Judging summary for Mr Grant Carter

Show critique

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!