Gordon Setter Club Of Scotland

What an honour and delight to judge at this lovely Club Open Show; renowned for its warm welcome and

first class hospitality – we were certainly very well looked after all day. I have to especially thank Margaret

and Christine my stewards, who were amazing.

I had an excellent entry of Gordons (thank you everyone), and have to commend the temperament of all of

them. I must comment on handling. I was astounded so many of the youngsters were nearly impossible to

assess owing to their complete lack of basic training. I don’t expect puppies to be robotic – it’s very

endearing to see a naughty puppy – however some basic manners and control is necessary; you spend a lot

of time and money on your hobby - putting in basic training will help you reap success. It was extremely

disappointing to see a lot of the youngers (and, I might add, some of the older exhibits) being choked,

pulling their handlers around on tight leads – some basic training could easily sort this out and make the

whole experience more enjoyable for dog and handler. As will have become apparent during my judging,

movement is very important to me and it is extremely difficult to assess a dog which is pulling onto the lead,

or being too tightly strung up. I will admit I was rather disappointed in the lack of depth of quality in the

puppy classes, personally I feel this could pose a worry as to where the breed is going in the future.

Special Vintage D/B (3)

1 Liric Tuxedo Rag. A sprightly chap with bags of life about him, what a joy to see such vivacity at grand

age. Nicely headed, he has strength in topline and a well set on tail. Moves out with purpose, using his

balanced construction to advantage. Present in first class order – good muscle and a tidy coat to complete

the picture.

2 Melkinmere Elterhow. Good breed type to this b, who is balanced in her construction throughout. Liked

her balance of skull, eye shape and colour and set of ear. Stands on good feet. Tan rather pale. Can still

move out with positivity.

3 Beminah Sweet Dreams.

VD (4)

1 Ch Liric Souvenier. Quality male, just into veteran. Appeals in head proportions and overall balance

throughout. Certainly presents a rugged outline. Good depth to brisket, and has length of rib and strength

in topline. Super width of thigh and development of second thigh which allows him to stand and move

strongly on his hocks. Covers the ground well going around, BVIS.

2 Brooke’s Shadow Mover. Another exhibit putting up a good performance, this d was presented in first

class order and showed himself off very well. Not the head or front assembly of the winner, however a

decent honest sort standing on super feet and presented very well.

3 Somerled Glen Urquhart.

PD (7)

This was a challenge of a class, varied quality and shapes and many of the exhibits hadn’t been correctly

trained.

1 Liric Just the Ticket. Quality young male with a playful attitude but knew his job and performed well.

Head coming along the right lines, he has a clean outline stood up and plenty of type. Great body and

ribbing, and a strong topline. Has the correct amount of bone and substance for his age. Good width behind

and stands on good feet. Needs to settle in front action, but plenty of time for that. BPIS.

2 Blanakeil Beinn Corradaoil of Blairbelles. Taller and rangier than the winner but this young d moved out

well with a correct length of stride. Has useful enough construction at both ends, which he uses to his

advantage, however needs to develop in brisket and deepen out. Would prefer a bit more body on him, but

he’s going through a rangy stage. Very nicely handled.

3 Paradise Scots Baleyberry for Glenmoss.

JD (4) 1 Yennadon Calvay. Has really come on since the last time I judged him, and here was an

effervescent youngster who knew his job and was handled to advantage. Head is coming on nicely, he has

good eyes and a well set ear. Excels in topline, tailset and feet. Presented in first class order, he is

immaculate. Good colour. Best Junior.

2 Colquhally Major Tom. Longer cast than the winner and a bit unsettled in this environment today, but

good type and lots of breed qualities to this young chap. Liked his expression and dark well shaped eyes.

Good shoulder, topline, and tailset. Deep enough in brisket, and strong in the loin. Well angled and muscled

quarters enabled a strong driving action going away. Super colour.

3 Blanakeil Beinn Corradaoil of Blairbelles.

YD (2)

1 Yennadon Calvay.

2 Lainnireach Pride. This handler did a great job for his first show, more practice and slowing down a bit

will help things along. Smaller d who needs time to grow on and mature, but has a good enough head and

topline. Stands on neat feet.

ND (3)

1 Benbuie Thorntree. Lovely type of d who is maturing on well. He has a lovely head and eye, with balance

of skull and muzzle proportions. Excellent tan. Developing well in forechest and ribbing and has a solid

topline. Well angled behind, he is turned out in first class order and hard condition. Would just like to see

less weight over his shoulders. Best Novice.

2 Lainnireach Pride. 3 Hernwood Xmas Drummer at Ashheys.

MLD (5)

A mixture of shapes and sizes in this class.

1 Rhum Night Legend. Presented the best overall picture of the five present in this class, and moved out

most positively. This d has balance of angles fore and aft, a good firm topline, and great colour and

markings. Liked his size and bone. Has well set ears, stands on good feet, and presented in first class order.

2 Liric Liquid Gold at Somerled. Very mature male who wasn’t too settled with the environment today.

Presents a typical outline, but was a little proud of his tail when moving. Good size. Strides out with

enthusiasm and drives well from his hocks.

3 Yennadon Benriach.

LD (4)

1 Melview Moving Time. Really appeals for type. Beautifully headed male with depth and balance of skull

and muzzle. Dark expressive eyes. Strong neck leading to a well laid shoulder, certainly one of the best

fronts here in the males today. Deep in brisket with ribs well back. Solid topline, well set on tail. Well

angled quarters with super width of thigh. Stands well over his ground on great feet. Sound moving dog, as

one would expect – could do with being moved at a faster space but space was against him today. Good

size and with correct quality bone. Top drawer d, and therefore RBD.

2 Benbuie Secret Agent. Another grand sort of good type. Shade longer cast than 1, and didn’t move as

well as I’m sure he could as he appeared to be rather unsettled. Has balance in his construction and overall

soundness as well as plenty of breed type. Clearly very well looked after at home, as his condition would

suggest!

3 Melkinmere Hallinhow.

OD (3)

1 Hernwood Achilles at Ettrick. Smashing d of top quality. Grand head of balance, with good eyes and

correctly set ears. He has super shoulders and length of upper arm, which appears to be something of a

rarity. Super forechest, well spring ribs, he is strong in his topline with a well set on tail. Balanced in hind

angles he has great width of thigh and development of second thigh. Hocks well let down. This d certainly

excels on the move, with an effortless gait covering plenty of ground in minimal strides; reaches correctly

with his well made front and has the correct strong driving action from the rear. Superb presentation. Very

well handled to make the best use of the ring space available, he certainly couldn’t be denied BD and RBIS

today.

2 Sh Ch Liric Fusilier with Shillay. Rather different in his outline to 1 as he is longer and lower on the leg,

but a grand sort with many breed attributes. Nicely headed, this d has superb forechest and ribbing and

holds his topline firmly both standing and on the move. This d was presented in absolutely immaculate

order – his coat was immaculate and flawless, and his condition spot on with rock hard muscletone. Handled

well and overall a pleasure to judge.

3 Hernwood Man O War from Dulmaur.

VB (4,2)

1 Greylacier Princess Sophia at Pollyspark. Sweet headed b, with lovely eyes and expression. Moderate in

angulation, she is balanced and stands soundly on her good feet. Moved out around the ring well with

composure and enthusiasm, holding her topline well at all times. Nicely handled to get the best from her

too.

2 Clohass Caoldair at Blairbelles. Another with a good head and expression, and nicely handled. Has good

ribbing and a well set on tail. Not in the condition of 1 and nails could do with some attention to help her

feet.

PB (5,1)

This was a very challenging class to judge, many were difficult to assess and all were very raw with a lot

of maturing on to do.

1 Paradise Keeping Thyme. Stood up well and put on a good performance, this b was well behaved and

turned out in good order. Would prefer more bone and substance. Very raw at the moment with a lot of

bodying up and maturing to do.

2 Gailiech Barmstondottir. Taller on the leg and heavier set than the winner, and a bit of a challenge to go

over. Not the balance of construction of 1, but in good coat and has good colour.

JB (3)

1 Colquhally Ticked Pink. Best mover in this class. Sweet headed b with a kindly expression from her dark

eyes. Nicely constructed at both ends, she is maturing on very well. Well angled fore and aft, her balance

in construction is used to advantage on the move where she powered around the ring. Could do with being

moved at a faster pace at times to really get the best from her. One to watch.

2 Lainnireach Original Tonic. Nice enough head on this b, and a dark eye. Stands on good feet and has

correct colour and markings. Presented in good order she moved out well enough however tended to drop

into her forehand and look bum high.

3 Woodland Hoppers Evening Star Over Barrabrae (Imp).

YB (3)

1 Melview Phoenix. This smasher stole the show. Top quality young bitch full of type and an exciting

prospect. Beautifully headed, with dark expressive eyes and a very mischievous and endearing air about

her! Correct front construction with lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Deep, and well ribbed back

with short strong loin, she holds her topline firmly at all times and has a well set on tail. Balanced in

hindquarter angles she has a superb with of thigh and well let down hock. Stands on neat feet and well over

her ground. A super mover; sound coming and going with reach and drive going around. Has spirit about

her and enjoyment for the job, but such composure, balance and overall correctness. Presented in first class

order, well handled, and it was my pleasure to award her BB & BIS. An exciting future ahead, I’m sure.

2 Lainnireach Original Tonic.

3 Woodland Hoppers Evening Star Over Barrabrae (Imp).

NB (3,1)

1 Colquhally Ticked Pink.

2 Yennadon Caol Ila of Myreside. Sweet headed b of decent type. Has balance of skull and lovely dark

eyes. Nicely balanced in her construction throughout, nothing overdone. Stands on good feet and in fine

fettle overall. Tended to be a wee bit unsettled on the move, but can cover the ground when she settles into

herself.

GB (4,1)

1 Melview Phoenix.

2 Yennadon Caol Ila of Myreside.

3 Balnakeil Carn Na Criche.

PGB (5)

1 Lignum Black Lightning at Kilnrae. Stood up this b presents a very feminine outline, she is a shade long,

but her movement is excellent and as such she couldn’t be denied. Sweet headed with a good dark eye and

well set ear. Strength in bone, well ribbed, strong topline and standing on good feet. Well angled and

muscled quarters and drives off low hocks going away. She really covers the ground going around and as

such claimed RBB. Very well handled to get the most from her endearing exuberance.

2 Clacorick Scottish Lilt. Very fit and of a good type, with excellent colour and markings. Positive outlook

from her dark eyes. Standing up presents a balanced outline and moved around with accuracy. Holds a level

topline at all times, stands on neat feet and presented in fit condition.

3 Mosscript Caol Ila at Ardnadam.

MLB (4,2)

1 Clacorick Scottish Lilt.

2 Dunfionn Sanda for Gailiech. Strong headed b with a bit of a roman nose, but has dark enough eyes and

a well set ear. Presented in good order she has good feet, but not the best colouring.

LB (3)

Another very mixed class as all three were of different shapes and sizes.

1 Paradise Final Fantasy. This b is very soundly constructed and moved around with composure and length

of stride. Has a good front and shoulder placement, straight limbs and stands on neat feet. Well ribbed,

strong in topline and with balance of hind angles. Moved around very well. Lovely tan.

2 Cairacailie Night of Love With Ordett. Pretty headed b of lovely type all through. Excellent colour and

markings. Not the biggest, but has bone and substance. Very close up to the winner although she’s from a

smaller mould, it was unfortunate this b wasn’t so settled on the move today.

3 Lainnireach Liberty Bell at Ashheys.

OB (2)

1 Longrow I Love To Boogie. Good bone and substance on this b who has a stronger head, but isn’t coarse.

Liked her angulation front and rear, has a good topline stacked up and on the move, and well muscled

quarters. Stands on good feet and pasterns and moved out confidently with a positive stride.

2 Lignum Miss Mossberg for Balnakiel. Taller and rangier then 1, and lacking in body today. Has a sweet

head of balanced proportions and a dark kind eye.

Progeny (2,1)

1 Lignum Miss Mossberg for Balnakie and her offspring, who were all of a similar make shape and type,

and when asked to go around put on a good performance for their age.

Brace (2)

1 Millar’s – an evenly matched pair of similar type and build. Moving in unison well together.

2 Beese’s – not so evenly matched as the winning brace, but two good sorts who went around well together.

David R. Alcorn (Lourdace/Rutilus)