253 dogs made 287 entries, with a total of 40 entries absent, giving an absentee rate of only 13.94% from entries, which made for a very busy but enjoyable day. Of the 253 dogs entered, 34 were absent, giving an absentee rate from entered dogs of 13.44%

 Many thanks to everyone who showed their dogs at this most prestigious event I hope you enjoyed yourselves, win or lose. Thank you for the sporting way my decisions were accepted. It certainly was a great honour to be asked to judge this show and an honour to go over so many good dogs. I have judged and enjoyed some quality entries at many shows, both in the UK and abroad, but the depth of quality in this entry was the best so far. At times, I wished I had 7 or more first prizes to award and that occurred in more than one class.

 On the minus side, there were a number of dogs whose coats were not the cleanest and a small number who were underweight, one or two being far too thin and those were penalised accordingly. Keeping a dog thin to keep to the weight standard is a mistaken aim, as the judges hands will always find the truth, and it is of course to the detriment of the “health and welfare” of the dogs themselves, which the judge must consider a fault, according to the breed standard.

 I am pleased to say that the vast majority of the dogs were in immaculate condition, looking fit and hard and gleaming with vitality and breed type. Some had, of course, more coat than others, being at different stages, but I forgave coat length variance, be it too little or too much, if there was evidence of a good coat there. A dog will come back into coat, while construction will not change, apart from any improvement, which may come with maturity. The 2 ring stewards were first class, so many thanks to them.

 
 CLASSES (FOLLOWED BY NUMBER ENTERED AND NUMBER ABSENT)

 Veteran Dog (9 – 3 abs)
 1st: Warren’s Ch Rossula Symphony. Lovely type and size. Gorgeous Otter
 head with a short strong muzzle and well placed ears. Nice small feet.
 Lovely thick pelt and coat. Good tailset.

 2nd: Sharp’s Ch Rhozzum Columbo. A longer cast dog with an excellent otter
 head. Loved his rib shape and he moved out very well both ways.

 3rd: Hunt’s Ch Ottaswell Superstition. Another one moving well today on
 small, tight feet. Easily spanned. Just preferred the type of the first
 two.

 Res: Lazell’s Conundrum Ivanhoe

 VHC: Day’s Withershins Benjamin


 Special Puppy Dog (10 – 1)

 1st: Moffatt’s Towden Storm Diver at Laurelton. Beautiful puppy. Loved his
 make and shape, being just right for size. Lovely head, with a small dark
 eye, good strong jaw and clean neck and shoulders, with a lovely rib and
 topline and excellent tailset, moving well both coming and going. Good
 bend of stifle, Overall, a very promising puppy.

 2nd: Cheeseman’s Bromscar Powderfinger. Loved the reach of neck on this
 grizzle and tan dog. Excellent otter like head and straight front. He
 possesses a good length of back and good tailset.

 3rd: Macdonald’s Penlumeg Percival By Badgerbeck. Another good otter head
 on this blue and tan dog with good clean bodylines and small tight feet.

 Res: Peacock’s Ragatam Guilder

 VHC: Marr’s Ruelata Acrobat at Redfox


 Special Junior Dog (15 - 1)

 1st: Harrison’s Iacheslei Torus J.W. Loved his type, size, head, neck,
 topline and tailset and he was moving very well both ways on good small
 feet
 He has a good dark eye and a narrow front. Looked as if he had the stamina
 to go all day. An attractive proposition for the future.

 2nd: Hand’s Lutrabeck Likewise. Another young dog of similar make and
 shape to the 1st. Just preferred the hind movement of the 1st today, but
 Likewise is still young and shows great promise. He has a good narrow
 front and excellent reach of neck, leading to a good level topline.

 3rd: Stockley’s Foxfactor Hornblower. Very hard decision between these 3
 dogs, with this one also possessing good length of back and just the right
 amount of bone. Small tight feet. Just preferred the rib on the first 2.

 Res: Macdonald’s Badgerbeck Mr Digs

 VHC: Jackson’s Clipstone Tailor


 Yearling Dog (20 - 3)

 1st: Ensor & Giese’s Am. Ch. McHenry’s Ewok of Endor. Appealed from the
 first glance and was not disappointed on closer examination on the table.
 Gorgeous otter head and lovely reach of neck. Not overdone in anyway, with
 a good neck and length of back and good tail set. He was easily spanned
 and possessed a good harsh double coat. He also moved very well both ways,
 with reach and drive.

 2nd: Gale’s Windrushway Chinook. Another of similar type and a hard
 decision here. He too possessed a good head with a good reach of neck,
 excellent length of rib and good double coat and was moving well on small
 tight feet.


 3rd: Alford’s Brockfox Mr Bombastic. Outstanding dog with a lovely head
 and reach of neck. Good length of back and set on of tail. Just a little
 deeper in the rib than the 1st two. Nevertheless, he moved very well.

 Res: Reeves’ Baywillow Racing Blue

 VHC: Johnson’s Karison Kasper


 Post Grad Dog (19 - 2)

 1st: Hollingsbee’s Otterwood Amex J.W. Sh.C.M. Very well balanced dog of
 good make and shape, with a good tailset, moving well today on small tight
 feet. Nice size and liked his otterlike head. He had a good coat and pelt.
 Scored a little in head over the 2nd, having a stronger jaw.

 2nd: Martin’s Dugaden Tusker. Blue and tan dog with a good harsh jacket.
 Good tailset. Would prefer a longer length and more strength to the jaw.

 3rd: Chittenden’s Glorron Captain Hook. Lovely otter head with an
 excellent short strong muzzle. Straight narrow front and nice topline with
 a lovely set on of his carrot shaped tail. Just failed slightly in hind
 movement to the 1st two, but possessed small tight feet.

 Res: Barnes’ Gameway Illusion

 VHC: Barnett’s Brockfox Buckshot


 Mid Limit Dog (14 - 3)

 1st: Johnson and Pearson’s Rexlands Red Start. Super otter head on this
 dog, with short strong muzzle and nicely placed ears. Good forehand, with
 a lovely rib, easily spanned. Good topline, with a nice tail, well set on
 and moving well on small tight feet.

 2nd: Chittenden’s Glorron Captain Hook.

 3rd: Sneddon’s Kersfell Comet J.W. This dog is a lovely specimen of the
 breed, but just fails in front movement compared to the 1st two. He does
 possess one of the best otter heads with a short strong muzzle, good tight
 feet on legs of good bone. Good ribcage and an excellent double coat, with
 a carrot tail, well set on.

 Res: Edwards’ Grindelvald Ruffanuff

 VHC: Axford’s Barterhound Rhinestone


 Limit Dog (15 – 1)

 1st: Guvercin’s Dandyhow Figaro at Glebeheath J.W. Sh.C.M. Reserve Dog
 Challenge Certificate.
 I loved this dog when I first saw him in the ring today. He oozes type. He
 has the most gorgeous otter head and there is nothing exaggerated about
 him anywhere. A picture of moderation with a lovely rib, easily spanned.
 He is a good size and possesses an excellent harsh double coat. Moving
 well, on small tight feet, he presented a picture of fitness and activity.

 2nd: Christensen’s Danchos Midas. Longer cast dog with an absolutely
 gorgeous otter head and an excellent narrow rib. Just preferred the
 sounder movement of the winner today.

 3rd: Bailey’s Barrowaydem Malbec Might at Grindelvald. Lovely dog, just a
 little short of coat today. Good head with a lovely dark eye. Nice neck
 and shoulders with good bodylines. Smallest of feet. Topline and tailset
 of the best

 Res: Culley’s Earthwise Deuteronomy

 VHC: Hunt’s Ottaswell Correspondent


 Open Dog (22 - 6)

 1st: Clark’s Ch Gameway Kiwi J.W. Dog Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed
 This was the dog for me. From the tip of his nose to the end of his tail,
 I could not fault him anywhere. I last judged him in 2004, when I awarded
 him the Dog CC and Best in Show. The intervening years have not touched
 this boy and he is still an outstanding specimen of the breed. He is so
 well balanced and was presented in tip top condition, with a harsh double
 coat. His head is otter like and refined and he has an excellent neck of
 the correct length
 with a good straight front and just the right amount of bone. Possesses
 clean shoulders and presents a lovely outline on the move. When viewed
 from above, the rib shape is superb and he is easily spanned. Delighted to
 award him again, the top honours. Wish he were mine.

 2nd: Am Ch McHenry’s Ewok of Endor Was 1st in Yearling dog and while up
 against some serious competition here, he was good enough to be called
 back into the ring to challenge for the Reserve CC, which ultimately went
 to the Limit dog winner, but this boy was a close contender.

 3rd: Todd’s Todlaws Furl O Brise Beautiful topline and tailset on this
 blue and tan dog, Kept a level topline on the move. The best of heads and
 a lovely narrow front, with a good ribcage, he was easily spanned and
 moved around the ring with style

 Res: Lee’s Ch Tythrop Tapas

 VHC: Gilpin’s Ch Otterbobs Ninezergh

 HC: Archibald’s Tweedburn Valentino

 C: Venetsalo’s Heathberry’s Bite the Bullet


 Good Citizen Dog Scheme, Dog (11 - 0)

 1st: Hollingsbee’s Otterwood Amex J.W Sh.C.M.

 2nd: Culley’s Earthwise Deuteronomy Sh.C.M. Really tight harsh coat on
 this dog, who has a refined otter head and a good straight front. He came
 to hand nicely and is narrow right though; looks as if he could fit into
 any space required of a working dog.

 3rd: Axford’s Barterhound Rhinestone. Another one with a good rib and a
 nice length of neck, with a good topline and tailset and lovely small
 tight feet.

 Res: Johnson’s Karison Kasper

 VHC: Davis’ Hesslemere Top Hat J.W.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Veteran Bitch (6 - 0)

 1st: Freivokh’s Kelgram Kashmir at Artwork . Very appealing bitch, who
 possesses a lovely feminine otter head, with a good straight front and she
 moved around the ring as if she owned it, on small tight feet, keeping her
 topline on the move.

 2nd: Morton Shaw’s Quatford Kiss N Tell at Fehmarn J.W. Refined otter head
 and good rib. Preferred the amount of bone on the winner, but she moved
 out with accuracy both coming and going.

 3rd: Holleron’s Dandyhow Catriona at Supra Slightly heavier on the rib
 than the 1st two, which can be expected as ladies mature, but she has the
 most exquisite feminine otter head, with a short, strong muzzle and a good
 topline with a moderate carroty tail well set on.

 Res: Fraser’s Achnagairn Little Pate

 VHC: Prevost and Hopkins’ Mulysa Miss Muffet


 Special Puppy Bitch (9 -0)

 1st: Wright’s Totherend Toffee Apple Best Puppy in Breed.
 This young girl was in very heavy coat but underneath it all shone a star.
 Absolutely gorgeous feminine otter head, with 1/3 to 2/3 ratio for nose to
 stop and stop to occiput. Small, neat, well placed ears and small dark
 eyes with keen expression. She had a good reach of neck and good body
 length. She was not overdone in any way so far as construction was
 concerned and was easily spanned. Loved her type, she moved well for one
 so young on small tight feet. Although her coat was on the blow, it was
 excellent for texture and covered a lovely lithe body. Pleased to award
 her Best Puppy in breed and will watch her progress with interest.

 2nd: Fraser and Butler’s Bluetuto via Ycart Very tight jacket on this blue
 and tan bitch.
 Good heat, with varminty expression, Lovely reach of neck, leading to
 excellent topline and tailset. Moving well on small tight feet.

 3rd: Macdonald’s Baywillow Blue Bouquet for Badgerbeck. A longer cast
 bitch, who moved and covered the ground well with long, easy strides. A
 steady mover with a good front. Lovely length of rib.

 Res: Docwra’s Bandicoot Miss April

 VHC: Clark’s Gameway Clementine


 Special Junior Bitch (20 - 1)

 1st: Dickinson’s Stoneygin Ripon Ruby by Badgerholme J.W. Feminine otter
 head, with excellent reach of neck on this classy bitch. Just the right
 amount of bone. Narrow front and good clean shoulders. Moved well, both
 coming and going and presented a balanced outline on the move.

 2nd: Wanless’ Thorneyburn Minnie the Minx. One of the best coats and pelts
 of the day, this blue and tan bitch caught my eye at the first go-around.
 Gorgeous otter head, so typical of the breed. Thick, harsh jacket covering
 a loose pliable pelt of the best. Coat so thick, could hardly see the
 skin. Good narrow front. Small tight feet. Good set on of tail and a
 steady mover both coming and going.

 3rd: Winder’s Appleside Malinda. Refined otter head. Narrow right through,
 with clean shoulders and narrow rib, spanned with ease, could get anywhere
 required underground. Moved around the ring with a flowing style and no
 exaggeration either coming or going, on small tight cat like feet. Very
 sound.

 Res: Waller’s Baker’s Delicious

 VHC: Harris’ Blackiswood Wedding Belle


 Yearling Bitch (23 - 1)

 1st: Sharp’s Baywillow Columbine Beautiful otter head on this bitch, who
 possessed a long body and streamlined appearance, with good shoulders and
 ribs carried well back. Another who was easily spanned. Tail well set on.
 A very agile, fit bitch, who looked like she could go all day.

 2nd: Davis’ Hesslemere Silent Witness Very nice bitch with a lovely
 length of neck and good level topline, tail at the correct angle. She was
 easily spanned and had narrow shoulders and small feet. Just preferred the
 head of the winner.

 3rd: Hogg’s Raeburnfoot Claret. Smaller type of bitch, with good neck and
 shoulders and level topline, which she held on the move. Moved true both
 coming and going. Perhaps could do with a little more bone, but overall a
 pleasing type.

 Res: Moss’ Vallemoss Viola

 VHC: Moffatt’s Laurelton Blue Lace


 Post Grad Bitch (26 - 4)

 1st: Kemp’s Magic Shore at Tulawyn. This one took my eye at first sight.
 Excellent make and shape, with a beautiful head and small dark eye. With
 good shoulders and ribshape, she was easily spanned. Very typy bitch who
 moved well on small tight feet.

 2nd: Allison’s Tividale Simply Red. Lovely mover, this bitch was all
 feminine, with a lovely otter head and a short strong muzzle. She has a
 lovely shapely body, with a good rib, carried well back and a good carroty
 tail, set on well. Good hindquarters with pleasing bend of stifle ensuring
 easy movement.

 3rd: Clark’s Lucky Little Jewel. Good head with a good dark eye and good
 reach of neck, leading to good bodylines, with nice length of body and
 shapely rib. Lovely harsh jacket

 Res: Fryer’s Irton Tango

 VHC: Hollingsbee’s Otterwood Ilex J.W. Sh.C.M.


 Mid Limit Bitch (18 - 2)

 1st: Bean’s Manorcroft Taylormade Bitch Challenge Certificate.
 What a lovely type this bitch is; she absolutely screams “Border”.
 Fabulous otter head, with a short strong muzzle, good dark eye and
 expression. She has a lovely narrow front, with just the right amount of
 bone. Excellent ribcage with good neck and shoulders and carrot shaped
 tail, which was well set on. She drew my eye time and again and could not
 be denied the Challenge Certificate, which I was thrilled to award to her.
 Good luck for the future.


 2nd: Larner’s Hawcoat Winnie The Pooh. Very close up to the first, this
 was indeed a good class of quality bitches. Similar remarks apply; she has
 a good reach of neck, a feminine head and was easily spanned. Moving well
 on small feet, with a good carrot tail well set on. Thick coat and pelt.

 3rd: Sanson’s Biddestone Pineapple at Kelhope. Exceedingly feminine, this
 one was also out of the top drawer, with a good head and shapely
 bodylines, with a fantastic rib, easily spanned and good topline and
 tailset. Completed a trio of excellent bitches who were a tribute to their
 owners and the breed and who headed a class of depth of quality, with some
 of those leaving the ring unplaced also being excellent examples of the
 breed. Splitting hairs here to find the winners.

 Res: Aspinwall’s Farmway Nightingale

 VHC: Alpe’s Kelgram Kaya Kalpis at Kelgram


 Limit Bitch (17 - 4)

 1st: Archibald’s Tweedburn Sweetheart. Another difficult class as the
 depth of quality was so great here, I liked all 5 placed and on another
 day would be happy to award a 1st to any of these here. This bitch had to
 go some to top this class and she has indeed got that star quality. In
 this good class, her outstanding otter head won the day, with her short
 strong muzzle and lovely shaped ears, perfectly placed, dropping forward
 close to the cheek, with an excellent expression. Moved well and true on
 excellent legs, with just the right amount of bone. Thick pliable pelt and
 excellent topline, with tail at correct angle. Although she had plenty of
 substance, she came to hand well, feeling just the right weight and was
 well balanced.

 2nd: Hibberd’s Biddestone Pincushion. Another beautiful bitch, smaller
 Border all through, but so pretty and neat. Gorgeous head, with lovely
 neck and shoulders, her good construction enabled her to move with drive
 and purpose on small, tight feet. Excellent short carrot tail, well set
 on.

 3rd: James’ Blackmine Paper Heart. Longer cast bitch, she has a lovely
 length of neck on a good head. Correct amount of bone, but perhaps a
 little light on weight today. Easily spanned and good rib, carried well
 back. Small
 catlike feet and good tailset.

 Res: Jobson’s Ottaswell First Edition

 VHC: Cadman’s Otterbobs Kirksty At Junctionnine



 Open Bitch (20 - 6)

 1st: McPherson’s Ch Brumberhill Betwixt Sh.C.M. Reserve Bitch Challenge
 Certificate. A fantastic class of quality bitches, I was very sorry not to
 be able to give out 7 firsts here, but decisions had to be made and this
 one stood away, even in this class. Lovely otter head, with correct 1/3 to
 2/3 proportions. Good reach of neck and a good topline, she powered around
 the ring, totally confident and moved steadily both ways. Constructed
 well, she moved well, maintaining her level topline on the move.

 2nd: Girling’s Gameway Solstice At Bennativo. Lovely typy bitch, with a
 lovely head and good reach of neck. Excellent coat and pelt. Moved well on
 small tight feet.

 3rd: Pieilanen’s Fin. Ch Heathberry’s Smart Move. In the peak of hard
 condition, this one moved out really well. Good otter head with excellent
 topline of the best, with a tail well set on. Splitting hairs to separate
 these top winners here and the remaining bitches were all well liked for
 type and size. Hard decisions today. Bodes well for the breed.

 Res: Winder’s Appleside Elstar

 VHC: Ir/Int Ch Conundrum Whole Lotta Rosie at Comberdown

 HC: Willett’s Ch Hanway It’s My Life

 C: Williams’ Ch Hollowmoor Coremy


 Good Citizen Dog Scheme, Bitch (13 - 2)

 1st: Hollingsbee’s Otterwood Ilex J.W. Sh.C.M. Lovely otter head on this
 well balanced bitch. Good reach of neck and easily spanned. Good small
 tight feet and active type of bitch with good tailset.

 2nd: Moore’s Clipstone Tweed at Bramblequest. Neat, tidy bitch clearly
 enjoying her day out and still showing at the end of this long day. Very
 active and a lovely mover. Good head with a varminty expression.

 3rd: Kenyon’s Tallowbrook First Soprano. Sorry, this one left the ring
 before notes taken.

 Res: Harrison’s Iacheslei Deva JW.

 VHC: Houston’s Earthwise Electra


 Mrs Kathy Wilkinson
 Judge