Shropshire Gundog Society

Shropshire Gundog Society 25 May 2026

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Secretary and Committee for the kind invitation to judge at this excellent show. The venue was well suited, offering ample space for exhibitors. However, it was noticeably warm inside the arena, particularly away from the entrance, which may have had an impact on both the dogs and those officiating tbh.

I was once again somewhat disappointed by the lack of muscle tone observed in some exhibits, given that these are Gundogs and should possess the physical condition required to work over long days. Nevertheless, I was satisfied that my final placings reflected the overall quality presented on the day.

Bracco Italiano

P (2,1abs)

1. Russell’s Bracchini’s Bit of Crumpet for Fraulynzway

Although she stood alone, this seven-month-old bitch still made a smart profile when the handler managed to get her stood. She has a well-proportioned head with correct planes, good length of ear, set well. Strong neck flowing into well-placed withers. Her body is square and well balanced throughout, with complementary angulation front and rear. Stands on good feet. Once settled, she moved well around the ring. BOB, BP and so pleased to see her go BPIS3

G (1,0)

1. Russell’s Bracchini’s Bit of Crumpet for Fraulynzway (repeat)

O. (2,2)

Hungarian Viszla

The wide variation in the quality of exhibits made several decisions particularly challenging today. In addition, some exhibits that I had previously judged did not perform well today, which may have been influenced by the heat.

G (4,0)

1. Gammon’s Martgarian Zantara JW

Femine head of correct proportions. Pleasing expression. Well set ears. Arched neck flowing into well placed shoulders. Balanced in profile with decent angulation fore and aft. Good russet coat. Stood on nice tight feet. Moved well but tended to carry her tail a little proud.

2. Sharrock’s Vizash Hunor

A taller dog with a well-proportioned, masculine head and moderate width of skull. He has good depth of chest with a fair spring of rib, a level topline, and a strong loin. I would have preferred a little more front angulation. His rear is well muscled, with good thigh width. He moved soundly.

3. Warner’s Nordicfield Lady Jaeger

O (4,0)

1. Palmer’s Roughshoot Seabiscuit at Parmelly JW

Two excellent examples of the breed led this class, but today I preferred the size and overall balance of 1. He presented a lovely outline, with a masculine head and kind expression. The skull showed moderate width and was slightly longer than the muzzle. He has good front angulation, matched by a balanced rear assembly, correct depth of chest, and well-sprung ribs. A slightly arched neck flowed into a level topline, with a strong loin and good width through the thigh. He stands on good bone and tight feet, he moved around the ring with drive. I was delighted to award him BOB and even more pleased to see him take BIS.

2. Aynsley’s Vizash Heiress of Caorunn JW

Unlucky to meet 1 today. A smart, nearly three-year-old bitch with a lovely feminine head and pleasing expression. She has a strong, arched neck flowing into a good front assembly, with good depth of chest and plenty of heart room. Her ribs extend well back to a strong loin, moderate rear angulation with decent thigh width. Stands on good feet and moved around the ring with purpose. RBOB

3. Warner’s Nordicfield Dawn Run

ESS

O (1,0)

1. Such’s Gleadsbury Whataboy at Mujascal JW

A well-presented liver and white dog of almost two years, shown in excellent coat and condition. He has a well-proportioned masculine head with dark eyes and a kind expression. Good depth of flew. His ears are well feathered, correctly carried, and frame the head well. A neck of sufficient length flows smoothly into a firm, level topline. He has well-laid shoulders, a reasonably long upper arm, straight front legs with good bone, good depth of body, well-sprung ribs, a strong loin, and a sound rear assembly. He moved with reach and drive. BOB, and I was pleased to see him take BIS3.

Italian Spinone

G(2,1)

1. Bevan & Thompson’s Rose Hip at Stowledge

A brown roan bitch just out of puppy, with a pleasing, well-proportioned head and correct divergent planes. Her ears are of good length and carried correctly low. She has a moderate neck flowing into a typical Spinone topline, with the slight fall and rise over the loin. Well boned and balanced in angulation, she is of correct height to length ratio, in good coat with proper furnishings, moved well. BOB

O(1,1)