Perthshire Canine Club

Perthshire Canine Club Open Show, 3rd May 2025

I would like to thank the officers & committee for inviting me to judge 11 of the gundog breeds at their show. Thank you to my ring stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly and effectively. Of course, I thank the exhibitors who entered and took my decisions with good grace.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

G (2,1)

1 Knox, Anne & William Mole, Jennifer Our Loyal Welsh At Edincraw (Imp Ndl), 4-year-old bitch. A shapely and well-proportioned bitch of pleasing size and type. Feminine head with balanced proportions, dark oval eyes offering a gentle expression. Correct scissor bite, moderate stop and flat cheeks give the correct breed appearance. Clean neck flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders. Firm topline, held true on the move. She displayed excellent spring of rib and depth of chest, matched with substantial bone and compact feet. Movement was steady and true with excellent rear propulsion and a smooth, effortless stride.

O (4,3)

1 & BOB Knox, Anne & William Mole, Zaza Florence Our Loyal Welsh At Edincraw (IMP NDL). 7-year-old bitch shown in beautiful condition and handled to show her at her best. A lovely example of the breed, presenting a classic Welsh Springer silhouette with balanced angulation front and rear. Broad skull with slightly domed shape, correct ear set and pleasing ear leather. Strong jaw with correct bite. Chest well developed with ample ribbing and fore chest. Muscular loin and strong quarters enabled her to power around the ring with reach and drive and maintained her outline throughout.

English Setter

G (1,0)

1 & BP Vallance, Ms. Mhairi, Rowanmyle Of Prudent Lore. 7-month-old blue belton bitch with heaps of promise. A beautifully proportioned young bitch, exuding breed type. Lovely lean head with gentle stop, expressive dark eyes and a kind, intelligent expression. Ears of fine texture and correctly set. Elegant neck leading into well-laid shoulders and a level topline. Ribs developing well with correct length and depth. Strong loin and well-angled hindquarters provided drive, while her front extension was fluid and balanced. Carried her tail level on the move and showed confidence beyond her age. Pleased to see her later awarded Puppy Group 2.

O (1,0)

1 & BOB Vallance, Ms. Mhairi, Ennydloc Yorkshire Liaison To Rowanmyle. 2-year-old blue belton male with a lovely blend of elegance and strength. Balanced overall outline with the correct amount of substance without coarseness. Classic headpiece—well-proportioned with clean lines, correct stop, and dark expressive eyes. Strong, clean neck flowing into an excellent shoulder assembly. Deep brisket and good length of rib. His movement was a particular highlight—sound and unhurried with excellent drive from the rear and a free-flowing, ground-covering gait. Head carriage was natural and proud, showing confidence and maturity.

Bracco Italiano

G (3,1)

1 & BP Mcandrew, Miss Seonaid & Mr Allan Cooper, Gunsyn Supercala In Brackenmist, 12-month-old orange roan bitch of excellent type, developing beautifully for her age. A striking bitch with a sculpted, noble head, well-developed occiput, correct planes and classic roman profile. Soft, intelligent expression from her dark eyes, and ears set low with the characteristic inward fold. Bite correct. Clean, arched neck leading into a strong, well-laid shoulder. Chest deep and broad with ample heart room, well-sprung ribs and strong loin. Her movement was powerful and purposeful, covering the ground effortlessly with reach and drive. Maintained a correct topline and tail carriage throughout.

2 Bowley, L: Bowley, Lynne, Gunsyn Superstitious. 11-month-old orange roan dog with a balanced, classic outline and plenty of potential. Masculine head of good proportion, with correct eye shape and set, square muzzle and ear placement. Good shoulder length and layback. Deep brisket and broad chest, with gentle slope from wither to back. A little over-enthusiastic on the move today, which impacted overall precision, but when settled showed glimpses of the strong, rhythmic gait typical of the breed. Well-handled and sure to mature into a quality adult.

O (4, 2)

1 & BOB Bowley, Lynne, Gunsyn Ginspiration. 4-year-old white & orange dog who commanded the ring from the outset. A dog of classical Bracco type, presenting a noble outline with strength and grace. Impressive head with depth and width, defined stop and broad, square nose. Clean neck with slight dewlap flowing into well-laid shoulders and straight front. Excellent ribbing, strong topline and defined loin. Hindquarters powerful with correct bend of stifle and good let down hocks. Moved with superb reach in front and powerful rear drive, maintaining elegance and control. Coat well prepared. Delighted to see him go on to Gundog Group 2.

2. Mcandrew, Miss Seonaid & Mr A Cooper, SH CH Gunsyn Wave Runner In Brackenmist (AI). 5-year-old white & orange dog of sound construction and excellent balance. Pleasing masculine head with soft expression, defined flews, and correct ear set. Muscular neck, solid topline and deep brisket. Broad ribcage and ample loin support. Movement was strong and true, with excellent footfall and tail carried correctly on the move..

Irish Setter

J (2,1)

1 Walker, Leona & Drew Walker, Gwendariff Hanky Panky. 14-month-old male of classic type and quality. A well-constructed dog showing maturity beyond his age. Long lean head with a defined stop, low set ears and soft expressive eyes. Scissor bite. Clean throat, well-arched neck into well-laid shoulders. Deep chest and plenty of heart room, ribs well sprung and loin muscular. Racy outline but balanced throughout. Strong hindquarters which he used to full advantage, demonstrating fluid drive and reach on the move. Maintained outline and presence at all times—a very promising youngster.

2 & BP Macfarlane, Mrs. Audrey, Harelferg Macfarlane For Umfrido. 8-month-old dog showing promise with a pleasing shape and temperament. Head developing nicely with dark, well-shaped eyes and a good stop. Would prefer a slightly longer neck for elegance, but it was strong and clean. Good depth of chest and spring of rib. Moved with enthusiasm and drive. Slight immaturity in muscle and control to be expected at this age. Shown in good condition.

L (5,0)

1 Walker, Leona & Drew Walker, Gwendariff Ucant Touch This JW, 3-year-old male of striking outline and breed type. Elegant, racy and flowing in outline, with a beautiful lean head, dark almond-shaped eyes and gentle expression. Well laid shoulders, strong straight forelegs and neat feet. Deep, well-sprung ribcage and muscular loin. Hindquarters well developed with excellent turn of stifle. Movement was a highlight—free-flowing with strong drive and good tail carriage. Presented in good hard condition with a gleaming coat.

2 Allan, Mrs. Chloe, Glencarron Show Must Go On JW. 3-year-old dog, another quality exhibit. Strong, clean outline with pleasing angulation and structure. Head balanced with kind eyes and soft expression. Firm topline, strong through the loin and croup. Moved out well with drive and precision, maintaining a correct outline. Coat and presentation was faultless.

3 Sturrock, Sandra & N & J Sturrock, Forfarian Fancy Me JW.

O (3,2)

1 & BOB Walker, Leona & Drew Walker, Gwendariffs Flags Are Flyin. 5-year-old dog in peak form and a true ambassador for the breed. Masculine yet elegant, with a balanced, refined head and dark eyes radiating intelligence. Well-arched neck, strong topline gently sloping to a low-set tail. Deep chest with long ribbing and short, strong loin. Rear angulation excellent, with muscular thighs and let down hocks. Moved like a dream—effortless, ground-covering with powerful drive and reach. Beautifully presented and in excellent condition. Delighted to see him take Group 4 in a strong Gundog Group.

2 Allan, Mrs. Chloe, Braidmount Dreamed A Dream For Glencarron.7-year-old bitch who moved with poise and balance. Feminine head with lovely eye shape and expression. Moderate length of neck flowing smoothly into a firm topline. Deep chest and well ribbed back. Showed true, clean movement with accurate footfall, maintaining outline well. Shown in lovely condition.

 3 Gilray, Ms. Ingrid, Jonola Singapore Sling.

Curly Coated Retriever

O (1,1)

1 & BOB Bain, Mr. Leslie & Mathew & Diane & Mathew Bain & Mrs Diane, Crimblescurl Time To Tango At Wenichones JW. 4-year-old black bitch who epitomises the breed’s hallmark of strength and elegance. Possesses a refined wedge-shaped head with correct proportions from all angles, well-set oval eyes that give a bright, alert expression and small, close-fitting ears well covered in tight curls. Correct scissor bite. Her neck is strong and slightly arched, flowing cleanly into well-laid shoulders and a level topline. Chest deep with well-sprung ribs and elbows tight to the body. Powerful rear with moderate bend of stifle and well-let-down hocks. Coat is good —thick, crisp, and tightly curled all over with no bare patches or frizz. On the move, she showed fluidity and purpose, with a long, ground-covering stride and excellent carriage. An impressive and true-to-type exhibit.

Flat Coated Retriever

J (3,0)

1 Blain, Wendy, Rotherfield Made To Last At Steelriver 13-month-old male, already showing excellent breed qualities and maturity for his age. Presents a balanced and elegant outline with a clean head, flat skull and refined stop. Lovely dark, almond-shaped eyes with a melting expression. Scissor bite. Long, clean neck leading into well-set shoulders and strong topline. Depth of brisket and ribbing developing well. Straight front, tight feet and well-boned throughout. Hindquarters strong with moderate stifle and good muscle tone. Moved with style, carrying his head high and maintaining a level topline—free-flowing with excellent reach and drive. A very promising youngster.

2 & BP Thomson, Caroline, Badcall Midsummer Dream. 10-month-old bitch with elegance and femininity. Attractive head with correct proportions and dark eye, good ear set and length of muzzle. Straight front with correct bone, level topline and well-angulated rear. She moved freely and enthusiastically, using herself well and showing early promise. In excellent coat and condition. Pleasing to see her take Puppy Group 4 and one to watch.

3 Harris, Mrs. Anne, Ronevorg Highland Whisper Of Siancala.

L (3,0)

1 & BOB Anson, Rose & John McManus, Rotherfield Secret Code. 2-year-old male full of presence who immediately drew the eye on entering the ring. Balanced, well-proportioned outline, exuding breed type. Correctly proportioned head of correct length and width, flat skull, neat ears and dark expressive eyes. Strong neck flowing into a firm, straight back and well-laid shoulders. Deep chest with plenty of heart room and excellent ribbing. Moderate bend of stifle and well-developed hindquarters. His movement was the highlight—smooth, ground-covering and elegant, yet full of strength. Tail set and carried correctly. Beautifully presented in gleaming coat. Delighted to see him go on to Gundog Group 1.

2 Thomson, Caroline, Llantrussa Winter Dreams @ Badcall. 3-year-old bitch of lovely type and proportion. Feminine head with a gentle, intelligent expression. Strong through the neck and shoulder, level topline and sound rear angulation. Straight front and correct bone. Moved with easy stride and held her shape well. In good coat and handled to advantage.

3 Harris, Mrs. Anne, Dymexe Outlander At Siancala.

O (4,0)

1 Thomson, Caroline, SH CH Caci's The Dream Catcher Badcall. 6-year-old bitch, a fine example of breed type and ring presence. Feminine and strong in equal measure. Lovely balanced head with a soft, intelligent expression and correct ear placement. Neck clean and of good length, flowing into a well-laid shoulder. Deep, capacious chest and spring of rib, strong loin, and firm topline. Hindquarters well-muscled and stifles moderately bent. Movement was confident and purposeful, with a level topline held throughout. Her coat was in excellent condition, with a flat, glossy texture. A quality bitch beautifully presented and handled.

2 Williamson, Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Tina, Hoedun Joy Ride To Sandti. 3-year-old bitch of refined type and structure. Balanced in outline, with a feminine, sculpted head and kind eye. Good depth through the body, straight front and well-boned legs. Level topline and correct tail carriage. Showed well on the move, with a happy, free stride that covered the ground without effort. A very honest bitch who gives her all.

3 Blain, Wendy & Wendy Blain, Ronevorg Im A Believer In Steelriver.

Golden Retriever

P (5,1)

1 & BP Mccormack, Sharon, Flyngalee Topsy Turvy. 9-month-old dog. A promising young dog with a gentle, kindly expression. His skull was well-chiselled, broad but not coarse, with a clean stop and black nose enhancing his breed type. Dark brown eyes set well apart and rimmed correctly, alongside well-placed ears and a true scissor bite. Clean, muscular neck flowing smoothly into correctly angulated shoulders. He displayed straight bone with good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. His top line was level and held firmly on the move. Showed powerful and effortless movement with drive and purpose.

2 Mcfarlane, Miss Karen, Bluebraes La Dame Blanche. 10-month-old Bitch. A feminine youngster with a sweet expression and clean, balanced outline. True to type with correct head proportions and well-set ears. Nicely boned and muscled with neat, tight feet. Moved soundly and with confidence.

3 Warden, Mrs. A R, Holinbrae Eurastar At Glentochty.

J (6,0)

1 Grady, Marie & Miss K Young, Thornywait Bring It Back Glenrioch. 16-month-old dog. A well-grown juvenile with balance and substance. Broad but refined head, correct eye shape and colour, and well-set ears. Good length of neck into sloping shoulders, excellent straight forelimbs with ample bone. Deep chest and firm body. Hindquarters strong and well-angulated. He moved with strong rear propulsion and maintained a pleasing top line.

2 Rees, Mrs. Ann, Drumkilty Merry And Bright For Catenae. 14-month-old Bitch. A well-presented girl of pleasing proportions. Feminine head with soft expression, correct eye and ear set. Balanced through body with good rib development and strong quarters. Moved with drive and a lovely tail carriage.

3 Purdie, Mrs. Grace, Thornywait Bring Me Luck.

L (12,1)

1 & BOB Law, Mrs. Elizabeth, Sandti Back Of The Net. 3-year-old dog. A standout male who epitomised breed type. Noble head with soft, intelligent eyes and a calm expression. Strong, muscular neck into well-laid shoulders and straight forelimbs with excellent bone. Deep and well-sprung ribs. Maintained a strong, level top line on the move, which was true and fluid from all angles. Moved with drive and authority. Best mover of the day.

2 Wallis, Mrs. Katrina & Adrian Wallis, Lamancha Roll On Good Times. 4-year-old dog. Balanced and masculine, well-presented in hard condition. Pleasing head, clean through the neck and shoulder, with good depth and ribbing. Moved out with strength and purpose.

3 Mcaleese, Mrs. Anne, Toseland Rolls Royce.

O (7,1)

1 Bolton, Mr. & Mrs. Julia, Megarvey Still Game For Shiresmill JW. 3-year-old balanced dog with a kind and intelligent expression. Head broad without heaviness. Strong neck led to well-angulated shoulders and firm top line. Good spring of rib, strong through loin and quarters. Moved soundly and covered the ground efficiently.

2 Warden, Mrs. A R, Noblemoon Tak The High Road To Glentochty. 7-year-old veteran dog, but still in great form. Pleasing head and expression, correct construction, well-muscled body with excellent bone. Moved freely and with plenty of drive.

3 Wallis, Mrs. Katrina & Adrian Wallis, Blue Gemstone Katrina At Camellis.

American Cocker Spaniel

O (2,0)

1 & BOB Stokes, Mr. Cameron & Alison Stokes & Robert Stokes, Jaclee Broadway Madam At Twizeltree. Delightful 13-month-old bitch with rounded skull and a soft, expressive eye. Stop clearly defined, good chiselling under the eyes. Ears set low and carried correctly. Sound through shoulder and forelimb, compact body with depth and substance. Tail set true. Moved with purpose and good reach and drive.

2 & BP Logan/Robertson, Mrs. Carol / Mckenzie, Kenoula Big Spender. 11-month-old dog. A developing youngster, less mature than 1 but with good breed attributes. Balanced outline, correct head proportions, well-set ears. Moved well and should mature nicely.

Cocker Spaniel

P (5,0)

1 & BP Lawrie, Mr. Mark, Inverella Hugo Boss. 10-month-old dog. This young male truly owned the ring today with his confidence and ring presence. Excellent breed type – compact, well-balanced with a strong yet refined frame. Head square in profile with a cleanly chiselled muzzle, dark expressive eyes and correct scissor bite. Ears set low and close to the head, framing his head beautifully. Well-muscled neck flowed into sloping shoulders. Deep chest, ribs well sprung, tight catlike feet. Level topline maintained throughout, and his movement was true and ground-covering with drive from behind. A delight to award him Best Puppy and thrilled to see him take Puppy Group 1 and Reserve Best Puppy in Show.

2 Flowers, Mr. Colin, Totenkopf Dutch Devotion. 11-month-old dog. A beautifully constructed young male with a lovely head, balanced and masculine without coarseness. Good bone, straight front, and clean shoulder placement. Deep ribbing and strong, muscular hindquarters with a good bend of stifle. Moved soundly with drive and confidence.

3 Brindle, Mr. E & Carol Brindle, Ordhaway Sun Dance Girl.

J (7,2)

1 Bodzak, Mrs. Wilma, Whinburn Dearg Aurora. 1-year-old Dog. A quality exhibit with a classic head and soft expression. Square muzzle, good chiselling, and well-developed skull. Eyes were dark and full, conveying an intelligent, gentle expression. Neck of moderate length into a clean shoulder. Lovely flat coat of correct texture, shown in good condition. Moved with an easy, flowing gait, covering ground with excellent reach and drive.

2 Maclean, Miss Joy, Lynwater Snow Moon. 17-month-old pretty bitch, with a soft expression, dark eyes and well-set ears. Well-proportioned throughout with good bone and correct ribbing. Moved soundly and with purpose. A feminine bitch of quality who should do well as she continues to mature.

3 Duncan, Mrs. Lynzi, Corralet Opera Of Dunherl.

L (10,2)

1 & BOB Watson, Ms. Shirley, Quettedene Stars Aligned Over Bordacity. 18-month-old Dog. A super example of the breed, combining elegance with substance. Lovely balanced outline, well-boned and muscled. Head to standard with square muzzle, beautifully chiselled, and dark, intelligent eyes. Ears low set with correct leathers. Strong, arched neck led into sloping shoulders. Ribs deep and well sprung, level topline, and neat catlike feet. His movement was fluid and purposeful, true fore and aft. Good to see him go on to take Gundog Group 3.

2 Blazejczak, Mr. Mariusz, St Clair's Wildswim From Redgranate. A lovely 23-month-old bitch with much to admire. Feminine head and kind expression. Good bone and muscle throughout. Straight front with ample depth, ribbing well developed. Moved soundly and steadily.

3 Neatham, Mr. & Mrs. James & Donna, Shoogsea Heir JW.

O (7,2)

1 Sinclair, Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Mrs B Sinclair, Chataway Dress Tartan At Duclarus JW SHCEX OSW. A quality 4-year-old bitch, presented in peak condition. Classic head with well-defined stop, square muzzle and correct scissor bite. Beautiful lobular ears, low set and well feathered. Well-ribbed, strong through the loin, and compact. Clean throat and correct angulation front and rear. She moved with precision, holding her outline well. Silky flat coat completed the picture of a true breed ambassador.

2 Lawrie, Mr. Mark, Inverella Mistletoe Kiss, 2-year-old Bitch. Pretty and well-made, with a clean outline and correct head proportions. Strong neck and well-laid shoulders. Nicely boned with tight feet. Moved with soundness and enthusiasm.

3 Duncan, Mrs. Lynzi, Corralet Condesa 111 Of Dunherl JW.

English Springer Spaniel

G (1,0)

1 & BOB Stevenson, Ms. Elaine, Peasblossom Brogan At Gaolachcara, 2-year-old dog. A masculine, well-proportioned dog of lovely type. Slightly rounded, broad skull with clearly defined stop, square deep flews, and expressive dark almond-shaped eyes. Ears correctly set and nicely feathered. Strong, straight forelegs with excellent bone, deep chest and well-developed ribcage. Powerful hindquarters with good second thigh. Moved with typical springer enthusiasm – free and driven, covering the ground well with a strong rear action. A pleasure to award BOB.

Adult Handling Classes

17-30. Years

1 & BAH Elizabeth O'Brien, A well-presented and confident handler whose Tibetan Spaniel was also turned out to a high standard. Elizabeth demonstrated excellent ring awareness and maintained the golden rule throughout. Her positive and attentive rapport with her dog was evident. She stacked the dog cleanly, showed dentition with ease, and executed precise straight lines with tidy corners. Her loose-lead movement allowed her dog to flow naturally, all while keeping connection with both the dog and judge. A clear and deserving overall BAH in show winner.

2 Bex, showing her Labrador. A handler who displayed calm and controlled ring craft. Bex maintained a neat, gentle, and polite handling style throughout. Her stacking was accurate, and she presented dentition correctly. She carried out her patterns well, though her lines were not quite as clean as the winner’s. Nevertheless, a polished and enjoyable performance.

31-45 Years

1 Stefanie Brown with her Basset Griffon Vendeen. Stefanie is a strong and composed handler, well in tune with her dog. Presentation of both dog and handler was of a high standard. Her ring patterns showed clean, straight lines with well-executed corners. She followed all instructions promptly and maintained the golden rule consistently. A confident performance with excellent control.

2 Ceri Kinnes with her Australian Shepperd. A capable and thoughtful handler who clearly had a good rapport with her dog. Her movement patterns were clean, and she handled with purpose. One minor lapse in maintaining the golden rule was noted, but overall her performance was steady, well-paced, and in tune with her dog’s needs

60 plus Years

1 Jane Heggie with her Australian Shepperd. An experienced and composed handler who demonstrated excellent control and awareness throughout. Her dog was stacked correctly, dentition shown without issue, and her handling followed all judge instructions perfectly. Jane moved her dog with clear straight lines and never broke the golden rule. A textbook performance of balanced, skilled handling.

2 Jane Mcniven with her Scottish Terrier. A strong and seasoned handler with a calm and measured approach. Her rapport with her dog was evident, and her pattern work was accurate with clean turns. Shadowing was handled with finesse—supportive without being intrusive. Her pace matched the breed perfectly, and her set-up was tidy and effective.

3 Jane Ritchie