Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society

I was disappointed, having driven down and stayed overnight, to arrive at the show feeling so unwell. I would measure you though that it did not affect my ability to judge and I took my usual due diligence to Make considered decisions in the ring, and having reviewed my notes and photographs I am confident that my placings reflected the dogs qualities accurately. It is my firm opinion that soundness—both physical and mental—is of paramount importance in the show dog, as it underpins their ability to be truly fit for function.

The show itself was a lot of fun, with a vibrant Caribbean theme. The committee had clearly put in a great deal of effort to make it enjoyable for the exhibitors, with a lively steel band, colourful costumes, and garlands adding to the atmosphere. It was such a shame that the rain was so heavy and persistent—but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, and the day was still thoroughly enjoyed by all!

English Setter

Puppy (2)

1st Beasley’s Latjeata Jack’s The Lad Lovely quality young dog, just approaching 12 months. He displays many excellent breed points and is well put together. I particularly liked his size and overall proportions. He has a pleasing expression, enhanced by expressive eyes. His neck is of good length with a slight crest, fitting cleanly into well-laid shoulders and a well-angled return of upper arm. He has good bone, a straight front, and a well-sprung ribcage. There is a slight rise over the loin, and he is well angulated behind, being long from hip to hock with well-let-down hocks. His topline was a little soft on the move, but his footfall was excellent.

2nd Kerr’s Latjeata Angel Blue Feminine bitch with a pleasing overall outline. She has a nicely shaped head—long and fairly lean—with correct balance between skull and muzzle and a well-defined stop. Her neck is clean and of good length. At present, she is very loose at the elbow, which detracted from her front movement. She has a good spring and depth of rib, well-bent stifles, and hocks that are well let down. Coat of good texture. Litter sibling to 1.

Junior (1)

1st Beasley’s Latjeata Cup of Kindness A very happy, bouncy, and extroverted feminine puppy who never stopped wagging her tail. Radiates confident ring presence. That lively, slashing tail carriage was held level with the back and complemented her free-flowing, ground-covering gait. I was particularly drawn to her intensely friendly and engaging nature. She has bright, expressive eyes and a very pleasing expression. Good reach of neck with a slight crest, flowing cleanly into well-laid shoulders and a nicely constructed forehand, with good bone, strong pasterns, and tight feet. She holds a strong, level topline, with well-sprung ribs, a well-bent stifle, and hocks well let down. Litter sibling to those shown in the puppy class—credit to the breeder for producing three such promising youngsters. Best Puppy and Best of Breed.

Post Grad (2)

1st Wynne-Evan’s Droveborough Blue Pearl Rather dark blue bitch; I would have preferred more white in her coat to enhance overall appearance. Although not a flashy exhibit, she presented as a sound and honest representative of the breed. Of medium height, she has a clean, elegant outline and a pleasing expression, with bright, expressive eyes and a well-balanced head showing correct proportions between skull and muzzle. She has a long, clean neck, set smoothly into well-set-back shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Elbows fit closely to the body, with a straight front, short back, and a strong, level topline. Shown in excellent hard condition, I particularly appreciated her body proportions and balance. She moved very well, with correct footfall, true both front and rear, maintaining her topline throughout.

2nd Whittington’s Culverwell Magic Touch Large, masculine dog with a strong, balanced head, a well-defined stop, deep muzzle, expressive dark eyes, and a gentle overall expression. He has a clearly defined occiput, well-laid shoulders, and good bone with strong pasterns. His body is deep with well-sprung ribs and a well-developed, muscular thigh. However, he is currently very loose and soft over all, but particularly evident on the move where he lost his top line. Shown in excellent coat.

Open (3-1)

1st Whittington’s Juldeane Line of Duty (AI) Res BOB Rather a strong skull, but otherwise a pleasing head with a well-defined stop and expressive, pleasing eyes. Clean neck flowing into well-laid-back shoulders, though I would prefer more return of upper arm. He has nice bone and a straight front. Body is of moderate length with a short, level back, and correct spring and depth of rib. Well-bent stifles with good depth of thigh and hocks well let down. Moved very truly in profile.

2nd Beasley’s Wansleydale Mayflower at Latjeata dam to the three puppies, I can see she has passed some her qualities on to them. She has a most lovely head, with excellent balance between skull and muzzle and a well-defined stop. Her muzzle is fairly deep and square, complemented by expressive dark eyes. She has a clean neck of good length, well constructed front with Elbows fit well to the body, correct depth and spring of rib, and well-bent stifles. However, I found her rather long and low in proportions she is soft in top line and low in tail set, erratic movement today.