Leeds City & District Canine Association

Leeds Championship Dog Show

24th July 2021

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Gundog Group

It was an absolute pleasure to judge the Gundog group at this prestigious show in the beautiful grounds of Harewood Estate. Liz Stannard and her team are to be congratulated for putting on a superb show with the current circumstances. Although mixed, the group contained many excellent examples of their respective breeds and I could have made a larger shortlist.

Shortlisted were the English Setter, GSP, Gordon Setter, Hungarian Viszla, Irish Setter, Curly Coat Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel. All performing to advantage after a long day and all excellent examples.

Having moved them out and back and then all around together, I was still splitting hairs and so it was the final performance that decided the placings.

Group 1 went to the beautifully constructed, totally feminine and superbly sound Gordon Setter Sh Ch FLAXHEATH TOP MODEL AT GLENMAURANGI. Beautifully headed, strong topline and perfect tailset and carriage, and she never stopped using it either. She is a delight to go over, in optimum condition and handled to absolute advantage. She is totally precise on the out and back but in profile she holds her outline and eats up the ground with an effortless gait. Totally functional, she would easily work all day. It was always going to be between her and the Irish, but on the final go round it was if she knew it and totally stepped up a gear, the group was therefore hers and totally deserved.

Group 2 was the Irish Setter Sh Ch RIVERBRUE ALCHEMIST AMIDST KESPAS J.W., having given him the CC and BOB and Southern Counties only a couple of weeks ago, it was not going to be a surprise that I rate this dog. His type is phenomenal, he has the most beautiful head and expression, masculine yet epitomises the phrase “racy”. Super sound on the out and back and totally impressive in side gait. Another in first class condition and his coat looked superb. On the final go around he lost concentration for a slight moment, just losing accuracy in stride and with the Gordon on such form, he had to settle for the runner up spot. He is, however, a truly beautiful example of the breed.

Group 3 went to the young Hungarian Viszla bitch who must have a very assured future ahead of her. For a youngster she is already all of a piece, gorgeous head and expression and strong, firm topline. On the move she impresses on the out and back for her precision and is another that takes the eye in profile for her economic stride and breed typical carriage. Totally self assured and handled by a master. I liked her enormously and will watch her future with interest, one to watch.

Group 4 is an old favourite of mine in the Curly Coated Retriever Sh Ch BRIGHTMEADOW NEVER SAY DIE J.W. ShCM. Judged him as a young 6 month old puppy and gave him a puppy stakes, predicted a very bright future for him and he has not disappointed. For me he is one of the best Curlys that we have seen for some time. He is a delight to go over, superb head, strong all through and superb coat.

He moves in a very typical way but must be commended for his strength in hindquarter which he uses to advantage. A well deserved placing in such good company. Such a good dog.

Lee A S Cox

(Judge)