Dorset County Canine Society

Dorset County Canine Open Show

Sunday 14th July 2024

Staffordshire Bull Terriers –

Judge: Natasha Walker (TESHLEYSTAF) Thank you to the society for inviting me to judge, what a lovely big venue and the sun shone what more could you ask for. Thank you to both of my stewards and a final thanks to all of the exhibitors for your entries, I am very grateful.

Junior (1,0)

1. 230- Robinson, Robinson-Cox & Cox’s – Hamason Sweet Little Mystry

White and red brindle pied dog, 8 months old but a smart lad none the less. Almost a shame he stood alone as he could challenge a few. Even for his age, this dog had balance from his head to his tail, yes, he will tighten up in places as he matures but I wouldn’t want him to change much! He has a good head shape, round dark eyes, and neat ears, correct bite housed by a tight lip. His front shows good development. Well off for bone, plenty of width, rib and depth of brisket and neat tidy feet. His rear quarters are developing nicely. He moved around the ring with economy of effort that one may expect from an adult dog, parallel throughout. Definitely better when the handler allows him to go at the pace he desires. Challenged who I later found out was his dam incredibly hard for BOB, and just lost out at this stage on overall maturity and condition, but with time on his side I imagine he will turn out to be quite some dog. Pleased to award him RBOB and BPIB. I was delighted to see him go on to win the terrier puppy group, and so happy to hear he won Reserve best puppy in show! Congratulations! Best of luck with him!

Post Graduate (5,2)

1. 225- Blagg’s – Keep it Lowkee Having judged this red boy before, it was clear to see he has matured but at only 17 months I do not believe he is quite the finished article yet. Still in incredible condition he was rock hard to touch. He didn’t take his eyes off me, watching my every move in the ring. Good length of muzzle, clean tight lips, round eyes and neat ears. Correct scissors bite, if I was to be picky, I would like his head to develop a bit more to add to his balance. Regardless of this the virtues he has still won him his class, he’s well off for bone, has good depth to his brisket, plenty of width to front , well sprung rib. He has a sufficiently angulated rear, but with well-muscled thighs. When moved with a bit more speed, this lad shows good movement, holding his topline level and correct tail carriage.

I noted before his handler and him were a work in progress, but now look like a well-oiled machine working in sync.

2. 234- Squibb’s- Sikaistaff Coz I’m Happy Black brindle bitch with white forechest, just shy of 3 years more petite than 1 but in a way that shows her femineity. Pretty bitch of many virtues, including a good head shape, with neat ears and dark round eyes, good muzzle length with correct bite. Her body while more petite, has everything in the right place, with well set shoulders, sufficient rib, neat underline and a well angulated rear. She is in good condition and well balanced. Her outline is lovely finished off with the correct tail set. She held her top line stacked and on the move. She moved round the ring well, in unison with her handler. But, just lost out to 1 due to preferring rear movement of 1 and alert expression. .

3. 227- Mitchell’s – Vimaval Red Angel While I didn’t critique this girl – I did note she had the sassiest attitude and waggiest tail of the day! Sass is her personality for sure if only I had an award for that. Open (6,3)

1. 232- Robinson, Robinson-Cox & Cox’s – Hamason A Wish Away

Brindle and white bitch I judged a few months prior, but if I hadn’t double checked I would be quite sure I’ve judged two different dogs. This time she walked in the ring, and owned it. She isn’t overly flashy but indeed a standard bitch who shouldn’t be missed. In my opinion condition and alertness allow this girl to really show her virtues and boldly own the ring. A pretty girl, with a stunning head. She has dark eyes, neat ears, clean lips and the correct bite. Front of correct width and depth of brisket, very neat padded feet. Her ribs are well sprung, underline tidy. Her hindquarters show good rear angulation and a well-set tail. This all gave her such a good profile today. Shown in great condition, she moved effortlessly and parallel around the ring, powerfully driving from the rear, holding her top line throughout. Challenged hard by her son, but pleased to award her BOB and delighted to watch her got to terrier group two.

2.

228- Mitchell’s- Chedanstaff Devil Star

Black brindle dog, of top sized well-balanced proportions. Cheeky chap is what I wrote in my notes because I think he keeps his handler on her toes, and then looked at you like butter wouldn’t melt. Strong head type, well pronounced cheek muscles, and broad skull, round eyes which tried to win me over for sure. Well boned lad, with plenty of width and strength for his size. Tidy feet. His rib well sprung, his loin light and well defined, his rear angulations sufficient but well-muscled and strong. One thing to note on this dog is his condition, he is a powerhouse, and credit is due for that. If I was to be picky, I would like a lower tail set, as it would improve his overall picture. Lost out on his place today due to his movement not being able to match 1’s.