Gundog Society Of Wales

Gundog Society of Wales

13/10/2021

Judge: Anthony Allen

I loved this appointment, there was a super entry which I was honoured to judge. There were some fabulous dogs for me to go over, a great atmosphere with lots of applause around the ring to greet my winners. Special thanks to my two stewards Mike and Anita who kept me on the straight and narrow during the day.

My BCC and BOB was the beautiful BLACKTOFT DANCING THE BLUES (MRS H M FOX), who I was delighted to be told afterwards was winning her third CC on the day. The RBCC was the lovely HOPEVALLEY MORNING RAINBOW JW (MRS M E ROMEO-DIESTE) who I see had done well under me as a puppy. My DCC winner SH CH PLAINFIRE'S THE CAPTAIN OF MY HEART IS STEELRIVER (IMP CHE) SHCM (MISS S STEVENSON) and my RDCC winner was the smart young dog WOODFINCH MASQUERADE (MR D & MRS R BELLAMY). My BP was the very exciting prospect BRAEMIST WITCHES FIRE (MISS L S JONES) and My BV the dog BLACK MICA'S LIKES IT HOT AT BLACKTOFT JW (IMP SWE) (MRS H M FOX).

I don’t profess to be a breed specialist, but I wanted to mention a few general comments about the entry. The first was there was a number of level bites in the older dogs, especially for a retrieving breed this really concerned me. The second was bad fronts which translated into untypical movement. There were also a number of ‘gay tails’ which I don’t recall seeing on the previous occasions that I judged the breed. Please be careful with these elements as they are easy to breed in but in my experience a devil to breed out. The danger is these elements become accepted as the norm.

Minor Puppy - Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST RIVERGLIDE SECRET REPRIEVE (MRS A YOUENS)

I really like this young chap, he has a super shape about him so very balanced. His head is well proportioned and should finish to a classic masculine expression. Clean in neck, leading in to well set shoulders, good front angulation. Stands on straight well boned legs. Body made well throughout and quarters are correct for his age, stifles well bent. Was a bit all over the place on the move at first but settled into a steady gait. Unfortunately got a bit exited in the challenge for best puppy dog and lost his stride, so gave way to the puppy winner.

2ND FINHAMSPRIDE PUMA (MS E M C HOLMES)

The chap was just six and a half months old and very much a baby. Pleasing head shape for his age, shoulders have a good lay back but would like a little more return of upper arm. Good through the body, well ribbed up and short firm loin. Quarters well made, with a decent bend of stifle on him, hocks well let down. Sound on the move but not the front action of the winner, just needs to tighten up a little to complete the picture.

3RD HOEDUN DADDYS EYES AT MONTECHOR (MRS M HESSING)

Puppy - Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST HAMELDOWNTOR PEDRO XIMENEZ (MR A J WILSON)

Upstanding dog who had good balance and overall proportions. His head is masculine with plenty of work so should finish well. Good lay back of shoulder and return of forearm. Stands on good well boned legs. Body developing correctly, well ribbed up for his age and firm in loin. Good moderately bent quarters. Super lashing tail. Moved out well with a tidy action to take the class and subsequently Best Puppy Dog over the smart minor puppy. A promising young chap.

2ND BRAEMIST BOOTLEGGER AT RAVENHALL (MRS S KEARTON)

This chap has just turned 9 months and was giving a lot away in maturity to the winner today. Pleasing in head and expression, good front on him, shoulders a tad forward but has a good return of upper arm. A little short coupled at the moment. Stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Needs to settle on the move to complete the picture.

Junior - Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST HAMELDOWNTOR PEDRO XIMENEZ (MR A J WILSON)

2ND RONEVORG DARK ANGEL AT LUSSAC (MRS S MAY)

I liked the outline on this boy, but he was just at that in-between stage that they go through when all the elements are not quite together which time will sort out. His head was pleasing, good overall shape with a decent front assembly, shoulders well set. Needs to drop into his front which he will do in time. Body well-made but was a little soft in topline. Good well-made quarters, stifles well bent. Moved out well with good footfall but lacked the front extension of the winner.

3RD RONEVORG ANGEL WIV ATTITUDE (MRS J B & MISS M A CAMPBELL & BROWN)

Yearling - Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST GLOI DUBH JUST ONE LOOK (MS E J & DR L WALKER & ROBERTS)

This chap scored on front construction, his head is pleasing with good overall proportions. Clean reach of neck into well set shoulder with a good return of upper arm. Correct depth to chest for his age. Ribs and loin well made. Quarters well developed with stifles well bent. Tail set on well and correct carriage on the move. Had the most accurate footfall in the class both on the up and down and in profile. Should have a bright future ahead of him.

2ND FLATCHARM MAYHEM MILLER (MISS K L HOLLAND)

I liked this chap better on the stack but he was not as tidy on the move, specifically in front action. Head developing well, but still needs to finish. Good neck into shoulders, tended to push his head back and sink a bit behind his shoulders which spoilt his topline. Enough depth of chest for his age, body well proportioned into well made quarters, balanced angles front and rear. Stand on good well boned legs and neat feet.

3RD LLANTRUSSA SORRENTO MOON (MR R J & MRS T J MOON)

Novice - Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1ST TWEEDISLE MASKED CRUSADER (MS L E PEERS)

This chap is 17 months old and that in-between stage at the moment. He had good type and I thought he had a lovely head shape and expression with a kind eye. Has balanced angles, would just like a tad more lay back. Good body proportions, ribs good and short in loin. Moderate quarters. Moved out soundly.

Graduate - Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1ST STEELRIVER HIT THE BEACH WITH BUCKLEYHILL (MRS H J & MR I M BUCKLEY)

This was a very smart young chap, two and a half years old, I liked him a lot and he was down to the last four in the run-off in the challenge. Good head shape and a kind eye which gave a pleasing expression. Super clean reach of neck into a correct front assembly. Legs well boned and neat feet. Good depth of chest for his age, well ribbed up, short loin. Quarters well developed, stifles moderately bent. Moved out well, a tad proud of his tail but had accurate footfall and good reach and drive. One who has a bright future ahead of him in my opinion.

2ND HOPEVALLEY MORNING CIRCUS (MRS M E ROMEO-DIESTE)

Nice type of dog, head balanced with good proportions, Good reach of neck, would like a little more lay back of shoulder. Well boned legs and the best feet of the day! Well ribbed up for his age and correct length of loin. Quarters well angulated, stifles moderately bent, and tail set on and carried well. Had enough drive on the move but not the front extension of the winner.

3RD CALZEAT GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT TO HEATHERIDGE JW (IMP SWE) (MS S PINGREE)

Post Graduate - Dog

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

This was a super class with some real quality youngsters.

1ST WOODFINCH MASQUERADE (MR D & MRS R BELLAMY)

I thought this chap had real quality about him, he has a lovely head piece with a kind eye, giving that masculine expression. I liked his overall balance. His outline is pleasing he has a clean reach of neck which led in well placed shoulders and a good return of forearm. His legs are well bone and he has good feet, his chest has depth. Through the body he is well proportioned, well ribbed and he has a short loin, topline level. Quarters are well made, moderately bent stifles and tail set on well. Decent on the move with a good free flowing action and super tail carriage, which gave him the class. In the challenge he upped his game, super on the move and had the finish to complete the picture. One certainly destined for the top drawer, delighted to award him the RCC. Thrilled to discover afterwards that he is the son of my winner at the club show.

2ND LIZZLOG SHOTGUN HARRY JW (MRS L WALKER)

Unlucky to meet the winner today as this was another good one. Three-year-old upstanding chap who is balanced and well proportioned. Head masculine, shoulders well placed with enough return, depth to chest, would have like his elbows a little tighter. Well ribbed, slightly long in loin, well-made quarters with moderately bent stifles. Good movement in profile but a little untidy as he came towards me.

3RD BITCON MAGIC MARKER (MRS K ARMSTRONG)

Limit - Dog

Entries: 8 Absentees: 1

1ST RODSDREAM FIRST CHOICE FOR VYNESBROOK (MR M G LEWIN)

I had seen this chap from the ringside earlier in the year and thought he looked a very smart dog so pleased to see him here today. A very moderate dog, he scores on movement, one of the best in the whole entry, very accurate where he places his feet and superb in profile with a free-flowing action. His head is masculine and correctly proportion. Super neck into well placed shoulders and the correct return of upper arm. Stands on good legs and feet. Well ribbed up and good short lion. Well angled quarters, moderately bent stifles and hocks well let down. He won the class on movement and pushed hard in the challenge but lacked some furnishing and finish today and that cost his top honours. His best is yet to come.

2ND FLATCHARM MR BRIGHTSIDE (MISS K L HOLLAND)

Another smart dog with a lot to like about him, three years old and maturing up well. Stronger in head than the winner but not unbalanced. Another with a good front, clean neck in to well set shoulders, good depth of chest, legs well boned. Good through the rib and loin, quarters well made, moderate stifles. Moved out well with a good action, a shade untidy as he came towards me and a little proud of his tail, but I am nit-picking. Better finish than the winner but in the final run off he was a little soft in topline and that was the deciding factor. A quality dog who I think will take his crown with ease.

3RD LIZZLOG BUZZ LIGHTYEAR (MRS L WALKER)

Open - Dog

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1ST SH CH PLAINFIRE'S THE CAPTAIN OF MY HEART IS STEELRIVER (IMP CHE) SHC (MISS S STEVENSON)

This dog was totally on form today, fabulous outline, in full coat, showing like a pro and moving out with accuracy and drive. I could not get passed him in the dog challenge. His head is balanced and well proportioned, with an intelligent expression. Most super front on him, shoulders correctly placed and return of forearm. Stands on good straight legs, correct depth of chest. Well ribbed up and firm in loin. Super muscular quarters. Stifles moderately bent and hocks well let down. Movement was elegant and free flowing, covered the ground as I wanted. He certainly is a character and his handler had to work hard, but she kept him on his toes through the class and into the challenge where he could not be ignored. Delighted to award him the DCC, he was little over excited in the BOB challenge so had to give way to the BCC winner.

2ND DERINGWOOD ENGLISH OAK (MR M B & MRS R MACDONALD)

Another I was taken with, has moderation stamped through him. Nothing overdone about this four-year-old boy. He has a super clean outline and is totally balanced. He has a super head on him, balanced and a masculine expression. Clean in neck in to well set shoulders, would like a little more return. Correct depth of chest for his age and stands on well boned legs. Body well-proportioned into good quarters. Well-muscled up. Moved accurately, with a free-flowing action. Really liked this chap and he was unlucky to meet the winner today. Very close up for the RCC.

3RD LAURVIC TALKING ITALIAN (MRS V & MS L GOLDBERG & KEIGHT)

Veteran - Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

Wow this was a class and a half, only five but full of quality and real top-class veterans that have matured like fine wines.

1ST BLACK MICA'S LIKES IT HOT AT BLACKTOFT JW (IMP SWE) (MRS H M FOX)

Another one that really impressed me, seven years old and in top form. I loved his head piece, masculine with a kind a gentle expression, just what I wanted to see. Super clean reach of neck into a correct front assembly, shoulders well place and a good return of forearm. Stands on well boned straight legs and neat feet. Depth to chest, well ribbed up and good in loin. Well-made quarters, stifles well bent. Moved out well, with a straight and true action. A really smart dog, was very much in contention for top honour, not quite the finish of the ticket winners today. My Best Veteran Dog and later Best Veteran in Breed.

2ND SH CH GLOI DUBH FINGAL JW SHCM (MS E J & DR L WALKER & ROBERTS)

Another topflight dog who has bags of ring presence about him. I was not surprised to read that he has his title. He has a super clean outline and balance to him. Masculine in head, clean reach of neck, decent front assembly on him, shoulders well place and enough return. Carrying a shade to much weight on his shoulders today which spoilt his outline a little. Quarters well-made which he used to advantage on the move as he drove round the ring.

3RD SH CH CACI'S JUST A GIGOLO AT STEELRIVER (IMP SWE) JW (MRS W BLAIN)

Minor Puppy - Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

Some lovely babies in this class, a pleasure to judge.

1ST LUSSAC YAWL OF PERCUIL (MRS H FORD)

Just 7 months and very much a lovely typy baby. I liked her on the stack where she had a lovely outline. Pleasing head shape with a good eye. Good through the neck, which led into a well angulated front. Body developing well with good overall proportions. Quarters as they should be at this age, stifles well bent and good rear angles. Good action on the move and the best in profile to take the class.

2ND BLACKTOFT CARESS OF STEELRIVER (MISS S STEVENSON)

Loved this lady and she could of easily have taken the class, but she wasn’t with her normal handler and let’s just say she enjoyed herself. Lovely shape on her, super head piece for her age with a kind eye. Font and rear angles correct, stands on well boned legs. Body of good proportions and quarters developing nicely. On the move, she needs to find her feet. Once she gets her act together, she will do well.

3RD THURWHITT TAMARA (MRS S J THURGOOD)

Puppy - Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

1ST BRAEMIST WITCHES FIRE (MISS L S JONES)

I was really taken with this young lady, really enjoying herself which is so important in a puppy. She is 9 months old and well developed for her age. Head is absolutely beautiful, a super shape with lovely expressive eyes. Neck clean, good lay back of shoulder and enough return of upper arm. Stands on good legs and feet. Body of good overall proportion, ribs springing nicely and loin well proportioned. Well-made quarters with good angulation, stifle well bent. Balanced even gate on the move. Really fell her and will follow her career with interest. Delighted to award her Best Puppy in breed.

2ND LUSSAC YAWL OF PERCUIL (MRS H FORD)

3RD BLACKTOFT CARESS OF STEELRIVER (MISS S STEVENSON)

Junior - Bitch

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1ST KAZVAL THING CALLED LOVE WITH KULAWAND (MR & MRS R S & MRS P LANE & LANE-RIDYARD)

Super type of bitch who caught my eye from the start. She is 14 months old and moves with an even gate which made her stand out. Head of good shape and proportion, with the correct definition, pleasing eye shape with a good dark colour, and has that really mischievous look in her eye. Clean reach of neck into well laid-back shoulders and return of upper arm, good depth to chest for her age. Excellent bone and super feet, held her topline powering round the ring from strong hindquarters. She is a really nice type of bitch and if she keeps developing in this way, she will have a bright future ahead of her.

2ND RONEVORG WHISPERING ANGEL (MRS J B CAMPBELL)

Elegant lady, not quite the front angulation of the winner but she has a good overall shape and Balance. Head appealing with a pleasing expression. Good proportions through the body with ribs well developed for her age and strength in loin. Quarters well made with stifles well bent. Good drive on the move. Moved out well, just a tad untidy in front today.

3RD PADEND JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (MISS K L & MRS M A GOGARTY)

Yearling - Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1ST LAURVIC OUT OF EIDEN (MRS V & MS L GOLDBERG & KEIGHT)

A lot to like about this 22-month-old bitch. This lady has super head shape and a lovely feminine expression, neck good into well-placed shoulders and front assembly. Good through the body, ribs well back and good loin. Strong through the quarters with stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Coat in gleaming condition. Best mover in the class with accurate footfall.

2ND LLANTRUSSA TEA FOR TWO AT FAIRWINDS (MRS S & MISS M LEWIS)

A nice type of bitch who I liked for shape and outline. Head of good shape and proportion but would like a little less breath to her back skull. Shoulders well placed and a good return of upper arm. Still needs to drop into her front but will do that as she matures. Super through the body, correct spring the ribs, firm loin and level topline. Very sound on the move just a tad proud of her tail, handled to advantage.

3RD PADEND JUST THE WAY YOU ARE (MISS K L & MRS M A GOGARTY)

Novice - Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST KAZVAL THING CALLED LOVE WITH KULAWAND (MR & MRS R S & MRS P LANE & LANE-RIDYARD)

2ND CACI'S BORN TO BE MISS UNIVERSE (IMP SWE) (MRS R STEVENSON)

Another nice type of bitch, not quite as together as the winner but progressing in the right direction. I liked her head and expression, she has a lovely kind eye and head shape, very typical. Decent front assembly on her with good angle, plenty of depth in chest. Stands on well boned leg but I would like tighter feet. Body proportions correct through the ribs and firm loin. Quarters developing nicely. Not quite as fluid on the move as the winner.

3RD COEDYLAN BAMBINO CARO (MR D C & MRS G M SIMONS)

Graduate - Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1ST LIZZLOG NUN ON THE RUN (MRS L WALKER)

Three-year-old bitch, very smart who caught my eye as I took my first walk round the ring. Her head is feminine and not unbalanced in any way. She scored in outline on the stack, standing true. She is clean in neck which led in to correctly set shoulders. Good depth and width to chest. She stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Well ribbed and strong through the loin. Quarters well developed, with the correct moderate bend of stifle. Coat was in super condition which gave her that touch of elegance. She moved with drive, with a good fluid action in profile. Considered her for top honours.

2ND HOPEVALLEY MORNING RIVER THROUGH KIMBERFIELD (MRS R RICHARDS)

A balanced bitch with an appealing head and expression. Good through the neck which led into a good lay back, would have liked a little more return. Standing on good feet. Good depth to the chest for her age. Body of good proportions and quarters well developed. A very balanced bitch that had a good profile action just wasn’t as tidy in elbow as the winner when she came towards me.

3RD BONNYHILBRAE LOVE OF JOY JW (MRS J POWELL)

Post Graduate - Bitch

Entries: 8 Absentees: 2

1ST WOODFINCH HIGHLAND FAIRY FOR FLATCHARM (MISS K L HOLLAND)

This bitch has both style and personality and is a real show girl. Head balanced with a good eye shape. Best outline in the class, clean through the neck which led in to well set shoulders and a good return of upper arm. I like her body proportions, very balanced with a level topline. Well ribbed up and firm loin. Super quarters with stifles well bent. Good muscles tone and condition. Drove round the ring with a fluid action. Totally a one with her hander who showed her to advantage. See she is the sister to my DRCC winner, I think she will do well.

2ND TWEEDISLE LINDORES (MS L E PEERS)

A nice type of bitch, three-years-old, I liked her for shape and outline. Head of good proportions but would like a darker eye. Shoulders well placed and a good return of upper arm. Still needs to drop into her front but has age on her side. Super through the body, correct spring the ribs, firm loin and level topline. Very sound on the move, held her shape and topline.

3RD HOPEVALLEY MORNING DEW AT RAVENHALL (MRS S KEARTON)

Limit - Bitch

Entries: 10 Absentees: 1

1ST BLACKTOFT DANCING THE BLUES (MRS H M FOX)

This lady oozed type and when she came for examination, I put my hands on her and discovered she was a super girl to go over. She is not overdone in anyway and to me was totally without exaggeration. I found her balanced throughout. Her head is appealing and of good shape with a lovely eye. Clean through the neck which led into well-placed shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Stands on well boned legs and neat feet. Good depth to her chest, well ribbed up, leading into a firm short loin. Quarters developing well, stifles moderately bent, and hocks well let down and tail straight of her back. She came alive on the move and had really super profile action with excellent footfall on the up and down. Coat in excellent condition. In the challenge the more I looked at her she filled that description of a flat coat, a moderate dog without exaggeration, and I could not deny her the top spot. BCC and later BOB. Delighted to hear this was her third CC, many congratulations.

2ND LUSSAC WINTER WITCH JW (MRS S MAY)

I thought she was a really elegant type of bitch, feminine in head, of good shape and proportions. Lovely eye shape and colour that gave her that typical flat coat expression. Lovely clean reach of neck which led in to well set shoulders. Good front angulation and depth to chest for her age. Stood on well boned legs and neat feet. Body well made, well ribbed up and loin firm. On the move she had a good level topline, on the stack she had a tendency to sink into her neck and lost her shape. Well-developed quarters, stifles well bent and hock well let down. Good on the move in profile demonstrating that driving action that I was looking for.

3RD CAEHAIDD LETS GO CRAZY WITH BRAEMIST JW (MISS L S JONES)

Open - Bitch

Entries: 11 Absentees: 2

1ST HOPEVALLEY MORNING RAINBOW JW (MRS M E ROMEO-DIESTE)

Last judged this lady a puppy when she did well under so was delighted to see her here as the finished article. She has elegance a pleasing head and expression with a good eye. Super through the neck and shoulders correctly placed. Decent front with correct amount of depth. Well ribbed up with a gradual spring and strength to loin. Lovely shape to her quarters with stifles well bent and hocks well let down. On the move she had good footfall with both accuracy and drive. Coat in gleaming condition with good feather and in the final summing up that finish gave her the class. In the challenge she commanded attention and was close up, didn’t quite have the front extension of the limit winner so today had to be content with the RCC.

2ND ALMANZA LARA O'GRADY (MRS K ARMSTRONG)

A lot to like about this lady but was just over two so giving away a huge amount against the more mature ladies in this class. Totally at one with her handler and a real showgirl. Head pleasing with a kind expression. Good through the neck, into a decent lay back of shoulder. Well boned legs and super neat feet. Sill needs to drop into her front which she will do as she matures. Body well made with ribs correct. Quarters well developed. Sound on the move, she had a good free flowing action with plenty of drive. Needs a little more finish to complete the picture. Not surprised to be told afterwards that she already has her title.

3RD LIZZLOG BREWING BETTIE JW (MISS H S WALKER)

Veteran - Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1ST I BELIEVE IN ANGELS OASIS OF PEACE AT RONEVORG (MRS J B CAMPBELL)

This seven-year-old lady presented and elegant picture on the stack, held her topline and had accurate foot fall. She has a pleasing head and expression, neck good and set into well placed shoulders. Chest has good depth, standing on well boned legs and neat feet. Body well-proportioned with a good spring of rib. Quarters well made, stifles moderately bent, and hocks well let down. Moved out well. Best Veteran Bitch

2ND HIGHAMMILL CALYPSO FOR WAVERTON JW (MR D G & MRS B M HUTCHISON)

Another grand lady enjoying her day out, she has a good overall shape and balance. I liked her type. She has a feminine head with and appealing eye. Neck clean, shoulders well placed. Good depth to chest, ribs have good spring and strong loin. Just carrying slightly too much weight but at her age that is forgivable. Quarters well-made, stifles well bent. Sadly, not as fluid on the move today as she needed to be.