Midland English Springer Spaniel Society

I would like to thank Kay Woodward and her committee for inviting me to judge at this wonderful show. There was a great atmosphere and it was wonderful to see Margaret & Geoff Backhouse there both looking so well and witty as ever.

I very much enjoyed my judging and as I am not actively showing in the breed at present, I was able to come to this appointment with a fresh & open mind. I found many quality exhibits and was very impressed with all my main winners. However I found a few issues within the breed that seems to be common throughout. Firstly, round, light eyes were an obvious problem I noted. You are meant to be able to ‘melt’ when you look into a springers dark, almond shaped eyes but most of the time I was too distracted by these light, staring, harsh looking eyes that totally ruins the expression. Another problem and one I noted on previous occasions is the complete lack of front reach in a huge amount of exhibits. So many choppy front actions and hardly any with the true movement & swinging from the shoulder. This does not seem to be improving in the breed, probably getting worse, which is such a shame as it is such a unique action that sets the English Springer aside from the rest.

A more worrying fact is that there are not many youngsters coming up through the breed, both in dogs or handlers and not one exhibitor entered into the Special Beginner classes. This is the same in many breeds not just ESS but without the youngsters and without the Beginners, what are we going to do?

MPD 3

1 Eastwood’s EASTFALLA NEXT STEP lovely baby to start the day off with. Quality boy of super type & size. Attractive masculine head & super expression with good dark eye for his age. Good length of neck leading into well laid shoulders. Good body & depth with correctly sprung ribs. Well let down behind and well muscled hindquarters. Moved out steadily for a baby and very sound both coming and going with good reach and drive. Firm, level topline held well at all times. Handled to advantage and I was pleased to award him BPD and BMPIS.

2 Gray’s TRIMERE TIME TRACKER raw L/W boy who has a typical shape when standing just a little longer cast than my winner. Well shaped head that still needs to develop with maturity. Good eye and expression. Slightly arched neck leading into well placed shoulders. Well boned legs and neat feet. Ribs well sprung just a fraction long in loin. Level topline held well both standing and on the move. Still needs to settle when moving but in time this should come.

3 Gregory’s ARCADIA ASTON MARTIN

PD 4(1)

1 Eastwood’s EASTFALLA NEXT STEP winner of MPD

2 Dunsdon’s MEADOWDALE LUTHER VANDROSS AT SEASPRING upstanding B/W boy who for me I would not want to see get any bigger. Well balanced with a good outline. Good bone with rounded feet. Decent in head with lovely dark eye giving a kind expression. Good length of neck, strong, leading into adequately placed shoulders. Sufficient depth to chest and well sprung ribs. Moderately bent stifle with decent second thigh. Moves out well and steadily up and back but would like to see him with a bit more reach & drive. Well schooled & in excellent coat and condition.

3 Gregory’s ARCADIA ALFA ROMEO

JD 2

1 Clarke’s TIGERROCK RADIO GAGA quality B/W youngster and of an excellent size and typical outline. Cracking head of the correct shape with lovely almond shape, dark eyes giving a gentle expression. Good length of neck with correct arch, adequate lay of shoulder but I would like to see more return of upper arm. Strong bone and good neat feet. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Tail set nicely and never carried above his back. Well angulated hindquarters with nice short hocks. Moved out well, was a little wide coming towards but very sound behind. Another who I would like to see reach more in front action. Superbly presented and handled to advantage.

2 Clarke’s TIGERROCK TIMMY TIM TIMS B/W brother to 1st and many of the same remarks apply. Not the expression of his brother but a masculine head of good strength, with good chiseling and correct stop. Good depth of chest and well bodied throughout with excellent condition and muscle tone. Legs well boned and correct cushioned feet. Well let down hocks. A little distracted on the move as wanted to be with his owner but moved out well and soundly. Again, superbly presented.

YD 1

1 Long & Leeming’s TRYHARD TOURDE YORKSHIRE Moderately built L/W/T dog. Well developed head with correct proportions, almond eyes but a bit light in colour. Nice stop & good flew. Enough neck to well laid shoulder but would like more angle to upper arm. Level topline with correctly set tail and carriage. Good body with depth to chest. Well boned straight fore legs and nice tight compact feet. Well ribbed back with short loin, muscular hindquarters. Moved out soundly but would like to see more reach and drive.

ND 1

1 Gregory’s ARCADIA ALFA ROMEO masculine B/W puppy with cracking bone and substance throughout. Compact outline when standing with good balance. Head of the correct proportions with good dark eye. Super depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Well bodied. Well angulated behind with enough muscle tone for a baby. Difficult to assess on the move as he was really giving his handler a hard time.

GD 3

1 Ternent’s HUNTERHECK TURN BACK TIME impressive B/W dog that is really striking on the stack, showing a very typical outline. Super head and eye, giving that gorgeous soft expression, with correct chiseling and fluting. Excellent front assembly with good depth of chest and well sprung ribs, however ribcage doesn’t go back as far as I would prefer making him long in loin. So well bodied with excellent condition and muscle tone. Well boned legs and neat cushioned feet. Well let down rear and short hocks. In profile he has a lovely true action, however I would like to see him tighter going away. Presented in excellent coat and condition.

2 Glendinning’s PLAIGLEN BEATERS BSTYLISH another well made B/W boy who today just lacked the finish of my winner. Quality head, which appeals greatly. Masculine but such a soft gentle expression with lovely eye shape and colour. Muscular neck leading into well placed shoulders. Excellent forechest with good depth. Strong, short-coupled body with well sprung ribs. Short hocks and well muscled hind quarters. Moved out well and soundly just needs a little more confidence to complete the picture.

3 TIGERROCK LETS ROCK N'ROLL

PGD 4(2)

1 Jenkinson’s EASTRIDING DECLARATION ideally sized B/W boy who appeals greatly when stood. Lovely balanced, clean outline. Masculine head but with good refinement and not at all coarse. Good stop and fairly broad skull. Correctly set eyes with a dark enough colour giving a good expression. Neck of a good length with the desired arch that lead into clean, sloping shoulders. Adequate depth of chest. Elbows could be closer to body. Decent spring of rib, set right back into a short muscular loin. Topline firm and level at all time with correctly set tail. Well angulated hindquarters, good muscle tone with enough second thigh. Well boned legs with lovely tight feet. Moved out soundly and with purpose with like to see a little more reach and drive. Presented and handled to perfection.

2 Happs’ CLENTONIAN SOLOMANS SEAL L/W who is a larger mould than my winner. Well balanced outline and a decent shape. Masculine head, with good stop and pleasing eye. Adequate length of neck and not the front angulation that I would like to see. Good depth of chest. Well sprung ribs. Strong level topline with correctly set tail. Moderately angulated behind, and well muscled. Moved well and soundly but would have liked more reach in front. Again another presented well.

LD 6(3)

1 Glendinning & Boole’s PLAIGLEN BEATERS BTRUE very honest B/W boy who has matured greatly since I last judged him and impressed today. Typical outline of a good shape and well balanced. Another from this kennel with a really classical head, with lovely dark expressive eyes, well chiseled below and fluting between. Strong neck of a good length leading into well placed shoulders. Excellent depth to chest, with good spring of rib leading back into a short loin. Firm level topline held well at all times. Moderately angled behind, with good muscle tone and correct short hocks. Really moved out well today with good reach and drive and sound both fore and aft. In my shortlist for the CC.

2 TRIMERE TICKS THE BOX AT MUJASCAL SHCM L/W in good coat & condition. Smaller framed dog and I would like a little more of him all over. Completely moderate, nothing exaggerated. Decent head and eye but would like more strength in foreface. Very well angulated forequarters with a great depth of chest. Well boned legs with good tight feet. Good spring of rib and well bodied. Moderate turn of stifle and well muscled. Moved well and soundly, enough power from behind but would like more front reach.

3 BAXBALACH RUMOUR HAS IT

OD 9(2)

1 Bott & Savell’s SH CH ART-WAVES STANDING OVATION FOR ALLENIE (IMP SWE) I judged this gorgeous L/W boy at Darlington 2 years ago and predicted then he would soon be winning top honours. Now two years later he has gained his title with some to spare and really has matured into a beautiful example of the breed. Standing, he presents a lovely typical outline of a lovely size and is very hard to ignore. Glorious head, masculine but not coarse in any way. Fairly broad, slightly rounded skull with good stop. Lovely almond shaped eyes of a dark enough colour, giving the most kind expression with correct chiseling and fluting. Slightly arched neck of a good length leading into well placed shoulders. Well boned legs and neat cushioned feet. Excellent forechest with good depth and elbows close to his body. Ribs well sprung and set right back into a short loin. So well bodied and conditioned throughout. Strong level topline with tail set correctly. Moderately angulated behind and very well muscled. His coat and presentation is immaculate and he was handled to perfection. On the move he is very stylish holding his outline well at all times. He is very sound both fore and aft with good drive from the rear, to be hypercritical I would just prefer a little more reach in front but his overall quality shone through and I had no hesitation in awarding him the DCC (his 13th! Lucky for some!) and RBIS.

2 Jackson’s SH CH MOMPESSON WINCHESTER another L/W boy that I judged previously and hasn’t he matured well! Slightly bigger mould than my winner but all of a piece and presents a very classic outline when standing with great balance. Lovely head, masculine and of good strength with correct stop. Cheeks flat. Well chiseled below his lovely almond shaped eyes, giving that desired expression. Muscular neck of a good length leading down into sloping shoulders. Excellent body and substance throughout with a great depth to chest and correct spring of rib. Well developed hindquarters with excellent muscle tone. Well boned legs and neat round feet. Moves out well with good reach and drive and very sound both fore and aft. Today lost out on that indefinable something that I found in my winner. Nevertheless a lovely dog and a worthy Champion. I was more than happy to award him the RCC.

3 Jackson’s MOMPESSON DEVONSHIRE

VD 7(1)

A difficult class to judge as it was headed by two old favorites of mine.

1 Glendinning’s SH CH PLAIGLEN HUSTLE classy B/W who I awarded the CC to when I awarded CCs for the first time. I loved him then and I still do! Yes he is getting stroppy and grumpy in his old age and really gives his handler a hard time but his qualities still shine through. His head is so classic, with good strength to muzzle and correct stop. He has the most beautiful, kind expression which comes from the darkest almond shaped eyes. He is so moderate throughout with nothing over done. Excellent depth of chest and well sprung ribs carried back into a short muscular loin. Well angulated behind with a moderate turn of stifle & let down hocks. Legs well boned, with lovely tight feet. He moves with great reach and drive and I was thrilled to award him BVIS.

2 Wildsmith’s TRIMERE TIME TRIAL WITH SANDIBECK SHCM another that I have judged before and awarded BV too last time I judged. I found it very difficult to split these lovely boys as I really do love them both. Handsome L/W in super coat and condition for his age. Lovely masculine head with a slightly rounded skull, lovely kind dark eye, well chiseled below the eyes. Correctly placed ears of good length and well feathered. Good length of neck leading into well placed shoulders. Well boned straight front, great depth of chest and good spring of rib. Strong topline. Moderately angulated hind quarters with well let down hocks and neat feet. Moved well and very true coming and going. Handled extremely well to get the very best from him.

3 GOALACHCARA OGHMA SHCM

MPB 3

1 Calvert’s CALVDALE STOWAWAY MAGIC, promising L/W/T baby with lots to like about her. Excellent for size & shape with super bone and substance throughout. Well proportioned head, with almond shaped eye that is dark enough for her age. Super length of neck leading into well placed shoulders. Deep chest with elbows tight. Well boned legs and tight cushioned feet. Superbly sprung ribs, top line still needs to firm but this will come with maturity. Well angulated hindquarters with short hocks. Moved out with good reach and drive being ever so sound both coming and going. Presented and handled to advantage.

2 Corbett’s TRIMERE TIME TO SHINE another quality L/W/T that really appeals when stacked, giving a very typical outline and is of good size and balance. Feminine head that still needs to develop with maturity and eyes that need to darken. Excellent front angulations with great depth to chest. Well sprung ribs reaching right back into a correct short, muscular loin. Level topline held firm at all times. Moderately bent stifle with decent muscle to her hindquarters. Still needs to come together on the move but shows promise. Another that was superbly presented and handled.

3 EASTFALLA NEW BEGINNING

PB 8(3)

1 Mitchell’s PEASBLOSSOM WHISPER absolutely gorgeous L/W 10 month, that completely filled my eye. Everything about her I loved. Super shape when standing, with a typical shape and good size for her age. Feminine head with good stop and fairly broad skull. Dark, almond shaped eyes giving that lovely kind expression but also with a hint of mischievous too! Neck clean and muscular of a good length leading into correctly sloping shoulders. Superb depth of chest with elbows close. Excellent bone and neat round feet. Well bodied with good substance and correct spring of rib. Well muscled hindquarters, with well let down hocks. Firm level topline with correctly set tail that never stopped wagging. On the move she really comes into her own, powering around the ring with super reach and drive and so sound both coming and going. I really couldn’t resist her and she was within a hair’s breadth of winning the RCC. For me she really is something special and if I had my choice I’d have taken her home in a heartbeat. A definite star for the future and I will watch her career with interest. I had no hesitation in awarding her BPB & BPIS.

2 Calvert’s CALVDALE STOWAWAY MAGIC 1st in MPB

3 Macleay’s POTRAIL SHAPE OF YOU

JB 2

1 Mitchell’s PEASBLOSSOM UNTAMED 14 month old L/W that presents a lovely classic outline on the stance. Lovely pretty head, with all the right proportions. Beautiful dark eyes with lovely chiseling & fluting. Great length of neck, with a well angulated front, with an excellent depth of chest. Brilliant spring of rib set well back into a short muscular loin. Well angulated behind with good muscle, and well let down hocks. Super bone & feet. Once she decided to move with all four paws on the ground she moved soundly with great reach and drive.

2 Clarke’s TIGERROCK STRIKE A POSE another lovely bitch of good type and nice outline when standing. Pretty head with good chiseling and well defined stop. Dark hazel almond shaped eye. Not the front angulation of my winner but good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Firm, level topline. Well angulated hindquarters with good muscle and short hocks. Moved out well and soundly with good drive from the rear.

YB 5

A lovely and difficult class to judge as the first 3 could really swap places at any time.

1 Dobbin’s DONARDEN DREAM BABY very beautiful L/W/T that presents a typical ESS outline, there is nothing overdone or exaggerated about her. Gorgeous, feminine head of the correct proportions, with beautiful expressive eyes, well chiseled. Well defined stop. Lovely length of neck, well arched. Excellent forequarters with plenty depth of chest. So well boned with neat tight feet. Well sprung ribs set well back into a short loin. Super level topline. Moderately angulated behind with good muscle tone. Moved around the ring with enough reach from the front and power from behind and sound both coming and going. Presented to perfection and handled very well.

2 Mitchell’s PEASBLOSSOM TIGERLILY a very different type of bitch to my winner but creates a very impressive outline when standing. Lovely head, a feminine version of her father. Muscular neck with slight arch leading into well placed shoulders. Excellent depth and substance throughout with well boned legs and cushioned feet. Good turn of stifle with well let down hocks. Moves with style and very sound, just not yet as settled or mature as my winner but a lovely bitch.

3 Keely’s SHIPDEN ALHAMBIAN DIANA DORS

NB 3(1)

1 Mitchell’s PEASBLOSSOM VIENNA another lovely bitch of 10 months old from this kennel with a cracking shape and outline. Beautiful chiseled head with nice proportions and lovely dark eye. Lovely reach of neck set nicely into well laid back shoulders. Deep in brisket and substantially bodied right through. Well boned legs and neat feet. Topline level and held firm at all times with correctly set tail. Powerful broad back end, well muscled and nicely angulated. Moved with great reach and drive just needs to tighten a little behind. Once again, beautifully presented from this kennel.

2 Lillie’s FREEWAY FORTUNE 11 month L/W who is elegant in outline. Good head shape and soft expression, neck of moderate length leading to well placed shoulders with good return of upper arm. Decent depth to chest and well boned legs and feet. Well sprung ribs set well back and firm in loin. Hind quarters well developed with good muscletone. True movement and plenty of drive she just a shade close behind.

GB 1(1)

PGB 3(1)

1 Calvert’s CALVDALE HOT MOMMA absolutely gorgeous 2 year old B/W bitch that presents a lovely overall picture when standing. Prettiest of heads with a classic melting expression and kind eye. Strong, well arched neck leading into well laid back shoulders. So well angulated at front, with a super depth of chest. Elbows tight to her chest. Great body with a firm level topline. Moderately angled hindquarters, well muscled. Legs with good bone and tight feet. Moved around the ring with the correct reach and drive and very sound both coming and going. Another superbly presented from this Kennel. Shortlisted for the CC.

2 Gibson’s CALVDALE RAG NYMPH L/W bitch that was presented in superb coat and condition. Attractive outline when standing but lacked the elegance I found in my winner. Lovely head with good dark eye and sweet expression. Decent length of neck, clean and muscular leading into well placed shoulders. Good depth of chest and well boned legs with cushioned round feet. Lovely spring of ribs, well developed body and correct coupling. Moderately turned stifle with good muscle tone and well let down hocks. Moved out with purpose and very sound.

LB 13

Super class of bitches and I was really spoilt for choice. Bitches that were even unplaced could have been much higher up on other days.

1 Ternent’s HUNTERHECK UNDER A SPELL gorgeous B/W bitch that I have admired before and she really has come into her own. Excellent for size and shape and she is so moderate throughout. Super feminine headed bitch with correct chiseling below the eyes, lovely almond shaped dark eye providing a kind springer expression, that is so lovely to see. Super length of neck, slightly arched into a well laid back shoulder. Great depth of chest with elbows close. Well off for bone and good padded, neat feet. Lovely spring of ribs set well back into a short muscular loin. Strong hindquarters with well developed second thigh and excellent muscle tone. Firm, level topline held well both standing and on the move. Moved out with true Springer reach and drive and very sound both coming and going. Presented in A1 condition and was very much in my thoughts for top honours.

2 Jenkinson’s HOLLIVERA'S VERONA WITH EASTRIDING striking L/W/T that really impresses on the stance. Beautiful compact shape and well balanced outline. Gorgeous, attractive head with well defined stop and good strength throughout. Lovely, kind eye of the correct shape and good colour. Good clean reach of neck leading into a well angulated front assembly. Lovely depth to chest and elbows close. Well padded feet with correctly boned legs. Well sprung ribs leading back into a strong loin. Firm topline. Good angulation behind with short, well let down hocks and good muscle tone. Moves out with excellent reach and drive and ever so sound coming and going. Just inclined to carry her tail a fraction too high on the move which can distract from the overall picture. Nevertheless a quality bitch who deserved her place in this hotly contested class.

3 Corbett’s TRIMERE TICATBOO

OB 10(2)

Another wonderful class of bitches that was an honour to judge.

1 Jackson’s SH CH MOMPESSON LEGACY beautifully classic L/W/T bitch who at 6 years of age is now fully mature and the complete package. She isn’t a bitch that immediately draws your attention but on closer examination you can discover her true qualities. Such a typical bitch that for me presents a classical springer outline when standing and is so moderate throughout. When you take her feminine head into your hands you can’t help but melt into her beautiful dark, expressive eyes. Well chiseled with the correct fluting between the eyes. Slightly arched neck, of a good length leading into a correctly placed front assembly. Well boned forelegs with lovely tight, neat feet. Super depth to chest and correctly sprung ribs set well back into a short loin. Excellent body and substance. Strong topline that she held level both standing and on the move. Moderately angled hindquarters, extremely well muscled and correct short hocks. For me she was the best mover on the day demonstrating the correct springer movement with true reach and drive & being ever so sound both coming and going plus so effortless. She was presented and handled to advantage. Today, she was exactly what I was looking for and I was thrilled to award her BCC & BIS. One to be very proud of.

2 Lawler & Watson’s BORDACITY HONEY RIDER this lovely 4 year old L/W bitch was a real surprise to me and one that impressed me greatly. A smaller framed bitch than my winner but of a super overall shape and balance. Lovely, typical feminine head of the correct shape, with almond shaped, dark eyes giving a lovely kind expression. Well muscled neck of a good length leading into correctly sloping shoulders. Elbows set close to her body. Deep chest with well sprung ribs set well back into a muscular loin. Firm topline held level at all times. Moderately angulated behind with good muscle tone. Well boned legs and correct tight feet. Really powered around the ring on the move showing good reach and drive and was sound in both directions. She was presented to perfection and handled to get the very best from her. I was very happy to award her the RCC and on this form she should continue to do well.

3 Corbett’s SH CH TRIMERE TICKET MAID

VB 5(3)

2 lovely bitches that are a credit to their owners.

1 Dunsdon’s SEASPRING ALL AT SEA exceedingly happy 8 ½ year old bitch that really enjoyed her time in the ring. Good for size and shape. Feminine head, with enough width to foreface, good stop and fairly rounded skull. Lovely dark eyes giving a melting expression with a hint of cheekiness. Good neck and shoulders. Deep chest and well sprung ribs. Strong boned foreleg and good, round, neat feet. Level topline held well at all times. Moderately angulated hind quarters with good muscle tone and let down hocks. Moved out with plenty of drive and so sound.

2 Reynold’s MOMPESSON ROYAL FLUSH 7 ½ year old that was very close up to 1st and is another who presents a lovely typical outline when standing. Very pretty head of the correct proportions with good, kind dark eye. Good length of neck leading into well placed shoulders. Ribs well sprung and carried right back. Firm topline and correctly set and carried tail. Good angulation behind with short, well let down hocks and good muscle tone. Another that moved with good reach and drive and very sound both ways.

SBB 0

Judge: Kirsty Miller (Feorlig)