Dachshund Club 2002

Judge: Mr Daniel Roberts

BEST IN SHOW

It was indeed a great honour to be asked to judge Best In Show in place of my partner, Margaret Swann at the Dachshund Club’s Blue Riband Championship Show. A once in a lifetime appointment. The setting at Malvern was beautiful, the sun shone and the committee had pulled out all the stops to make it special. Secretary Anne Moore, along with Show Manager, Carolynne Davies had everything in hand. Chairman, Jeff Horswell made everyone so welcome with the rest of the committee working hard all day.

I send my thanks to all concerned for making such a special day so special! The six breed specialists had sent through some lovely exhibits, after individual examination, Best In Show went to Lockett’s Min Long Ch Ralines Royal Acclaim. A s/cream b that speaks quality, so feminine, beautifully balanced and proportioned all through, text book front, super bone and feet. She moved soundly, looking so good in profile, clearly showing correct reach and follow through, keeping a super outline at all times, in super coat and condition, one to be proud of. For Reserve Best In Show the movement on the Junior Min Wire got her the nod. Hayward’s Foxearth Fennel Flower.

A 15 month old b. Taller than some but in proportion. Looks at her best on the move, being totally correct, so sound coming and going with a cast iron topline, super tight coat and condition, with a delightful temperament. Some very nice puppies came through but the final two stood out on the day and will no doubt carry their titles. BPIS went to the long, Mitchell’s Darsoms Zophisticate Of Bronia. One of two sisters that I have admired in the breed ring. This 11 month old red b is so attractive, with an appealing head, plenty of neck which she uses on the move, super bone and feet, prominent forechest, correct top and underline, ribs well sprung for age, short loins and nice hammy quarters. She was a sound free mover, in first class coat and condition and so well handled. Res Best Puppy, the Smooth Bethel’s Hampdach Joint Venture. Ran the winner so close, such a handsome B/T chap, the type I love to see.

Beautiful head and expression, dark almond shaped eyes, well arched neck, good firm front, good feet free from wrinkle, tight elbows, super body proportions, firm strong quarters and sound coming and going. Keeping a lovely outline on the move and carrying himself so well, beautiful condition all through and again so well handled. Another to go on to bigger things. It was so nice to see the ‘oldies’ come in for Best Veteran, the winner being a great favourite of mine, the Choc Min Long, Graham’s Ch Jadag Bjorn Veeta. Having awarded him the CC at the Southern this year. So good to go over, my opinion hasn’t changed, although not moving with his usual drive, at the end of a very hot day he did enough to guarantee BVIS. Congratulations!

Daniel Roberts