Three Counties Agricultural Society

Three Counties 2024

Utility Group

My thanks to Secretary, Helen Wayman, and the Three Counties dog show committee for very kindly inviting me to officiate over the Utility Group at this year’s show. There is no finer setting for a show than the Three Counties showground with the beautiful Malvern Hills as a backdrop and luckily on the day, the weather very kindly held.

I selected eight dogs for further consideration: the Boston Terrier, Rankin’s Ch Wildax The Real Thing, the Dalmatian, White’s Ch Sophtspot La De La at Belsmard ShCEx, the French Bulldog, Cund & Harrop’s Ch/Sp Ch Chelmbull Rocket Man WW, the Japanese Shiba Inu, Dunhill-Hall’s Ch Vormund Xmas Bonus, the Kooikerhondje, Johnson’s Valleyrise Illustration, the Tibetan Spaniel, Bevis’ Ch Skyvana Empty Dreams of Starlance ShCEx, the Tibetan Terrier, Price & Leese’s Araki Wowie Zowie and the Shar Pei, Grimshaw’s Ch Chernyi Chizh Baloved By All at Sharpuggles (Imp Rus), the latter having won through from AVNSC.

For Group 1 I selected the Japanese Shiba Inu, Dunhill-Hall’s Ch Vormund Xmas Bonus. A beautiful red dog of 2 years who I have done well for previously. Today he was bang on form and was a delight to go over. Excelling for type, he presented a superb outline with slightly arched neck of medium length, firm level topline, first class ribbing, short loin and curled tail set on nice and high. Most impressive head and expression with flat skull of good breadth, ears correct for size and set, dark obliquely set eyes and well developed cheeks. Offstanding intense red coat which contrasts against pure white urajiro. On top of all this, he is totally sound and gaits in characteristic fashion for the breed.

Group 2 and hot on the heels of the Shiba was the black spotted Dalmatian bitch, White’s Ch Sophtspot La De Da at Belsmard ShCEx. This 4 yr old is femininity personified and another so good to go over. Presented in firm, hard condition, she is so good in outline, perfectly balanced with each part flowing smoothly into the next. Nicely arched neck of good length, level back, deep brisket and ribbed well back, firm muscular loin and tail just right for set and carriage. Attractive head with nicely broken ears which frame the face and well pigmented all through. She came into her own on the move and she took full advantage of the superb group ring, covering the ground with seemingly little effort and as one with her very capable handler.

Group 3 went to the 3 yr old dark brindle French Bulldog, Cund & Harrop’s Ch/Esp Ch Chelmbull Rocket Man WW. This boy is another who has had great success under me in the past and is still only a young dog. He excels for type, carries good bone and presents a superb silhouette with well arched muscular neck, nice short back with correct roach to topline, correct tuck up and tail set on low. Text book head with good breadth of skull, domed forehead, the very best of ears, dark expressive eyes, well developed cheek muscles, good breadth and depth of muzzle with excellent layback, nice wide open nostrils and strong underjaw with plenty of width and good upturn. So good on the go around with purposeful action and as always, giving his all.

Finally, for Group 4 I chose the Tibetan Spaniel, Bevis’ Ch Skyvana Empty Dreams of Starlance ShCEx. Top quality 4 yr old gold sable dog who scored for type and presented a beautifully balanced outline with moderately short neck, firm level topline, good spring of rib with ribbing carried well back, firm loin and plumed tail set on high. He has the most attractive head and expression, unmistakably male but with no suggestion of coarseness; slight dome to skull, dark oval-shaped eyes, pendant ears with slight lift, cushioned muzzle and correct chin. Well made both front and rear and moved out freely on the go around with excellent carriage. Shown here in super coat and condition.

Judge: Tim Ball