Salisbury & South Wilts Canine Society

Rhodesian Ridgeback

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude toward the Salisbury & South Wilts Canine Society for inviting me to judge the Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Additionally, I would also like to thank the committee for putting on such a friendly and well organised show which made my day more enjoyable. Special thanks go out to my stewards who were efficient in running the classes in a timely fashion. Finally, not forgetting my exhibitors for the lovely entry I received.

A good endurance hound excels in balance with effortless movement. Ridgebacks should be able to duck, twist and turn at lighting speed, therefore it’s important they possess good width between the shoulders and hips, strong hindquarters and well let down hocks. Powerful first and second thigh are needed for propulsion and a hound that is longer than tall to maintain balance and agility for the purpose it was bred.

My exhibits all had good ridges and correct bite, no further comment is needed.

PD/B (2, 2)

1.Bikquest Envy Blazingstar. 9 month old female was more together than her brother at this moment in time.in second place. She has a pleasing feminine head with a good underjaw and depth of muzzle, excellent broad skull with perfect ear set. Clean neck leading into good width between her shoulders. Her hindquarters have the width and angulation to drive her forward. She moves well, a little lose at the moment, but this will get better with maturity. I must commend the breeder for the steady temperament of all 3 puppies that came under me today. BPIB and please to see she was awarded PHG4. Congratulations.

2.Bikquest Helios Sunreacher. 9 month old male and litter brother to 1. You don’t have to look underneath to know he is a male. He is a bit raw at the moment, his body needs time to fill. but this is completely normal and I would not expect any different. He is up to size with a masculine head, he has a clean neck, good topline and well angulated quarters. He stands with good bone and well knuckled feet.

J D/B (2,1)

1. Bikquest Sunshine Ember. 9 month old and litter sister to puppy class 1st and 2nd. She’s smaller in type to her litter sister and possesses many of the same attributes. In particular her clean neck, good shoulder width and well let down hocks. I preferred the bone and outline on her little sister.

PG D/B (2,2)

1. Rozelridge Forever Summer. She has a soft expression with a pleasing head. Clean neckline into good layback of shoulder and level topline and good length of rib and lion. Nothing overdone in her angulation, with good first and second thigh. Strong hocks which she used to drive, she out moved her competition in her class today. Congratulations RBOB

2. Bossington Kangamani. Old fashioned in type with good bone and substance, she has a strong hound head with good level planes, ear set and length and depth of muzzle. She held her topline well, however she didn’t move as well as the others which affected her placing today.

Open (3,2)

1.Royalridge Aurora. Super feminine head with a kind expression. She has beautiful length and depth in her muzzle. She has good substance without losing her femineity which is a difficult balance. Clean neck leading into good width between her shoulders. She has the most exquisite front, with sufficient muscling over the upper arm and excellent infill. Her hindquarters have the width and angulation required to engage with powerful drive. She is true coming and going with perfect footfall, a joy to watch. BOB and please to see she received HG4.

2nd. Bossignton Kangamani (see 2nd in PG)

Kelly Barnes (Diamondridge)