Judging summary for Mrs Stephanie Walsh

Show critique

Thank you to the Shih Tzu Club of Scotland for inviting me to judge at their 40th Anniversary Championship show, and to Philip Martin and the committee for their wonderful hospitality. Thank you to my stewards Jackie and Ellen for keeping the ring running and in good order. It was a lovely, friendly relaxed show.
I have a couple of concerns after judging today’s entry. Many dogs present had attractive heads and expressions but many were lacking a wide, tilted underjaw with good dentition. While some had six teeth, they could not fit in a row in such narrow underjaw’s. This wonderful tilt and broad underjaw lends itself to so much of the typical oriental expression that is an integral part of a Shih Tzu head and expression that is much loved by Shih Tzu owners and breeders. We need to take great care to correct this for the future.
My second concern is movement, and whilst many dogs present had balanced movement front and rear, we need good enough angulation to provide the appropriate reach and drive for the breed. Movement that shows a full pad behind with the balanced reach in front.
On a positive note, the majority of Shih Tzu present were very typical with the correct outline and balance for the breed. There were some very promising youngsters who, while today may not have been their day, they can only improve with time to body up and finish teething which affects their tail carriage. Patience is needed to wait for correct coats to come through. The adult dogs were presented in wonderful coat. The veterans were a joy as always. All dogs present had the desired temperaments with one or two displaying true arrogance.
I was delighted with my main winners who I considered to have all of the desired breed attributes and I will watch many show careers with interest for the future.

Thank you all again for showing and giving me the opportunity to judge your wonderful Shih Tzu.