(Updated 1/6/01)

2001

Best in Show - Judge's report

Ann Arch

The BIS line-up, l to r, David Merriam of the AKC who presented the trophy, BIS Mr Paul Singleton’s Basenji Ch Ch Jethard Cidevant, judge Mrs Ann Arch, the retiring Crufts Chairman Miss Sybil Churchill and reserve the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Mrs. Blance’s Ch Penliath Shooting Star
Photo by Alan V Walker

SINCERE THANKS to Crufts for their kindness, on the greatest honour in dogdom. As a climax to 55 years’ involvement in the dog scene, it was an enjoyable but emotional experience.

My appreciation too, to the Group judges, for ensuring interesting and varied competition.

The Basenji, Ch Jethard Cidevant. I judged him over a year ago, he impressed greatly then, though he was maybe not fully mature at that time. Superb construction is proved by impeccable action in all directions. Well balanced head with good ear placement and expression. Super firm loin and nice feet. Immaculate jacket, well handled to show at his best.

The Kerry Blue Terrier, Torums Tunde Bayou. Of lovely type and balance. Super head, pigment and expression. Strong neck into pleasing forehand. Short body with good depth and topline. Very nice on hindquarters, with good stifle and low set hock. Well set and carried tail. Perhaps appearing a little darker in coat colour. Strong and animated in action, controlled so well by his handler.

The Pekingese, Ch Yakee A Dangerous Liaison. Most fabulous presentation, really taking the eye. So well made under a massive jacket. Balanced head of called-for shape and width, with pleasing jaw and lovely eye. Ears well set, strong neck, well boned with nice ribbing. Good tail set and with excellent furnishing. Gave the called-for dignity and purpose in his action.

The Toy Poodle, Ch Auden Double Delight. Such an enchanting little lady, compact and with such personality to well illustrate the term ‘gassy’. Well chiselled head atop a good neck. Nice body with a short back, pleasing feet, well set tail. Really profuse jacket, so well presented. Strong and very determined mover, controlled well, but handled to demonstrate her great style.

The Pointer, Sh Ch Calderside Love In A Mist at Wherathy. Stylish and eye-catching. Pleasing head and expression. Nicely set neck into good forehand. Very pleasing feet, well shaped body with nice rib and strong loin. Such good stifle and strong hock, to give really powerful action. Gave really easy and smooth action, but in the final run-off she became rather careless at the front.

The Pembroke Corgi, Ch Penliath Shooting Star. Loved her when I gave her BOB last year, and my opinion hasn’t changed. Such a lovely head and expression, super forehand construction, in excellent body with good rib and topline. Very strong and well muscled rear. In most admirable working condition, with really good feet. Coat of good quality and presented cleanly. A joy to see on the move.

The Siberian Husky, Int. Ch Cry Out (Italy). Very well handled to give such strong action. Nice balance of head and good neck. Nice feet. Certainly gained audience support with such swift action ad she circled the big ring.
Having seen all seven move in a triangle, they then did a straight line away and back - the stands came out, and it was my pleasure to award BIS to the Basenji, with the Pembroke Corgi as a very worthy reserve Best in Show.

Ann Arch