Judging summary for Mr Roy Metcalfe

Show critique

The Northern Counties Shih Tzu Club held a championship show. It is 8 years since I last awarded CCs in the breed in the UK. I found the deterioration in the breed disturbing. There are so many different types of dogs that do not comply with the standard. This deterioration is unfortunately very evident in the younger stock which is not good for the future of the breed. Serious effort must be made to correct this situation by studying how the more successful breeders continue to line breed quality balanced Shih Tzus in line with the requirements of the standard maintaining all the specific breed characteristics that make our breed so special. We must protect the future of our lovely breed. My main concerns apart from variation in type were flat tails and lack of drive. Overall front construction was no worse but the majority are still short in upper arm. Having said this I was well satisfied with the winners and do hope that the exhibitors take these comments as being constructive. The entry was 158 dogs, 162 entries and overall I thought that the bitches wer stronger than the dogs. The atmosphere at the show was excellent and provided a most enjoyable day.