Durham County Canine Association

Durham County Canine Assn. Premier Open Show 13th July 2025 - Flatcoated Retriever

Andrea Kiddell HAMELDOWNTOR

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at this friendly country show with rings of a good size. Many thanks to a first class ring steward Joy, who I then helped for the rest of the day! I had a good entry of 14 Flatcoats. Unfortunately with only 6 present, I expect due to the current heatwave! Luckily we were first in the ring and no one was overheated. Temperament and quality of my Flatcoats was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed my morning. Thanks so much to everyone who entered, for your support and acceptance of placements.

FLATCOATED RETRIEVER

Puppy 1- 1st Walker & Robert’s Seaheart Frida at Gloi.

7 month very pretty classical bitch with such a happy sweet nature. Beautiful and typical one piece head shape with lovely dark almond shaped eyes, not forgetting that hint of naughtiness. Well set ears and correct scissor bite. Good reach of neck into well placed shoulders leading to an excellent topline. Good bone and neat feet. Moderate angulations and well set tail with good carriage. Moved well around the ring for one so young and I am certain she has a promising future ahead of her! Stood alone in this class, but worthy of Best Puppy In Breed. I was delighted to hear she went on to win a JW point from 1st place in AV Gundog puppy.

Junior 4 (2)- 1st Walker & Robert’s Gloi Dub Mormaer

I have judged this Flatcoat boy before as a very young puppy. What a treat to see how well he has progressed! Elegant, typical, racy and well balanced young male. He has a lovely one piece moulded head and clean outline. Nice dark almond shaped eyes with intelligent expression. He has a correct bite, good ear set and reach of neck into well placed shoulders. Excellent bone, neat feet. Excellent front construction with good angulations fore and aft, good spring of rib with correct loin, well muscled throughout. Top line was well held on the move and when standing. Correct tail set and carriage. Excellent movement, straight and true which today awarded him Best Of Breed.

2nd Fergusson’s Any Second Now

16 month old sweet bitch of medium size. Head a little wide in the skull, correct bite and ear placement. Movement untidy and I feel her handler would benefit from attending a knowledgable Ringcraft class to learn how to get the best out of her girl. Please don’t be discouraged - with a little work improvements will be made.

Post Graduate 4 (3) - 1st Messrs Huyton’s Hightyne Guns and Roses 

Just under 2 year old feminine bitch with lovely head shape. Very good front construction with correct return of upper arm. Good rear angulation with moderate stifle. Nicely shaped tight feet. Good spring of rib and correct loin. Excellent tail set and carriage. Correct topline held well on the move and when standing. Nicely wagging tail. Well presented by handler, excellent coat condition and she moved well. She would have been my Reserve Best Of Breed, if award had been available.

Open 5(2)- 1st Messrs Huyton’s Sh Ch Hightyne Ramblin Rose. 

6 year old feminine bitch of medium size. Good head shape, correct bite, nice dark eye and well set ears. Good length of neck into well placed shoulders. Good spring of rib and correct loin. Good rear angulation, moderate bend of stifle, correct tail set and carriage. Good movement. Very well presented by her handler. Carrying a tad extra weight today. Excellent quality thick dense coat.

2nd Walker & Robert’s Funstuff In and Out at Gloi (Imp) 

6 year old bitch of medium size. Comments much the same as 1. Good head shape, correct bite, dark eye and well set ears. Good length of neck into well placed shoulders and correct return of upper arm. Good spring of rib and correct loin. Good rear angulation, moderate bend of stifle, correct tail set and carriage with happy movement. Carrying a tad extra weight today.

3rd Fergusson’s Any Second Now - As before - Junior

Judge Andrea Kiddell HAMELDOWNTOR