Cheshire Agricultural Society

Royal Cheshire County Show 18.06.24 – Japanese Shiba Inu

My thanks to the show society for their invitation to judge at this enjoyable event, and of course to the JSICGB for making this a supported entry. While clearly the high number of absentees on the day was disappointing, the support from all who entered was still much appreciated and I was delighted with the dogs I was able to assess on the day.

P (5, 4)

1. Fitzakerly’s Bearpark Batten Down

7 month, red sesame and what a delightful start to proceedings, being full of character and enthusiasm. Skull developing well showing nice overall proportions. Dark, obliquely set eye and lovely thick ears, used to good effect when focused. In side profile has a lovely arch of neck leading into a well placed shoulder and an appropriate return of upper arm. Good width of chest for age, and stood on strong hocks in the rear. Tail well set and was wearing a lovely, harsh, dense jacket. His movement was challenging to assess at times, such was his exuberance, however in those moments of being more settled he showed a balanced, nimble side gait. Pushed hard for Reserve Best of Breed on the stand but just not quite the consistency in motion today to get past his more mature competition, but delighted to award Best Puppy in Breed.

J (1, 1)

PG (3, 2)

1. Kelly & Ritchie’s Afterglow Flamenco (Re-Imp)

4 year, red bitch, who was showing in her metaphorical bikini today but, as the adage goes, had nothing to hide. Super feminine in headpiece with a beautifully shaped, oblique eye and well developed cheeks. Good ear set and shape, and enough length of neck, leading into a well held, level topline. Moderately angulated in shoulder, with good width & depth of chest, nice tight fitting elbows and slight tuck up, giving her a shapely outline. Strong pasterns on all four corners and nice tight feet, finishing the picture with a well carried tail. On the move she was fluid and light footed, clean on the out & back and moving with a meaningful side gait. Her summer attire gave the Open class winner the edge in the final challenge today but a deserving Reserve Best of Breed.

L (2, 2)

O (1, 0)

1. Roskell’s Phixons Straumann

2 year, red male who immediately catches the eye for his masculinity without any coarseness. Another with a beautiful, dark, obliquely set eye and thick, well furred ears. Good arch to neck leading into a well-positioned shoulder and moderately angulated front, with legs nice and straight viewed front on. Compact in side profile, but with enough length of leg, balanced by a strong rear and a good turn of stifle. Fabulous tail set & carriage, pleasing coat texture and well muscled throughout which certainly showed on the move. Nitpicking, I did feel he was a touch wide coming toward today, however this was in my opinion outweighed by his other merits, not least his balance in side action, brisk and ground covering with plenty of drive from the rear and pleasing footfall. More than happy to award Best of Breed.

Alanna J Blaney (Fenrirkin)