Pretoria

         Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club

            passionate about stafford's

Best Opp Sex Puppy in Show:

Larumo Ice Queen

Best Veteran in Show:

CH Frelonius Leading Man

Best Baby Puppy in Show

Bronxton Invincible Man

 Email: info@psbtc.coza

THE PEOPLE: 

When I arrived in South Africa, I was greeted by Frans and Magda Miller, taken for lunch, before going to their home, my home throughout my stay.  Whilst I don’t use the term, ‘friend’ lightly, to refer to the Millers as such, falls short of our relationship, wherein I choose to refer to them as family.  My stay, with them was both enjoyable, memorable, and regrettable, that is, when it was time to leave.  One will travel a long lonely road, before meeting their likes.  To say thank you is so inadequate.

I would also like, at this stage, to say a personal thank you to Frans, who took excellent photographs, of the winning exhibits, as a back-up to my narrative.

I thank the Officers, and members of the Pretoria club, for their kind invitation to me, to judge on this special occasion, and for their generosity and hospitality.  And of course, a special thank you to Louis (Chairman) and Adele Coetsee, (Vice Chair-person and Secretary), for their personal interest, in my presence and ensuring that all the official necessities, for the smooth running of the show, were met.  Add to that, their association within the Pretoria club, where it goes without saying, that their loyalty, dedication and hard work, is a unique combination these days, and people of this kind are hard to find.  The Pretoria Club are very lucky.

My surprise, at the end of the show, was to be presented with an engraved pen, which, of course, I will treasure, until I pass on,  and there after I expect that it will be a family air loom.  Thank you so much.

It was good to meet up again with some of the, (dare I write), old-timers, to chat, reminisce, and discuss the breed, a topic, from which I never tire.  I am of course a Stafford person, rather than a show person, and therein lies debate.  And to the Exhibitors, who make any show a success, I thank them for their entries, fore-bearing, and kind acceptance of my placements, following my deliberations. Unfortunately time didn’t permit me to have a chat, with many individuals, or a group, for that matter, however, in the foregoing scrip, I hope the reader will understand the motives, for my selections, for therein lies a personal issue.

THE DOGS:

I was pleasantly surprised to see the quality of the dogs, where I couldn’t condemn any single one, as not being fit for competition.  No matter how good a dog is, there is always room for improvement.  How often has one heard, or read, that the perfect dog has yet to be bred; failure lies with those who are Kennel Blind.  Still I am pleased to see, that in this part of S.A. there are those who are dedicated to the breed, and undoubtedly, the best place to illuminate their progeny, to the masses, is in the exhibition centres.

I have stated, and written before, that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was wrongly classified; it is not a Terrier!   And would you believe, I am reliably informed that there are exhibitors, in this breed, who have never read the Breed Standard. The K.C. in England, in their search for perfection, have an unshakable set of procedures one has to learn, follow and illustrate successfully, before being considered eligible for consideration, to progress to the highest level of judging, in any single breed.

Paper qualifications, however, in any study, are only the starting point, and in all professions the learning never ceases, whereas in the Canine world it is all about visual appreciation.  Experience also comes into the frame, in common with the knowledge and understanding  of the immovable, unchangeable guide-lines, within the Breed Standard.  I choose to leave this debatable subject with a question, if one does not have an eye for a dog, how on earth can bits of paper compensate.

When one refers to ’balance’, it goes beyond the visual aspect of a stationary subject, which is why a judgement, may be swayed by the movement of an exhibit, in other words the physical balance.  In the world of wild life, physical motion is dictated by the terrain of the environment inhabited , and therefore impossible to judge; unsound animals do not survive in the wild.  In the world of exhibition, movement is dictated by a set of rules, which clearly cannot be applied to all breeds, and  clearly do not justify the criticism levelled at Staffords.  I have been drawn into conflict over this, by self styled experts, both inside, but particularly, outside of our breed, where I cannot, defend in theory, the in-depth thesis put forward, about the unsoundness in the movement of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, my only defence being, that I do not possess the gift of x-ray vision.

Rear movement, in a Stafford should be discernible, when in motion, from the rear, but particularly in profile, before one can justify using the specific phrase, peculiar to Staffords, ’ moves with drive, purpose, propulsion’ etc.  However this cannot be achieved by an exhibit, not having the necessary structure to propel it forward.  Broad muscular hams, well bent stifles, not overdone, as in German Shepherds, distinct turn of hocks, well let down.  With this correct construction of the rear quarters, a Stafford can propel itself forward, from a standing position, faster that most dogs, and with great power; don’t get in it’s way!  The importance of this part of the anatomy is paramount, as in the head, where together they identify the dog.  I can accept close movement, but only if the hocks are vertically parallel.  With this sort of back-end, the dog will move soundly, and look balanced when viewed in profile.

And finally, handling is all important, because it has an impact on the exhibit’s ring performance, giving the Judge every opportunity to properly assess the dog in its entirety.  My initial judgement is guided, in the first instance, by the construction, front and rear, each moulded to the engine room, that is, the body, commensurate  in shape and size,  forming, visually, a balanced powerhouse.  

Before I started judging I was introduced to my right hand, as it were, because a Show Judge, is a lonely and lost figure, without the guidance and smooth running of all the activity within the show-ring.  An asset, and a larger than life Ring Steward, made my day a success, within the exhibition arena, and for this, I thank Mr Roy Clark.   

MALE EXHIBITS.

Minor: 1^st.  Wandraski Bliksem Wenpro.  Black brindle with a white flash.  An Assessor is not obliged to hand out a first card at any time, more especially when there is only one exhibit in a class.  So let me make it crystal clear that although standing alone, this puppy in competition with others of his age would be a force to be reckoned with.  He has all the ingredients one likes to see at this stage in his development.  Good luck to the owner / Breeder.

Puppy: 1^st.  Stofano Double Impact.  Dark brindle with white markings.  Head shaping nicely, neat ears, strong muzzle, correct dentition, eyes well placed.  Pleasing front, with round straight leg bone, clean lines throughout, level top-line, with rear quarters shaping very well.  Sound movement.

In a few weeks time this puppy will be competing in the Junior classes; although the extra six months, in this group, is a lot to contend with, however it will be interesting to see how he develops.  Best Puppy in Show. 

2^nd.  Bushudders Glock Grenade:  A red youngster handled by a lady.  It must be written that these puppies could easily have changed places.  There are body parts where one scores over the other, which is why, at this age, decisions can be difficult, given that placements may be interpreted as one exhibit being better than the others.  Like most exhibits, but especially puppies, decisions can only be taken on the day.  In a few short weeks, with further development things can change dramatically.  Suffice to write that these two youngsters look very promising.

Junior: 1^st. Raminartus Genesis Promise of Monetrouge.  A brindle dog handled by a gent. A very compact junior in strong competition.  I judge virtues, leaving faults to split decisions.  A strong typical head-shape, with a blending muzzle and correct dentition. As a young junior some might say that he has still to mature; that being the case he can only get better.  He has ample front width, balance enhanced  by his blending, round leg-bone.  Short level back, with good spring in ribs, augments the compactness of the body, finishing with matching strength in rear quarters, where shape suggested sound movement, before I witnessed it. Exhibited in excellent condition, I awarded this dog the C.C. in a very competitive class.

2^nd. Bezt The Matador:  Black brindle.  Another nice one, again handled by a gent.  Pleasing head shape, good expression, level mouth.  Correct width in front at this stage, good leg-bone with plenty of width and depth to the body, harmonizing with the rear quarters.  Having moved him twice, I can confirm that I was satisfied that he was sound in this quarter.

3^rd . Rex Baraka.  A strong red with white markings, handled by a lady.  A dog of note with perhaps the best rear quarters of the winners.  Placements are always debatable, even with oneself, but suffice to write that this is a winning circle, where time could  determine a different line-up, by the same judge.  I am pleased, so far, with the strength and shape of heads, in this class, leaving little to choose in this quarter.  The width in front, and strength of leg bone, balanced with the length and depth of body, was of course, complimented by his back-end.  Handled very well.

4^th. Yardstick Caption Of Cravonmark.  Dark brindle, white flash, handled by another member of the fairer sex.  Overall a dog with very clear lines, exposing correct construction throughout, a bonus for any dog during the development stages, where placements can be determined purely by individual preferences.

Graduate:  1^ST.  Sharrazar Demon Prince.  Dark brindle, white markings, and handled by a Gent.  A strong exhibit with clean shoulder-lines, and wide front.  Complimentary head-shape, neat ears, round dark eyes and correct dentition.  Very compact body, with level top-line, attaching rear quarters, matching in strength, and shaped to give a visual impact of balance.  I like a challenge and again, in this class, competition was keen.

2^nd. Larumo Loki.  Dark brindle, white flash.  First impressions, and here we have what I would describe as a very elegant dog.  All these dogs, sporting an excellent bloom, a spin-off from the magnificent weather.  Liked the head-shape, together with its component parts, short neck flowing into a well defined front, following through to a compact body, and rear quarters, finishing a very acceptable profile.  And of course the movement ensuring his placing.

3^rd.  Wandraski Lennox:  Black brindle. This is where one has to put personal preferences to the test, by splitting hairs, when choosing.  The fact that there were three competitors does not minimize the order or quality of the exhibits.  I could confuse the reader by repeating a script, lending to a boring read, merely because the challengers carry equal merits.  In some selections it is not for a Judge to highlight any personal issues in selection.  This exhibit provided a strong challenge, having, in general, the make and shape, I like to see, as in an overall appreciation.  In mentioning this, it justifies why individual body parts are not outstanding, when blending in balance.

S.A. Bred:  1^st. Bezt Bushi’s Impi:  Black brindle;  Wide front with a good head perched on a strong tapering neck.  The perception, when viewed at the front, is head, width ,and depth of chest as in together, thus identifying a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, from this angle.  Equally important in this appreciation is the profile, where body-parts must conform in strength, with matching rear quarters where make and shape indicate the power to propel the dog forward, using the description, ’drive’, and so complete the identification, fore and aft.  This is how I would describe this exhibit.

2^nd.  Larumo Sgt Major:  A brindle dog with a white flash.  First impressions; a well chiselled head, rose ears, and round dark eyes, together with the correct dentition, completing a description, normally phrased as ’good.’  A straight front, no bumps, however with a little extra, one could use the word, ’special.’  Still, a short-back with a level top-line, obvious spring in ribs together with complimentary rear quarters won this dog his placing.  Produced today in superb condition.

3^rd.  Agoe Shammat Jadah;  Home-bred black brindle exhibit, handled by a lady.  Plenty of well defined heads in this competition, which augurs well for the breed in S.A.  Here is just another example, merited by the body-parts, coming together to form the image we seek.  Straight wide front with correct lay of shoulders together with tailored body, handled very well, thereby projecting the dog’s sound movement.

4^th. Delu He’s the Man:  Strong head, varying a little to the others, but not a criticism.  Ear folds okay, eyes squinting a little in the sun, carrying no fault; correct mouth.  The bloom on these exhibits is highlighted by the rays of the sum, but then it is there to begin with, adding to the health image, and of course, the presentation.  Strong rear quarters provided sound movement.

Veterans.  1^st.  Ch. Frelonius Leading Man.  There was some confusion, when writing about this exhibit, where the number displayed belonged to an another from the same kennel; however with a little research a correction was made.  A rich brindle dog looking much younger than his years.  Balanced throughout, where head-type and strength blended well to complete the image.  Plenty of depth and width to the skull with a matching muzzle, and acceptable bite.  Excellent pigment throughout.  Short level back, spring in ribs, and shape to the rear quarters, complimenting his clean sound movement.  Handled very well.

2^nd. Ago Noble Knight.  Whilst not apparent when judging, many of the exhibits appeared to be suffering from the effects of the heat,  when viewed, as in photographs.  Never-the-less, credits are obvious, no matter about the distractions.  This second placed exhibit really warrants much the same description as the winner, and although placement and a title separate the two, there was little to choose, on the day.

3^rd.  Ch. Sylon Saphooka Bullet of Sivhanna.A red exhibit with a white flash, and one I would describe as a natural showman conforming to what is expected from him, in the show-ring. Plenty of width in the front, with clean well placed shoulders, and although not possessing, the strength in head, of those preceding, it is beautifully shaped, clean-cut, and set off with clear round dark eyes.  Obvious spring in ribs attaching the short level top-line, where the rear quarters completed visual excellence.. Moved and handled well.

4^th.  Bethane African Thorn of Larumo.  Black brindle oozing with strength, a dog of this description, I would use at stud, given the right bitch.  Great head-piece, reminding me of past years in exhibition, strength carrying through.  Wide front with straight shoulder lines, level back and complimenting rear quarters.  Dare I write, that I liked all four dogs, for different reasons.

Open. 1^st.  Tengeenie Gentleman Zack.  Dark brindle, attractively marked white chest, together with a white split mark on a head having width and depth in balance. This was a difficult class to judge, given variations in make-up, thereby inciting personal preferences, based, of course, on the fundamentals of the Breed Standard, where translation can vary.  However this fellow, sporting strength throughout, caught my eye, from his head, perched on his strong wide front, magnified by clean vertical lines, deep brisket etc.  The width in front carrying through, balanced in shape to his rear matching quarters.  Surprised this dog isn’t titled. Reserve C.C.

2^nd.  El Doradostaff Garland. Dark brindle.  An appealing head with shape and balance which could be described as punishing, housing a correct mouth.  Not the overall strength of the winner, and whilst I don’t want to give the impression of the former being overdone, I can apply the same description, in perspective.  It is very satisfying to write, that whilst one can apply a descriptive like ’strong’ following through with ’clean lines’ thus indicating that strength can be evident without the unnecessary bulges.  Needless to write that flow-through and style, won this placement.

3^rd.  Stapphire Vulcan Warrior:   A deep red, broken with a white chest.  Another great headed dog where a few wrinkles don’t’ spoil, and with an under-jaw that follows through from a deep skull, indicating the powers in a correct bite.  A short neck, in unison with the head, continuing through to the clean lines of the shoulders, set well apart.  Short compact body with depth and width, finishing with compatible rear quarters.

4^th.  Boehringers Bruno Beloo.  A two year old flashy marked red, handled very well, to express his good points.  A difference in head features, is not , in way, a criticism, rather it emphasis a preference in head-type only.  Having written that, it follows, that a similar description, as befitting the others, in this class, is apt, when writing about this exhibit, a winning dog, in any company, where his placement, in a well supported class, indicates his values.

Ch. Dog. 1^st.  Ch. Eukleia Aurora Sparkle of Sivhana.  A white dog with tan markings.  This dog is an eye-catcher, mainly because of his superb balance.  For example, one needs to span his head, to appreciate the strength in width and depth, and the rest, like, neat ears, round dark eyes and level mouth.   Width in front, well laid shoulders, moulded into a body where the spring in ribs, short coupling and a hind-end with well bent stifles, turn of hocks well let down, illustrates how and why I described this exhibit as I did at the outset.  The completion of this examination, both visual and physical, was expressed in his sound clean movement, aided by the handler. BIS

2^nd.  Ch. Rosswar Iceman.  Dark brindle exhibit where refined strength, in bone and structure, highlights the class of this dog, and obviously why he features in this particular grouping.  I relish the challenge, in separating these competitors, into a choice of placements, where all deserving title holders, gave me ’much food for thought’.  I liked all of these Champions, where all are winners. RBIS

3^rd.  Ch. Raminartus Rolf Adolf.  Dark brindle, strong, shapely head, depth with width, neat ear carriage, round dark eyes, expressing a soft expression.  Short tapered neck, rolling onto well laid shoulders, supported on the strength of round straight leg bone.  Level back, ample spring in ribs, good rear quarters, as in movement. A rather taxing class.

4^th.  Ch. Hookstaff Do It Did It Done That of Larumo.  I’ve never done a write-up on a dog named so explicitly, however a true Champion in shape and form.  Being a fixed-type person, always with the Breed Standard ever in mind, it goes without stating, that given competition, makes for a very pleasing line-up. A fourth selection, possessing all the essential body parts, already described in the foregoing placements.  Not all Champion classes, I have judged, could be described as in this script.  Loved it!

Baby puppy.  Bronxton Invincible Man.  Perhaps too young to give an opinion, in part, that could follow to maturity, giving ongoing development.  However, although standing alone in this class, this unusually, but pleasantly marked baby, offers strong competition to any in this particular grouping. I liked his make and shape, which, if carried through, together with all body-parts, could present a headache to those with whom he would compete, in the future. Best Baby Puppy in Show.

FEMALE EXHIBITS.

Minor Puppy.

1^ST.  Larumo Ice Queen.   This brindle puppy caught my eye as she entered the ring, quite striking at this age.  My initial observation was confirmed when I went over her.  Beautiful head with neat ears, and striking eyes, nice expression, correct dentition.   Proportionately she couldn’t be much better.  Really appealing at this age; I’d like to own her so it’s best wishes and success to those who do. B.O.S.

2^nd.  Agoe Midnight:  A promising black brindle, at this age.  The head appears to be shaping nicely, and the body culture is also looking good.  It is a fact , that in any form of growth, there will be parts of the anatomy that will develop much quicker than others.  It therefore goes, that a selection is only an opinion at that time, and in no way, does it predict how a puppy will look in maturity.  This puppy won its placing on it present merits. 

3^rd.  Kelev Fay’s Folly.  A black brindle puppy, and I must add , that I don’t agree with the name it carries, although it is a pleasant surprise when the selection of a name, turns out to be a misnomer.  The owner has taken time, and applied effort, to put some training into this young one, which obviously assists in delivering a judgement. The head-shape is choice which augurs well for future growth.  Body outline is good, where the shortness of the back, coupled to depth of body, spring in ribs is a good indication to excite ones imagination.  More than deserving of its place in any number of exhibits in this grouping.  Best of luck to the owners.

PUPPY.  1^st:  Tutam Sweet Vivian of Maupa.:  A deep red exhibit, handled well by a lady.  At the top-end of the group, this puppy is quite mature, in body and demeanour.  Head-shape, strength, ear deportment, and pigment, excellent.  Plenty of width in front, level back, and great quarters with sound movement.

2^nd.  Boldwin Arabelle:  A nice dark brindle exhibit, not as strong as the winner, but, never-the-less, sporting the features one likes to see at this stage of growth.  Head shape and ear-carriage okay, dark eyes and correct dentition..  Desired width at front, measured spring in ribs with level back.  Rear quarters reasonably developed at this time; sound mover.

3^rd.  Yardstick Simply Red.  The colour, as the name suggests.  The youngest in this line-up but holding its own.  Head coming nicely, ear-carriage carried a little high, but  at this age, rear teeth growth can have a temporary influence on the folds of the ears.  Faultless shoulder lines, sufficient width in front, plenty of depth to the body, and rear quarters appear to be developing quite well.  Sound mover.

Junior.  1^st.  Rosswar Shiloh:  A brindle bitch endowed with all the features.  Bitches are, undoubtedly, the back-bone of any breed, but particularly Staffordshire Bull Terriers, where variety is Not the Spice of Life!  However there seems to be a consistency of the correct type, from this Breeder, and I commend her for it.  A strong bitch form the head, right through to the back-end.  I liked the style of the head, ear-carriage and her dark round eyes, and correct bite, to complete.  Excellent front, straight round boned legs, set wide apart, cradling a deep brisket.  A matching body with all the hallmarks of a good brood bitch, and a back-end to compliment just that.

2^nd.  Sanian Bakkies of Wandraski:  A white exhibit expressing her attributes to good effect.  Strong throughout, without losing her identity.  Strength in the head and muzzle, therein the desired bite, ear carriage okay..  A very competitive bitch, with a flawless front when stood for examination, blending body-lines, and favourable rear quarters.  A very likeable challenger.

3^rd.  Betz Flanmenco Girl:  A black bitch carrying the strength of the others, perhaps a little extra leg-bone could complete the overall balance.  Never-the-less, as a young junior, I think, in time, she will level out..  To her advantage, she carries the strength of the rest, losing nothing in head, set off by her neat ear carriage, round dark eyes, muzzle with correct mouth.  As with the others showing depth in brisket and front wide and straight, compact, with the depth of body levelling through from the brisket..  Good quarters and sound movement.

4^th.  Eukleia Ural Giulia.  A red with white chest and collar, as well as  on her right leg.  An excellent head combining ears, eyes, muzzle with level mouth.  Wide front, deep brisket levelling through to the tuck-up.  This bitch has a good top-line, spoiled, at times, with her tendency to draw her rear legs underneath, thus giving a wrong impression.  However nothing major, where a little patience, in training would correct this habit; moved well.

Graduate. 1^st. El Doradostaff Aria of Rosswar. Clean-cut black brindle bitch, showing, as in common with others, great bloom.  Well defined lines throughout this exhibit, starting at the head, well shaped with ears to enhance, dark round eyes, and correct bite.  To be critical, and this is a personal issue, I would like, just a little more width in the front, to refine the visual balance of the front elevation.  Vision, in profile, is pleasing, showing good quarters, which I rate as one of the most important parts of the anatomy, where strength is evident in shape and development, illustrating the driving power in movement.  A nice exhibit.

2^nd.  Staffgold Luna Selene of Sharrazar:  Another black brindle, where, it must be written, caused me a little turmoil, when selecting first place.  Great headed bitch with all of the supporting parts to justify the description. Clear shoulder-lines, with the depth of brisket, indicating body style, finishing with matching quarters, sound movement.

3^rd.  Liquorricekids All Sort At Larumo:  A novel  name rather than an indication of type, for this black brindle bitch.  It is great to be able to write, yet another great typical head, bearing that special soft expression to complete type; a little persuasion exposed a correct mouth.  A wide front, not overdone, with a deep brisket confirming the strength through to, and including the rear quarters; I could have a problem here, if asked to make a selection, of one to take home - beautiful condition.

4^th.  Nanya Ruby: This lady is typical of my type of bitch.  In this situation, it gives great satisfaction to repeat a meaningful description which does, as it should, feature a typical head, a focal- point of recognition, being commonplace in any line-up.  I have deliberately avoided detailing, as to why my selections, because the choice is of no significance, where type, structure etc; associate with the rest.

S.A. Bred.  1^st:  Bronxton Nilda:  Chiselled head oozing strength in all parts, ears folded into skull, dark eyes and correct mouth.  There certainly is an abundance of good bitches on show, and if this is a sample of what to expect throughout this country, I cannot see reason for importation.  I liked this red girl, fore and aft, with depth and strength throughout, and she moved well.

2^nd.  Kizus I’m that Girl:  This bitch would be too strong for many of the circuit canine Judges, but being a breed person, first, she’s bang on for me.  This is what the breed is crying out for, back home, the back-bone, that I have already talked about.  Delightful head piece with all the elements to claim that judgement.  Great front, body and hind-quarters, I rate these bitches as one, each with their own bestowal.

3^rd.  Sharrarzar African Spirit:  Dark brindle, with a head, in profile, to die for.  What with the depth of skull and muzzle, befitting an under-jaw, in essence, that which can only be described as punishing!  Powerful throughout, and an ultra short back, magnifying the depth of chest and body, with a tuck-up marrying to her short coupling.  Rear quarters, where in a another dog of lesser stature, could be described as good, does, in this case, spoil total balance, not really a criticism rather, an observation; suffice to write, ’another one I’d like to own’. 

4^th.  Skayla Posh Spice;  Red in colour, chiselled head of excellent proportions, deep folded ears, dark eyes, good bite.  As a person whose choice of type is fixed, that is, not in contention with the Breed Standard, boring dialogue, of a repetitive nature, follows, given that there are only so many descriptive words one can use, however, I, the writer, believe it discredits the exhibit by writing nothing;  However, placements I don’t take lightly, when each award has been a challenge, down, at times, to hair-splitting decisions, thus demonstrating the competitiveness in these classes.

Veteran.  1^st.  Ch. Agoe Charming Lady of Bezt:  Although standing alone, this dark brindle, ageing Champion, still looks good.  Quite a deep skull with a muzzle to match, showing no grey.  Sporting an excellent bloom, accentuating her overall physical condition, moreover, suggesting that her presence in this grouping is competitive.

Open.  1^st.  Tengeenie Lady Zameka:  Beautiful deep red bitch, and at a glance, her coat dazzling from the light of the sun.  A strong head, short deep foreface, lips a little loose, concealing her ideal bite.  For all her strength, no lumps, with clear lines throughout.  A wide front, accommodating a deep brisket, ribs well sprung, and an obvious tuck-up in the under-carriage.  A muscular well shaped back-end, sums up my perception of a red card exhibit. CC.

2^nd.  Vomhausharrock Faery Queen of  Larumo:  Black brindle female, with plenty of width and depth to the skull, neat ears, dark eyes, expressing expression, tight lips, correct dentition.  Deep brisket, well exposed, by the width in the front, body line following through, lifting to the waist. Level top-line attaching rear end, made up by a plenty of width and shape in hams.  In short, compact, well constructed and balanced.  Well handled. RCC.

3^rd. Vangershire La Fabulous:  I recognise the Affix from yesteryear, still supporting the colour, a nice depth in red.  Clear outline of the head, likeably shaped, robust, strong under-jaw, dark muzzle, lifting expression.  Apparent brisket, good width to front, depth in body creating overall balance, with rear quarters adding to her stylish appearance; good ring performance.

4^th.  Skayla She’s the One:  A deep red bitch, placed in a class, where the description within the Breed Standard, is pretty well represented, and as such, very competitive.  I must write that the heads on these bitches, are a treat to see and handle; and represent how they are meant to be, thus identifying the breed.  Of course there is much more to appreciate where the body coupling and the head, completes a very desirable exhibit.

Champions Class.   Ch.Raminartus Vidi Visi of Monetrourge.  In her prime, this dark brindle bitch, restricted in competition, because of her title, is a force to be reckoned with, in any company irrespective of the numbers in a class.  Compact, well constructed, and balanced throughout, by constituent body-parts, that together warrant this accolade.  The owner deserves mention, for the superb condition in which the bitch was exhibited.

2^nd.  Ch. Kelev Julia’s Rose:  Black brindle with a white flash on her broad chest.  Strong headed girl, with a deep muzzle and strong under-jaw, together with correct dentition.  Deep brisket, and really, a very good front.  Short back and coupling , deep body with well sprung ribs.  Rear quarters, muscled, and well shaped; a worthy Champion.

3^rd.  Ch. Stapphire Red Ostara:  Compact bitch, colour as in the name, and yet again, I see a classic head, with great depth, and shortness of muzzle, an integral part of a balanced structure, tight lipped, and with the correct dentition. Straight, well boned front, deep brisket, levelling through the chest, with the tuck-up following on from a well sprung rib cage.  Recognisable title holder.

Baby puppy.  1^St.  Bronxton Renaisance Ruby:  A promising very young red puppy, a good little trooper.  Likeable head shape, dark eyes, and the mouth, at this stage, correct.  Very well assembled  youngster, whereupon, should the present visual formation persist, then Mr Pretorius could have yet another winner.

2^nd.  Stablon Azzarra:  Another nice looking baby, where head make-up and expression, from her dark eyes, is appealing.  Clear body-lines, nicely boned,  and good to see a level top-line at this early stage.  It doesn’t take an experienced eye to make the judgement, that she has a lot going for her.  Best of luck through the growing period.

3^Rd.  Bronxton Moet Rouge.  A red puppy, and before I wrote, ’very similar to the winner,’ I was drawn by the Affix, of the name, to examine the breeding, only to discover the litter-sister relationship, together with the winning Baby Puppy Dog (Best Baby Puppy in Show) , a litter brother.  And whilst this is a fact, it must be very satisfying, for the Breeder, to see the close similarity, because here is all the hallmarks of good persistent breeding.  The head, expression, under jaw, and body-lines, almost remarkable, like in twins, that I am compelled to write, ’well done’.  It would be interesting to witness, and compare, the growing pattern of these two youngsters, as they mature.  Good luck.