news - 08/12/2005
Liza Strikes Again - Israel
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by Yossi Guy
Belgian Shepherd bitch, Ch. Liza Bilha, made a bit of local history at the Herding Dog Show. This was her eighth BIS at CAC show level, usually beating dogs from 12 other breeds. Greek judge, Likourgos Zouboulidis, put her up for the second time, repeating his BIS choice from June 2004.
On the last weekend of November, the Israeli Herding Dog Club and the Belgian Shepherd Club held a show with Mr. Zouboulidis, who is no newcomer to Israel. He showed two of his Old English Sheepdogs at CACIB shows several years ago, both times winning the group, and in June 2004 judged his first show in Israel.
The exhibitors remembered Mr. Zouboulidis fondly and the entry went through the roof. Instead of the usual 50 or so, almost 80 dogs were entered and the participants enjoyed his thorough judging and pleasant, patient demeanor.
The BIS at this show was – for the second time under this judge – Ch. Liza Bilha, a Belgian Groenendael bred and owned by Ms. Bilha Koninsky. Second came an Australian Shepherd, Aladdin's in the Holy Land ("Zeus") imported from the United States by Mr. Shimik Regev. Third in the BIS lineup was Dutch Shepherd bitch, Ch. Isis, a Dutch import owned by Mr. Snir-Orr Levy.
"The BIS bitch is outstanding," commented the judge, "with a lovely expression, very good neck, strong body, typical coat, excellent character, free movement and good handling.
The Rough Collie was the largest entry, sporting some 30 dogs and bitches. Says the judge: "I had many good examples of the breed. The best puppy was a very promising bitch with excellent movement for her young age. There were many problems with heads, some with lines that were not parallel or with wrong ear set. My winners could have had better heads but were handled to perfection, showing their fluent movement."
The Border Collies also impressed Mr. Zouboulidis, who noted: "there were many dogs of excellent type, good heads and strong bodies. There were representatives of the two different types – show and working – however most showed spirit in movement. The 13-years old veteran bitch, a working bitch, is in amazing conditions, with excellent movement and the spirit of a true working dog – my best veteran in the show."
However, the greatest impression was made by the smallest entrant, a Schipperke bitch in puppy class. Elegant van Simvic was imported from Belgium by Miss Avishag Morgenstern, who also handled her with great panache. "The Schipperke was my best puppy, but actually my winner of the day," said the judge. "She has a beautiful head with very good angulations and body. What won me over were her outgoing nature and her excellent movement, considering her age. A real winner!"
The judge said the breed that exhibited the best overall quality in this show was the Australian Shepherd, with many dogs showing excellent character and spirit, movement and expression. Very good handling all around compared to other breeds. The best of breed is an excellent dog with excellent head, strong body, good bones and excellent movement.
The Dutch Shepherd puppy was excellent with an excellent head, nice angulations and excellent movement. Strong puppy. "My best of breed bitch was 2nd runner up BIS for her excellent expression, movement and spirit," added the judge.
"The show was very well organized at a nice venue," Mr. Zouboulidis summed up. "The committee and owners were very friendly and hospitable. Excellent junior handlers, better than some adults."
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