WELKS Championship Show 2014

Dachshund (Smooth Haired)

I was rather disappointed with the drop in overall quality since I last had the pleasure of judging this breed. The bitches were stronger than the males, although having said that, I was pleased with all my main winners.

JD (2) 1 Higgins Leveliss Saucy Sailor, smart masculine b/t, liked his substance and balanced outline, won here on his superior forehand, good return of upper arm, well ribbed back, moved out freely holding his topline. 2 Stringfellow's Sontag Sylvan Sorcerer, Red, with a sweet head, and lovely temperament. Shorter all through than 1, touch more upright in shoulder and slightly shorter in upper arm, so not quite the freedom in movement.

LD (6,1) 1, CC, Seago and Gibbards Amlida Dramatiker, shaded red of lovely shape and balance, with enough substance to appeal without being coarse. Attractive headpiece with well shaped eyes, good neck and shoulder, just right for keel and depth of brisket, well ribbed back, good topline well held on the move. His freedom, extension and soundness on the move won him the CC. 2 Tite's Rijobeau Rum and Raisan, similar type in many ways, and many of the same comments apply. Not quite the depth of brisket, and a touch longer in the loin, well held topline, moved well, but not quite the scope of 1. 3 Norton's Matzell Man of the Moment.

OD (4,1) 1 RCC Tite's Ch Rijobeau Caught Red Handed, smart red, lovely head and expression, well balanced and shapely. Fair neck and shoulder, would like a touch more return of upper arm. Good length and depth of ribbing, well held topline and has strength through the loin, strong quarters used to advantage on the move. 2 Norton's Matzell Man Of The Match, another well balanced dog of good breed type. Lovely outline, although slightly heavier in shoulder than 1. Good neck, forehand and ribbing, super topline and tailset, moved out well using his quarters. 3 Jeffery's Carpaccio Summer Class at Andax ShCM.

PB (1) 1, BP, Lovick-Gibbs Roleta The Lewis Goodbye, very nice red feminine puppy, sadly stood alone. I liked her overall make and shape, she was a bit overwhelmed by the noisy surroundings, very off putting for such a baby. Sweet head, good neck and shoulder, lovely topline, looked good on the move, extended well and used her quarters.

JB (1) 1 Hone's Oxondachs Bon Bon, b/tan of good type, very feminine, of balanced proportions all through. Sweet head and expression dark well shaped eyes, well held topline, lovely neat well padded feet, moved out well.

PGB (4,1) 1 Hone's Oxondahs Candy Girl, sweet head and good overall balance, best forehand in the class, well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm, good ribbing, well held topline and good tailset. Moved freely and with good extension, which gave her the class. 2 Furber's Dorysa Dolly Varden, similar in a lot of ways to 1, good head piece, just slightly heavier in front. Nicely balanced all through, good topline held on the move, not quite the extension in front of 1, but moved out well using her quarters. 3 Raggett's Silandajo Red Hotter at Dansila.

LB (1) 1. Lovick-Gibbs Gameron In Kahoots With Roleta, free standing well balanced bitch of good proportions. Attractive head, although would like a tad more strength of foreface. Good neck, shoulder and keel, well ribbed back, good depth of brisket, level topline held on the move, free sound mover.

OB (5,2) Best class of the day. 1, CC & BOB, Higgin's Leveliss What She Said. Loved this bitch, she had just the substance, balance and proportions that I was looking for. Feminine head, with a strong underjaw that doesn't in any way deduct from her femininity, I could just see her using those jaws at work. Reachy neck, well placed shoulders and excellent return of upper arm, good keel, excellent length of ribbing, and just right for depth of brisket. Super well padded feet, very pleasing on the move, has reach and drive, just about foot perfect. I was surprised to learn that this was her third CC, thought she was an easy champion. Delighted to see her short listed in a strong hound group. 2, RCC. Norton's Ch Matzell Maid in Time, another top quality bitch, lovely neck and shoulder, excels in topline, good ribbing and lovely balance all through. Close up, but not quite the precision of 1 on the move today. Very worthy champion, just unlucky to meet 1 on such good form. 3 Seago & Gibbard's Ch Amlida Evora.

Jan Pain