NORTHERN COUNTIES DACHSHUND ASS 2023

Judge : Margaret Turner

Best in Show

BIS & BVIS - Sue Ergis's Ch Siouxline Rapunzel with Melriding   -  Min Smooth

RBIS - Helen Geeson's Ch Abydachs Return of the Night - Long

Best Puppy in Show

BPIS - Chris Moe's & Rhian William's Glenariff You're Excused Cwmdarhian - Smooth

RBPIS - Alison Matthew's Sonham Twice as Nice - Wire

Best Special Beginner in Show

Jackie Hunt's Drakina Wirenth - Wire

I would like to thank all involved for inviting me for my very special, final judging appointment at this prestigious show which I have been involved with for most of my time in dachshunds.  Having started in Smooths in 1970 and been fortunate with my first show bitch and involved  with helpful friends and exhibitors from the very beginning, I progressed to my first judging appointment in 1979 at Prudhoe Open Show and continued gradually  to my first CC invite in 1986 at Birmingham.  I feel privileged to have also judged in Sydney Aust., Jo Berg. S.A., New York, EU Ireland and of course all corners of our UK including Crufts.  The most surprising and amazing experience was in S.A. where they took us to Kruger  National Park for 5 days--wow!

I felt privileged to start judging 6 super BOBs chosen by discerning judges.  All were presented in the sort of super condition one would expect and I was certainly not disappointed.    All looking lovely in the final round the ring--my choice for BIS was Ergis' CH Siouxline Rapunzel with Melriding, a miniature red smooth bitch of beautiful shape and proportions and looked perfect in size. Excellent shoulder, forehand and ribbing construction, sweet feminine head, dark eyes,  arched neck, strong topline leading to correct angle of hindquarters and tailset, neat feat, movement and stride excellent from all angles. Calm, super temperament and at over 91/2 years has continued a mature illustrious career which I am sure will continue.  legance personified. Also--BVIS. RBIS was Geeson's CH. Abydachs Return of the Night  B/T long who was very impressive on the move  and in beautiful condition.  I admit I find longs and m/longs the most difficult to judge but this chaps shoulder angles and forechest felt very correct with good rib extension, well turned stifle and hock. His noble head carriage with dark eyes, nice earset and arched neck all led to an eye catching profile and looked good from all angles. Very close up was the most beautiful M/L just over a year old of outstanding quality all round in wonderful coat and presentation.  BPIS was Williams & Moes Glenariff You're Excused Cwmdarhian an 11 month red smooth dog of excellent size, shape and proportions.  Nicely held masculine head, dark eye, arched neck, pleasing topline and underline complimented at both ends with correct shoulder placement, forechest of enough prominence with underline curving gently to well turned firm quarters and short hocks. Perfect bone and body condition. Sound movement with good hind drive. Will watch his career with interest.  BPIS was Mathew's Sonham Twice As Nice a 9 months wire bitch of lovely size and shape with typical wire out going temperament.  Attractive head, dark eyes, lovely expression, nice earset, arched neck, enough prominence of forechest, good shoulder angles, nicely bodied, hind end OK  with short hocks and good feet, all covered with a correct  close textured coat, nice size--I have thought recently that wires are looking rather big. Most promising. B-Sp-Beg.in Show  was Hunt's Drakina Wirenth, a wire puppy bitch just a little bit older than the BP, not quite as collected but is very attractive. Nice feminine head and earset, good length of arched  neck flowing to level topline, forehand of good angles with enough forechest. Underline good. Hindquarters of well formed angles looking good on the move but need more practice in stance. Nice close textured dark correct coat. Another promising puppy in this great line up.  Margaret Turner.  Judge.