2004 AWC National Specialty
Judges Critique
Judges Critique
American Whippet Club National Specialty
April 4.10, 2004
Reflections and critique by Espen Engh
Wow, what a show! Indeed after seventeen years of judging quite extensively on
all continents, this was easily the most enjoyable show and the most enjoyable
entry I have ever judged. Both the quantity and the quality of the Whippets
over those four days were just overwhelming.
It was a great honour and an even greater pleasure to be selected by the
membership of the American Whippet Club to judge your National Specialty. It
was especially flattering to be the first foreign judge ever to judge this
show, and perhaps even more so as I cannot even claim to be a Whippet breeder.
I had judged three Whippet specialties in the
The quality of the Whippets over these days was just overwhelming, but they
were not at all evenly distributed between the classes. In several classes I
would have been happy to place ten or more dogs, in others it was a bit of a
struggle to find four.
The traits that impressed the most were first and foremost the overall quality,
that look of being thoroughbred and not coincidental. There were a lot of
beautiful heads and expressions, and even if we Europeans on the whole are not
quite as focused on heads as most American fanciers, we still appreciate
outstanding heads when we see them.
I was amazed that there were so many Whippets with beautiful curvy underlines.
I think this is an essential trait in creating true Whippet type, and on
previous judging appointments I have been less impressed with this. Coupled
with straight upper arms, a straight underline detracts so much from Whippet
type which soon drifts towards the Fox Terrier. The straight upper arms are
still there in a lot of dogs, but again this fault seemed less apparent then
before. And lack of layback of upper arms alone (as opposed to coupled with a
lack of underline), is not nearly as objectionable as the combination. Still, I
must admit that lack of front angulation tends to throw the dog out of balance
and me off the dog.
Above all I was impressed with the movement of a number of dogs and would say
that there were at least 20 Whippets that I would classify as great movers in
this entry, and that is a lot more than I have ever seen in one place before. The
correlation between excellence in side movement and coming and going was
remarkable. Most of the ones that moved very well from the side also moved well
coming and going. This has not necessarily been the case in the past. Indeed
the last time I judged in the
I must mention how impressed I was with the quality of your black
Whippets. Outstanding blacks came into
the ring in one class after another. I saw more beautiful black Whippets over
these four days than I have ever seen in my life up until this show. I confess
to finding the colour attractive, but not to the detraction of other colours -
and maybe it was a magnet for owners of blacks that I have previously given a
big specialty BOB to a black bitch. Still, I was totally amazed!
So what did not impress? I have mentioned the layback of
upper arms. I would add lack of forechest in a great many of the dogs. I was
also puzzled to find a number of dogs that both stood and went very wide
behind. Some of these dogs I tried to correct on the table, but it was
impossible. I have never seen this before and did not care for it at all and
doubt that any of those dogs made the placements or even the cuts.
Another thing that did not impress was the craze for showing ears. Of course it
is lovely when a Whippet uses his or her perfectly shaped, thin rose ears. But
when they have either big, thick ears hanging flat to the skull, or tulip ears,
or even worse prick ears, then I would advice the handlers to try to hide the
ears rather than encourage the dog to flaunt
its imperfection. But no such thing, the worse the ears, the more eager the
handlers seemed to be to point them out!
I also objected to some very obvious trimming of the coat. This is not a breed
that should need trimming. If you need to trim your Whippet heavily, then try
to breed for a better coat quality. And if you need to trim anyway, please do
it in a subtle and non-offensive way.
Some may presume that judging an entry of this quantity and quality is
difficult, but I can tell you that it is really not. Indeed it is much easier to
judge outstanding dogs than mediocre or bad dogs. It is also easier because you
can say "thank you" to the few not-so-attractive and all those
middle-of-the-road dogs and in most classes keep only the ones that really
impress you. In an entry like this you can really use your priorities and in
almost all classes there was at least one, and in most classes several or even
many, that satisfied most of my priorities. On previous occasions I have found
quite a gap in quality between the "classes" and the BOB competition,
but this was not the case at this show.
You can imagine that THIS WAS FUN! I hope you had fun too!
When asked to do both an oral and a written critique from the show, I thought
it would not be not to do both. Well, I was wrong! In
However, as I was also to do the notes for this written critique after the oral
critique and while the steward was calling dogs into the ring, I was left with
absolutely no breaks between the well-filled classes. I am not sure I would
recommend doing both an oral and a written critique in an entry as large as
this one and think a choice between the two has to be made.
I am not much of a diplomat. And I happen to believe that the purpose of
writing a critique is to tell honestly what I think about the dogs and give
indications as to the reasons for their placements. The virtues of the dogs
should always be the main emphasis, but on the other hand the imperfections are
there needing to be improved for future generations and should be spelled out
as well. I am well aware of the fact that you do not have much of a tradition
for our Scandinavian-style critiques in
In the very large classes it took a truly lovely Whippet to even be considered
for a placement. A certain level of qualities was required for a placement.
This included a certain degree of excellence of type, proportions and outline,
a combination of substance and elegance and soundness and suppleness of
movement. Most of the dogs that were placed met these main criteria and this
critique will have to mirror this fact. Thus the individual critiques may seem
rather similar in many instances, as were the dogs themselves. This will,
however, not be merely a conventional critique, but will be supplemented with a
few comments and thoughts as well. When judging day in and day out, a lot of
thoughts pass through your mind. Likewise when you study the catalogue
afterwards. I would like to share some of these thoughts.
Puppy Dogs, 6-9 months:
A very strong class with plenty of excellent puppies. A grand opening of the
show and a hard act to follow!
1. Andauer Am I Gonna Be A Star
Very beautiful white and brindle dog with a wonderful neck, great outline and balance. Excellent head, well-shaped ears. Moderate lay-back of upper arm and needs to go on developing in forechest. Moved very well from the side with lots of class and style, and great balance, parallel coming and going.
2.
Beautiful male with lots of quality. Beautiful head, fine ears, excellent
expression. Excellent body proportions, combines substance and elegance. Not
quite the neck-set of the winner, but has excellent body shape and a very
handsome mover from all directions.
3. Broadstrider Soul of My Soul
Almost solid brindle dog who excelled in proportions and impressed for side
movement. Head not his foremost fortune, powerful neck, well angulated in the
front. Deep and capacious chest for age, so very supple in side movement,
really striding out, but rather narrow behind at this age. (Interesting to see
that he comes from an A-I litter from a famous English sire, there was another
lovely brother from the same litter.)
4. Debmar Yorktown Smoke And Mirrors
Strong, beautiful white and brindle puppy. Excellent head, long and strong
neck. Deep and capacious body. Awaits his mature shape at this age. Moved well
from the side and from behind, but needs to stabilize in front. Has a lot of
substance for his age and should not gain any more of it. (Also selected in
this strong class was a particularly outstanding
predominantly brindle dog of outstanding type, quality and movement. His ears
were hanging flat to his head on the day, which I could not overlook in such strong
competition. Otherwise he made a very strong and very positive impression. The
same handler came back with dog after dog in class after class, one better than
the other. These dogs won or placed second in several classes and ended the day
with Winners Dog. After a long day I discovered that this was Linda Larson of
the Plumcreeks. I had not seen her or her dogs in some 20 years since the days
of her great studs Chimney Swift, Chase Manhattan and Walk on Water. The
current group of Plumcreek males are just as outstanding and combine that
exciting "novel look" that Plumcreek introduced in the late 1970's
with an even more (at least in my eyes) Whippety type and every one of them
were great movers! Hats off to a great breeder!)
Puppy Dogs, 9-12 months:
Another good class, but with a few notable exceptions not quite up to the
previous class.
- Tattershall
Piece of the Rock
A white and brindle dog of excellent type and quality, combining substance with elegance. Beautiful head, long neck, well angulated in front, deep chest, excellent sweeping outline. I would not want him any bigger. Excellent bone. If you really need to clip his throatline (and I would advocate not doing it), then I would recommend spending more time at it! He moved with truly typical low-to-the-ground, efficient and supple movement from the side, true coming and going. Could not be denied for Reserve Winners Dog. (This dog was a representative of another kennel whose dogs impressed immensely during these four days, the Sporting Fields. In class after class, from puppies through to adults in both sexes, and indeed up until the very last dogs to be placed in the final line-up for BOB, the Sporting Fields presented one great moving and very typey dog and bitch after the other. Another great kennel whose influence has been widespread worldwide and will so continue as judged by their upcoming and current stock. Hats off again!)
- 2. Longlesson Becknwith Snare
Black dog who moved so well from the side, especially his rear. Also very good coming and going. He has excellent substance and bone and a very classic silhouette made up of flowing lines. Strong neck. Well-balanced angulation both ends. Excellent coat and beautiful black colour – the first of many impressive black dogs over four days. I am sure I do not need to remind anyone that all colours are beautiful on a beautiful Whippet.
- 3.
Beautiful white and fawn dog of excellent type and quality. Excellent head and expression, good neck, well angulated in the front. Deep body and very shapely body. Would prefer some more angulation in the stifle, which might also give him a bit more drive behind.
4. Cloud Nine Right on the Kisser
Well-balanced white and brindle dog, combining substance with elegance. Well
angulated both ends. Deep and capacious body with a very pleasing silhouette.
Unfortunately he had been badly bitten and did not quite want to show off his
qualities to his advantage, still moved OK.
This can be an awkward stage for Whippets, especially males. Most of the dogs
in the class were awaiting their mature balance.
1. Plumcreek Hollowell Proclaim
Brindle dog with plenty of curves in the right places. Not a big dog, very well
made front, very good neckset, very good topline even if I would prefer some
more length of loin, especially good underline. Moved very efficiently from all
angles.
2. Seaspell's
White and brindle dog who came into his own in movement, but rather anonymous
standing still. Excellent neck, very pleasing flow of lines, but I would prefer
some more substance in body and muzzle as well as better lay-back of upper arm.
3. Seaspell's Stingray Point
Masculine, substantial dog, strong neck and well developed body, moderate but
balanced angulation both ends, very good, strong head. Not quite the overall
elegance and virtues of those above him.
4. Bohem Macho Mambo
Well-made white and brindle dog with a lot of substance and enough elegance.
Powerful head, strong neck, well angulated both ends, deep and capacious.
Falling off a bit too much over the croup. Reasonable mover from all angles,
but rather wide behind.
Novice Dogs:
Very mixed class
1. Whippoorwill Ice Sculpture
White and dark brindle, well balanced and well constructed with smooth, flowing
lines, combining substance with elegance. Pleasing head, strong and well-shaped
neck, very good front, deep chest, excellent proportions.
Acceptable mover.
2. Shamasan Lumos Solarum
Handsome red dog, big enough for his 10 months, covering plenty of ground and a
smooth mover. Needs more shape of topline and is at this stage too greyhound
like in movement. Plenty of bone, well developed body, very well angulated
behind.
3. TnT's Dynamo
Powerful, masculine dog with enough elegance. Nice head, strong neck, would
prefer more fill in forechest and especially a more relaxed topline. Tends to
fall off in the croup and thus does not have quite enough drive in
hindquarters.
4. Plumcreek Answered Prayer
Pretty brindle dog with white trim. Beautiful head and overall quality, but not
enough substance and not as masculine as I would prefer.
Bred by Exhibitor Dogs
A very strong class with a number of excellent dogs.
1. Sporting Field's Hot Topic
Black and white dog, a real eye-catcher, especially on the move. He is very
powerful, big enough and I would not want any more of him. Masculine head, long
and strong neck which he uses to perfection both standing and moving. Deep
chest, excellent forechest, plenty of body, indeed bordering on too much.
Excellent underline, could have a little more topline when standing, but had an
amazing outline and balance on the move and moved with plenty of suppleness,
reach and drive and such an engine it looked like he could go on all day. (This
dog raised an interesting question in my mind; is this movement correct for the
breed or is it overdone? As always I tried to focus positively, and I mentally
went through the words of the standard: "Low, free moving and smooth with
reach in the forequarters and strong drive in the hindquarters. The dog has
great freedom of action when viewed from the side; the forelegs move forward
close to the ground to give a long, low reach; the hind legs have strong
propelling power". How could I penalize this dog for his movement with
the standard in hand? The answer was; I could not!)
2. Plumcreek Hollowell Go
Brindle and white dog with outstanding outline, so smooth and polished. He
covers excellent ground, he is well angulated both ends, has a beautiful head,
elegant neck, excellent curves in both top- and underline. Not quite as well
filled in the front as the winner and possibly not quite yet at his peak. He
moved with long, efficient and supple strides. Not easy to separate these two
and could possibly change places on another day.
3. Strebor's Life of the Party
High quality white and brindle dog, more moderate all over, but very well made
and balanced within himself and lots to like about him. Noble head, long neck,
enough body substance, excellent legs and feet. He is moderately angulated both
ends and moved very light on his feet and very coordinated.
4. Longlesson Elysian Kilkenny
Brindle and white dog of very appealing type. Powerful and elegant. His head is
not his main fortune and ears could be smaller. Strong neck, very well
angulated in front, deep chest, pleasing outline, strong thighs. Moved very
well from the side and from behind, needs to stabilize in front.
American Bred Dogs:
Overall not the most impressive of classes, but with some nice quality dogs.
1. Draco's Keeper of the Stars
White and brindle dog, all moderation, including shape. Excelled in substance,
but would prefer some more elegance. Very pleasing balance between the front
and the rear and a balanced mover - also coordinated most of the time.
Excellent legs and feet.
2. Wilhaus Sowagla Swift Wing
White and fawn dog, another altogether moderate model, very pleasing type, but
some more smoothness of outline. Pleasing head and expression, enough neck.
Moved quite well from the side, wide in the front which he also was when standing
still.
3. Cherche Jump in the Fire
Upstanding red dog, elegant and with an imposing neck, but for me too high on
legs and would benefit from some more layback of upper arms. Excellent coat.
Moved light on his feet and coordinated.
4. Woodsia Wind on the Water
Powerful and masculine white and brindle male. Very sound and well angulated,
but in complete opposite to the former, he appears too short on legs.
Well-filled forechest. Moved soundly enough from the side, but also in movement
needed more distance to the ground.
Open Dogs:
Another very strong class, but still not the most even line-up, the best dogs
excelling in different traits.
- Plumcreek
Fortune Walking on Heir
Most impressive brindle dog with white trim. He impressed me a lot as he combines substance and elegance to perfection, is curvy and Whippety, still strong and asculine and not very big either. He has a near perfect front for a Whippet, excellent layback of shoulder and a model upper arm which is so rare, excellent forechest, deep brisket which creates the ideal starting point for a curvy underline. Beautiful, masculine head, not the very darkest of eyes, but fully acceptable. In shipshape condition. He was a brilliant mover from all angles even if he was not a particularly bright howman - but just a wonderful Whippet. One I would have liked to bring home in a heartbeat as I am sure he would have done at least as well in
not pleased that he did not react positively to the change of handler in the BOB-competition, or he would more than likely have received a Select Award as well. )
- 2. Windsor Brook Timeless de Sud
Very typey white and brindle dog with lots of scope and shape with excellent topline and underline. Nice enough head, elegant, well-crested neck, acceptable front. Excelled in hindquarters and really put them to use on the move. Feet could be tighter. (The first of several lovely Whippets from the de Sud kennel. They all excelled in length of body and smooth flowing, soft and balanced outlines, excellent substance and mostly really good fronts; but above all, classical types that should appeal to Europeans as well as Americans.)
3. Windsong Appraxin Rajah
Very elegant white and fawn dog with plenty of class and style, looking more
European/Australian than almost any other Whippet at this show. He excelled in
his classic outline with smooth, elegant flow of lines. Not nearly the underjaw
of the two above him. Very light on his feet and coordinated in side-movement,
rather narrow as seen from behind.
4. Tru-Luv Star is Windborn at
Festival
A big and very eye catching white and brindle dog with lots to like about him.
I would prefer him a little less up on legs. Very good head, long neck which
could be a little smoother set. Well-shaped body, covering very good ground.
Used his hindquarters particularly well and presented a very attractive overall
picture on the move.
Puppy Bitches, 6-9 months:
A good class, but overall not up the corresponding dog class.
1. Cove Creek Spanish Dancer
Powerful white and brindle bitch with an outstanding balance. Still quite
puppyish in her silhouette as one would expect at her age, her puppy fat has
not quite left her yet. Very well angulated both ends. Her head needs to fine
down both in profile and head-on. Deep and capacious body, excellent
proportions. Easily the best mover in the lass, just floated forward when she
put her mind to it and was also parallel coming and going.
2. Meisterhaus Goldie Hawnd
Beautiful bitch of top quality. Deep and capacious body, excellent silhouette.
Beautiful head and lots of detailing. Good front angulation, excellent behind.
Needs to stabilize in front, both standing and moving, but moved very well from
the side. A beautiful bitch who will be hard to beat when given a few more months
to firm up.
3. Delacreme Angels Camp
Brindle and white bitch who excelled in combining substance with elegance.
Very pleasing head and neck, enough
angulation in the front, well angulated behind. Moved well coming and going, OK
from the side, but tended to raise her bum to look a bit high behind.
4.
White and brindle bitch who was very eye catching, even if she was probably the
smallest one in the class. Very elegant and feminine, she did not have the
substance of those above. Neckset not quite her fortune. She moved very well:
supple, energetic and with long and low steps to make an impressive picture on
the move.
Puppy Bitches, 9-12 months:
Very impressive class with plenty of very promising puppies.
1. Sporting Field's Dream of
Most impressive black and white bitch. Powerful, yet elegant and feminine.
Strong neck, excellent front angulation, deep and capacious chest, curvy
underline making for a beautiful outline. Outstanding mover from all angles. I
thought she would be hard to beat for Winners Bitch, but in the line-up she
looked not mature enough as could be expected from her age. One for the near
future!
2. Oxford Tobell Whats In It for
Me
Lovely white and fawn bitch, very elegant and feminine and with a beautiful
silhouette created by a smooth, curvy underline and excellent proportions.
Would prefer some more underjaw. Very beautiful mover from the side, tended to
toe in slightly.
3. Karasar's Essence
So well balanced, beautiful type with lovely balance and type. Excelled in
head. Beautiful body with lovely silhouette. Moved parallel coming and going,
very good from the side, but still not as outstanding in profile movement as
the two above her.
4. Albelarm Extra Edition
Very beautiful white and brindle bitch with lots of quality. Lovely curves,
moderate body length, deep chest, balanced angulation in front and behind.
Moved very well from the side, but has definite potential for improvement
coming towards you.
12-18 months Bitches:
Like the males, most of the bitches in this class looked in between stages.
1. Summit Divine Miss M.
Powerful white and brindle bitch with enough elegance. She excelled in front
construction, including layback of upper arm. Great depth. Beautiful head and
expression, strong neck. Pleasing proportions, long enough in body. Excellent
legs and feet and an excellent mover.
2. Holy Kinship's Ray of Light
Brindle bitch who combines power and elegance. Very pleasing outline. She has
grown a bit too much up on her legs at this time and awaits settling down.
Moved parallel coming and going, nicely from the side. Excellent legs and feet.
3. Northwind's Sojourn De Sud
Another feminine and elegant brindle bitch, but with white trim. Lovely
quality. Beautiful head and expression. Too straight in the front and needs to
develop in forechest. Moved very well, especially from the side.
4. Sporting Field Stone of Destiny
Powerful and well developed brindle bitch with ample body and excellent front
angulation. Would have preferred a cleaner and more elegant neck. Very strong
bone.
Novice Bitches
A variable class, but with some very nice specimens.
- Whippoorwill
Black Ice
Elegant and feminine dark brindle bitch with white trim, of lovely quality. Beautiful head, long neck. OK front angulation. Deep chest making a perfect starting point for a smooth and curvy underline. Matching smoothness and curves in topline, but tended to fall away slightly more than ideal. Fantastic coat quality. Used her hind legs particularly well on the move and won this class with something in hand.
- Longlesson Locar Callin Bird
Very attractive and balanced black and white bitch of excellent type and quality - so stylish and very eye-catching. Covered plenty of ground with a shapely body. Moderate but balanced angulation both ends, but much too straight in pastern. Not very settled in movement from the start, but gradually improved.
3. Surrey Hill's Caribsea
White and fawn bitch of lovely type, curvy and smooth in outline. Very
beautiful head and a lovely expression. Normal neck, moderately angulated in
front and needs to develop in forechest. Synchronized in movement, but would
prefer some more suppleness.
4. Sowagla Celtic Tapestry
Very feminine, elegant and curvy bitch with lots of quality, but I would prefer
some more bone and substance overall. Moderately angulated in the front, good
neck and shoulders. Beautiful underline. Moved quite well, but again I would
prefer more suppleness.
Bred by Exhibitor Bitches
Lovely class, separating the first two was a real headache.
- Plumcreek
Hollowell Always
A very typey brindle bitch of outstanding type quality, absolutely my type of Whippet. Beautiful head and expression, elegant neck. Excellent combination of substance and elegance. Beautiful outline, even if she is sometimes tending to curl up a bit and then lose length. Excellent legs and feet. Moved like a dream from all angles, the more she moved the better she became - a lesson in suppleness.
- Broadstrider Faith No More
Stunning white and brindle bitch, very unlucky to meet the winner in this class as she would have looked very good in the final line-up for WB. Her markings are somewhat deceiving, her head is a lot better on close inspection than it appears from a distance and judges should not allow themselves to be fooled by markings in a Whippet. Great neck, which she used optimally in movement. She also has truly outstanding movement from the side and a stunning silhouette both standing and moving. She lost on being a bit wide in front both standing and moving, but what a stunner!
3. Lightfalls Will-O-Wisp
Black bitch with white trim, powerful and especially well constructed. Strong
head, would prefer some more elegance of neck, well angulated both ends. Just
the perfect coat quality and such shine! Moved very well indeed, especially
from the side.
4. Northwind's Cresta Run De Sud
White and brindle, beautiful, but youthful looking. Outstanding head and
expression, long neck, still needs to develop quite a lot in forechest. Smooth
and streamlined top- and underline. Moved very well from the side and from
behind, not quite settled in front. A beauty and one for the future.
American Bred Bitches
A more average class where the winner stood out.
1. Saesi/Wpndr Ov'rnyt Sensation
White and brindle bitch with quality aplenty. Curvy and beautiful, feminine and
elegant. Beautiful head, long neck, especially well angulated in the front,
deep chest making an excellent starting point for a very shapely underline.
Moved most efficiently and with plenty of suppleness from the side, but can
perfect her act coming and going.
2. Karasar's Polaris At Jaama
Dramatic, powerful and eye catching white and fawn bitch with lots of quality.
Deep, long and with very nice curves. Beautiful head, long neck. Somewhat
overangulated behind and would prefer more flexion of the hocks in movement,
but reasonably parallel coming and going.
3. Tru-Luv Windborn She's Baack
White and red bitch with substance and elegance. Beautiful head and expression.
Strong neck. Moderate, but balanced angulation both ends. Deep chest, curvy
underline. Could do with a bit more topline. Moved OK from the side, not too
impressive coming or going.
4. Halston Nonsuch Charlies Angel
White and brindle bitch with excellent body proportions, deep and capacious
chest. She is strong, solid and covers good ground. Would prefer a longer neck.
Moved q quite well from the side, but movement coming towards me left a lot to
be desired.
Open Bitches
Outstanding class, I was totally spoiled for choices.
1. Brushwood Moxi of Endeavor
Fantastic white and brindle bitch, such an eye-catcher, just teeming with
quality. She is very elegant and feminine, but still has bone and substance to
match. Excellent size that would make her next to unbeatable anywhere in the
world. Top class head and a true bright and alert expression. Such a character,
she never missed a chance to brag about herself. Her neck is absolute
perfection both in length, shape and so smoothly set into her shoulders.
Balanced shoulder and upper arm, enough forechest. Perfect depth of chest and
perfectly balanced body with great shape. She had plenty of energy in her
movement, never missing a beat when taking the turns with great suppleness,
keeping her perfect shape, balance and outline at all times. Totally sound
coming and going. From the second I saw her, I knew she would be the one to
beat - and in the end it turned out that nobody could. Winners Bitch, Best Of
Winners and BOB. (This
bitch reminded me of some of the outstanding
2. English Lavender De Sud
White and fawn bitch of outstanding type and quality, powerful, deep, excellent
construction with perfect angulation both ends and a stunning silhouette
covering good ground. She looks like the future mother of many champions! Moved
very well from all angles, but without the verve of the winner.
3. Sporting Fields Soft Rock
Brindle and white bitch of excellent type, curvy and dramatic and a real
eye-catcher. Long neck, deep chest, the best of legs and feet. Very effective
and supple in movement, even if she sometimes breaks her stride.
4. Fortune Plumcreek Paint the Sky
Brindle bitch of stunning type, lovely, feminine head, very long neck, but it
could be smoother set and her shoulders are not quite her fortune, but she is
totally unaware of that and defies it on the move where she is absolutely
outstanding in side movement, a bit narrow behind. Moderate length of body. She
appealed to my heart even more than to my brain.
Veteran Dogs, 7-10 Yrs.
1. Ch. Sporting Field's Jazz Fest
White and brindle dog, incredibly fit for his almost 10 years old, it is almost
nine years since our only previous encounter in the ring. He is a moderate dog
with a lovely balance. Beautiful head, good neck, moderate and balanced
angulation both ends. He moved like a dream, impressive from all angles and
such a showman.
2. DC Wildwood's Espirit De Core
CD SC
Almost 9 year old white and brindle dog, outstanding standing and very
balanced. Powerful yet elegant. Long and strong neck, standing more generous in
his hindquarters than the winner, but could not compete with him on the move.
3. Ch. Seaspells River Dance
Eight year old white and brindle dog who especially impressed in movement. Nice
in head and neck, could use more angulation in the front and more forechest,
excellent hindquarters. Came to his own in movement which was impressive from
all angles and much better than his construction might suggest.
4. Ch. Coppercreeks Hold in One
Seven year old white and red brindle dog, well balanced and did not look like a
veteran at all. Beautiful head and neck, nicely angulated in the front. Tended
to fall away in the topline. Moved very well from the side, but not stable
coming nor going.
Veteran Dogs, 10-12 Yrs.
1. DC Locar's Ferrari SC
Very impressive, powerful, masculine, strong and healthy black and white male,
looking half his age and just amazing for his 10.5 years old. Especially well
angulated behind, not quite as perfect in front. Great shiny black coat.
Strong, masculine head, powerful neck. Exceptional mover from all angles and
really gave it all.
2. Ch. Strebor's Energize
Another impressive brindle and white, powerful and masculine, very well made
and balanced. Beautiful head, strong neck. Well angulated both ends. Deep and
capacious body. Moved cleanly, but not particularly enthusiastic, who can blame
him at 10.5 years old?
3. Ch. Whippletree's Wild Colonial
Boy JC
Mainly white dog, very elegant and in very good shape for his age, running on
12. He did not quite want to put weight on his front and appeared a little
empty in his forechest. He has a lot of quality and lovely type, shapely body
and moved very well from the side.
4. Ch. Affire On A Clear Day MC
Another 11 year old, in many ways similar to the former, which is not
surprising as they are half-brothers. He is very elegant and moved very well
from the side, but does not cover as much ground on the stack as the ones above
him. (I was interested to find when studying the catalogue afterwards that the
sire of the last two in this class,
Broadstrider By George, seems to be a common denominator close up in the
pedigrees of most of the outstanding movers over these four days. I well
remember By George himself from judging him years ago - he did not win, but he
certainly impressed in movement.)
Veteran Dogs, 12 Yrs & Older
1. Ch. Sayland's Starman, JC
A very beautiful dog with a great body: deep, capacious and with a great
underline. His handler claimed that he was 15, but according to the catalogue
he is running on 13 - which is more than impressive enough. Beautiful head,
wonderful expression, strong neck. Very well balanced and moved well from all
angles. Exceptional and most impressive for his age.
2. Ch. Sporting Fld Leader
Seaspell SC
White and blue brindle dog, 13.5 years old. Very powerful, masculine, strong
bone, exceptionally angulated in the front. Moved as well as can be expected
from his age.
3. Ch. Sportingfield's Painted
Pony SC
13 years old white and brindle with the brightest of eyes and wonderful
expression. Very elegant, beautiful head, elegant neck. Not nearly the movement
of his youth, I am sure, particularly not from behind, but happy and seemed to
enjoy his day out.
Veteran Bitches, 7-10 Yrs.
Excellent class with several beautiful bitches that would have looked at home
in the BOB-class.
1. Ch. Watch Me Frolic at DenGayle
Exceptional 8.5 year old white and brindle bitch, combining substance and
elegance, well angulated both ends and so balanced. Excellent head and
expression. Great body even if she is not the most curvy, deep and capacious
and with excellent proportions. Outstanding mover from all angles.
2. Ch. Bohem All About Eve
White and brindle bitch of lovely type, running on 8 years old. Beautiful
expression and neck, nice enough front, great depth of chest, excellent curvy
underline. To be critical I would give her a little less arch of topline. Great
hindquarters. Excellent mover.
3. Ch. Summit Enchanted Evening
White and red bitch with especially outstanding front and depth. At seven she
hardly looked like a veteran. Excellent legs and feet, very sound all over. Not
quite optimal in balance of outline, but moved very well with long and
effective strides.
4. Ch. Kachina Magic Phyre
Eight year old white and brindle bitch of lovely type. Well constructed, deep
and with plenty of substance. Moved very well from all angles. Not in optimal
condition, carrying too much weight.
Veteran Bitches, 10-12 Yrs.
1. Ch.Timbrel's Music of the Night
Feminine brindle bitch, 10.5 years old, combining substance and elegance,
possible to miss when she is standing still as she does not make the most of
herself, but impossible to miss on the move where she truly excels and then
looks very shapely. One I recalled having judged before, it was very nice to
see her again.
2. Ch. Simbali's Scandal at Priory
FC
Classical, well-made white and red bitch with soft outline, excellent
proportions and balance, beautiful head and good movement, still not up to the
winner in that department.
3. Ch. Winwood's Capucine SF, MC
CD
Small white and brindle bitch with full speed forward at almost 11 years of
age. A lovely personality. Beautiful head and expression, good neck. Could do
with a little more length of leg and more angulation behind, but still moved
efficiently.
4. Ch. Chelsea Oxford Sunday
Silence JC
Very powerful, brood-bitch like, soundly constructed bitch with deep and
capacious body. Well angulated front, strong thighs. Moderately angulated
behind and has lost the drive in her movement, but who can blame her at almost
12 years young?
Veteran Bitches, 12 Yrs &
Older
Sorry, but I cannot find my notes from this class and can only comment from my
memory and only on the first two.
1. Ch. Winemall Part Time Lover
Simply outstanding predominantly brindle bitch that I have raved about before.
At more than 14.5, her outstanding qualities are still amazingly obvious.
Perfect combination of substance and elegance, outstanding balance and shape,
she has retained most of her perfect movement that made her a model for the
breed.
2. Ch. Paris Sirius Hottime
Tonight
Predominantly brindle bitch, amazingly youthful for her 12.5 years old. She is
very elegant and feminine. Lovely expression with plenty of life and sparkle.
Moved well.
3. Ch. Oxford's Limoge at Festiva
4. FC Chesara Seaspell's Charade MC
Racing Dogs
The first three stood out in the class.
1. Marial Wistwind Color Me Quick
FCh
Powerful, masculine, sound and well constructed white and red dog with very
pleasing quality. He stood very firmly on his sound legs and feet and moved
well.
2. Ch. Wheatland Cab Calloway
Black male with a beautiful head and expression. Long neck, average angulation
in the front. Good length of body, moved well and excellent coat.
3. FC Domino Pop Goes the Weasel
SC
Red male with very pleasing type and quality, beautiful head, average neck,
elbows out and would prefer some more length of loin. Correct coat. Strong,
broad thighs.
4. Windyglen Fog Cutter at Oceana
Blue dog, very strong and needs more quality and refinement. Quite well
constructed. Did not quite want to show the best of himself.
Racing Bitches
Again the first three stood out.
1. Ch. Windsheen Dashing Shelbeee
FCh.
Top quality white and fawn bitch of excellent type. She has what it takes to be
competitive in most competitions; beautiful head, long and well-arched neck,
plenty of curves - just stunning on the stack, but merely average in movement.
2. FC Capetown
White and brindle bitch, all over moderate, pleasing combination of substance
and elegance, nice curves and good neck. Very good legs and feet, pleasing
mover.
3. Tyra of Wyndsor FCh.
Black bitch with a stunning silhouette and wonderful coat. Just lovely curves
which are enhanced by her coat and colour. Balanced angulation in front and
behind. Unfortunately did not use her hindquarters on the move.
4. Windyglen's To Di For FCh.
Blue bitch of nice type, but not in quite the same league as the other three
for overall quality. Nicely balanced and normal angulation. Moved quite nicely
from the side, but tended to side-track.
Lure Coursing Dogs
Strong class with quite several excellent dogs
1. DC Debmar Mudbug of Jamal FCh
MC
Very supple white and brindle dog covering excellent ground. Excellent type and
lots of quality. Well angulated both ends. He is very striking and has a lovely
presence about him. His tailset is not at all his fortune and he could be a
little smoother for perfection. Beautiful head, deep body, generously angulated
behind. Impressive mover, he made the cut in the BOB competition.
2. DC Surrey Hill's Pep Talk
Powerful and very masculine white and light brindle dog of excellent type, I
would not like any more of him at all, but then he is 7 years old and has for
sure stopped growing. Nice head, strong neck, good front angulation, very
generously angulated behind, bordering on too much. Covers plenty of ground.
Moved well, but not as well as the winner.
3. Ch. Dashing Bette Your Bottom
Dollar FCh.
Red male, who is very typey due to his smooth and curvy silhouette, but I would
like some more length of body. Beautiful head and expression, excellent ears.
Normal neck. Well angulated both ends. Impressed in side movement, but not when
seen from behind.
4. DC Karasar's Pretender at Jamaa SC FCh.
White and brindle dog with a powerful, masculine head which is well shaped, but
appears big for balance or rather that he does not quite have the body to
match. He needs more weight and to develop in forechest. Very good neck, excellent
legs and feet, excellent mover, particularly from side.
Lure coursing Bitches
Another very pleasing class.
1. DC Bayberry's Cat in the Hat
Very curvy and typey white and red bitch with lots of quality. Exceptional
head, ears not quite her fortune. Impressive body, so shapely. Moved very well
from the side, and parallel coming and going, she made the cut easily in the
BOB competition.
2. Ch. Merci Isle Wild Blue Yonder
Light brindle bitch, in several ways quite similar to the winner, but in a
totally different colour, also very Whippety and shapely. Beautiful head and
expression. Moderate neck and angulation behind. Moved very well from all
angles.
3. Wistwind's Finesse FCh
White and lemon fawn bitch with a lovely head and expression, strong and deep
body. Very nice shape and a pleasing mover from all angles..
Bluestreak Belle Du Lou FCh
Classic fawn of English model, she is very well made without any exaggerations.
Perhaps not the optimal expression, but fully acceptable for this colour.
Elegant neck and shapely body, she tended to be high behind in movement, but
moved light on her feet. (Indeed an import from one of the very top kennels in
the
Stud Dog
I felt that this was in several ways an anticlimax. I felt it was a waste that
there were not more groups appearing in the stud dog competition and that the
competition was held so early in the morning that hardly anyone was there to
see it. I also feel that this would be much more useful if more progeny were
required to compete in the class. In
1. Ch. Plumcreek Come Fly With Me
JC
A stud dog who has passed on his great type, optimal combination of substance
and elegance, perfect proportions and movement to his sons. Any one of them
would be welcome in my house!
2. Ch. Spring Fever de Sud
3. Ch. Sportingfield Tori at
4. Ch. Wenrick's With Rhyme N Reason
Brood Bitch
1. FC Ch. Northwind's Poetry in Motion
A group consisting of a mother with two almost identical offspring, both
refined, elegant and beautiful. Moved very well from the side. Beautiful heads
and expressions. Need more front fill and lay-back of upper arm.
2. Ch. Summit Enchanted Evening
3. Ch. Brushwood Saxon Shore
4. Ch. Saxon Shore Rambling Rose SC
Extended Generation Stud Dog
Sorry but I failed to write notes on this class.
1. Ch. Locar's
2. Ch. Paris Templar of
Extended Generation Brood Bitch
Sorry, but no notes here either.
1. Ch. Kachina Magic Phyre
2. Ch. Andauer Star-Spangled
3. Ch. Emerald's Dakota of Shasta
4. Erdelied Bunns and Roses JC
The BOB competition
An absolutely amazing class of Whippets. We just managed to squeeze the 140 or
so contestants in the ring. The quality was just outstanding. From having
judged the breed quite extensively in almost 50 countries around the world, I
feel very confident about stating that nowhere else is it even conceivable to
present such a line-up of outstanding Whippets. It was down to minor degrees of
details to separate the contestants, and >especially so in the last cut. I
had been told to keep in only the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, BOB, BOS and
the 10 Select Awards and decided to place them in order from the behind. I
could probably write the same critique on all of them without exception, but
still there were some details that separated them:
Select Award # 10: Ch. April Violets De Sud:
A stunning, feminine, very classic, typey and well-constructed white and fawn
bitch of outstanding quality and shape. She would appeal to Whippet lovers all
around the world, excelled in side movement, but moved rather narrow behind and
carried slightly too much weight.
Select Award # 9: Ch. Ableaim
Dixie Chick JC:
In several ways quite similar to the previous for both excellence and slight
imperfections. Another very beautiful, classic white and lemon fawn bitch of
excellent type and quality, very well proportioned and with a beautiful
balance, excellent head and neck. She carried even more weight than the
previous and moved narrow behind too, but beautifully balanced in side
movement.
Select Award # 8: Ch. Seaspell's
Point Cabria JC:
Very eye-catching, elegant and feminine white and brindle bitch of maximum
quality. Beautiful head and expression, long and clean neck, excellent legs and
feet. Excellent proportions. Outstanding mover from all angles, I would give
her some more fill in the front and she probably has not quite yet reached her
very best. Just lovely to rest your eyes on.
Select Award # 7: Ch. Chelsea Melt
Everyone JC:
Top class white and fawn bitch who excels in construction and substance.
Beautiful head, strong neck, excellent return of upper arm and forechest, deep
chest, body covering plenty of ground. I would prefer some more drama to her
tuck-up. Very sound mover on sound legs and feet. Interestingly the only one in
the final line-up that I have judged and rewarded before.
Select Award # 6: Ch. Watch Me
Frolic at DenGayle:
Totally sound and totally well constructed white and brindle veteran bitch, she
was unable to put a foot wrong standing or moving as she was in complete
balance with herself. Excellent combination of substance and elegance,
outstanding proportions and superb balance of angulation fore and aft.
Beautiful head and expression. Not in quite the shape of some of her younger
competitors, but most impressive for her age, or for any age for that matter.
Select Award # 5: Ch. Sporting
Field's Diva:
Lovely black and white bitch who is so very hard to criticize seriously as she
really does not have any serious flaws at all. She is elegant yet substantial,
feminine, shapely, well proportioned and well angulated and she excels in
movement from all angles. Her downfall was that where she only scored 8.5 to 9
in some aspects, her main opponents scored inner 10's. Nevertheless a stunning
bitch.
Select Award # 4: Ch. Plumcreek
Come Fly With Me JC
Fantastic brindle stallion of a dog, just my type of Whippet. Outstanding dog
who excelled in everything that is important in a Whippet: type, construction,
proportions and movement from all angles and of extreme quality - just nothing
left to coincidence. After a long week he was appearing to fall asleep in the
ring and did not display enough of that bright and alert expression that is
also part of the Whippet. Might otherwise have pushed the winners to the very
end.
Select Award # 3: Ch. Brushwood
Zoom of Tanglewynde
Stunning feminine white and brindle bitch who excelled in proportions, type,
elegance and showmanship. Outstanding head and expression, excellent length of
body and very shapely. She never put a foot wrong or gave up performing for a
second. I would give her a smoother neckset for absolute perfection, but she
made a great impression.
Select Award # 2: Ch. Tivio's
Fallingwater
Strong and substantial bitch with optimal type, outstanding
construction, shape and balance. Well-shaped head, excellent expression,
model-book front angulation with perfect depth of chest and good forechest.
Excellent legs and feet. Very sound and efficient mover, but not quite the
suppleness of the winners. I was happy to be told that she is currently among
the top hounds in the
Select Award # 1: Ch. Sporting Field's Priceless:
I fell totally in love with this black and white bitch. She had lots of
character - a real showbomb, super quality all through, ideal combination of
substance and elegance, great construction, perfect balanced angulation and
moved like a dream with optimal carriage, balance and suppleness to die for,
totally in sync with her young handler. Unfortunately not quite in optimal
condition and tended to loose her topline slightly on the stack, making up for
it by being very shapely on the move, but still enough to lose the BOB rosette
on the day. I would bring her home any day.
BOS: Ch. Sporting Field's Rock On:
Very charismatic dog of outstanding quality. Standing still it is fully
possible to lose him, but when he started to move, my jaws dropped a few inches
as he is simply perfection on the move from any angle; totally in balance with
himself on a loose lead, never has to take an extra step, so supple, so
flexible, so outstanding, parallel coming and going.
Beautiful head, eye and ears. Long and crested neck, which he also uses to
advantage on the move. Moderate front angulation and front fill, great
underline, excellent legs and feet, standing he tends to fall off over the
croup more than I like, but this is simply wiped out in movement. A lovely
Whippet with a lot to offer the breed.
BOB: Brushwood Moxi of Endeavor.
And here she was, after four days and eight hundred Whippets, BOB was Winners
Bitch. I still could not take my eyes off her, she had the superb type, the
outstanding quality, the optimal elegance, the great neck, the perfect
silhouette both standing and moving - and on top of that, a never-give-in
attitude, bright and alert at all times. It was like the lights were shining
extra on her, always demanding attention. She got plenty of that, as well as
the BOB rosette to boot.
There were some 10 more that I would have been delighted to give BOB to in any
other competition and who made the second cut. Among these, there was a white
and fawn male that took my breath away standing. He was as outstanding as any
Whippet can be on the stack, and if someone can teach him to move as his
construction suggests, he would be impossible to beat.
I believe he was a Meisterhaus dog - possibly Camelot. Sheer perfection and absolutely stunning!
Again, thanks for the wonderful memories and especially to all the sporting exhibitors who made it all possible.
Espen Engh
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