Yorkshire Gundog Club

The Yorkshire Gundog Club

25th October 2026

Irish Red and White Setters, Spaniel (American Cocker), Retriever (Chesapeake Bay) and Spanish Water Dog.

Thank you to Karen and the rest of the committee for asking me to judge at their show. It was not the first time, having carried out an appointment for Welsh Springers previously. However, it was lovely to be asked back, to judge a few breeds that are some favourites of mine. Thank you all.

I couldn’t have asked for better or more experienced stewards in Colin Woodward and Gabrielle Sloane. The judging was made a lot easier with you both on board to steady the ship. Many thanks to you both for your much valued assistance

It was a shame that there was such bad weather on top of Midlands Counties Champ show and another Open Show in the same venue the day before. I want to make a heartfelt thank you to all those exhibitors who braved the storms to come under me. On my way to the venue, some 4.5hrs away, I was shocked that anyone would turn up, but gundog people are a hardier breed, and it showed that they took no notice of the “whispers” of the wind. Thank you all for coming. 

Irish Red and White Setters

This is a breed that I follow quite intently. Although sadly few, that did not distract from the quality of the exhibits. Certainly, quality over quantity, which suited me. Fine, young examples of the breed that I am sure will go and do extremely well in the breed. 

Class: 33- Puppy (1,0)

1. 58 - Tattersall’s ALANEA SUMMER LEGACY - 11-month bitch that has a great deal to like. Very appealing in the stack showing great balance. Slighter in frame, but this was not a demerit as it gave her that athletic look. I thought she had a beautiful head. Super in parallel planes, balanced in ratios with a fairly square finish to muzzle of moderate depth. Nicely domed skull. Nicely worked fore-face, that surrounded the brown eye beautifully. Prominence seen to stop, without being overly so. Very appealing in amount of blaze through to mid skull. ears well set back and in line with eye, neatly folded next to a neck of moderate length that was super strong and clearly showed that slight arch. This seamlessly transitioned into super front assembly. This showed good angulation and balance in length of upper arm to scapula. good in width to chest that was down at elbow. spring seen to ribs and strong over loin. Croup well rounded and showing good width, sloping slightly downwards to tail-set. For a bitch of this age, excellent width to upper and second thigh, showing tone and roundness to muscle. Angulation complementary to that of front. All coming together to enable a super level topline. Still coming into her coat, as expected at this gentle age. On the move, all this came together. excellent width to front on the return, with width behind. true footfall on the around with a lovely amount of reach, without being overdone. Very bright future for this lovely girl. Only just pipped to BOB. RBOB.

Class: 34- Junior (1,0)

1. 57 - Tattersall’s ALANEA PENNINE WAY - This 11-month male was litter mate to 1st in puppy. What you got from his sister, I think you saw with him, plus interest. Super balance in profile yet again, but this time it was a little more solid, providing him with a more masculine appearance, which was necessary. My notes stated a head to love and I certainly stand by this. Such an appealing head and expression. Similar to that of his litter mate, but with masculinity. Again, super parallel planes and ratios of muzzle to cranium. Slightly deeper in muzzle than sister, as to be expected, showed strength. Fairly square finish, that was clean and with a lovely large black nose. Excellent workings below eye and to zygomatic arch. This did nothing but assist to accentuate his lovely dark eye. This melted into the lovely rich coat colour around eyes, with assistance from dark rims. Again, head showing slight dome shape, but masculine. Ears carried well back and close to head. Clean in moderately long, but strong neck. Not showing any throatiness and carrying that typical arch. Lovely transition from neck into thoracic region, with excellent lay back of shoulders, angulation and proportions. Lovely width to chest, with prominence to pro-sternum. Down at elbow. Good spring to rib, short coupled and strong over loin. Width seen to croup. Lovely flat topline. Just like his sister, his rear width and construction was a major virtue. excellent width to upper thigh and development to second, all sitting on top of moderate angulation. Nice short hocks. Well developed for age, throughout. Well-muscled, well boned, sinewy where needed and coat coming in well. On the move, it was joy to see him so happy in the ring. A great deal of exuberance. When he controlled himself, there was width behind and in front on the up and back. on the around, had plenty of rear drive and lovely reach. Watch out for this one again. Very happy to award BOB and BP.

Class: 35- Post Graduate (1,0)

1. 57 - Tattersall’s ALANEA PENNINE WAY - please see critique for 1st in class 34, Junior.

BOB and BP - 57 ALANEA PENNINE WAY (from classes 34 and 35 Junior and Post Graduate)

RBOB - 58 ALANEA SUMMER LEGACY (from class 33 Puppy)

Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)

Sadly, because of road closures and the inclement weather, I was informed that all exhibitors in this breed were unable to attend today. 

Class: 60- Puppy (0)

Class: 61- Junior (2,2)

Class: 62- Post Graduate (0)

Class: 63- Open (3,3)

Spaniels (American Cocker)

Class: 93- Puppy (0)

Class: 94- Junior (1,0)

1. 207 - Clay and Dummett’s AMERICLASS MACCHIATO WITH ALMONDSBURY - bitch of 1 year old. This charge has done well under me previously and not that long ago. I stand by my previous sentiments which will be mirrored in this critique. Although stood alone today, this black and tan bitch is very eye catching. At only 1, she still has considerable promise. Her feminine head was particularly appealing, with lovely head properties, well rounded and clearly defined stop. Lovely, raised brows adorning full darkest of dark round eyes. All surrounds of pigmentation in keeping with the majority black coat. Excellent workings to zygomatic arch enabling a super intelligent and alert expression, displaying correct proportions and refinement without losing breed character. Ears are lobular, fine and of correct length to the nostrils. The head is carried proudly on a well-arched neck of good length, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders and a balanced, functional front assembly. She presents an attractive overall outline, already showing excellent shape and balance. The body has pleasing depth and spring of rib for her age, with a firm gentle slope to topline that she maintained both standing and on the move. All giving the appearance of one short, compact and well knit. Her hindquarters are well developed with excellent width, muscling, and a well-bent stifle, providing the power and drive required for efficient movement. Rear angulation complements the front assembly well, creating a harmonious and balanced picture. However, on the move she didn’t reach out as much as I have seen of her previously. She didn’t push herself as much from the rear as would be customary for her obvious positive rear. However, she did cover the ground with confidence and maintained excellent width behind on the away. I think she could have done with a ring a little larger to show herself off to her fullest. She still has all the attributes to develop into a top-class exhibit and, in my opinion, a very positive future. Only just pipped to top honours today. RBOB.

Class: 95- Post Graduate (2,0)

1. 205 - Clay’s JACLEE HIGH SOCIETY AMERICLASS - An appealing two-year-old black and tan bitch who immediately caught the eye, on the day, with her balanced outline, quality and feminine breed type. Presented in excellent coat and condition, with correct rich black and tan markings, she gave a pleasing overall picture both standing and on the move. More substantial than 2nd in the class. Her head is one of her many strengths, being well proportioned with a well-rounded skull, good stop and correctly balanced muzzle, all enhanced by plenty of chiselling. Dark, expressive eyes combined with well-set, correctly furnished ears created the soft, melting expression so typical of the breed. These hung neatly next to a clean, muscular neck of good length that flowed smoothly into well-laid shoulders and a particularly pleasing front assembly, which I preferred on the day to 2nd. A well-developed fore-chest, good spring of rib and compact body contribute to her balanced profile, whilst her short loin and firm, gently sloping topline enhance her attractive silhouette. Although there is still room for further development through the ribcage as she continues to mature, she is already a very well-made bitch with excellent proportions throughout. Her rear quarters are especially impressive, being strong and well-angulated without being overly done. Well-developed thighs and firm hocks, providing the power and drive required of the breed. Standing, she presents a lovely outline, with a correctly set tail that completed the picture and was carried confidently at all times. On the move she covered the ground with an easy, free-flowing stride while maintaining her shape, balance and topline throughout. She moved with purpose and soundness, displaying both reach and drive whilst retaining her lovely overall carriage. A friendly, happy exhibit who showed herself well, combining quality head properties, sound construction. Her overall movement and ring presence saw her come out on top today, enabling her to win BOB.

2. 206 - Clay and Beet’s AMERICLASS AMERICANO WITH THISTLEFINCH - At one year old, this attractive black and tan bitch is litter sister to the winner of the previous class. More compact throughout than my class winner, she nevertheless presents a balanced outline and possesses a very feminine head with a lovely expression. Her dark, slightly almond-shaped eyes, good ear set with fine leather and silky furnishings and plush foreface all combine to create an appealing breed-typical appearance. Excellent workings under eye. Correct ratios of head and skull, good dentition and a clean, slightly arched neck. She has a strong front with good lay of shoulder. Well developed in rib with good depth and spring, supported by good bone. Her back slopes evenly from withers to tail-set, which was carried correctly on the move. Strong in rear quarters with excellent width, well-angulated hindquarters and short hocks. Presented in good coat and condition. On the move she showed powerful drive from behind and covered the ground well, although not quite the reach in front of my class winner. A quality young bitch who is not yet as mature as the winner and who would benefit from a touch more length of leg, but she has much to admire.

Class: 96- Open (0)

BOB - 205 JACLEE HIGH SOCIETY AMERICLASS (from class 95 Post Graduate)

RBOB - 207 AMERICLASS MACCHIATO WITH ALMONDSBURY (from class 94 Junior)

Spanish water Dog

Another breed that I was informed was hit by the weather.

Class: 125- Puppy (0)

Class: 126- Junior (0)

Class: 127- Post Graduate (0)

Class: 128- Open (5,4)

1. 287 - Hodgkinson-Rutherford & Rutherford’s ZORRAZO HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD FOR CHANDERHILL (IMP HRV) - Although this boy of 3-years of age stood alone, he is going to grace many a show. Robust, muscular and soundly constructed throughout, he showed substance without any hint of coarseness. Shown in a super fully corded, parti-coloured predominantly brown and with white, woolly coat. He presented as a mature exhibit and possessed an excellent, balanced outline. He had a masculine head, well-proportioned and in keeping with rest of construction. typical in 3:2 ratio, with slight rise to stop and parallel places. Correctly open nostrils, expressive eyes in keeping with colour of coat. Very expressive and happy. Ears correctly positioned slightly above eye level. This sat neatly on a short, muscular neck, that flowed effortlessly into superb front assembly that showed correct angulation and proportions. His front construction was sound, with well-placed elbows. He had a deep chest, excellent spring of rib, level back and firm topline, which he retained both standing and on the move. He was balanced by excellent fore and hind angulation and from his obvious correct height: length ratio. This showed his strength to loin. He proved a pleasure to go over, with all parts blending harmoniously and nothing exaggerated. Presented in excellent hard condition with excellent width to muscle throughout. This was even more evident in the rear where his upper and second thigh were excellent. excellent width and length to croup, also. On the move he was brisk, true and purposeful, covering the ground with ease, showing good reach in front and strong driving action from his muscular hindquarters whilst maintaining his topline throughout. A high-quality exhibit of considerable merit combining breed type, soundness, balance and presentation in equal measure. It was easy to appreciate his previous success at Championship level, and he thoroughly justified his placing here. I see this being the very tip of the iceberg for this young man. Over the moon for him to be BOB and RBIS. In my opinion, an excellent example.

BOB and RBIS -287 ZORRAZO HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD FOR CHANDERHILL (IMP HRV) (from class 128 Open)

Dr. Hefin Jones (Pencastan)