Houghton Le Spring Canine Society

Houghton-Le-Spring Canine Society

09/11/25

Many thanks to the Committee for the invitation to judge gundogs and the Group at this well run and friendly show and to my steward who kept things running smoothly. Thank you to the exhibitors who gave up their time in preparing their dogs and travelling to the show, particularly when the costs of fuel are currently so high. I really enjoyed my day and had plenty of quality dogs to go over making for some difficult decisions.

ENGLISH SETTER

POST GRADUATE (3,1)

1st Mr D Taylor’s Kanietter Kocoa (D).

Strong masculine head and dark eye, well up on size. Neck of good length, steep in upper arm, preferred his foreface to 2, well sprung ribs carried well back with wide slightly arched short loin, has good bone and tight well arched feet. On the move he is true coming & going but would like a little more reach in front.

2nd Mrs M A Snook’s Moorbrook Mogul of March (D).

Kind dark eye and masculine head, flews a touch too pendulous for me, correct low ear set. Liked his length of neck, well laid shoulders coupled with lay and length of upper arm. His pasterns could be stronger & feet are not as well arched as I would like. Chest of good depth, good spring of rib, carried well back. Moved with drive.

OPEN (2,0).

1st Mrs M A Snook’s Dalreavoch Northern Caper (D).

In profile he gives a picture of balance & power. Masculine in head with a kind expression, good reach of neck liked his muscle tone, well arched feet & typical wavy coat. Moderately angulated front and rear which gave him smooth balanced action in profile coupled with a true gait coming & going. 

BOB

2nd Mr D Taylor’s Kanietter Kocoa (D).

POINTER

POST GRADUATE (1,0)

1st Mrs S J Anderson Rowell’s Daledancer Frances Mullen (B).

Took my eye as soon as she entered the ring. 10 months of age black and white bitch, very feminine in head with defined stop and good breadth to her skull, strong, clean lines to the neck, well set ears and the required length of shoulder, long, sloping and well laid back, she had excellent angulation front and rear, allowing her to move with a balanced and smooth action. Was delighted to award her:

BP. BPIG. G3.

OPEN (2,1)

1st Mrs S J Anderson Rowell’s Raigmore Limelight at Daledancer (B).

A balanced & well put together mature bitch, feminine expression dark eye and head of good breadth with correct stop, liked her strength of neck allied to good length, well set shoulders, good spring of ribs carried well back, short coupled muscular wide loin. Broad thighs, well bent stifles with low set hocks. Moved with a balanced action covering the ground well. Shown in fit condition.

BOB.

GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER

POST GRADUATE (2,0)

1st Mr D Cox’s Ovetil Class Act (D).

Of good breed type, balanced head with a kind expression, eyes are a touch lighter in colour than I like. Clean neck flows into well laid back shoulder and level topline with sloping croup, well sprung ribs with good depth carried well back, would like a touch more bend of stifle. Outer coat thick and harsh with dense undercoat, moved well with good reach in front.

2nd Mrs D & Mr J P Bowman’s Kelly Star at Sharrale (B).

Nine month old youngster who was enjoying her day. She is of good breed type, quite raw at present, head of good width and has a strong foreface with full beard, when standing has a strong level topline. Well angulated front with correct length of upper arm, ribs extend well back, moderately bent stifle with well-muscled quarters & stands on well arched feet.

BP.

OPEN (2,1).

1st Mr D Cox’s Ovetil T Roseberry (D).

Standing gives the impression of balance and strength. Not yet fully mature, oval hazel eye with tight eyelids, broad slightly rounded skull, high set ears of correct length. In no way coarse, shoulders sloping and muscular, upper arm of the correct length, ribs carried well back to short strong loin. Outer coat thick and harsh with dense undercoat. Moves with smooth ground covering action, liked him a lot.

BOB.

ITALIAN SPINONI No Entries.

FLATCOAT RETRIEVERS No Entries.

LABRADOR RETRIEVERS

POST GRADUATE (2,1)

1st Mr K & Mrs B F Roberts Stormrose Daisy Hill (B).

Loved her feminine clean cut head, skull broad with dark eyes and defined stop, clean cut cheeks and strong jaw, wide foreface. Strong neck flowing into well laid shoulder & level topline which she held on the move. A touch long in body, deep chest, well muscled rear hindquarters, her upper arm is long and well angulated as is her thigh with well bent stifle, this gave her the smooth ground covering movement I was looking for.

OPEN (1,0)

1st Mr K & Mrs B F Roberts Stormrose Good as Gold (D).

Litter mate to above: The above points apply but he is very masculine and powerful, shorter in body and square outline.

BOB.

AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

POST GRADUATE (2,1)

1st Mrs B Morris’s Mycalleys Sirocco JW (D).

Really liked this dogs head, correct skull shape, chiselled head, lovely dark round eye, good stop, deep muzzle, ears well set. He is correctly angulated front and rear, strong, well boned legs, up at the shoulder, short coupled kept his outline on the move, compact sturdy body, wide muscular quarters. Moved well.

2nd Mrs B & Mrs R Morris & Jefferson’s Mycalleys Jasmine (B).

She has a feminine head and depth to her muzzle, dark well shaped eye with a gentle expression, exhibits the right amount of bone and size, firm through the neck and shoulder with good rib and a broad rump. Still very immature & a touch bouncy on the move.

BP. PG4.

OPEN (1,0)

1st Mrs B & Mrs R Morris & Jefferson’s Mycalleys Koko (D). JW. ShCEX. OSW.

Black bitch shown in top condition, looked a picture in profile. Skull well developed, well rounded correct eye shape and colour, with a deep muzzle. Neck of correct length, gently sloping topline, compact sturdy body, well developed ribcage carried right back, excellent tailset and carriage. Moved out very positively in all directions. Well presented.

BOB.

COCKER SPANIEL

POST GRADUATE (4,1)

1st Miss C Dolan’s Snowgate Shine On JW. (D).

Liked his breed type, pleasing head, kind eye and expression, masculine. Compact and well off for bone with good muscle tone, has a good reach of neck, square outline with well sprung ribs, short coupled, level topline and sloping croup. Moved well in profile.

BOB.

2nd Mr P & Mrs M Davies Annaside Wish Upon A Star (B).

Just six months old, has the attributes to do very well. Head of correct shape, dark eye, good expression, correct ear set and length, enough length of neck, lovely lay of shoulder, prominent sternum, well laid shoulders, good bone, length of rib, good angulation, moved well.

BP.

OPEN (4,2)

1st Mr P & Mrs M Davies Annaside You Are My Sunshine (B).

Distinct stop, with balance also seen between proportions of head, slightly domed skull, would prefer a squarer flew, has a dark eye, smooth transition from neck to well laid shoulders. Lovely width to chest that fitted the hand well, she was down at elbow, well off for bone and has deep well arched feet. On the move has a level topline that did not waver, showed excellent width behind. Presented well.

2nd Mrs C L Qualtrough’s Helenwood Trade Secret RL4 EX. (D).

Strong masculine well proportioned, with tight, dark eye and melting expression. Good length of neck into well laid back shoulders, well boned, good reach front and rear but losing his topline on the move.

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

POST GRADUATE (1,0)

1st Mr & Mrs M Calvert’s Elazlan Elle for Leather (B).

Lovely type with a pretty feminine head. Liked her square balanced outline in profile, well chiselled below her eyes with gentle expression. Strong bone, good length to neck and depth of rib, level topline. Excellent in front and rear angulation with well laid shoulder, good length to upper arm, well bent stifle and well-muscled rear, shown in super condition. All together a lovely package which showed on the move good reach & drive after she settled.

BP. RBPIG.

OPEN (3,2)

1st Mrs A Chandler’s Chanangel Music of the Night (B).

Much to like, shows style and balance, very classical in head having the right balance between skull and foreface not overdone in flew, with correct chiselling, dark eyes giving a soft expression, well set ears with lovely feathering, strong arched neck blending into well laid shoulders, has the best of arched tight feet, correct chest and good depth of brisket, lovely ribs, firm top line, correctly angulated hindquarters, in great condition. On the move she was balanced and kept her topline at all times, she covered the ground well showing reach & drive.

BOB.

 WELSH SPRINGER SPANIEL

POST GRADUATE (3,2)

1st Mrs A Chandler’s Chanangel White Rose (B).

She has a compact outline and a good length of leg. Her head is feminine and pretty, good chiselling and dark soulful eyes. There is a good length of neck that flows into a firm topline, with ample depth and spring to the ribcage and corresponding angulation both fore and aft. Strong, well-developed hindquarters, a well-set tail and lively movement.

OPEN (1,0)

1st Mrs A Chandler’s Chanangel Yorkshire Rose (B).

I appreciated her overall appearance, size and balance. She has a feminine head, dark eyes, and her ears frame her face, showing good chiselling beneath the eyes. She possesses a clean neck of good length, a firm topline and a deep brisket. She stands on well boned limbs with tight feet, well angulated front and rear, excellent topline and strong hindquarters, excellent sound movement.

BOB.

AVNSC GUNDOG

PUPPY (2.0)

1st Mrs C Foody’s Curlyco Sirius at Cairteila. Irish Water Spaniel (D).

Very immature baby. He has a balanced head with a bright eye medium brown in colour and slightly domed skull with good width. Is well proportioned in profile with well boned legs and tight feet, he shows the barrel chest typical of the breed, short level back and strong short loin. Coat on body, dense, was a bit loose today, not showing the tight crisp ringlets the standard requires. Once settled moved with a balanced stride.

BP.

2nd Miss J K & Mr D B Russell & Smith’s Tollpepper Celtic Wish for Cedarlake. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (B).

7 ½ month old baby. Very feminine, still a lot of maturing to do. She has an attractive head with excellent intelligent expression and very good ears. Medium neck, moderate, balanced angulation behind. At this time a little higher behind than in the front. She is a nice and easy mover from the side.

OPEN (7,2)

1st Mr G J & Mrs L A Nesbitt’s Creeaark Austin Healey from Chabrouille. Clumber Spaniel (D).

A striking male, substantial boy who looks like he could do a full days work with the movement to back it up. Effortless accurate stride, covering the ground, not often found in the breed, good length of neck and shoulders, well boned with large, well padded feet, level topline, true coming & going. Liked his large, square, medium length broad head and expression, nice dark eye, with good occiput, heavy brows & deep stop. Silky straight and thick white coat. Could not deny him:

BOB. G1.

2nd Mrs S Mowbray’s Crumbledor Bella Lestrange. Sussex Spaniel (B).

A well constructed bitch of good breed type, she has a nice head with correct width to skull and a kind expression. Strong bitch well off for bone and substance. Level topline and good rib length, giving well-balanced picture, feet could be tighter, good depth to chest and body, shown in good coat with enough feathering. On the move held her topline with strong rear drive.

3rd Miss L & Mrs C Copeland & Knowles Eusanit It’ll Be Reet at Menstonia. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (D).

4th Mrs J Tait’s Talintyre Fomhar Reiver. Irish Red & White Setter (D).

AV IMPORT REGISTER GUNDOG. No Entries.

GUNDOG GROUP

1st Mr G J & Mrs L A Nesbitt’s Creeaark Austin Healey from Chabrouille. Clumber Spaniel (D).

2nd Mr B & Mrs C Foster’s Auristela Singing Hinnie JW. Golder Retriever (B).

A very feminine pale girl, gentle expression with a balanced head, dark eye, well laid back shoulder with correct length and return of upper arm, straight front legs, well rounded feet, deep ribs that are well sprung, moderate bend to stifle with good let down of hock, good reach in front with drive from rear.

3rd Mrs S J Anderson Rowell’s Daledancer Frances Mullen. Pointer (B).

4th Ms C A & Mr S A Pearson’s INT/IR SH CH/NLD CH/SH CH Braccorion’s Nesta Vipas. Bracco Italiano (B).

One I have judged before, a few years ago, my opinions on her have not changed. She fits the standard well, strong, well-balanced, deep chest, would prefer more muscle tone. Skull long angular and narrow at the zygomatic arches, kind eye, correct length & shape of ear. Shoulders are long and well laid back, defined sloping withers with the required break at the 11th vertebrae, wide loin and slope to croup. Almost square in outline and typifies the breed so well, on the move shows the balanced even stride the breed is known for.

GUNDOG PUPPY GROUP

1st Mrs S J Anderson Rowell’s Daledancer Frances Mullen. Pointer (B).

2nd Mr & Mrs M Calvert’s Elazlan Elle for Leather. English Springer Spaniel (B).

3rd Mrs J Wood’s As Good as it Gets Wavelet with Sinduda. Spanish Water Dog (D).

Liked this 7 month youngster, just needs time, robust, medium sized with flat skull, slight stop, short neck, well angulated in front, curled woolly coat. Not as positive on the move at the moment but this should come with maturity.

4th Mrs B & Mrs R Morris & Jefferson’s Mycalleys Jasmine. American Cocker Spaniel (B).

AV GUNDOG

PUPPY (6,4).

1st Mrs B & Mrs R Morris & Jefferson’s Mycalleys Jasmine. American Cocker Spaniel (B).

2nd Miss C Dolan’s Snowgate Shine On JW. Cocker Spaniel (D).

OPEN (8,3)

1st Mrs S Mowbray’s Crumbledor Bella Lestrange. Sussex Spaniel (B).

2nd Mrs J Maddison’s Jaymardy Sweet Caroline JW Golden Retriever (B).

4 year old who is really appealing and eye catching, balanced with a feminine head, dark eye and kind expression. Muscular neck with well laid shoulder & enough length of upper arm. Light cream wavy coat with good feathering and undercoat. Level topline standing and on the move, she has sufficient bone and well let down hocks strong across the croup. Good width & bend to stifle giving her a balanced stride.

3rd Mrs B Searle’s Astleyfold Snowy Bell JW Golden Retriever (B).

4th Mrs A R Warden’s Holinbrae Eurastar at Glentochty. Golden Retriever (D).

AV GUNDOG VETERAN (6.0)

1st Ms C A & Mr S A Pearson’s INT/IR SH CH/NLD CH/SH CH Braccorion’s Nesta Vipas. Bracco Italiano (B).

2nd Mrs A R Warden’s Noblemoon Tak the High Road to Glentochty VW. Golden Retriever (D).

My type of dog. Traditional head, masculine, but not overdone in anyway he has a good shaped skull with excellent chiselling a dark eye, melting expression and a nice strong muzzle, good reach of clean neck. Well laid back shoulder with good length of upper arm which is a little steep. Forelegs straight with good bone, correct pasterns and catlike feet, a strong level topline and correct croup, well sprung ribs, close coupled with well bent stifle. He moves out very freely with balance, nice reach and drive. Loved his breed type.

3rd Miss L Copeland’s SHCH Gunalt Wondrous of Stridview (AI) JW. Weimaraner (B).

Must mention this dog who was in very good company today. Attractive head with a good expression, moderate neck, ears reaching to end of nose. Well-constructed front and rear assembly, good depth of brisket. Ribs carried well back into a strong loin, with a slight slope to the croup.Body of good length. Moved well, showing reach and drive, maintaining a balanced outline.

4th Mrs M A Snook’s Dalreavoch Northern Caper. English Setter (D).

Judge

Mr John Abraham.