Denmark May 2011
I was impressed by the quality & condition of the Cairns on both days but especially in The North. I really do think our breed in Denmark is in safe hands, there are some very impressive & good stud dogs about, which bodes well for their future.
Both shows being outside we were blessed with good weather on both days ñ the rain just starting on day 2 as I chose my line-up at Roskilde.
I was delighted with my Top Winners on both days.
Day one ñ Was held in the North at Danish National Equestrian Centre situated in the beautiful & extensive grounds of the Vilhelmsborg estate in Aarhus. ñ Our ring was surrounded by the exhibitors colourful gazeboís then beach hedging, the grass had been cut so it was ok for assessing movement ñ a really pleasant and picturesque place to judge. My classes went from baby class (3-6 months) to veteran & then Champions class (I wish we had one!) The Babies & Puppies were all of good temperament, very well schooled and most behaved on the table
As in the UK the male classes were not very big but I found quality in both sexes ñ no obvious bad mouths ñ generally good coats and only a few with that rear over angulation that I feel spoils the outline and rear movement. Tail sets were varied, some seemed to be a little low which again spoils the outline. Movement was on the whole very good ñ there was plenty of drive & very good side action. A couple of otherwise lovely exhibits had sloppy fronts & one was particularly wide and just a few too close at the rear. But I really was happy with the overall condition and felt it superior to a similar entry at our equivalent level show. In the UK As I judged the dogs my critique was typed up by my scribe ñOnly till after I had judged all the classes (Apart from puppies) did I choose my top winners. ñ Placing 12 dogs in order ñ I found the thought of this more daunting than actually doing it and once I got into it ñ I managed to do my final placing
My main winners were
DKCH Cale Hillís Carl, the most striking red dog with those desirable dark points and such ring presence, I was so taken by his superb head and expression, excellent mover, a good strong male who took his class & BIS with ease and was to me, the best Cairn of my trip, I absolutely loved him! - My RBIS and BOS was a beautifully feminine well presented grey brindle DKCH Nordcairn Brown Girl In the Ring ñ another good head and expression ñ lovely balance, smart mover, elegant reach of neck making a beautiful outline.
My baby classes winner was an outgoing wheaten boy Cairnrush Bolt with lots to like, moved well, excellent mouth, good head and eye, wish I could have brought him home!
BIS Puppy was 8 month old Linjas Starlight a very attractive & sound dark bitch who moved with such confidence for a youngster. I will follow her career with interest.
Day two ñ A smaller entry than day one, but more lovely Cairns to go over, The coastal venue was really unusual being on a field in front of the Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde with views of old ships in the distance. Apparently the committee managed to get the grass cut before I arrived to judge (Ghita also made sure I was there on time today). The exhibitors as on day one were very friendly and most exhibits were presented well and in good condition. A couple were in need of a new coats, I had two exhibits who had veterinary certs ñ one had front teeth removed but I still placed her first as she was the best in her class, the other had cut her face and had been shaved ñ she was so lovely in temprament and her owner was so in love with her and listened intently with smiles as I critiqued her charge. At the end of the show I was asked to present a ìspecial prizeî of a beautifully engraved glass to someone (Not a top winner.) I had no hesitancy but to award it to this lady. In one male class I had the most handsome red brindle who was a dream to go over ñ with movement to match ñ Alas his tail was carried far too proud and spoilt what would otherwise have been a perfect out line, what a shame.
My main winners were;
BIS DKCH Bristle Cairnís Gerly ñ A super headed five years old wheaten with beautiful dark points, good mouth and in excellent body and coat condition. Moved with drive and plenty of verve. Loved her outline ñ My type of girl.
BOS was Mcalisterís East Street Boy ñ Another well conditioned red boy, with good head and expression ñ well bodied and moved well ñ good strong rear giving him drive. Liked him a lot, so not surprised when told after that he was the sire of my BIS the previous day!
My baby classes were Mcalisterís litter brother and sister ñ both very promising & sired by my BIS from Aarhus. I had only one puppy Tofthusí Parisia but she was quality on the table, moved and showed well to fully deserve her BPIS.
Brenda M Shannon