Working & Pastoral Breeds Association Of Scotland

Many thanks to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge Best in Show and for their most hospitable welcome on the day. Thanks also to the respective Group Judges for sending forward such outstanding exhibits.

The winner of the Pastoral Group was the immaculately presented and handled Australian Shepherd, Ch Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne (Imp Rus). He has abundant style and presence and does all that his handler asks of him, stands four-square, with a most pleasing flow of neck and top-line, ample width and depth of fore-chest, pleasing rib cage, strong in loin and coupling, well-muscled with balanced symmetry of construction, well placed hocks and moves on a positive and tireless gait.

The outstanding Saint Bernard, Ch Chandlimore Heart Beat, was sent forward from a well contested Working Group, she has the strength and power the breed standard demands being very workmanlike in overall balance and construction and moves on a free and agile stride, excels in outline and symmetry with an excellent forehand and firm well-muscled rear quarters which she uses well on the move, she has a most pleasing head of the desired shape and proportions with well-placed and carried ears, her neck is thick and slightly arched, she has a broad back with well rounded ribs, is wide in loin and stands on strong well-boned limbs.

To choose between two exhibits of this calibre was no easy task. Having assessed them against the requirements of their breed standards and gaited them both individually I awarded the top spot to the captivating Saint Bernard albeit by the narrowest of margins.