Southern Counties Canine Association

Thank you to the Society for inviting me to judge one of my favourite breeds. Thank you to Pat Lewis and Jane Hawkins for being such excellent stewards. Lastly, thanks to the exhibitors for bringing such top-quality dogs for me to judge.

VETERAN DOG (1)

1. Taylor’s Ch Handskes Just a Gigolo at Tamlin (Imp Fin). I judged this old chap nearly 2 years ago. He is still going strong and looking superb at 10 years old. Still winning top awards, looking just how a Cardigan Welsh Corgi should look. He must have looked superb in his youth. A very striking brindle colour, with body of correct length and substance. Super, well-proportioned foxy head, with wide, flat skull and moderate stop. Correct ears and eyes. Strong, muscular neck fitting into well sloping shoulders. Good front legs with forearms slightly bowed to mould round his chest. Round, large feet. Well-made body, level topline and clearly defined waist. Powerful, strong hindquarters, creating good angulation. Finished with a good tail carriage. Still moves extremely well for a dog of his age. Forelegs reaching out and thrust from the rear. RESERVE BEST DOG.

PUPPY DOG (1)

1. Smith’s Ancksunamun Host of Goa’uld. Only just 6 months old and obviously quite raw, but very promising, with a super temperament and attitude. I see his sire is a favourite of mine. Excellent mouth with strong teeth. Good balanced head with large, slightly tipped round ears. Strong neck, flowing down to well laid shoulders and tight elbows. Fore chest coming, but chest yet to drop. Good length of body, level topline with defined waist. Well angulated hindquarters. Moved well. Nicely boned and presented in lovely condition. BEST PUPPY.

POST GRADUATE DOG (1)

1. Steven’s Coriend Blue Nimbus. Very attractive blue merle of good colour with matching eyes. Correct, strong head shape. Rather heavily built, resulting in no waistline and rather too much wraparound of front legs for me. Rear legs tended to match. Moved OK.

OPEN DOG (1)

1. Taylor’s Ch Tamlin Millennium Falcon. A handsome, well grown dog, of attractive brindle colour. Masculine head of correct shape and proportions. Wide, flat skull, eyebrow ridge and moderate stop. Ears of good size, shape and placement. Muscular, well-developed neck leading to well laid shoulders. Forearms slightly bowed to mould round his chest. Well-padded round tight feet. Nicely bodied and boned. Correct length of back, with level topline and good waist. Strong, well angulated hindquarters. Moved very well, with reach and good drive. BEST DOG.

SPECIAL BEGINNERS (3)

1. Smith’s Ceranda Gower Diamond JW. Nicely made, showing good outline and balance. Good head, dark eyes with kindly expression, super large ears, well placed. Good length of neck fitting into well sloping shoulders. Correct front with forearms slightly bowed to mould round the chest and tight elbows. Sufficient bone and well-muscled throughout. Round, large, tight feet. Nicely bodied with level topline. Hindquarters good with well angulated stifles. Moved very well, reaching in front and drive from behind.

2. Steven’s Coriend Blue Nimbus. AS ABOVE.

3. Young’s Gowerston Genesis.

POST GRADUATE BITCH (3)

1. Smith’s Ceranda Gower Diamond JW. AS ABOVE.

2. Young’s Gowerston Genesis. 3rd in Special Beginners. Attractive blue merle bitch, with feminine expression, well set ears and good strength in muzzle. Muscular neck. I would prefer a better front overall, lacking reach on the move. Level topline and no waist. Tight feet. Correct tail set but carried rather high. Presented in a good quality coat.

OPEN BITCH (3)

Both top class bitches, such a difficult choice.

1. Taylor’s Chris Team Bakalia for Tamlin (Imp Pol) JW. Very attractive, classy bitch, of ideal size and proportions. Very well balanced. Excellent typical foxy head, large well-set ears. Almond eye, giving intelligent expression. Strong neck, flowing into good lay of shoulders. Moderately broad and good depth of chest and excellent fore chest. Excellent bone and well-padded feet. Good spring of rib. Firm, strong level topline, held on the move. Strong and well angulated hindquarters. Nice fox’s brush tail, correctly set. She moves freely with elbows fitting close to her sides. Forelegs reaching forward and thrust from the rear, without too much lift. Excellent weatherproof double coat. I was very pleased to see she was shortlisted to the last 8 in a very strong Pastoral Group. BEST BITCH & BEST OF BREED.

2. Fitzpatrick-Graham’s Ch Ancksunamun Hallows Eve JW. Same age as the above and another super top-quality bitch with most of the same attributes. A very worthy champion. Feminine foxy head with a wide skull, moderate stop and tapering muzzle. Well set ears of good size, and expressive eyes. Well-muscled neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Nice fore chest and chest of good depth. Firm level topline which held firm on the move. Good length of back, well-muscled hindquarters and low set hocks, which showed when she moved with free thrusting action. Feet of correct shape with just the right amount of turnout. Presented in super coat. RESERVE BEST BITCH.

3. Taylor’s Tamlin Rogue Shadow.

Felicity A. Snook

JUDGE