Mid Herts Gundog Club

I would like to thank the committee for organising such an enjoyable and well-run Halloween-themed show. My sincere thanks also go to my two stewards for their excellent support, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you to Ruth Lewis and Helen Upton for their generous sponsorship of the breeds, and finally, to all the exhibitors for entering their lovely dogs.

Irish Setter

Puppy (2,0)

1st BOX’S FERNSTART LIONHEART
A very promising 8-month-old dog with strong bone, a masculine head with well-defined brows and ears set low. Lovely length of neck with a gentle arch, good shoulder placement and return of the upper arm. Plenty of spring of rib and very good depth of chest for one so young. He moved with driving action from behind and excellent reach once settled. His dark, gleaming coat is developing nice feathering. RBOB, BP

2nd WELLER’S BARDONHILL TURNS THE PAGE WITH JULEANE
A 6-month-old female with a balanced head and an appealing expression. Straight forelegs, prominent sternum and adequate depth of chest for her age. Balanced angulation throughout. Impressively well schooled, she is a lovely youngster with plenty of potential and maturity still to come. She moved well, however on this occasion, I preferred the movement of the class winner.

Junior (1, 1)

1st WHITE’S PADUAN TRUE LIGHT
A feminine bitch of pleasing type. Her head is refined and distinctly female with good proportions and level planes. Correctly shaped eye with a gentle, kind expression. Neck of good length flows smoothly into the shoulders. Her depth of chest has room for development. Short-coupled with good width across the upper thigh. Tail well set and carried in line with the back. She moved freely, although she was a little narrow behind.

Post Graduate (1, 1)

1st FOSTER’S IXIA BOYS DON'T CRY AT SHANOAH JW
A racy dog with an attractive outline. Beautifully chiselled head with a kind and mischievous expression. Well balanced with a moderately long, elegant neck and a nicely sloping topline. Straight forelegs and small feet. Good angulation front and rear with excellent length of first and second thighs and well-bent stifles. Lovely rich chestnut coat with good texture. He moved freely, carrying his head high with appealing tail action. BOB

Limit (1, 1)

Open (1, 1)

Pointer

Puppy (2, 2)

Junior (3, 1)

1st BROOKSMITH’S SHARNPHILLY LYRICAL
Black and white female of balanced outline. She has a dark eye with a gentle expression and ears set low. Straight forearms with good bone. Nice spring of rib and good depth of brisket, complemented by very good shoulder placement. She moved with excellent extension and powerful drive, covering the ground well. Excellent width through the first thigh and short rear pasterns. A promising bitch with plenty of quality. I considered her in the challenge, but she needed a little more maturity on the day.

2nd NORBURY’S HEARTBURY CARAXES
Orange and white dog with a pleasingly proportioned head and a well-developed lip. Good forechest, clean neck and strong overall muscle definition. Good layback of shoulder and return of upper arm with moderate rear angulation. Moved well. His spring of rib is not yet as developed as that of the class winner, but he has time on his side.

Post Graduate (3, 0)

1st BARHAM’S DROVEBOROUGH WITCHY WOMAN JW
A 2-year-old liver and white female with correct breadth of skull and well-developed flews. Elegant neck flowing into a well-made front. Well-angulated forequarters and hindquarters. Straight forelegs with strong bone and small, neat feet. Strong topline with a well-arched loin. Excellent bend of stifle. She moved with ease and purpose, showing good reach and strong drive from behind. RBOB

2nd OVEL’S HEARTBURY VALENTINO AT JIMAURA
A liver and white dog. Masculine head with a well-defined stop. Long neck leads into a good lay of the shoulder. I would like more depth of brisket, though at only 20 months he has time to develop further. Moved freely with good reach, although he had a tendency to roach his back.

Limit (6, 1)

1st ROBERTS’ KANANASKIS BLACK BRYONY JW
A quality black and white female. Clean, proportionate head with a deep muzzle, well-defined stop and dark, kind eye. Ears correctly set low. Strong, oval bone and a very good shoulder placement. Well ribbed back with strong loins. Level topline and the tail carried in line with the back. She moved with powerful strides making good use of her musculature.

2nd PERREN’S EVALUNA FOR YOUR EYES ONLY AT MISTIN JW
A black and white female of pleasing type. Refined and typical head, correct lip and dark eye. Ears fine in texture and lying close to the head. She stands on straight legs. Very good depth of brisket reaching the elbow. Correct shoulder placement. She moved soundly and freely. Slightly longer in loin and lighter in build than the class winner.

Open (6, 0)

1st NORBURY, GANNEY & ADAMS’ FISHERBLOOM HEY DIDLE DIDLE AT HEARTBURY
An upstanding, symmetrical and well-balanced black and white dog, presenting a pleasing outline. Well-defined stop and slightly concave muzzle profile. Well muscled throughout, while retaining a lithe appearance. Long neck with a gentle arch flowing smoothly into very well-laid shoulders. Good length of upper arm with a well-set return. Straight forelegs with tightly knit feet and nicely arched toes. Correct depth of brisket with ample spring of rib. Good length of first and second thighs, with a sound bend of stifle. Strong topline, which he maintained well on the move. Moved gracefully with plenty of drive and extension, covering the ground well with a lashing tail action. BOB

2nd PERREN’S EVALUNA CHASING RAINBOWS WITH HOOKWOOD JW
A black and white female of elegant and athletic outline. Refined head with a well-defined stop. Long, clean neck leading into a well-laid shoulder. Level topline with a gentle slope over the croup. Good depth of chest with well-sprung ribs carried well back and a pleasingly arched loin. Tail well set and carried correctly in line with the back. Well-angulated hindquarters with ample width of both thighs and low hocks. She moved freely with drive.

Critique by Agnieszka Dufrat (Haverley)