Northern Dachshund Club 2009

BEST IN SHOW

BIS: I was a little surprised to be asked if I wanted a larger ring to judge BIS - of course I did, as no free moving hound will stride out freely if he has to turn a sharp corner on a slippery floor every few strides. As the matting layout was not changed to suit the larger ring, some exhibits struggled to cope with the change in floor surface. One Dachshund stood out for BIS. A young 12-month-old miniature wire, Thorn-Andrews' Drakesleat Win Alot, and I am sure he will live up to his name. A harsh-coated, fit, active small hound, he would be a good Dachshund of any size, with any coat - good ground clearance, lovely strong masculine head in correct proportions with alert, typical expression, good ears, reasonable front angulation, good ribbing and correct hind angulation, coped with the flooring with ease, really moving well, and stood rock solid on table and floor. Reserve to him was the glamorous long-haired, Metcalfe-Bilgin's Ch Metadale Macquarie, slightly too big for me but in excellent condition, pleasing proportions and very free and active on the move. I felt the puppies were a little disappointing BPIS went to the miniature smooth, Blackburn's Shelsall Jettison, a super shape stacked and kept this outline on the move (when he kept his tail down), sound free mover with the best ribbing in this ring. RBPIS was the wire-haired, Sexton's Romanchi Chocheno, won on her happy nature, looked a picture standing if rather large for her age, in excellent coat, good head and front, I would not be happy with her hind movement but she coped with the floor in profile movement better than the rest.

Lesley Patton

AV Vet (3) Three lovely Champions, a joy to judge. 1 McCarthy's Ch Seatris Laced with Success. Std Smooth. A handsome black and tan with that lovely arrogant look. Well placed shoulders and long keel and ribbing, all that we strive for. 2 Shutt's Ir Ch Jadag Cadbury Rose. Mini Long. Long, elegant, feminine and such a pretty chocolate dapple coat. Moved out well. 3 Ch Djeata Riven Within the Ring - Mini Long. Alf Hague Memorial Sp P (3,1) 1 Mead's Minimead Minisota - Mini Smooth. A lovely balanced red with a good male head, good neck, shoulders and ribs. He moved out truly. 2 Kempton-Thorne's Lord of the Dance with Knockboy - Mini Smooth. A lovely long elegant red/brindle, well placed shoulders with such a long keel and ribbing. Less positive in hind movement, perhaps could be taken a little slower while he settles. Evelyn Dodgson Memorial Sp J (2) 1 Holland's Jealroie Black Candle at Zarosa. Mini Smooth. Nice little black and tan, pretty head and a nice neck and good shoulders and ribbing. Moved out well on tight feet. 2 Callow's Metadale Miranda. Std Long. Rather masculine in head for me and heavy in body. Needs to fine down a bit as she is not heavily boned and it would make her look more feminine. Moved out very soundly.

Stephanie Goddard