JUDGE`S REPORT

It was with a feeling of thrill and adventure iI said yes, when I got the request: Will you be able to go to Russia to judge OES and Komondors. I have never been to Russia before and of course I was very curious about the dogs in the east. Should I be impressed or should I be disappointed? Should the exhibitors accept my judgement? A lot of questions spun in my head.
Well, now when I am at home again, I can just say everything was great.
I was so happy about the number of OES in the ring. The babies and the puppies were as OES puppies usually are: a lot of legs and narrow heads. But they most of the times grow into well headed compact specimins in time. The best bitch puppy already was compact and very mature in her movements. I would like to see her again in a couple of years.
The official classes had mostly cobby, well boned dogs with the right topline. The topline is important in OES, since it should be quite the opposit to many other breeds. The OES should be higher at the loin than at the withers. The bones were mostly excellent and many dogs had the right ribcage. Some dogs had that capicious nose together with a very good head. I love it!
The coats were in most cases of very good texture, but some could have been a little more prepared for a show. The movements were alright seen from the side, but some dogs a bit narrow at the hocks. But no one really cowhocked. It is not unusual in the breed. And the temperaments were, as it should be, excellent in all.
All my class winners I liked very much. And the lineup of male champions was so beautiful. I just had to stand there enjoing what I saw. The BOB was a true bobtail. Cobby, excellent bone and ribcage and the long second thigh, which gives the low hock and the right movements. And as the icing of the cake a coat in full bloom. It was a pleasure to find out after the judgement that he was bred in Russia.
I must say that the breed is in good hands in Russia. I wish you luck in the future with breeding and showing. The exhibitors were great and showed a lot of sportsmanship. The ring stewards were skilled and very nice and my interpreter Elena just excellent.
After the judgement I got beautiful Russian gifts. I was overwhelmed. The beautiful picture is now on the wall at home reminding me of the day.
Before and after the show day I was so well taken care of. A big thank you from the bottom of my heart to Vladimir, Nadejda, Natalia, Lidia and Elena - and of course all the nice car drivers, SPASIBO!
I always say at the end of the year what event was the highlight of the year. I can already now say that this was the highlight of 2006.
I will be at the world show in Poznan. I hope to see you all there.

Kristina Purens

left to right: BEST BABY OF BREED CHARLZ SPENSOR, ow. Tishko and CHELSI BEAUTY GEL, ow. ???

left to right: BEST JUNIOR OF BREED CHUDNYI MEDVEZHONOK DUSTIN HOFFMAN, ow. Vinogradova E. and
KAMELIYA BUSINKA, Vinogradova I.