6th August 2005

NATIONAL GUNDOG CH SHOW

Judge  - Adam Rose

When judging handling I always think ‘Would this handler look at home in the breed ring’ after all that is where most of the youngsters are or will be showing too. I was not after over exaggeratted handlers and like a handler who can obviously perform my requests, but at the same time show the dog off and not themselves. All my winners did this, and in some classes it was a very close call.

The same mistakes keep coming up though. One of the main ones is showing teeth. There is no point in going though the motions if as a judge I am unable to see what you are showing me. You must ensure that you are gentle whilst doing it, showing consideration to the dog but at the same time allow the judge a clear view.

8-11years (10)

1. Louise Butler, aged 11, handling a WSS. Louise was a very fluent handler, who moved around the ring well with her charge. She presented her dog very well, though could perhaps have been a little quicker in setting her dog up. A very smart young girl who deserved first place.

2. Anna Brawn, aged 10, Clumber Spaniel. Anna was another competent handler, who showed her dog very well. Could perhaps tighten her corners a bit and try not to lean over the dog so much when standing.

3. Ashleigh Elcocks aged 10 GWP.

12-16 years (19) Handlers in this class differed each time I looked at them. And my winner was changing constantly. Whilst they may have performed OK when they first showed, some then made mistakes after the shortlist, which affected my decisions. As mentioned earlier I looked for handlers who can show their dog well, and one smallmistake will not knock them out completely.I look for the positives as well as the negatives, which was certainly how I judged this class. Some of my final 5 made mistakes, but they excelled in other areas too.

1. Linzie Richardson, aged 16 handling an Irish Setter. Linzie was a very unobtrusive handler, always aware of what was going on. She knew just how to handle her dog, whom she stood and moved well. Her lines were straight and she didn;t make any mistakes, which was what won her this strong class, well done.

2. Alexandra McBain, aged 15 handling a field spaniel. This handler has improved a lot since I last saw her. Another handler who performed well. Her lines weren’t as good as the winner in the first round, but they were the bets during the shortlist. When making my final decision she was stuck in the corner, wheras she could have easily moved around, asking the handlers to move back, or even gone to the end of the line. This is what lost it for her, asI could not get a clear view of her dog.

3. Dawn Ritchie, aged 12

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