Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

JUDGE MRS SHELLEY FRANKS

It has been 4 years since I last judged the Russian Blacks so a big thank you to the exhibitors for making my day so enjoyable. With the large ring available to us apologies if I put handlers and exhibits through a stamina test. To see a well-made RBT showing strong movement with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters is a pleasure to watch and I wasn’t disappointed today as all the exhibits had strong sound movement. Interesting to handle some import exhibits today, hopefully they will play their part in introducing fresh bloodlines to the UK. Sadly, the RBT’s were scheduled with mixed classes, never an easy task to judge males and females in the same class. Special thanks to my two stewards who kept everything moving smoothly and efficiently.

Puppy D/B (3,0a)

Two siblings were placed first and second in this class, both of excellent quality.

1. BULL – EVRUSSKY BLACK WARRIOR

8 month old dog, what an outstanding youngster he is. Loved his strong head, good neck and shoulders, solid frame for one so young. Correct depth of chest and level back, well developed muscles that gave him the strength of movement when going around the ring. Excellent jet black coat in good condition. RBD & BP.

2. WILLIAMS – EVRUSSKY BLACK WIDOW

Litter sister to winner and she has the same outstanding qualities, in a feminine frame. Lovely head and dark eye giving a kind expression, correct length of neck and good shoulders. She has a level strong topline and well muscled thighs allowing her movement to cover the ground with ease. Her coat is in excellent condition and texture. As she matures I am sure she will challenge the current top bitches in the breed. One to watch for the future.

3. BALDWIN – LINTWEED BLACK ZAMARA

Junior D/B (1,0a)

1. KERRIGAN – SHADLIAN GOOD GRACIOUS

14 months old dog caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring, I loved his overall balance for one so young. Correct head, eye and ear placement, good neck and shoulders, solid frame, so well muscled. Loved his coat texture and condition. His strong movement won him BD today.

Post Grad D/B (3,0a)

1. WILLIAMS - IMP PROUD OF BEING CAT WOMAN (UKR IMP)

2 year old bitch full of quality, just loved her head and dark eye giving a kind expression. Correct placed shoulders and depth of chest, she has a strong level topline and well muscled thighs. Coat in excellent condition and texture, moved around the ring effortlessly. RBB.

2. NEWTON - LINTWEED BLACK BERTHA

Very feminine 4 year old bitch, who I have admired from the ringside so I was pleased to get a chance to judge her today. Her head, eye and ear placement are correct, she has a lovely solid frame with strong neck and shoulders, level topline and tail set. Good coat and condition, just preferred the movement on the winner today.

3. CLELFORD – KENIG FOREIN BLEK BERKUT

Open D/B (4,1a)

A trio of excellent bitches, I would love to have given 3 firsts out as they were all beautiful specimens of the breed. Well done owners.

1. O’DONNELL – KALASLANE REVENGE FOR NEUKIEBEAR (IKC)

A stunning bitch of 5 years old so well balanced standing and on the move. She has a superb head, neck and shoulders and is correct in depth of chest. She has a strong firm topline with a good tail set, excellent coat condition and texture. When moving around the ring she just flows, I could have watched her all day. Well deserved BB & BOB.

2. WILLIAMS – PROUD OF BEING AVA GARDNER AT EVRUSSKY (IMP)

My notes say wow, another 5 year old bitch that catches your eye as she enters the ring. Loved her head, eye and ear placement, good neck and shoulders, a solid body which is level and muscular and a correct tail and set. Lovely to see she is the mother of my best puppy and his litter sister.

3. NEWTON – ZOZNOBAS NADEZHDINOI POLJANY AT LINTWEED (IMP RUS)