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I would like to thank the Crufts committee for the invitation to judge Shih Tzu, also a big thank you to my two stewards Mrs Jennings and Mr Gordon for their hard work.
It is nearly fifty years since I first awarded CCs in the breed, and during that time I have seen quite a few changes. Some are good i.e. presentation and handling. Some not so good. This time I was very concerned, in the lower classes, at the absence of basic breed type; and by that, I mean the fundamental requirements embodied in the breed standard. The Shih Tzu standard calls for a short-legged dog with a good spring of rib, sturdy construction, balance that is longer than high, a broad head with large round eyes and short nose. The overall balance is complimented by a well carried tail, set on high. These attributes then give the typical breed movement, of rear driving action and front extension. These essential breed points were very much apparent in the top classes when many good dogs went cardless. In some of the lower classes the essential breed points were more difficult to find.
I was delighted with my top winners, beautiful heads typical balance, really lovely movement, and all were beautifully presented. |
