Manchu Shih Tzu Society 2022 | Date : 17th April 2022 |
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Many thanks to the Manchu Committee for the invitation to judge and the kind hospitality given to myself, Vicky and Jenny. A big thank you to my very efficient stewards Grant and Fiona who looked after me so well also many thanks to all the exhibitors for their entries I enjoyed my day, but was very disappointed with the majority of the dogs. 6 years ago when I judged I said that movement still needs working on, if it wasn’t addressed soon up and coming judges will never see the correct movement of our lovely breed and it will be gone forevermore, it has not improved. Generalizing in my opinion a lot of the dogs had poor front extension were moving close behind lacking rear drive this is not the Shih Tzu movement to be aiming for. Heads are getting smaller, noses are getting longer losing the tip up, some exhibits lacked under jaw. On the plus side dentition has improved. For me a lot of the dogs were too large, too heavy, and high on the leg. I had to compromise. I always judge attributes conforming to the breed standard and not fault judge, on the day it was difficult to find dogs conforming. My winners pleased me, and I hope I’ve pleased some of you, my judging reflected what I saw with the exhibits on the day, but this is only my opinion. Some dogs were reluctant to stand on the table comfortably and were reluctant to move enthusiastically, it could be lack of dog training not possible during Covid or socialising but it’s not Shih Tzu temperament as I know it. On the plus side all of the dogs were clean, well groomed and well-loved.
ChB class: Howard’s Ch Tameron Miss Black Opium Stood alone but what a picture. She had a soft oriental expression with a darkest of eyes they looked right into mine full of expression saying look at me, look no further. This head was what I was looking for, wide spaced dark appealing eyes tip tilted nose, good mouth and jaw line. A lovely arched neck onto a level back good set tail, good depth and length of rib. Strong quarters well angulated help to power her round the ring in true Shih Tzu style not putting a foot wrong. Beautifully presented full of quality. Pleased to award her the CC and Best of Breed. Later I learnt this gave her the breed record.
ChD Class:1) Hey-Cheshire’ss CH Shalehan Yasheron This dog was a nice size for me and fitted the standard requirements. He had a pleasing head, strong couplings and was nicely balanced. Pleasant outline held well standing and moving. In good jacket.
2) Flack’s CH Mifcah’s The King And I JW Another nice dog who move well and was nicely balance. Good strong mover just prefer the size of 1.
3 Sullivan’s CH Jacquinta Let’s Go Andy JW |