I judged Working Eliminations for the Kennel The snarling overt aggressive behavior was justified
Union of South Africa (KUSA) National show, by some by saying they don’t get enough opportu-
selecting Working Group finalists for the evening, nities for socialization, but it does not reflect well
ultimate competition. I didn’t get to see any Bul- on our breed. My choice for CC male moved well,
lies, so I had to content myself with petting a dar- was balanced, well constructed, offering strength of
ling young Staffy who decided I needed to meet body and head and overall excellence in breed type.
him, and talking with Gerrit, a wine specialist about
some of the top quality South African wines. The minor bitch class was a really a pleasure to see
come into the ring….3 different types and all really
The Glamorous KUSA Finals nice with considerable potential. Deciding between
Back to the hotel, we changed into evening clothes them was one of the more difficult decisions of the
and went down to the lobby. David and I were day. First place in the class went to a brindle bitch
escorted to the event by Walter Matthee, in formal with a beautiful filled up head and correct bite, who
Highland dress. Every judge wanted a photo with went on to the res CC. She was well made, and her
this good looking young man in the kilt and he proportion and balance will probably improve as
graciously obliged. We were driven to a nearby she matures. Second in the class was a jewel in a
estate, for a candlelight dinner. After dinner, in the compact package, who in time with a bit more bone
final KUSA event, I judged the working group and and substance will be truly lovely. The third was
selected the Rottweiler to go forward for BIS. The sound, balanced and beautiful without drama. To
ultimate winner was the Staffy, who will represent my mind these girls represented some bright and
South Africa in this year’s Long Beach Eukanuba beautiful youngsters coming up in S.A. From the
competition. moment, I started judging the junior bitch class,
I was pleased with one particular youngster, who
Central Free State Bull Terrier Sp went on to be my CC bitch winner. Sound, bal-
Sunday, I started by judging “junior and child anced, stylish, superb breed type, she was especially
handlers”, and it is always a pleasure to work with first-rate quality in quarters.
young people. My BT judging time was delayed
because one of the Brazilian judges was still doing I was especially happy to see some of the lovely
Bullies in an adjoining ring for the Kimberley KC puppies who came to show. It’s always wonderful
show. I went over to watch the Dobe judging with to bring out youngsters, even knowing they prob-
our Brazilian breeder-judge friends, going back pe- ably don’t have a lot of chance of winning, but they
riodically to check-in with my patient ring steward are there to have a good time and learn. It’s always
Louise. One of those trips back, I looked up to see such a pleasure to see well made young bullies
a BT break his leash and race determinedly toward learning, growing, and happy to be working with
another dog. His handler caught him with a flying their handlers.
tackle that was truly pro football caliber. If anyone
had a camera, it is probably on You Tube now. When the conformation judging was finished, I was
asked to award, best head, best movement, and best
Finally, we were able to start the BT judging. It was color. We don’t do this in the US, but when we’ve
hot. I would have liked to keep dogs out for people judged in other countries, we’ve been asked to
to see, but because of the sun, I put them as much as judge best tail, best ears, and best feet, etc. Any-
possible in the shade. Overall the entry was made way, when I was asked to judge best color, I didn’t
up of good quality dogs. Many had excellent length question it. Apparently I was supposed to judge
and width of head and muzzle, but some lacking the “best colored”, but that was not what was in my
fill that is important for a really strong head. Most judge’s book. I had some nice coats with lovely
had good bites, reasonable profiles and good ear color, but my choice was a charming, beautiful
sets, good angulation and top lines. headed youngster, who was out for what I think was
his first show weekend. He was not at all confident
I was happy with a number of class males who pos- about showing, but his handler was patient with
sessed good balance and breed type. Some males him. This sweet boy had rich, brilliant color with
were scrappy, full of themselves (which is good) handsome brindling. He deserved the “best color”
and ready/aching for a fight (which is not appropri- win and they seemed thrilled.
ate or desirable).
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36