Italian Judging appointment

Best Female (BIS) & Best Male (BOS)

Judging the Raduno Dell'Anno for the Circolo Italiano Bulldog was an honour on 19th October 2024. As always, the event was marked by Italian hospitality's signature warmth and friendliness, which never faltered despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions. Unfortunately, the chill in the air and persistent rainfall resulted in severe weather warnings, which may have impacted some exhibitors' ability to attend. Additionally, some of us also faced difficulties departing from Bologna Airport due to the unusual flooding in the region. I guess this all adds to the fun!

I'd like to thank President Lucia, the committee, and my dedicated scribe, who quickly picked up a new vocabulary of Bulldog terminology. A special mention goes to Riccardo and Emilio, whose hospitality and attention were greatly appreciated throughout the trip. The venue was spacious, with a large ring providing ample room for the exhibits to move freely. While the lighting was dim, I'm sure a typical Italian winter sunny day would have remedied this minor issue.

Winners Top Table

We all face similar challenges as breeders, particularly in maintaining breed type while appeasing health critics. Temperaments across the board were exceptional, save for a tiny minority, and I believe this is a crucial breed characteristic to preserve. The Bulldog's natural instinct to make us happy subtly and meaningfully defines them as a beloved companion breed.
 
Most of the exhibits were in good overall condition. However, a few dogs displayed excessively dry or coarse coats, and it was clear that some handlers had applied too much powder. I also noticed a handful of dirty mouths, with dead fur caught in the gums—an issue that can easily be rectified with a cotton bud. It's important to remember that this not only causes discomfort to the dog but is also something exhibitors can easily avoid.
 
One concerning trend I observed was the deterioration of tails, with too many being too short and tight. The good thing is that tails can be fixed quickly in just one breeding, but the downside is that they can also be quickly lost! I also noted a lack of true jaws, which is not just a concern here in Italy but something that seems to be a broader issue in the breed, especially if paired with good width.
 
Regarding grading, I penalised heavily on incorrect proportions and shapes. For me, a Bulldog should exude power but possess the potential for essential agility to, theoretically, bait a bull (or at least attempt to!). While many exhibits demonstrated good structure, some suffered from short necks and poor shoulder angulation, which, in turn, could impact the dog's ability to breathe efficiently and also result in a shallow chest. This decline in the breed's front was particularly evident. The breed requires a unique 'tacked on' shoulder and elbows that stand away from the body. Poor angulation of the shoulders gives the impression of a straight front, but it also robs the dog of essential neck length.
 
Despite these concerns, it was encouraging to see the improvement in eye health and clarity across the board—this development deserves recognition and commendation. Ultimately, I was strict with my grading, awarding "Excellent" to those dogs I believed worthy of a KC studbook number obtained with major titles or challenging class placements. This isn't intended to offend but to reflect my belief that a studbook number indicates a dog of outstanding merit, contributing to the betterment of the breed should they be bred. My judgments are simply one opinion at one show. They should not be seen as a definitive stance on any dog's potential, as every dog has the opportunity to grow, develop, and flourish over time.
 
Of particular note were the females, who I found to be of superior quality, especially in the more significant numbers. My Best in Show, Bucks & Son America, caught my eye instantly. She exemplified the perfect balance of femininity and power, boasting a large head, a correct neck length on a well-balanced frame, quality bone, well-rounded ribs, and a strong rear that gave her the desirable pear shape filled with natural curves. Her clean outline was beautiful and a testament to her strength and mobility. I would happily take her and my Reserve bitch CAC home with me.

Best in Show - Buck and Son America

Another observation was the occasional intermittent lameness (especially while watching BOY after a very long day), which I believe was due to the low temperatures, damp conditions, and drafts inside the venue. Exhibitors should keep their dogs' muscles warm in this climate to prevent stiffness and exercise them before exhibition.
 
I hope you appreciate my honest observations and find them helpful in working toward the improvement of our fabulous breed. Again, thank you for the opportunity to judge and study your dogs at this prestigious event.
 
Judge: Sara Lamont (LaRoyal)

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Full Class Results & Gradings: