Regional, Siska And Studs

Yesterday, Beti and I had a day out, We went with Ian and Kiaan to the 2nd day of the Two Day Regional Event. Kiaan did Ian proud, gaining SG2 in the adult male class. It was odd to be at a show but not be showing, but Kiaan and Lucca have always been part of our extended family so it was lovely to watch both in the ring. It was equally fab to see Jane, though we talk about twice a week, it's still great fun to be in her company.

The chat between Ian and I in the van was of course mostly about the dogs, the breed and future plans. It's good to brainstorm and listen to other people's ideas and suggestions. It's good to know what other people think would benefit Siska/the line. Of course we all see things differently, but just looking at Siska, what needs to be better? Well let's start from the top, ear set, hers are slightly wide. She tends to drop on the wither on the move, but her overline is clean and smooth, though her croup is a tad short. Her tail is a little long, as seems to be a breed characteristic these days. Her angles front and back are balanced, though she really doesn't need more angulation or second thigh, and her feet are not her fortune! 

As regards to size (height) and the ration of height to length, I have no worries with her. The breed should always be longer in body than the height at the wither, I've always said that if a male is slightly short in body length, then it's not really and issue for Siska as those that have come before her have also had good length of body. My reason for looking for a male who is nearer middle size than top size is simply because of Meerah, I must be aware that Meerah has come from somewhere so finding a male to compliment Siska in all her attributes without too much length of foreleg is paramount. 

The dog picture here is 2 times World Sieger (2009/2010)  Remo vom Fichtenschlag SchH3, he is said by many to be the dog who has been closest to the standard. I love his outline and moderate proportions, plenty of everything, but nothing overdone. 

Over the two days at shows I've seen two of the males on my list, and I saw three Reno progeny yesterday, having seen two others at Leeds on Friday. As this is a public page, to protect myself from shit stirrers I won't name the dogs. One greeted me with a happy wagging tail and a "Hello," whilst the other greeted me was a disinterested expression. Reading his body language, in my opinion he had a tense demeanour, including a raised stiff tail. He did nothing wrong, but he reminded me of Zeus during one of our conflicts, put it this way, he did not fill me with confidence in his character, and as beautiful as he was, I have to remove him from my list. 

I loved the three younger Reno siblings from Magic, my favourite was definitely the female I saw at Leeds. I liked the young Scottish male, but felt his head was not masculine enough (Yet), and the female was a large strong female, quite typical of her mother line I guess.