I was more than happy with the size of this entry, but not at the overall quality. Size remains a problem, several males were just huge and I struggled to lift a few fronts up on the table. On the plus side there were far fewer of the ‘Spaniel’ type heads here than the last time I judged. Hindquarters are a problem. I think that because of the shape of the Dachshund any imperfection in the rear shows itself up in the oddest way on the move, as nature compensates. My BCC winner has a lovely rear, and really drives around the ring. I must mention presentation. I was surprised at how many coats felt gritty and dirty as I went over them. When competition can be close why put yourself at a disadvantage in this way? It is one of the few things an exhibitor can do to enhance their chances on the day. You have the ‘glamour’ variety, look at the dogs belonging to some of the top kennels. My BOB winner was presented to the minute, as were the dogs shown by Frankanwen, Bronia and Swansford, if you want to beat them get bathing! In both sexes it was a relief to see 2 Open classes.

MPD. (1). 1. Garlick’s, Ranglewood Benedict. Plenty of this happy lad. Liked his head, long neck, fair shoulders. Rather deep and long in body. Topline can settle., In super hard muscle. Big tight feet.

PD. (3). 1. Swann and Robert’s, Swansford Henrikador. More than enough of him, but he is very well made. Long head with super eye and expression, ears ok. Superb front assembly with correct chest. Ideal ground clearance. Ok for ribs, in very hard muscle. Needs to settle in hind action. Super in head. Lots of quality. BPD. 2. Edwards and Pankhurst’s, Neropa Ace of Spades of Danward. Better for size and in lovely coat. Liked his head. Not the shoulder of first. Firm topline. Good ribs, keel ok. Nicely made rear.

PGD. (5). Very bad class. 1. Bongiovanni’s, Merrygarth Greve de Lecq avec Ankors. Clear winner. Super size, balanced and conditioned. Liked his head very much. Nice neck. Best shoulders in class. Good ribs. Maybe a little too much arch to loin. Strong rear. Honest sort of dog. 2. Pages’, Chipperfield Brigadier. Pleasing type. Nice head, superb pigment. Strong neck. Little narrow in chest. Long ribs. Topline very straight. Good rear. 3. Gore’s, Frankanwen Frascati for Georlessa.

LD. (4). Very even class. 1. Barrow’s, Metadale Moon Dancer from Frankanwen. Like his size and balanace. Lovely head with superb expression. Enough neck, fair shoulder. Good width and depth of chest. Firm topline. Just a shade rounded in croup. Moves very well and excellent condition. Wedge’s, Dolan Cupid Arrow. Close up, lovely for type and size. Just flagged at end. Prefer head of first. Good neck. Nice front, correct width. Super ribs and keel. Firm topline, uses rear well.

OD. (6). 1. McFaul’s, Ch/Ir Ch. Darsoms Zuagerson. Lovely for size and balance and in the most lovely condition. Quite liked his head, more balanced here than second. Super neck. Good shoulders and upper arm of similar length. Long ribs and keel with a strong loin. Well made rear. Could have just a little less crook to front, but dead true. CC and BOB. 2. Mitchell and Hanmey’s, Ch. Frankanwen Sundance to Bronia. Quality dog who impresses on the table. Good neck, well laid shoulder. Long ribs, firm topline. Just a fraction close moving in front and rear. In super condition. Grand bone and feet. Size is ok. RCC. 3. Edwards and Pankhurst’s, Dnward Sibelius.

MPB. (3). 1. Barrow’s, Frankawen Dancing Queen. Baby not quite all together moving, but is super stood. Lovely head, eye and pigment. Long neck. Nice chest, well ribbed. Well made rear. 2. Mitchell and Hanney’s, Swandford Viennadora of Bronia. Nice size and balance. Would like a longer muzzle. Good neck, nice front. Can shorten in loin. Moves well. Tail shoulder lower as she gets bored. 3. Garlick’s, Ranglewood Byrony.

PB. (3). 1. Swann and Robert’s, Swansford Kiadora. good size. Very feminine and well balanced bitch. Would like a nicer head. Good neck, nice front. Grand body and ribs. Super topline. Well made rear. A very sound bitch. In super condition. BP. 2. Halligan’s, Swansford Heatherdora. Quite raw, needs practise. Lovely head, super eyes. Preferred her front to third. Nice body and rib. Strong rear. Correct coat. 3. Jordan and Nightingale’s, Swansford Kelsydora of Rodima.

JB. (3). 1. Halsall’s, Distinctive Dream for Kiddles. Liked her very much for size and type. Carrying correct coat. Super head and eye. Good neck, fair front. Super ribs and body. Holds a good topline, strong rear. Good driving hind action with long stride. 2. Chapman’s, Melminds Melly Mel. Very nice to go over. Quite sound. Just not the head of first. Good neck, nice front, well ribbed up body. Holds a firm topline. Good rear, sound moving bitch. 3. Garlick’s, Ranglewood Anise.

PGB. (8). 1. Metcalfe’s, Metadale My Way. Super size and type feminine bitch. Lovely head, good neck. Nice front, lovely body. Ideal proportions. Carrying enough coat. Well made rear. Firm in topline. Could just have darker nails. Sound bitch. 2. Sutton’s, Dolan Cupid Golden Dawn of Dama. Thought her very similar for type to first. Lovely head and eye. Nice neck into a well made front. Good bone and feet. Although nails could be darker. Well bodied. Correct coat. Nice rear. 3. Mitchell’s, Darsom’s, Zerenity of Bronia.

LB. (5). 1. Geeson’s, Abydachs Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream. Liked her for balance and type. Moved well and soundly. Nice head, although a darker eye would improve expression. Fair neck and shoulders. Good chest and ribs. Holds a firm topline. Strong rear. Nice feet. Correct coat. 2. Meycalfe’s, Metadale Mountain of Dreams. Good size and proportions. Just looked to be carrying a little excess weight so lacked the elegance of first. Nice head. Could have more neck. Long ribs, strong rear. 3. McNaughton’s, Cedavoch Sudden Impulse.

OB. (7). 1. Mitchell’s, Darsoms Zophisticate of Bronia. Really lovely young bitch. Used her rear so well going around the ring. Feminine head, pigment can deepen. Super neck and front. Long ribs. Grand topline. Super coat. Good legs and feet. Plenty of coat. A super bitch. CC. 2. Metcalfe’s, Metadale Made in Heaven. Very good for balance and size. Just didn’t quite use her rear as well. Nice head, strong neck. Well made front. Good body and ribs. Holds a firm topline. Super coat. RCC. 3. Geeson’s, Ch. Abydachs Give me the Future.