Dear Friends,

I felt very honored to be invited to judge the Czech Club Shows in 2010. This was my first time to judge Rhodesian ridgebacks in the Czech republic. My friend Jean-Pierre and I were very well taken care of by Miss. Hanka Pankova and the organizing team - thank you so much! The warmth and the hospitality I experienced in Lanskroun has been amazing.  

Now to the show:

Nearly every judge I know savors the assignment to judge a Specialty show, for it is at the Specialties that we tend to see the greatest number of dogs of that breed congregating in one place. This normally provides the potential for a depth of quality seldom seen at All-Breed shows. Thank you all for keeping me and Jean-Pierre away from the catalogue, news etc. before the show – the ethical quality of your show practices is highly commendable.

Fortunately most time of both days it did not rain; however it was rather cold. It did not bother me because I have some fat on my ribs, but I noticed that my ring steward and writer almost froze to death. They were so effective – it was a joy to judge. Well trained, well muscled, healthy, clean, shiny, handsome, upstanding Rhodesian ridgebacks were presented to me. The handling was very good and in some cases very professional. Good handling is half the job, although the best constructed dogs always find the correct balance in stance by themselves also. 
 

My Overall Impression:

First and foremost in my mind is the type that makes a Rhodesian ridgeback. I felt the females were better in type than males. The RR’s I saw had, for the most part, the right balance and proportions. The majority had the rectangular conformation, were athletic, had good bone, moved straight and had no tendency towards massiveness. They seemed happy, and willing to please their (must be mentioned) happy handlers. I don’t personally punish details as long as the type is there, the dog moves adequate and has good temperament. Colors (more or less white) are quite easy to breed, after all. Slightly off-set crowns are no problem to me. Let us not forget we need a wide genetically base to preserve the breed! There could be better harmony in the grades of angulations in front and back quarters, as well as better coups. Good, strong and not too long hocks were also a delight to observe. I found sound movement even with the older of exhibits. Yes, I know, I made you run for your money, but as the RR is a group 6 breed, I take it for granted that the dog and his owner are in excellent shape ;-) I personally like the overall quality of the Czech RR’s, complement to their owners and breeders! I am confident the Czech RR’s can compete in any European country. I was very satisfied with at least 35 % of the dogs I judged. All these dogs would do great at shows in Europe. 
 

Points to consider!                                                                                                                Now, some points to consider: I saw some huge, course males that carry too much weight. A few were too square in conformation. Some were too refined and lacking in sex-type. Noticed from time to time weak feet and narrow under jaws. Necks could be dryer, especially those of the males. Some had too long ears or low set ears. Some had soft, silky coats. I think these are developments in the breed that need our attention, the breed should not be changed! 
 

Thanks!

Thank you again for this opportunity I was given. Without a doubt I really enjoyed what I did.

 I will not forget this weekend! Thanks to you all, and your beautiful Rhodesian ridgebacks.

Jan Coppens, Kennel Jockular, the Netherlands