14 Breed Notes – Easter 2018

Sorry about the recent lack of notes, life’s as bit hectic here at the moment and I can’t see it improving until my little darlings go to their new homes in three weeks’ time; so I’m going to try and get you talking amongst yourselves!!

In his critique preamble, our Crufts’ judge Rodney Oldham commented on the fact that he found that balance was often spoilt by legs being too short and that he would have preferred more daylight underneath the bodies. Also, without exception small ivy leafed ears were absent – a requirement that is specifically mentioned in our breed standard.

Adding my pennyworth to the discussion though is feet. Our breed standard calls for ‘Well padded, round, cat-like, tight, cream in colour; black nails.’ Having trimmed keesies feet on the benches over the years, I have often said that the number of dogs who have the lovely big, fat cat feet that used to be so common in the breed are getting fewer and fewer. There are dogs whose feet look OK, but under a thick neatly trimmed coat are just bony toes.

At one time, most judges (particularly breed judges) used to make a point of picking up feet to see the colour of nails and to feel how well padded (or not as the case may be) they were, as well as feeling their ears. As all too often, a multitude of sins can be hidden under a good coat!

What do you think? Are keesie legs in general tending to be shorter or could it an optical illusion created by a long coat? What about ears? Are your keesie’s ears dark and velvety as well as small and ivy shaped?

Finally I’m ending with some news that was meant for last weeks’ notes.  At the Scottish Utility Breeds Club final which was held the other week, a delighted Michelle Wright and Kimi – Lacetrom Cruivie ShCM won Reserve Top Veteran under judge Frank Whyte (Kazval)– so belated congratulations!

Anji Marfleet