Show results - Tvååker July 12, 2009

6 curlies entered in Tvååker, two dogs and the rest bitches - no puppies. Folke got his second yellow ribbon, judge was Rita Kadike Skadina, Lithuania. She disliked his entire being - a strong dislike that begun when she saw his somewhat open bite. She returned and looked at it about four-five times just for the cause I guess as she saw it the first time she opened his mouth.



I don't really understand why she had to go back and go through the front of his mouth that many times - but then again not much in her judging made sense to me anyways. In a way it was very kind of her - although I have a slight feeling she didn't mean it that way - as Folke got to practice and behaved very well.

The critics were quite "interesting" as well and compared to the other critics Folke has received this does not sound like the same dog being judged:
masculine head, bite not correct, strong body, angulation should be better, very short steps, narrow in front, too straight behind.

Folke´s somewhat open bite was worth nothing more than a third price, while the same judge rewarded individuals with no curls 1st price with a CK and BOB to a curly with huge and clearly visible bald patches - where is the sense in that? I don't know and I can only shake my head in amazement at the lack of common sense.

In a working breed like a curly I would say that most people would opt for the one that could work or go with you an entire day no matter temperature or weather.

An open bite is a physical error, so is bald patches and a bad over all coat - which would last the longest in the field? I do not think I need to further explain which one I believe is more severe in a curly.

But okay - give an open bite a third price BUT - please be consistent and give the same to other severe errors like bald patches and no coat. In my opinion, judging like Rita Kadike Skadina clearly indicates a lack of commitment, common sense and breed knowledge.

We still had a great day - it's not as if I am not used to being thrown out if the ring with Folke every now and then. Lena was placed 5th out of 10 in open class and Inez behaved really well.

Stretching before entering the ring.

We also brought with us an american cocker - Lena's father's - that was trimmed down. The American Cockers were in the same ring as the Welsh Springers and we put up our tent next to that ring and walking pass with crates and a tent and initially only with a trimmed down american cocker resulted in a few lifted eye brows. Pretty amusing!

Yes - there are three dogs in the photo.