Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Working Group

I was overall not very impressed by this group, but were pleased with the dogs that made the cut, including those that were not placed: Bouvier Des Flandres Ch. Bouvpilot Sullenberger, Canadian Eskimo Dog Ir.Ch. Qimugtz Judas By Akna, Great Dane Ch. Garsak Summer Days At Mintrex and Portuguese Water Dog Belleville Salva Vidas.

1. Dobermann Ch. Sacaria Whisper of Hope

A strong, muscular and very masculine dog, excelling in strength and substance. Typically square in his body with very good length of leg and short, strong body. Strong, masculine head with parallel head planes, flat skull and good stop, very good depth of muzzle, I would not want a stronger head than this. Almond shaped eyes, moderately deep set and as dark as consistent with his coat colour, giving him an alert expression. Strong neck, very well set. Plenty of forechest. Balanced angulation both ends. Strong and firm topline, typically sloping slightly backwards. Compact and well arched feet. He was a sound, active, enthusiastic and well balanced mover.

2. Russian Black Terrier Evrussky Black Widow

A lovely, feminine young bitch. Very well proportioned, well up on legs and her beautiful neck makes her very eye-catching. Typical feminine head, with a correct flat skull. Darkest of eyes gives her an excellent expression. Lovely long neck, crested and well set. Very good forechest and depth. Excellent topline and tailset. Balanced angulation both ends. She is very dynamic, athletic and well balanced in movement from the side and moved quite well coming and going as well. An excellent representative of her breed and sex.

3. St. Bernard Ch. Chandlimore Boys Night In

Substantial, masculine dog, combining strength with quality. Attractive head with a typical broad and slightly rounded skull, typical brows, short muzzle, flat cheek and deep lips, but without exaggeration. Abrupt stop and straight nose bridge. Healthy eyes. Muscular neck with pleasing length. Well angulated in front and strong bone. Still young and not yet quite fully developed in his body, but has good spring of rib and a firm topline. Compact, large feet. Sound hindquarters, well muscled. He is a very positive and well balanced mover from all angles, rarely sound for his breed. One to watch in the near future.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog Ch.Fortonpark Valentallina

Top class bitch in her prime, she combines being typically compact and sturdy combined with quality. She was a little distracted when being examined, but quickly regained her pose. Head as strong as befits a bitch with a flat skull and a well-defined stop and a straight and strong muzzle. Lovely expression from very healthy, dark, well placed and almond shaped eyes. Typical medium long neck, strong and well set. Well angulated in front with correct slight spring of pastern which many in her breed are lacking. Typical body proportions, just slightly longer than high, excellent depth and volume of body. Strong and firm topline. Round and compact feet. Excellent coat and brilliant colour. A no nonsense sound, balanced and efficient mover.

Espen Engh, judge