South Western Gundog Club

I am delighted that South Western Gundog Club invited me to judge Cocker Spaniels and American Cockers at their open show on Saturday 18th April 2026. There were some particularly nice dogs entered which gave me something to consider in the final decisions for Best of Breed.

American Cockers

Graduate (0)

Open (2,1)

1st and BOB – Luczynski’s Baladeva Scarlet Letters for Kanara ShCM ShCEx VW. 10-and-a-half-year-old most pleasing feminine black bitch with excellent make and shape, displaying that overall balance and harmony so pleasing to the eye. Carries herself with quiet confidence throughout. Head beautifully sculpted with a short clean muzzle giving that characteristic Cocker expression. Dark lustrous eyes sit correctly in the skull and harmonize, ears low-set and well carried. Bite correct.

Arched neck of generous length flowing without interruption into well-laid shoulders and onto a sloping topline that holds firm both standing and on the move. Correct body length for her frame with pleasing width fore and aft, substance and solidity without any suggestion of coarseness. Moved with drive and enthusiasm, front and rear working in good coordination with tail carried at the correct angle throughout.

A bitch that continues to present in good condition.

Cocker Spaniel

Junior (3, 0) 

1 Meaker’s Alisma Alivia at Meakwood. Very promising 6-month-old blue roan bitch, attractive for type and developing nicely. Feminine head, dark eye and pleasing expression. Good width in front for one so young, with chest coming on well and she held a nice level topline. Moved out soundly and in straight lines. Presented in immaculate condition and gives the impression of being older than she is.

2 Meakin’s Manchela Fire And Ice 6-month-old blue and tan dog, slightly heavier built than first but with good bone and well-muscled quarters. Held his topline on the move and was shown in proper puppy coat which was pleasing to see. Still very much a baby and should benefit from time.

3 Drake’s Lararth Juliet Bravo

Graduate (3, 3) Absent

Post Graduate (1, 0)

1st. Small’s Albertean Minerva JW 2½-year-old blue bitch of pleasing type and feminine outlook. Dark eye, balanced throughout, and nicely angulated front and rear. Compact and cobby, with a level topline both standing and on the move. Covered the ground soundly and with purpose. Pleased me for overall balance and was my Best of Breed.

Limit (1, 0) 

1 McCabe-Bell’s Grandtully Biddy Ford Almost 2-year-old chocolate bitch, well-presented and balanced, with a good outline and level topline. Sound on the move, with good width and angulation fore and aft. A quality bitch with much to like, Reserve Best of Breed.

Open Dog (2, 1) 

1 Dewhurst’s Glowhill Silver at Lapidary 3½-year-old blue dog that is in excellent condition, masculine, well sprung ribs and good depth of chest. Well-muscled quarters, stood four-square and held a level topline when stood and on the move. In the challenge I just slight preferred the shape and compactness of the Limit and PG winners.

Open Bitch (1, 1) Absent