Miyuki Kotani sem dæmdi á afmælissýningu deildarinnar sunnudaginn 11. maí sl. hefur sent okkur smá pistil um hvað henni fannst um stofninn á Íslandi. Hér á eftir er sá texti:

My sincere thanks to the club for the opportunity to judge at this special show and showing us around your amazing and fascinating country. Thanks also to steward for smooth running of the show and secretary for typing critique. And to all exhibitors for bringing your dog under me and accepting my decisions in sporting way. Club made huge effort to mark 30th year and venue owned by Iceland KC was decorated nicely and there was plenty rosettes and prizes on offer. 

I was very looking forward to this appointment and wondered about cavaliers in Iceland. Now I have seen them and here’s some of my thoughts. 

• Topline wasn’t great in younger age classes. This could be to do with age and hope it is and settle as dog matures.
• Thin long legs… nice to have length of legs but have to be balanced with rest of body. 
• No cushion under eyes and long pinched muzzle. Head type was the one struck me the most. After checking catalogue my main winners were imported dogs and they caught my eyes at first glance. Large dark round eyes with plenty of cushioning. Nicely tapered and padded muzzle. Good width of skull with well set ears. Stop is not deep nor shallow. Everything in balance and with that heart melting expression. Truly good head type was lacking there.
• Movement and construction was ok and temperament was good. So lovely to see friendly cavaliers that are enjoying their day. Temperament is very important and I will not tolerate nervousness as it is not a cavalier. 
• Presetations and handling was generally good. Have to mention some excellent young handlers there!

Standard calls for Active, graceful and well balanced, with gentle expression. It’s not easy getting everything right but ones I found close to ideal were not bred in Iceland. There were few that I thought lovely so it can be done! I know it’s very hard going with tough and strict quarantine law. I was amazed to have good numbers for the show and that means there are good dedicated breeders there. Breeding is hard and never goes the way you plan but I’m sure you can work on and improve what you have there with help of imported dogs. I have enjoyed judging at your show and hopefully I will get opportunity to return some years later to see how you progressed. 

Thanks again for wonderful memories in Iceland and wish you the club and all breeders/Exhibitors very best in the future. 

Miyuki Kotani 

Rathbrist Cavaliers, Ireland.