National Gundog Association

National Gundog Association - Sunday, 3 August 2025

Best Special Beginner in Show

I was delighted to accept this appointment my first at this level at what must be the gundog enthusiast’s favourite show. It was fitting as it was also at this show that I awarded my first set of CCs some years ago.

Best Special Beginner In Show

The group was well filled and I shortlisted the German Shorthaired Pointer and Bracco Italiano in addition to the four dogs which I placed.

Grp 1 - 1340 - Tollisty Out to Get You JW, Breed: Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) (Miss A & Mr S Lam & Leung)

3 year old balanced dog of an appealing size with great ring presence. Correctly shaped head with eyes blending with his coat colour. Well set ears and muscular neck leading to well laid shoulders with good return of upper arm. Deep chest with brisket to elbow and strong loin with slight tuck up. Nice turn of stifle and short hocks. He carried his tail up on the move where his movement was parallel showing both reach and drive. Beautifully handled, I was delighted to award him Best Special Beginner in Show.

 Grp 2 - 450 - Forfarian Fancy Footwork JW, Breed: Irish Setter (Mr G & Miss K Jacobs & Bernard) 22 Mth old upstanding, balanced dog in full coat who really fills your eye. Appealing head with dark eyes and intelligent expression and well-set ears. Neck of moderate length flowing into well laid shoulders with corresponding return of upper arm. Deep chested with well sprung ribs and powerful hindquarters. Free moving with plenty of drive, not quite as tidy on the move as 1 today.

Grp 3 – 556 Bedeslea Prada Linea Rosssa Breed Lagotto Romagnolo (Mr M J Bishop) 14 month old bitch with correct square outline stacked and rough to the touch thick woolly coat. Typical in head with intelligent expression Short slightly arched muscular neck into well put together front assembly and correct depth of body. Muscular back with short loin and well angulated hindquarters. She was free on the move and went with drive.

Grp 4 – 1050 Rocamoka Funky Business Breed Golden Retriever (Golden) Mrs N J Smith 6 year old bitch who scores well for her correct size. Feminine head with dark brown eyes giving soft expression. Clean muscular neck into well laid shoulders with sufficient return of upper arm. Balanced body of good depth with short loin. Well bent muscular stifles and short hocks she was in fine coat and condition and moved straight and true fore and aft. Sympathetically handled to advantage.

Mike Lewin