I was honoured and delighted to be invited to judge the Australian Welsh Corgi National 2012. The trip started with a 23 hour plane ride, with a two-hour stop over in Abu Dhabi.

We were met in Melbourne by the President of the club Glenda Cook herself an all breed judge with a marvellous knowledge of all breeds of dogs. After  a good nights sleep  we had a day to recover  were we met up with the Sweeps stake judge Bill Sheldon from America, a dyed in the wool Corgi man who owns some very special dogs in the States, and who also has some very forthright views on how we are treated in the world of dogs.

Saturday dawned and we were taken to a purpose built area for dogs with four large buildings and six acres of lawned grass with roadways connecting the buildings and lawned areas, there is also a café and restaurant on site which is owned and maintained by The Victoria Kennel Club and rented out to clubs for a nominal fee. Something the UK is sadly missing.

The morning was taken up by the judging of the Sweepstakes Classes by Bill Sheldon. I was not allowed to watch as it might influence my decisions later and so an early light lunch was the order of the day.

And so my judging appointment commenced with Cardigan males inside the largest of the halls, providing an ample sized ring,  surrounded by extensive grooming areas, the light spacious building provided a very pleasant area to judge in, considering the temperature outside was in the thirtys on this particular day. The day was completed by judging the Pembroke males. 

We were then taken back to the hotel for an early night to gather strength for the next days judging, which consisted of Cardigan bitches, followed by Pembroke bitches, all Best in Breed awards plus all the Specials and finally the awards ceremony.

I thoroughly enjoyed judging Baby Puppies (3-6 months) to see the potential future stars of the breed in Australia.

Now to the major winners:

Cardigan Dog CC: Am Ch Ch Coedwigs Eye Of The Storm (Imp USA). A quality young male with fabulous bone, proved himself on the move.

Reserve Dog CC: Sup Ch Dorwyn Another Miracle  (ai).

Cardigan Bitch CC and BOB and Res BIS, Ch Kardibroke Frost In Spring (ai). A lovely junior bitch oozing breed type. 

Reserve CC and BPIB, Llandaff Highland Fling (ai). 

Pembroke Dog CC: Ch Niretha Camelots Quest. Every inch a Pembroke male.

Reserve CC, BPIB and BPIS: Aberlee Take It To The Limit. Quality puppy with style and substance.

Bitch CC and BOB and BIS: Ch Aziah Curiouser And Curiouser. A stylish bitch of excellent quality.

Reserve CC: Ch Aziah Phantasm On Ice. Feminine and clean in outline.

A real eye opener on the breeds is in the catalogue which features a three generation pedigree of each entry, which is informative and helpful to both breeders and enthusiasts.

I cannot thank the committee and helpers enough for a super opportunity to judge my wonderful breeds in such a superb setting as Australia.  

 Tracy Irving (Twinan/Highworth Corgis)

• Best in Show
• Cardigan Best of Breed
• Pembroke Best of Breed
•