National Gundog Association

This has been an appointment I have been looking forward to for a long time and would like to thank the exhibitors for their entry. I was truly humbled at the numbers and thrilled on the day with the overall quality, giving me some tough decisions to make, and a plentiful choice for the top honours.

Thank you to my stewards, Celia and Margaret, for efficiently keeping the ring flowing and all the paperwork under control.

Some overall concerns I found included some dogs lacking the jaunty movement, which I think is a tendency for the handlers to run too fast. As handlers, remember we want to get the most from our dogs, and not just run as fast as possible.

Eyes was another concern, with both round eyes and small eyes being found.

Finally, size, especially with larger males. This didn’t have a huge bearing on my results. Our size limit is tight as per breed standard with only a 2 inch variance between smallest females and largest males, so some leeway must be given when judging the overall dog, but breeders are responsible for breeding to the standard, as much as judges are for judging to it.

DCC - Riverwatcher Paluktak (Mr A & Mrs A Limerick & O’sullivan)
RDCC - Tollisty Out to Get You JW (Miss A & Mr S Lam & Leung)
BCC & BOB - Deveron Duchess of Danehaven (Miss D & Miss C Collins & Powley)
RBCC - Wakaduze Dotame (Ms P & Miss I & Mrs S Hunt & West & Mcdowell)
BP - Arelechen Galileo Figaro (Miss M J Davies)
BV - Sh Ch Schindow Junior Cowboy with Cretshengan (Mr P G & Mrs J Fielder)
BSB  - Tollisty Out to Get You JW (Miss A & Mr S Lam & Leung)

Veteran Dog

Entries: 7 Absentees: 0

A great class to start the day, with fit and well conditioned veterans. My first three could all swap places and it’s no surprise they are all show champions

1ST - Sh Ch Schindow Junior Cowboy with Cretshengan (Mr P G & Mrs J Fielder)

A sound and strong medium dog who is balanced throughout and shown in great condition. He moved true and clean from all angles, with the jaunty profile. Holding a level topline with strong loins, tail set correct and carried tail with a slight curve on the move. Made well with lay back of shoulder and good return of upper arm. He stands on tight, round feet and strong bone. His head isn’t my type, but with dark almond eyes, high set ears and the rest of him, I could not deny him the class and Best Veteran. He later went on to take Veteran Group 4.

2ND - Sh Ch Afonbach Winter Is Coming JW ShCEx OSW VW (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead)

This dog scores in head, broad across the skull, slightly rounded and wedge, with a taper to the muzzle of good length. Dark eye to match his rich red coat and ears set high. He is compact with a short back and level topline and balanced angulation. Moved well in profile showing drive and jauntiness and parallel in front movement. A little messy behind cost him first, but overall a typey dog.

3RD - Sh Ch Erikachen Conaire at Tollisty JW ShCM ShCEx VW (Miss H Strevens)

RES - Melanitta Carelinus (Mr P Dee)

VHC - Riverwatcher Kila (Miss D M Anstead)

Puppy Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

I loved this quality class of puppies, an exciting future for the breed as these 3 mature and I look forward to seeing them in the future

1ST - Arelechen Galileo Figaro (Miss M J Davies)

Very typey puppy of good bone and straight legs. Strong level topline held on the stand and move and he has a good spring of rib and depth to chest for his age. Well angulated and balanced he moved true, jaunty and with drive, he was a pleasure to watch in the ring and overall a cracking pup. At 11 months his maturity won him this class and Best Puppy in Breed, I am sure he will have a bright future.

2ND - Tollelkin Villevenard of Whistlefire (Mrs A Jenkins)

At 6 months this boy is very raw but has all the foundations. Lovely bone and substance for one so young. His head is divine for his age, with more work to come to finish off. Once settled his movement was true and balanced, but with a cheeky character he gave his handler a hard time!

3RD - Shorrocks Game Changer at Finnkova (Mrs A Ryder)

Junior Dog

Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1ST - Abacot Heart of The Ocean (Miss Hughes)

12 month dog with broad skull, I hope he doesn’t develop anymore. His ears are set high and back. He has a strong topline which he held on the stand and move. Moderate neck leading to well laid back shoulders and moderate rear angulation and a good width of thigh. He has good bone and size with great potential as he matures. Well sprung ribs and good depth of chest. Moved OK but would like some more jauntiness and character from him to complete the picture.

2ND - Tollelkin Villevenard of Whistlefire (Mrs A Jenkins)

See 2nd Puppy dog

3RD 1359 - Shorrocks Game Changer at Finnkova (Mrs A Ryder)

RES 1333 - Wakaduze Ottawa (Ms P & Miss I Hunt & West)

VHC 1366 - Briztollie I Have A Dream (Mrs J Shore)

Novice Dog

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST - Tollelkin Villevenard of Whistlefire (Mrs A Jenkins)

 See 2nd Puppy Dog

2ND - Shorrocks Game Changer at Finnkova (Mrs A Ryder)

He completed the trio in puppy dog, His skull is broad with wedge and good eye blending with coat. He has lovely balance with good depth of chest for age, just needs to broaden across the ribs, but he has time. He moves well in profile with drive and just needs to tighten in rear.

3RD - Danehaven Hackett (Miss S Pate)

Graduate Dog

Entries: 10 Absentees: 2

1ST - Delphox Guiser (Mr L Gibson)

A medium sized, compact dog. Still young but I loved his head. Broad across the skull with high set ears and defined wedge. He has a strong neck leading to level topline and tail set slightly sloping towards croup. Standing on good bone and with straight forelegs on stand. Just needs to continue to mature through his body to become the finished article. On the move he was clean and steady with drive and jauntiness. He movement behind is true but did tend to pin in front.

2ND - Abacot Heart of The Ocean (Miss Hughes)

See 1st Junior dog

3RD - Tollisty Raudr (Mrs K Smith)

RES - Skysaria Eternal Flame JW (Dr K Boyd)

VHC - Skysaria Blaze of Hope with Deltandamba JW (Mrs B & Mr C & Miss C Parker & Parker & Hipkiss)

Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 2

1ST - Tollisty Out to Get You JW (Miss A & Mr S Lam & Leung)

A clear winner for this class as he optimises the general appearance of ‘Medium sized, compact. Powerful, well muscled. A heavily feathered tail, constantly moving.’ I loved him for his size and type, broad skull, slightly rounded with high set ears, slightly back. He holds a firm topline with well muscled loin. His angulation gives him a good lay back of shoulder and return of upper arm, with decent turn of stifle and width of thigh in the rear. He moves true from all angles and defines the jaunty movement with a tail carriage that completes the picture. On the day, he just lost out to the limit dog in the challenge on maturity, but there is more to come from this young lad. A pleasure to award the RCC.

2ND - Redmanhey's Comte De La Fere (Miss S E, Mr & Mrs J E Burgess)

Another quality male who is starting to come into his maturity and was unfortunate to meet 1. His outline on the stand is exemplary and rather flashy, you can’t ignore him! Good angulation with width of thigh, he has good depth of chest and spring of rib. Standing on tight, round feet but he does have a tendency to turn them out. Moved well.

3RD - Arthundur Dream Come True at Finnkova (Mrs A Ryder)

RES - Danehaven Deeks (Mrs S Heys)

VHC - Abacot Into The Unknown JW (Miss Hughes)

Limit Dog

Entries: 10 Absentees: 1

1ST - Riverwatcher Paluktak (Mr A & Mrs A Limerick & O’sullivan)

This lad was just what I was looking for in a toller and with just coming up to 5 years he is the mature picture. Slightly longer than tall of medium size he has a strong neck, well set on and leading to a well laid back shoulder with elbows close to body and an equal return of upper arm. His forelegs are straight and he has good bone, with strong topline and deep chest with well sprung ribs. He moves true from all angles, shows a jaunty movement and tail held with slight curve on the move and stand, being alert to his handler. While his head is a little stronger than my preference, you can’t fault it to breed standard, broad, slightly rounded skull with slight wedge and a taper on muzzle. His ears and eyes compliment his head. Lacking a little undercoat in the middle of summer but he put on a show and never put a foot wrong, that I could not deny him the CC, I understand his first.

2ND - Acadiabyrne Tibetan Coral of Quackanova (Miss J Salmon)

Different style head to my winner, broader in skull and squarer in muzzle but he has a lovely almond-shaped eye, blending with his coat and a medium sized ear set high. He has good bone and standing on tight, round feet. He holds a level topline and moves well with jaunty movement and drive. On the stand, his profile is a picture of a toller.

3RD - Camusmor Mak Siccar (Mr D Smyth)

RES - Sinsircariad Old Fashioned (Mrs J.a & Miss A Bate-Ash & Ash)

VHC - Tollisty You Can't Decline (Miss H Strevens)

Open Dog

Entries: 9 Absentees: 1

1ST - Sh Ch Tollisty Moet En Chandon JW (Mrs A Jenkins)

Heading up a quality class was this nearly 4 year old male who never tired. A medium sized compact dog with good bone, who head was very pleasing with broad skull and good muzzle length with correct taper. He moved true and correct from all angles and nice use of tail on the move. He was shown in tip top condition and considered for top honours.

2ND - Tollelkin Dream Cove at Sheldrake JW Aw(b) (Miss N Nevers)

A smaller dog but everything in proportion and shown in hard, muscular condition. He is balanced throughout and a lovely dog to go over with a well laid back shoulder, return of upper arm and deep chest. His loin is well muscled and into a well angulated rear with stifles well bent. He moves true and with drive and jauntiness. He has a wedge shaped head but I would like a little more length in muzzle to complete the picture.

3RD - Alter Ego Rusty Fox at Rivermaster (Imp Cze) (Ms C Wardrope)

RES - Ch Tollelkin Caife Americano Wgc Sgwc ShCEx (Miss M L Elkin)

VHC - Camusmor Mak Siccar (Mr D Smyth)

Special Beginners

Entries: 10 Absentees: 0

1ST - Tollisty Out to Get You JW (Miss A & Mr S Lam & Leung)

See 1st Post Graduate dog, he stood away in this class for Best Special Beginner in Breed, and later went on to take Best Special Beginner in Show. Congratulations.

2ND - Wakaduze Duwamish (Miss L & Mr M Thatcher & Robbins)

Always a shame to have a mixed sex class, but this young bitch held her own scoring in this class for type and shown in a quality coat. She has good bone and a beautiful head and expression. Angulated well in front and rear, it shows on her typical toller movement with was true and a nice tail carriage to complete the picture.

3RD - Arthundur Firecracker (Mrs E & Mrs H Townsend-Bean)

RES - Skysaria Eternal Flame JW (Dr K Boyd)

VHC - Cretshengan Kitchi Lake (ai) (Mr E & Mrs E Gough)

Veteran Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

Similar to the dogs, this veteran bitch class was filled with fit and well conditioned veterans. My first three could all swap places and it’s no surprise they are all show champions

1ST - Sh Ch/int Sh Ch Riverwatcher Pikpaktuk JW VW Cw'16 (Miss D M Anstead)

At nearly 11 years old, this bitch is defying her age and remains as true and sound as the youngsters. Balanced throughout she has a typical and typey body and outline. Her head is broad across the skull with a wedge shape. Broad ribs and deep chest beneath a strong, level topline. Strong and muscular showing she is kept in great condition. On the move she had reach and drive and a little jauntiness with head and tail carriage to complete the picture.

2ND - Sh Ch Tivalake Anything Goes at Tollisty JW (Mrs K Smith)

Medium sized compact bitch who pushed the winner hard. Another who oozes type and balance. She has a muscular neck leading to well laid back shoulders and good rear with turn of stifle and good width of thigh. She kept her topline on the stand and move, where she moved well. I like her head but would prefer a touch more length to muzzle.

3RD - Sh Ch Wakaduze Wah Pen Dah Ska (Miss S Pashley)

RES - Catch First Ylva Garonera of Arelechen (Imp Cze) (Miss M J Davies)

VHC - Melanitta Sinamay JW (Miss S E, Mr & Mrs J E Burgess)

Puppy Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST - Tollelkin Ambonnay of Jemmatee (Miss J & Mrs F Andrews)

A baby at 6 months and raw as you’d expect but with all the foundations for a great future. She is balanced in her construction and angulation, with the right body for her age. She holds herself so well. I adore her head along with high set ears and almond-shaped eyes which blend into her coat. She has good bone for her size and a moderate neck. On the move she is together for her age and holds are tail with a slight curve. I look forward to seeing her again in the future.

2ND - Sawbridge Cairdeas (Mr C & Mrs K How)

11 months and maturing well, on the day she was just carrying a bit too much weight which slightly spoilt her. She has good bone and is another of balance with a compact shape. She has started to develop good depth to chest and spring of rib. On the move she goes well in profile, she just needs to strengthen fore & aft.

3RD - Tollelkin Villenauxe (Miss M L Elkin)

Junior Bitch

Entries: 9 Absentees: 0

1ST - Wakaduze Dotame (Ms P & Miss I & Mrs S Hunt & West & Mcdowell)

WOW – there are few dogs you go over where everything just fits. She is easy to miss with her plain markings and workman like stature but once you get hands on, she is unforgettable. She set the bar for the bitches, full of breed type and balance, maintaining her femineity. Her head broad across the skull and wedge, with a taper to her muzzle, almond-shaped eye and triangular ears set high and back. She has a medium length neck into well laid back shoulders, her rear angulation matches with good width of thigh. Standing on round, tight feet and good bone. Her movement was divine. I had no reservation in awarding her the RCC, and I’m sure she will have a bright future as she continues to mature.

2ND - Ir Sh Ch Coedhelyg Ho Pes and Dreams Cjw25 Cw25 Jch Jd (Ms J & Miss Sr Beaumont)

Similar in type to 1st and much flashier with her white markings in textbook places. She has a broad skull and ears set high. Good muzzle with pleasing expression. Her feet are round and tight and forelegs straight and of good bone. She is balanced in her angulation and holds a firm topline, often stood in a beautiful free stand. She moved well in profile and rear but is wide in front. Shown in beautiful condition, she also came 4th in a hotly contested open class.

3RD - Sawbridge Cairdeas (Mr C & Mrs K How)

RES - Wakaduze Duwamish (Miss L & Mr M Thatcher & Robbins)

VHC - Danehaven Lagrande (Miss D & Miss C Collins & Powley)

Novice Bitch

Entries: 7 Absentees: 3

1ST - Coedhelyg Cloudberry (Miss S D Greenwood)

A bitch of good strength and bone, slightly longer cast through the loin and has a tendency to dip her topline on the stand. She has lovely angulation fore and aft with a good width of thigh. I liked her head, broad across the skull and wedge shape, carrying her tail nicely to complete the picture

2ND - Tollelkin Villenauxe (Miss M L Elkin)

My 3rd in puppy bitch, at 6 months she is a raw baby. I’d like to see more work in her head, but there is time for this to come. She has lovely bone and size, with good balance fore and aft and straight forelegs. Her movement is very puppyish, she just needs time.

3RD - Danehaven Freshwater (Mr G & Mrs P Surrall)

RES - Lastayla Summer Lovin (Miss M & Mrs S Last)

Graduate Bitch

Entries: 9 Absentees: 3

1ST - Coedhelyg Thimbleberry (Mx A & Mr R Windler)

A young bitch starting to come into maturity. Tended to loose her topline at times but was held level on the move. She has a lovely rear angulation with good width of thigh and well bent stifles. She has enough bone for her size and frame and moves well from all angles. Another that could compete at the top in a couple of years.

2ND - Tollisty Couldn't Careless (Mrs K Smith)

A mature bitch but preferred the head of the winner. She moves well in profile and works well with her handler. She has a strong, short back which gave her a level topline that she held throughout. Good depth of chest and spring of rib, with a muscular loin. OK for bone and forelegs straight. She does tend to turn her hocks in on the stand.

3RD - Tollelkin Villenauxe (Miss M L Elkin)

RES - Tarnlaikers Ms Dynamite (Mrs J P Johnson)

VHC - Danehaven Freshwater (Mr G & Mrs P Surrall)

Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 6 Absentees: 2

1ST - Tarnlaikers Dizzy Rascal (Mrs A Winship)

I was really taken with this girl. So balanced and easy to go over, everything flowed. She has a broad skull with wedge and slight stop, with taper to nose. Medium neck leading to well laid back shoulders and deep chest with well sprung ribs. She moves like she is made, with balance and ease and a jaunty movement. Ideal size, just on the day she was out of coat, I still considered her for top honours but she lost out to bitches who had the finishings.

2ND - Danehaven Madeleine (Miss D & Miss C Collins & Powley)

A more mature bitch and lots of like about her. She is shown in tip top condition and balanced throughout with lovely angulation fore and aft. She has the depth of chest and spring of rib desired for a working breed. She scored in correct head but, her movement wasn’t as fluid and 1st and her coat is showing curl.

3RD - Tollelkin Dream Spring at Jemmatee (Miss J Andrews)

RES - Stellenbosch Specularis (Miss S Chantler)

Limit Bitch

Entries: 13 Absentees: 1

1ST - Deveron Duchess of Danehaven (Miss D & Miss C Collins & Powley)

Love her! She is everything I was looking for and completes the package. Her coat is of good quality and shown in muscular condition. Her head is beautiful, clean cut and slightly wedge shaped, she is broad across the skull with a moderate stop. Her eyes are almond shaped with the colour blending with her coat. Her ears set high and back are of triangular shape. Her strong neck leads to well laid back shoulders and equal return of upper arm. Her ribs are well sprung and with a deep chest. She has a strong level, short back and well angulated rear with stifle well bent. On the move she is a picture, flowing with reach and drive and jauntiness. I had no hesitation in awarding her the CC and Best of Breed. I understand her 3rd, although I am surprised she hasn’t had more.

2ND - Tollisty Shincha JW (Miss H Strevens)

Still a young bitch but can hold her own in this quality class. She still has a lot more to give as she matures to finish the picture and finish developing through the body. I like her for body type. Standing on short, strong pasterns with good bone. She is balanced in her angulation fore and aft with a strong, short back and tail set on slight slope to croup. She moves well from all angles demonstrating reach and drive. Another lovely bitch to go over. I’d like a touch more length of muzzle to complete her feminine head.

3RD - Afonbach Syrax JW (Ms A M & Miss A L Adshead)

RES - Arelechen Mother Mercury (Miss M J Davies)

VHC - Kymin Va Va Voom avec Whenova (Mrs H Golding)

Open Bitch

Entries: 11 Absentees: 0

1ST - Sh Ch/ir Sh Ch Riverwatcher Koda (Miss D M Anstead)

Heading up a quality open class was this mature bitch who I have done well before. Larger frame she is carrying slightly less weight than when I judged her previously, but her construction is the same, flawless. Well laid back shoulders and return of upper arm to match, she has good depth of chest and spring of rib with a strong, short back. She is balanced in her rear angulation with good turn of stifle. She moves true and together without fault. Her head defines the classic slight wedge with almond shape eyes. Considered for top honours.

2ND - Cretshengan Signy (Mr P G & Mrs J Fielder)

This bitch scores in breed type, construction and balance. I like her a lot and full of quality. She has correct angulation fore and aft and standing on good bone and of good size. Short, strong back and good body with deep chest and well sprung ribs. On the move she was beautifully balanced with reach, drive and jauntiness, and true from all angles. I’d like to have seen her stretch out more on the stand and less white on her legs but she cannot be denied a top place in this class.

3RD - Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty (Miss H Strevens)

RES - Ir Sh Ch Coedhelyg Ho Pes and Dreams Cjw25 Cw25 Jch Jd (Ms J & Miss Sr Beaumont)

VHC - Camusmor Ca Canny with Acanuck (Mrs L Roffey)