Cheshire Agricultural Society

The Royal Cheshire County Show

Tibetan Mastiff's 

It was a genuine pleasure to be invited by the Royal Cheshire County Show to judge this magnificent breed. My thanks go to my stewards Ian and Jodie, who kept everything running smoothly despite the challenging heat. Thank you also to all the exhibitors who brought such quality dogs for my consideration – your dedication to this breed is evident.

Puppy (2 entries, 0 absent)

These two puppies, although not too different in age, were at distinctively different stages of development – as is characteristic for larger breeds.

1^st – CELTIFYRE COMET BY RICHEARON – MR R, HOLLIFIELD – Black/Tan Dog, 7 months. This boy’s advanced breed-specific developments tipped it in his favour today. His head is showing good promise with that characteristic broad, blunt muzzle and well-defined stop developing well. Strong neck flows into muscular, well-positioned shoulders, supporting a sound topline. His forechest and ribcage are developing nicely. Hindquarter angulation looks correct. He needs time to fill out in body to match his height - perfectly normal at this stage. Moved adequately, although more muscling in the rear would tighten his movement. A promising young prospect with good potential ahead. BPIB.

2^nd – TAMDRIN’S LHASA TAF – MR T D & MRS C M, LOWES – Black/Tan Bitch, 6 months. I really liked this young girl, though she's very much still a raw baby – which is as expected for this slow-maturing breed. Head has all the right foundations in place to develop a lovely breed-typical and feminine head - she just needs time. I preferred her bone quality and substance over the winner. Shoulders well-muscled and positioned, with a solid topline and straight front. Her chest is starting to develop appropriately. Already showing good rear musculation and strong second thigh development. Lovely, balanced outline. A true baby with an exciting future ahead – one that I’ll look forward to watching!

Junior (2 entries, 0 absent)

1^st – CALLOWDALE DRUMMER BOY – MRS C & MRS D, LOWES & JACKSON – Black Dog, 17 months. This boy's head is truly impressive - nearly textbook for the breed standard. Those expressive eyes are well-set with tight-fitting rims. His strong neck flows seamlessly into well-muscled shoulders. Good straight front with excellent brisket development, and quality coat throughout. He needs to fill out more in body to complete the picture, but maturity will bring that. Powerful, purposeful, free movement - looked like he could go all day. Pleased to award him RBOB.

2^nd – CALLOWDALE TIBET TAKIRI – MR T D & MRS C M, LOWES – Black/Tan Bitch, 17 months. What a delightful young lady with such a wonderful temperament! She was so calm, patient and confident throughout - an absolute joy to go over. Much more compact than my winner, but everything sits in proportion. Her musculation is fantastic throughout that lovely feminine frame. One of the best movers I saw all day - she absolutely floated around the ring with such agility and freedom! Unlucky to be in a class amongst her litter brother with that trademark head.

Post-Graduate (0 entries)

No entries.

Limit (2 entries, 2 absent)

None present.

Open (3 entries, 1 absent)

1^St – CH RICHEARON PALDEN VW – MR R, HOLLIFIELD – Black/Tan Dog, 9½ years, I don’t think anyone told this wonderful boy he’s supposed to be a veteran – he bounded around the ring like a youngster! What a cheeky character he is, and his personality absolutely shone through today. He truly has it all: that magnificent broad, heavy and strong head, excellent bone, wonderful substance, beautiful temperament, gorgeous coat quality, fantastic proportions, and such purposeful, agile movement. Everything combines to give him that powerful yet noble and dignified presence that just oozes breed type. Even after a long, hot day he looked like he could just keep going. A top-quality dog in every respect. My pleasure to award him BOB.

2^nd – CH WANGDAK FORREST FOR CALLOWDALE – MR T D & MRS C M, LOWES – Black/Tan Dog, 2½ years. What absolutely gorgeous coat quality this handsome boy has - I was particularly taken with his exceptional mane which was unrivalled today! Unfortunately, he was a bit unsettled, which was such a shame because he's clearly another top-quality dog. While more compact than my winner, he still ticks all the right boxes beautifully. His movement was purposeful and determined – he didn’t let the heat affect him one bit on the move. Lovely musculation throughout with excellent bone and substance, creating such a powerful overall silhouette. On a more settled day, this boy would definitely be challenging for the top honours!