London & Home Counties Terrier Club

London & Home Counties Terrier Club Open Show, 10.10.2021, soft coated wheaten terriers 

Firstly, I would like to thank the London & Home Counties Terrier Club committee for inviting me to judge my beloved breed, soft coated wheaten terriers, at their open show held on Sunday, 10th of October 2021. Many thanks also to my able steward George, who kept the ring running smoothly. The venue was big and airy with ample space for exhibitors to set up and the rings were of a decent size which allowed to me to assess movement as the dogs strode out.

I was faced with a difficult task with a good entry of 10 dogs, many of which I’d admired before but I judged the dogs on the day and I am delighted with my choices. 

Sadly no pups were entered so my first class to judge was Yearling.

Yearling d/b (1:0): 1st, Black and White's, CELTANNIA MADAMEX, A pretty, balanced young bitch who was good for size too. Very feminine head, with typical expression and well set alert ears. Her mouth had the correct scissor bite and big white teeth. Great muscling overall with a moderate neck, good depth of chest, and a topline that was true when standing and on the move. This 18m old bitch was well handled by her novice handler and I hope to see them in the ring again soon.

Post Graduate d/b (3:2): 1st, Cooper's OLICANAROCKS ROMBALD, This masculine 3 year old boy cut a lovely profile with a beautiful maturing coat of big open curls as the standard calls for and an enviable groom. He had what can only be described as a big black ‘boopable’ nose which all scwt should possess. I liked his length of neck, shoulders and level topline. I would’ve preferred to see a little more reach and drive when on the move but this may have been due to the floor’s surface as I observed several of the other exhibits moving out the same way.

Open d/b (6:1): 1st Satherley & Witheyman’s, SILKCROFT BORN THIS WAY JW, This 3y old bitch is feminine and pretty as a picture but fit for function, being the correct size, well muscled and on her toes ready for terrier action! She free-stood squarely and confidently moved out with extension and drive while maintaining her level topline and tail held high. Good for pigment, hazel eyes, spot on scissor bite, a flat skull of correct proportions, and her small well set ears made up a pleasing head with the expression typical for the breed. Her front is straight, chest a nice depth and her ribs had a good spring to them. Nice turn of stifle and rear angulation. Sporting a flattering groom with the correct coat of big soft open curls and the desired colour of ripening wheat, she ticked all the boxes for me and was easily awarded the BOB. I was delighted to see her go BIS 3 under judge Liz Cartledge. 

2nd: Hughlock's JANEYJIMJAMS JOLENE AT KEEVASDREAM, It is hard to believe this bitch is 7 years old but she could easily pass for half that age. She has the coat and colour I’d expect and a groom that showed it off to its best. Again, a correct sized bitch, balanced with nothing over done. She stacked and moved out well for her handler and with intent. I was happy to place her RBOB and pleased she went on to win 4th place in the RBOB competition.

Judge: Laura Norkett Lui (EblanaHalls)