Lancashire Heeler Association

Vulnerable Native Breeds Open Show - Sussex Spaniels

15th August 2026

Judge: Karen Holdstock

I was delighted to judge the Sussex Spaniels at the Vulnerable Native Breeds Open Show on 15th August 2026. The quality and quantity of my entry were a pleasure to behold, and I extend my sincere thanks to the secretary and committee for their kind invitation and warm hospitality. My gratitude also goes to the exhibitors for bringing their wonderful dogs for me to assess; it was a privilege to go over each one. 

Puppy 4/0

1st, Rydonmist Jack to a King – Miss D Beecham

An appealing 8 month old puppy dog with a lovely, straight front and plenty of good bone. Head of pleasing proportions with a kind, gentle expression. Somewhat mischievous. Strong, slightly arched neck leading to sloping shoulders. Neat, round, well padded feet. He moved freely fore and aft, showing excellent footfall for one so young. Carried his tail a touch high on the go round, but he was full of youthful enthusiasm and clearly keen to play with his classmates. Shown in excellent condition and handled well. BPIB 

2nd,  Rydonmist Honky Tonk Angel – Miss D Beecham

Another very promising youngster, litter sister to the winner and sharing many of his virtues. Loved her ring presence, a true showgirl. She presents a pleasing outline, a excellent coat colour and moved beautifully around the ring with correct tail carriage. Ultimately lost out to her brother as in the line up her handler had her stood a little wide in front today and was understandably wiggly for her handler, but she is in fabulous condition and a real credit to her exhibitor. I wish them both every success for the future. Two lovely puppies.

Junior 2/1ab

1st, Mynydd Manod – Miss S J Coney

A very pretty 15 month old female with a head of good proportions and the most beautiful, soft expression, enhanced by her kind eyes. She has pleasing shoulder placement and stands well, though today she tended to let one front foot turn slightly outward. Coat colour is attractive and she carries an excellent tailset, held well on the move. The warm day affected her performance, but she remained sympathetically handled throughout, showing a lovely, clear bond with her handler.

Post Graduate 3/2ab

1st, Bakerscroft Bosbury Pippin – Mrs C Gasher

A strong, masculine 3 year old male whose tail never stopped wagging, clearly enjoying every moment with his handler. A pleasure to watch the bond they share. He has a pleasing head and plenty of strong bone, presenting a solid outline. When standing he tended to let his front feet turn slightly outward. Strong rear with excellent bend fo stifle. The heat affected him today, yet he still moved steadily, lashing his well set tail with enthusiasm.

Limit 2/2ab

Open Dog 2/0

1st, SH CH Crumbledor Albus Dumbledor at Rydonmist ShCex

A truly impressive male show champion whom I admired greatly. He has the best of heads — masculine yet never coarse - with a kind, gentle expression. Strong all through and so well made, with excellent shoulders, a strong, straight front and superb feet. His chest is deep and well developed, giving him real substance without heaviness. His movement was true fore and aft, and he carried his tail well, though he understandably slowed in the heat during the challenge. Shown in beautiful condition, his coat gleamed in the sunlight. I could not deny him a thoroughly deserved BOB.

2nd, SHCH Fred Siop Ganol into Bowswizzler – Mrs C Swietalski

A worthy 7 year old show champion male with the most endearing expression, full of charm and gentleness. Strong all through and with good front and rear angulation. He is an excellent showman, presenting himself with confidence and style, and his movement remains a highlight smooth, accurate and full of enthusiasm, his tail never stopping for a moment. The beautiful bond he shares with his handler was a pleasure to witness, adding to his overall appeal. 

Open Bitch 2/0

1st, Bakerscroft Beckley Belle – Mr M & Ms S Short & Bull

A lovely 3 year old female whom I admired a great deal - there is so much to like about her. She has a well balanced head with a kind, gentle expression, and she carries good depth of chest. Her front is strong and straight with excellent feet, and she shows a well muscled rear with a pleasing bend of stifle. On the move she understandably lacked enthusiasm due to the heat, but on a cooler day I believe she will be more than capable of challenging the boys for top honours. She has a good tailset, carried well on the move. A truly lovely girl.

2nd, Meggamooch Xanadu at Rydonmist – Miss D Beeham

A 5 year old female with excellent ring presence, immediately catching the eye. She has a pleasing head with a kind, slightly cheeky expression that adds to her charm. Her outline is attractive, strong all through, and she shows a well muscled rear. On the move she really presented herself to advantage, striding out with confidence. Shown in pristine condition, another credit to her owner.

Veteran 2/0

1st, SH CH Sovaroma Realatively Frank with Bowswizzler – Mrs C Swietalski 

What a stunner for 10 years old, I could hardly believe his age. I really loved this dog; he ticked every box for me. He has a head of excellent proportions with a kind, gentle expression, and he remains beautifully balanced throughout. Strong bone and neat, well padded feet complete the picture. He moved out true, showing excellent footfall, and once again his tail never stopped lashing with enthusiasm. Shown in excellent condition. Not surprised to see from the catalogue he is a show champion. A well deserved RBOB and BVIB.

2nd, Marquell Torshca Bang On

An 8 year old female with a beautiful head and the loveliest eyes, giving her the most charming, soft expression. Her temperament shone through, truly delightful. When standing she owned an admirable, well balanced profile with an excellent tailset. Sadly, on the move she wasn’t entirely happy today. Wish her well for the future