked her solid body condition. I admired the strength of her head but she was unmistakeably a bitch. Very good wedge with flat skull and dark expressive eye. Ears of very good candle flame shape and held high. Good strength of under jaw that could definitely do some ‘rat’ damage. Well laid shoulders and return of upper arm. Has depth to her chest and good tuck up. Legs set well under her body. Well bent stifle. Top line a little flatter than ideal but low set tail stood and on the move. In lovely thick jacket with rich tans – markings could have more definition. Construction and movement impressed me and had to be rewarded in this class where so many didn’t move soundly.  

2nd MORETONIA GOLDEN GIRL AT NEERODAN JW (MRS D A DICKER). Of ideal size and made a very good shape stood. A very neat and balanced wedge shaped head with correct candle flame ears but she does not make the most of them which detracts from the desired alert expression. Dark sparkling eyes of good shape. Elegant neck and compact in body. Very well covered in body in fact go as far as to say she clearly enjoys her dinners. She flattens a little in top line on the move with a low set tail. Moved parallel away and back. Lacked a little enthusiasm in side gait and did not have the extension of the winner. In very good condition with a dense black glossy close. Rich tans but markings not so well defined and thumbprints have run. 

3rd SHEDAN FOLLOW THAT GIRL AT VIDRA (MS B & MR I WILES & ARGINT). Another bitch of nice size and bone. This bitch clearly has a special relationship with her handler and was very attentive. She has a good wedge shaped head but it lacks a little fill under the eye. Eyes are nice and dark but a little too big and need to be more almond in shape for desired expression. Ears of good size but set too wide apart. Compact in body with gentle curve to her top line when stood with a low set tail. Deep chest and good length of rib. Body in super condition and has good overall muscle tone. She requires more angulation in her forequarters together with a better bend of stifle. Moved with enthusiasm but not the accuracy of the winners. 

Limit - Bitch (5.0) A close decision for the top spot in this class; two really nice bitches both with many virtues and CC worthy.  

1st LASAGESSE DEFINITELY MAYBE (MR G & MRS L DIXON). In good order with a super black shiny coat, very good muscle tone, which several in the entry lacked and neat feet and nails. She is very stylish and elegant from all angles. She was handled extremely well to show her virtues. Wedge shaped head with candle flame shape ears held high. Eyes dark but would prefer a little more almond shape and obliquely set; they can sometimes look a little bold. Slight arch to neck and very good lay of shoulder. Compact in body with gentle curve to top line when stood and correct low set tail. Moderate bend of stifle which is a little out of balance with her well angulated forequarters so whilst she moves at the pace associated with an extended trot she lacks the required balance in her movement. Nice and parallel away and back. She lacked a little shape to her underline today which spoilt her tuck up and detracted from her overall shape. Rich tan with very good contrast and definition of markings. 

2nd MORETONIA EASTER CHICK (MISS S A LESLIE). I found out after judging that this was younger sister to my Bitch CC winner and was not all surprised. She has a very typical outline stood and an unmistakeable ETT silhouette. A very attractive wedge shaped head with dark expressive eye and ears set high. Strength to her underjaw and scissor bite. Slight arch to her neck and well laid shoulders. Gentle curve to her top line stood falling well over the croup to a low set tail. Nice and deep in chest and well covered ribs. Carrying a little too much weight which spoilt the shape of her underline. She can just flatten a little on the move. Moved soundly away and back. Jet black jacket in very good condition and bright tans.  

3rd THALCYON SPRINGTIME STAR (MRS J & MR P FIERS). A larger slightly longer cast bitch than the two placed above her but nonetheless a very typical example of the breed. A very pleasing head with clean lines and a long narrow wedge. Very good fill under the eyes, a slight stop and flat skull. Ears off correct size and shape and held high on her head. Good strength to underjaw and nice scissor bite but teeth were dirty which let her down. Alert and focussed on her handler. She was well handled to show that she has the capability of moving at pace with an accurate side gait and her tail carried nice and low. Not in as good coat as the winners and tans paler. 

Although of different type these three bitches could all be useful additions to any kennel. 

Open - Bitch  (10,1) 1st   CC & BOB     MORETONIA WHISPER IN OZ (SASNDASH BLACK MATT IMP AUST X MORETONIA CHRYSTAL CHARM) (MISS S A LESLIE). This bitch headed a strong class and numerically the largest class of the day. At last I had found what I was looking for and she was pushed all the way by the RCC winner. Her very smart breeder handled her so confidently and really got the best out of this beautiful bitch. She is fully mature and has an absolutely text book shape both stood; her confirmation then allows her to also hold this top line on the move. Her head is not exaggerated in any way and she is definitely fit for function and would undoubtedly do well as a vermin controller or competitor in the rat pit. Long narrow wedge with enough width to create balance; two clear planes and a flat skull. High set candle flame shaped ears which she used all the time. Well filled under the eyes which for perfection and for my preference could have been a little darker and smaller but in no way detracted from her expression nor would it affect her ability to do her job. Well angulated forequarter with legs set directly under her shoulder. Deep chest and good spring of rib. The gentle curve to her top line which falls over the croup to her low set tail is most impressive. Her hindquarter Rich tans and clear markings with defined thumbprints. Congratulations to the owner for conditioning her so well. She really deserves to have a champion title.  

2nd & RCC WINTER STAR AT KIKUCHI JW (CH WITCHSTONE TALK OF THE TOWN AT TETTOY X WITCHSTONE KICKINGBUP A FUSS FOR POSHPINS) (MR C, MRS S & MASTER L EVISON). A really close decision and is this bitch is definitely of Champion quality. She cannot stand wrong and clearly adores her owner/handler and wanted to please. Alert and focussed at all times. In fabulous condition and her jet black coat absolutely shone. She makes a beautiful shape stood and like the CC winner holds her top line on the move. Long narrow wedge which just needs a little more fill under the eye. Candle flame shaped ears held high but could be a little stronger. Small dark sparkling eyes of almond shape. Super elegant neck with slight arch. Well laid shoulder and perfect ETT top line, fall from croup and low set tail. Body nice and compact and she could turn on a sixpence. Really rich tans and markings in all the right places; thumbprints have run slightly so lack some definition. Moves very soundly away and back. Really drives in side gait with a very accurate extended trot to the point where the handler had to give more lead to accommodate her impressive pace.  

3rd CH ETRURIA OUT OF WORDS (MR H WINES). I gave her the CC & BOB when she was a puppy and she still has the most wonderful overall size and shape with a text book silhouette. She has a beautiful wedge shaped head which is long and narrow with perfect flat planes. A small dark almond eye and candle flame shaped ears. She is a proper madam and despite the handers best efforts she was really not fussed about using her ears and lacked focus on the job in hand and therefore lacked the alert expression of the two principle winners. She is very sound on the move and I love her in side gait with such balance and accurate footfall. Black jacket, in very good condition. Bright tans with very clearly defined markings.  Although she is an absolute favourite of mine today she lacked the attitude and enthusiasm of the winners which were on fire today. 

Good Citizen Dog Scheme - Bitch (2,0)   

1st SHEDAN FOLLOW THAT GIRL AT VIDRA (MS B & MR I WILES & ARGINT) 

2nd LASAGESSE MORNING GLORY WITH TETTOY (MRS V LOVE). A very feminine little bitch of ideal size. Elegant all through and put down in super condition. Jet black coat and rich tans. Wedge shaped head with dark eye. Slight arch to neck. She moves with drive but lacks coordination and crosses in front. She has a great rapport with her handler; alert and focussed at all times.