Southern Counties Canine Association

Southern Counties Canine Association

4th June 2022

Utility Group

It was indeed a pleasure and an honour to judge the Utility Group at this prestigious and efficiently run show. Angela Cavill and her team are to be congratulated for putting on such a super event. She is fortunate to have such a hard-working committee who use their individual strengths to advantage. As usual the welcome and hospitality was second to none.

The Utility Group is always an interesting one to judge with such variance in breeds, but I had a goodly selection to be able to shortlist 9. There were a couple of others that could have been shortlisted but some being young and still needing finish, their day will come.

The shortlist comprised of the Akita, Bulldog, Eurasier, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Poodle, Schipperke and Tibetan Terrier, all excellent examples of their breeds.

Today the group went to the supremely smart and stylish Miniature Schnauzer CH ANDIX FIELD OF DREAMS. No stranger to me as I awarded him his first CC and BIS at the Miniature Schnauzer Club last year. Today I felt he looked even better. He is so typical of his breed being totally robust and nearly square in outline. His head is strong with good length with that keen expression that only a Schnauzer can give you. In the final line up he looked down his nose at me and that was that. On the move he keeps his outline in profile, with a firm topline and perfectly carried tail. He has a free action and superb drive from behind. Presented in first class order, his coat is of exceptional texture, and he looked a picture. Delighted to award him the top spot.

Group 2 went to the exceptionally sound Eurasier ALBIONSPITZ BLUE MOON Dut Jww18/jbw18/w18/jdch/bw19. A host of titles after his name and I can understand why. I have often admired him from the ringside and he continued to impress today. Typically Spitz with a wedge-shaped head, glorious dark oval eyes, and medium sized triangular ears. In superb coat and condition. On the move he simply cannot be overlooked where he is totally sound and typical.

Group 3 was the superb Lhasa Apso CH BELLELLEN DOUBLE DUCIE JW. Being the colour he is he doesn’t immediately draw the eye. However, when you get him on the table, he can’t but help to impress. He is extremely well balanced with a glorious head and expression. Strong, well arched neck, firm topline and well set and carried tail. His coat is beautifully presented and is of superb hard texture. Typically jaunty of the move, he carries himself with importance.

Group 4 the young French Bulldog who is certainly making a name for himself, CH CHELMBULL ROCKET MAN. Solid and sturdy, he put on a very polished performance today. Square head with no exaggeration, correct Bat like ears and a powerful neck. Correct shape to his body with a gentle roach, again with no exaggeration. Sound on the move and deserving of a placing today. Handled beautifully.

Lee A S Cox (Judge)