Dukeries [Notts] Gundog Club

DUKERIES (NOTTS) GUNDOG CLUB PREMIER OPEN SHOW 18-07-26 OAKRIDGE ARENA NEWARK, NOTTS NG23 7NZ I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Dukeries (Notts) Gundog Club for the kind invitation to judge the Gundog breeds today, specifically the Labrador Retrievers and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Whilst it was unfortunate that some exhibitors were unable to attend, it was nonetheless a rewarding and enjoyable appointment. A heartfelt thank you goes to all the exhibitors who presented their wonderful dogs and accepted my placings in such a sporting manner. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Lorraine Tooth and Nicola Smith for their excellent stewardship and for ensuring the ring ran smoothly throughout the day. FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER CLASS 15 – PUPPY D/B (1, 0A) 1st (BP, RBOB) TIERLING, Mrs R – LLANTRUSSA HAWK AT KARAHOLME A super puppy standing alone in his class but making a strong impression. At just under nine months old, he presented a balanced and well-constructed outline for his age, with nothing overdone. He has a lovely, well-moulded head with the correct skull-to-muzzle ratio, well-set ears, a correct bite and an intelligent expression. Good length of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, straight forelegs with good bone, and neat, round feet. His feathering on the legs and tail will develop further with maturity. He moved confidently around the ring, never once stopping wagging his tail. This young dog has a lot to offer and is a real credit to his owners. CLASS 16 – JUNIOR D/B (4, 2A) 1st CAMPBELL, Mrs J, handling for REYNOLDS, Mrs Barbara & DUNNET, Mr Paul – HOEDUN DOES IT MATTER A 13-month-old bitch and another very nice example of the breed, with everything in proportion from head to tail. Her head is well moulded and carried on a long neck, free from throatiness, giving her an elegant and refined profile. She has straight forelegs with good bone and stands on strong, neat, round feet. Moved well, straight in front and behind. Again, this young bitch has a lot to offer and is a credit to her owners. 2nd SALT, Mrs Melanie & SALT, Mr Dominic – CULCRIEFF'S FERNTOWER GLEN OF WETNOSES A black dog of just 14 months. His head is long and nicely moulded, with a flat, moderately broad skull and a slight stop between his dark brown eyes. He was presented in a good-quality, flat coat of the correct texture. Straight forelegs with good bone and developing feathering to his legs and tail. I preferred the movement of the winner on the day. CLASS 17 – POST GRADUATE D/B (3, 0A) 1st SALT, Mrs Melanie & SALT, Mr Dominic – CULCRIEFF'S FERNTOWER GLEN OF WETNOSES Critique as above. 2nd PACEY, Mrs Julie Anne – SATINBAZE TEA FOR TWO WITH SHELKARU A feminine black bitch of three-and-a-half years. In profile she presents a balanced, clean outline with everything in place from head to tail. Unfortunately, I was unable to examine her mouth through no fault of her own, as she had suffered a bad experience in the past. Her owner was happy to show me her teeth, which were all in order. She has a sweet, feminine head, nicely moulded and well set into her neck, with correct shoulders, a good topline and stands on good feet. She moved well. 3rd SHEPHERSON, Miss Emma – MURPHY'S TREAT CLASS 18 – OPEN D/B (2.0A) 1st (BOB) CAMPBELL, Mrs J, handling for REYNOLDS, Mrs Barbara & DUNNET, Mr Paul – HOEDUN MISS ATOMIC BOMB A five-year-old black bitch and a fine example of the breed, balanced throughout from head to tail. Shown in a correct coat with ample feathering to her legs and tail. She has a lovely mature feminine head, long and nicely moulded, with the correct dark eye colour and shape, giving a very pleasing expression. She has good depth of chest, is well ribbed, with muscular hindquarters and a moderate bend of stifle. Standing on good bone and neat, round feet. On the move she was completely at ease with her handler, moving straight and true both coming and going before settling back into a good stance. She was the best mover on the day, and I was delighted to award her Best of Breed. 2nd HEDGES, Miss J – SATINBAZE TRANQUIL SEA A three-and-a-half-year-old black bitch with a lovely temperament. She has a very feminine head, nicely moulded, with a good reach of neck free from throatiness, flowing into well-placed shoulders. Nicely balanced front and rear, with a good topline and tail set. Straight forelegs with strong bone and correct-shaped feet. Good feathering to her legs and tail and presented in a lovely coat. Litter sister 2nd in Post Graduate, Judge: Mrs Sarah Thorpe (Thorpewillow)