Full Critique for BUBA 2019
Judge : Mr Grant Carter
This critique reflects the judge's opinion
based on what they saw on the day of the show.
| May I begin by thanking the Committee of British Utility Breeds for this prestigious appointment, and I was very humbled by the generous exhibitors who gave me such a wonderful entry of 106 dogs who gave an entry of 128. My overall view of the breed was that we now have such a variety of types coming into the ring at the moment which makes it very difficult to judge to type. I found heads on the whole to be very pleasing and a most definite improvement in mouths since I last judged. My biggest concern is in fronts and body shape – The chest should be broad and deep with elbows tight and level with brisket, and front legs with a slight curve – far too many today were narrow in body and no development of fore chest, I need to be able to get my hand between the front legs to feel the fore chest…several today I could only get two fingers between the forelegs. This variance in chest and body development will also affect the toplines, as was the case today. One other thing that for me is so important in a Shih Tzu is the balance that is achieved with tail carriage – there needs to be this balance between head carriage and tail carriage…the desired ’tea pot handle tail’ – so important and lacking in several today. Overall Presentation was first class, good quality coats all impeccably groomed and well put down. Congratulations! |
| Minor Puppy Dog | ||
| 1st | Matsha Jambalaya | Just 8 months and of such a lovely shape and balance. Head in balance with the body, with square muzzle with a good stop, Warm expressive eye. Well laid shoulder, good development in fore chest and body and a level topline. Good tail carriage. Hindquarters with good bend to stifle. Shown in good coat for age, and moved with reach and drive showing good pad from behind. |
| 2nd | Marbo Whatever You Want | 7 months. Another who is pleasing in profile and balance. At present not quite as developed in head proportions as winner. But scores well in fore chest and brisket development. Well Placed shoulder and good topline. Needs a little more confidence to make the best of his tail carriage, this I am sure will come. Not quite the reach and drive of class winner today. |
| Puppy Dog | ||
| 1st | Tameron Mr Pure Xcess | 9 months. I have just written down one word -Stunning ! Here is a star in the making if ever I saw one, I just couldn’t take my eyes off him. Most beautiful balanced head. Correct round eye giving a warm gentle expression. Good width to Jaw and well placed nose. First class dentition. This young lad has exactly what I am looking for in a ’Shih Tzu front’ – good width and development to for chest, well developed brisket. Tight elbows and minimal curve to forelegs. This dog really stands firm on his front. Good body and level topline. Well muscled in hindquarters with good bend to stifle. Well carried tail. The best mover of the day when coming towards you. Great reach and drive showing good pad behind. so sound in all departments and so well presented. Best Puppy Dog and Best Puppy in Breed. One I shall watch as he must have a great career ahead of him. Congratulations! |
| 2nd | Norboo Dare To Rebel | 10 months. This youngster is of good type presenting an overall balanced profile. He too has a pleasing headpiece with a gentle expression and with good nose placement. Good length of neck with well laid shoulders. Good depth of chest and well ribbed up in body. well developed in hindquarters. Just lacking a little confidence on the table today. Not quite the reach or drive of class winner. |
| Junior Dog | ||
| 1st | Ch. Daltricia Jamie Lee JW ShCEx OSW | 15 months. A young male who excelled in breed type. Gave a very balanced impression. Well-proportioned headpiece and a typical ‘Shih Tzu’ arrogant expression. Expressive eye and good nose placement with width to underjaw. Good dentition. Headpiece carried well on an arched neck of good proportions. Well developed in fore chest with a firm front assembly. Correct brisket that was well ribbed back. Correct level topline and a well set tail that was carried correctly. Moved soundly both coming and going with reach and drive in profile. |
| 2nd | Stardante Han Sum Model with Simbalove | 15 months. A very pleasing young male who also gave a good overall impression. A well proportioned headpiece, good eye giving a warm expression. Correct nose placement and underjaw. Well laid shoulder with good brisket and ribbing. Correct in topline, however, tail carriage could be better. Not so steady in movement today, just lacked the reach and drive of winner. |
| Beginners Dog | ||
| 1st | Jadoremy Thunder Bolt Zuse Sh CM VW | 5 year old boy who has great character and disposition. Quality headpiece with true expression, Well balanced in profile outline. Good tail set. Moved with purpose. |
| 2nd | Stardante Han Sum Model with Simbalove | 15 months. A very pleasing young male who also gave a good overall impression. A well proportioned headpiece, good eye giving a warm expression. Correct nose placement and underjaw. Well laid shoulder with good brisket and ribbing. Correct in topline, however, tail carriage could be better. Not so steady in movement today, just lacked the reach and drive of winner. |
| Yearling Dog | ||
| 1st | Prins Big Treasure Heniwo’s With Fairlou (Imp | 18 months. A young dog who has great charisma and breed type. Beautiful headpiece, very arrogant expression with an expressive eye. Good nose placement and underjaw. Arched neck sitting nicely on to well placed shoulders. Firm front with good forechest. Would have preferred a shade more length to body. Well proportioned hindquarters with good definition to stifle. Well carried tail. Moved with a free easy stride. Won this class on his head and expression. |
| 2nd | Jadoremy Red Bounty Forever | 16 months gold/white. Pleasing head proportions with a warm expressive eye. Would prefer a better nose placement to complete the overall expression. Arch to neck with a well placed shoulder. Well ribbed in body with correct topline. Well set tail. Needs to come together in movement both coming and going – this may come with maturity. |
| Post Graduate Dog | ||
| 1st | Ch. Santosha Daybreak | Coming up to 2 and a half years. A dog of excellent breed type who was so well balanced in all departments. Good head with warm expressive eye, well placed nose with good underjaw. Good dentition. Sufficient length of neck sitting into a well placed shoulder. Correct in front and body proportions. Well muscled in hindquarters with good turn of stifle. Stood soundly on quarters. Correct topline with correct well set and carried tail. Moved soundly with reach and drive when viewed in profile. Showed plenty of pad when moving away. All in all a good honest Shih Tzu. |
| 2nd | Rossvale Here Comes The Sun over Fairmere | 2 years 9 months. Another who gave the impression of good breed type. Overall a well-balanced Shih Tzu. Pleasing head with good eye and nose placement, giving a typical arrogant expression. Well placed shoulder and front assembly. Correct in body proportions with a good topline. Well carried tail. Today just lost out to winner on freedom and scope in movement. |
| Limit Dog | ||
| 1st | Ch. Chanikos Living The Dream At Ethelsmead | 26 months. A young male who has great breed type and presence. He is so well balanced and honest. Lovely head with true Shih Tzu expression. Correct in nose placement and underjaw. Good dentition. Sufficient neck to allow head to be carried proudly with arrogance. Well placed shoulder supporting a developed forechest and brisket. Stood soundly on front assembly. Well developed in body with good ribbing. Well developed in hindquarters with good turn of stifle. Correct in topline with an excellent carriage of tail. Moved soundly and true when viewed from any angle. |
| 2nd | Ta Maria Black Edition at Matsuba (Fin Imp) | 30 months. My headache of the day separating these two quality exhibits, both have so much to like, and yet are so different. Standing this young dog gives a picture of balance and type. He has a stunning headpiece with the most warm, yet arrogant expression. Good eye and excellent nose placement with width to underjaw. Good dentition. Arched neck of sufficient length to give that arrogance to head carriage. Well laid shoulder and stood soundly on a well developed front assembly. Good body and correct topline. Good turn of stifle incorporated with well proportioned hindquarters. Moved much faster than eventual winner, but showed great freedom in reach and drive. Sound in all departments. Just wished he could have lifted his tail higher on the move to balance the overall profile picture. Two quality exhibits both so well presented. |
| Open Dog | ||
| 1st | Ch. Santosha Cool Hand Luke | Another class of high quality dogs, all are a great credit to their owners and breeders,Mature 4 years. This dog just has so many qualities and has ’Shih Tzu’ stamped all over him. He is so beautifully balanced whichever way you look at him. Great headpiece that is so well proportioned showing typical ‘Shih Tzu’ arrogance with a full expressive eye. Correct nose placement with good width to underjaw. Nice neck with well laid Shoulder. Sound front assembly embracing correct width to forechest. Well ribbed up in body which is of correct height/length proportions. Well muscled in hindquarters giving good bend to stifle. Correct topline with quality tailset. This dog was presented in great coat. He is not a flashy dog, but he is honest – he has all the breed essentials combined with type and quality. Moved soundly both coming and going and presented a balanced profile picture combining both drive and reach. Showed plenty of pad when moving away. I had no hesitation in awarding him the Dog CC today |
| 2nd | Ch. Miracey Zero Hour | 2 and a half years. Quality dog who also has great breed type and presence. Today I felt the class winner to have the edge on overall balance. This young dog also has a grand headpiece, combining expression, nose placement and arrogance. Sufficient neck leading to a well placed shoulder. Well proportioned in body with good topline and well carried tail in correct manner. Good hind assembly with ample bend to stifle. Moved well when viewed from all angles. Well presented and handled. Res. Dog CC. |
| 3rd | Ch. Zamadar Majic Potion for Cedarhythe | Another quality Champion from this quality class. |
| Veteran Dog | ||
| 1st | Tsantha Happy As Larry With Hajenza | 8 and a half years. A grand looking dog who gives a good impression on breed type. Good head with well placed nose and eye giving the desired Shih Tzu expression. Well placed shoulder with good body and ribbing. Level topline and well set tail carried correctly. Well muscled in hindquarters. Moved soundly. Best Veteran Dog and Best Veteran in Breed |
| 2nd | Ch. Cremefern Sweet Talkin Guy JW ShCM VW | 7 and a half years and a very worthy Champion. Quality headpiece with warm expression. Sufficient length of neck flowing into good layback of shoulder with good body and hindquarters. Gave impression of a slightly shorter body proportion in profile - also I preferred the forechest, front and tailset on my winner today. Moved freely and with drive. Congratulations to the owners of these two veterans, they are a credit to you. |
| Minor Puppy Bitch | ||
| 1st | Cedarhythe Dance To Our Tune | 6 months and a few days…attending her first show! What a little gem! This little sweetheart just came into the ring as if she owned it – what a showgirl in the making. She just oozes breed type and is of such an appealing shape and so well balanced. She has the sweetest head and expression. Lovely neck and shoulder, good body proportions. Great hindquarters with good bend of stifle. Level topline and reasonable tail carriage. She moved with such freedom and precision, showing tremendous reach and drive, whilst displaying plenty of pad behind. Definitely the one I could have taken home! On this showing, she must have a great future ahead of her. Best Puppy Bitch |
| 2nd | Miracey Sand Dancer At Katonier | Just coming up to 9 months. So unlucky to have met up with the class winner today! She also is a beautiful puppy with a well proportioned headpiece and a really feminine expression. Nice arched neck all sitting into a well laid shoulder. Good body and topline. Good hindquarters. Could have had a better tail carriage. Had great scope in movement. Another who I feel will do well. |
| 3rd | Keola Tailor Maide | 9 months. Very pretty Black/White puppy who was slightly longer in body than class winner, hence not so balanced in profile today. Very feminine in head with good nose placement. Sweetest of expressions. Adequate neck and shoulder placement. Well ribbed in body and well proportioned in hindquarters. Tail well set on but still needs to settle on the move. Moved positively. |
| Puppy Bitch | ||
| 1st | Ashmakin Red Is The Rose At Jaxtzu (IKC) JW | 11 months. Such a beautiful feminine brindle bitch. Nicely balanced in profile. Well proportioned head with the most appealing eyes and nose placement – all giving the sweetest expression. Sufficient length of neck. Still needs to develop into her front assembly. Well proportioned in body and hindquarters. Pleasing topline and a good tail set. Moved the best in this class, showing reach and drive in profile. |
| 2nd | Keola Tailor Maide | 9 months. Very pretty Black/White puppy who was slightly longer in body than class winner, hence not so balanced in profile today. Very feminine in head with good nose placement. Sweetest of expressions. Adequate neck and shoulder placement. Well ribbed in body and well proportioned in hindquarters. Tail well set on but still needs to settle on the move. Moved positively. |
| 3rd | Carlita Promise To Love | 10 months. Not disgraced by this placing – but completing a trio of beautiful young bitch puppies. |
| Junior Bitch | ||
| 1st | Debeaux Sweet Chilli JW | 15 months. Young bitch who was of excellent breed type. I liked her size and balance. Very feminine headpiece carried proudly on an arched neck of sufficient length. Good eye and nose placement giving that true ’Shih Tzu’ expression. Well constructed in front with good shoulder placement. Nice firm body and topline. Sound hindquarters of good proportions. Good tailset which was correctly carried. Well presented, and put down to perfection. Moved soundly both fore and aft whilst giving a good account of reach and drive in profile. Just beat second in this class on her extra maturity. Two quality bitches. Congratulations! Reserve Bitch CC |
| 2nd | Ashmakin Red Is The Rose At Jaxtzu (IKC) JW | 11 months. Such a beautiful feminine brindle bitch. Nicely balanced in profile. Well proportioned head with the most appealing eyes and nose placement – all giving the sweetest expression. Sufficient length of neck. Still needs to develop into her front assembly. Well proportioned in body and hindquarters. Pleasing topline and a good tail set. Moved the best in this class, showing reach and drive in profile. |
| Beginners Bitch | ||
| 1st | Tejayse Beautiful Trauma | 21 months. Very feminine bitch of good breed type. Overall well balanced with a head of good proportions. Kind expression with correct round eye and well positioned nose. Well bodied and supporting a good topline. Well proportioned hindquarters supporting a good tail set and subsequent tail carriage. Moved with soundness both coming and going whilst showing great freedom when viewed in profile. |
| 2nd | Amore Mio Satinel Reheto at Mapimakastar(ImpPol) | Another well balanced bitch with similar qualities to class winner. Nice head with correct eye and nose placement. Good length of neck and shoulder placement. Not quite the extension and freedom of movement as seen in class winner. |
| Yearling Bitch | ||
| 1st | Senobles Midnight in Moscow | 19 months. Pleasing brindle/white bitch of good size and proportions. She has a well proportioned head, with a warm eye and typical expression. Good neck. Still needs to develop in forechest and front. Well placed shoulder with good body proportions and nice hindquarters showing good bend to stifle. Still needs time to come together and develop. Moved with freedom when viewed in profile. |
| 2nd | Polmac Agent Provocateur | 19 months also. Black/white bitch of pleasing size showing good breed type. Well proportioned in headpiece with expressive eye, however would prefer better nose placement and width to underjaw to complete the picture. Good forequarters and body proportions with level topline. Sadly was very unsettled in the ring today and was reluctant to use her tail. |
| 3rd | Amore Mio Satinel Reheto at Mapimakastar(ImpPol) | Another well balanced bitch with similar qualities to class winner. Nice head with correct eye and nose placement. Good length of neck and shoulder placement. Not quite the extension and freedom of movement as seen in class winner. |
| Post Graduate Bitch | ||
| 1st | Chanikos Born To Dream at Ethelsmead | 26 months litter mate to my P/Grad Dog winner. Lovely B/W bitch who is so well balanced, and just oozes breed type for me. Scored well in head proportions, with a dark round eye. Well placed nose with width to muzzle and jaw. Neck of adequate proportions, sitting nicely into well placed shoulders. Well ribbed up in body. good topline and well proportioned hindquarters and great tail set. Strode out with purpose and drive showing good pad from behind. |
| 2nd | Santosha Mona Lisa at Dolha | 4 years 3 months. Another bitch who has excellent breed type. So well proportioned. Lovely ’Shih Tzu’ head with a warn gentle expression. Nice topline and good body proportions. Today I just preferred the drive and stride of the winner. |
| Limit Bitch | ||
| 1st | Carlita Time to Samba JW | 3 years. A most feminine gold/white bitch who was of an excellent size, and was of good proportions, so well balanced. Good head proportions and a most appealing expression radiating from her beautiful round eye and well placed nose. I liked her neck and body proportions, from her well laid shoulder to a beautifully carried tail. So well presented and handled to bring the best out of her. Won this class on her overall balance and sound movement. |
| 2nd | Santosha Cherry Brandy At Miracey | 3 years 3 months. Another very feminine bitch of good breed type. Has many qualities in her head and expression. Well ribbed in body with level topline. Preferred the tailset of class winner. Another who was well presented, and moved very positively showing swiftness of stride when viewed in profile. |
| Open Bitch | ||
| 1st | Ch. Tameron Miss Black Opium | 5 years Over the past few years I have admired this beautiful bitch from the ringside, I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to go over her today …. and she didn’t disappoint! She has now matured and blossomed, She is stunning! Of a correct size, and so well balanced, just oozes ‘Shih Tzu’ from whichever way you look at her. Beautiful head and such an expressive face...so feminine with those lovely dark round eyes and superb nose placement. All supported on a lovely neck which fits so well into well placed shoulders. Good forechest and ribbing. Level topline and excellent tail set and carriage. Stand so well on all quarters. Moved as one would expect, with soundness fore and aft, showing good pad. In profile, great reach and drive. Moved at a correct speed to show off all her virtues to advantage. So well presented and handled. Bitch CC and BOB. Delighted to see her do well by being placed in the Group. Congratulations! |
| 2nd | Dolha’s Step Out in Style | 4 years 3 months A quality bitch who I have also admired from afar. A bitch that also has such style and breed type. Loved her overall shape and balance. Beautiful head and expression. Scored well in forechest and shoulder. Good topline and best of tail carriages. Moved with great purpose and style. |
| 3rd | Tameron Miss Paris | Another from the same kennel as the class winner although of a slightly differing type – but she certainly has so many breed quality points. Not at all to be disgraced by being third in this trio of beautiful bitches. Thank you to all who entered under me today – it was an honour and a pleasure to be given the opportunity to go over so many quality dogs. |