Page 34 - Chow Life - Fall 2025
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2025 CCCI NATIONAL
Judge’s Critique
Breed by MS. DEBORAH BARRETT
First, thank you for the spectacular entry! I had an fine characteristics that can make up our breed.
“embarrassment of riches” from which to choose. I look with affection upon your dogs and I am
Some folks were wondering why I treated the seeing their many fine features.
specials a bit differently. I had given this thought,
and I wanted to be able to give every entry their I was gratified to see more entries with a stilted
best chance to show themselves unhindered, in the gait than I have in the past, and more nicely square
whole ring. This is a celebration of Chows and an exhibits. Pigment is not an issue either and the
opportunity like no other to ponder who might be vast majority of Chows had eyes which were
helpful in your own breeding program. wonderfully clear. Fronts continue to commonly
be the biggest issue in numerous breeds because
Next, let me share my regret that I couldn’t speak there are so many parts needing to be in harmony.
to each one of you and tell you what I admired Perhaps the most common faults I saw were a
about your exhibit. There are never enough short upper arm, which can give that ‘high in the
ribbons to go around and even if you didn’t receive rear’ look, and a head carriage lower than I would
one this time, don’t think I didn’t notice your prefer – which can be caused by unbalanced
Chow’s beautiful feet, compact body, clear eyes, angulation in general, having the entire front
correct ear set, great conditioning, beautiful head assembly pushed too far forward, a straight
details, high-set wagging tail, or a million other shoulder, etc. There were some entries who were
very nice standing still but then when allowed to
move, could not ‘maintain the frame’ as they say
in dance parlance. Movement is the final test of
balance and soundness.
It was sometimes tough to make these choices
but here we are. I had such an endearing
lineup of baby puppies! Ultimately, I
awarded my Best to Pendleton Catch Me
If You Can, an imposing and handsome
square puppy well up on his toes,
showing me his balance and with
an excellent puppy headpiece. My
Opposite was a charming little bitch,
East Blue & Mozzafiato’s Little Black
Dress who made the most of herself
strutting confidently around the ring.
Who could resist that adorable muzzle?
Additionally, thank you to those who
showed your black dogs in their natural
undyed state, as this young miss appeared
to be. I see a bright future for these
upcoming stars and I look forward to admiring
the adults they become.
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