It was such a pleasure to judge a very good entry with just two absent so there were some very good exhibits to go over of a breed I have always held in high regard.

PD. (2). 1 Moores’, Manordeifi Solar Eclipse. Tri with good body and bone structure. Good head for his age and when his attention was caught had a nice expression. His movement was fluent and workmanlike. Lost out to his sister for BP as she has just matured a little more. 2. Hindes’, Best Mate. Sable of lovely shape and condition. Very attentive to his handler who certainly got the best out of him. For his age his movement was fine. Just flying one ear on the day which is understandable at 9 months. One I would like to see when mature.

JD. (1). 1. Hindes’, Chicnoir Snow Wolfe. Good wedge to head with desired expression topped with a nice ear carriage. Nice arched neck and moved with drive.

PGD. (4). 1. Hindes’, Chicnoir Quartermaster. Sable of lovely colour. Coat of good texture with correct rise to the loin. Masculine head with good underjaw, flat skull, good eye placement and colour with neat ears. Has the depth of chest I like to see. Lovely turn of stifle and really strode out on the move. BD. 2. Kinsey’s, Foxearth to Twist Fate of Sturtmoor. Sable with fabulous reach of neck, good shape and could move as a working dog should. Correct planes to the head with intelligent expressions. Not quite the ring presence of the winner. 3. McKendrick’s, Alopex Conversation Peace at Wesanya.

OD. (4). 1. Kinsey’s, Foxearth Funlander of Sturtmoor. Blue of lovely colour with good outline which was retained on the move. Good wedge head with a good expression. Lovely harsh jacket, turn of stifle and neat feet and legs. RBD. 2. Wills’, Merland Mystery Man of Jarlana. Tri with dense black coat with good tan markings. At 6 and a half months old could show some of the younger dogs how to move. Kept his topline and really strode out not showing his age at all and should go on for some time. 3. French’s, Delmbush Crackerjack at Frendet JW.

PB. (2). 1. Moores’, Manordeifi Silver Dawn. Gorgeous blue puppy whose length of body is ratio to height was just right for me. Still needs to clear in colour which I hope will come as she matures. Feminine head, lovely expression. Good turn of stifle. Looks good standing or on the move. Already has ring presence and was really enjoying her day out. BP. 2. Hindes’, Chicnoir Solo. Sable at 9 months old was just a little overawed on the day. Having said that she was of lovely shape, good expression, turn of stifle and tail carriage. Not quite as positive on the move as the winner.

JB. (2). 1. Douglas’s, Foxearth Speckled Wood. Feminine tri with keen expression. I liked her shape and lovely jet black coat which was of good texture. Very well muscled with neat feet and legs. Well balanced head and used her ears to the best advantage. 3. Hindes’, Chicnoir Solo.

PGB. (1). 1. French’s, Chicnoir Eternal Star at Frendet. Smart tri with tan markings with lovely outline. Nice head with good underjaw and well rounded muzzle. Tended to lose a bit of her topline on the move but overall a very nice type that was well handled.

OB. (7). 1. Lister’s, Ch. Newarp Jesena Moonlight Sonata. At just over 8 years this lovely blue bitch has been a credit to the breed throughout her long show career. Still retains her lovely shape and driving movement. Her expression is just melting using her beautiful arched neck to full advantage giving her oodles of ring presence. Well deserved BB and BOB. 2. Gay’s, Hilltarn Kiri at Yagane. Blue who was a very fluent effortless mover with good body. Correct planes to the head. Depth of chest and nice turn of stifle. Good coarse textured coat. Quite sympathetic handling really got the best out of her. 3. Burton’s, Astrellita Beloved of Glencorrie. Blue who I really liked but throughout the judging she was determined not to show herself off to her best advantage. Well constructed and moved well, but would not show her true expression until the very last minute when she really pulled herself together and her expression was melting. This caused her to go up a place which is something I hate doing at the last minute but I could not deny her a higher spot.

Peter F Chave