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ABC Regional 2002 Critique:
David Abraham
Never having visited that region of the Pacific Northwest where the
Columbia River draws the boundary line between Washington to the north
and Oregon to the south, we had determined to combine sightseeing with
my much anticipated assignment of judging the 2002 ABC Regional, in
Vancouver, Washington, on October 11. On Thursday, the 10th,
we explored the beautiful and dramatic Columbia River Gorge, first
mapped by Lewis and Clark in their search for an overland route to the
Pacific. On Saturday, we set out for Mt St. Helens, about 70 miles to
the north. Driving along breathtaking mountain roads, in a region whose
entire topography has been defined by volcanic eruptions, we eventually
found ourselves at an elevation of over 4000 feet, looking directly
across at Mt. St Helens, about 4 miles in front of us. It was sobering
to learn that this immense, but shattered volcano had once been called
America’s Fujiama.
Sandwiched between all this spectacular scenic beauty, was beauty of
a somewhat different kind. On Friday the 11th, with an entry
of over 176 Boxers, I knew that I would be judging some outstanding
specimens, but I was genuinely delighted by the depth of quality in the
classes throughout the day. Decisions and placements often came down to
the details: a softer, sweeter expression; a slightly better bite and
fuller muzzle; clearly visible chin from front and side; a more
efficient gait; a more masculine dog or more feminine bitch.
My Winners Dog, from the Open Fawn class, was Summer’s Dash Riprock.
He pretty much took over the ring when he entered, and never let up.
This beautifully balanced, rock-solid "stallion" type of dog,
had not a hint of coarseness, and excelled as well in his classic Boxer
profile: the square body, elegant neck, firm topline, and a beautifully
chiseled head.
A younger dark brindle version was my Reserve Winners Dog, Encore’s
Intrepid, coming from the 9-12 Puppy class. Young as he is, he
nonetheless exemplified the soundness, solid bone, and masculine
elegance that would be appropriate for his age. And he had a beautifully
contoured, expressive head, with a superior bite and breadth of muzzle.
My Winner’s Bitch, RC’s Maybebaby, came from Open Fawn. Also a
showing fool, she exemplified type in her beautifully proportioned head,
sweet expression, medium size and square proportions, and exceptionally
efficient, effortless movement.
Giving my Winners Bitch a real contest, my Reserve Winners Bitch,
Dreamweaver’s Future Perfect, came from the 12-18 month Fawn class.
A really lovely picture, elegant and balanced, with a melting
expression, she did what was asked of her, but no more, which tipped the
scale in favor of my Open Fawn winner.
For Best of Breed, in an outstanding entry, I could not take my eyes
off a very beautiful dark brindle bitch, Ch. Bravo’s Dance Card. She
was a gorgeous picture from all angles, with a lovely head and
expression, a topline as straight as a Wilkinson blade, beautiful
angulation front and rear, and excellent, sound movement. Even though
she was my strong choice, she was pushed hard by my ultimate choice for
BOS, Ch. Brookwood’s Mystic Warrior. A handsome red brindle, this
extraordinary male was outstanding, combining masculinity and elegance,
with a lovely, clean head, sweet expression, excellent movement, and
superior showmanship. All that he lacked on this day was maturity, some
filling out through the ribs, and just general growing up. It didn’t
surprise me a bit to learn that he is still very young. He has a bright
future ahead of him. For BOW, I went with my Winners Bitch, who never
let down and seemed "to ask for it."
It was a terrific few days in Vancouver and environs. I will remember
them for a very long time.
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