Langstone & District Canine Society

English Setters, Irish Red and White, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Weimaraner and Irish Setters.

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their first Premier Open Show. This show has only increased in size year after year, showing its popularity and its good location. I also have to thank the Committee for their warm welcome, nothing more than expected of a show located in Wales. Although the warm weather was rather trialling, I was very pleased with the lack of absentees for the breeds I judged and the ability of the dogs and their staff to perform so admirably. Well done.

As always, I am so grateful to the handlers/owners for bringing their dogs under me. I really do appreciate the effort.

I would also like to extend thanks to my stewards, Rhiannon Jones and Jenny Childs who kept my ring running admirably, whilst keeping a check on the weather conditions for both exhibitors and dogs alike. Many thanks.

I think that most who talk to me or have read some of my critiques will know by now that “sound” movement is what is paramount for me when judging dogs. I will never waver from this. Sound movement generally shows sound construction. Therefore, any dog that goes under me will be judged on this. All will be given the opportunity to prove that they are of sound construction and therefore, fit for purpose. I felt the majority of the dogs conformed to the breed standards well in all breeds.

Class 196 – English Setter Graduate - (1, 1):

Class 197 – English Setter Open – (1, 0):

1) 267 – Lewis’s Belton Pearls a Kind of Magic (IMP DEU) (AU2) – Although the only English Setter of the day on show, this, not yet 3-year-old, boy did not let the breed down. A little different in style than, but none the less pleasing. Instantly noticeable in this blue belton male, was a very rich coat, that covered a moderate, well balanced body. A definite male in head appearance, which suited the overall look of this boy. Nicely defined occiput, leading to lovely dark eyes. Well lengthened flews. Ear set just below eyes that hung close to a well-proportioned neck. Shoulder placement good, with depth and width to chest. Good topline, leading in to appropriate tail set. Pleasing on the eye in the stack. Handled well when moved around the ring, with topline unmoving. Head remained high in movement, as desired. BOB

BOB – 267 Lewis’s Belton Pearls a Kind of Magic (IMP DEU) (AU2)

Class 198 – Irish Red and White Setter Graduate – (0):

Class 199 – Irish Red and White Setter Open – (1, 0):

1) 268 – Martin’s Laoirebay Steel Blue Ocean at Shannonstyle JW – Again a dog that stood alone in the breed and yet again did not disappoint. Still not 2 years of age, this boy ticked a lot of boxes. Quite athletic in appearance straight from the off. Lovely broad, domed head. Good dark, rounded eyes, with soft expression. All this gave quite an attractive appearance. Ear set on level to eyes, close to head as required. Very pleasing front angulation, with well laid-back shoulders. Very good depth to chest with well sprung ribs. Flat topline that did not move on the run. Particularly well-muscled back end, which gave rise to a powerful mover. Moved very well around the ring, and well handled. Shame wasn’t able to stay for the group. BOB

BOB – 268 Martin’s Laoirebay Steel Blue Ocean at Shannonstyle JW

Class 200 – Spaniel (English Springer) Junior – (3, 0):

On judging this class, I found myself with a very tough decision, because of the similarities and qualities of the three entries. On reading the catalogue I understand why, with all three coming from the same litter and the winning exhibitor being the breeder. A very nice headache.

1) 269 – Lawler’s Roqfolly Back in the Habit – As should be carried out, I judged this bitch puppy as the winner of the class, on the day. However, I am not sure if, at some point, the second puppy may change my mind, if I am lucky enough to go over them again. This girl was more mature than 2nd in most areas, even though litter sisters. A compact girl that had a lovely disposition, with a liver and white coat. Although a broad, rounded skull, still kept a lovely femininity. Lovely depth in colour to almond shaped eyes. Ears were well set, close to the head leading in to a muscular neck of good length, even for such a young girl. Well boned with lovely front angulation. For her age, she was well-muscled all over. Very well-balanced young girl throughout. Very excited in movement, which was lovely to see, but difficult to judge. All being said, when she did keep her excitement under control and moved, she moved very well indeed. I think this girl will go far. BP+ G1 Gundog

2) 270 – Lawler’s Roqfolly Oda Mae Brown – Litter sister to 1st and as previously mentioned, a very close 2nd. Liver and white coat that really shone on the day and made you look twice. Very impressive and imposing in the stack. What could be said for 1st could be said here too for 2nd as both were very similar. A slightly more slender head, but, none the less, very appealing. Lovely ear set and placement typical of the breed. A good length of neck in to straight and well boned forequarters. Not quite as well muscled at present as 1st, but I’m sure will come with age. Good depth to body and well sprung ribs as required. Back end more than adequate. Movement not quite as good as 1st on the day, however, this could be down to a change in handler who had to take over because of fall (who performed admirably). A lovely girl in the making again. Very tough decision.

3) 271 – Lewis and Bullock’s Roqfolly Keeping Faith in Trixhund

Class 201 – Spaniel (English Springer) Post Graduate – (2, 1):

1) 273 – Lewis and Bullock’s Trixhund Creg Ny Baa – A 14-month, compact dog, but well-constructed, with nice proportions. Quite attractive head. Ears set on well with good feathering. Neck very good in strength and length. Shoulders well laid back and well covered. Nicely sprung ribs. As fitting of the breed standard, moderately bent hocks. Could develop well with age. Went well in the triangle. Topline did not waver on the move.

Class 202 – Spaniel (English Springer) Open – (2, 0):

A stylish class with two dogs that looked lovely.

1) 274 – Lewis and Bullock’s Trixhund Talking Obsession JW ShCM SHCEX – This 5-year-old dog certainly showed his maturity. Very prominent in the stack. In full coat and lovely feathering. A very well-proportioned boy. Lovely strength to the head with soulful eyes, giving a kind expression. Good chiselling under the eye, that, when combined, gave this boy a most appealing head. Ears were as described by breed standard. The neck had the characteristic slight arch whilst strong and muscular. Forequarters were well set with virtuous angulation. A most pleasing depth to the chest. Smashing spring to the ribs. Most pleasant broad, muscular thighs, leading to nicely bent stifles and hocks. Movement was impeccable throughout. A very soundly constructed dog with some lovely features. BOB+ G3 Gundog

2) 275 – Lawler’s Wenark Mayzin Grace Naf Taf – A 2-year-old bitch. This time darker in coat than the rest of the English Springers on show on the day. However, one that also had so many positive virtues. Striking in the stack and showed off a very glossy coat. A fine head with soft features. A bitch that was finer in construction overall, with very nice front angulation. This was prominent on the move as the front legs were free and easy moving. On the move the topline did not faulter. However, a little close in the backend on the day. Overall balance of the girl was good.

BOB and Gundog Group 3 – 274 Lewis and Bullock’s Trixhund Talking Obsession JW ShCM SHCEX

BP and Group 1 Gundog Puppy – 269 Lawler’s Roqfolly Back in the Habit

Class 203 – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Junior – (0):

Class 204 – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Post Graduate – (1, 0):

1) 276 – Jenkins’s Cwmbeili Morgan – A 3-year dog that was framed in quite a full, rich coat. Skull of proportionate length, with a good amount of chiselling under hazel, medium sized eyes. Nice ear placement and size that set off the head well. Angulation and construction of the shoulders/forequarters of this dog was lovely, with good strength and depth. Good depth to brisket and well sprung ribs. A balanced dog with good overall body proportions. On the move, topline wavered a little.

Class 205 – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Open – (2, 0):

1) 278 – Worth’s Sarabande Lord of the Dance (AI) JW – this 2-year-old dog was instantly eye catching on entering the ring with the most wonderful coat that had such fantastic gloss that was only emphasised by the strong sunlight. This must take some considerable time to get in to such a good standard. This coat only draped a very lovely Welsh Springer with super markings and was commanding in the stack. He really does typify the breed standard. Lovely domed head and super expression. Good strength to the neck which flowed on to well angulated/sloping shoulders. Lovely straight forelegs of good length. Very good strength to bone throughout. Very well sprung ribs with plenty of room. Great topline which did not waver on the move. Comprehensively muscled throughout inclusive of the backend. Very good turn of stifle. Plenty of drive and moved freely. Best mover of all the Welsh Springers. Tail did not stop wagging. A lot to like about this young man, that I hope will go very far. BOB

2) 277 – Owen’s Typica Seren Aur – A 3-and-a-half-year-old bitch. Most likeable girl. Lighter in coat colour and not quite as well feathered as first. Nice femininity throughout. However, still plenty of coverage. Quite a sweet head, that was framed by lovely, well maintained ears. Nice length to neck. Sound construction of forequarters, that was well muscled. Well-proportioned depth of chest. Well sprung ribs. Good width to hindquarters. On the move, went ok. Wavered a little on the up and back, but drove out well. Overall nicely proportioned bitch.

BOB – 278 Worth’s Sarabande Lord of the Dance (AI) JW

Class 206 – Weimaraner Junior – (1, 0):

1) 279 – Johnson’s Veimias Merlyn of Gaclam – A good effort made by a handler and dog that were new to the show ring. The dog was quite nervous, but still able to go over. A nice young lad and still slight in stature that I am confident will develop with age. Good shape to the head, with a decent length to neck. Would personally prefer greater angulation to the shoulder. Good straight and strong forelegs, that had decent proportions. Good substance to ribs with nice tuck up. I would prefer a slightly more bend of stifle. Moved quite well. I strongly recommend the handler to continue to take him to ring craft and to persist with showing.

Class 207 – Weimaraner Post Graduate – (1, 0):

1) 280 – Burgess’s Greyspirit Rock Star from Hantzburg JW – A 2-year-old dog. Very much liked this dog as he entered the ring. Full of confidence and had some style. An attractive, strong male head, with a kind, regal expression. Lovely reach and length of a strong neck. Good angulation to shoulder. Straight in forelegs. Lovely depth to chest and very well sprung ribs. Nice shortness to the loin. Good topline, with very gentle slope to the croup. excellent covering of muscle throughout. Nicely turned stifle. A richness to coat. Very strong in the stack. Topline did not move on the run. Very smooth and covered the ground effortlessly. This won him BOB.

Class 208 – Weimaraner Open – (2, 0):

1) 281 – Burgess’s Gunalt Rock Out With Hantzburg ShCM RL1 P-Beg EX – this nearly 7 year old dog gave me a bit of trouble in deciding BOB because of the similarity to the overall winner. I subsequently found out that it was the sire of the winner. Much of what was said for the winner of postgrad could be said of this dog. Slightly stronger in body than others on the day. Very well muscled, which was lovely to see. Good height to length. Very appealing head, that was lean with good prominence to the occiput. Moderate length to neck; well angulated shoulders, into nice straight legs. Well boned. Appealing depth to chest. Good topline. Good turn to stifle. Nicely arched feet. His movement was ok. Although covered the ground with ease, not as good as son.

2) 279 – Johnson’s Veimias Merlyn of Gaclam – (repeat of winner of Junior)

BOB – 280 Burgess’s Greyspirit Rock Star from Hantzburg JW

RBOB – 281 Burgess’s Gunalt Rock Out with Hantzburg ShCM RL1 P-Beg EX

Class 209 – Irish Setter Puppy – (3, 2):

1) 283 – Glastonbury’s Brabrook Nutcracker – 10 month dog that is already showing maturity. Overall construction already looks good. I think he had a fab head with correct eye shape and colouration. Nicely prominent raised brows, that emphasised a decent stop. Mild chiselling through the foreface. Good length to the head also. Good reach of neck that was muscular. Well angulated shoulders, that had good muscle. However, could do with a little more refinement. Deep chest. Good thoracic region with spring of rib and length, including loin. Good width to his first and second thigh. Strong in bone and muscle throughout, which is lovely for such a young man. On the move, most proficient. Moved with ease and freely. Good to see a young Irish move so well. Owner should have some fun with this little one. BP

Class 210- Irish Setter Junior – (1, 0):

1) 283 – Glastonbury’s Brabrook Nutcracker – (repeat of winner of puppy)

Class 211- Irish Setter Post Graduate – (7, 1):

1) 290 – Prangle’s Heathclare American Dollar JW ShCM – A very stylish 3-year-old dog indeed. The stack made for quite an imposing presence. In full coat. Correct in many aspects of his head construction, however the expression was not quite to my taste, personally. However, this dog had many good virtues. Good shape and size to occiput. Nicely raised brows. Level plains to the head. Ears as specified in the breed standard. Neck of moderate length. Well-muscled. This sentiment was reflected throughout. Neck flowed well without break in to well-constructed shoulders and forequarters. Nice deep chest. Soundly boned. Very agreeable in spring of rib, length and strength of body. Favourable in the width and strength of thigh. On the move, not as sound as I know he can be.

2. 287 – Drinkwater’s Brabrook Whispered – Again a 3-year-old dog. One of the virtues of this dog was his lovely head. Really drew me in with a balanced head in shape and length. Beautiful soft expression, with the characteristic soulful look. Good length to the neck. Lovely depth to the chest. I personally would like a bit more spring to rib. Good length to body and loin. Very nice topline. Personally, I would like a little more bend at stifle and hock. Tail set on well. Did not move as well as first. Lovely depth in the colour of the coat.

3. 286 – Drinkwater’s Brabrook Bippity Boppity

Class 212- Irish Setter Open – (9, 1):

1. 296 – Mugford’s Lynwood abracadabra – 2-year-old bitch. This again is a dog that is not necessarily of my style of Irish. I generally prefer a more substantial dog or bitch, but oh my what a lovely girl! She has absolutely blossomed. There are many superlatives that may be used to describe her, and the majority would do her justice. A most feminine, refined head with a decent amount of chiselling under the eye. Beautifully balanced head, with good reach of neck. Wonderful sternum. Correct angulation to shoulder and a good straight front. Well sprung ribs in to strong loin. Lovely gentle slope to the topline in to amply present pin bones. Good shape to the croup and tail set. Very agreeable in muscling throughout inclusive of the backend and thighs. Nice bend at stifle. Very good bone. Beautiful in the stack. Moved particularly well. Lovely to see. As she matures even more, I am sure she will be able to compete with the best. BOB, Group 1 Gundog and BIS

2. 297 – Taylor’s Danaway Goody Two Shoes – Not quite 6-year-old bitch. This again was a bitch that is not generally of my type, but none the less a very lovely girl. A quite compact girl, that certainly shows her femininity well. A lovely head with the most doleful, soft expression. Good length to neck, that flowed in to very good and well put together front assembly. Decent strength to the sternum. Very good depth to the chest. Even on a smaller girl, there was plenty of spring to the rib and plenty of space in the thoracic region. Appealing length and strength to the loin. Really appealing in the backend where width and thickness of thigh was most evident. Definitely showing that this girl was fit for purpose and could have gone on all day. Lovely dainty, cat like feet. These were unfaultable. Although not dripping in coat, the richness and texture was most appealing. On the move, absolutely wonderful. Lovely to see a class of Irish Setters with some dogs that moved so well. A most elegant and balanced girl. RBOB

3. 295 – Drinkwater’s Brabrook Shazalazazoo

BOB, Group 1 Gundog and BIS – 296 – Mugford’s Lynwood abracadabra

RBOB – 297 – Taylor’s Danaway Goody Two Shoes

BP – 283 – Glastonbury’s Brabrook Nutcracker