It is pretty unusual, almost strange that any judge should go to the trouble to write in depth about any Show apart from the normal Critique but even some fail to do this essential requirement, but I have a reason for doing so here.

 It was nearly 3 years since I received the Invitation and accepted it in preference to another at the same time, and I am thankful I chose the right appointment for me.

 But it was only recently I was advised that Sky Atlantic TV were going to be in attendance at this show for the purposes of including what they film in a programme to be screened next  Feb

 Sure enough 4 days prior they made contact with me asking if I had any objection to them following me and others around and would it bother me?

They assured me that I would hardly notice them, and true to their word I did not during the whole day, except whilst inside the House itself. That became somewhat of a film set. On location with Cameras, overhead mikes and booms, recorders, etc.

 I was asked initially  days before to arrive early simply  to meet the Director  on the day to outline their proposals, for an interview, and after  a 250 miles car journey starting out at 4 am I duly arrived to meet the ensemble at the entrance, only to be ushered into the inner sanctum of Carlton Towers itself in a rush of activity.

 What came into view inside the doorway, on first entry is breathtaking, just look at the hall inside below that greets you.

  Then to my amazement being led on further and  shown into the actual Sitting room of the LORD and LADY  themselves, to await my fate so to speak.

 It was then I discovered later we were both then in “The Bow Drawing room” on our own.

 Once everyone was inside I can assure you ALL in that room were overcome with a sense of History and all that had gone before.

 I show below a photo of just where we were privileged to be sitting to give you a sense of the occasion, everywhere one looked were antique items, porcelain in beautiful cabinets  and a host of other items of Historical interest, each to tell their own story.

Now prior to all this  happening , and  following  SKY’s  initial phone call days before to me  I came upon the idea “ well if they are going to be  following us ... then we shall follow them “  so I arranged to have persons taking photographs  incognito so to speak  behind them wherever they went unbeknown to them or in fact any other person at the show.

 I told nobody what I had planned not even the Show Officials themselves, it passed without comment of any kind.

 It was to be my Cameo of the day. Only at the very end were the Crew made aware of what had been successfully planned. They were somewhat amused with 4 letter words.

 I simply wanted to get behind the scenes to see it “warts n all”.  We captured some delightful scenes in various shots from all on view just to show those that were not there what a glorious show this is. To my mind it places Yorkshire head and shoulders above the rest simply by adding this venue to their Show.

 Once away I felt it needed to be put all together in the Format on display you see here.

 Location is almost everything one does nowadays and those that have been to Carlton Towers will readily know it is their “Jewel in the Crown “.

It is an imposing sight that towers and rises up above you from wherever you stand or goes, a truly magical vast Gothic structure that forms the backdrop standing in full view on its own, in nearly all scenes and photos.

 Just spare a little time and look at the shots we did, it is more than impressive. True it overpowers the show itself but put them both together and they are made for each other.

 Carlton Towers itself as a Stately Home in parts dates back so we found out to 1268 and was listed in the Doomsday Book and there I was sitting in the Lords Chair in the same room as his Ancestors before him had been surrounded by Oil paintings around the entire wall some life size.

 Even photos of many present celebrities, some present day stars, including the Pope that had sat in the same arena were all close by.

 Both Dan and myself were first left alone to take stock and take on board all around us before being eventually  joined by my fellow Judge Duane Butherus  who we knew long before, ushered in with Hazel Arris and  Secretary Sue Virgo.

 Then there was that TV crew now large as life towering over us in the same room, lurking, now SO very conspicuous, some even hiding behind the furniture... Yes but filming ourselves in natural everyday conversation for almost 30 minutes. The door opened and in came the Lord himself, not standing on Ceremony, paper cup of early morning tea in hand, laughing and smiling, very natural in his shirtsleeves as if he was part of the family. Hazel did a marvellous job between us and was in top form.

 It was all part of the programme but naturally it will appear in a condensed and no doubt a very much “Cut “form when screened on TV.

 My  own camera person was also  inside the room without being questioned, unbeknown to them just to capture the opening shot before we departed and again filmed us together at the doorway out on those imposing wide steps that lead down to the front of the building.

 And so the show began with me in the ring 30 mins before the bitches.

 Having told you about  my ruse please take time  and stock not only to look at  the winners but every segment, you never know it may inspire you to visit the same show in 2012 and to the Officers, the Committee I  simply say to them , a Big Thank you , adding  “  More of the same please” in the following years.

 Then there was you the Exhibitors, the Spectators, the Watchers on 4 legs, the Officers, my Stewards even the Referee who we followed around.

Judging is not an exact Science, it has latitude. Therefore I am mindful as a single dedicated Breed Specialist being my own choice spanning 5 decades to give my first priority of equal attention to every exhibit..  In doing so after that I try to refrain from inflicting my personal preferences or dislikes and to then writing negative comments on this basis.

 No everything in the garden is definitely not rosy but I see no point of writing I wish for this or that if it is not there. My routine is for Breed Type, then Balance, followed by power and strength and finally movement.

 No single exhibit has it all by far but within my set routine, after assessing I also endeavour to place the best dog in every class on the day as I see them, not on past history or owner.

 Of course within examination and observation, the assets have to far  outweigh the faults as  see them , or more to the point are greater than in comparison to others in the same competition.

 Of course that depends on ones views, experience and ultimate knowledge one gathers over time, and yes that magical word interpretation comes into play.

 I was pleased from my selection to have 3 out of the Top Awards possible namely Best in Show, Best puppy in Show and Best veteran  to come from the males I judged

Veteran Dog (4) abs 1

1^st.  Int/Fr/Uk Ch Destiny Du Jegdalek Avec Bichoux JW

 Gold of 7 years , true masculine head piece, good strong underjaw, pronounced roman nose, shaded mask of immense appeal that  fills the eye, from all angles. Wealth of coat, well presented, with the all important balance fore and aft, longest of leathers, set on very long neck, giving that all important, air and forward gaze. Impressive body construction  complete with the all important saddle, great depth to keel. Look at the backline it flows smoothly from head to croup  with the most wonderful true ring tail displayed  for all to see. Loved his Type which  is his virtue, and in a way, whilst he stands out, he just shaded his position, from the second that I also admire equally for some different reasons. Best Veteran in Show

2^nd   Ch Amudarya Shekinah of Terstine JW

Now here was my dilemma, I love this dog stacked, I prefer his rear assembly although to the eye, he appears shorter in cast, perhaps this is an illusion, created by the deep red saddle and patterning. He is an eye catcher, proud outlook, and wonderful type. At 8 years, a true Champion, shown  in impeccable bloom. His head is well balanced from foreface to back scull, great expression, level jaw line, bearded, longest of necks, complete with saddle. Look at the croup, for me set at the correct angle that supports his ringed tail he carries, at the correct angle. I made note of huge front feet with great extension a single factor so lacking generally in our breed.

3^rd                       Freecloud Bellagio

Minor Puppy Dog (3)    abs 1

1st   Jazzmeenah Ariel

Very attractive Cream puppy, black shaded mask, with excellent presentation, both of which will stand him in good stead when standing in future amongst  a sea of blacks. Raw, very much a baby, but I loved almost everything about him. He ticks almost all of the balances, I looked for.  Proud, yet arrogant with that elusive for so many now,  far off expression, that looked right through me. Of course he needs to tighten up in movement, which appears uncoordinated at this age, but well enough for me to see he will be a class act. I felt a good body, sound depth, straight forelegs held close to his chest, complete with saddle and ring tail. The more I moved him later, in the challenge I just knew he will be something special.   Best Puppy in Show

2^nd   Jodak Perfect Poison

Tall Black and Cream, no doubt a difficult handful to cope with at this age, and somewhat difficult to assess his movement. He is without  doubt so  extremely masculine, in every  single respect and balance, well advanced in stature, being only 7 months, firstly he stands over, a great deal of ground which imbalances the view from the side. He has a rugged frame, completely masculine, and the total opposite to the winner in balance. His head piece fits his body build, strong, set on long neck, with shaded mask.  He has the longest of tails, that sports a ring. I liked his coat texture and particularly the denseness of his black colouring, adding he was well bent in stifle at the rear.

Puppy Dog (1)  abs 1

Junior Dog (7)

1^st  Altside Louis Vuitton

Elegant, sleek, Silver Brindle saddled out at 14 months, imposing, a great picture and outline to all. I have no doubt his colour will gain him many admirers, but I look beyond that, and saw an impressive youngster. Type to me came to the fore, long foreface, nice eye shape, well chiselled. His asset his head carriage at the correct angle, set on longest of necks that flows smoothly, down the backline right to the pelvis, complete with correct slope away, curved tail. I loved the sweep to the rear, he stacks really well, and when he moves, his frame and power enabled him, to cover the ring with extreme ease and so important a style of high order. He gave me the distinct impression he would run away from the handler even in this big ring .I just loved him overall

2^nd  Sarakhan Shah-Bashir

Gold, very masculine, with the very best of the most important of all prime balances, that being height to length ratio. That filled my eye, when I first saw him. He excels in type, which for me is his number one virtue, and stands out from the crowd nowadays. Well made head, equally balanced foreface to back scull. Shaded mask. My hands noted a firm and well made body construction, correct spring, strong loin and the all important saddle, curved tail. I moved him so many times, urging him, to open up his side gait. The handler was extremely good and at times although I asked her to slow him down, she knew what she was doing, to improve his gait. Unlucky to come against my winner.

3^rd                      Tulak The Sentinel At Tazieff JW

Yearling Dog (8) 1 abs

1st    Valkor The Truth Be Told

Immediately drawn to the outline of this dog in the stack position, his shape and contour, fills the eye, in almost every department. The handler deserves much credit for this picture. Arrogant and impressive Brindle, masculine head, with long neck, great head carriage, flowing into a beautiful backline in one progression, without deviation, which was of great appeal to me. When I see it, I must applaud it, complete with saddle. Well made body, with ribbing and loin, in good balance, deep chest. Now he floats round the ring, with effortless ease at a steady gait, but powers off, from the standing position to get quickly into his stride, proudly displaying a beautiful ring tail. He will ,I have no doubt whatsoever win his Crown.

2^nd   Sarakhan Shah-Bashir

3^rd                         Valkor Cut To The Chase

Novice Dog (4) 2 abs

1^st   Sarakhan Shah-Bashir

2^nd    Krishan The Gladiator

Completely different type, and shape to the winner, but appealing. For me he needs more substance, and to firm up his topline, even so he presented a balanced outline. Well made head, balanced, held aloof. Straight forelegs,that I noticed he held close to his chest. Saddled out with a ring tail. He has the correct slope to his croup. Well handled.

Graduate Dog (8) 

1^st    Pahlevi Abraxas 

Black and Tan, with shading to the mask, sporting a beard. Scores in head balance, expression and chiselling. He was always looking forward right through me. Fills the eye, when stacked, beautifully balanced fore and aft, height to length ratio, appealed to me, finished with good slope to croup, and ring tail proudly displayed. Moves continuously with drive and purpose. I have  noticed him in the past, and to my surprise was one of the most improved dogs around in all departments, since growing on.

2^nd    Sarakhan Shah-Bashir

3^rd                          Karandikar Sea of Stars

Post Graduate Dog (8) 1abs

1^st   Saxonmill Midnight Mayhem At Terstine

Eye catching black/tan shown, handled, presented in impeccable bloom.The headpiece is beautiful, well moulded, good hand width, complete with dark eyes, surmounting the expression. Forever aware of my presence, but stood firm. My hands felt reasonably firm body construction, with enough substance, to suit the build, complete with saddle. His asset being height to length ratio that balances out. The upper backline flows smoothly down to a steep croup and the all important, ring tail. To some he may appear to be flashy, but to me he looked Breed Type. Moved well initially, in this class, flagged a little later, but no doubt, he was the winner of this class.

2^nd   Ashahni Azzam with Tokando JW

At first one may be forgiven at first glance in thinking, apart from colour, these two are similar, not so. He is very masculine, of stronger build and substance. Black / brindle with such a beautiful arrogant expression, well balanced foreface to back scull, bearded, long leathers. Front and rear assemblies compliment each other, well bent in stifle, curved tail. He is well coated, presented beautifully, and saddled out. Loved his big feet.

3^rd                       Sarakhan Shareef

Mid Limit Dog (6) 1 abs

1^st    Ashahni Aniq at Julam

Upstanding Black/tan dog from the top drawer, great ring presence, very imposing outline. I was drawn to his overall balance during my first walk round. He is the sort of dog, that you really have to have a look at in depth.

Middle range of the standard in size, he was a joy to go over. Well made headpiece just short of fabulous, far away gaze, nice expression. Strong forelegs, good hand width between, deep keel, saddle, correct slope to pelvis, ring tail. Excels for me with his wonderful gait with spring, good leading leg, and one who makes use, from those strong quarters. He is a breed specialist dog and one that stands out in a crowd. I had no hesitation in awarding Reserve C.C.

2^nd   Rydbergs Beyond All Limits For Tolah (Imp Sw)

 Eye catching black masked gold, with deep red saddle. Very masculine, somewhat arrogant in character, oblivious to all. I think he is his own master. His colouring and when stacked draws your eye to him, he presents an imposing outline, somewhat aloof. Well moulded head, long leathers, long neck. Beneath that flowing coat he is nice to go over, strong boned, straight forelegs. His outline suits his visual build  Presented in top condition.

3^rd                        Birkhall Mark

Limit Dog (12) 1 abs

1^st   Afterglow Jumping Rainbows Of Sofico

He is for me, overall the best dog today, that is and I qualify that  “in the stack position”, although middle range, I just love those that self stack themselves in front and rear assembly. Look at his outline, it shouts quality, proudness, a classic style of high order. Beautiful headpiece, shaded mask, no trace of coarseness, very long leathers, great length to neck. His colouring is his obvious asset, being Gold with deep red saddle. He is well boned as I demand a male to be, huge feet, deep chested, good tuck up, complete with a beautiful sweep to the rear, curved tail. His gait is effortless but shown at a quicker pace than I prefer. I can see nevertheless, that he covers the ground, using those powerful quarters with ease and style.

2^nd   Ashahni Ajmal At Lazakhan (JW)

Black and silver male of completely different stature and overall type. I prefer his backline and loin length to the winner, everything about it flows from the head along the saddle to tail. He is compact without one saying short coupled in the true sense, and in the prime balance of height to length ratio it presents a pleasing picture. He is another in the standard but middle range.

Well made head, the combination of eyes, brow, and foreface all blend to give a correct expression, surmounted with long ears. He also presents a classic pose that tends to go unoticed due to his dense black colouring. Another that I feel is a breed specialists kind of dog. Steep in croup with ring tail one of the few that carries it at the correct angle when on the move.

 I wanted him to open up his gait, but try as I might it did not happen today and as a result  of me being a very much “ what one sees  on the day” he was behind the winner 

3^rd                     Carre D’as Du Menuel Galopin A Miamarna

Open Dog (9) abs 2

1^st   Fr/Ir Ch Agha Djaris World Is Not Enough JW (Imp Ger)

Outstanding brindle who stood four square, commanded my attention throughout. His Type matches his virtue equally to all of the balances I look for. Well formed head, small dark eyes that followed my every move. The brows, eyes and chiselling enhanced the true expression I search for, complete with long leathers.  Carries head at correct angle with that proud outlook. I loved the true backline, lacking in so many of our present day Afghans. He is well ribbed, in hard condition. I admired the way he holds himself in the standing position, stands over his front assembly, pads hard down, particularly in the front. In the rear his asset is there for all to see, the distinct sweep, well bent stifles, so full of power that he uses throughout. Moves with Style and verve,a complete showman in every respect.

Won the CC, by sheer classic continuous performance, and ultimately Best in Show

2^nd    Ch Thuja All In The Game JW ShCM (Imp NL)

 I make no excuses for saying I have always liked him, so elegant, masculine throughout, of true classic Type. He always has stood out in any competition. Today for me sadly he robustly carried too much substance which affected his total balance on the move and gait. I never write about what I do not like but this is not a breed fault but I have to put in print my reason for his placing.

 Different headpiece long foreface, truly masculine, good underjaw, shaded mask. Very long neck, well made front assembly. Good depth to brisket, and tuck up. Correct angled croup, strong first and second rear thighs.  True shape to his ringed tail. He is elegant in all angles with a most pleasing outline in side view. So well presented, wealth of coat.  But  I have to  judge the exhibit as presented to me and seen on the move  on the day , nevertheless  his outstanding  Breed Type, nor  his outline , nor his absolute  quality  do not change  in my eyes. 

3^rd                        Shadowfax ciao Sabbioso JW ShCM

A special thank you to my 2 Stewards namely Trisha Howard, and Peter Wright

Who appeared just as I like them out of sight when judging but there on call when needed.

 Then to friends Ian Wilkinson and Anita Johns, my assistants who are themselves responsible under direction with a free licence to roam the show with pictures taking whatever they see. I am indebted to them for sterling efforts

Also to Avril Lancashire who took the final 4 big wonderful shots of the overall winners and Best in Show, with a concession from Yorkshire themselves to be allowed to include them here.

 If any person is offended by what they see then please speak to me and I shall remove them without question but..... I hope,....no trust you will accept them in the spirit of what I intended.

Then  lastly I am indebted to our friend Pam Croft the Site owner for giving me the chance to  show in depth my display for to all who were not there and  the result of our plans . Pam has provided me with unlimited space on that most invaluable site for our Breed of AHI.

I am indebted to RIK McDOWELL ( USA) of gm4designs for his assistance and portrayal of the opening shot " Dog on steps " and " Judges on steps"