Northern Counties Gundog Club

It was a pleasure to judge Spaniels at Northern Counties Gundog Club. Thank you for the opportunity.

ENGLISH COCKER SPANIELS

Class 1: Puppy (3:1)

First: Barber-Ball's KALISPELL COEUR DE LION (BP) Compact Blue Roan dog. In outline he is short and compact. Masculine head with square muzzle. Well boned straight front legs. Strong body with well developed chest, deep brisket and well sprung ribs. I would prefer a more laid back shoulder. A happy, confident mover.

Second: Rainey's KALISPELL VILLANETTE Blue Roan bitch (litter sister to one) of a type I like. Feminine head with square muzzle, dark tight eye and a gentle expression. Enough bone and straight front legs. She held a level topline, well sprung rib and is short coupled. I would prefer a more laid back shoulder. She moved soundly but was unsettled having been thrown off her stride by a large dog in the vicinity of the ring.

Class 2: Junior (1:0)

First: D and C Yilmaz KYNA TOYAH BATTERSBY (BOB) Blue roan well balanced bitch of a type I like. A merry cocker, full of life with an ever wagging tail. She is compact and sturdy in outline. A lovely head with square muzzle, finely chiselled with defined stop and tight, dark eye. Such a gentle expression. Super forechest and return of upper arm with good depth of brisket and tight at elbow. She has well boned, straight front legs. Tight, neat and well padded feet. Her ribs are well sprung extending well back to a short coupling and wide strong loin. Strong topline held on the move. Pleasing to see her well developed hind quarters and good muscle mass. She came into her own on the move as she drove around the ring with a bustling movement. I was delighted to award her BOB.

Class 3: Post Graduate (3: 1)

First: D and C Yilmaz KYNA TOYAH BATTERSBY (Repeat)

Second: Rainey's COOLEELA RED ADMIRAL Gold dog. Another with a pleasing head. Square muzzle and well developed skull. Tight dark eye. He toed out slightly at the foreleg but had a good return of upper arm. Good ribbing and topline. A little longer in body than (1) but presented a pleasing outline. He moved well with a merry cocker attitude.

Judge: Anne Sutton

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