SCOTTISH REGION SHOW Bo'ness 14th March 2004
Judges Report: Ron Gardner

Novice Show Report.
There were 30 entries in the Novice section, but most were of very poor show quality and this was reflected in the lack of awards given. The overall winner came from the first class, a young standard that was of good quality, but let down by poor grooming. The adult standards were very disappointing, and only managed 3 HC awards. My comments were: not good enough in any way, poor colour, poor fur and out of condition. The mutations did not fare much better, with no 1st awards.

Main NCS Show Judges Report
After the disappointment felt when the original show had to be abandoned due to the weather, I really looked forward to judging at this, my first Scottish show. The revised venue turned out to be excellent, very spacious with good light. Having journeyed up the day before, and spent a delightful time with Aileen, David and family,
we only had a short distance to travel to the show. Having started the judging with the Novice show, it seemed that everyone had disappeared for the start of the main show itself. I am sure that if Novice exhibitors remained in the hall for the main show, they would find the comments made by the judges, and the opportunity to see top quality animals a very great help when assessing their own animals.

The first class was of 6 young females split 50/50 medium and medium dark.The medium class produced the best and reserve young females being excellent females with flowing fur, the 2nd animal being slightly lighter in colour than the 1st. The 1st in the medium dark phase was also a nice animal, in prime on the day, with strong fur and nice colour. The 7 young males produced only 2 ribbons, both medium dark phase. The 1st was an excellent all round chin, brighter on the day than the 2nd that was not quite as finished as the 1st, but also had good fur strength.

6 adult standard females came next, all classed as medium dark phase. The 1st ribbon was a lovely female, with good conformation and excellent finish, the 2nd was blockier, not so well finished with salt and pepper open fur, but will be better in a couple of weeks. The 3rd was similar to the 1st, but lighter on the hips, but still had strong fur and good colour. The HC was a little woolly, but should tighten up in time.

The 12 adult males were next, split dark and medium dark and medium phase. In the dark phase, the 1st ribbon was in better condition and 'flashy', with good fur, and coverage, with a clear white belly, the 2nd was blockier in shape, which I prefer, but not in the same condition. The 3rd was breaking on the sides, small, but excellent colour, with a pure white bar but a poor neck. The HC was also a nice chin, but out of condition and breaking over the hips. The medium dark phase 1st was a good chin with excellent conformation and condition, also the 2nd , excellent colour, fur type, but not quite in prime, but I really had to try to find fault with these classes. The 3rd needed more finish, but was still an excellent chin. The medium phase produced the eventual Show Champion, which should speak for itself, this chin had loads of fur,and great colour. The
2nd had good conformation but was slightly down on colour to the 1st, and the 3rd was a nice colour, breaking on the sides, and needed better grooming.

The mutations were overall disappointing with only 9 young and 12 adult entries. The young Wilson white class was very poor in all qualities, and no awards were given. The A.O.C. class produced 2 x 1st ribbons, a nice beige, cobby shape, well furred and in excellent condition, and a sapphire, which was excellent colour,and fur strength, but could have better conformation and density. A 1st and 2nd ribbon in the adult black velvet class, the 1st was a little small, but had exceptional coverage, strong fur and a clear belly, but lacked conformation as well as size,the 2nd was dull in comparison, and the fur quality was not as good as the 1st.

The A.O.C. class produced a 1st beige, which although not in condition had good conformation, quality fur, even colour and a clear belly, the 3rd ribbon was bluer in colour, but not in condition with woolly fur, lacking strength. The Wilson White class produced 3 ribbons. The 1st and 2nd being very similar, the 1st having better conformation, strong fur and condition on the day, the 3rd being a brighter colour. The HC winner was not of the same quality and was not white. This brought the judging to an end, and I must say thank you to the Scottish members for making us feel welcome. Our journey in both directions was very pleasant, a 650mile
round trip, and one we will definitely be doing again in the future.

Ron Gardner