Driffield Championship Dog Show

DRIFFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

30TH AUGUST 2026

COCKER SPANIELS (DOGS)

JUDGE: ANNE SUTTON, SHIREPARK

Thank you to the Officers and Committee of Driffield Championship Show Society for your kind invitation to judge dogs at your Golden (50th) Anniversary championship show; my first judging appointment at this level. A huge thank you goes to my hard working stewards who were so well organized and spot on with the paperwork. 

The standard of exhibits was of a high standard overall, resulting in some close decisions in some classes. The puppy classes give hope for the future of the breed with some very promising youngsters coming through.  

I was looking for good breed type and balanced, sound construction overall which showed in the dogs’ movement. Whilst the overall standard was high, I noted a mix of breed type. There were a small number of dogs ‘toeing out’ in front when standing. Some dogs would benefit from a more well rounded, muscular hind-quarters and better muscle development in the first and second thigh. This is something to watch going forward. Congratulations to those who went through to the groups. All were placed, which was terrific for our breed.

Class 1783 SPECIAL BEGINNERS DOG (4:0)

1ST 3847 NORRIS Mrs L & NORRIS Ms E: JOALDY MR HAPPY AT AMARANTH SHCEx

A masculine, balanced black dog who is strong in body, well developed but not overdone. His head is balanced with a square muzzle, well defined stop and the most expressive, dark, tight rimmed eyes. He also has good bone and well developed muscle throughout. His well sprung ribs have good depth. His strong topline and well rounded hindquarters complete the picture. He moved well with confidence.

I was delighted to see him go through to the Special Beginners group (with the agreement of my co-judge) where he was placed in the Group.

2ND 3773 BROTHWELL, Miss M: ANNILANN DA BUSINESS AT WISSANT JW

A moderate, compact blue roan dog with a merry disposition. He has a pleasing head and a gentle, affectionate expression from his dark eyes, with tight eye rims. Correct ear-set. He has well sprung ribs and moved well with a merry cocker attitude.  

3RD 3824 LAWRIE, Mr and Mrs M INVERELLA HUGO BOSS

RES 3852 POCOCK Miss R MEGGIEMAC REGAL SPLENDOUR

Class 1784 VETERAN DOG (5:0)

1ST 3830 MASON, Miss J: SANDLAUGA SOUL MAN VW

Gold dog of 9 years. A sturdy, ‘square’ cobby and well boned boy of merry disposition. His head was balanced in profile though I would have liked a little more width to the muzzle to complete the picture. He has good width of fore chest, and well sprung ribs. He moved with such a happy, cookery attitude showing off his outline. Good head carriage.

2ND 3762 BEDDOWS, Ms L D UXENDEL RATHER DASHING

A masculine dog, longer cast than (1). I like his masculine head which isn’t overdone. Good front assembly, strong ribbing and sturdy topline. With neat feet. He moved well.

3RD 3877 SMITH Mrs J E, SH CH PEARKIM POKEMON AT LUANSHYA JW VW

RES 3889 TORBETT, MISS K SH CH KIRLINJIS TAYLOR MADE

VHC 3844 NEEDHAM, Mr R SNOWGATE GOLD EDITION AT MERRYHAZE

Class 1785 MINOR PUPPY DOG (7:0)

1ST 3872 SCOTLAND, Miss K. LYNWATER FOREVER IN BLUE 

8 months Blue Roan standing four-square, on well-padded feet. An outstanding, cobby, minor puppy dog who oozes good breed type. At 8 months of age, he is a beauty and so very balanced overall. A head of good proportions, with square muzzle, well defined stop and good chiseling. He has full, dark, tight-rimmed eyes and a gentle expression. What an excellent forehand he has! Good reach of neck leading into fine sloping shoulders, well sprung ribs and good width and depth of body. A level topline which he holds firmly on the move and well-rounded, muscled hindquarters completes the picture. He moved very well with good reach and drive. One to watch.

2ND 3776 BROWN, Mrs H, POPEBEL TURN BACK TIME 

7 months orange Roan. Not yet as mature as one, but he shows promise and was very well presented. He has a pleasing head without exaggeration and a gentle expression. He is moderate with a sound front assembly, rib shape and topline. I prefer the overall angulation and balance of (1). This youngster moved very well with a merry, cockery attitude.

3RD 3886 THOMAS, Mrs E CLARAMAND THE HERO

RES 3855 POP, Miss J MERRYSOUL GOSSIP STARTS HERE AT BOCABLUE HWW’26

VHC 3903 WATSON, Miss S QUETTADENE STARS ON HIGH OVER BORDERCITY

Class 1786 PUPPY DOG (5:0)

1ST 3846 NORRIE-MILLER, Mrs C & Mr M. RYALLCOURT ROCKET MAN WITH TANRINI

10 month old Black and White. This puppy, was one of my stand out dogs. He is a very well constructed, moderate, balanced, compact and muscular puppy of good breed-type. Outstanding presentation. In static balance and on the move his outline flows.

His head is of equal proportions, just the right amount of depth to his square muzzle, a well-defined stop and his eyes are dark, full and have tight rims. He has the gentlest of expressions. Correct ear-set.

He has a superb forehand including a moderate, well-muscled reach of neck which flows into his well laid back shoulders. Good forechest. He stands on cat-like feet which are tight, neat, and well padded. He has a strong, level top line, well sprung ribs, is short coupled, with a strong loin and has well rounded, muscular hind quarters and has a good bend of stifle/is well let down at the hock. He comes into his own on the move, where his whole construction works together in harmony. He didn’t put a foot wrong as he moved on parallel lines with good reach and drive around the ring. His abundant merry, ‘cockery’ attitude completes the picture. I was delighted to award him RDCC/BPD.

2ND 3878 Smith Mrs JE LYNWATER STAR SPANGLE AT LUANSHYA

10 month old Blue Roan puppy with a good disposition; in outline he flows. A well balanced, moderate puppy of substance, with good breed type; pushed one hard. Though a different type to one, he is well constructed, balanced and well-developed. He has a masculine, balanced head with clean lines and a well defined stop. And the classic, melting expression from his full, dark eyes.  

I like his good reach of neck and well-developed fore chest, ribs, short coupling and strong topline. His angulation is balanced, front and back and he is well muscled (first and second thigh) with rounded hindquarters and well-let down at the hock. He moved well on parallel lines, with good reach and drive. One to watch.

3RD 3864 RAINEY, MRS J KALISPELL’S THE HUSTLER

RES 3767 BOOLE, Mrs and Mr E & R PLAIGLEN ZIGGY’S STAR OF ARRAMOW

VHC 3755 BABESTER, Ms T KALISPELL’S THE PLAYER

Class 1787 JUNIOR DOG (5:1)

1ST 3826 LEWIS, MRS T A: PENMARTAN FIRST EDITION 

A promising orange roan junior dog in excellent coat and condition. He has good substance and good bone. Pleasing head piece, with a gentle expression from those dark, tight eyes. Well developed chest and good spring of rib and a strong, level topline. Standing four square on his well boned legs and padded feet. And a well rounded, muscular hindquarters. He moved well showing off his merry cocker attitude.

2ND 3864 RAINEY, MRS J: KALISPELL’S THE HUSTLER

Another promising junior dog. In outline he is balanced. He has a pleasing head with dark, tight eyes. Moderate all through. He has a muscular neck and well-placed shoulders. Strong body, with well-sprung rib I preferred the width of forechest of (1). Moved well.

3RD 3871 SAUNDERS MRS S: AYLESMEAD JUST THE TIKKIT AT OXFORDOGS

RES 3901 WARK, MRS Y: ARYAFALLS PRIDE OF SUMMER

Class 1788 YEARLING DOG (6:1)

1ST 3833 McBRIDE, MRS J A: TOPDAY BREAK DANCE

Blue Roan. A strong, masculine, well-boned dog. His head is well-balanced with a well-defined stop and dark, kind eye. Strong neck with good flow into well-placed sloping shoulders and good return of upper arm to match. Well developed and muscular all through. His well-sprung ribs extend well-back to his short coupling. And his hindquarters are well rounded and muscular. He moved well with good reach and drive, holding his strong top-line.  

2ND 3906 WEST Mrs C: EDASIY DREAM UPON A STAR BY SHEIGRA JW (IMP)

Gold boy. A different type to (1) but nonetheless a lovely boy who is coming into his own. He is short, square and flowing in outline from head to tail with balanced angulation. With a good head and well defined stop. I would prefer a little more width to his muzzle (when looking in front profile) to complete the picture. Beautiful, soulful, dark, full eyes. Well developed body, with good width in front and well sprung ribs extending well back to his short coupling. He moved well on parallel lines.  

3RD 3857 POP, MISS J: MERRYSOUL EVERYBODY’S TALKING AT BOCA BLUE

RES 3853 POCOCK, MISS R L & MRS D: WILCARO WARRIOR

VHC 3758 BARNES, MRS D: HOLLYTREE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

Class 1789 NOVICE DOG (6:1)

1ST 3832 MCBRIDE: MRS J A: TOPDAY NORTHERN DANCER

Dark blue roan. A beautiful dog who in outline is sturdy, compact, square and moderate. Well-defined stop to his head, moderate and muscular neck set neatly into fine sloping shoulders with a good return of upper arm to match. He has a well-developed fore chest (width and depth). He has a strong, well-developed spring of rib and has balanced angulation front and back. And has well-rounded, muscular hindquarters. He moved well with reach and drive.

2ND 3871 SAUNDERS Mrs S: AYLESMEAD JUST THE TIKKIT AT OXFORDOGS

Light blue roan. A finer type as compared to (1). Well presented but would benefit from less feathering on his front legs as they are quite hidden in side profile. Pleasing head with tight dark eye. Good width of chest, and topline. Good bone for his frame. Moved well.

3RD 3884 THOMAS MRS E: AYLESMEAD THE JOKER AMONG CLARAMAND

RES 3852 POCOCK MISS R: MEGGIEMAC REGAL SPLENDOR

VHC 3901 WARK, Mrs Y: ARYAFALLS PRIDE OF SUMMER

Class 1790 GRADUATE DOG (7:1)

1ST 3909 WILDMAN MRS C & MR A: WILANORAH PERFIK SCOUNDREL AT CHANMALO

Dark blue roan. This boy is beautiful in outline. He has good bone, but there is nothing heavy about his frame. His head is so balanced with a well defined stop and he has the darkest of eyes with a melting expression. I like his fore chest which has good width and depth to it. His moderate reach of neck is set neatly into fine sloping shoulders with a good return of upper arm to match. Strong topline and well-sprung ribs with good depth to them. He used his well-muscled hindquarters and sound front assembly well on the move, gaining a well-deserved 1st place in this class.  

2ND 3898 WALKER, Miss M L: ANDALASIA GUNFIRE

Blue roan. He presents a pleasing picture. Masculine head with tight, dark eyes and well-defined stop. Good neck and shoulder, well-developed chest and held his topline. He is well let down at the hock. A merry cocker who moved soundly.

3RD 3765 BODZAK, Mrs W C: WHINBURN DEARG AURORA

RES 3824 LAWRIE, MR & MRS M: INVERELLA HUGO BOSS

VHC 3820 KITA-OAKES, MRS C: LUDSKA ROYAL QUEST

Class 1791 POST GRADUATE DOG (8:1)

1ST 3816 KENGYELICS, MRS J: ZHERIDONS TRADEOFF WITH HEBDENE

Black dog with much to offer to the breed. I particularly like his compact, cobby, square body, There are no harsh lines to his outline. He is masculine yet moderate and balanced. I have noted that he has good bone all through. He has the most beautiful of heads with clean chiseling, a well-defined stop and square muzzle. His moderate length of muscular neck sits cleanly into fine sloping shoulders. His strong topline, well-developed body and short coupling complete the picture. Shown in excellent coat and condition. He moved soundly, on parallel lines with a merry, ‘cockery’ attitude. 

2ND 3835 McSHANE, MS KV & MR B: MEGGIEMAC BLACK PEARL

Black dog. He has a pleasing head and dark eyes with a gentle expression. I like his strong body and good bone. I prefer the topline of one. He stands on good feet. Just carrying a little bit too much weight across his shoulders. He moved well.

3RD 3781 CRAIG, MR D: RIONDEL AMADEUS AT ALISMA

RES 3763 BEDDOWS, MS L D: GLOWHILL STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

VHC 3849 PEARCE-GUDGER, Mrs G: PEARKIM PIETRO

Class 1792 LIMIT DOG (10:0)

1ST 3868 ROBERTS, Mrs E & SMITH, Miss C: RAYOL THE JOURNALIST

Black dog. Head with well-defined stop, tight dark eyes, correct ear set. He has good depth and width to his fore-chest, good lay back of shoulder and return of upper arm. Well-boned legs and stands four square on good feet. With a strong body and well-sprung ribs. He held his top-line level. And has well-rounded hind quarters. Presented in good coat and condition. He moved well in harmony with his handler.

2ND 3900 WARD, Mrs B M: WHINBURN WALK THE MOON TO WENSUM JW

Black dog. A strong contender in this class. He caught my eye as he entered the ring. A moderate, compact, square and cobby dog of good breed type. With a pleasing head of good proportions and a dark, tight eye. He has a well developed body with good spring of ribs, short loin and level top line and well rounded hindquarters. He wanted to move faster than his handler and whilst I could see some good movement he wasn’t as settled on the move as (1).

3RD 3829 MACLEAN, Miss J & SCOTLAND, Miss K: LYNWATER MOON WALK

RES 3798 EWAN Mrs S: CRAIGDEAN SLOPPY JOE

VHC 3902 WATSON, Ms S: QUETTADENE STARS ALIGNED OVER BORDACITY JW

Class 1793 OPEN DOG (6:2)

The open dog class was I think the strongest class of the day. There were several absolutely beautiful show champions among the exhibits. All deserving of their titles. And it really was a privilege to have the opportunity to judge them. 

1ST 3911 WILLIAMS, Mr and Mrs R and S L: SH CH WILMERELLA HIGHLANDER JW

This boy was my star of the day. The first thing that struck me was how beautifully constructed he is from nose to tail. Strong and sound, without exaggeration. And with the cleanest of outlines. I could see and feel his muscular, well-conditioned body and good bone structure. His movement is sublime. He makes it appear effortless as he displays good reach and drive. Plus his attitude. He is in the ‘zone’ on the move. So focussed. A happy mover in tune with his handler with his ever wagging tail. His excellent reach and drive are followed with just the correct foot-fall beneath his body, as his feet touch the ground.  

He has a super forehand, with a well-developed pro-sternum, depth and width of chest. And is tight at elbow, though not too tight. His head is masculine and well developed. With a balance between the skull from occiput to the stop and from stop to the end of the muzzle. I like the depth of his square muzzle too. 

Then we move to the muscular neck sitting neatly into well laid back shoulders, with a corresponding return of upper arm, strong deep body with good ribs stretching well back to his short, strong loin. His well-rounded hind quarters don’t disappoint adding to the overall balanced picture. He also has a good bend of stifle and is well let down at the hock. When he is in static balance, he stands four square comfortably and doesn’t shift his strong, well padded feet. And his legs front and back, remain on parallel lines to his body.  

I was delighted to award him the DCC.

2ND 3785 DARBY, Ms J: SH CH CLASSICWAY CALL TIME JW

Light blue roan. Another beautiful, happy boy, of good breed type, who I have admired from the ringside. He is an excellent example of our breed and well deserving of his show champion status.   

He has the most exquisite, balanced head of correct proportions and gentle lines, which fit together seamlessly. With a melting expression from his soulful, dark, full eyes with tight rims to complete the picture.  

He is moderate all through without exaggeration. His body is short, square and cobby of balanced proportions. Presented in good coat and condition, he stands on straight legs with good bone. He has the loveliest of (neat) cat-like, well padded feet and stood four-square. On the move he is sound, and he displayed the typical merry, bustling action whilst moving on parallel lines as he motored around the ring demonstrating his good reach and drive . He was at one with his handler and pushed one hard in this class.

3RD 3805 GLENDINNING, Mrs F: PLAIGLEN MOJITO

RES 3802 FAIRBAIRN, Mrs JE & MADIGAN, Mrs M: SH CH CARMELFAIR CESARE FROM MISPERROS JW

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