North Wales Cocker Spaniel Club

I would like to begin by sincerely thanking the committee of the North Wales Cocker Spaniel Club for inviting me to judge at their Championship Show and for giving me the opportunity to award my first CCs in the breed. It was both a pleasure and a great honour. My heartfelt thanks also go to all the exhibitors for their valued entries and for presenting their dogs so beautifully. Finally, I am extremely grateful to my two able stewards, Carol and Janine, whose efficiency and good humour kept everything flowing smoothly throughout the day.

ANY COLOUR BABY PUPPY DOG (4,2)

1st Wyn’s JOURDELAYS BRUNO JULES AMONG SANGRISIEO A well-proportioned black and tan dog of substance, with good bone and a strong, well-constructed forehand. Good reach of neck and well-angulated hindquarters. Presented in excellent condition, he moved soundly with good reach and drive, maintaining a pleasing outline throughout. Best Baby Puppy Dog
2nd Burn’s VILLASPANIOL KING OF SPAIN Golden puppy of good substance and bone, slightly longer cast in outline. Still very immature and naturally requiring time to develop and come together. Well presented and handled.

SPECIAL PUPPY DOG – BLACK/RED/GOLD/BLACK & TAN (1,0)

1st Richardson’s MONAMOURET GOLDEN DREAMS A substantial golden dog of good type and bone, slightly long in his proportions. Good head, good reach of neck and a firm back. Upper arm of good length. Broad thigh with a good turn of stifle a little long in lower thigh. A happy, enthusiastic exhibit who moved soundly and performed with great enjoyment.

SPECIAL GRADUATE DOG – BLACK/RED/GOLD/BLACK & TAN (4,2)

1st Kew’s LUJESA PAPERBACK WRITER WITH WYLYEVIEW An eye-catching, well-made black dog of very good type, with good bone and balanced proportions. Gentle expression and good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders; upper arm could be a little longer. Strong hindquarters and a firm, level topline. A happy, enthusiastic exhibit who moved soundly with fluent, balanced action, retaining a pleasing outline throughout.
2nd Flower’s TOTENKOPF DUTY FREE A smart, well-made black dog of pleasing type. Good head, not overdone, dark, well-set eyes and a gentle expression. Soundly constructed with good spring of rib, short loin, strong hindquarters and a firm, level topline. Excellent coat and condition, he moved soundly, however, today he lacked the desired merry Cocker attitude and carried his tail down on the move, which detracted from the overall picture.

SPECIAL OPEN DOG – BLACK/RED/GOLD/BLACK & TAN (0)

SPECIAL PUPPY DOG – ANY COLOUR other than BLACK/RED/GOLD/BLACK & TAN (3,0)

1st Smith’s LYNWATER STAR SPANGLE AT LUANSHYA A handsome blue roan dog of very good type, well developed for his age. Pleasing masculine head with a dark eye and gentle expression. Well bodied, with good depth and spring of rib, balanced throughout and strong in the hindquarters. Firm in topline, he moved soundly with positive, ground-covering action, maintaining a pleasing outline throughout. Won the class on his well-constructed forehand assembly and balanced proportions.
2nd Boole’s PLAIGLEN ZIGGY’S STAR OF ARRAMOW A pleasing blue roan dog with lots to like. Well-proportioned head with a good reach of neck, firm back and very good hindquarters. Upper arm a little upright, and consequently needing further development in forechest. Presented and performed very well, moving soundly with a fluent side gait and maintaining a pleasing outline throughout.
3rd Sadler’s TORTSPAWS MASTERPIECE

SPECIAL GRADUATE DOG ANY COLOUR other than BLACK/RED/GOLD/BLACK & TAN (3,0)

1st Saunders AYLESMEAD JUST THE TIKKIT AT OXFORDOGS Blue Roan of good type and size, presenting a balanced outline. Strong, masculine head with a good reach of neck. Well constructed through the forehand, with good spring of rib and depth of chest, balanced proportions and a firm topline. Moved soundly and freely, maintaining his shape on the move. Won the class on his better forehand assembly and overall size.
Congratulations to his owner, who was overcome with emotion and later told me that this win secured his final Junior Warrant point. I was delighted to have played a small part in such a wonderful achievement.
2nd Walker’s ANDALASIA GUNFIRE Substantial and well-boned blue roan with a good head, deep body and well-sprung ribs. A little upright in upper arm, with shoulders that could be better laid. Strong and well muscled throughout. Slightly toeing in when coming towards, moved with a fluent side gait
3rd Trezins ANLEKAEL UNIQUE SERPENTINE

SPECIAL OPEN DOG ANY COLOUR other than BLACK/RED/GOLD/BLACK & TAN (6,1)

A super class of quality exhibits, with much to appreciate throughout. My first and second headed a strong line-up and, in the final assessment, most closely fitted the overall picture I was looking for. Both particularly impressed in forehand construction, firm toplines and balanced proportions, moving soundly and fluently with the merry, bustling action so characteristic of the breed.
1st Darby’s SH CH CLASSICWAY CALL TIME JW An outstanding male of excellent type, presented in superb coat and condition. Sound throughout and without exaggeration. Masculine head, clearly defining him as a male without being coarse or overdone. Very good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders, with good return of upper arm, although I would prefer a little more development in forechest. Good depth of brisket and body, well-sprung ribs and a short, cobby outline. Firm, level topline with good tail set and carriage. Very good turn of stifle, broad, strong thighs and short, strong hocks. He drove from powerful hindquarters to produce a roomy, ground-covering gait, maintaining his balanced outline at all times and displaying the desired merry Cocker action. Delighted to award him the CC and, with the agreement of my co-judge, Best in Show.
2nd Glendinning’s PLAIGLEN MOJITO A dog I have admired from the ringside, and having now had the pleasure of judging him, he did not disappoint. Quality orange roan of very good type, presented in excellent coat and condition, with good bone and balanced proportions. Well-proportioned head with a dark eye and gentle expression. Good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders, short, cobby body, firm, level topline and correct tail set. Broad, strong thighs with short, strong hocks. Sound throughout, he moved enthusiastically with harmonious, ground-covering action, retaining his deportment and firm topline throughout. I was pleased to recall him to a select group of excellent dogs in the final challenge and delighted to award him the RCC.
3rd Hackett’s LINDRIDGE HARBOUR LIGHTS
4th Williams SH CH WILMERELLA HIGHLANDER JW
5th Trezins ANLEKAEL UNIQUE SERPENTINE

ANY COLOUR

VETERAN DOG (2,0)

1st Smith’s SH CH PEARKIM POKEMON AT LUANSHYA JW VW An excellent orange roan veteran, presented in tip-top coat and condition and looking every inch a worthy champion. Handsome, masculine head with a soft, gentle expression and a strong neck of good length. Excellent forehand construction, with well-laid shoulders and good return of upper arm, matched by equally well-angulated, muscular hindquarters. Deep in forechest and body, with well-sprung ribs and a firm, level topline. Sound and beautifully balanced throughout, he moved freely and fluently with excellent reach and drive, covering the ground with ease while retaining his outline at all times. His enthusiasm, merry outlook and overall quality belied his years. I was delighted, with the agreement of my co-judge, to award him Best Veteran in Show.
2nd Mason’s SANDLAUGA SOUL MAN VW A handsome, substantial golden dog of pleasing overall type, shown in excellent coat and well presented. Masculine head with strong neck of good length, good depth of forechest and a firm topline. Well angulated fore and aft. Moved soundly and freely, covering the ground well. A delightful character displaying an enthusiastic outlook at all times.

MINOR PUPPY DOG (3,1)

1st Scotland’s LYNWATER FOREVER IN BLUE Very typical dark blue, presented in excellent coat and condition, with good bone, substance and balanced proportions. Well-constructed fore and aft, with good depth of brisket, broad thighs, good turn of stifle and short, strong hocks. Moved fluently with good reach and drive, although I would prefer a firmer topline on the move.
2nd Nutter’s TOMARISROAN RING MY BELL Dark blue puppy of good size and proportions, with a well-laid shoulder and good hindquarter angulation. Still immature and requiring greater strength throughout, topline is firm but slight rise over the loin detracts. Moved with balanced, fluent action.

PUPPY DOG (4,0)

1st Norie-Miller’s RYALLCOURT ROCKET MAN WITH TANRINI Impressive black and white puppy, presented in excellent coat and condition. Good head and expression, strong bone and a very good forehand assembly. Deep in brisket with well-sprung ribs, a firm topline and well-placed tail. Excellent hindquarters, with broad, strong thighs, well-turned stifles and short, strong hocks. Sound throughout, he drove from behind to cover the ground fluently and effectively, maintaining a pleasing outline at all times. Best Puppy Dog.
2nd Boole’s PLAIGLEN ZIGGY’S STAR OF ARRAMOW
3rd Richardson’s MONAMOURET GOLDEN DREAMS
4th Sadler’s TORTSPAWS MASTERPIECE

JUNIOR DOG (5,1)

1st Lewis PENMARTEN FIRST EDITION A classy, well-constructed orange roan of excellent type, short and cobby with good depth of brisket and a strong, well-ribbed body. Good masculine head and reach of neck into well-laid shoulders, with straight, well-boned forelegs and a firm, level topline. Short in loin, with well-turned stifles, broad, strong thighs and firm hocks; for me, just on the limit in length of lower thigh. Sound throughout, he drove effectively from behind to produce a harmonious, ground-covering side gait, retaining excellent deportment and a pleasing outline at all times. Pleased to include him in my final shortlist of six excellent males.
2nd Kew’s LUJESA PAPERBACK WRITER WITH WYLYEVIEW
3rd Saunders AYLESMEAD JUST THE TIKKIT AT OXFORDOGS
4th Flower’s TOTENKOPF DUTY FREE

YEARLING DOG (5,1)

1st McBride’s TOPDAY BREAK DANCE A stunning, substantial dark blue male of excellent type, presented to perfection in superb coat and condition. Masculine head with a good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Excellent depth of brisket, good ribs carried back to a short loin, strong bone and excellent feet. Firm, level topline with a well-set tail. Powerful hindquarters with broad, strong thighs, good turn of stifle and short, strong hocks. He presented an impressive picture in stance, although today his movement lacked the fluidity and drive I would have preferred. Nevertheless, his outstanding type could not be overlooked, and I was pleased to include him in my final shortlist of excellent males.
2nd West’s EDAISY DREAM UPON A STAR BY SHEIGRA Well-proportioned golden dog of correct size, presented in excellent coat and condition. Gentle expression and good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders, with good angulation through the forehand. Firm topline and strong, broad thighs. Sound throughout, he moved with good drive and fluent, balanced action, retaining a pleasing outline throughout.
3rd Jones & Bromhead’s WITKO FLY TO THE MOON
4th Bradshaw’s BLACK DELJA’S ITALIAN BEAU OF FELVIDERE (IMP ITA)

NOVICE DOG (5,0)

1st Williams WYNDSMOOR CHASING DREAMS A most impressive black and white dog of excellent type, beautifully balanced, short and cobby. Good head with a gentle expression and a clean neck of good length. Strongly made throughout, with good bone, excellent feet, good depth of brisket and a well-ribbed body carried back to a short loin. Powerful, well-constructed hindquarters. Sound throughout, he moved with excellent drive and fluent, ground-covering action, maintaining a pleasing outline at all times.
2nd Smith’s LYNWATER STAR SPANGLE AT LUANSHYA
3rd Boole’s PLAIGLEN ZIGGY’S STAR OF ARRAMOW
4th Trezins ANLEKAEL UNIQUE SERPENTINE
5th Flower’s TOTENKOPF DUTY FREE

GRADUATE DOG (5,1)

1st McBride’s TOPDAY NORTHERN DANCER An impressive, mature dark blue presented in excellent coat and condition. Masculine head with a good reach of neck, strong bone and balanced angulation fore and aft. Deep in brisket, with a strong, well-ribbed body, short loin and firm topline. Well-set tail completes a balanced outline. He moved enthusiastically, driving effectively from his powerful hindquarters and transmitting the power through a firm back to cover the ground fluently, maintaining his outline at all times.
2nd Kew’s LUJESA PAPERBACK WRITER WITH WYLYEVIEW
3rd Jones & Bromhead’s WITKO FLY TO THE MOON
4th Walker’s ANDALASIA GUNFIRE

POST GRADUATE DOG (4,1)

1st Yorath’s I WILL BE FORTUNE TELLER FOR WITKO Orange of very good type and balanced proportions. Good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders, with a well-developed forechest and good depth of brisket. Well ribbed with a short loin, although carrying more weight than ideal today. Broad thighs, good turn of stifle, short, strong hocks and good feet. He moved soundly and fluently with effective drive, maintaining a firm topline and pleasing deportment.
2nd Craig’s RIONDEL AMADEUS AT ALISMA Dark blue with good legs and feet, adequate depth of body and well-sprung ribs carried back to a short loin. Upper arm is of good length but rather steep, and I would prefer a better lay of shoulder. Moved with a fluent side gait, although the rise over the loin detracted from his topline and overall outline. Not in his best coat condition today.
3rd Kita-Oakes & Oakes LUDZSKA ROYAL QUEST

SPECIAL BEGINNERS DOG (11,2)

1st Norris JOALDY MR HAPPY AT AMARANTH ShCEx Impressive, substantial black dog, shown in excellent coat and condition. Masculine, balanced head with a dark, expressive eyes. Strong neck into a well-placed forehand, with good bone, excellent depth of body and well-sprung ribs. Firm in topline, with muscular, well-rounded hindquarters. Moved soundly with steady, purposeful action. A worthy winner of this class.
2nd Swell’s LYNWATER MAD HATTER AT QUATTROZAMPE JW A substantial dog with a pleasing head and expression, good reach of neck and a strong, well-ribbed body. Good bone and a firm back. He has excellent ring presence and deportment, moving with enthusiasm and a fluent, effective, ground-covering gait while maintaining a pleasing outline. A close decision, with the winner having the advantage in shoulder placement. The first two dogs headed the class on their overall quality, balance and performance.
3rd Leyland’s CRANKWOODS QUICK STEP JW
4th Jones & Bromhead’s WITKO FLY TO THE MOON
5th Tomlinson’s MILALDER JUMPIN JACK FLASH

LIMIT DOG (4,1)

1st Ward’s WHINBURN WALK THE MOON TO WENSUM JW A very good black dog of balanced proportions, with excellent substance and bone. Pleasing head and expression, with a good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Deep in brisket, with a strong, well-ribbed body, short loin and firm, level topline. Very good hindquarters, with broad, strong thighs, well-turned stifles and short, strong hocks. He drove powerfully from behind to produce a fluent, effective and roomy side gait, maintaining a pleasing outline throughout.
2nd Kengyelics ZHERIDONS TRADEOFF WITH HEBDENE A substantial dog of very good type, soundly constructed with good bone and balanced angulation fore and aft. Good depth of brisket and a strong, well-ribbed body, with a firm back. Sound throughout, he moved steadily and covered the ground effectively, although I preferred the winner’s more fluent, animated action and overall outline on the move.
3rd Bradshaw’s BLACK DELJA’S ITALIAN BEAU OF FELVIDERE (IMP ITA)

OPEN DOG (6,2)

1st Williams SH CH/BEL CH WILMERELLA OUTLANDER An excellent blue male, strong and substantial, with a pleasing head and good reach of neck into a very well-constructed forehand. Excellent bone and feet, with a firm, level back and powerful, well-angulated hindquarters. Sound and balanced throughout, he moved purposefully with strong drive, covering the ground effectively while maintaining a pleasing outline. His overall quality earned him a place in my final shortlist of six excellent males.
2nd Kozak ROYAL QUEST POWRING RAIN A large, powerful blue of excellent type, short and cobby with strong bone and a masculine outlook. Pleasing head and expression, with a good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders. Deep in brisket and well ribbed, with a firm topline and strong, well-angulated hindquarters. Sound throughout, he moved with enthusiasm and effective drive, covering the ground well while maintaining a pleasing outline.
3rd Saunders CARMELFAIR COROCENZO AT OXFORDOGS
4th Brennan’s IR SH CH CHARBONNEL CHAPERONE AT KERRIJOY JW IR JCH