Crufts

Judges Critique: CRUFTS BASC Gamekeepers Working Gundog Bitch Classes:

Judge MR G BIRD

It was an honour for me to be invited to judge the BASC working gundog bitches at Crufts this year. I really enjoyed my day, and would like to thank all the competitors for allowing me to judge their dogs. Overall the standard of the dogs was very good with some hard decisions to be made and really pleased to see a lovely entry of exhibits that all do a day’s work in the shooting field.

AV POINTER, SETTER, HPR (WORKING GUNDOGS) – Bitch Entries: 10 Abs: 1

1st MRS R J PRICE ALDOM ROSE FIZZ BEL JUN CH (HUNGARIAN VIZSLA), A well balanced bitch with a classic head, with a strong jaw and correct bite. Well laid back shoulders, straight in front and behind with well-developed thighs. A graceful mover who covered the ground well.

2nd MRS G PILLINGER WITHAMFRIARY FENN (BRACCO ITALIANO), A square well-muscled bitch with good bone throughout. Straight in front and behind, with a dense glossy coat who moved true and powerfully for her young handler.

3rd MRS R J PRICE B'IGNIS BRUNENSIS LOCURA AT ALDOM (IMP CZE) (HUNGARIAN VIZSLA), Another well balanced bitch, with a strong muscular neck, straight in front and behind, well sprung ribs with a slight tuck up beneath loin. Did not move quite as well as the first two today.

ENGLISH SPRINGER (WORKING GUNDOGS) – Bitch Entries: 3 Abs: 2

1st MRS V PAYNE STREAMSIDE'S LADYBIRD QUINCEGROVE (IMP NOR), A typical working type bitch, well-muscled and very fit for function. Coat in good condition, she moved very well around the ring with good drive.

AOV SPORTING SPANIEL (WORKING GUNDOGS) – Bitch Entries: 14 Abs: 1

1st MRS L & MISS C KNOWLES JACKPOTSTUD SUPER MODEL (SPANIEL CLUMBER), A strong great looking bitch in top condition, strong jaws with a perfect bite, thick powerful neck, strong shoulders, well sprung ribs and a straight back. Straight in front and powerful behind. Moved true with effortless drive.

2nd MR W & MS A MOLE & KNOX TAMMANO CRAWHALL AT EDINCRAW (SPANIEL WELSH SPRINGER), A smart compact bitch, well balanced with a muscular neck. Well boned and straight in front and behind, with a gleaming coat she moved around the ring with a powerful action.

3rd MR W & MS A MOLE & KNOX ZAZA FLORENCE OUR ROYALWELSH AT EDINCRAW (IMP NDL) (SPANIEL WELSH SPRINGER), A younger bitch that is well put together, correct bite, straight in front and behind. She moved well but did not have the substance of the first two at the moment.

LABRADOR (WORKING GUNDOGS) – Bitch Entries: 39 Abs: 13

1st MR D COODE WARRINGAH'S GULWARRA JW, A strongly built short coupled chocolate bitch, broad skull with powerful jaws and correct bite. A strong neck, straight in front and behind with good bone, and well sprung barrel ribs with a level topline. She moved very true around the ring.

2nd MS C DONOVAN WITTERS SWEET JESSICA, A well presented working type chocolate bitch, she is well proportioned, straight in front and behind with a level topline. Not the bone of the first, she is fit for function and moved very well around the ring.

3rd MS C JENKINS ZANDAWNS TRESADY, A black working type bitch of good size, she has a nice expression with a correct bite. Not the substance of the first two, she had a gleaming coat and moved true around the ring. I am sure she is a pleasure to take shooting.

AOV RETRIEVER (WORKING GUNDOGS) – Bitch Entries: 26 Abs: 13

1st MR M & MRS I WHEELDON THORNYWAIT VIVA LA VIDA FOR CATNNELS (RETRIEVER GOLDEN), A young mid golden bitch, feminine head with kindly expression and dark eye. Well angulated front and rear with good bend of stifle, short coupled and well balanced, shown in good condition she moved very well.

2nd MISS M MCDONALD LAMANCHA KEEP A SECRET JW (RETRIEVER GOLDEN), Mid golden bitch in top condition, pretty head with good pigmentation. Good length of neck, and well angulated front and rear. Moved with a level topline, was a close decision with first place.

3rd MRS H FORD PERCUIL DONNER (RETRIEVER FLAT COATED), A bright bitch with an intelligent expression, balanced and well-muscled with a shiny black coat. She moved freely and true.

BASC REGIONAL WORKING GUNDOG TEAM - Mixed

This was judged with my co judges, we were looking for a team that was balanced and obviously fit for function. Some really smart dogs and handlers were on show all enjoying themselves, and it was quite difficult to come to a decision.

1st EAST VILLAGE

2nd TITSEY SHOOT

3rd BEECHES SHOOT

Res HIGH RIDGE FARM

VHC LEALHOLM SHOOT