Welsh Kennel Club Championship show 2018-Utility Group by Sigurd Wilberg

The Welsh Kennel Club has always been kind to me and I have for years been a frequent member of their judging panel. This year I was honoured by doing the Utility Group and it gave me a strange feeling knowing that it was already 10 years since I judged BIS for this favourite society of mine. I might not manage another 10 years, but I hope to hang in there for a few more. I want to congratulate WKC with another well-run show and wish them all the best for the future.
I was impressed by the quality of this group, so I want to thank my fellow judges for sending me such an impressive collections of BOB winners.
I shortlisted the Akita – Karma Police Akita Villa, Boston Terrier – Glenauld Jessie Jay, Dalmatian – Ch Buffrey Incognito By Dalleaf JW, Lhasa Apso – Ch Shenedene Don Carlos, Miniature Schnauzer – Ch Basamart Maybach, Standard Poodle – Afterglow Poppa Don’t Preach, Shar Pei – Ch Witchgait Secret Keepsake and Shih Tzu – Ch Rossvale Secret Obsession.
When the Dalmatian entered the big ring last Sunday, I could feel my heart starting to beat quicker. He made a huge impact on me and I had to look twice before I realised that he was just as good as I first thought. Here was a Dalmatian which was strong and muscular with a symmetrical outline free from coarseness and lumber. You could see he was capable of great endurance and speed the way he was moving around the ring as a professional athlete. He is probably the best Dalmatian I have ever seen, and I had no hesitation in giving him the group. I don’t think I have ever given a group to a Dalmatian before and I was of coure delighted when the world-famous Peter Green confirmed my view by giving Incognito BIS. For me it was a day to remember.
Number two was an impressive Standard Poodle. It was a joy to go over this well balanced and elegantly looking bitch with a proud carriage. She had quite a nice head and she was well developed in body with an excellent front. This girl could not be over-looked because when she started motoring I got moved by the way she drove around the ring on her light feet. One to be proud of!
The third in this excellent line-up was the Shih Tzu. I fell in love with Secret Obsession based on her arrogant carriage and “chrysanthemum-like face. When she looked at me I could feel her warmth and she pleased me no end. She was well coupled with a broad and deep chest. Her shoulders were well laid back and her tail was heavily plumed, high set and carried gaily, well over her back. Her gait was smooth and well reaching, showing full pads.
Last, but not least was a wonderful Lhasa Apso. This gentleman has what it takes, and he showed like a first-class stallion. I was closely connected to this breed in my younger days through my friendship with the Staunskjaer family in Denmark. I was instrumental in getting them Muti Ch Saxenspring Famous flyer which had such a big impact on the Danish dog scene. Built on my early experiences I have developed a special love for this breed. In Don Carlos we have a squire which is an exemplary representative for his breed. He has an impressive outline and he carries himself with style and presence, one of the best!
By Sigurd Wilberg