Chippenham & District Canine Society

Chippenham & District Canine Society

Premier Open Show

02/04/2023

My thanks to the society for inviting me to judge the handling classes at their first premier show. All handlers had selected outfits to complent the breed they handled, and I was presented with a group of incredibly competent handlers, many that were unplaced could have been placed on another day, and any placings could easily change on another day. With that being said, however, about a quarter were unsure of the basic anatomical points asked for, and many need to keep their eye on when the judge is looking at them.

Junior Handling 6-11 Years (4, 3 Abs)

    1st: Texas-Lee Dunstone handling a Norfolk Terrier. Good neat lines on the movement, with tight corners. Shadowing was good, if a little over emphasised. Teeth presented cleanly and efficiently, but everything felt a little rushed or nervous. That being said, a very good handler, just needs to settle and relax. Best Junior.

Junior Handling 12-16 Years (2, 2 Abs)

Adult Handling 17-39 Years (9, 2 Abs)

    1st: Paige Edens handling a Dalmatian. Excellent shadowing, smooth and effortless from this well mannered handler. Lines and corners were extremely neat, not the easiest with a larger breed. Teeth presented well and sympathetically to her charge. Lead changes conducted neatly and cleanly, without disruption to the movement. Very clean 'T' executed on the Adult challenge, overall a well trained handler. Best Adult.

    2Nd: Savannah Wawman handling a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Another very good handler, did well to keep her charge in order, when all he wanted was to lie down on the table! Movement was neat and unobtrusive, showing the dog off to his best advantage, with tight corners, always observing judge's position.

    3Rd: Trinity Davies handling a Dalmatian.

    Res: Alysha Branchflower handling a Beauceron.

Adult Handling 40+ Years (13, 5 Abs)

    1st: Ann-Marie Taylor handling a Border Collie. Presented well on the stand, with efficient shadowing which was free and effortless, moved well with clean lines and corners. Teeth presented well and good communication throughout. Always kept an eye on judge's position, executing lead changes well. Very little to seperate between winner of previous class in the challenge and could easily have taken it on a different day.

    2Nd: Janet Rice handling a Tibetan Spaniel. Good shadowing at the table and on the move, would like neater presentation of the teeth. Patternwork and corners neat and tidy, excellent communication throughout. Needs to watch where the judge is looking when waiting in the line.

    3Rd: Julie Rivers handling a Bearded Collie.

    Res: Anita Skinner handling a Longcoat Chihuahua.