Ladies Kennel Association

LKA Gundog Group

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the LKA for the hospitality given to myself and for inviting me to judge the Gundog group at this wonderful end of year show. It was a pleasure and an honour to judge the group. This being the end of year show it is always so exciting as many breeds can and do have their own top dog in breed competitions and very often the results are finalised at this show, I hope everybody realised their dream and if not there is always next year.

My short list within the group consisted of the Irish Red and White Setter looking splendid in top coat and condition, a grand older gentleman Pointer being 9 years young looking super and showing all of us what a long lasting breed they are, an American Cocker Spaniel moving and owning the ring in true style, a Clumber Spaniel dog making full use of the ring and the English Springer Spaniel looking wonderful. 4 breeds missing from the group, the Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Longhaired Pointer and Irish Water Spaniel. If I could make one comment please, if it is your intension not to compete in the group could you please politely inform the stewards prior to leaving the show so they do not hold up the group for both the society and other competitors.

Group 1

Mr B A Crocker, SH CH COPPER'S WAR OF ROSES (IMP SWE) Irish Setter. Today this dog conquered all before him. Looking in tremendous form he presented a picture of beauty from the tip of his nose to his tail he displayed all the attributes of an Irish Setter. The standard asks for racy, balance and full of quality and this is what he displays in abundance. His head and expression says everything to you so quizzical one minute then very handsome and kind the very next second. The eye brows tells a story at all times!! I make no apology having done this dog well in the past and felt he deserved his group 1 placing today.

Group 2

Misses S & A Kettle SH CH LUJESA IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, Cocker Spaniel Dog black, I fell for this male, I loved his head and expression. Presented in top class coat and hard condition, he displayed all the finer points of a Cocker in my opinion. Today he moved around the whole ring never slowing always showing himself off to all who was watching, he covered the ground well with typical movement.

Group 3

J Dennis, L Harris and D Morgan, GEMSETT ICE COLD IN ALEX at MARIGLEN, English Setter, the only bitch in my shortlist and ultimately the final 4, I felt she displayed quality and elegance in her overall appearance and conformation. She moved so well displaying reach and drive, she covered the ground so well with very little effort her profile movement was a pleasure to see. She is young but I felt she was well worthy of her placing in the group today.

Group 4

MR J & MRS M B STEPHENS, SH CH BRIGHTMEADOW NEVER SAY DIE JW SHCM, Curly Coat Retriever. His head is so well balanced and in proportion to his body, free from all exaggeration, he flows from his head to his tail. Good firm topline which he holds on the move, it is when on the move he comes into his own in my opinion, his movement is effortless, but powerful he doesn’t seem to be going with speed but covers the ground with ease. Delighted to award him 4th in the group today.

Pat Butler-Holley

Shandwick