Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Bath CH Show Monday 26th May 1997

My first CC appointment, the quality in general was high and there were few absentees.  Bitches were as usual of more uniform size and of better quality than the dogs.  Many exhibits had a fairly free action in profile but did not track up well, bitches being far more accurate than the dogs.  Having said that the Open Dog class was hotly contested, the most difficult class of the day and I had to split hairs for placings.  There were some very good quality younger dogs in the puppy and junior classes too, but I do like to see youngsters well covered, many present were showing their ribs and were in hard muscle condition.  Ridgebacks are slow to mature and can be slimmed down and hardened off when they have a mature frame, only then will they reach there full potential  There is plenty of time , don’t push them too soon, a good one is worth the wait.

1st Craven’s Ch. Hespa Huenda I thought her promising when I judged her as a 7 month old puppy and she did not disappoint.  Another with a classic, typey head with good flat planes to the skull and muzzle.  Good reach of neck, forelegs straight with correct bone for body size, good pasterns and feet, level topline, strong loin, well ribbed back,good turn of stifle, well defined hocks  free mover and accurate. CC, BOB

1st Piehl’s, Matabelle Mozart An excellent class all dogs in the cards moved well in profile but many on the day did not have good parallel movement coming and going. 

My winner excels in his long reachy stride and accuracy fore and aft.  Standing has a lovely clean well laid shoulder with an adequate length of neck, good level topline, strong loin and good tailset.  Strong straight forelegs, correct slightly sloping pasterns and good arch to his feet.  Has superb quarters with plenty of width to his first and second thigh, well defined hocks and well angulated.  Shown in hard hard condition CC, his first.