Pembrokeshire Canine Association

I should like to extend my sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge at this show and the honour of being invited to judge my first Best In Show appointment.  It was a very enjoyable day and I very much appreciated the opportunity of this appointment to assess some lovely dogs.  

This show exemplifies what all too often seems to have been forgotten nowadays where the enjoyment of showing dogs and the sporting way in which all exhibits were applauded for their success.

The hospitality and friendliness extended to me throughout the day was exemplary – thank you. 

A V Gundog Puppy (1)

1ST Jenkins, Mr R, Asia Otus (Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla): Very nice bitch of just 8 months, pleasing breed type, typical head with lively expression and moderate stop head, medium sized eye. Correct clean and complete dentition. Well placed shoulder and return of upper arm, elbows close to body, straight forelegs ribs moderately sprung, hindquarters strong with moderate angulation, good bone all through, oval feet with nails that could have been shorter. Moved well, flowing and animated. 

A V Gundog Open – (3)

1ST Dooner, Mrs V, Tynsil Vera (German Wirehaired Pointer): A 3-year old bitch, overall balanced and of medium size, good head, which is sufficiently broad and moderate stop. Disappointingly the eyes were a shade light for me, which spoilt the overall expression. Scissor bite with correct clean and complete dentition, strong neck into well placed shoulders, deep chest, elbows close to body strong hindquarters with straight hocks, compact feet with short nails. Moved well.

2ND Jenkins, Mr R, Tetrao Tetrix (Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla): Pleasing dog of 8 months of age. Nice overall type, a little rangy due to age, moderately broad skull with moderate stop. Scissor bite with correct clean and complete dentition, well placed shoulder, level back, ribs moderately sprung, hocks well let down, oval feet. Moved well

3RD Mellish, Mr P, Walshaw Blinded By Love For Monbrec (English Setter)

A V Gundog Veteran – (1)

1ST Mellish, Mr P, Walshaw Christmas Spirit At Monbrec (English Setter): A good honest type and of 10½ years of age, head carried high and with defined stop, skull oval from ear to ear, Scissor bite with correct clean and complete dentition, good substance and bone all through, bone & muscle. Long neck into well-placed shoulder, well-ribbed body, stifles well bent, feet well padded with nails that should be shorter, moved economically but soundly.

Retriever (Labrador) Junior – (3-1abs)

1ST Evans, Miss E, Farnfield Clarity (TAF): I thought this bitch to be very typical in the type that I look for. A young bitch of 10 months and of yellow colour, absolutely beautifully balanced in all areas, short coupled, excellent bone all through, tightest of feet, broad skull and defined stop muzzle of sufficient length to balance with head, scissor bite with correct mouth and clean and complete dentition, clean neck into well placed shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, chest of very good depth and width, strong hindquarters and good turn of stifle, classic ‘otter’ tail. Feet that are round and compact with short nails. Moved extremely well when asked, my absolute pleasure to award her Best Puppy, Puppy Group 1 and Reserve Best Puppy In Show, which was thoroughly deserved.

2ND Miles, Mrs L, Llanstinan Evernescence: Another 10 month bitch of very good overall type and again of yellow colour. Many of the comments from my 1ST placed bitch apply here too. She is balanced and has good bone all through, her mouth is correct with complete clean and correct dentition and a scissor bite, strong neck into well-placed shoulder, deep chest and strong hindquarters. I preferred the head of my 1ST placed bitch and overall balance at this stage.

Retriever (Labrador) Post Graduate – (3)

1ST Miles, Mrs L, Llanstinan Sky Blue Pink Of Newinn: Very typy and sound yellow bitch of 22 months of age. Good head with well-defined stop and ears that hang close to the head. Scissor bite, correct mouth and full clean and complete dentition. Clean strong neck into good forequarters, chest of good width and depth, well developed hindquarters, correct tail and tailset. She has correct round feet spoilt by nails that should be shorter. Moved very well when asked with free movement that covered adequate ground. BOB & Gundog Group 3

2ND Statts, Mrs L & Mr J, Kilmainham Saoirse Of Quinte: Black bitch of 19 months, pleasing overall type, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, feminine head and expression, clean neck into good shoulder, not quite the spring of rib of the winner, well muscled, a little straight in stifle, good feet and short nails. On the move she did not have the free ground covering gait of my winner.

3RD Tatchell, Mr H, Smokeycot Gemstone Glory:

Retriever (Labrador) Open – (3)

1ST Miles, Mrs L, Llanstinan Sugar Daddy JW: A substantial male of just 22 months, and yellow in colour. Being honest, he was a worthy winner of this Open Class but was too much dog for me. Excelled in quality bone all through. Very good broad head, with defined stop, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, strong neck into well placed shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, deep chest with good width in front, well sprung barrel ribs, strong loin and well turned stifles. On the move he demonstrated a free ground covering gait and was accurate both fore and aft.

2ND Tatchell, Mr H, Smokeycot Ebony Daydreamer: A black bitch of 2½ years of age. Feminine head and kind expression, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, clean neck, slightly short in upper arm, deep chest but lacked the barrelled rib cage, her hindquarters are well developed, I thought her slightly straight in stifle and lacked quality in bone all through. She moved OK.

3RD Statts, Mrs L & Mr J, Kilmainham Saoirse Of Quinte.

Pointer, Post Graduate - (2)

1ST King, Miss W, Alcazar Deazzled: Really liked this bitch of just 13 months. Correct and typical breed head. Eyes correctly placed. Correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, very good clean neck, into well placed shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, well balanced throughout and without exaggeration. Deep chest, short-coupled. Moved very well with true daisy cutting action covering plenty of ground. BOB

2ND Fleetwood, Mr & Mrs, R D & C A, Pendan, Georgette: Bitch of just 9 months of age. Well up to size and doesn’t want to grown on any more. Good head with defined stop and occipital bone. Correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, clean neck into well placed shoulders, ribs carried well back, well turned stifle, well arched feet spoilt by nails being too long. Moved well 

Pointer, Open - (1)

1ST Fleetwood, Mr & Mrs, R D & C A, Millpoint Simply I Catching: Bitch of 2 Years and again, I would not want anymore of her although she is balanced and unexaggerated all through. Good head with soft lips, scissor bite with correct mouth and clean and complete dentition, clean neck, well placed shoulder, deep chest with ribs that are well sprung, muscular hindquarters and well turned stifle. Moved very well.

German Wirehaired Pointer, Open – (3-1abs)

1ST Jones, Mr L A & Mrs L J, Mustwork Oreo: Very nice 4 year old bitch, well balanced all through and excels in quality bone. Balanced head with moderate stop, medium-sized eyes, scissor bite with correct clean and complete dentition, strong neck, well placed shoulder, deep chest and broad hindquarters. Stifles well bent. On the move she moved well but lacked forward reach and drive from the rear. BOB

2ND Dooner, Mrs V, Tynsil Vera

German Shorthaired Pointer, Open - (1)

1ST Davies, Miss D R L, Brozak Blowden: 2 year old bitch of pleasing type – her rib:loin proportions were of optimum length for me. Balanced with quality bone throughout. Very good head, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, clean neck into well placed shoulder, deep chest, well turned stifle, well-muscled, moved well when asked. Nails could have been shorter. BOB

Spaniel (American Cocker) Open – (2)

1ST Jones, Mrs S C, Alkimadus Gwn Ben Y Gardigan JW SHCM: 2½ year old male, balanced all through, good head with well pronounced eyebrows and stop. Muscular neck showing no throatiness, well placed shoulder, deep chest and strong hindquarters. Moved well but held tail straight up. BOB

2ND Jones, Mrs S C, Alkimadus Ruben James: 6½ year old male, again balanced with good bone, pleasing head with defined stop. Strong neck into good shoulder, deep chest and strong hindquarters. Lacked the drive and flow of the winner and also held tail straight up. 

Spaniel (English Springer) Open - (1)

1ST Lewis & Bullock, Mr D M & Mr J E, Trixhund Talking Obsession JW SHCM: Male of 4 years of age who presented a lovely outline when standing. Good head and expression, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, ears that were set in line with the eye, strong muscular neck presented without throatiness, well placed shoulder, excellent bone all through, deep chest and strong muscular loin, in good coat that was both close and straight. Moved very well with hocks driving well under the body. BOB

Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Junior - (2)

1ST Worth, Mrs C A, Sarabande Lord Of The Dance (Ai): Male of just 15 months of age, both elegant and impressive in equal measures standing and on the move. Lovely head of correctly proportionate length, soft expression, ears set moderately low, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, good lay of shoulder with corresponding return of upper arm, body proportionate and in balance to length of leg, tight feet, on the move he showed power coupled with a ground covering action. A truly lovely young dog.

2ND Worth, Mrs C A, Sarabande Dance To The Rhythm(Ai): Litter sister to the class winner who I guess could almost change places on a weekly basis. Same comments apply as to my class winner, my deciding -points were the attitude and powerful ground covering gait of the 1ST placed dog. This bitch has a feminine head and expression that melts you, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, clean neck into very well placed shoulder, deep brisket, strong hindquarters, moved very well.

Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Open - (4-1 abs)

1ST Worth, Mrs C A, Sarabande Man In The Mirror (Ai) JW SHCM: 2½ year old male. This is a stunning animal. I Extremely impressive in both quality all through and outline when stacked and on the move. Very typical male throughout and in full straight and dense coat. Correct proportionate head with defined stop and muzzle of medium length, correct clean and complete dentition with a scissor bite, neck muscular with good length, correct layback of shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, straight forelegs, deep brisket and well sprung ribs, loin that is muscular and slightly arched, strong hindquarters with well let down hocks. Quality bone all through. Feet round and firm with short nails. On the move, he showed a smooth, powerful ground covering action and was accurate both fore and aft. BOB & Gundog Group 1 and Best In Show

2ND Jenkins, Mrs D & Mr S, Cwmbeili Morgan: Male of 2 years. Did not quite have the definition in head and refinement all through that I was looking for. Pleasing overall outline, correct, clean and complete dentition, strong clean neck, well placed shoulders, deep chest, muscular loin and strong hindquarters. Very good quality bone all through. Moved well.

3RD Jenkins, Mrs D & Mr S, Brynseiri Afan

Spaniel (Field) Open – (1)

1ST Griffiths, Mrs J R & Miss C A, Sonnetend Too Funky: Lovely black male dog of just 18 months. Have Judged him earlier this year when he was only beaten by an outstanding bitch. Just the breed type that I look for. Very good head, which is lean beneath the eyes, moderate stop, ears set low, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, strong neck into well placed shoulder and return of upper arm, deep chest with correct rib:body length proportions, strong hindquarters, presented in beautiful condition and then we come to his movement. He did enough on an out and back for me to accurately assess him but only just – he simply ‘applied the brakes’ and decided not to move any more, which was very disappointing to me as I love this dogs overall breed type. BOB

Irish Setter, Post Graduate – (3)

1ST Jones, Mrs R, Gwendariff Pink Floyd: Very nice 2 year old male, extremely well balanced all through. Long lean head but not snipy, clearly defined stop and occiput, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, neck of moderate length and muscular into well placed shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, deep chest, firm straight topline, powerful hindquarters, racy but at the same time balanced, in very good coat, moved with free flowing movement driving from hindquarters. BOB & Gundog Group 2

2ND Webb, Mrs R A, Redeshka Simply Perfect: Lovely well balanced and typy male dog of nearly 4 years of age – he was somewhat distracted a today with his mind on other things. Super example of the breed, racy but at the same time balanced, exquisite head and melting expression, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, correct forehand assembly, level topline in very good coat, moved with free flowing movement showing drive and accuracy both fore, aft and in side-gait.

3RD Bentley, Mrs E P & Mr M V, Tredura Roselyn

Irish Setter, Open – (3-2abs)

1ST Bentley, Mrs E P & Mr M V, Tredura Roselyn: Immature bitch of 15 months of age. She has an exquisite head and expression, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, clean neck into well placed shoulders, deep chest, with her hindquarters, her stifle and hock joints are well bent. She moved well once settled and with a nervous novice handler who did very well. She also left her coat behind today.

English Setter, Open – (3-1abs)

1ST Mellish, Mr P, Wattlewood Silver Arrow To Monbrec: Male of 3 years of age. Of pleasing type overall. Lovely head of correctly proportioned and carried high on muscular and lean neck, soft expression, ears set low, correct, clean and complete dentition with scissor bite. Shoulders set well back, deep chest, body of moderate length, hindquarters strong and muscular, the feet were spoilt by nails that were far too long. On the move he showed a free graceful action portraying an ability to move endlessly. BOB

2ND Mellish, Mr P, Gemsett Pole Position For Monbrec: Male of 6 years of age, balanced and of good overall type. Pleasing head and expression, scissor bite with correct clean and complete dentition. Long neck into well placed shoulder, deep chest, strong hindquarters, was not moved to best advantage today.

Weimaraner, Open – (3)

1ST Burgess, Mr D & Mrs R, Greyspirit Rock Star From Hantzburg: Male of 11 months, well up to size but just retaining balance. Head of correct proportions with moderate stop. Scissor bite with correct clean and complete dentition, clean-cut neck into well placed shoulder, deep chest, brisket on elbow, well turned stifle with hocks well let down, moved well. BOB & Puppy Group 3

2ND Burgess, Mr D & Mrs R, Gunalt Rock Out With Hantzburg SHCM, RL1, P-BEG EX: Male dog of 6 years. Balanced all through and of good type with quality bone. Pleasing head and expression, strong neck into well placed shoulder, deep chest and strong hindquarters. For me he lost his topline both stacked and on the move.

3RD Thomas, Mrs K W & Miss F, Gunalt Sugar Plum At Rhydawel

Gundog Group:

Group 1: Worth, Mrs C A, Sarabande Man In The Mirror (Ai) JW SHCM (Welsh Springer Spaniel)

Group 2: Jones, Mrs R, Gwendariff Pink Floyd (Irish Setter)

Group 3: Miles, Mrs L, Llanstinan Sky Blue Pink Of Newinn (Labrador Retriever) 

Group 4: Simons, Mr D C & Mrs G M, Coedylan Visi D’Arte SHCM (Retriever, Flat Coated) Balanced and pleasing overall type, and is of the correct size for me. She has a lovely head, eye and expression. Scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition. Good forehand construction although I would have preferred slightly more length in upper arm. Level topline, which was maintained on the move. Good bone and tight feet. Moved out well.

Gundog Puppy Group:

Group 1: Evans, Miss E, Farnfield Clarity (TAF) (Labrador Retriever)

Group 2: Fleetwood, Mr & Mrs, R D & C A, Pendan, Georgette (Pointer) 

Group 3: Burgess, Mr D & Mrs R, Greyspirit Rock Star From Hantzburg (Weimaraner)

Group 4: Mantle, Miss J, Almanza Ain’t Nobody’s Business At Rhiewvalley (IMP SWE) (Retriever, Flat Coated): Pleasing head expression and eye, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, lacks length in upper arm and slightly too long cast for me, good bone and nice feet and in good coat, Moved out well.

Best In Show: Worth, Mrs C A, Sarabande Man In The Mirror (Ai) JW SHCM (Welsh Springer Spaniel)

Reserve Best In Show: Lewis, Mr D M, Trixhund Euphoria JW, SHCM (Dachshund, Long Haired): Stunning 4½ year old male. Excellent head and expression, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, long clean and muscular neck, excels in forehand assembly with well placed shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, deep chest, level topline, full, broad and strong rump, moved extremely well both fore and aft and side profile. Presented in wonderful condition with excellent musculature. 

Best Puppy In Show: Evans, Mrs N, Pendevour Prime Event (ATC AV00374101) (Welsh Terrier): Beautifully presented bitch of 8 months. Completely fits the standard of a smart and workmanlike dog, whilst she retained her femininity. Correct flat head with stop not too defined, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, neck of moderate length, excels in forehand assembly, short body, strong loin, hocks well bent and let down. Moved very well.

Reserve Best Puppy In Show: Evans, Miss E, Farnfield Clarity (TAF) (Labrador Retriever)

Best Veteran In Show: Williams, Miss B, CH Spellcast Talk To Da Paw At Trebettyn SHCM (Germa Spitz - Mittel): Black male dog of just over 7 years presented in outstanding condition and showed to perfection. Compact, balanced and short-coupled, medium large head in proportion to body, scissor bite with correct, clean and complete dentition, Triangular ears, clean neck into well placed shoulder and corresponding return of upper arm, , well developed loin, moderately angulated hindquarters, tail set high, feet small and rounded with short nails. Moved at correct gait, accurate, fore, aft and in side profile.

Martyn J Rees (Judge)