Judge’s Critique:

I would like to thank the Secretary and Committee of South Wales Kennel Association for inviting me to judge and congratulate them on their well run show. I would also like to thank: my wonderful stewards who had a very long and hard day looking after the ring; and to the exhibitors for giving me their entries. I appreciate that it has taken some time for me to put together these critiques due to the time I had to take out during my husband’s illness and following his death.

On the day Curlies were very late getting into the ring and the Groups had already been called, so exhibitors and dogs had been hanging about for a long time and we were under pressure to make the Groups. There was also been a tremendous hail storm which had really crashed and rattled on the roof just before judging commenced and during judging, so many of the exhibits were unsettled and not making the most of themselves.

RETRIEVER (CURLY COATED)

Junior Dog  (1,0)
1. Davis & Bradstock’s Elgar’s Elegant Enigma Tornado Beta Con Remanimo (IMP LTU) This year old black dog had a well-shaped body and was a good size for age. His head was a good wedge shape in profile and to the front, with correct mouth, masculine expression, nice dark eyes and neat ears. He had a good length of neck, well laid back shoulders, deep chest and a nice topline with tail flowing from it.  In a good jacket of really crisp, tight curls. He stood on good legs and with tight feet. While this boy was really happy moving, he wasn’t focussed and his movement was erratic. I look forward to watching his progress. Reserve Best Dog

PG Dog  no entries

Open Dog (1, 0)
1. Stephen’s SH CH Brightmeadow Never Say Die JW ShCM. Outstanding black 6 year old – this dog is the breed record holder and going over him I could understand why. He has an excellent head, good mouth, lovely fore-chest, well developed and muscled body, good legs and tight feet. His tail flows from his back and has good level carriage on the move. His shape standing and on the move is lovely to behold. Best dog and BOB

Junior Bitch (1, 0)
1. Evan’s Rowancurl Beachcomber. Black 11 month old bitch who is still growing and has some maturing to do. She has a good wedge shaped head, good mouth, dark eyes and nicely set on ears. Her fore-chest is developing nicely and she had a good coat of curls. She exhibited a nice level top-line, both stood and on the move, and had a good tail set. Her legs needed more muscle. Once she has matured she is certainly one to for the future.  Best Puppy

PG Bitch (1, 0)
1. Evan’s Kukkasen Keita by Caballus. 3 year old liver bitch. Quite fine, but elegant with it. She had a different head shape to the others, but still with the correct planes of the wedge. Lovely pleasing feminine expression.  Correct teeth. She had a good length of neck, well-balanced body with excellent coat and good tail-set. She moved effortlessly around the ring with drive and extension.   I had absolutely no hesitation in awarding her Best Bitch.

Open Bitch (1, 0)
1. Stephen’s Brightmeadow Who’s That Girl. A smaller, compact and workman like liver bitch of 3 years of age. She had a good thick coat of curls over a well-muscled body with good fore-chest. She moved well, but I would have preferred it to have been more controlled as I think this would have shown it and her more to better advantage as she lost her shape on the move. I would also have preferred darker eyes and neater feet. Reserve Best Bitch.

Su Carlin