JUDGE CRITIQUE THE MALTESE NATIONAL CANINE FEDERATION Championship Show held at the Cottonera Sports Complex on Saturday & Sunday 9th & 10th December 2006. CRUFTS QUALIFIER.
An invitation to judge in Malta is always a great honour to receive, and as on previous occasions this year was no exception, the friendliness of the very knowledgeable exhibitors, and in this instant the Committee of the Maltese Federation, to me and my wife Loraine, is a moment that will remain with us forever.
The show was held over two days on a six group system in a very spacious sports complex, the ring was very professionally presented, and its excellent dimensions of floor space was covered with a green carper that ensured that all exhibits were given every opportunity to perform on a very firm footing with excellent natural light, l had two efficient stewards to ensure the very smooth running of the event over the two days, to them I extend my most grateful thanks.
From an overall entry of 226 dogs I chose as Best In Show , the winner of the Working group Mr. and Mrs. Farrugia's Italian Import, the fifteen month old Alaskan Malamute Al Qantarah lvram Sun who's adaptation when considering his original environment and function to the Mediterranean has to be appreciated, obvious time and effort has been made to ensure that every advantage of his beautifully coat and pristine condition had been maximized showing a typical dignified composure, ears small and triangular and set wide apart to the back of the skull, he is balanced and well proportioned throughout in profile, his forehand emphasizes moderation to shoulder placement and upper arm with a complementary well set strong neck completing the picture, standing on a good length of foreleg, with good bone and correct short pasterns presenting the required elevation that ensures the desired exaggeration to his topline, his chest is deep , with a complimentary underline to a strong loin, shows a moderate turn of stifle, and an exceptional width of thigh, the result of sound conformation to a first and second thigh, just as impressive when gaiting, being moved on a loose lead that allows him to maintaining balance and project a pleasing stride pattern , covering the ground with ease and never loosing his concentration for a single moment
Res BIS: Mr. and Mrs. Saliba's two and a half year old white Bulldog imported from Brazil, impresses immediately with size and substance emphasizing the male gender with evident power, strength, and determination, with evident muscle tone and definition, and who's natural low set wide stance in association with his leodension structure typifies his only function, his skull is large and in proportion to a strong muzzle, with good symmetry between naso labial line, lip placement. And evident upturning chin, shows a very powerful forehand it a good depth of brisket. round and deep, when viewed from above shows a pleasing narrowing to the loins leading to strong powerful quarters showing a good length of leg ensuring the typical roach., very impressive on the move , with evident roll, very well presented and handled.
BPIS: Messes R and V Galea and Zammit's Woodstock Yokos Nine Dream.
1 can remember well over a decade ago when this kennel had one of the islands top exhibits, and today there was sufficient Boxer type and quality present to suggest that this red and white boxer puppy bitch can emulate her predecessor, I was most impressed with her overall presence, and at eleven months of age she already achieved the height required to satisfy the breed standard, maturity is the key word, as she just requires a little more substance to produce the conformation her excellent feminine frame deserves, stands four square in profile without the slightest exaggeration, presenting the cleanest of outlines, she is very well schooled, and her owner/ handler gave a masterly exhibition of how to handle the Boxer posed and on the move, gaiting on a loose lead presenting a coordinated stride pattern expressing extension and drive. If she continues to progress along these lines, her impact on the canine scene in Malta has only just begun.
Res BPIS & Reserve Gundog Group: Messrs C&F Formosa' Cocker Spaniel Framod Primadonna, another eleven month old teaming with quality and obvious breed type, and one 1 can see appealing to the breed specialist and all-rounder, she was beautifully presented in full bloom, taking advantage of all the glamour associated with the breed, and very well schooled showing just the right amount of animation to exploit her many virtues, remaining keen alert and willing to please, beautifully constructed throughout, showing balance and style, typical head with required muzzle to skull ratio expressing femininity, well set neck clean and moderate, shoulders well laid standing forelegs well under, complimentary angles front and rear, well set croup and tail set showing required fall off, a very sound rear completes the picture, a very sound mover, showing style and purpose.
Gundog Group: Winner of the group was Mr. and Mrs. Micallef's Pointer Sh.Ch. Isoria Dino, an excellent example of the breed and one who was always in contention for the top honours, expertly handled at all times, looked a picture posed expressing breed type and an abundance of quality without exaggeration, soundly constructed, well covered with a lean firm conformation, that suggested he was more than capable of doing a days work, one of the best movers over the two days.
Res Best in Group and BPIG, : Messrs C and F Formosa's Framod Primadona, Cocker Spaniel.
Toy Group: Ms D Hayman Ch. Afterglow Grimley Fiendish Pug. l was really spoilt for choice in this excellent entry of twenty five exhibits, with quality in depth. And finaly selected this very smart matured four and a half year old, very square set and cobby, and just about in his prime, typical head and dark mask, body properties balanced covering just the right amount of ground, well laid shoulders standing forelegs well under presenting a solid foundation a very sound temperament showing confidence posed and on the move, in tip top condition,
Reserve Best Toy: Mr. and Mrs. Young's six year old smooth Coat Chihuahua Ch. Widogi Rocket Man, an excellent example of the breed, shows confidence with the heart of a lion and conforms to the standard very well and one that cannot be overlooked, well laid shoulders, good height to length with a firm level topline, sound quarters, an energetic sound mover.
Best Puppy in gGoup: Mr. C Tanti's Fabcar BOB. Pug, eleven month old, very well presented and handled, typical head well laid shoulders standing forelegs well under, and a firm level topline, short coupled body well covered, at the moment standing on a little to much leg, and showing just a little to much daylight.
Utility Group: Mr. an Mrs. Saliba's Bulldog Macm Jolmy
Res Utility Group: Mr. M Aquilina's Toy Poodle, Ch. & Eng Ch. Aedan Double Dare. At five years of age he has lost none of his sparkle or enthusiasm, very well balanced and typical throughout, beautiful head carried high on a well set of neck, well laid shoulders, and parallel forelegs, short back and sound quarters, a sound active mover, well handled and presented.
Best Puppy in Group: Mr. and Mrs. Vella's Fendi De La Paura. This baby really has the making of a star of the very near future, l have no details in my catalogue of the breeding lines but they are quite obviously excellent and for a six month old puppy had everything 1 was looking for, beautifully presented in the best of condition, head is typical, balanced, and blessed with an excellent ear set, completely in harmony with the standard, shows balanced body properties and a very sound temperament, Hound Group: Mr. and Mrs. Mercieca three and a half year old smooth haired Dachshund Ch. Emmanuela Nera At Chebec, who makes an impact as soon as she enters the ring, beautifully constructed throughout with sound conformation that holds her together offering superb and stability presenting a topline you could set a rule to, typical amgulation front and rear, and one who gives the impression of being able to quite easily perform her function, moves with style and effort, so pleasing to the eye.Very well handled.
Res Hound Group: Mr and Mrs. Mifsud's two year old Basset, Ch. Sherman Bassjoy Moravia Bray. imported from the Czech Republic, for a Yearling this young man presents good strength from evident size and substance without being overdone in anyway, very well schooled and handled presenting a balanced height to length ratio, body well covered and well ribbed to a strong loin, hands on reveal loose skin as required , stands on strong bone,
Best Puppy in Group: Ms S Spiteri's nine month old Beagle, Framod Grand Slam at Nivek. A good sized puppy with the promise of a lot more to come, very typical showing clean lines in profile. good head and neck. well laid shoulder and complementary upper arm, neatly fitted elbows, good depth of brisket and a level topline, sound quarters and positive hocks, covers right amount of ground when posed, with maturity should make an even better impression,
Terrier Group: Messrs R and L Mizzi's three and a half year old Bull Terrier, Ch Aesir The Sky God. Imported from the UK, very well schooled, and stands his ground with confidence, presenting a keen, alert determined expression, good size presented in a hard condition from sound conformation, standing on a solid base when posed, without exaggeration, typical movement associated with the breed.
Res Best In Group: Mr. J Polidan's two and a half year old black Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Fearless Guru Of Manitou And a very good example of the breed, very typical of the breed when posed, with nothing out of proportion, balanced muzzle to skull, showing evident breed characteristics, developed cheek muscles defined stop, and a well set eye, nicely constructed forehand, faith forelegs set wide apart, and complementary to a strong rear, well handled and a sound mover.
Best Puppy in Group: Mrs. T.Alison's eleven month old Bull Terrier Ducassos Catcher Of Dreams, whilst coming to the end of his puppy career, shows good size and substance, and obvious type, patience and time is the essence here, giving maturity the opportunity to allow him strength up all-round when an overall better picture can be achieved,
Working Group: Mr & Mrs. Farrugia's Al Qantarah Ivram Sun, Alaskan Malamute
Res in Working Group: Mr J. Joyce Ch. Tal- Beta Primrose At Jasa , three and a half year old Great Dane, A very good example of the breed, good size and substance being well covered with sound conformation, essentially feminine, good head and a very clean neck, very well balanced in profile, excellent topline with slight rise over loins deep brisket and a complementary underline to a strong loin, covers just the right amount of ground without excess, very competent handler.
Best Puppy In Group: Messes R and V Zammit's Woodstock Yoko Noni Dreams, Boxer.
Junior Handlers: 1st: Stacey Vella, 2nd: Rebecca Saliba, 3rd Christabelle Chetcuti.
Maurice Webb
Judge |
