in all terriers. My reserve winners bitch, Frolic Prescott of Waterford had all the same qualities of my winners bitch; she just lacked the maturity which of course is understandable since she came from the 12-18 month class.

 

   I had some wonderful specials, some very lovely youngsters that did not make the cut simply because of their lack of maturity. My Best of Breed dog, Ch. Caraway Celebrate Life, is aptly named; he does seem to enjoy life. The weather did not sour his attitude or confidence. I have seen this dog before and he gets better each time I see him. He has a lovely coat and correct square outline. He is a solid dog with strong level topline and tail that is well set on. He is correctly angled on both ends with no one feature exaggerated. This all contributes to his graceful correct movement.

 

   My choice for Best Opposite was probably my most difficult decision on the day. The two bitches in the running were so close and after hearing they were littermates I understand why. My eventual winner, Ch. Doubloon Aglough Watercolor had the advantage over her sister, Ch. Doubloon’s Finger Painting on this day in side gait. Watercolor’s gait was a little freer and easier than her sister’s. Both are lovely bitches. My winners bitch was also in contention for BOS.

 

   My Award of Merit winners were also impressive. Finger Painting I already mentioned. The three males I awarded all possessed those characteristics I look for in a Wheaten; proper square outline, moderate with no exaggerations, rectangular head, dark eyes, strong level topline and correct tail set. My veteran dog, Ch. Lissadell Dot Com did not show his age and I was pleased to award him an AOM. He owned the ring and he was letting all the other males know his presence. My other two AOM winners were: Ch. Vintage Green Beret Ballad and Ch. Reyem No Squatin on My Spurs.

 

   Generally I was pleased with coats. I found very few wooly, cottony or harsh coats. Coat presentation needs to be applauded. I had very few over done trims and this I truly appreciate. Toplines on a whole were good, most were strong and level. Rear movement was stronger than front which is often the case in many breeds. I was disturbed by many exhibits that had short thick heads and others with the objectionable yellow eyes. Both are features I haven’t encountered in the breed in some time. I don’t remember having one bad bite, which was especially pleasing in such a large entry. All in all, with all that the SCW has suffered over the past several years I commend all the breeders who have painstakingly taken the necessary means to correct those issues and seem to be back on track in such quick order. Well done!