WELKS 2013

Judge: Mike Vincent

I fell for the charms of this wonderful breed forty years ago and I really enjoyed this judging appointment despite the bitterly cold wind! I found the overall standard to have greatly improved from the last time I judged, however there is now a worrying problem with rather upright shoulders, and exhibits with this appalling conformation fault therefore paid the price. Another problem which is becoming more apparent are weak under-jaws lacking depth. Having said that, the future looks good for this grand old breed.

PD (3, 1)1 Denton's Ryecombe Jaffa Jake Very smart tri. Lovely masculine head, dark eyes, well carried ears, good neck, well laid shoulder, deep chest, good front, smooth jacket. Moved okay. 2 Davis' Yagane's The Jazz Singer At Keenacre. Very promising. Lovely head, dark eye, correct length of neck, good body and jacket. Spoilt by very loose movement.

JD (2) 1 Jaffa Jake. 2 Forbes' Natalain Veni Vidi Vici At Willowhurst (Imp Rus) Striking S/W. Lovely head, dark eye, alert expression, generally well made throughout. Well presented by very out at elbow on the move.

PGD (3) 1 Leach's Manordeifi Dionysus At Hilltarn Beautifully coloured B/M, but still in that 'in-between' stage and lacking condition. Lovely head, eye and expression, nicely arched neck, deep chest, smooth topline, coat of excellent texture. Moved smoothly and effortlessly. 2 Trundley's Juniperwood Kinda B/M with superb head, very sweet expression, well arched neck, correct well angulated shoulder, deep chest, well sprung ribs, good legs and feet, coat rather open. Let down by un-coordinated movement. 3 Veni Vidi Vici At Willowhurst (Imp Rus).

LD (6) 1 French's Foxearth Flock Master For Breckamore CC Ultra smart masculine Tri with a superb well balanced head, correctly placed ears, flat skull, dark eye and desired expression. Beautiful arched neck set into good shoulders, deep chest, well sprung ribs, level topline with slight rise over loin. Moved smoothly and effortlessly on good legs and tight well ached feet. Text book black shiny jacket of correct texture. Well presented. 2 Woodstock's Shulune Imperial Guard At Hylaird Very masculine S/W in tip-top condition. Lovely well balanced head, dark eye, flat skull, strong arched neck, good shoulder, correct topline. Well sprung ribs, deep chest, excellent bone and feet. Moved extremely well. 3 Hayward's Foxearth Flintab.

OD (1) 1 White's Ch Foxearth Frappuccino Res CC. Well presented, very smart Tri. So well made throughout. Head is lovely with alert expression, flat skull and well carried ears. Neck of good length, shoulders okay, deep chest, well sprung ribs, correct topline. Good legs, tight feet. Movement was smooth, free and flowing. Shown in hard well-muscled condition and his shiny coat completed a really nice picture.

PB (3) 1 Moores' Tomalca Buttons'n'bows At Manordeifi BP Such a pretty young lady! Stunning S/W with a beautiful head and dreamy expression. Good shoulder, correct neck, lovely topline, coat of correct texture. There are a couple of things I would like to change, but these fade into insignificance the moment she starts to move as this is exceptional for one so young. 2 Beeney's Ryecombe Jolly Jonquil At Coneypark. Nice S/W with so much to like. Well made throughout. Lovely head, eye and expression. Nicely arched neck set into good shoulders, deep chest, well spung ribs, harsh jacket, good legs and feet. Moved truly. 3 Woodstock's Kangasvuokon Valentine At Hylaird (Imp Fin).

JB (4, 2) 1 Hayward's Kiiramanna She Makes My Day At Foxearth Very eye-catching B/M of excellent breed type and colour. Head to die for! Fabulous dreamy expression, dark eye, flat skull, well arched neck set into perfectly angulated shoulders, good front, deep chest, well sprung ribs. Movement was free and flowing, but affected by carrying a fraction too much weight. 2 Roden's Fortune Cookie From Breckamore S/W nice head, okay front, deep chest, good spring of rib, lovely harsh jacket, good neck and topline.

PGB (4) 1 Moores' Manordeifi Silver Dazzler Another first class exhibit from this clever breeder who obviously understand correct conformation. Beautiful B/M of lovely colour. So well made throughout. Lovely head, superb shoulder angulation, good front, deep chest, well sprung ribs, good legs and feet. Moved freely with power at the rear. 2 Purvey's Westbridge Blue Fantasy By Frendet Feminine B/M. Beautiful head and expression. Well made throughout, just needs to broaden in front. Moved well. 3 Trundley's Juniperwood Kinda Special.

LB (5, 1) 1 Lister's Manordeifi Miss Daisy At Newarp JW This ultra smart tri lady is a real eye catcher but today she lacked her usual sparkle. Nice head, eye and expression. Lovely neck set into good shoulders, deep chest, well sprung ribs, level topline with sweep over the loins, well-muscled rear. Moved freely with style. Glossy jacket of lovely harsh texture. Presented to perfection. 2 Trundley's Juniperwood Jubilation Very smart tri. So well made throughout. Nice head, dark eyes and sweet alert expression. Excellent shoulder, good front, deep chest, well ribbed, correct topline. Moved very well on good legs and feet. 3 Purvet's Freejack A Touch Of Magic.

OB (8, 2) 1 Sehlin's NU/DK Ch Clingstone's Sounds Good Nv-12 [ATC AQ00388FIN] CC, BOB Sensational tri out of the top drawer. Loved everything about her and won BOB with ease. This lady meets the breed standard in every respect and there is nothing I would want to change. Presented in tip top condition, movement reflected the superb conformation and she was presented and handled to perfection. I was thrilled and honoured to go over her. 2 Hutchings' Collidach Molloney Fay Mouse Res CC What a sweetie! So very pretty. B/M of stunning colour and textured coat. Fabulous head, eye and expression. The best of shoulders, very good front, ribs, neck, topline and rear end. First class movement which was smooth, effortless with good reach and drive. 3 Forbes' EE/JCH/EST Ch Kangasvuokon Venice [ATC AP01236FIN]