West of England Ladies KA 2003

Judge: Sheila Shuker

Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired)

I felt privileged to go over some lovely Dachshunds at this show, some well known winners that I had not handled before and some exciting prospects for the future. As usual I looked for a balanced outline with no exaggetations, the good construction which results in true driving movement, good bone combined with elegance. A few I thought were too long or too low, and others lacked the bone and substance in what was meant to be a working dog. My placings reflect these points.

PD. (6). 1. Coxon’s, D’Arisca Supernatural. Super he is, b/t mature for his age. Lovely bone, construction and movement. Good head, feet and topline and the tightest of elbows. Has that extra quality which makes him stand out. RCC and BP. 2. Blackburn’s, Bardachs Santa Cruz to Stargang. A very nice puppy who is unlucky to meet the winner. Just needs to tighten a little. 3. Marka-Nova’s, Shembys Spitfire.

JD. (4). 1. Bowen’s, Ultrasonic Gizmo. Red with nice neck and topline. Rather short in keel and upper arm. 2. Spencer’s, Chelridge Piccolomini. Nice b/t boy who unfortunately just would not co-operate and had to pay the penalty.

PGD. (2). 1. Bowen’s, Ultrasonic Gizmo.

LD. (3). 1. Lashbrook’s, Milfer Jack the Lad. Neat red with good bone. A steady shower and moved nicely. Good head, topline and hindquarters. A little short in upper arm and feet could be better. 2. Scott’s, Bevrons General Monck. Another with good bone. Well balanced and showing well. Feet rather flat and turning out on the move. 3. Holt and Evans’s, Tolevas Trojan Prince.

OD. (3). 1. Coxon’s, Ch. D’Arisca in Confidence. Neat well balanced b/t and a true free mover. Lovely head and eye, neck, front, shoulders, topline and angulation. Good feet and bone free from wrinkle. Really tight elbows and I was pleased to award him the CC. 2. Sharkey’s, Nordach Oberon at Hyshope. Nicely constructed red. Moving and showing well. Not quite the quality of first, nor as tight in elbows.

PB. (9). 1. Grearson’s, Valleydachs Fleur de Lys. Quality red with lovely bone and balance, moved and showed well. Good head, neck, front, topline and hindquarters and the correct length of upper arm giving her tight elbows and good shoulder placement. 2. Lewis’s, Bardachs Santana. B/t, another very nice well bodied puppy and this was a close decision so similar remarks apply. Just fractionally less tight in elbows at present. 3. Ergis’s, Willowheath Susannah from Siouxline.

JB. (8). A very nice class. 1. Hunt’s, Carpaccio Shopaholic. B/t only just out of puppy but stood out in this class for her classic outline and balance. Showed off her virtues to perfection and must have a bright future. 2. Brown’s, Winters Golden Glint. Very sound red who moved well. Good front and hindquarters, head and topline. Not quite the length of ribbing of first. 3. Spencer’s, Chelridge Pyxis.

PGB. (6). 1. Spencer’s, Chelridge Apple Brown Betty. Quite a nice red but needs more length of keel and ribbing. 2. Gate’s, Berrycourt Sweet Memories of Sataga. B/t that I liked a lot but unfortunately she wouldn’t co-operate and paid the penalty. 3. Grearson’s, Valleydachs Bright and Breezy.

LB. (3). 1. Ergis’s, Siouxline Isabella. B/t who has matured into a lovely bitch. Well balanced outline plenty of substance. Good in all respects and moved soundly with drive. RCC. 2. Holt and Evans’s, Toleva True Print. Well constructed b/t who moved soundly. I just preferred the extra elegance of first.

OB. (5). 1. Callow’s, Ch. Garthorne Leading Lady. Headed a class of lovely bitches. My notes say “has it all”. Balanced outline, substance, construction and movement. Combined with the elegance that completes the picture. CC and BOB. 2. Coxon’s, D’Arisca Germandachs Sweet and Low. Very elegant b/t, good construction and flowing movement. Not quite the substance of first. 3. Hunt’s, Ch. Carpaccio Travelling Light.

S M Shuker