It was a real honour to be invited to judge Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show and Best Veteran at the Miniature Dachshund Club’s Championship Show. In all three competitions I was truly spoilt for choice.

BEST IN SHOW

1

Thorn Andrews’ Drakesleat Gud As Gold. Miniature Wire Haired.  Her dam was my BOB winner at Darlington last year and on that occasion this bitch was third in a very strong Limit class.  Today, she was in top form and put on a polished, assured performance. Workmanlike with an attractive head and expression, dark intelligent eyes, strong jaw.  Clean slightly arched neck which she uses to advantage.  Excellent forehand with very good feet.  Beautifully balanced with a great topline and some strength over the loins. Good ground clearance. Moved well with an easy, fluid action.  Harsh coat presented to advantage.

2

Ergis’ Ch Siouxline Rapuzel with Melriding. Miniature Smooth Haired.  Hard to believe that this lovely bitch is 9 years old. Her deportment and carriage are first class.  Good head with dark, clear eyes.  Strong jaw with good dentition.  Lovely front assembly with good bone and feet.  Good length of rib.  Strong, nicely muscled hindquarters gave her some drive on the move.

3

Dare’s Darsom’s Zynala.  Miniature Long Haired. Another top quality bitch.  Exemplary forehand, clean neck of good length.  Ribs extend well back and there is some strength over the loin.  Just 14 months and just right for age I would think.  A very good prospect.

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

1

Coxon’s D’Arisca Dinner at Eight. Miniature Smooth Haired.  Presented a lovely outline with his proud head carriage and very good neck and shoulders.  Excellent topline. Well developed forechest.  Good legs and feet.  Impressed on the move with a very easy driving action.

2

Holtom’s Rivandell Osha. Miniature Long Haired. A very pretty youngster, good length of head, decent neck and shoulders.  Good body with decent ribbing and excellent topline. Moved out well.

3

Sexton & Dasolva’s Molloney Woody or Won’t He at Ertekes. Miniature Wire Haired. Not quite the composure of the two above him but what a lovely character. Very good head and expression.  Pleasing forehand with good bone and decent feet.  Well ribbed body.  Strong, nicely muscled hindquarters.  Moved soundly. 

BEST VETERAN IN SHOW

1

Ergis’ Ch Siouxline Rapuzel with Melriding. Miniature Smooth Haired.

2

Jones’ Ch Bimini Starstruck. Miniature Wire Haired. Has an air of quality and is quite workmanlike.  Attractive, masculine head with strong jaw and dark eyes.  Clean neck which is nicely arched.  Decent forehand with good forechest, well ribbed with good body.  Nicely rounded hindquarters gave him some drive on the move. 

3

Hall’s Ch Cliffmere Levity.  Miniature Long Haired. Pretty, feminine head and expression.  Excellent topline with some strength over the loins.  Moved out well keeping a good outline.