National Working and Pastoral

DOGS PART 1 BITCHES PART 2

Tibetan Mastiff Critique
Judge: Richard M Gardiner (Heronsview)
Many thanks to the Committee for inviting me to judge at our group show, the invite originally came out for 2008, but owing to judging the breed at Crufts in 2009 it had to be rescheduled. Thanks to all the exhibitors that entered under me making an entry of 18. Not the largest of entries but in today’s climate, it still is the second highest entry this year. NW&PBS has always drawn a varied entry from a high of 38 in 2007 to a low of 6 in 1999, when another breed specialist was judging. On the whole I would still say that our bitches are stronger than dogs, the same feeling I had when judging in both 2007 and 09. Any breed needs good bitches to produce good dogs for the future, but where are our strong masculine young males. I was disappointed not to have had any puppy dogs today. The largest class of the day was puppy bitch with five very raw babies, four from one litter being 6 mnths and 5 days, and another of just 7 months. I was very excited about this class having bred the sire of the four, in Heronsview Chevrolet Lad, and bred the grandmother of the other in Heronsview Blue Chuba of Sobarna, who I am sure most of you will know is the breed bitch record holder, and looking at the puppy it could have been a young Chuba, will she follow in her grandmothers footsteps? Thanks to the majority of the spectators who accepted my placings and applauded accordingly, although it was noted by many around the ring, and within, of the bad sportsmanship of some. It is unfortunate that a small minority of people in the breed have resorted to this sort of action, it does not bode well for the future of the breed and can certainly put people of joining the TM fraternity. We had this sort of behaviour in the breed when I joined it first and thought that over the years we had improved, I feel sorry that a small group of people have now decided to act in such a childish way.
Puppy Dog (0)
Junior Dog (1).
1. Cawthornes – Bheara Dom - An 18 month old black and tan male of immense size and bone, and very impressive when standing, presenting a very masculine dog, but he did not want to co-operate with his handler who tried her hardest to keep him under control. He did not want to move out at all today, so his movement was very hard to determine, except in the lap of honour he had settled and moved with drive and determination, maybe a little close, had he moved like that earlier he would most probably have gone further. He has a good head developing of good proportions and hopefully this will broaden with age, lovely dark correct shaped eyes. Carrying a good amount of excellent coat for time of year, and a nice dark black, missing in so many B & T’s these days. Excels in bone, good tail carriage and level top line. I’m sure a dog who will do much winning as he matures, and settles for his handler.RBD
Post Gardunare Dog (3:1abs)
1. Bux-Jones – Darchen Jetsan. – A two and half year old black and tan male, although carrying more white on his chest than I would ideally like. Not the heaviest of dogs but carrying enough bone. Has a very pleasing head of correct proportions with well pronounced stop, dark well set eye of correct size and shape. Good depth of chest and well sprung rib cage. Excellent bite, and correct ear set. Moves well in front when coming towards you, and excellent in profile, maybe a little close behind, and not the strongest of rears. I think this dog still needs more time to mature. BD
2. Crouch – Darchen Grubpa. – 18 month gold male of good size, but unfortunately totally out of coat, and what he was wearing was almost too harsh. Carrying maybe a little too much weight. Good head and muzzle, good tail which was carried well on the move, and moved out well for his experienced handler.
Open Dog (2: 1abs)
1. Hughes – Darchen Jampo. A two and half year old grey and tan male, litter brother to my BD. This dog has certainly improved since I last judged him, and he is a credit to his owner how she now has him under control. Correct head proportions, with eyes of correct colour for coat colour. Very kindly expression. Carrying just about the correct amount of weight. Coat is not his best feature, but maybe this will clear.
Puppy Bitch (5).
Four of these puppies were from the same litter and were all very similar, although as I explained to their handlers my reserve and VHC were so much more immature than their littermates.
  BITCHES PART 2