Flatcoated Retriever Society

 Many thanks to Louise Jones and her team for running a successful show and despite some challenges, all appeared to go very smoothly on the day. Special thanks to my stewards Andy and Natalie who quietly and unobtrusively made sure everything in the ring ticked along without a hitch. Although I had some excellent dogs to go over, a few concerns to note, especially in younger stock. Whilst it is absolutely to be expected that puppies and juniors can be rather loose and uncoordinated in their movement, there were a worrying number whose basic conformation left a lot to be desired and too many through the entry who moved up and down rather than going forward. Maturity will of course improve strength and coordination but it won’t improve what isn’t there to begin with. Throughout the classes, there were a disappointing number of dogs who lacked any propulsion from the rear or extension in front. The Flatcoat is a gundog and the standard asks for movement which is free and flowing, straight and true and this requires good construction first and foremost. I don’t wish to sound negative or overly critical of our current dogs but these changes creeping in soon become the norm and the soundly constructed dogs become the exception rather than the majority. Heads overall were good, some just a tad square rather than long and moulded, temperaments as always were excellent and presentation in the vast majority was to a high standard. There is still a great deal of variation in type which made it difficult to find an even line up but in the end it came down to those with the better construction and ability to cover the ground having the edge. This ring surface is ideal for good moving dogs to get into their stride and those exhibits were a joy to watch. BIS, RBIS and BVIS were all awarded in full agreement with my co judge with BPIS being decided by the referee as the bitch judge had a close connection with the owner of the male puppy and felt it would be inappropriate for her to judge him. Many congratulations to both CC winners who gained their show champion titles on the day.

VETERAN (10,3a)

1/Burr WOODFINCH TORRIN OF SCHEINDUBH

Not the biggest dog and slightly on the finer side for a male but he is a quality dog and so well balanced showing a very nice outline standing and in profile movement. He has a beautifully moulded head showing correct filling under and between the eyes, loved his kind expression. He has good length and depth of body for his size, balanced, moderate angulation and nice feet. Moved out well, especially in profile and won here on his better head, overall type and soundness. BVD

2/Price & Skjelbred COVENSTEAD PROPER GENTLEMAN

Similar in type to the winner, just more of him all over and a bit stronger in head. Another balanced dog, very good front construction and depth of body, good bone and feet. He kept a strong topline standing and moving, another showing good profile movement and well presented.

3/Campbell & Nielsen SECH HARVAHAMPAAN KEEP IT COOL

Another who is just a bit stronger all over and a tad heavy for me. He is however balanced and has good front construction, not quite as racy in outline as first and second, another dog who holds his shape well on the move .

SPECIAL VETERAN (4,1a)

1/Reading SASTRUGI BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE AT SABARKA

Won this class with a bit to spare. A very typy, stylish dog with a very appealing head and kind eye. He has good overall balance in his outline although his coat is a bit unruly and can distract from this picture as it makes him look a bit heavy over the shoulder, which he isn’t. Particularly liked his prominent forechest and neat feet and he still hold his topline well. Movement is now a bit sedate but still sound and accurate. A pleasure to judge him, just had to give way to the more youthful Veteran dog when it came to the challenge.

2/ McQuillan GEMSWIN BLACK MAGIC

Another dog of lovely type, very nice shape showing a balanced, racy outline and in really good condition. Not quite the quality in head as the winner and could be a bit cleaner in throat . Another who is perhaps a bit more sedate in his movement these days but he was sound and happy, a credit to his owner.

3/ Price BLACKLAKE OBERON OF RUDDLEBERRY

Appealing older gentleman, the only one in this class showing any grey at all still but retaining his youthfull outlook. Good head, slighter full in eye but still showing a kind expression. Nice feet, moved ok and holding his topline.

MINOR PUPPY (6,1a)

1/ Bellamy BOCHILBARLEY GOBLET OF FIRE

Difficult class, all a bit uncoordinated as to be expected but front angulation was also a concern in most. This youngster was the most balanced of those here today, he is a nice size for his age and shows a good overall shape with a level topline and good tailset. Best head shape here today and has a very nice tight dark eye. Still to develop in body of course and hopefully will grow on nicely and settle down in movement, I did think he would benefit from going at a slightly steadier pace . Presented very well, he has a good quality coat which enhanced the overall picture. BPD and subsequently BPIS judged by the referee.

2/ Milton MANTEAUPLAT MONTBAZILLAC

A bit more upstanding and higher on leg than the winner. He has a very appealing head and kind eye. He is a little bit upright in his upper arm at present but he does have forechest. Good bone and feet, not quite the balance of the winner today.

3/ Ellis & Taylor-Ellis FLATCHARM PROPER JOB

A very nice puppy who needs a lot of time to grown into himself. He has a very nice head shape although eye is a bit loose at present which should improve with age. He is quite well balanced with a good level topline. Very excited on the move but he did settle enough eventually to show he is sound albeit uncoordinated at present.

PUPPY(11,1a)

1/ Nicholls & Price LLANTRUSSA AS BIG AS THE RITZ

Quality puppy who has the frame and type to suggest he will develop into a lovely adult although he is raw at present. One of the few whose neck ran well back into the shoulders and flowed into a strong topline, he has a lovely head and excellent eye colour to match his liver coat which was a bit lacking today but that will change. Moved well in the class but unfortunately had a minor mishap outside during the day which meant he went lame during the challenge for best puppy dog and therefore could not progress any further. However, I really liked him, one of the best youngsters on the day and I look forward to watching him in the future.

2/ Gulbis BLACKLAKE LYSANDER FOR GAYPLUME

No nonsense type of dog, he is workmanlike with nice balance in outline and a frame to fill as he matures. He has a good headshape and kind eye, enough bone and better feet than first. Presented in lovely coat and condition, good depth through his body, strong rear and well set tail. Another who I expect will only improve with maturity.

3/ Clarke TELURN EACH TO HIS OWN FOR CHALWAY

Substantial liver dog of good colour, he has a nice masculine head and eye colour to match his coat, well balanced through his body with plenty of bone and quite mature for his age. Held a level topline and well set tail carried correctly.

JUNIOR (11,1a)

1/ Gribble JAZZANRAGA ADVENTURER

Another nicely balanced liver dog with good headshape and eye colour, liked his size and overall shape, nicely angulated front and rear, good depth of chest and held a good topline. A bit loose in his movement coming and going but had a decent length of stride in profile. Carrying a bit too much weight today.

2/ TELURN EACH TO HIS OWN FOR CHALWAY

3/ Kearton BRAEMIST BOOTLEGGER AT RAVENHALL

I really liked this youngsters size and type and he had the best head in the class, long and well moulded with a very appealing dark eye giving that soft kind expression which is so characteristic of the breed. I just found him a tad narrow through the body at present although he has sufficient depth of chest. Slopes a bit too much in croup which just detracts a little bit from the outline and I would like to see a little bit more extension on the move.

YEARLING (6,0a)

1/May RONEVORG DARK ANGEL AT LUSSAC

Won this class with ease, very sound, fit youngster in hard condition who comes into his own on the move with his strong, free flowing movement which was lovely to watch. He has a good masculine head and kind eye, balanced and moderate in his angulation with strong rear quarters allowing him to show good extension when moving, good bone, feet could be a tad tighter. Firm, level topline held well at all times and well set and carried tail. Still has some maturing to do in body and coat which will come and when it does I’m sure he will take some top honours.

2/ Prior GEMSWIN SHUT UP AND DANCE

Bit more up on the leg than 1st, he has a really nice headshape, well moulded with good length and with a very kind dark eye. Scored in his front construction showing prominent forechest, he has good bone although feet could be a bit better, good depth to his chest and length to ribcage. Slightly too much slope to his croup. Presented in lovely dense coat and good body condition. Moved true out and back although could have had a bit more extension in profile.

3/ Price NAPADA’S GIFT FROM LLANTRUSSA

Taller and rangier than first 2 but still of good type and overall shape. He has a very nice headshape showing good length, nice eye but not quite the softness in expression of 2. He doesn’t quite fill his frame yet so movement still needs to come together a bit more as he matures. Held a good shape and firm topline at all times and another presented in good coat today.

NOVICE (8,2a)

1/ Slade HIGHTYNE FLY ME TO THE MOON

What a lovely dog, I was surprised to find him in novice but I suppose covid has meant some haven’t had the same opportunities to get out in the ring. Really appealed for his lovely head type and kind eye. He has a well constructed front and good bone and feet. Nice depth and length to his ribcage, slight slope to the croup and well set tail. He moves on a fluent, even stride and I’m sure that when he and his handler gain a little more confidence he will show himself to advantage, one who could easily be overlooked as he is not the showiest dog .

2/ Ashcroft GUNOAK EMERALDS HIGHLANDER

Another really nice youngster of slightly different type. A bit more upstanding than winner and slightly stronger in head. Has nice balance throughout with very good bone and feet, excellent topline and well set and carried tail. Plenty of muscle in his rear quarters allowing him to move positively on an even stride.

3/ Price RUDDLEBERRY SKYLARK

Very similar to 2nd placed dog and my notes are much the same, not a lot to separate them but I just slightly preferred the head on 2nd and he held his topline a bit better. A lot to like on this one.

GRADUATE (10,2a)

1/ HIGHTYNE FLY ME TO THE MOON

2/Millbank SKYBROOK SANDPIPER OF LARKSDOWN

A really well constructed, sound dog with a very profuse coat which can detract a bit from his outline so he needs a hands on examination to appreciate what’s there. He is well angulated both ends and short coupled. Has a good male head and nice dark eye with a soft expression, lovely bone and feet. Moves very soundly and freely with good extension. Just slightly preferred the racier outline and headshape of the winner but this is a quality dog

3/ Knight & Jacobs GENSWIN ERASE AND REWIND

Another good youngster, very nicely balanced and holding a good topline. Good head and eye shape, nice front angulation and corresponding rear, another with good quality bone and tight feet, he also was presented in full coat of good quality. Moves true but not quite the same extension in profile as first 2

POST GRADUATE (11,3a)

1/Deacon HARLISTREAM HENDRICKS

Class of very mixed quality, this dog had the best outline here and length of stride. He has a very nice headpiece although eye is a bit loose and his ears could be a bit smaller. He has a good length of neck which runs well back into the shoulders and level topline with well set tail. Balanced through the body with good depth of chest and strong rear. He is very down on his front pasterns , good bone and straight forelegs. Would benefit from a bit more tidying of ears and feet to enhance the overall picture.

2/ Egginton PAJANBECK SHALL WE DANCE

Really appealing head and eye on this male, long and well moulded with good fill in and soft expression. Good, clean neck running into well laid back shoulders and good front angulation, very nice feet. Just a tad long in body for his height and slightly too much slope to his croup but a really nice type overall and moved reasonably well.

3/ Huyton HIGHTYNE WHEN I FALL IN LOVE

Nicely balanced dog of good size. Could have a little bit more angulation both ends which would allow him to move out with a bit more freedom. He has excellent bone and feet and his head is very appealing with a lovely dark eye. He has plenty of coat which was well presented.

MID LIMIT (5,1a)

1/Walker LIZZLOG BUZZ LIGHTYEAR

This was a really good class, all 4 had their strong points.

Quality young dog of nice size who appealed greatly for his type and was presented to perfection. Although he is not quite the finished article, its all there and can only get better with maturity. He has a lovely male head, well moulded of good length and well filled up, kind eye and expression. Lovely strong , straight bone and excellent tight feet. His neck runs well back into his shoulders and he has balance throughout with a strong rear end to drive off and presents a lovely, clean outline flowing from head to tail. Holds his shape at all times and uses his tail well standing and moving. I liked him in the class and when he came into the challenge he just covered his ground so well on the move and really made the best use of the ring and it was his effortless movement which gained him the CC and later with my co judges agreement BIS. I later learned this was his 3rd CC so many congratulations to his owners.

2/ Douglas PLAINFIRES QUINTESSENTIAL GREENBAYHILL

This dog presented a really nice all over shape, good depth and length to his body with prominent forechest, good bone and feet. Lovely moulding and length to his head, clean neck and shoulders and strong topline. He is a fraction long in the stifle which makes his rear movement a tad untidy but he covers his ground really well in profile when moved at the right pace for him. Lovely type and another of good medium size.

3/ Trotter LUSSAC WINTER WIZARD

Another quality dog, very handsome boy who is a bit more upstanding than first 2 and slightly different in type. He has a very nice, masculine head although I would like a bit more length to it but it is well filled in and he has a kind expression. Balanced all through with strong bone, well muscled and very sound on the move if not quite the extension of the winner. He has a lovely straight, dense coat and was beautifully presented.

LIMIT (14, 3a)

1/ Bellamy BOCHILBARLEY BLUE MOON

Another mixed class where movement was an issue for many. This is a balanced mature dog of good overall shape although could be slightly racier in appearance. Good headshape and kind eye, sufficient bone and good tight feet. Front and rear angulation is equal, short coupled, topline level and well carried tail. He moves on a good length of stride with positive rear action although a tad wide in front and would perhaps benefit from moving at a slightly slower pace.

2/Ross GO WITH THE FLOW EBONY IN HARMONY AT QLOCONTRAIL

Another medium sized dog who has a lovely mature outline showing good balance and is very well presented. He is very well constructed overall, good length of neck running well back into shoulders, slightly longer in body than winner but the length is in the ribcage, just a bit strong in head shape although he has a kind eye and neat ears. Lovely strong bone and tight feet. Very good rear action and length of stride, just preferred head of the winner

3/ Smitherman &Roberts SEAHEART CRIAN AT GLOI

Impressive dog on the stand presented in full coat. Similar height to first 2 although not so clean in outline. He has a very nice headshape, just a bit full in eye, lovely bone and good feet. Not quite the overall balance as first 2 and movement let him down here.

OPEN (6, 0a)

1/Holland FLATCHARM MR BRIGHTSIDE

High quality class, all had their merits so on another day it could be a different outcome.

Really liked this dog for his overall shape and balance. He has a lovely head, possibly the best of the day, beautifully moulded and that typical kind expression. He shows strength and elegance in his clean outline, particularly good front construction and forechest, good bone and feet. Held his level topline at all times and really used his well set tail standing and on the move. Very well presented and handled to advantage but I don’t think he needs a lot of help in that respect as he is a natural showman. He moves true out and back but I would just like a bit more extension in profile. He wasn’t far off the top honours today and I’m sure his title wont be too long in coming now.

2/Walker LIZZLOG SHOTGUN HARRY

Much to like about this boy, another who was beautifully presented and handled to get the best out of him. A bit longer in body than winner and covering the ground a bit better, another very well constructed dog showing a clean, racy outline from his good construction. Preferred head of the winner

3/Holman SA CH TREVANA MASTERCHEF

Very balanced, moderate dog all through with a lovely headshape showing good length and moulding. He is very soundly constructed with good bone and moves true on an even stride. Good topline and tailset. Just carrying a bit too much weight today which pegged him back a bit and coat just not quite in the same bloom as those in front. Nevertheless he is a quality dog with a great deal to like.

CHAMPION (5,1a)

1/ Reynolds CH WICCANSSAGE HUGO’S DREAM

As with the last class, all quality dogs with much to like. This dog shows great balance and moderation in his construction, he is racy but with strength from his quality bone and well developed body. Lovely head shape and kind eye, his front and rear angulation are equal and he has good forechest. Moves out and back really well and has a good open side gait covering his ground well. His construction may be moderate but his personality certainly isn’t as he is full of himself which helps him to show off his many attributes to advantage. When it came to the RCC and RBIS challenges, his sound and free movement just gave him an edge in the final run off.

2/ Bellamy SH CH WOODFINCH MASQUERADE

A really lovely type of dog, racy in outline as was the winner, he has a lovely head and kind eye, well constructed all through and presented in full coat and great condition. He appeals greatly and moved on a good length of stride. He is still a very young dog and in that respect is not quite the finished product yet so there is definitely more to come once he is fully mature and strengthens up even more.

3/ Goldberg & Keight SH CH LAURVIC TALKING ITALIAN

Slightly different type to first 2 in that he is a bit stronger all through and not quite as racy in appearance. A bit more up on the leg, showing good forechest and depth of ribcage. He has excellent bone and tight feet, beautifull dense coat which was presented to a very high standard, good topline and tailset, worthy of his title.

SPECIAL OPEN LIVER (6,0a)

1/ Evans GEMSWIN RELIGHT MY FIRE

Mature boy of excellent dark liver colour who was carrying a few extra pounds today. He has a really nice head shape and good eye colour, very balanced all through with a strong level topline and good length of stride. Well developed in body and hindquarters with strong bone. Pleased to have him go Best liver in Show with my co judges agreement

2/ JAZZANRAGA ADVENTURER

3/ Whittaker BRAMATHA BROWNIE

Really appealing head and eye on this dog and he also had excellent dark liver colour. He is a bit up on leg and narrow all through which was accentuated by his not being in full coat. Good bone, rather untidy on the move today.

SPECIAL SHOOTING DOG CERTIFICATE (2,)a)

1/ Knight & Jacobs GEMSWIN ROLLING IN THE DEEP

A very nicely balanced no nonsense sort who is well constructed although slightly short in upper arm. He has a nice head shape , just a bit full in eye but has a soft, biddable expression. Presented in good coat and body condition, he moved out well on a good even stride

2/ BLACKLAKE OBERON OF RUDDLEBERRY

Sandra Stevenson (judge)