• Show Date: 15/08/2024
  • Show Type: Championship Show
  • Judged by: Caroline Rees Contact Judge
  • Published Date: 24/08/2024

Welsh Kennel Club

Breed: Pastoral Group

THE WELSH KENNEL CLUB 18th August 2024

Pastoral Group - Judge: Mrs Caroline Friends Rees

Many thanks to the Officers and Committee of The Welsh Kennel Club for inviting me to judge my first Pastoral Group. To judge the group at an all breeds championship show as well as it being my local show made it a very memorable day which I enjoyed immensely.

Thank you also to the breed judges who sent through so many quality Best of Breed winners making it a very strong group with many quality dogs not making the shortlist.

I shortlisted the following for further consideration, the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael), the Briard, the Finnish Lapphund, the Lancashire Heeler, the Norweigian Buhund, the Shetland Sheepdog, the Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) and the White Swiss Shepherd from the AV Import Register Classes

All excellent examples of their breeds but I could only place 4.

Group 1 - Ch Penliath Bill Me Later (ai) . The Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) Bitch owned by Miss N L Blance & Mrs C B Blance. What a super Bitch with her beautiful foxy head. She has an excellent front assembly, well sprung ribs, level topline and well angulated hindquarters. She is just so well made. She moved around that ring as if she owned it giving that extra sparkle to take top spot.

Group 2 - Ch Hawksflight Pure Envy With Domburg The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) Bitch owned by Mrs L Lester & Miss S Smith. A beautiful bitch with the most exquisite head. So well balanced throughout and such super movement, combining elegance and strength. Shown is excellent coat and condition.

Group 3 - Ch Edglonian Golden Graham The Shetland Sheepdog Male owned by Miss D Pearson. So breed typical with his refined, elegant yet masculine head, balanced angulation, level topline and croup sloping gradually to rear. Carrying an excellent coat. His effortless movement with drive from the rear completed the picture.

Group 4 - Ch Koromandel Tusen Takk (ai) JW The Norweigian Buhund Male owned by Ms J Shorer-Wheeler. This male caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring with his excellent movement and holding his outline as he went around the ring. Excellent head shape with dark eyes giving a lively expression. Compact square body and balanced angulation. Correct tail, set high and tightly curled and carried over his back at all times.