Full Critique for Border Union 2024
Judge : Mr Tony Wareing
This critique reflects the judge's opinion
based on what they saw on the day of the show.
| Firstly, huge thanks to the Committee of Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge Shih Tzu’s at this year’s show, and for providing me with two very efficient stewards. As most Shih Tzu folk know, I’ve been absent from the show circuit for some time now. Prior to my appointment I had received well wishes and mixed reports about various aspects of the breed and advised – ’it may not be how you left them’! Sadly, numbers were down considerably, but I have to say the general quality of entries was exceptional. Happy to report ’white of eye’ was non-existent in today’s entry of multi-colours and solids, and there were no ’narrow’ jaws or small eyes. On the contrary [spoiler alert], ’Broad heads’, ’Round dark eyes’ and ’Wide jaws’ will appear often in the following critique. I repeat from my previous report that “It is difficult NOT to sound repetitive in your critique if you have found what you’re looking for”. And I most certainly did find what I was looking for - in abundance! I’d like to say a very special thanks - and my appreciations - to the extraordinary efforts that go into the services and breed support supplied by Show Dog Media. And those behind the scenes of the Shih Tzu Club database. Finally, a massive thanks to ALL that entered today, there were no losers, you brought some quality with you today! |
| Minor Puppy Dog | ||
| 1st | Thaisu Trick Or Treat At Chiachi | Promising broad head for such a young puppy. Dark round puppy eyes, complimented with dark pigmentation and a wide jaw. A spirit-level topline - both standing, and on the move. Good width at the front and rear, an early deep chest, correct length of leg to body length and height, presented and turned out so well. Attractive gold and white markings completed a very desirable young puppy. Set a very high bar at the start of the day, for others to follow. BPD & BPIB |
| 2nd | Thaisu Mystical Joker | On the day, I noted that this was very similar to my winning puppy. So, I was delighted to discover - post-show - that they are brothers to a superb representative of the breed, that I had previously awarded BOB in an earlier appointment, some years ago. Another superb example of a promising puppy head, great body and natural movement from such a youngster, with similar qualities of the winner. A little spooked by the showground speakers but brought it together in time to put in a close challenge to todays winner – results could easily be reversed in any future shows. Promising future for both! |
| Res | Kalawoo Maverick From Isishouse | Another gold and white, which, on another day it wouldn’t surprise me if this puppy doesn’t take top puppy honours. He was turned out to perfection – no surprises from this kennel - this youngster was eye-catching, both on the table, and on the move. An attractive puppy head, a lovely top-line, and classic profile, both standing, and on the move. Perfect balance throughout and has a very promising future. |
| VHC | Unstoppable Alpiu Slenis To Jaxtzu (IMPLTU)JW | A very inquisitive gold and white youngster. Dark eyes with a warm expression. Pleasing to see such a level topline, both on the table and moving well around the ring. The youngster was among a quality entry of male puppies today and I’ve no doubt will enjoy much success as he matures. |
| Puppy Dog | ||
| 1st | Kalawoo Maverick From Isishouse | Another gold and white, which, on another day it wouldn’t surprise me if this puppy doesn’t take top puppy honours. He was turned out to perfection – no surprises from this kennel - this youngster was eye-catching, both on the table, and on the move. An attractive puppy head, a lovely top-line, and classic profile, both standing, and on the move. Perfect balance throughout and has a very promising future. |
| 2nd | Unstoppable Alpiu Slenis To Jaxtzu (IMPLTU)JW | A very inquisitive gold and white youngster. Dark eyes with a warm expression. Pleasing to see such a level topline, both on the table and moving well around the ring. The youngster was among a quality entry of male puppies today and I’ve no doubt will enjoy much success as he matures. |
| Junior Dog | ||
| 1st | Honeyshuchun Soldier Boy At Bornred | Solid gold with dark face. Broad mouth and warm expression. Good width at front and rear and ample body. Plenty of quality coat, which was turned out well, good proportion and balance throughout. Showed a lovely profile on the table and moved well around the ring – handler needs to be alert; this young chap knows where to slam the brakes on! |
| Novice Dog | ||
| 1st | Unstoppable Alpiu Slenis To Jaxtzu (IMPLTU)JW | A very inquisitive gold and white youngster. Dark eyes with a warm expression. Pleasing to see such a level topline, both on the table and moving well around the ring. The youngster was among a quality entry of male puppies today and I’ve no doubt will enjoy much success as he matures. |
| Yearling Dog | ||
| 1st | Thaisu Morningstar Avec Kimevan JW | Another solid gold with a dark mask. Round eyes, broad mouth, good pigmentation, resulting in an appealing expression. Level topline and balanced profile. Lovely to see such a confident mover - handler did well to keep this energetic, promising youngster at bay! A singleton today but would have done well in a much larger class. |
| Post Graduate Dog | ||
| 1st | Rossvale Fantastic Dream At Charonnis JW | A two-year-old with another solid gold with dark mask. I saw plenty of entries with pleasing round eyes and broad mouths today, and this was another dog with such a superb expression. Good width at front and rear, with a balanced profile in good coat. Nothing between 1st and 2nd on the table, but this boy took it today on his faultless movement around the ring. |
| 2nd | Rossvale Wildest Dream JW | Litter brother to todays winner and they were like two peas in a pod. Round eyes, broad jaw, with a lovely expression. Good width at both ends and ample coat. Freely stood to perfection in the ring showing off such a balanced tail to head profile. Movement was a little hesitant in places, but I’m splitting hairs, there was little between them, they have probably both swapped positions prior to this show, and will no doubt continue to do so. |
| Limit Dog | ||
| 1st | Thaisu’s Blinding Light | A solid gold with dark mask, broad head, dark round eyes, good pigmentation, wide jaw, resulting in such a desirable, male expression. Good width at front and rear, good bone and broad chest with a level topline. Great head to tail balance resulting in such an attractive profile. Very promising on the table and didn’t disappoint around the ring. This boy couldn’’ wait to get going and with such smooth flowing movement, he was always going to be hard to beat in the challenge. A solid gold boy in peak condition. DCC |
| 2nd | Emerson Alpiu Slenis Of Alchez JW ShCEx OSW | Another solid, but this time, the deepest shade of black. A broad head, with a great wide jaw. Good bone and a broad chest. Level topline with good head to tail balance and in good coat, leaving a pleasant profile which was kept on the flowing movement. Unfortunately, struggled a little with todays weather [light] conditions on the table. |
| Open Dog | ||
| 1st | Ch. Warathwaite The Kingslayer (Bel,Lux, UK) | A gold and white with plenty going for it. A lovely broad head with dark round eyes, black nose and a wide jaw, leaving a gorgeous expression. Good width at front and rear, a level topline, tail to head balance and coat in great condition. Flowed round the ring with look at me movement. It’s clear why this dog has been no stranger to success - both at home and abroad - and a youngster in his prime, I can see no reason why his fortune can’t continue. RDCC |
| 2nd | Ch. Paliden Simply A Star With Wharfeview | A solid gold with a lovely broad head, round eyes and good wide mouth resulting in such a great expression. Good width at front and back. A level topline, good coat and flowing movement around the ring. A good second in a very strong class. |
| Veteran Dog | ||
| 1st | Ch. Artelino Moomins Adventure | A 9yr old gold and white with plenty of quality. Good masculine broad head, with dark round eyes [that didn’t give away his veteran age] and a wide jaw. Great expression. Good balance of body throughout and handler did well trying, but unfortunately, after a decent start, the movement in the ring became a little lethargic towards the end today. |
| Minor Puppy Bitch | ||
| 1st | Kalawoo Phoenix From Isishouse | A black and white attractive puppy girl. Lovely round eyes, good early pigmentation and wide mouth leaving a sweet feminine expression. Pleasing early balanced profile in good coat with stunning movement, as she flowed around the ring. Another with a bright future for this kennel. BPB |
| 2nd | Thaisu Moonspun | A very pleasing first impression for this young gold and white girl. A broad head with dark round eyes and a lovely wide mouth, resulting in a luscious feminine expression. Good width at front and rear, with a level topline, good chest and ample coat. Flattered on the table, but sadly, in unsettled weather conditions, she refused to lift her tail on the move today. |
| Puppy Bitch | ||
| 1st | Kalawoo Phoenix From Isishouse | A black and white attractive puppy girl. Lovely round eyes, good early pigmentation and wide mouth leaving a sweet feminine expression. Pleasing early balanced profile in good coat with stunning movement, as she flowed around the ring. Another with a bright future for this kennel. BPB |
| 2nd | Wharfeview Laced with Candy | An eye-catching solid youngster. A good broad head with round eyes and a wide jaw. A little stubborn on the table made it tricky for the handler to present a true standing profile, but she got things going with good movement around the ring. A spirited young girl that could do well. |
| Junior Bitch | ||
| 1st | Yazhi Dancing Queen | A gold and white with a sweet princess head. The lighter shade of gold contrasted well against her gorgeous dark round eyes. Perfect pigmentation and a nice wide mouth presented the sweetest feminine expression. Not lacking in body either, a good tail to head balance, a broad chest and a level topline, accentuated her well balanced profile on the table. Handled well around the ring, showing off this girl’s flowing movement. Born for the showring and no reason why she can’t have a successful future. |
| Yearling Bitch | ||
| 1st | Thaisu Fallen Angel Among Kimevan | An attractive gold and white youngster. Broad head, round dark eyes, great pigmentation and a wide mouth, portraying a very pleasing feminine expression. Good width at front and rear in good coat. Promising start on the table got better, as she flowed around the showring. |
| 2nd | Wharfeview Simply Rockin It | Another gold and white attractive girl. Correct head with dark round eyes and lovely wide mouth giving a lovely feminine expression. This handler showed such patience today, another that was a little tense on the table, so couldn’t show me her true standing profile. A little fidgety around the ring as well unfortunately. I’m sure that on another day this lovely girl will put in a much smoother all-round performance and will reap the rewards. |
| Graduate Bitch | ||
| 1st | Rossvale Dreaming Again | The sweetest solid gold with a black mask absolutely oozing character. A broad head with the darkest of round eyes, strong pigmentation, and a lovely wide jaw, portraying such an adorable feminine expression. Good width at front and rear with correct proportions throughout, presented a completed balanced picture – once her tail had finally stopped wagging. Never stopped showing off as she tirelessly flowed around the ring. A pleasure to judge this girl. RBCC |
| Post Graduate Bitch | ||
| 1st | Thaisu Every Witch Way to Marbo | A gorgeous gold and white girl, who started with a disappointing up & down tail for her introductory lap but pulled it together later for her solo lap. A broad head with lovely dark round eyes and a wide mouth producing a very feminine expression. Good width at front and rear, with a pleasing body, chest and ribs. Covered in a dense coat which showed off her flowing movement once she got her act together – after a slight pause for a Tannoy announcement. Well done handler! |
| 2nd | Thaisu’s Black Rose For Kimevan | A lovely solid black young girl. A broad head with round eyes and a wide jaw, giving off a sweet dark feminine expression. Good width at front and rear, with a level topline and well balanced tail to head, portrayed a good profile on the table. Moved effortlessly around the ring. Such a hard call between these two. No doubt, they could be switched around on another day and there would be no argument from me. |
| Limit Bitch | ||
| 1st | Valkiria Sweet Addict For Maili (Imp Pol) JW | A lovely black and white two-year-old. Pleasing round dark eyes, with an aloof expression. Good structure and body, with a level topline. Moved effortlessly around the ring, enhanced by a well presented, flowing, dense coat. An energetic young girl with a promising future. |
| 2nd | Tzusweet Black Pearl | A solid black 3yr old. A good broad head with round eyes and a lovely wide jaw portraying a sweet, aloof expression. A super solid body with good proportions throughout. A level topline and a well-balanced profile. Movement wasn’t quite as flowing as todays winner, but a close call. |
| Open Bitch | ||
| 1st | Ch. Rossvale Little Black Dress | What an outstanding set of champion bitches, all in one class. The final placings could have easily been in any order, and I would have been equally as pleased. A privilege to judge. The closest of calls today, went to a black and white pocket-rocket of a girl. Correct head with dark round eyes, deep pigmentation and a wide jaw, revealing an expression of both charm and elegance. Good width at the front and rear, well-proportioned throughout, displaying a level topline and presented freely on the table with no interference from the handler. The elegance on the table continued around the showring. Always oozing flowing movement around the ring, showing good reach at the front, and plenty of drive from the rear with pads clearly on display. As mentioned, a luscious girl, showing charm and elegance, winning the class of the day - already a young champion with plenty more successes ahead of her no doubt. BOB & BCC |
| 2nd | Ch. Santosha Silhouette | A gold and white girl of exquisite quality. Presented to perfection, this girl has the sweetest of feminine expressions, created from a broad head, the darkest of round eyes black pigmentation and a wide jaw. A lovely head to tail balance and well-proportioned body completed a profile of quality on the table. The bar was kept extremely high when it came to her sublime flowing movement around the ring, perfectly handled as always. |
| Veteran Bitch | ||
| 1st | Thaisu Desperate Housewife for Kimevan | A lovely youthful 9yr old gold and white veteran. Broad head with pleasing dark round eyes and good pigmentation with a wide mouth combining to portray an age-defying feminine expression. Good length of neck leading to the perfect topline, with good tail to head balance. Good width at front and rear and a well proportioned all round impressive profile. Once again, the high standard on the table continued to shine through, with this youngsters flowing ring presence. A singleton today but perfectly capable of winning veteran classes of all sizes for many years to come. BVIB and BVB |