Thanks to the Jersey Shore GSDC,
Inc. for their hospitality, and for inviting me to judge. The show is held
at Monmouth Battlefield State Park amidst the changing colors of Fall,
and in a very historic location. Special thanks to the Rondeau family:
Al & Lois for the hospitality and wonderful show plans; Alfie for being
a great Ring Steward and Photographic assistant (not an easy task considering
that Norm Seldes was the photographer); and Caterina O'Sullivan for running
such an organized ring.
Best of Breed
CH. Ken-Delaine's Clarice (Ch. Ken-Delaine's
Mastercharge ex Bramblewood's Diedre v Nochee) This is a bitch I have loved
since the first time I saw her, where I awarded her a major. She is just
a great package - small, compact beautiful back, but most of all she NEVER
misses a beat. She has had a great career in both rings, and represents
us ALL beautifully - 3 times Select and Best in Show, as well.
Winner's Dog, Best of Opposite Sex
Riverdell's Desperado (Ch.Amber's Maxima
ex Riverdell's Dark Karma) A dark dog of medium size with an extreme, outreaching
sidegait. He had excellent temperament, a very strong back, good coupling,
true coming and going, and very smooth and free in movement. I understand
this win brought him within 1 point of his Championship.
Reserve Winner's Dog
Trafalgar-Kismet First Knight (Ch.Stoneway's
Uecker ex Ch.Trafalgar's Heat of the Night) The word Strong coms to mind
in describing this dog - Strong temperament & Character, Strong Sidegait,
Strong topline and back. This is a very, very good youngster who pushed
the Winner's Dog hard.
Winner's Bitch, Best of Winners
Amber's Skye (Ch.Amber's Maxima ex Amber's
Candy Girl) Pure BEAUTY - My wish for the breed would be that all German
Shepherd bitches could look like this. This bitch is all curves with a
deep body and beautiful, correct proportions. Her pigment is rich, her
head and face exquisite, finished with alert black eyes. She move harmoniously,
at a correct speed, with beautiful forehand, and traveling very close to
the ground. In case you hadn't realized, I just loved her.
Reserve Winner's Bitch
Aramist's Ivana of Kolbrook (Ch.Balsam's
Fire n Rain ex Kolbrook's D'Esprit D'Escalier) A medium to large black
& tan bitch with a powerful sidegait. She was shown in perfect condition
and was a very willing performer. She had a very strong back and topline,
holding firm at any speed. Her training, showmanship and grooming were
impeccable.
Best Puppy
Tindrock-Pinebuck Me & You (Ch.Kismet's
Hearthrob ex Ken-Delaine's Katarina) A large powerful moving puppy. She
had great enthusiasm, a beautiful back and topline, combined with a very
strong , exciting sidegait.
Best of Opposite Puppy
Kebre's Red Magic (Ch.Breauhausen's Red October
ex Ch. Baskerville's Abracadabra) A rich pigmented puppy with great temperament.
Once he got organized, he exhibited a beautiful forehand and nice suspension.
Both puppies were in "learning mode", and once they learn should have nice
careers.
I want to take a moment to talk about the
depth of quality in the older bitch classes. In 12-18, American Bred and
Open, the first and second place bitches were absolutely spectacular! Any
one of them could have been winners at an other show. It was thrilling
to have had the opportunity to judge them.