Three Counties (Ch - 11/06/2002)

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Critique

I was very pleased with an entry of sixteen for a midweek show, and without tickets. Having, for some years, taken a keen active interest in both sizes of this delightful breed, I feel that the Mittels have slowly improved in overall quality, thanks to the all to few dedicated breeders. However still widely differing types, which may not be such a bad thing at this stage of the breed’s history. One or two exhibits went close to the limits of the measure, while a couple were out of coat. One of the problems with judging a coated breed (as I know from many years in Chow Chows) is not to be carried away by the quality of the coat and presentation, especially when the exhibit is standing. Conformation, as demanded by the breed standard, is King. This means that balance and squareness, (as gauged from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks), and all that flows from these, must be the basis of judging this breed. A couple of exhibits did not seem to like the building that acted as an echo chamber.

PD 1. Rogerson’s Veratina be Wild at Nosregor. An eye catching 7 month old cream of substance. Good head shape, well placed ears, dark intelligent eye. Nice square body, with ample bone and width in rib cage. Short coupled, high set tail. Moved with forward reach and with drive. Well within size. As ever with this exhibitor beautifully presented and handled. I shall watch this young dog’s career with interest. Best Puppy. 2. Lack’s Abbeyhome Lucky Boy. A much larger 11 month old black dog. Sadly out of coat. However has good masculine head, very dark eye, correct muzzle length. Nice reach of neck. Firm, well developed body. Did not settle on the move.

JD. 1. Bray’s Tearaway Crazy Horse of Abbicher An upstanding dog that did not go comfortably under the measure. Nice head, good ear placement, dark eye. Good neck. Well proportioned body. High tail set. Moved well coming and going. Presented in full coat. 2. Lack’s Abbeyhome Lucky Boy.

PGD 1. William’s Druitz Benedict Arnold. A good size sable, well developed dog that I have admired for some time. Lovely masculine head, dark intelligent eye, well placed ears. Good neck into nicely sloping shoulders. Short coupled, stood true front and rear. Moved briskly, with drive and reach. Beautifully present and handling with style. Enjoyed running the rule over this dog again.Res.Best.Dog. 2. William’s Brother Dominic. A stylish black dog, with square outline, well balanced. Well constructed head, good neck, nicely proportioned body. Short coupled, correct tail set. Moved well, but did not seem to be completely settled.

OD 1. Rogerson’s Only the Lonely. A black dog that demanded attention. Beautifully balanced, lovely strong head without any coarseness, correctly placed ears, dark inquisitive eye. Good reach and arch of neck into pleasing sloping shoulder. Good body type. High tail set. Moved with purpose. As ever with this dedicated kennel beautifully present and handled. A great dog to judge. Best of Breed. 2. O’Loughlin’s Claran Earthworm Jim Under Caoilta. Another stylish dog. A chocolate that is well balanced. Pleasing head, nice ears, dark eye. Good body, ample bone. Lovely shining coat. Moved well in both directions. I enjoyed having the opportunity to assess this Mittel. Just felt that it lack that extra bit of showmanship to complete the picture.

OB 1. Rogerson’s Shelayne Minstrel Show. A black bitch shown in tip top condition. Square outline. Lovely correctly constructed feminine head, strong neck into good shoulders. Pleasing body shape and condition. Nice rear angulations, high set tail. Moved with zest. A pleasing dog to go over. Just lost out to the BOB winner on appearing not to be as balanced on the day. Best Bitch. 2. William’s Squirreldene Paeony at Rikarlo. Another black bitch presented in excellent coat and overall condition. Nice feminine head, well placed ears, jet black intelligent eye, giving nice expression. Good reach and arch of neck. Nicely put together body with plenty of substance. Good rear angulations. Moved well. But was not completely settled throughout the class judging.

Robert Dore