Mansfield & District Canine Society

Mansfield & DCS Premier Open Show – 09 August 2026

I’d like to thank the Committee of Mansfield & DCS for the invitation to judge at their lovely show, it was an honour to not only judge several Gundog breeds and the Gundog Group but also to judge Best In Show, in both the group and BIS I had some hard decisions to make between some super dogs. Thanks also to my efficient stewards, Colin & Graham, for keeping my gundog ring running smoothly and last, but not least, thank you to the exhibitors for allowing me the pleasure of judging your dogs and for a lovely atmosphere around the ring on what was a very hot day.

Spanish Water Dog

PG (1): 1. Slaymaker’s Perrorizado San Andres for Salvajero 2.5yr black D, good head with correct ear set, rather a long neck but good lay of shoulder and moderate rear angulation, feet a little on the long side, in correct coat of good woolly texture, longer on leg than I would prefer but a sound mover, RBOB

O (3,2abs): 1. Hodkinson Rutherford & Rutherford’s Zorrazo Hit The Nail On The Head for Chanderhill (Imp Hrv) 2.5yr brown D, lovely size and balance, correct head with dark eye, giving a gentle expression, short muscular neck into correct layback of shoulder, strong topline & well set tail, good depth of chest and spring of rib, well boned legs and tight, round feet, in his best jacket of tight, woolly curls, on the move he covered the ground with ease with a sound, driving action, delighted to award him BOB, G1 & later going RBIS behind a super young Kerry Blue Terrier who he pushed all the way.

Bracco Italiano

PG (3,1): 1. Bond’s Teverlarni Lucky Star litter sisters just coming up to 2 years of age, both blanket chestnut. This was a balanced girl of a nice size, feminine throughout, correct head & ear set, dark eyes, strong neck into well-laid shoulders, straight legs to a slightly sloping pasterns, tight, arched feet, strong topline, sound mover but just tended to fly her tail on the move, RBOB 2. Blomfield’s Teverlarni Who’s That Girl at Woodlandblue similar comments apply to 1 another nice girl, just preferred the head of 1 at this stage, on the move this girl is sound and driving and carries her tail better than her sister, she just needs to gain a bit more confidence 

O (3,1): 1. Groves & Pipes Sh Ch Bushwacker Don Juan JW, upstanding 3yr D, W/O, not hard to see why this boy has his title, correct head with a large spongy nose, lovely soft expression from his dark eye, strong, muscular neck into well laid shoulders leading to a strong topline & correct tailset, docked tail carried correctly on the move, he has super depth of chest & spring of rib, ample forechest, strong, straight forelegs to right feet, a good bend of stifle, he powered round the ring like he could go all day, BOB & G2, unlucky to meet the group winner on such good form today 2. Groves, Hamlyn & Pipes Bushwacker Demetrio W/O D of almost 5yrs, another well-constructed boy who is balanced all through, nice size, lovely head and good eye, good front assembly, he has depth and spring of rib, short, dense coat of good texture, moved well but not the presence or stamp of 1.

Irish Setter

PG (1): 1. Kassube’s Cararua Spring Pearl JW, B of just over 2yrs, pretty bitch with nice dark, expressive eyes, balanced head, long neck and good shoulders, enough forechest, straight topline with tail set correct, still has some maturing to do to fill out as she was rather narrow all through, good legs and nicely angulated behind, would like tighter front feet, super rich chestnut coat with good feathering, rather erratic on the move but settled enough to eventually see enough to award RBOB

O (2): 1. Harrison’s Clonageera Summer Dreams at Millpoint JW almost 2.5yr old B, liked her size and presence, she has a lovely feminine head, dark eye, correct ear set and length, , good length of neck into well-laid shoulders, good in forechest and well angulated fore & aft, good feet, well let down hocks, handler does tend to overstretch her at times but when stood correctly presents a balanced picture, moved well, although out of coat on the day still deserving of BOB 2. Kassube’s Thendara Hot Diamond at Cararua, almost 6yr D, in super coat & condition, balanced head, slightly loose in eye but a nice eye colour, strong topline & correct tail set, well boned legs, feet could be a little tighter, excels in forechest & spring of rib, his movement was rather hackneyed in front and close behind but he covered the ground well

Retriever (Golden)

P (3,1): 1. Falconer’s Siatham Esmerelda 10M pale gold B, lovely head & expression, dark pigment, moderately long, clean neck into well laid shoulders, good in forechest and depth, enough spring of rib for age, strong topline to correct tailset, well boned legs and good feet, coat and feathering coming along nicely although lacking a little undercoat on the day, sound mover and well handled, BP & PG4 2. Booth’s Haydengold Sweet Moments for Alihelnix another nice girl of same age as 1, preferred head of 1 at this stage, nice eye colour, ok for forechest, good bone & feet, nicely coated and carrying a little more undercoat that 1 today, I think the heat got to her and whilst she moved soundly she was decidedly lacking in enthusiasm sadly, still overall a nice bitch 

J (4,1): 1. Stonebridge’s Toseland Two Can Have a Party 17M pale gold B, lovely head with dark eye and pigment, strong neck, well-constructed all through with good angulation fore & aft, strong topline & correct tail set, well boned legs down to lovely tight feet, she was such a free, easy mover, driving from behind and holding her topline, in good coat and well presented, well deserved BOB & G3 2. Riley’s Strettonhills Quevega fractionally smaller size than 1, another lovely feminine head with dark eye and pigmentation, well balanced, good feet & legs, not quite the movement of 1. 3. Smith’s Carubelo Silver Promise for Rocamoka

PG (6,1): 1. T. Two Can Have a Party 1&2 repeat of J. 2. S. Quevega 3. Smith’s Strettonhills Harbour Light

O (3,1): 1. Smith’s Rocamoka Funky Business mid-gold B of 7yrs, not showing her age at all, sweet head with gentle expression from her dark eyes, well constructed all round, in excellent coat, moved soundly covering the ground, RBOB * 2nd in AV Veteran Gundog 2. Stanilands’s Bermary Sweet Child of Mine, VHC in PG, pale gold, good head, well laid shoulder & enough rear angulation, enough bone and good feet, was out of coat and the heat seemed to be affecting her more than most as although she moved ok she was definitely lacking in enthusiasm

Italian Spinone

P (3,1): 1. James’s Affilato Game On, W/O B of almost 10m, I liked this pup for her shape & size, quite mature for her age but so well balanced, lean head of correct planes and a kind, gentle eye, all framed by good eyebrows and beard, correct topline, rising slightly over loin to well set tail, well sprung ribs and chest to elbow, strong, well boned legs and good feet, muscled hindquarters which she used well on the move which was free and easy, maintaining her correct topline, BP & RBOB 2. Hodgson’s Osulf’s Ginger Nut 6m W/O B, real baby and at the legs and wings stage, she has a good head and expression, coat is coming along well, has enough depth at this stage, well boned legs, feet could be tighter, correct topline & tail set, well handled and moved well, was nitpicking between 2&3 in this class so not surprised to see they are litter sisters as they are very similar 3. Reay’s Osulf’s Sugar Pia

J (6): 1. Bovio’s Ilsolo Sniffed It Once I judged 1&2 6 months ago and on the day the result was the opposite way round, I still like both girls very much but today 1 just had the edge, a B/R of nearly 14M, another of a lovely size and shape, attractive, balanced head, strong neck, excellent depth, good forechest, well boned legs and tight feet, a good bend of stifle & hocks well let down, correct topline & tail set, all held on the move, which was free & easy, earlier this year I said she didn’t have quite the ring presence of her sister, today she shone and I was pleased to award her BOB Mangham’s Ilsolo Soggy Bottom W/O litter sister of 1, many of the same remarks apply and again it was a close decision between them but I felt on the day her sister had the edge on rear angulation and maturity, like her sister her movement was exemplary, I’m sure they’ll change places many times over the years 3. Foster’s Affilato Play Cupid

PG (1): 1. Mann’s August Dreamer W/O D of almost 2 years, nice size, square in profile, he has a lovely masculine head without being overdone, short muscular neck, moderately angulated all round, has the correct topline & tail set, coat of correct texture, strong bone, feet and pasterns could be tighter, moved well in profile but was loose in front coming towards me

O (1): Mann’s Make A Splash O/R D of 2.5 years, well grown male, I would like a slightly more laid-back shoulder and he is rather level in topline, lacking the slight rise over the croup however, he has excellent depth of chest & spring of rib, good angles fore & aft, well boned legs, feet are a little flat, in a coat of good texture, moved well

Spaniel (Cocker)

P (2): 1. Williams’s Wilmerella Celtic Thistle O/W B of 7.5M, what a little cracker, caught my eye immediately and I wasn’t disappointed going over her, she has a super head of correct shape & balance with a lovely expression, low set ears reaching the tip of her nose, muscular neck into well laid shoulders, excellent front assembly with well laid shoulders, good forechest and depth, compact body with good topline & tail set, well boned legs and well-padded feet, her coat is just right for her age with enough feathering, on the move she showed that typical merry cocker action I was looking for, covering the ground with ease and her tail never stopping, BP & PG1, at the end of the day she was still giving her all and couldn’t be denied BPIS, one I’d happily take home and wish her owner luck with her for the future 2. Bacon’s Timbric Calamity Jane L/R B of 9.5M unlucky to meet 1 today as she too is a lovely puppy, pretty head with a cheeky expression from her dark eyes, good depth & well-constructed, coat of correct texture and well feathered, moved with exuberance, much to like

J (2,1): 1. Saunders’ Aylesmead Just the Tikkit at Oxfordogs Blue Roan D of just over a year old, not the biggest of boys but still obvious what sex he is, masculine head, dark eye, strong neck into well laid shoulders, correct topline & tail set, well boned legs and nice tight feet, well coated and finished, moved ok

PG (5): 1. Fawcett & Fawcett’s Wissant About Flippin Time 2.5Y Blue Roan D, again a nice size, nothing overdone, balanced head and dark eye giving a soft expression, well boned legs and good feet, clean neck into well laid shoulders, good in forechest, strong topline & good, good coat & feathering, moved soundly, close decision between 1&2, 1 was just in slightly better coat 2. West’s Edasiy Dream Upon a Star By Sheigra JW (Imp) Red of just over 18M, pretty head of correct proportions with a lovely dark eye, correct front assembly although not quite the forechest of 1, strong legs to good feet, well feathered just a little out of coat today, used her good angles to propel her round the ring with drive 3. Brothwell’s Wilanorah Sat’day Nite Diva at Wissant

O (5,1): 1. Brothwell’s Annilann Da Business at Wissant JW this 2Y old Blue roan D typifies the merry cocker, loved his head & expression, he is well constructed all through, strong topline & correct tailset, in excellent coat with well feathered legs, chest & tail, well boned legs to lovely tight feet, on the move he went with drive and that lovely cockery action, BOB 2. West’s Jamesfield Just A Star at Sheigra this 3Y Red B was as feminine as 1 is masculine, lovely size and shape, well balanced, pretty head of correct proportions with correctly set ears and good length, strong neck into well laid shoulder, good topline & tail set all held well on the move, well presented in lovely gleaming red coat, moved well, unlucky to meet 1, RBOB 3. Bacon’s Timbric Doris Day JW

Retriever (NSDT)

P (1): 1. Gough’s Winter Snowflake Amber Glade Of Korutorr (Imp Pol) 7M B, pretty head & expression, eyes yet to darken further but should come with time, well set ears that she used well, not the biggest of girls and quite fine all through, good neck into correct shoulder placement, enough depth for age, moderately angulated behind, was well handled and moved steadily for a baby, would just like a little more of her, BP

J (4): 1. Rice’s Tiamaria Bella Rosa 17M B, on the smaller end of the size scale but well balanced, good head of correct proportions, eye colour could be a little darker, good front assembly, straight legs down to good feet, nicely angulated hindquarters, lacking a little in undercoat but topcoat of good texture and rich colour, handled to advantage which won her the class, sound mover 2. Sewell’s Breakerswell Twiglet just over 12M B, more substantial than 1, nice head with good expression, strong neck into well laid shoulder, strong topline to good tail set, well boned legs and tight feet, enough rear angulation, moved ok 3. Winter Snowflake Amber Glade Of Korutorr

PG (6,2) 1. Pickard’s Arthundur Red Viper D of just over 15M, for me he was the most typical of the breed in the class, masculine head with good ear set, would like a slightly darker eye to tone with his coat, strong neck, good front assembly with nice forechest, strong topline & correct tail set, in excellent double coat of a rich colour, well boned legs to good feet, angulated well to propel him soundly around the ring, RBOB 2. Rice’s Tiamaria Juniper Berry pretty B of almost 3Y, nice darker eye which gave a pleasing expression, clean, well-muscled neck, good front assembly with enough depth and well sprung ribs, moderately angulated hindquarters which produced a sound mover 3. T Bella Rosa

O (3): 1. Gough’s Cretshengan Kitchi Lake (AI) 5.5Y D who was so masculine & well-constructed, nothing overdone about him, super head & expression, well set ears, strong muscular neck into well laid shoulder, excellent depth and spring of ribs, good in forechest, strong legs to be critical his feet could be a little tighter, nicely angulated rear, strong topline & correct tail set, lovely dark coat with excellent undercoat, he moved soundly with drive maintaining his topline & holding his tail correctly BOB 2. Sewell’s Clegane Inferno to Breakerswell another nice boy of 7Y, another nice head & expression, carrying enough coat, well boned legs, not the rear angles of 1 but moved well holding a good topline & carrying his tail correctly 3. Sewell’s Littleclose Father and Son To Breakerswell

Spaniel (Welsh Springer)

P (1): 1. Withers’ Kenaspire Fairy Dust a real baby of just 7M, head is just right for age, nice eye colour, good neck & shoulder, she has enough bone and good feet, moderately angulated hindquarters, coat of nice texture & feathering coming along well, not a big girl and not a lot to grow on but nicely constructed, moved well for a baby, BP

PG (2): 1. Wallington’s Ferndel Renzo at Rovinjdal 3Y D of nice size, well balanced, lovely masculine head with dark eye, good in forechest and depth, elbows tight, strong topline with tail well set on and carried correctly on the move, in a rich red & white jacket with good feathering, moved soundly round the ring, BOB 2. Cochrane’s Eiriandylis Confusion almost 3yr B, lovely size, good head, muscular neck into correct front assembly, nice rear angulation, in good coat, had a tendency to crab a little on the move but looked well in profile, RBOB 

English Setter

P (1): 1. Adams’ Alolfrana Xclusive Party 8.5M orange Belton D, super head, long & lean with nice eye colour, low set ears hanging close to cheeks, slightly arched neck into well laid shoulder, chest well down to elbow, would like a little more forechest but still has plenty of time to develop, strong topline with well feathered tail coming straight off, coat coming along nicely, well boned legs to good feet, good bend of stifle and decent width of thigh, his movement was steady and driving, although stood alone well deserving of BP & RBOB

J (1): 1. Wight’s Samelen Enigmatic Charm, 13M orange Belton B, attractive head with dark eye, long neck into well laid shoulder, good depth of chest & spring of rib, well off for forechest, nicely balanced angles, well coated with good feathering, moved well coming & going but was over-reaching slightly in profile

PG (2,1): 1. Hingley’s Wansleydale Bee Quick, tri D almost 3Y old, good masculine head without being overdone, expressive dark eye, enough neck leading into good front assembly, strong topline to correct tail set, excellent coat & feathering, well off for bone and depth with good feet, moved well, BOB

AV Gundog NSC

P (1): 1. Clay & Beet’s Americlass Americano with Thistlefinch, Am Cocker, 10M B/T Am. Cocker B, smart pup, sweet head with good dark eye & black pigment, good mouth, long, neck with slight arch leading into well set shoulders, well balanced, has plenty of depth just needs her ribs to spring a little more, well angulated hindquarters, in super coat & condition, moved very soundly, Best AVNSC

J (1): 1. Pont’s Penrose Willpower, CBR, 15M sedge D who was very unsure in the ring, I understood he’d recently had a bad experience so was happy to spend time reassuring him & trying to help him overcome this. I hope he regains his confidence as he’s a nice example of the breed, lovely head, broad with a medium stop, well set on ears, when he relaxed a little he has a soft expression, muscular neck into well-laid shoulders, has depth of chest and good forechest, nice angles fore & aft, well boned legs to tight feet, when he was on the move he settled more and gave a better account of himself, he did enough to be placed 1st and RBAVNSC

AV Veteran Gundog 11(4abs)

1. West’s Sheigra Simply a Star JW ShCEx OSW VW – Cocker Spaniel super solid black B, 9yrs old and not showing a day of it, she is a lovely size and shape, well balanced, pretty head & gentle expression, in super coat & condition and on the move took command of the ring, BV & BVIS4 2. Smith’s Rocamoka Funky Business – Golden Retriever see breed critique 3. Pressley’s Sniperay Ambrosia - Pointer  

Gundog Group

1. Zorazzo Hit The Nail On The Head for Chanderhill (Imp Hrv) – SWD – see breed critique

2. Sh Ch Bushwaker Don Juan JW – Bracco Italiano – see breed critique

3. Toseland Two Can Have A Party – Retriever (Golden) – see breed critique

4. Newton’s Nevedith Thunder Bolt – HV – smart young D, just turned 2yrs, attractive head with good working in it, moderate stop & correct median line, long arched neck into well laid shoulders, good depth of chest & spring of rib, short backed, well sprung ribs and a slight tuck-up, well muscled hindquarters, good bone & tight feet, tail carried correctly on the move which was ground covering 

Gundog Puppy Group

1. Wilmerella Celtic Thistle – Cocker – see breed critique

2. Brownbank Florentine – Weim – 7M B that I judged at the Club champ show at the end of May when she was still a Baby Puppy, wow has she come on since then, she was quite chunky that day but has fined down to a more elegant example of the breed but maintains plenty of bone & substance without being overdone, good head, kind expression, strong neck to well laid shoulders, chest is deep, good forechest, well ribbed back, standing on tight feet when she moved it was sound and ground covering keeping a good topline & correct tail carriage

3. Alolfrana Xclusive Party – English Setter – see breed critique

4. Siatham Esmerelda – Retriever (Golden) – see breed critique

Best In Show

Super line-ups for all my “in Shows”, thank you to the group judges for putting such quality through making each a tough decision.

BIS1 Pretty & Potts’ Kebulak Mr Marvellous (Kerry Blue Terrier) I was taken with this D on my first look round the ring, although only just out of puppy he didn’t put a foot wrong, he was compact and balanced, long, lean head with a dark, keen eye that was alert all the time in typical terrier style, strong neck to correct forehand assembly, straight legs with strong bone, depth of brisket and well sprung ribs, strong topline to a high set tail, excellent bend of stifle, still in his dark puppy coat which was soft and silky with the desired wave, he just shouted look at me as he powered round the ring and couldn’t be denied top spot, I will watch his future with interest

BIS2 Zorazzo Hit The Nail On The Head for Chanderhill (Imp Hrv) (SWD) see breed critique

BIS3 Hodge’s Colkeririn To The Nines JW (Rhodesian Ridgeback) very smart B, another youngster who could easily have taken top spot today, most attractive head & kind expression, well made throughout with ground covering movement, much to like about her

BIS4 Crookes & Crookes Dalberry The Starburst (Dalmation) lovely balance to this almost 6 yr old D, well-constructed with good angles, looked a picture both standing and on the move

Best Puppy in Show

BPIS1 Wilmerella Celtic Thistle (Cocker) see breed critique, just couldn’t overlook this youngster for top honours today, I’m sure she has a very bright future

BPIS2 Simms & Simms’ Arcticskies Woo Woo (Siberian Husky) well-made 8M D, mature looking dog for his age but he was a real puppy underneath it all with a cheeky attitude, lovely head & expression, correct double coat, excellent front, strong topline to correct tail set, strongly boned legs, well bent stifles & hocks well let down, on the move he was light on his feet with good drive from behind

BPIS3 Hardisty’s Blunderhall Gunpowder Guy (Beagle) my first dog ever at 4 years of age was a Beagle and I’ve had a soft spot for them ever since, this young man is just 8M old, a smart tri, lovely head & expression, well made all through with matching angles fore & aft, strong topline which he held on the move which was effortless

BPIS4 Gee’s Watercroft Wizzard (Norfolk Terrier) 9M D, another cheeky pup showing true terrier character, sweet head & expression, in good harsh coat, moved well round the ring

Best Veteran In Show

BVIS1 Lowes Ch Callowdale Easy Street (Tibetan Mastiff), a very impressive girl of 8.5 years & not showing a day of it, well boned & well muscled carrying a dense black & tan coat with a thick undercoat, strong topline, tail carried correctly & well feathered, powered round the ring pushing off her muscular hindquarters

BVIS2 Woolley’s Malandex Xpressly Sweet with Aratika VW (Bearded Collie) 10Yr B who pushed 1 all the way, still impressive for her age, feminine head with good eye colour & correct earset, in super coat & condition, nicely angulated under all her coat which showed in her movement 

BVIS3 O’Donnell & O’Donnell’s Ch Drishaun Faith Is Like A Lily For Javidan JW (Afghan Hound) 8Yr old, definitely had the dignified & aloof temperament required by the standard, well balanced skull, strong neck into long, sloping shoulders, level back, prominent hip bones, good spring of rib & depth of chest, well bent stifles, in a super coat of fine texture with correct topknot, still light on her feet she floated around the ring

BVIS4 West’s Sheigra Simply a Star JW ShCEx OSW VW (Cocker Spaniel) – see AV Veteran Gundog

Best Import in Show

BIIS1 Henshaw’s Whitehemi’s Aurora (White Swiss Shepherd Dog) 5Yr B lovely wedge shaped head with high set ears that she used well, dark eye & pigment, strong neck into good front assembly, elbows tight to her chest which was deep, strong topline & good tailset, nice feet, well coated, tail carried low on the move which was steady with good reach & drive covering the ground with ease

BIIS2 Simms & Simms’ Mongun Taiga Chugush Endless Tenderness (Imp Ltu) (Yakutian Laika) a pleasure to go over this 2yr old W&B D, a completely new breed to me having only recently been recognised by the RKC, so I’ll admit to not knowing the breed standard but to me he had a good head & expression, his body was compact, balanced and muscular, good width of thigh and well let down hocks, good bone and tight feet, thick slightly coarse coat with an excellent undercoat, movement in profile was good, just a little bit close behind going away

BIIS3 McGillivray-Holman’s Chinaskys Dreaming of Alba (Xoloitzcuintle) 17M B, the small hairless version of the breed, balanced, deep chest with well sprung ribs, moderate tuck up, forelegs of a good length with firm pasterns, moderately angled hindquarters, a little difficult to assess movement as she was rather erratic and not really cooperating with her handler on the day