PAIGNTON & DISTRICT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION

Judges Critiques

Mrs Lindsey BARNES

Judging: Hound Group, Rhodesian Ridgeback

I would like to thank the Committee for a warm West Country welcome and for the stewards for their friendly and efficient stewarding.  In my opinion the breed is evolving away from the original basic shape that is depicted in the Hawley Book.     It has always been difficult to balance elegance which is pleasing to the eye and workmanlike to ensure they can do the job they were bred to do.  It is important to maintain that balance.  We have to be aware the slight changes over generations ultimately can change breeds.  I was looking for a slightly longer than tall hound, unfortunately a lot in the ring today are becoming taller, squarer, narrower and finer than those of of 40 years ago. The length from the withers to elbows and elbows to ground should be roughly equal.  The deepest part of the ribs should be between the elbows and ribs should be in line with elbows, with well sprung ribs of good length with a gradual tuck up to a moderate length of loin.  The correct fill in of fore chest is becoming more difficult to find and lack of it affected placings.  I was pleased however, to find it in most of my class winners. This is an endurance hound that should also be able to duck, twist and turn with lightning speed, so well let down strong hocks are essential for this purpose.  Width and good definition of the hock joint combined with good width of first and second thigh and moderate angulation all combine to make for efficient function and movement. Strong shoulders which are well laid back to create strong withers and good return of upper arm of equal angles to the rear are required for optimal movement.   What has improved in the last 20 years is temperament, you rarely see one which backs off the judge and goes around with its tail between its legs.  Young males do sometimes carry their tails a little higher as they are happy in the ring and due to excitement which is understandable given their age is something which I forgave.  The ridges were better than the last time I judged with less offset apparent.  If I placed a dog which was slightly offset or short in ridge it was because I considered the overall quality of the exhibit good enough to carry the fault.  I was pleased to see my BOB winner shortlisted in the Group.

Class 1865 SBD/B (3 Entries) Abs: 0

A lovely class with two lovely moving youngsters.
1st: 3698 STRAUJA, Miss Monika & PRICE, Mr Henry Chioke For Zeri By Ridgelove

His head is very typical with lovely dark round eyes which compliments his dark muzzle.  Has good length of muzzle which is strong, deep with a strong underjaw and good width between the canines.  Has good moderate stop and the correct length of foreface and skull ratio. Good length of neck which is well set on to the forequarters. Good size for his age with correct length to height ratio.  Strong, well knuckled feet with correct slope giving well sprung pasterns.  A little loose in his elbows at the moment but should tighten up with age.  Good topline which is finished in a correct croup and tail is carried well on the move.  Good turn of stifle with good width of first and second thigh.  Well let down hocks which allows him to power off on the move which is light and true.    Pleased to see him win Spec Beginners G3.

2nd: 3708 ZHAO, Mr Aibing Vkloof Duke Lambo Galardo

Another nice young dog, stronger in build than the winner but that is not a bad thing, our breed should be strong and capable of covering long distances without flagging. Strong head with good expression.  Neck of good length with strong withers and topline leading to well set on tail and croup.  Well boned forelegs with good pasterns, feet a little tight.  Good well sprung ribs carried well back, strong in first and second thigh.  Moves well with freedom and drive.


Class 1866 PD (2 Entries) Abs: 0
Preferred overall type and head of the winner

1st: 3698 STRAUJA, Miss Monika & PRICE, Mr Henry Chioke For Zeri By Ridgelove

As above
2nd: 3691 PARSONS, Miss H Priorpark's Par The Course

Good overall proportions of height to length.  Good front with good fill in of chest.   Good feet and straight forelegs with correct pasterns.  Excellent ridge, good topline and croup.  Well ribbed back.  Good angles of fore and rear quarters.  Strong hocks which he uses well on the move to produce a  good profile action.  He moves a little close behind at the moment but this should improve as he matures.

Class 1867 JD (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 3702 WALKER, Mrs H Amahle Bold Venture

A strongly made boy of good breed type.  I would prefer a little more length of body but it is made up with strong topline and loin with correct angle of croup.  Strong jaws with good width between the canines, good depth of muzzle and proportions of foreface to back skull, I would prefer slightly less wrinkle.  Good width of chest with infill and correct prosternum when viewed from the side.  Has excellent strong straight bone to forelegs and standing on good feet and pasterns.  Well laid shoulder and return of upper arm.  Well sprung ribs of good length and correct underline to loin.  Ridge good.  Strong hindquarters with good first and second thigh, turn of stifle is correct.  A little close on the move going away but excellent profile movement and very true coming towards. 

2nd: 3677 HICKS, Mrs S & Mr J & HICKS, Mr John Nuthouse Mastermind

Really good proportions to his head and has correctly placed ears that frame his face well.  Good eye pigment which harmonizes with his coat an brown nose colouring.  I preferred the forechest of my winner.  Stands on good feet with good spring of pastern and well boned forelegs. Excellent lay of shoulder and return of upper arm.  Excellent ridge.  Topline in the main is good but sometimes he drops it a little on the stack, this should get stronger as he matures. Good croup and tail carriage.   Ribs well sprung and carried well back to a loin of correct length.  Good turn of stifle with good hocks which he uses well on the move.  I would prefer a little more width between the hocks on the move.
3rd: 3708 ZHAO, Mr Aibing Vkloof Duke Lambo Galardo

Class 1868 YD (1 Entries) Abs: 1

Class 1869 PGD (5 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 3664 CLARKE, Mrs Monika Wolfgang Amadeus

I really liked the overall proportions of this dog and he didn't disappoint on closer inspection. Good planes to his head and step up stop.  Has a strong muzzle and underjaw, good width between the canines and his lips are clean the close fitting. Good round dark eyes and a lovely expression.  Correct width of forechest which can be seen from the side.  Good angles to forequarters and hindquarters giving a balanced overall view.  Elbows are close to the chest.  Stands on good well sprung feet and pasterns.  Good ridge.  Topline strong with ribs dropped to elbows and carried well back.  Moved accurately and true coming and going and gives a balanced picture in profile. 

2nd: 3667 DAWSON, Mrs Katie & DAWSON, Mr Gareth & PARSONS, M Priorpark Problem Solved

Good proportions to head and has a good expression.  Good overall balance and proportions.  Good fill in and width of chest.  Stands on good feet  and with the correct well sprung pasterns.  Well balanced forequarters and rear quarters with good croup .  Good ridge.  I would prefer slightly lower let down hocks and moves closer than my winner going away.  Very good and free profile movement.

3rd: 3685 MITCHELSON, Mrs Gillian & MITCHELSON, Mr Paul Amahle Red Hot Zephyr At Voortrekker

Class 1870 LD (8 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 3679 HODGE, Mrs K Kxoxo I'm Old Fashioned For Colkeririn Jw (imp Fin

Good head with the correct amount of wrinkle with no courseness.  Lovely dark eyes and good ear set giving good expression.  Well knuckled feet with good spring of pastern and strong straight bone to forelegs .  Shoulder well laid back with a good return of upper arm, elbows in line with withers.  Correct width of chest which has good infill and depth.  Chest is dropped to elbows with no daylight between ribcage and elbows.  Good croup and tailset.  Good turn of stifle with good first and second thigh and well let down hocks which he uses to provide good drive on the move. Tracks up well coming and going, particularly good coming towards.  Light a free action.  Pushed hard for the RCC.

2nd: 3664 CLARKE, Mrs Monika Wolfgang Amadeus

as 1st in PG

3rd: 3684 MCCANN, Mrs Amy & MCCANN, Mr James Kazembe Lightbearer Of Umzingeli

Class 1871 OD (5 Entries) Abs: 2
1st: 3686 MOORE, Mr Robert & MOORE, Mrs Katherine Ch Royalridge Glory Days

Good overall size, good length to height ratio giving a very typical ridgeback outline. Typical head that exudes type, good strength of jaws, lips clean and close fitting.  Good moderate stop with skull of the correct width and flat between the ears which are well set and frames the face giving an overall attractive expression.   Neck well set on to the skull  and of correct length.  Strong chest with good drop and fill in. Elbows carried close to ribs which are dropped to elbows  with a good gradual underline to loins.   Distance between withers to elbows and elbows to ground correct. Good pasterns and feet and well boned straight forearm.  Neck merges into strong topline well.  Correct croup and tail set, tail carried with a slight curve on the move. Movement very free and true coming and going and excellent low, free profile movement. DCC BOB.  I was pleased to see he made the first cut in the group.

2nd: 3666 DAVIES, Miss K J Gunthwaites Fancy Man JW

A taller and heavier type ridgeback but still scores in length to height ratio.  Typical head and expression with strong jaws and good width between the canines.  Neck merges well with topline which is strong, with a strong loin, good croup and tail set.  He has excellent shoulders and return of upper arm.  Good pasterns and feet, well boned straight forelegs.  Ribs dropped to elbows and carried well back.  Strong loin. Good hindquarters with strong hocks.  Movement is free and true. RDCC 

3rd: 3688 PAINTER, Mr Harry Suhuba Dream On


Class 1872 VD (2 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 3701 VINCENT, Mrs Christine Imola I'm Your Man At Jematti

A taller boy but has the correct proportions of height to length.  Good overall head with a good strong muzzle has kind expressive dark eyes.  Good planes to his head with correct moderate stop.  Good width of chest.  Good feet with the correct spring of pastern, well boned forelegs.  Good shoulder with elbows set back well, close to ribcage and level with underline.  Good croup and tailset.  Good turn of stifle and moves free and well.

Class 1873 PB (3 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 3683 LARKIN, Mrs J E Asharaa's Hey There Georgy Girl

At nearly a year old she is growing very evenly.  Presents a typical outline with good overall size and balance.  Her head is very well balanced and feminine with lovely dark eyes and ears framing the face well.  Correct length of neck merging into a good topline with good feet and pastern.  Scores in chest and infill giving that H from the the front and visibility from the side which is so desired.  Equal angles to forequarters and rear giving a balanced movement in profile and very sound and true coming and going. BP I was pleased to see her go through to win PG4.

2nd: 3693 PEARCE, Mrs A & Mr S Msingi Dream A Dream

At this stage of her development is slightly tall in proportion but this should settle as she matures.  Well balanced feminine head, dark eyes.  Good shoulder and return of upper arm and good first and second thigh.  Needs to strengthen and firm up throughout.  Free action in profile.


Class 1874 JB (4 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 3692 PARSONS, Miss H Priorpark Proof In Pudding

Up to size at 8 months.   Good feet and bone.  Good forechest which can be seen in profile.  Good fill in of chest and elbows close to ribs.  Good topline which she holds well on the move  Good ridge.  Equal angles of forequarters and rear with well  let down hocks.  Good ridge. Moves with a free action in profile and tracks up well coming and going but a little close behind.

2nd: 3707 ZHAO, Mr Aibing Vkloof Lady Lambo Huracan

Strongly made bitch with good expression.  Good lay of shoulder but would prefer a little more return of upper arm.  Good feet and pasterns and well boned forelegs.  
Ribcage well sprung and of good length with a gradual slope up towards rear.  Good croup and tail set.  Good hindquarters with strong, well let down hocks.  Moves fluidly but was strung up and veers towards the handler, this should improve with more training.

3rd: 3674 HEALEY, Mr John & HEALEY, Mrs Kay Kiromol Reckon I'm Hot (ba2)

Class 1875 YB (4 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 3697 SMITH, Mrs A & Mr W Ungowa Here You Come Again Jw

This bitch presents a beautifully balanced outline.  Pretty feminine head with a slight crest to her neck indicating well developed muscle.  The neck is of good length which is set on well into her body  with a good loin and croup. Fore chest can be viewed in profile and has the correct fill in with elbows close to body. Good feet on correct moderately sloping pasterns, adequate bone for body size.  Scores in ribbing which is deep and capacious and well ribbed back.  Angles from withers to point of shoulder to elbow and point of buttock, stifle and hock equal.  Moves well in all directions but she would present a more balanced picture on the move if she did not carry her head so low.

2nd: 3700 TAYLOR, Mrs Emma Tokwe Truly Your Song

Presents a balanced picture standing.  Good head.  Fore chest present and correct from the side but  I would prefer more fill in of chest and width of chest.   Good pasterns and feet.  Good topline, croup and tailset.  Moves well in profile but I would prefer more width between hocks going away.

3rd: 3707 ZHAO, Mr Aibing Vkloof Lady Lambo Huracan

Class 1876 PGB (4 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 3696 SALMON, Mrs K Lobengula Pearl

Good  size and ratio of height to length.  Head of good proportions with a typical expression. I would prefer a little more fill in of chest.  Shoulders well laid.  Well ribbed back with chest dropped to elbow.  Good topline, strong loin, good croup and tail set.  Good turn of stifle with strong, well let down hocks.  Moves free in profile.

2nd: 3682 KAPMA-SAUNDERS, Mrs C R Oostblik Skyn Avior

A bitch that is up to size but presents a balanced picture standing.  Good feminine head with good depth of muzzle, strong underjaw, good chizelling below the eyes which are round and harmonizing with the coat.  Excellent width and infill of chest.   Strong, level topline leading to strong loin and correct croup.  Ribcage carried well back.   Good spring of pastern.  Good turn of stifle.  Very good coming towards on the move and in profile.

3rd: 3674 HEALEY, Mr John & HEALEY, Mrs Kay Kiromol Reckon I'm Hot 

Class 1877 LB (9 Entries) Abs: 1
1st: 3680 HUMPHREY, Mr Robin Priorpark Peaky Blinder JW

This was my RCC winner last time I judged and I am pleased that this time she took the CC.  She has beautiful balance in outline.  Her  fore chest and fill in of chest is exceptional.  Strong insertion of neck into skull and neck of correct length merges well into body.  Excellent shoulder and return of upper arm.  Correct slight slope to pasterns standing on excellent feet.  Ribs dropped to elbows and carried well back to strong loin.  Good width of first and second thigh with well let down hocks that she uses well to drive off.  Excellent low action in profile and tracking up well on the up and down. 

2nd: 3706 WILLOUGHBY, Mr Alex Kazembe Cult Classic

Another presenting a typical outline.  Very feminine head which is framed by excellent ears of good size.  Good dark eyes, correct wrinkle and balance to her head.  Good bone for body size.  Well ribbed back with strong loin.  Good front with straight, well boned forelegs, good spring to pastern and well knuckled feet.  Good width of first and second thigh, good turn of stifle.  Moved free in profile and true coming when not getting over-excited and bringing her front up but she is still very young.

3rd: 3662 CATLEY, Miss Anna & MCGIMPSEY, Mr Robert Royalridge High Hopes JW


Class 1878 OB (6 Entries) Abs: 0
1st: 3663 CATLEY, Miss Anna & MCGIMPSEY, Mr Robert Royalridge Aurora

Very good proportions to this bitch.  Good planes to head with correct moderate stop.  Clean lips and good ear set, eyes forward looking.  Strong occiput with good insertion into a muscular neck which is nice and clean and of good length.  Strong withers with good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm.  Well boned forelegs with strong pasterns with correct spring into good feet.  Good depth of chest and spring of ribs which are well ribbed back.  Strong loin  Hindquarters match angulation to front with well let down hocks.  Moved well in all directions.  I was pleased to award her the RCC.

2nd: 3689 PARSONS, Miss H Ch Priorpark Poetry In Motion JW

Correct proportions to her head.  Good earset.  Amber eyes which correctly harmonize with her coat and nose colour.  Excellent fore chest and width of chest with strong, well boned straight forelegs, good spring to pasterns and good feet.  Well Ribbed back gradual underline.  Strong loin.  Strong, well muscled hindquarters which she uses to give her plenty of reach and drive albeit a little close behind.  Lovely free profile action.
3rd: 3695 SALMON, Mrs K Msingi Love Me Do At Lobengula

Class 1879 VB NO ENTRIES