"Firstly, I would like to thank the Society for asking me to judge their show and secondly to all the exhibitors that entered under me, I was thrilled with the numbers and the sportsmanship in which they accepted my decisions, and lastly. I would like to thank the superb stewards for making my first Ch show appointment run so smoothly and such fun.

Overall, I think the breed is in good shape for the future, with several young bitches coming through the ranks possessing excellent breed type, many of them went without high honours as I was splitting hairs to place them. I am sure these placings with swop and change, as they mature. Mouths were a little hit and miss, but I am less influenced by them than sound construction and the ability to move freely, this is after all a working breed and should be able to swim a good distance and to pull a laden cart for miles over hill and dale.

Obesity was a major factor today, I realise that some toplines look more filled and level with a degree of extra padding behind the rib, but it severely affected movement so many, otherwise, good exhibits, went unplaced. The heat on the day further exacerbated that issue. Can I remind some exhibitors while trimming, dogs should have an underline as well as a topline, a few bellies were trimmed straight across making the dog look overweight and blocky, which detracts the eye from true rear angulation.

Temperaments were, as usual, exemplary other than a couple of young, shy exhibits, who were clearly feeling the effects of lockdown and the lack of practice either at shows or training. However, both allowed me to make a full examination and I am sure they will gain in confidence now that the shows are in full swing."