SCOTTISH REGION SHOW Bo'ness 10 October 2004
Judges Report: Ron Gardner

Having travelled up to Scotland the day before, we arrived at the show venue in good time and in good order. The small hall and adjoining rooms were buzzing with activity, chins being groomed, breeders chatting and catching up on 'gossip' and large quantities of food being laid out for the lunch break.

We were a little late in starting the show after a small hiccup with the lights, but we soon settled into a rhythm. The first classes were the Novice standards and I awarded just one 1st ribbon, to a reasonably good young standard female that was in nice condition and well groomed for the show. There were fewer novice animals at this show (31 in total) than others of late, but hopefully this is a sign that the novice breeders are going on to exhibit at champion level.

The champion show of 58 entries in total began with 2 classes of young standard females colour phased medium and medium dark. The 1st ribbon in the medium dark phase was blocky with good coverage, clear colour and plushy fur, and went on to take Res Young Standard Female for Richard & Eddie Crutchley. The 2nd in the class was also good colour with a clear belly.

The 1st ribbon in the medium phase had real sparkle with good conformation and veiling coverage, and took Best Young Standard Female for Aileen Cook. The 2nd in the class was also a bright animal with loads of fur, but was light on the hips.

The 16 young males were in 3 phases. The medium dark phase produced a young chin with tight stand up fur that was really clear with good guard hairs, that should go a long way in the future, and was bred by James Buchan, the 2nd was a better colour and also a nice chin. The 1st ribbon in the dark phase was ultimately Best Young Standard Male and Best Young Standard , an animal that was clear with good coverage and a lovely blue/white underbelly. The 2nd in this class was slightly darker and out of condition, but also had clear colour and white belly,and took the Reserve Young Male and Reserve Young Standard awards. Both these animals were from Aileen Cook.

The Adult Standard Females of just 6 were all one class and the 1st ribbon had nice coverage, good fur and a clear white belly, the 2nd ribbon was also a good female with not quite so much fur and was priming. These animals automatically took Best Adult Female and Reserve for Richard and Eddie Crutchley.
The 7 Adult Males also made just one class and produced 4 awards. The 1st ribbon was good colour and conformation, excellent eye appeal and was in prime on the day. The 2nd ribbon also had good conformation and coverage, but was slightly down on colour to the 1st. The 1st animal took Best Adult Male, Best Adult Standard, Best Standard and ultimately Grand Show Champion for Aileen Cook. The 2nd in the class followed it to take Reserve Adult Male, Reserve Adult Standard, Reserve Standard, and Reserve Show Champion, this time for Richard and Eddie Crutchley. Some very good standards were exhibited, and many will do well in future shows.

Following a break for lunch, I then judged the novice mutations and again awarded just one 1st ribbon, this time to a beige that was blocky, with a good neck and clear white belly.
Quite a small entry of champion mutations followed with the young beige class being first up. The 1st ribbon beige was bluer and in better condition than the 2nd that was a very similar animal, and as I learned afterwards, both exhibited by Richard and Eddie Crutchley.The black velvet class 1st ribbon was a good animal with strong fur, good coverage and a sharp white belly, and took Best Young Mutation, and Best Mutation for Richard and Eddie. The 2nd in the class was blocky with strong fur and good coverage, but did not have the blueness required, but was good enough to take Reserve Young Mutation and Reserve Mutation for Ivan Ongley. The A.O.C. class produced only 2 HC awards.

The Adult Mutations were a great disappointment and no 1st or 2nd ribbons were awarded.
Lyn and I had a great day with a warm and friendly crowd of people, and thankfully we were able to spend another night with Aileen and David, and make our way homewards on Monday morning.

My personal thanks to all those who helped out, especially James, Natalie, Lynda and Julie, who seemed to do all the hard work. Well done Scotland!
RON GARDNER