National Gundog Association

National Gundog Championship Show

An honour to be invited to judge these well filled stakes classes at this popular and well organised show. As is the nature of these classes, several dogs that I have previously awarded top honours were present making the task difficult but even more enjoyable. Inevitably, there were some close decisions to be made and small margins determined places. 

Stakes Classes

A.V. Brace (23)

1st Wall’s four year old Viszla litter mates, full of breed type and quality moving well in unison. 

2nd Blair’s Korthals Griffons looking so well together. Again full of breed attributes and complimenting each other standing and on the move. Close up. 

3rd Smith’s Labradors. Not the maturity of those above but looking and going so well for their age. 

A.V. Special Working Gundog Dog (10) headed by two top quality golden retriever males. 

1st Moore’s Tenfield Klipspringer with Auryngra Retriever (Golden) 

Qulaity two year old with a well shaped head of good width, dark eyes giving a correct expression. Strong neck leading to well angulated shoulders and good front construction. He is well ribbed through and has good width to his quarters. In good body. He edged this on his more positive hind action today. 

2nd Williams’ Ch Berrymeade Coeur Blimey at Busheyhall Retriever (Golden)

Another quality male. Presented a balanced and quality outline on the stack and looked so well in profile on the move. Well proportioned head with correct stop and strong neck of good length. So pleased to see that he carries his full title

3rd Arnold and Dobson’s Roughyeds Regal George at Treecave, Retriever (Curly Coated)

A.V. Special Working Gundog Bitch (10)

1st Coode’s Ch Warringah's Pippingarra Retriever (Labrador) 

Mature and well bodied four-year-old yellow. Correct head with good length of muzzle and well placed ears. Straight front of good width. She is well ribbed and has a good tail, set correctly. Moved straight and true. 

2nd Pounds-Longhurst’s Rosgar Dolly O'dare among Mossburn Retriever (Golden) 

At nine years, this one is definitely resisting the aging process. Looking so well here. Super outline with good head proportions, kind expression. She has strong neck of good length and well angulated shoulders. She is well boned through and has super rear angulation. She moved steadily holding her top line correctly. 

3rd Melvin’s Facanvadasz Demeter, Hungarian Vizsla 

A.V. Field Trial (4)

1st Ogle and Suchett Kaye’s Dual Ch Raycris The Temptress Large Munsterlander 

Quality 6 year old with lovely head, strong neck and well laid shoulders. She is well off for bone and has good depth to her chest. Super rear angulation and good muscular condition combined to ensure a driving action on the move when seen in profile. 

2nd Jenkins’ Jenbull Bracken Retriever (Labrador)

Active and fit 4 year old. Also in good muscular condition. Was shown in good coat and body. Good to see a correct tail. 

Veteran Stakes (36) This was one of the most difficult classes that I have ever had to judge. Yes, it was a pleasure seeing so many top exhibits together; several that I have previously admired. 

1st Critchley’s Sh Ch Braccorions Never Say Never Bracco Italiano 

My best In Show at this show 2 years ago. Yes, she is older but all of the essentials are still there in abundance. Correct head proportions with strong neck and good front angulation. She has a good depth to her body with a little tuck up Her quarters are well angulated with hocks let down and good width to her second thigh. Her quarters are well angulated with hocks let down and good width to her second thigh. Her first movement was good but given a second opportunity when shortlisted, she excelled here once more. A super performance to win this quality class. 

2nd Powell and Murrell’s Sh Ch Crumpsbrook Woodrush, Large Munsterlander 

This handsome boy is another that I have previously admired. Once again he doesn’t disappoint in any way. Masculine head, strong neck, well laid shoulders with good width to his front. He is well boned and balanced in body. Yes, starting to show his age a little but the qualities are still there and he excels in movement in profile. 

3rd Jamieson, Macara and Blackburn Bennett’s Sh Ch Kanix Peri Peri with Glenfinnan,Pointer 

Good Citizen Dog Scheme (56)

1st Dobbs Theondale Hopeful Heart Weimaraner 

What a super quality youngster. Only 16 months but so well put together and looking just right for his age. He has both refinement and substance, masculinity without coarseness. Well shaped head with good eyes and super expression. Strong neck leads to well balanced body of good length. He is strong over the quarters. Shown in good body and muscular condition. He moved with purpose to win this strong class. 

2nd Duncan’s Sh Ch Diggmere Tiger Swallowtail Italian Spinone 

Judged this boy as a youngster and so pleased that he is now carrying his title. Mature with correct head planes and strong neck. He has good angulation front and rear. Chest is deep and of good width. He moved well here and deserved a top placing in this strong class. 

3rd Nicolson and Risk’s Knockhalon Spooktacular of Taranstigh Spaniel (Clumber) 

Gundog Breeders' Competition (9)

1st O'Neill’s Tenshilling Pointers

A well matched team with consistency of quality and type. They looked really well going round together. 

2nd Westwood’s Eusanit Tollers

Again, consistent for quality and type. All fit and turned out to advantage. Just thought the winners were so well matched. A super team. 

3rd Watts – Oakmarsh Chesapeakes