Border Union Agricultural Society

Thank you to all exhibitors for your support at this well-run show at such a fabulous showground. I was honoured to stand in the centre of a ring with some lovely, quality hounds. Some dogs in the later classes could easily have been rewarded had the class entries been more evenly spaced where possible.

Teeth and ridges were all acceptable throughout; therefore, I will not comment on these individually. I was also pleased to say I found no kinked tails.

My principal winners were outstanding in their many merits, and I was delighted that my Dog CC winner was gaining his first CC, while my Bitch CC winner was collecting her third and crowning CC. Both are worthy representatives of the breed.

The bitch went on to take Best of Breed and rounded off a memorable day that I shall cherish as much as her owner/handler. It was particularly pleasing to see her awarded 4th in the Hound Group under the well-known and highly respected hound judge, Mrs Fran Hanney Mitchell. My warmest congratulations to all concerned.

Minor Puppy dog (3)

1st Ashman’s JOLIHEM SHUMBA FOR KITAARKA . At 6 ½ months this Wheaten dog is well off for bone and stands straight in front on tight feet. Excellent infill of forechest. He has a classic head of good proportions with a delightful expression. Correct ear size and with dark round eye. Elbows under withers and chest well dropped down for his age. Ribs carried well back. He held his topline whilst moving round the ring, and was true coming and going. Covered the ground nicely in profile. Showed very steady for such a youngster but was animated enough to tell me he was still a baby! Very kindly handled to get the best from this young lad.

2nd. Hanson & Adderley’s TAMBYSSA'S THE STARMAN TO ILIZULU. 9mth Wheaten dog. Taller and rangier than 1. Level head planes. Fair shoulder placement. Too steep in the croup. Well boned and tight feet but movement was erratic.

3rd. Nossa’s KINABULA CAPTAIN PUGWASH.

Yearling Dog (2, 1abs)

1st Spratling’s DIAMONDRIDGE DRAGONSTONE. This boy stood on ample bone and held a level topline. His head has too much cheek and he could do with a bigger ear. Dark round eye and his coat pigmentation was a nice Red Wheaten. Chest down to elbow. Moved ok in profile but would like more width behind on the going away.

Graduate Dog (1)

1st. Jolly’s PRIORPARK WILLIAM WALLACE FOR CLANBRUACHAN JW. Standard size Red Wheaten dog of 2 ½ years. Head of equal proportions, dark eye and correct ear placement. Slightly forward placed in shoulder. Level topline and moved ok in profile but would like more width behind. He has a good turn of stifle. Well muscled, handled well.

Post Graduate Dog (2 , 1abs)

1st. Green & Thomson’s ROTTZRIDGE CELTIC LEGEND AT KOTAMURY. Red Wheaten male of standard size. Good head shape, dark eye and correct ear placement. Rather forward in front. Just enough bone for his size. Level topline. Moved ok in profile but a little close behind going away.

Limit Dog (5, 0 abs)

1st. Mitchelson’s AMAHLE RED HOT ZEPHYR AT VOORTREKKER. A handsome and upstanding 4-year-old male, now coming into full maturity. Strong and well-muscled throughout, displaying excellent breed type. His head is typically masculine while retaining a kind expression, with correct parallel planes and a flat skull. Dark eyes and correctly placed ears. He has an excellent length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, complemented by a corresponding length of upper arm set at the correct angle. Well-timbered throughout, with correct oval bone. He has sufficient elasticity in his pasterns and stands on good feet. Well ribbed back with a corresponding underline. His croup shows the correct slight slope, flowing from a gentle rise over the loin. Excellent length and width to first and second thigh. On the move, he maintained a strong topline and moved true coming and going. In profile, he covered the ground with ease and efficiency, making him a joy to watch. I was very pleased to award him the CC.

2. Dawson, Dawson & Parson’s PRIORPARK PROBLEM SOLVED. Red Wheaten male at almost 4 years old, another just coming into maturity. In excellent condition all through, he is shorter in body than 1 but is well balanced front to rear. He has very good front angulation with deep chest, good length to upper arm and correct sloping shoulders. His elbows are well placed beneath him. Well boned throughout and standing on good feet, he has a strong, level topline and a correct tail set flowing from the slight slope of his croup. Good turn of stifle. Movement was completely true coming and going. He showed a decisive forehand reach and was well driven from his low hocks, covering the ground efficiently. While his head is correctly proportioned, it is a little stronger than my personal preference. Nevertheless, he is a quality dog. Expertly handled.

3. Greeves’ PENHOLDA I WANT IT ALL

Open Dog (10, 2 abs)

1st. Hodge’s CH KXOXO I’M OLD FASHIONED FOR COLKERIRIN JW (IMP FIN). True to his name, this light wheaten male presented an outline of strength and quality, showing himself to perfection. His head is of exceptional quality, with correct head planes, good length and depth of muzzle, dark round eyes and correctly set ears. He has a good length of neck flowing into a level topline, a strong loin and the correct fall away over the croup. Well boned throughout and standing on tight feet, he is well ribbed down to the elbow. His topline remained strong and level both standing and on the move. His rear quarters are excellent, with good width through both the first and second thigh. Low hocks provided impressive drive, enabling him to move with power while remaining steady and true fore and aft. Presented and handled with quiet confidence and without any unnecessary exaggeration, allowing his many virtues to speak for themselves. A quality exhibit, and a worthy recipient of the RCC.

2. Reid’s CH IF I CAN DREAM ENERGY OF AFRICA FOR SAADANI (IMP CZE). 5 year old male showing a balanced outline. Attractive though masculine head of good proportions, expressive dark round eye, good ear carriage. Correct crested neck into textbook length of upper arm and shoulder ratios. Elbows held tight under, deep chest, correctly sprung ribcage. Strong loin and rear quarters. Moved out soundly and true coming and going. A worthy Champion.

3. Maylor’s RUBICON RED MARVELOUS BLACK PANTHER AT KAMILI (IMP MNE) JW. Although it is not traditional to provide a critique for third place (in the UK anyway), I would like to comment on this boy as he impressed me with his soundness, lovely, effortless movement and overall balanced construction. He is a dog I have judged before and one whose temperament is truly outstanding. He moved with ease and purpose, displaying the soundness and harmony that made him worthy of consideration in this quality class. Compared with the first and second placed exhibits, I found his head just a little stronger than my personal preference. Nevertheless, he has many admirable qualities and was a pleasure to assess once again. Very well handled.

Veteran Dog (3, 1 abs)

1st. Whiteside’s JIMANNS THE DOCTOR. A 9½-year-old male presenting an outline of symmetry and strength. He possesses an excellent headpiece, with correct level planes, dark round eyes, correctly sized and well-placed ears, and a classic breed expression. Apart from the frosting that comes with age, he shows little sign of his years. He still moves with remarkable vim and vigour, covering the ground with a tremendous stride while remaining true in his movement. His front assembly is excellent, with a well-laid shoulder and corresponding length and placement of upper arm. He has the correct depth of rib, with elbows fitting well beneath the withers. Despite his veteran status, he remains strong through the topline and loin. He carries excellent oval bone and continues to stand on tight feet. His rear quarters are equally impressive, with very good length and width to both the first and second thigh, contributing to his powerful and efficient scopey movement. A wonderful example of the breed in veteran condition, demonstrating both quality and soundness. BVIB

2nd. Bowers’ CELTIC LORE’S GOLDEN ARCHER AT LYONGLEN (IMP USA). A very different stamp. Slighter built than 1, this 7 year old liver nose boy has a delightful temperament. Coat colour and amber eye in harmony. Good head proportions nose to stop and stop to occiput. Topline sloped away a little too much and he could do with more depth to his rib. Moved ok but not the ground cover of 1.

Minor Puppy Bitch (4)

Four very nice minor puppies here, but each one at a different stage of growth and development, which had my brain work that little bit harder!

1st. Maidment’s AMAHLE JUST BE AWESOME. 6 ½ month baby who presented a lovely balanced outline. Good depth to muzzle, bright round dark eye giving her a breed typical expression. Good size ear, nice length to neck into sloping shoulder, elbows held tight under ribcage, fair depth but obviously still to drop with age. Enough bone for size and excellent tight feet. Good length to ribbing. Correct length of loin with slight rise as required. Very good rear quarters, showing excellent width and length. Low hocks. Movement was true coming and going and steady on the go-around.

2nd. Pearce’s MSINGI ME A LULLABY. At 8 ½ months, this baby had a two month head start on growth to 1. Stockier all through but with good angles front and rear. Enough neck, level topline, decent depth of ribcage and carried well back. Correct length of loin rising gently to croup. Correct tail set. Sadly, she had recently had a scare so was very apprehensive. I did however give her time and she was gone over enough to earn her 2nd place. Movement was ok once she got going and gained confidence.

3rd. Taylor's SALOME'S CHARM TRULY ARTE CASSARI AT TOKWE (IMP SVK)

Puppy Bitch (2, 1 abs)

1st. Akers’ & Cox’s CARLINCOX LATERS TATERS. Although she stood alone, this 11 month old girl gave her handler everything that was asked. A beautifully balanced head with length of muzzle equal from correctly defined stop to occiput. Excellent length of neck into well laid scapula. Correctly proportioned length of upper arm. Good depth to brisket, elbows well under. Ribbed well back into strong loin. Very good width to her rump with correctly angled croup. Powerful mover who ate up the ground – she could definitely do a day’s work. BPIB

Junior Bitch (3)

1st.Hodge’s COLKERIRIN TO THE NINES JW. Beautifully balanced and presented in excellent condition, both in coat and musculature. At 16 months of age, she has a very bright future ahead of her. Her balanced front assembly matched her superb rear quarters, which displayed good width throughout. She has good strength to her loin. Excellent tail carriage and low-set hocks. It is no wonder that, when all these attributes are combined, they produce such a fluid mover, with graceful reach in front and strong drive behind.

2nd. Murray’s DELLARED EASY SKANKING. Taller and longer cast than 1. At 14 months this Wheaten girl has an attractive head of good proportions. Good length to her neck into level topline. Her front showed me the required “H” giving her width to brisket. However, I found her rear to be a little over angulated. She covered the ground in profile and was true coming toward.

3rd.  Brewis' DELLARED KEEP ON MOVING

Yearling Bitch (2, 1 abs)

1st. Phillips’ SHAKINA BEE LIGHT IN THE DARK. This girl was very well presented by her young handler who has obviously done her homework. However, I would have preferred more bone for her moderate size. Would like to see her scapula set further back as she was quite hollow in forechest. Topline was level and movement was at one with her handler.

Novice Bitch (1)

1st. Phillips’ SHAKINA BEE LIGHT IN THE DARK. As above

Graduate Bitch (8, 1 abs)

1st Hall’s MSINGI FANCY THAT AT CYNAMI JW. A smart young lady showing good breed type, presenting a balanced outline with good angulation front and rear. She has a feminine head with correct eye and ear carriage, complemented by a good reach of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. Well boned and feminine, she holds a correct level topline both standing and on the move. Well ribbed back with good length of loin. Elbows held close to the body, contributing to her sound movement. Moved freely, maintaining her shape and balance throughout.

2nd. Mackfall, Mackfall & McIntosh’s AFRICANER ZAVANNA BREEZE JW. A very smart young lady of excellent breed type, presenting a balanced outline with good angulation throughout. Feminine head of correct proportions, with good eye and correct ear carriage, good reach of neck flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders. Correct oval bone. Level topline, which she maintained both standing and on the move. Well developed chest and nicely ribbed back, good length to loin. Elbows held close to the body, allowing for sound, efficient movement.

3rd. Rossiter's SONSTRAAL BLUE MOON

Post Graduate Bitch (3)

1st. Manning’s FIADMA’S RUMELLA. A very pleasing bitch of nice type and moderate size, who presented an attractive and balanced outline. She has a lovely dark eye which contributes to her sweet expression, although to be really picky I would perhaps prefer a little less stop. Good length of neck into correctly sloping shoulders, with a firm, level topline. Her rear quarters showed fair width, with well let down hocks. On the move, she was easy, true and efficient, covering the ground well while maintaining her balance throughout.

 2nd. Tanner & Baldwin’s BARFORDRIDGE MAGDA. A 2½-year-old Wheaten bitch has an attractive head, and round dark eye giving a pleasing expression. She has good length of upper arm and a fair shoulder assembly. Strong and level in topline, which she maintained both standing and on the move. Her chest reaches to the elbow, although she could carry a little more spring and depth through the ribbing. Slightly rangier in stature than 1, she nevertheless moved true and freely, covering the ground well with a sound and efficient gait.

3rd. Dick's AMAHLE FUNNY CIDE

Limit Bitch (10, 1 abs)

1st. Kerr & Millward’s PRIORPARK PURE THEATRE AT BUHERA. 2-year-old Wheaten bitch of outstanding quality, combining strength, balance and breed type throughout. She has the most beautiful head and expression from her round dark eyes and perfect ear carriage. Head planes are equal, with a deep muzzle and good width of underjaw. Flat backskull and a beautifully crested neck of excellent length flows into strong, well-laid shoulders and a firm, level topline, rising correctly over a well-proportioned loin. Her front assembly is excellent, with a true gun-barrel front, quality oval bone and tight, well-knuckled feet. Strong throughout, she has a well-developed rear of good width, correct tail set and excellent length and breadth to both first and second thighs. Low-set hocks complete a sound and powerful hindquarter. On the move she was a joy to watch, displaying an easy, fluid gait with effortless reach and drive, covering the ground so smoothly that her feet barely seemed to touch it. Coming and going she was precise, straight and true, maintaining her balance and topline at all times. A beautiful example of the breed and one I have admired since puppyhood. I was delighted to award her her third CC and Best of Breed, crowning her a well-deserved Champion. Her success did not end there, as she commanded attention in the Group ring, moving with style and confidence to secure Group 4. I was absolutely thrilled for her owners and breeder, many congratulations on a thoroughly deserved achievement.

2nd Ritchie’s JIMANNS HELL ON HEELS ShCEx. Standing over plenty of ground, this Red Wheaten bitch is an absolute picture of substance without any trace of coarseness. She presents a beautifully balanced outline and a lovely head of correct proportions. She has excellent depth of muzzle, a strong underjaw, and tight-fitting lips. Her strong neck is of good length and flows into excellent shoulders, with the upper arm matching the shoulder angle perfectly. She has great depth to her brisket, well-sprung ribs, and a strong loin of correct length. Her topline is strong and level, both standing and on the move. She possesses good length and width of thigh, with excellent muscling throughout. Strong bone and tight feet complete the picture.  On the move, she covered the ground effortlessly, moving true and with purpose around the ring. A quality exhibit, worthy of her RBCC.

3rd. Maidment's AMAHLE BEHAVE YOURSELF

Open Bitch (6)

1st. Cox, Cox & Musgrave’s CARLINCOX DON’T KNOCK IT JW. Moderate size Red Wheaten bitch of excellent proportions throughout. Good head shape with dark eye framed by correct ear carriage. Excellent return of upper arm into correctly angled lay of shoulder. Elbows under withers, she has good depth to her brisket, ribbed well back and correct length to her loin. Strong well muscled rear quarters with low set hock. She gave her handler a pretty hard time to do as she was told on the stand, but moved out well for her stand in runner! A very nice quality bitch who is still only 2 years old and has plenty of time on her side.

2nd. Manning’s FIADMAS CORUBA. A very different stamp to the winner, being much finer throughout. She has a decent front assembly with good forechest infill. Not quite as strong in topline as 1 and carrying a little more length in loin. Her head is of good proportions and she has a particularly sweet expression. She moved steadily and accurately, remaining true coming and going. Nicely handled throughout.

3rd. Jolly's NEGASI ELBERITH FOR CLANBRUACHAN JW

Veteran Bitch 3, 1 Abs)

1st. Scanlon’s KINABULA’S ALL ABOUT THE BASS JW ShCEx OSW VW. I have watched this 9 year old many times. She is very well balanced front to rear, standing on strong bone with good, tight feet. She maintains a level topline both standing and on the move, and moved true coming and going. In profile, she covered the ground with grace and ease. At one with her handler, she defies her years effortlessly. An absolute pleasure to watch.

2nd. Henshall’s LEEURIF JUKEBA MSHANGAO TATU AT SUHUBA (IMP GRC). Another 9 year old bitch, this Red Wheaten presents a very pleasing outline and is well balanced throughout. She has a super head, showing just a touch of grey on her deep muzzle, to remind you that she is a veteran!. Well muscled and with a good length of loin, she moved with great fluidity, particularly in profile, where she covered the ground with ease. I just preferred the forechest of 1. Nevertheless, she is a lovely veteran who could easily have taken a red card had I been able to award two!

Liz Storey