Judge Jenny Shorer-Wheeler & 3rd Best In Show

Swiss Breeds Match Report

I was honoured to be asked to join the BMDCGB for their Golden Anniversary celebration event, and excited to be judging the innovative Swiss Breeds match.  This was a really great way to include the less well known (in the UK) Swiss breeds, and it was wonderful to have representatives from all 4 breeds present.  The sponsorship from Burns and Artero was most impressive and the beautiful rosettes featuring the distinctive Swiss cross were I’m sure appreciated by all the exhibitors.

There were 3 Greater Swiss participating, a male puppy dog of 10mths who was nice for overall make and shape, he and his handler gave it their very best effort in the ring and with a little more practice I think they will come together nicely.  My Best Of Breed was the Yearling bitch, she won  this for me on her overall moderation, she had a lovely shaped eye, had a feminine head and well put together.  The Open winner was an older bitch who was also nice for overall make and shape, I just felt her a touch heavier all through.

In the Bernese there were 13 competitors all together.  The Puppy Dog stood alone, but excited me on the first go around the ring for his clean, balanced movement.  He was a little reluctant to be gone over but with the help of some cheese he began to be persuaded.  I do his owner is able to work on his shyness as I thought him quite a lovely puppy.  Best Puppy In Match and RBOB.

The Yearling bitch was another smart prospect with lots to like, in super coat and condition.  At the moment she is a little proud of her front feet on the move, which I’m sure will settle with maturity.

In Open I had 8 Bernese to chose from, a mixture of those new to the showing experience and seasoned show dogs.  I found 4 for my placings who all very much filled my eye and had little to separate them.  I later found out I have done a couple of them well at Open shows in the past.  My winner was an exciting bitch who is so well put together and with an extra level of showmanship that is bound to get her noticed.  BOB and 3^rd Best In Match.

In Veteran I had two lovely Bernese, my winner was the soundly made male who was in beautiful coat and condition and really enjoyed his time in the ring.

For the Appenzellers, all 3 representatives of the breed were together in the Open class.  Not yet a recognised breed here in the UK, the dogs and owners were all extremely game and accepted a bit of guidance on how to get the best from their charges, and it was a delightful introduction to this smart little Swiss farm dog.  My winner was a Havana brown bitch, correct square proportions with appropriate moderate angulation, good colouring, distinctive curled tail and very sound on the move once she got the hang of it.  She rather stole my heart and ended up Best In Match.

In the Entlebuchers we had a nice puppy dog who was part kangaroo!  When he did keep all four feet on the floor he had a nice typical shape, and a nice brisk action.  Yearling was won by a nice bitch who again showed good positive action round the ring, and a nice typical shape.  Open was won by a very smart bitch who was extremely well schooled to show off her virtues.  She has a lovely eye shape, is well put together and displays a super workmanlike action on the move.  You could certainly picture her doing her job!  She was BOB and Reserve Best In Match.

Veteran was a dog who again was an excellent showman, will plenty to like in his overall make and shape.  A little round in the eye but overall liked him enough to award him Best Veteran in Match.

Thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing your dogs, and to the Club for the invitation, it was a lovely and unique appointment.

Jenny Shorer-Wheeler.

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BELOW, PURELY FOR REFERENCE & INTEREST, IS SOME OF THE ADVANCE INFORMATION POSTED PRIOR TO THE EVENT

Also we have a 10 class Fun Dog Show for dogs of all kinds, to celebrate all dogs, regardless of breed. This show will have a relaxed feel, and dogs will compete in classes such as ‘Loveliest Lady’, ‘Dashing Dog’ and ‘Waggiest Tail’, (the sort of classes normally seen at our Garden Party).

Additionally today there will be Bronze Good Citizens and Character Assessment available to have your dog’s character and behaviour  credited.