National Gundog Association

National Gundog Association Championship Show

Cocker Spaniels – 2nd August 2026

I would like to thank the National Gundog Association for the invitation to judge Cocker Spaniels and the exhibitors for a wonderful entry. I was delighted with the quality of my principal winners and looked for the well-balanced, compact, merry and sporting cocker, combining correct breed type with soundness, ground-covering movement and beautiful heads with that melting expression. I was pleased to find the majority of heads well made, along with well-ribbed compact bodies and strong sound movers. Temperaments on the whole were excellent, and it was particularly pleasing to see the characteristic merry Cocker nature evident throughout the day, despite the heat. Today only a small number of incorrect bites were exhibited, which is great improvement from the last time I judged. I would like to thank my amazing stewards Jodi and Gina for running the ring and supporting exhibitors on such a hot day. 

Veteran Dog 1. Smith, Mrs J E - Sh Ch Pearkim Pokemon at Luanshya JW VW. Nine-year-old orange roan male whom I have previously placed highly. A quality, well-balanced veteran with a handsome masculine head and kind, dark eye. Well constructed and deep bodied, with a firm topline and muscular quarters. Moved freely with reach and drive, using his tail well. Presented in superb, flat, silky coat and excellent condition; his merry outlook and enthusiasm belied his years. Delighted to award him Best Veteran Dog and shortlist him for the CC. 2. Davidson, Miss L J - Rancecraig A Million Dreams. Eight-year-old blue roan with many of the same attributes as the winner. Gentle expression, square muzzle and moderate, muscular neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders. Good forechest and a well-ribbed, compact body. Moved with drive and a merry attitude, handled to advantage and presented very well. 3. Mason Miss J - Sandlauga Soul Man VW

Minor Puppy Dog - 9 entries (1 absent)  1. Norie-Miller, Mr M and Mrs C - Ryallcourt Rocket Man with Tanrini . Eight-and-a-half-month-old black and white puppy dog who headed a strong class. Masculine, well-shaped head with a pleasing dark eye; lovely neck set neatly into well-placed shoulders; excellent ribbing; correct bone; and strong, well-angulated quarters. Beautifully balanced and presented in excellent coat and condition. Sound and positive in movement, with good reach and drive, covering the ground with ease and displaying a merry attitude throughout. Best Puppy Dog and Best Puppy in Breed. Such was his quality that he was seriously considered for the CC and shortlisted to the final few. One with a very bright future. 2. Smith, Mrs J E - Lynwater Star Spangle at Luanshya. Eight-month-old blue roan. Lovely young male, compact and well balanced, with a pleasing masculine head, dark expressive eye and good ribbing. Strong, well-developed quarters. Moved merrily with good drive and typical bustling action. A sound, promising youngster with much to like, unlucky to meet the winner today. 3. Boole Mr R & Mrs E - Plaiglen Ziggy’s Star of Arramow

Puppy Dog - 5 entries (1 absent) 1. Kew, Mr S and Mrs J - Lujesa Paperback Writer with Wylyeview. Twelve-month-old black male who appealed for his masculine yet balanced appearance. Pleasing head and gentle expression, with sufficient length of neck and a soundly constructed forehand. Well developed through the body, with good ribbing, bone and substance. Strong, muscular quarters enabled him to move positively around the ring, maintaining a firm topline and displaying a happy, merry attitude. 2. Babester, Ms T - Antonio Des Deux Camelias. Eight-month-old black and white male. I loved his shape and construction. Correctly constructed forehand, with a clean neck leading into well-placed shoulders. Ribbing correct for his age, with time on his side to mature. When settled, he moved soundly and covered the ground well, driving from short, well-let-down hocks and standing on tight, well-padded feet. Correct tail set and a merry attitude. 3. Holland Mr SA - Holchancer Magic Addition 

Junior Dog - 11 entries (3 absent) Two outstanding males dominated this class and pushed each other hard for the top place. 1. Harrison, Mr T D and Mrs H L - Glenbrows Galanthus JW. A quality black and white male who impressed particularly on examination. Masculine yet balanced in head, with a pleasing expression. Compact and well ribbed, with good forehand construction and a strong, balanced outline. Moved soundly with positive, ground-covering action and maintained his shape and correct tail carriage throughout. Presented in excellent condition and shortlisted for further consideration for the top award. 2. Lewis, Mrs T A - Penmartan First Edition. Orange and white male who pushed the winner all the way. He showed very well and, on another day, these two could change places. Short, compact and well ribbed, carrying the correct amount of body for his age. Well boned and standing on firm, well-padded feet. Well constructed throughout and presented in beautiful coat and condition. Moved out soundly with a merry attitude. 3. Membrado Mr Juan Corralet Quenamon 

Yearling Dog - 3 entries 1. McBride, Miss J - Topday Northern Dancer. Dark blue roan who presented a lovely, balanced shape both standing and on the move. Well-proportioned head with a gentle expression. Moderate neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders, with well-placed forelegs. Standing on firm, well-padded feet. Moved soundly and positively to win the class. 2. West, Mrs C A - Edasiy Dream Upon A Star by Sheigra JW (Imp Can). Balanced red male with a masculine head, defined stop, dark eye and fine leathers of good length. Strong, moderate neck and good shoulder placement, with a muscular rear and short, well-let-down hocks. Moved well; I preferred the head and expression of the winner. 3. Cottrell Mrs K - Granrose Silver Basil at Woodflame 

Maiden Dog - 1 entry 1. Share-Jones, Mrs C W - Sharemead Brandy Snap. Eight-month-old golden male who was remarkably sound for one so young. Well-proportioned head and pleasing expression, with a clean neck leading into well-placed shoulders and a balanced forehand. Good ribbing and substance, with a well-constructed, muscular rear. Presented well and moved positively. Close up to top end of size for a cocker, but nicely proportioned.

Novice Dog - 3 entries 1. Maguire, Mr R K - Suguire's Truly Special. Lovely-headed red roan male with a gentle expression, moderate neck and well-laid shoulders. Good substance throughout and well constructed, with balanced angulation and the correct compact Cocker shape both standing and on the move. Presented in good coat and condition. He gave his handler a challenge initially, but once settled he came alive and moved with reach and drive. Shortlisted for further consideration. 2. Robertson, Mrs J - Zheridons Black Mirror. Lovely black male, well constructed with a clean neck and well-laid shoulders. Good forechest, short deep body and well-sprung ribs. Wide, well-rounded quarters and correct tail set. Built on larger lines than the winner and not as settled today. 3. Pocock Miss R - Meggiemac Regal Splendour 

Undergraduate Dog - 2 entries (1 absent) 1. Redstone, Mrs C M, Miss R H and Mr P H - Tosiparose Super Ted. Presented a compact, balanced outline, with correct head proportions, a pleasing eye, low-set ears and a soft expression. Strong, moderate neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders. Sufficient depth of chest, well-sprung ribs, a strong loin and firm topline, finished by a correctly set tail.

Graduate Dog - 5 entries (1 absent) 1. McShane, Mrs K and Mr B - Delightful Hunter London Eye at Meggiemac. Blue roan of lovely type, with an appealing head and gentle expression. Moderate neck set neatly into well-placed shoulders, well-developed forechest and good ribbing for his age. Well-boned, straight legs and tight feet. Moved soundly with positive action. 2. Hughes, Mrs A - Glantraeth Sea Breeze. Blue roan, nicely made with a pleasing expression. Strong, sturdy and compact in body, with good hindquarters. Used his short, well-let-down hocks to advantage, producing good drive on the move. 3. Harvey Miss C and Mr T - Tomerine Fact or Fable 

Post Graduate Dog - 8 entries (1 absent) 1. Kengyelics, Mrs J - Zheridons Tradeoff with Hebdene - He immediately commanded my attention, and further examination confirmed the quality initially apparent. Well constructed without exaggeration, with an excellent masculine head, clean chiselling and a gentle, intelligent expression. Balanced forehand, with a moderate neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders. Short and deep in body with well-sprung ribs, well-boned limbs and firm, well-padded feet. Wide, muscular quarters, with a good bend of stifle and short hocks, produced powerful drive. He moved soundly and effortlessly with typical merry, energetic Cocker action. Shown in excellent condition with a beautifully prepared, silky coat. Pleased to award him the Dog CC. 2. Craig, Mr D - Riondel Amadeus at Alisma. Quality blue roan male whom I have enjoyed watching since puppyhood. Masculine without being overdone, with a pleasing head, kind dark eye and a correct mouth. Compact and balanced in profile, with a sound forehand, good depth of body and a strong, firm back. His merry disposition was evident throughout, and he moved freely and positively, using his quarters well while retaining his shape. 3. Pearce-Gudger Mrs GE - Pearkim Pietro 

Limit Dog - 9 entries (2 absent) 1. Cox and Dewhurst, Mrs S V and Miss H - Ryallcourt Charm of Unique to Suvern (AI). Black and white male whom I have admired since first seeing him as a puppy. He has real ring presence and the characteristic merry Cocker nature. Lovely, well-proportioned head and balanced forehand. Well ribbed and compact in body, with good bone, a firm level topline, good bend of stifle and correct tail set. Quality coat, beautifully presented. Moved out soundly with reach, drive and typical bustling Cocker action. His overall balance, breed type and sound movement earned him the Reserve Dog CC. 2. Ward, Mrs B M - Whinburn Walk The Moon to Wensum JW. This black male impressed on examination and is a dog best appreciated with hands on. Lovely head and expression, with a correctly constructed forehand. Good ribbing produced a balanced shape and outline. Short and deep in body, combining substance with elegance. Presented in gleaming, flat, silky coat. Moved soundly and steadily, maintaining his balanced outline. 3. Terry Mrs SJ - Shaggylands Midnight Train JW 

Open Dog - 4 entries (1 absent) 1. Dewhurst, Miss H - Sh Ch Glowhill Silver Arrow at Lapidary. Light blue roan male who caught my eye on entering the ring. Appealing head, dark eye and intelligent expression. Correct forehand construction supported by good bone and lovely, firm feet. Firm, level topline, short-coupled body and correct tail set and carriage. He remained merry throughout. Good bend of stifle and excellent muscle tone. Coat beautifully presented. Considered for the top honours. 2. Brennan, Mrs K - Ir Sh Ch Charbonnel Chaperone at Kerrijoy. Beautifully presented black male with nothing overdone. Attractive head with good depth and squareness of muzzle. Moderate neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders. Good ribbing and body, with a firm level topline standing and on the move. Moved around the ring with drive generated by his well-developed, muscular thighs. Pushed the winner all the way. 3. Zemanova Mrs A - Int/cze/bih/slo/ro Ch Unique Team Style of Mary Int Jch 

Special Beginners Dog or Bitch - 8 entries (4 absent) 1. Barber-Ball, Mrs C - Kalispells Kings Secret for Brabazonia (Imp PRT). Lovely-headed orange roan male, new to me, with a well-proportioned, cleanly chiselled head, gentle expression and correctly set ears. Moderate neck leading into a well-constructed forehand and a well-ribbed, compact body. Balanced throughout and demonstrated a merry attitude on the move, with good reach and drive. Excellent presentation. Pleased to award him Best Special Beginner in Breed. 2. Fruzer, Mrs J - Lochellan Dunn's River Blue. Delightful blue roan bitch with a gorgeous head and expression. I loved her breed type and overall balance. She moved true fore and aft, holding a firm, level topline. Expertly handled and well presented. 3. Drake Mrs K - Lararth Juliet Bravo 

Veteran Bitch - 4 entries (1 absent) 1. Hillier, Mr I and Mrs S - Sh Ch Coedcernyw Calendar Girl JW. I have previously placed this bitch highly and today was no different, as I again considered her for the top honours. This nine-year-old golden bitch is of excellent Cocker type and constantly displayed the characteristic merry attitude, her tail never ceasing to wag. Well constructed, with excellent bone and firm, well-padded feet, a strong topline and superb muscular hindquarters with short, well-let-down hocks. Shown in immaculate, silky coat and excellent condition. As always, she was a joy to watch moving soundly with reach and drive. Pleased to award her Best Veteran in Breed. I was sorry that she was unable to stay for the Best Veteran in Show competition, as she had to return to Paignton and District Fanciers Championship Show. I was delighted to learn that she was awarded Best Veteran in Show there. Congratulations. 2. West, Mrs C A - Sheigra Simply A Star JW ShCEx OSW VW. Very pretty-headed black bitch with gorgeous dark eyes and a gentle, melting expression. Short, compact and beautifully balanced, with an excellent forehand and strong, well-muscled quarters. Moved true fore and aft with reach and drive, pushing the winner all the way. 3. Scott Mrs K - Cassom Betty Rizzo 

Minor Puppy Bitch - 7 entries (1 absent) 1. Harrison, Mr T D and Mrs H L - Manjuno's Blue Diamond at Glenbrows NAF. Six-month-old blue roan bitch with a gorgeous feminine head. Well-constructed forehand with well-laid shoulders. For one so young, she has the correct amount of ribbing and bone for her age. Moved soundly and confidently. A very promising youngster. 2. Huston, Mrs S J - Popebel Like Clockwork for Stobytill. Six-month-old blue roan bitch, full of promise and sparkle. Feminine head with correct eye shape and colour. Good depth of chest and lovely, firm feet. In good coat. Well balanced, with an excellent outline, she moved soundly and positively, pushing the winner all the way. 3. Kengyelics Mrs J - Hebdene High Society 

Puppy Bitch - 13 entries (1 absent) A wonderful class to judge, and I was sorry not to have more places available. 1. Beswick, Mrs T - Kirlinjis Espresso Martini for Cachel. Ten-month-old black and white bitch with the prettiest head and an expression that draws you in. Beautifully constructed forehand with good depth of chest. Well-sprung ribs extending into a compact body and short, strong loin. Wide, strong and well-muscled quarters with short, well-let-down hocks. Moved soundly with good forward reach and powerful drive. She pulled out all the stops to win this class, and I was pleased to award her Best Puppy Bitch. 2. Burner, Mr A and Mrs C - Charmwen Hot Stuff. Eleven-month-old bitch whom I have watched since she entered the show ring, and she did not disappoint on examination. Beautiful, well-proportioned head with a kind expression, square muzzle and correctly set ears. Clean neck leading into well-laid shoulders, with straight forelegs and a well-developed, well-ribbed body. Good ribbing and depth. Moved soundly around the ring, maintaining a firm topline. Unlucky to meet the winner in such excellent form. These two could swap places as they develop. 3. Craig Mr D - Alisma Adrianna 

Junior Bitch - 10 entries (3 absent) 1. Zemanova, Mrs A - Valkyrie Dermott JCh. Quality golden bitch, beautifully balanced and compact, with a feminine, well-proportioned head, dark expressive eye and a gentle, merry expression. Clean neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders, straight well-boned forelegs, deep chest and well-sprung ribs. Strong, compact body with a firm topline and muscular, well-angulated hindquarters. Moved soundly and truly with plenty of drive, covering the ground well and maintaining typical merry Cocker action. Flat, silky coat and presented in excellent condition. A gentle, affectionate bitch, full of life and breed character. She was a pleasure to judge and pushed my CC winner all the way, thoroughly deserving the Reserve Bitch CC. 2. Davies and Eisen, Miss L and Miss C - Kerriglow Firefly. Attractive golden bitch of pleasing type and feminine outlook. Her balanced proportions, compact body and well-developed ribbing particularly appealed. Kind in expression, with a clean neckline and a soundly constructed forehand. She used her strong quarters effectively on the move, showing positive action and a typically happy Cocker disposition. 3. Davies Mrs L - Annaside Wish Upon A Star 

Yearling Bitch - 3 entries 1. Zemanova, Mrs A - Valkyrie Dermott JCh. See Junior Bitch. 2. White, Miss C - Granrose A Flash of Topaz. A blue roan bitch with feminine head and kind expression. Compact and well balanced, with good neck and shoulders, well-sprung ribs and strong quarters. Moved soundly and merrily with good reach and drive. 3. Hirst Mrs P - Manlinson Dotty Dot 

Maiden Bitch - 3 entries 1. Zemanova, Mrs A - Valkyrie Dermott JCh. See Junior Bitch. 2. Bowen, Mr D C and Mrs S L - Lynwater Galinda at Lararth. Orange roan bitch with a pleasing, feminine head. Well-boned, straight forelegs, compact body and well-sprung ribs. Moved soundly. 3. Drake Mrs K - Lararth Juliet Bravo 

Novice Bitch - 3 entries (2 absent) 1. Mason, Miss J - Sandlauga Bailey's On Ice. Ten-month-old blue roan and tan bitch with a pleasing, balanced outline, sweet feminine head and soft expression. Well-sprung ribs. Moved soundly and was well presented. 

Undergraduate Bitch - No entries

Graduate Bitch - 3 entries 1. Brown, Mrs H - Popebel Limited Edition. Black and white bitch who won this class on her movement. Clean neck flowing into well-laid shoulders and a compact body. Correctly angled front and rear, with width and muscle through the hindquarters and short, well-let-down hocks. Presented in lovely coat and condition and handled to advantage. 2. Ward, Mrs B M - Whinburn Northern Lights over Wensum. Feminine bitch who appealed in head and expression. Her clean neck and balanced forehand flowed into a compact body with good depth and a firm topline. Moved out with a lovely merry attitude but could not match the winner on the move today. 3. Redstone Mrs CM and Miss PH Tosiparose Sassy Bear 

Post Graduate Bitch - 5 entries (3 absent) 1. West, Mrs C A - Jamesfield Just A Star at Sheigra. Attractive golden bitch with a lovely, compact outline. Sweet feminine head with beautiful dark eyes, a gentle expression and correctly set ears. Well-constructed forehand with a clean neck leading into well-laid shoulders. Balanced throughout and well presented. Moved soundly with the typical merry Cocker attitude. 2. Brown, Mrs H - Popebel Limited Edition. See Graduate Bitch.

Limit Bitch - 6 entries (1 absent) 1. Zemanova, Mrs A - Valkyrie Dermott JCh. See Junior Bitch. 2. Kettle, Misses A and S - Lujesa Laurellakes Angel Whisper. Very attractive black bitch, well balanced throughout, with a lovely compact shape and a beautifully feminine, cleanly chiselled head with a kind expression. Good neck set neatly into well-laid shoulders and a balanced forehand. Deep body and strong, muscular quarters. Moved soundly and steadily with a firm topline and merry tail. Very unlucky to meet the winner today. 3. Bowen Mr DC and Mrs SL - Glowhill Annika at Lararth 

Open Bitch - 7 entries (2 absent) 1. Wildman, Mr M K - Sh Ch Glantraeth Ovation to Oktumi. Outstanding quality blue roan bitch, beautifully balanced and so well made throughout. Exquisite feminine head with lovely clean chiselling, a beautiful expression and a deep, square muzzle. Firm, compact body, short, level back, well-sprung ribs, strong loin and powerful quarters, completed by short, well-let-down hocks and firm, cat-like feet. Presented to perfection in a flat, silky coat, she moved with effortless drive and typical bustling Cocker action, her tail never ceasing to wag. A truly merry, eye-catching bitch who demanded attention. It was my absolute pleasure to award her the Bitch CC and Best of Breed. 2. Brennan, Mrs K - Ir Sh Ch Sparklette Shines at Charbonnel JW Int JCh. Lovely feminine bitch with a balanced head, dark expressive eyes and a beautiful, curvy Cocker outline. Excellent neck and shoulders, deep body with good ribbing and strong, well-angulated quarters. Moved merrily with plenty of drive and good width behind. A quality bitch, unlucky to meet the eventual Best of Breed winner. She received serious consideration for the Reserve CC and pushed the eventual winner of that award very hard. 3. Kew Mr S and Mrs J - Withiflor Bird On The Wire over Wylyeview 

Cheryl Blackley - Wightroche