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Old English Sheepdog Club of America Centennial Celebration Week:
19 – 25 September 2005
Report on National Specialty 2005
by Woody Nelson |
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Most importantly I would like to thank the OESCA membership for the opportunity to judge the National Specialty in
the year of our Centennial Celebration. It was a great honor and an unforgettable experience. I want to thank the very
capable Show Chairman, JoAnn Gatzen as well as her hard working committee members and Ring Stewards. Wonderful Diane
Anderson could not have been more efficient and Hugh Jordan’s expertise was invaluable. A big thank you to Bob Cashin
and Julie and Dave Cosner for their help in so many ways.
Among the highlights of the Centennial week was the effort of so many of our international friends to join in our
celebration. I was amazed at their generous contributions and lovely donations. How lucky we are to have them as our
counterparts. Thank you all for coming, with and without dogs, and making the entire week even better.
Judging this Specialty was undoubtedly the most beautiful experience of my life. I was impressed with the depth of
quality in each and every class, and it was especially uplifting to find a considerable number of youngsters with so
many good qualities – good rears and decent toplines in particular. That said, problems with fronts and shoulders were
evident throughout the entry and sadly, there was a shortage of correct OES head type.
Paramount for me when judging is to keep my mental picture of an OES clear. Years ago two important people in my life
gave me some valuable advice. The first say: “look for an Old English Sheepdog first” – after all if you don’t have breed
type, you have nothing. The other, an all rounder, reminded me that, “Sometimes less is more.” To incorporate these
considerations plus find balance and soundness is sometimes no easy task!
As I stood back and looked at my Winner’s dog class, it was obvious to me that there were several in front of me that I
would like to take home. Finally it was Masquerade Megabucks from the 12 to 18 class who had the edge for Winner’s Dog.
He was so beautifully balanced, with lovely shoulders and on the go proved it. What a pleasure it was to judge this
handsome young dog and ultimately put him on through to Best of Winners.
I really can’t say enough about the beautiful bitches - it was like seeing a line up of ‘stars’ - I liked so many of them
but in the end, when evaluating my Winner’s Bitch Class it was Auriga’s One of a Kind from the 9 to 12 class that shone
the brightest.
Very pretty, very sound and again lovely shoulders. It was a joy to have her in my ring and to award her Winners Bitch.
I must admit that I was nearly overwhelmed when so many beautiful Specials entered the ring for the Best of Breed
competition. It took my breath away to see the beauty of our breed all lined up in fabulous condition. It was as if they
were wearing their ‘Sunday best.’ There were times during the judging of this National that my eyes filled with tears –
this was one of them. It was indeed a proud moment for all of us who love this breed. I know all too well the hours of
work and dedication that goes into the conditioning of these beautiful animals. The challenge before me was an awesome one
– to find only one winner among these excellent dogs!! Upon final examination it was Ch. Rolling Gait’s Emma Blue who
filled my eye for Best of Breed. She exuded excellent breed type, perfect balance, soundness and a beguiling personality
to boot! Irresistible!! Best of opposite went to a beautifully conditioned young dog of significant merit with lovely
movement. The quality among these Specials was magnificent and I was proud to have them before me.
Once again I sincerely than you all for making this experience possible for me and for the memories I will carry for the
rest of my life.
Woody Nelson
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