South Of England Gundog Club

South of England Gundog Club Open Show – 23rd September 2018- English Setters 

Many thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge my favourite breed and to my two stewards on the day.  Also thanks to the exhibitors who not only braved the horrendous weather conditions, they also managed to present their dogs in tip top condition and I am honoured to have had the chance to assess each and every one. 

Puppy – 2  

1st Wrights Sorbus Dance The Night Away – 7 month old orange belton boy, really enjoying his outing.  He is superbly made throughout, really well off for bone and lovely angulation, well ribbed already, nice straight front.  He has a cracking head and the darkest eyes.  His movement was typically puppy, so happy and bouncy.  My notes say adorable!  BP 

2nd Evans & Patersons Gillancette Foxy Lady – loved this little one, so feminine, 7 ½ months old orange belton bitch, she has so much to like about her, another very well made puppy, beautiful head and expression, great angulation, lovely coat and condition and looked a picture standing.  Fantastic muscle tone for one so young. She was just a little apprehensive on the move today. 

Yearling – 2 (1)  

1st Beasleys Wansleydale Amaretto – a beautiful 13 month old tri bitch.  At that inbetween stage, having lost her coat, but that only served to show off her excellent shape.  Lovely chiselled head, dark eyes and low ear set giving her a very gentle expression.  Very balanced throughout with a lovely temperament.  Moved with drive, wagging her tail as she went.  Presented and handled to perfection. 

Post Graduate -5 (2) 

1st  Days Mandyset Oh Boy at Decoverly – Striking dark tri bitch, 3 years old, she caught my eye as soon as she came into the ring and did not disappoint. She has the most beautiful head, leading into a lovely clean neck, neat shoulders, well ribbed and nice deep forechest.  Kept her topline at all times.  Very well presented, her coat was gleaming and she moved around the ring with elegance and drive.  Close decision in the challenge. RBOB 

2nd  Millgates Gillancette Dreamcaster – a 2 year old orange belton male with a masculine head, kind expression, well made throughout.  Lovely presentation but a little difficult to assess fully as he gave his handler a hard time standing.  He tended to fly his tail on the move, but I think that was down to his exhuberance.   

3rd Evans & Patersons Gillancette Lady Madonna 

Open – 2 (1)  

1st Harradines Mandyset Leave it to Lewis at Halliana – Wow, what a stunning boy he is, shown in full coat, expertly presented and handled.  A dark tri boy with the softest expression, dark eyes, beautiful head, strong masculine neck, correct lay of shoulder, straight front, well ribbed, great angulation and tightest of feet.  Although an obviously powerful dog, he glided around the ring, his tail slashing as he went, so much drive in his rear action, his topline was perfect both standing and on the move.  One that I would love to own. BOB 

Sheree Parrish (Judge)