Worcester & Malvern Canine Society

WORCESTOR & MALVERN CANINE SOCIETY OPEN SHOW

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 3rd JANUARY 2022

SIBERIAN HUSKY: MISS ANNE BRYSON (INUKSHUK)

I'd like to thank the Committee for the invitation to judge at this superb show, and my Stewards for their friendly efficiency. I was thrilled to have an entry of such superb quality, making for some very difficult decisions and breed standard Siberians going unplaced. The places were hard won and could easily change on another day. Some Siberians were really having far too much fun today to the exasperation of their handlers. You have to love their quirks! Thank you to everyone who gave me the opportunity to go over your wonderful dogs. We are still in the aftermath of Covid so no Puppies or Juniors about. To accommodate super adult class sizes, exhibitors stepped out of the ring when not being assessed to give all better opportunity. Breed specific movement is crucial and requires space to demonstrate.

This is an athletic, working breed and I was pleased to see all dogs today were constructed to reflect a basic balance of power, speed and endurance. It has saddened me to see day to day so many Siberians of a heavy appearance, lacking even in length of leg, length of loin and the finely chiselled fox-life head. This is not a question of "preferring" a different type. There is one Kennel Club Breed Standard which is the blueprint for a fit for function working sled dog, and an exhibit either meets this profile or does not to varying degrees. The coat while attractive is also essential for survival. The guard hairs of the outer coat should be straight and somewhat smooth-lying and never standing straight off the body which would allow moisture to penetrate and freeze the dog. The coat should never obscure the clean-cut outline of the dog or give the appearance of stuffiness. Absence of undercoat during shedding is normal and should not be penalised. What a selection of super Siberians for anyone watching today, with so many classical colour and pattern variations to boot!

PUPPY (0)

JUNIOR (0)

POSTGRADUATE (8,1)

1) Fletcher's AZGARD BOLIVAR 2 yr old grey and white piebald dog in lovely double coat. Correct proportions, with good length of leg and loin with slight arch over. Level topline, moderate slope to croup and good tail-set and carriage. Well balanced with good angulation throughout. Masculine head, obliquely set almond shaped brown eyes and gorgeous expression. Ears correct size and shape but being picky would prefer higher set. Light footed, ground covering gait, single tracking and holding a strong topline dropping his head on the move. So much promise, with further muscling he will definitely be one to watch. RBOB

2) Johns' AZGARD KASTELLA FOR ALEPENKYE, monochromatic black and white litter sister to 1st, completely naked and hiding nothing. Correct proportions, level topline, well sprung ribs flattened on sides. Good arch to neck, upper arm and shoulders very well angulated, stifles well bent and good hocks. Nails could do with a little trim to compliment feet. Attractive and balanced head, well set ears, and such a sweet and mischievous expression. A long, light footed gait but still a little loose on the out and back. Expect her to muscle up and mature to advantage, and then she will be another to watch!

3) Beirne's PENKHALAS PENNINESNODRIFT 20 month old male with super quality grey and white coat. He really caught my eye on the initial twice round the ring. Smooth and effortless, he demonstrated such beautiful single tracking with his head lowered on the move and holding a firm topline. Unfortunately nerves got the better of him thereafter. A young male affected by Covid lockdown, I'm sure with time he will find his confidence and consistency. Lovely proportions and angulation front and rear. Has a tendency to overstretch on the stand and this can throw off his topline. Super muscling, good pasterns and compact, oval feet. His head oozed quality, all the correct proportions and planes, quintessential Siberian.

4) Snelson's AZGARD MONTICRISTO AT ASHRTRAX

5) Norman's SKIMARQUE SHADES OF MIDNIGHT

OPEN (10, 2)

1) Snelson's SALAZKA'S MR ABERNATHY AT ASHTRAX 4 yr old almost all black dog. One I judged as a puppy, describing the class as "an exciting class of super typey puppies that gives promise for the future of the breed." I consider that promise fulfilled. Enough bone but would not wish lighter. Correct proportions of body length to height, and length of leg to chest. Level topline, good tuck up, slight arch over well muscled loin. Correctly set well furred fox brush tail demonstrating graceful sickle. Neck of medium length, arched, leading into well angulated shoulders and balanced rear. Gently sloping pasterns and good feet, pads tough and thickly cushioned. Masculine yet refined, his skull has the correct proportions and planes and exemplary high earset. Almond shaped obliquely set eyes, giving the same gorgeous expression I saw as a puppy. Super double coat. He has now muscled up and is in lean hard working condition. He single tracked with a sure lightfooted gait and continued to move to advantage in the Challenge. BOB

2) Caudy's PENKHALAS AMKA 20 month old grey and white bitch. Litter brother to 3rd in PG, she has the feminine version of the same quality head typical of this kennel. Good proportions and super angulation front and rear. Level topline, good depth and length of rib and good length of loin. Moderate slope to croup, correct tailset and graceful carriage of typical fox-brush tail. Demonstrating good muscling for one so young. Will continue to mature to advantage, and in doing so I expect her to tighten up on the out and back which was a little loose today. Super light footed, elegant, and precise side gait. Pushed hard for RBOB, but couldn't quite match the muscling or ground covered by the PG winner who really was on form today. In harmony with her handler, I'm sure her future is very bright.

3) Norman's SKIMARQUE MARGARITA 5 yr old light red and white bitch I've long admired from the ringside: she did not disappoint. Understated but ever so sound and oozing breed type. Correct proportions and good balanced angulation. Preferred the shoulder of 1st and 2nd. Absolutely super foxy head, ticking all the right boxes. Good muscling throughout. On the move demonstrated good side profile, covering the ground with ease. Unusually for her she was moving a little wide in the rear on the out and back.

4) Spruce's MYSTICWOLF's EL UNICO

5) John's AZGARD KAPMA FOR ALEPENKYE JW