2009 MAJOR TROPHY SHOW JUDGES REPORT.

J H MOLLENTZE ( Elmojama Bull Terriers )

First of all I would like to thank the organizing committee of the Major Trophy Show for the opportunity to judge this prestigious event after being drawn to officiate at it for the sixth time. It is a real privilege to be asked to judge this event and to be able to stand in the ring with some of the top Bull Terriers of our country. It was also a great privilege to share the ring with my co-judges, Heila Brits and Nico du Preez. This was the second time that I judged with Heila and I enjoyed it immensely.

As always the venue again was decorated beautifully and this event does not have to stand back for any other of its kind in the world.

Of the 44 dogs and bitches that were entered for the Show, 11 Dogs and 5 bitches were absent and 5 were entered “Not for exhibition”, all in all 23 exhibitors were present.

It is my opinion that overall this year, the bitches again were better than the dogs.

I must say that overall it seems that our mouths have improved and so did our temperaments.

We still lack movement and this can be contributed to long and dippy backs and upright shoulders.

Imported Dogs:

There were only two of the three exhibits present and in the ring, and co-judge Brits and I did not choose the same dog. It was a split decision and referee Du Preez, with my co-judge, chose no 3, Ch Bullyview Leading Role to Navada, as the winner. My Choice was no 1, Ch Bilboen Rebel in Red at Stelron, an upstanding red and white dog with good teeth, nice round feet, fair stifles, good substance and spring of rib, and a short back. His movement was fair coming and going. His head could have been better.

S A Bred dogs under two years:

There were 4 of the 8 exhibits present. Here co judge Du Preez and I were in agreement with the winner, no. 8, Ch Lubjan Monchou of Rhizen. This is a big heavily boned dog with a fair head, lacking in profile with level teeth. Very good eye placement with piercing glint. His movement was good in front and fair behind.

He only pipped my second choice, no 5, Avonjul Kros Eyed Junky, with his movement and teeth.

S A Bred dogs over two years:

I did not have the privilege to judge this class and the two judges were split between no’s 17 and 19.

I was called in as referee and chose no. 19, Ch Morningside Denzel So Sweet, who was also my choice from the side of the ring. This is a very nicely balanced middle of the road dog with heavy bone and substance for the size of the dog. He has good stifles and a very short back. He moved very well coming and going. His head is good, but could have more curve. His teeth are very good.

I gave him the nod over no 17, Ch Ipon The Rock, on his overall better balance and movement and also his better mouth.

Coloured dogs:

Only 3 of the 8 dogs were present.

Again I and co-judge Brits did not choose the same dog and the referee was called in to choose between no 17, Ch Ipon The Rock, and no 3, Ch Bullyview Leading Role to Navada. The winner was no 17.

I thought The Rock - my choice - was better than Leading Role overall on balance and movement, although he himself is not a good mover. He also had better teeth.

Imported Bitches:

Both exhibitors in this class were present.

I and co-judge Du Preez chose the same winner, no. 25, Ch Stamic High Ambition of Kunjuri.

This is a very well balanced bitch with a well filled good head, good correct bite and very well laid back shoulders, good spring of rib and substance. She has a short back with

good stifles. She moves well in front, but could be better behind.

S A Bred Bitches under two years:

In this class 8 of the 10 exhibits were present

I did not judge this class and the two judges picked the same exhibitor, no 32, Reithsons Clareece.

From the side of the ring this looked like the right choice

S A Bred Bitches over two years:

In this class 3 of the 8 bitches were present. Againin co-judge Brits and I did not choose the same bitch. The referee was called in to choose between no. 40, Ch Ipon Glamazon of Carradice, and no 42, Ch Niroux Spirits Pride of Carradice.

The referee’s choice was the same as mine, Spirits Pride, with her better head, good body and spring of rib. Her teeth were good and she is well balanced.

She crabbed a little in her movement but it was due to not knowing her handler.

Coloured Bitch:

Co-judge Du Preez and I were not in agreement with the winner of this class. There were 4 competitors present out of 7, and we had a split decision between no 35, Ch Sandawana Be dazzled of Shodan, and no 36, Wild Thing.

The referee was asked to choose between the two, and her choice was no 35, Ch Sandawana Be Dazzled of Shodan. I thought my choice of Wild Thing, a black brindle bitch, was better on her better head, balance and movement. Her teeth were good.

Dog of the year:

I was not asked to judge this class and the winner by unanimous decision was no 8, Ch Lubjan Monchou of Rhizen. I would have chosen no 19, CH Morningside Denzel So Sweet, because of his overall better appearance and presentation, balance, teeth and movement.

Bitch of the year:

This was a unanimous decision between co-judge Brits and I in favour of no 32, Reithsons Clareece.

Supreme Bull Terrier:

The title of Supreme Bull Terrier, went to no 32, the bitch, Reithsons Clareece - a worthy winner of this prestigious title. Judge Brits and I opted for her, while judge Du Preez favoured the dog, Ch Lubjan Monchou of Rhizen.

Challenge Classes:

Best Coloured Bull Terrier of the year:

Here the two judges chose the same dog, no 17, Ch Ipon The Rock. I did not judge the class but thought no 35, Ch Sandawana Be Dazzled of Shodan, was a better bitch than he was a dog.

Best Imported Bull Terrier of the year:

I was not asked to judge this class and the winner was no 3, Ch Bullyview Leading Role to Navada. I would have chosen the bitch because for me she was far superior to the dog in shape, movement, head and teeth.

Best Head in Show:

It was a unanimous decision between judge Brits and me for no 32, Reithons Clareece, with her well filled head with its good profile and correct, beautiful teeth.

Best Mover in Show:

Four exhibits were nominated for this class, and an easy winner and unanimous decision between judges Brits and Du Preez was no 19, CH Morningside Denzel So Sweet.

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