British Utility Breeds Association

Japanese Spitz.

Firstly, many thanks to the committee for this invitation, the exhibitors for entering the show, and to my very efficient stewards. Secondly, I was looking for an attractive and sound example of the breed, correctly constructed in body and limb, with a typical head and coat, and sound, nimble and smooth gait. My BOB, RBOB and BP did not disappoint in any of these respects. Smooth gait comes from adequate angulation, correct bone lengths for the breed, reach and drive commensurate with size, and no unnecessary lift of feet. All examples here had sweet temperaments, correct bites, and the typical white, double coat, with high carried, well plumed tails.

J (2) 1st Pittock’s Camylaw Boomerang to Cheechako. 11 months male. Gave his handler a tough time as he wanted to play on the move. Not fully developed in body or coat. Wedge shaped head correctly tapering towards the nose, matched in length by his neck, which arches gently into a well laid shoulder. Level topline and good breadth to chest and loin. Moderately angulated all round, with slightly sloping pasterns. Legs good and straight from front and rear views. Pleasant expression from his oval, slightly slanted eyes and well placed ears. Appears a little long in body just now, but had the smoother movement of the two. BP. 2nd Ward’s Llwyn Rock n’Roll Star. 14 month male. In better coat than 1st, and his body length to height ratio looked correct. Very pleasing head, level topline and moderate angles all round. He has a tendency to stand bunched up and on the move was not smooth, hackneying somewhat in front. I think his stance can be improved with some more training.

PG(3,1) 1st. Church’s Sanyinko Chrystmas Angel. 3 yr old bitch. Good overall proportions and a level topline. Feminine refined head with good dark eyes. Reluctant to use her ears but was briefly persuaded to. Good strong neck into well laid shoulders, moderate angles all round. Slight slope to pasterns, good little round feet. Coat, topline and tail all pleased. Moved well from front and rear views, I would like to see more drive from behind. 2nd. Roberts’ Charney Santa’s Donner. 2 yr bitch. Feminine head. Lighter eye than 1, well shaped and set, good skin pigment. Alert expression and held her ears well, though they were perhaps a little larger than ideal. She is unbalanced by a rather long neck, which meets the shoulder somewhat abruptly. Her topline is level and she has good breadth and depth of chest. Correct tail set and carriage. Moderate angles, slight slope to pasterns , decent feet. On the move she tends to intoe behind and I would like to see more drive from the rear.

O(2) Quality class. 1st Pittock’s Ch Cheechako Aurelius JW. 3 yr male. A very smart boy in full coat. Body length to height proportions correct. A lovely head set on a moderate length, strong arched neck, smoothly blending into well laid shoulders. Good length and angle back of upper-arm. Straight legs, slight slope to pasterns, neat small round feet. Good breadth and depth of chest, level topline and strong loin. Well set and carried tail. All set off by the coat, with well developed mane and plumed tail. Sparkled on the move from all views, good length of stride for his size, sound and efficient. BOB and shortlisted in BIS judging. 2nd Church’s Ch Int/Ir Ch Sanyinko Silver Spirit VW. 8 yr bitch. Another cracker. Feminine Lovely head and neck. Well laid shoulders, good angles all round. Good breadth and depth of chest, level topline, well set and carried tail. Straight legs in front, slight slope to pasterns and well arched, round little feet. Correct body to height ratio. She moved well from all views and put up a good fight for BOB. RBOB