Birmingham National 2008

LONG-HAIRED

Judge Ruth Lockett Walters

 It is quite some time since I last judged this variety and was pleasantly surprised to see how they have drastically improved in front shoulder and ribbing. I had many close decisions to make but, despite this, enjoyed my entry because of the depth of quality throughout the breed - thank you for the lovely entry, especially in the open dog class; presentation on the whole was excellent, not only in coat but in teeth feet and muscle tone.

PD (3) 1 Burke & Manston's Bonavoir Solomons Seal. C/red, lovely clean outline, put together nicely, all of a piece both standing and on the move, should have a very bright future, only beaten by the bitch for BP on maturity. 2 Hassall's Brynalyn Count The Dream. Sh/red, another pleasing puppy of quality but does not have the length of upper arm or shoulder of the winner. 3 Chapman & Ferguson's Marshwick Black Diamond.

JD (4) 1 Roberts' Sh/red. Lovely masculine head, good reach of neck & shoulder, super rear angulation, excels in movement keeping a good outline. 2 Chapman's Marshwick Dream Via Melminds. B/T nice type, clean overall out line, moves soundly, winner has better shoulder placement. 3 Dunbar's Bronia Fernando.

PGD (8,1) 1 Chapman's Melminds Montaray Jack. Masculine, smart young man, good front, strong topline, balanced quarters, won his class on movement. 2 Nightingale & Arnold's Rodima Bonnie Chance At Doral. B&T, soundly made, has a huge coat which you need to get under to access his qualities. Moves well and needs a touch more body. 3 Mitchell's Sonsrymes Di Hard.

LD (5) Metcalfe's Metadale Major Decision. CC - caught my eye the moment he entered the ring, lovely balanced outline, nice size, good head, strong lengthy neck, lovely shoulder placement and front, good length of ribbing and moves with plenty of drive. 2 Edwards & Pankhurst's Marshwick Shades Of Black At Danward. Very alike in size and type as winner, well made, moves nicely, considered him for the RCC but felt he was carrying a touch too much body. 3 Cross & Burke's Loggeta Black Velvet.

OD (8) A really lovely class to judge containing some high quality exhibits which were all presented to perfection. 1 Metcalfe's Ch Metadale Macquarie. RCC, beautifully made dog, this kennel certainly has the front and shoulder assembly well and truly established on their line, shown in gleaming condition, moves like a train. Just preferred the head of his kennel mate. 2 Mitchell's Ch Bronia Patriarch. Another super dog shown to perfection, just preferred the front assembly of 1 and the winner in out of a slightly more masculine mould, just a matter of personal preference; I am sure they will change places on many occasions. 3 Oxley's Ir Ch Larkhund Latest Destroyer At Owlery.

PB (1) Mitchell's Bronia Devil Woman. My notes simply say georgeous, just needs time, right out of coat but has a cracking outline, excellent head, superb front, lovely follow through going into strong angulated hindquarters. Will follow her progress with interest. BP. JB (5) 1 Roberts' Swansford Phikadora. 2 McNaughton's Bronia Fascination. I thought both of these were lovely and had difficulty splitting them up. The winner was on the day better coated and looked more finished, hence my decision but I am sure they will battle it out on many occasions. 3 Surrell's Bokra Elysee.

PGB 1 Wedge's Dolan Night Away. Red, pleasing head, excellent front, good length and strong loin, strong quarters which she used to full advantage. Moves soundly and keeps a nice outline all the time. 2 Metcalfe's Metadale Majorette. Another good front, shoulder and follow through. Just preferred the touch more turn of stifle on winner and she also has a more feminine head. 3 Mitchel's Bronia Classy Chassis At Imirika.

LB (10,2) 1 Metcalfe's Metadale Maid From Michigan. 2 Geeson's Abydach Intrigue. Another really close decision. Again, two bitches of exceptional quality, both having the equal attributes. Just had to separate them on movement; 2 moves closer behind than the winner and was immature. I'm sure these two will have an ongoing battle between them. 3 Plevin's Saucy Sara At Rodima.

OB (7,2) 1 McFaul's Ch & Ir Ch Dachvile Perfect Blend. One I have always admired from the ringside and I was not disappointed when I went over her - she is absolutely delightful, moves like a dream and presented to perfection. CC & BOB. 2 McNaughton's Cedavoch Betwitched. RCC, she is really lovely, exceptional construction, moves soundly, hope she will not be the bridesmaid on many more occasions. 3 Metcalfe's Metadale Make It Happen.

Ruth Lockett-Walters