Individual Critiques from Tom Stewart
First, judge would like to thank the NWCF for inviting me to judge. I had a wonderful time and saw a bunch of great dogs. As I point out more than once in my critiques, the number of correct forechest/prosternum assemblies I saw was impressive. As you read these critiques I ask you to remember that this is one judge’s opinion of the dog/bitch on this given day. I would also like to thank the NWCF folks for such wonderful hospitality and the chance to see and chat with so many people.
9-12 Puppy Dogs
- Wonderland Lord Donner of Plum: Beautiful youngster. He has a wonderful, deep forechest with a nicely prominent prosternum. His rear angles are well-constructed. An overall nice youngster.
- Coedwig’s Captain Sunshine: Pretty sable boy. Again, another pretty forechest. Nice head. Would have liked to see more balance and a better angle to the rear, but, at this age, the parts are sometimes waiting to catch up with each other.
- Coedwig’s Mercury Comet of Currin Creek: Nice head piece on this youngster. Again, another nice forechest. Riding high in the rear which affected his topline. In nice coat with a rich tone to the black.
12-15 Month Dogs
- (Winners Dog) Shadowalk Reno: Nicely balanced boy. Very smooth moving around the ring. Correct topline and nice rear.
- Aurigan Simayaks Mark of Zorro: Nice, correct headpiece. Just a little nervous in the ring, but nothing that maturity shouldn’t fix.
15-18 Month Dogs
- Pawcific Into the Woods: Nice level topline, very striking red tri. Going through a teen growing stage, waiting for the body to catch up with the legs.
Bred by Exhibitor Dogs
- (Reserve Winners Dog) Coedwig’s Black Diamond: Nice moving black dog. Properly angulated. Would have liked to see a more masculine head, but that can come with age.
- Toshay’s Grand Illusion: Nicely angled rear. Shoulder slightly straighter than desired, which limited movement slightly.
- Indium To The Hilt With Toreth: Nice blue boy. Well angled and nice moving. He was, unfortunately, very reactive on the table exam so it is difficult to evaluate some of his construction. (Note: I was able to observe this boy all weekend and, on Sunday, he did fine on the table, which told me his reactions were not a temperament issue, but an environmental reaction or a reaction to me).
Open Dogs
- Toshay’s Beaumaris: Nice topline, again another beautiful forechest. Slightly shorter coupled and somewhat straighter in the rear, which limited his sidegate somewhat.
- Toreth Indium Lightning Thief: Nice topline, well-angled rear. Would have liked to see a better shoulder layback, which would have given a more flowing neck into the topline look.
- Coedwig’s Jack of All Trades: Smaller boy. Lovely, proper coat. Would like to see more substance/bone on this boy.
6-9 Puppy Bitches
- (Reserve Winners Bitch/Best Puppy) Redbud Bluskyy’s Leap of Faith: Pretty brindle puppy. Nice movement, properly angled. A little up on leg, but to be expected given the age.
- Mariel’s Sprig of Parsley: Nice headpiece. Good rear angles. Would have liked to see a little better shoulder layback. Lovely red color.
9-12 Puppy Bitches:
- Aurigan Ava Sings the Blues: Wonderfully moving blue girl. Well angulated with, again, a beautiful forechest.
- High Prairie Mairwne of Currin Creek: A very feminine girl. Well-assembled rear. A little high in the rear of the topline
12-15 Month Puppy Bitches
- (Winners Bitch/Best of Winners) Redbud Oak Leaf and a Little Merrythought: Well-balanced and nice movement on this girl. Very sweet temperament.
- Toshay’s Equinox: Well-angled but did not seem to want to use al of it on this particular day.
- Car-Rae’s Pandemonium: Nice rear angles. A little fine-boned and a little high in the rear. Very focused.
- Coedwig’s Painted Rose: A little uncertain about things. Pretty headpiece with striking tan points.
15-18 Month Bitches
- Pawcific by the Laurel Tree: Another correct forechest. Overall nice front assembly. Straighter in the rear made her a little off-balanced.
Bred by Exhibitor Bitches
- Samhain’s Garden Party: Pretty sable girl. A little straight in the rear. Presented herself well.
Open Bitches
- Aurigan Timepiece’s Sweet Caroline: Nice head but would like a more rounded ear. Correct front but straight rear limited movement.
Veteran Dogs
- C-Myste Baledwr SN Surfin’s USA BN RA OAP OJP OFP CGC Very athletic and sound. A little lighter in bone, but this has contributed to the nice number of performance titles after his name.
- GCH Aurigan Mantle Eye of the Tiger: Distinguished Moved nicely around the ring. Just a little straight in the rear
Veteran Bitches
- (Select/Best Veteran) GCH Grangefield Aberdovey Vanity: A perfect example of how well our breed ages. She moved nicely and showed minimal, if any, slowing down for 11 years old.
- GCH Coedwig’s the Quiltmaker: Nice feminine girl. Moved nicely but would have liked to see just a little more shoulder layback.
Best of Breed Competition:
Before giving individual critiques on the winners, I would like to point out that this was a very tough group of Cardigans to judge. The depth of quality made my job as a judge both difficult and enjoyable. I want to thank everyone who showed to me.
Best of Breed: GCH CH Toreth’s Tungsten Archer: A beautiful moving dog. He has everything in moderation, which makes for a wonderful package. Very striking silhouette.
Best of Winners: Redbud Oak Leaf and a Little Merrythought: Well-balanced and nice movement on this girl. Very sweet temperament.
Best of Opposite Sex/Best of Breed Owner-handler: CH Aurigan Supreme Corvette HSAsd: Long, lovely outline. Nice mover. Stunning black coat and pretty head.
Select Dog: GCH Pawcific I Walk with the King CAA BCAT: Another great mover. Nice masculine headpiece.
Select Bitch/Best Veteran: GCH Grangefield Aberdovey Vanity: A perfect example of how well our breed ages. She moved nicely and showed minimal, if any, slowing down for 11 years old.
Awards of Merit:
CH Timepiece’s I Am I Said: A nice typey girl. Another nice mover.
GCH Toreth’s Requesting a Fly-by: Beautiful blue boy. Very striking markings and a nice mover.