Thoughts on judging in Denmark and their Cairn Terriers

From entering the breed, all have repeatedly quoted the words ìNot to fault judge but to take the overall dog when coming to a decision as to its quality. Yet, there was a Points System to judge to and provide guidance to breeders and exhibitors on which parts of a Cairn were the most important  Skull 5  Muzzle 10  Eyes 5  Ears 5  Body 20  Shoulders, Legs, Feet 20  Tail 5  General Appearance (Size & Coat) 30  added together these points covered 100% of the dog. Strange but to me, taking points away from those given, can only be done by fault judging. That is as it should be for judges are also stewards, this is confirmed by Kennel Clubs instructing judges to note and report on conditions found in exhibits and this makes the specialist judge to be a Guardian to their breed of dog. Whereas on judging, I may have been generous with Very Goodí and Excellent some may have thought me miserly when awarding the CK but as breeders rush to use those dogs with the title of Champion, then only the best should be given the CK. If anyone was disappointed in not having their dog rewarded with a CK; then likewise, I was disappointed in the quality of their dog. To be a judge is very unrewarding for they can only please the winners!

The dogs before me looked different outdoors as to when being judged indoors on the Sunday. The wind and the brief showers of rain made it impossible for coats to be immaculate or the dogs to be on their toes as could be seen on the following day but the days conditions were the same for all of the dogs.

That found on the table ranged from those which were wide in front to a few light eyes, incorrect bites and a roundness of ribcage. On the ground, wide fronts with legs pin-toeing on the move; some pin-toed with only the one leg and this was usually the right leg. Like in the UK, there is the problem of the hocks being too close together when moving away. I look for at least the measured height of the hock to be the distance between the hocks when moving away. The ribcage of a Cairn Terrier should be oval/heart-shaped and in depth should be down to slightly above the elbow. A round ribcage is totally wrong as it will increase the space between the forelegs, plus throwing the shoulders out and this will give rise to pin-toeing when moving. Too many tell of judging movement from viewing the side movement this only shows reach, drive and level back and is only part of assessing a dogs movement; certainly no more important than observing the dog coming and going pinning in front and closeness behind are both completely hidden when viewing the side action.

On the day there were four grades of dog, not quite as the DKK had selected, but in my judgement found these to be: Average Very Good  Very Good Excellent and Excellent with CKs. I will not compare Danish dogs with those shown in the UK, as one can only judge dogs against each other, on the day. Some years back on being asked my advice on a young bitch, which someone had told her to sell; I replied, If you got something better then sell her; if you havent, then keep her till you have. Later, she campaigned that bitch to gain the Champion title.

In that young bitch it was obvious, to me, of her having the necessary qualities to do well in the ring but today, with the high cost of entry fees, would say a few of those I judged would be better sold and replaced by ones of a better quality and though it may pull at the heart strings, firmly believe it would be better, long term, for both them and the breed.

Liked all those entered in the Baby Classes and although I only gave a Promising to the Best Baby, feel that at three and a half months one can only assess its potential. Yet, having admired most of those Cairns shown by Joan Percy (breeder), believe its owner is extremely fortunate to have such a lovely puppy.

Both of the winners of the Junior Classes, although immature, have the potential to attain the title of Champion some day in the future. I especially liked the bitch, Jay´s Joy´s Ella Fitzgerald, had she possessed better muscle tone and so been in full show condition, this bitch would then have been rewarded by being my Best Junior. Certainly, a bitch I would like to be in our kennel. The dog, Keencairn´s Ceasar, did all that could be expected from one which would still be in the Puppy Class in the UK but regardless, still finished as Best Junior.

The Veteran, DKCH WVW10 Senei´s Sweet Dublin, at ten and half years old and in exceptional condition for a dog of that age, even found his teeth to be all good. He was a joy to go over on the table and was very sound when moving. On seeing him perform to be awarded Veteran Group 2, it raised my only doubt of the day and perhaps, he may have deserved better in my dog line-up  sometimes one can be too generous.

The BOS, DKCH LVCH Sensei´s Charlie´s Angles, a bitch which is approaching her eighth year and was another in exceptional good body condition. A happy girl; a proper show-off; a girl which loved being in the ring and giving her full attention to the handler. Very little to fault on the table or off, her movement was a delight to watch. Just lost out in the challenge due to some old hair being left on to hide the new coming through  can´t blame the groomer for trying.

BOB, De Alsace-Artinis Niel Diamond, found the day to be his day. Had difficulty in choosing between the placing of the first two dogs in the Open Class and he finished in the 2nd place. In the challenge, Tam O´Shanter´s Pluto, which had been placed first in the Open Class, decided he had done enough showing for one day and even though I gave him an opportunity to get his interest back, it was not to be. Having read the rules, I believed it was possible for me to reverse their positions and after checking with the Secretary, was assured that this was in order for me to do such  so Niel Diamond became BD and BOB. I saw something in his conformation which had made me place him second in his class but in fairness it was a minor detail and with being a masculine dog, his overall presence in the ring earned him his final reward. Later, found that it gave him his title  it certainly was his day.

Graham Peers - Judge