Eston & Barnaby Canine Society

by

3rd of November.

Firstly, I would like to extend my thanks to the committee for asking me to judge at their show. It was held in a sports hall that provided an idea area to carry out this show. Although quite a distance to come to judge an open show it was more than well justified just for the welcome from the committee. Nothing less than you would expect from the North East! I would also like to thank the ring steward for keeping the ring moving well. It was appreciated. For my main breed I had a good number of entries. However, many were sadly absent because of a prestigious Championship show being held on the same day. However, the standard of dogs, in both breeds, was good and I certainly was not disappointed with those that were able to attend. In one of my previous critiques, I pointed out that my principle requirement of an Irish setter is that it can move well. I did not waver from this requirement in this show. However, more tolerance was given to the exhibitors because of lack of mats. However, the majority of the dogs did not need this as movement was, on the whole, good. I felt the majority of the dogs conformed to the breed standard well, so I was happy to have difficult decisions to make for the final line up in both breeds.

Irish Setters

Class 40 Puppy (2,1)

1) Barker’s DANAWAY TILLY AT FLINTHILL- 8 month bitch which I felt was very indicative of the breeding lines. For a young dog, very well balanced that moved well. Very sound in structure for a young animal. Good shape of head that lent itself to a soft, feminine expression with a gently sloping stop and chiselling, very typical of her breeding. Ears set nice and low. Good length to the neck in to a well constructed front with a nice good depth to the sternum and chest. Good sloping topline, that set off nicely sprung ribs. Back end developing nicely with a well-positioned tail. All framed with a lovely rich coat. On the triangle moved very well. On the up and back ran straight and true, with plenty of drive from the back. BP & PG3

Class 41 Yearling (3,3)

Class 42 Postgraduate (5,2)

1) Hinslea's GWENDARIFF GUESS WHO'S COMIN TO NORTHAMBER JW- Loved this 2-year-old girl. Beautifully refined female head with all aspects in proportion. Lovely expression that made you melt, especially when she used her eyebrows to good effect. Ears set well and back, soft and of good length. Neck of lovely length leading in to strong, well developed shoulders, of good angulation. Good, solid sternum. Lovely length of upper arm and forearm, leading to dainty, well arched toes. Very well sprung ribs, with a fabulous topline, that, on the move, did not shift. Length of loin good with nicely, but not overly prominent pin bones. Back end was particularly good with an excellent length and shape to the croup. The muscles of the upper and 2nd thigh were strong and powerful. Lovely bend at stifle leading to this girl adopting a wide and powerful stance. On the move, the triangle was very accomplished without wavering from desirable movement. A little on the up and back which was through no fault of the dog or handler, and on asking for a second run was spot on. Topline remained firm on the run without dipping indicating good muscling and well-made girl. The breed standard states that an Irish setter should be proportionate, she certainly was that. BOB & G1.

2) Glasper’s ESBROWN LORD OF THE DANCE AT DENETOP- if my judging had been only on type, this 4-year-old boy would have won the class and been best of breed. In profile a fabulous looking boy. Super head, that was strong and handsome. From occiput to stop and stop to nose parallel and proportional. Great depth to the stop without being over pronounced. Rich, deep eyes. Good ear set of moderate length. Lovely long, muscular neck that flowed in to well sprung ribs. Good length to loin. A little soft at pin bones, but a good upper and second thigh. Well feathered tail that didn’t stop lashing on the move. Lots to like on the move. Triangle was good, up and back was ok. Could do with an outside, large ring to show off to the full. Could have won class, but movement not quite as good as the winner. Lovely rich coat. Well handled.

Class 43 Open (3, 2)

1) Glasper’s EUSNIT ACTION MASTER AT DENETOP- a dog that is shorter in stature with a nice head. Narrower and slighter in facial appearance than the dog in the previous class, but none the less, handsome. Eyes and dentition were correct, as was ear placement and length. A little lacking in the neck for my liking, but not short. Good sized chest, with a powerful front. Well sprung ribs, good gentle slope to the topline, in to a nice wide stance and well-developed back end. However, could do with shedding a few winter pounds. Well presented for a coat that must be difficult to tame. Went well in the triangle. Lost topline a little on the outrun and return.

BOB- GWENDARIFF GUESS WHO'S COMIN TO NORTHAMBER JW

BP- DANAWAY TILLY AT FLINTHILL

Welsh Springer Spaniels

Class 44 Graduate (1,0)

1) Chandler’s CHANANGEL FESTIVE SPIRIT- a very happy little man. Was a pleasure to watch such a happy dog go around the ring. This 10-month boy was definitely a male dog from his appearance. Lovely, strong, domed skull, with lovely hazel eyes. Ears well hung. Long length neck that had great muscularity. Sloping shoulders set on top of straight front legs. Lovely strength to the body and well-muscled throughout. Still in puppy coat but developing nicely. Lovely in the profile. On the movement, drove from the back well that looked like he could have gone on all day. A few little wobbles on the up and back which prevented him from getting BOB, but close to his sister. Nice dog for the future.

Class 45 (2,0)

1) Chandler’s CHANANGEL MISTLETOE N’WINE- Lovely girl from the same litter as the dog in the previous class. Had a presence when she entered the ring. In order to get a good reflection of this girl, you just have to look at the breed standard. As I say, I cannot say too much as she fits the standard to a T. Well-muscled throughout whilst maintaining her femininity. Looked lovely in profile. Moved particularly well and better than any of the other Welsh exhibited today. Tail did not stop wagging and was lovely to see. Great colour and in fantastic condition. Easy winner. BOB & BP

2) Chandler’s CHANANGEL DUJARDIN- a nice girl, from the same family. In profile looked good. Not as rich a coat as 1st. but head was proportionate and had a nice dome. Clear stop without being over prominent. Lovely, sweet eyes. Nice length to neck. Lovely proportions throughout. Good muscling to rear end with good angulation. Lost her topline a little on the triangle and the up and back on the day. Coat a little course for me.

BOB and BP- CHANANGEL MISTLETOE N’WINE

Hefin Jones