Page 32 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

CRUFTS 2020

Working Group Critique mover), the Newfoundland Le Rest’s INT/Multi

Ch Nirvana De La Baie De Pempoul, medium
By starting with a somewhat unorthodox phrase in sized male of excellent balance, true head and
the world of dogs: “There is no bigger fish to fry!”, powerful movement and the Mastino Napoletano,
let me first say how much I have enjoyed this very
Mafi’s Tommaso Goffredo’s Taro, young sound
Working Group assignment at Crufts 2020. male of high potential, with correct head and
For someone passionately involved in the working expression, excellent bone and feet, but needed
breeds, it should definitely rate as the world’s already more substance in body and seemed
highest accolade having been honoured to do the somewhat intrigued by the size of the party.
Working Group at Crufts. With a twinkling in the From my final eight, the four non-placed dogs I
eye, I can’t resist adding: Being the first German
would like to give here a very special place in the
since WW II in this role, might disburdendly tick limelight: The Bernese Mountain Dog, Hartley-
one more box in the show-archives of Crufts. Mair’s Meadowpark Touch Of Class, a charismatic
So, stepping again on this magic green carpet, bitch of beautiful type and movement, the Mastiff,
was this foremost a moment of pride? No, actually Dr. Zadeh’s Ch Faynad Frankincense, had not
not - for me, it was a sentimental moment of seen this renowned brindle chap with more
gratitude and respect to all those of the past who charisma, with the noble aura of a gentleman,
have taught, inspired and supported me with their worthy record holder of our breed), the St.
experience and dedication on my way in dogs. Bernard, Grainger & Nagrecha’s Ch Candlimore
They were all deeply rooted in the authenticity and Fire A Gun, an outstanding young dog of super
the traditional principles of the British approach size and bone, very impressive, fantastic head,
to the sport. Can (and should) all this still be the super neck and free floating movement and
underlying recipe going forward? Yes, as far as I the Entlebucher representing the A.V. Imported
am concerned, I firmly believe so. Register (Baynton’s Alfie Bangwood (Imp CZE), a
A big thank you to the Crufts Committee for having classy dog of perfect head and expression, sound
given me what turned out to be a most rewarding at both ends).
experience (and the Committee & Crufts Team The winner was the Bullmastiff, Loosveldt’s BE/
deserve highest respect, I thought, for having run FR/NL/DE/PL/HU CH Phoenix Never Dies Du
the world’s greatest dogshow 2020 so smoothly Monde D’Elias JCH BE/NL, a true Bullmastiff
given the challenging conditions). And, of course, male, ready to do what he was bred for, the
a big thank you to my fellow judges this year who stalwarts of the breed wouldn’t have overlooked
composed a pretty strong and highly competitive him, worthy to be the first in Bullmastiff history
Working Group for me. Thank you very much to win the group at Crufts, flat skull, small ears,
indeed! determined look-through expression, correct jaws
There were some classy dogs in the ring, and there and muzzle, no upturn whatsoever, thick lips just
were some who pushed particularly hard for being covering the underjaw, enormous stallion-neck,
selected, but at the end of the day couldn’t make super layback in shoulder, the old-style round
it into the cut of my final eight. My respect goes bone with cat feet, muscular, but dry body, in
to their breeders, owners and handlers for having hard condition all over, no sofa dog, broad loins,
presented these top quality dogs in excellent style. powerful hindquarters, moved with purpose and
Here I foremost think of the Canadian Eskimo Dog authority, was thrilled to watch him glamorously
Bailey’s CAN GR CH Arcticice Qimmiq G-Amorak represent our breed in the grand finale. Fantastic
Avec Akna (Imp CAN), the best male I have seen for ambassador on the day. Gracefully, but decisively
years, charismatic expression, expertly handled, handled, congratulations!
the Giant Schnauzer Staples’ Riesenheim Taio Reserve the Rottweiler, Franklin’s Nageem Haribo
Cruz To Ruffhaus, most balanced male, super At Haccasbrook ShCM ShCEx, true-type German
shoulder, with correct German Schnauzer coat), Rottweiler male in my ring! Not mediocre and no
the Hovawart Murphy’s Castlemary Druid EJW lack of aura. Strong and impressive, but perfectly
IJC SJC ICH WW’15’18, true quality male with balanced dog, substantial body, but perfectly
authentic German head, super sound, true fit, with impressive male head, but in no way

Full Crufts photo coverage - on our website www.K9News.co.uk

32 - K9 NEWS DIGITAL