May I begin by thanking the committee of the Southern Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club for the honour of the invitation to judge their Championship show. It fulfilled a long standing ambition as this was the completion of the ‘hat trick’, having judged the Caledonia Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club in Kelso Scotland in 2006 and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club in 2010. I believe I am the only North American, and certainly the only Canadian to have judged all three Dandie clubs’ championship shows.

I am grateful to my excellent and efficient steward, Mr. Bob Blackley who came all the way from Liverpool to guide me through the day, ably assisted by Margaret Russell and Meriel France. I also would like to recognize the enthusiasm of the audience and the exhibitors who make me feel so welcome. The atmosphere all day was one of camaraderie, which is so important when one’s beloved breed is as endangered world-wide as the Dandie Dinmont.

If I may be permitted to make some general observations, the first impression I had is that presentation has improved significantly over the past decade. It is easier to see a pleasing outline on a trimmed dog than on an ungroomed one. Jackets, coat texture and colour were excellent for the most part, and only one dog had incorrect dentition, the majority had the strong muzzle and large canines the breed is known for. Most dogs had a decent sized nose (which although not mentioned in the standard is very important not only for the typical expression but a large open nose, evoking its 17th century hound ancestors, was necessary when this ancient breed hunted badgers and foxes.)

Only a few dogs had that lovely deep stop and large, dark, round, wide apart liquid eyes that give the Dandie its almost human appearance, and those were rewarded. There were a few high set ‘bat’ ears which ruins the expression, and several flat feet. Also there were fewer dogs than I’d like to see that strode out with great propulsion from the hindquarters These were the dogs with a longer stifle and short straight hock.

Of course, this is a breed that difficult to get right, and it is understandable that new judges often find the breed challenging. The beautiful domed head with its soft yet wise expression is covered with a glorious topknot. The topline is so important, yet so elusive, with just enough rise over the loin to create a soft curve, but not too much. The loin is short and the ribbing is long and strong. The legs, sound both in front and rear, are not too long yet not too short to prevent a fluid driving movement. And the tail set is one of the most important features of the topline, as too high set a tail destroys the shape often described as ‘weasley’, but a correctly set scimitar shaped tail is the beautiful completion of the gentle curves of the Dandie’s unique silhouette.

Mike Macbeth