Setter & Pointer Club

Setter & Pointer Championship Show 26th November 2022

Irish Setter Critique

I would like to thank the Club for inviting me to judge Irish Setters at this lovely show. I had a very good sized ring, even after they stole some away. The floor was giving some dogs a little bit of concern, it appeared slippery but in fact it wasn’t too bad.

My two stewards, Catherine and Lindsay, kept things moving along well all day and with such a super entry it was no mean feat, thank you.

I would also like to thank all the exhibitors who gave me the opportunity to assess their dogs and I was aware of applause from the ringside when making my decisions which all contributes to a sporting atmosphere.

I came away feeling that overall we are losing the typical head and expression required in an Irish Setter. Quite a few were wide over the eyes with untypical eye shape, too many with round eyes and some set on obliquely.

The vast majority of exhibits were presented immaculately and my hands were spotless at the end of judging.

Class 1, Veteran Dog (3)

1st. Mr & Mrs P Lucas, Sh Sh Bardonhill Eternal Flame Among Amberlight JW

Finer made dog, pleasant head and expression, good stop, raised brows, slightly narrow in muzzle but correct flews. Correctly arched neck leading into correct gently sloping topline finishing with good croup. Stifles well bent and good width of thigh. Straight front. Presented in beautiful condition. As this was the first class of the day we were unsure of the floor surface so dogs were advised to move carefully.

2nd Mrs J P Russell. Strathmead Huckleberry of Settesoli JW.

Slightly stronger in head that 1st and a little wider across the eye. Good balanced outline, well laid shoulders, firm sloping topline. Moved ok but a little unsettled.

3rd Misses Tupper & Rosie. Staratlanta Elliott JW.

Minor Puppy Dog (6)

1st. Mr B & Miss C Crocker and Lewis. Riverbrue Ophelia Winky

Lovely balanced puppy who is just 6 months. Dark coat. Head still needs to break but is still balanced with good width of nostrils and correct flew. Correct straight front with plenty of forechest and good return of upper arm. Well laid back shoulders leading to gently sloping topline finished with correct set on tail. Moved very well.

2nd Mr G, Mrs R & Ms E Charlish.

Just 6 months, slightly smaller puppy. Pleasant head, longer in foreface at the moment but correct wide nostril and good flews. Straight front leading to good feet. Good layback of shoulder, shorter coupled that 1st. Well bent stifle. Moved well once settled.

3rd Mrs D & Miss J Parsons Quensha Thinking Out Loud at Bransett.

Puppy Dog (3)

1st Mrs S, Miss K & Miss E Chorley-Newton, Chorley & Flinders – Kerryfair Just Be

More refined type of puppy, very well balanced. Beautiful head with raised brow, correctly shaped dark eye with chiselling to foreface, finished with correct width to nostrils and proportionate flews. Well laid back shoulders, firm topline leading to good croup and tailset. Well bent stifle, neat feet. Moved well, carried tail correctly.

2nd Mrs D & Mr J Milligan-Bott & Bott, Thendara Big Love

Slightly larger framed puppy but also full of quality, presented in great condition. Slightly stronger in head but still balanced with raised brows. Gently sloping topline, well bent stifles, longer in loin than 1st. Moved well once settled.

3rd Miss L Kolbach Kerryfair Zoom in on Pawsword. This dog has come on a lot in the past few weeks and was unlucky to meet the other 2 today.

Junior Dog (50

1st Mrs R D Danks-Kemish Copper’s Welcome to the Party at Alolfrana (Imp Swe)

Presents a very balanced picture. Well shaped head with raised brows and correct eye shape and colour. Good nostrils. Strong arched neck. Good depth of chest. Straight front leading to excellent feet. Gently sloping topline finished with good tailset. Well bent stifle. Moved well.

2nd Mrs SE & Mr P Davison Bardonhill Million Reasons

Medium sized dog. Pleasant head with good ear placement. Eyes correct shape and colour but set on slightly obliquely. Good angles with correct return of upper arm and well bent stifle, excellent feet.

3rd Mrs L A Walker Gwendariff Ucant Touch This.

Yearling Dog (6, 1abs)

1st Mr K & Mrs L E Macaulay Harreds Lachlan at Stylersetts

Medium sized dog with balanced outline. Correct head with pronounced occiput and good work in foreface. Strong arched neck, firm topline, good tailset. Correct rear angulation, neat feet. Moved well once settled but wants to go faster than handler.

2nd Miss J & Mr D Greenan & Hopewell Lochlorien No Offence Juleset JW.

Very balanced outline. Stronger head and skull and would prefer less flew. Good stop, low set ears. Adequate return of upper arm. Firm topline. Unsettled on the move but was true when he got into his stride.

3rd Mr A & Mrs L Savage Sixoaks A Star is Born at Firefall

Novice Dog (3 1abs)

1st Mr L Miller Shudorared Amor Dillon

Dark coated dog who had a nice head. Carrying too much weight and tended to carry his tail high on the move.

2nd Mrs N Bromwich Pengelirish Lord Nicodemus

Smaller framed dog, pleasant head with low set ears. Not enough depth of chest or forechest and moved close behind.

Graduate Dog (3)

1st Mr K & Miss J Pullen & Atkin Covarney Pickpocket at Jacingail

Not quite as racy and stands a little square and tends to pull back into his front. Pleasant head but would prefer a darker eye. Adequate bend of stifle and good width to thigh. Neat feet.

2nd Mr & Mrs Savage Sixoaks A Star Is Born at Firefall

Pleasant head but longer in foreface and would prefer a slightly less round eye. Has well pronounced occiput and good arch to his neck. Well boned. Longer cast with good angles to rear quarters. Tail set on a little low.

3rd Mrs B Lake Bluesprings Blarney

Post Graduate Dog (8, 1 abs)

1st Mrs L Richardson Bluesprings Now I’m Here at Forestfire

Well balanced medium sized dog. Balanced 2 brick head with raised brows and good depth of flew. Nicely arched neck leading to gently sloping topline finishing with well set on tail. Good width of thigh and length to 2nd thigh. Moved well.

2nd Mr and Mrs D Hemmings Orlanset Mandolin

Giving a little away in maturity and not quite the depth of first. Also has well balanced head and correct eye shape finished with raised brows. Wide nostrils. Straight front finished with good feet. Firm topline leading to well set on tail. Not quite the width of thigh of winner.

3rd Mrs J Dodds Bardonhill Any Dream Will Do

Mid Limit Dog (8 1abs)

1st Miss D K Brown Riverbrue Soldier On

Smaller type of dog, well balanced and good proportions. Balanced head with good eye colour and correct stop, raised brows and wide nostrils. Excellent crest to his neck. Good forechest, firm topline and correct tailset. Would prefer slightly tighter feet, Moved well. Considered for RCC just lacked the maturity of winners but I’m sure his day will come.

2nd Bott, Allen and Morgan Quensha Just Like Fire

Not co-operating with handler today. Balanced dog with good length and coat in excellent condition, Good head plains with correct eye shape. Reachy neck leading firm topline. Moved well with correct tail carriage, elbows need to tighten a bit.

3rd Mrs L Murchison Kerryfair Please Please Me Corphin.

Limit Dog (5)

1st Miss J Greenan Anlory Aiden JW

Close decision between 1st and 2nd. Stronger head but still balanced. Good eye shape, raised brows and low set ears. Arched neck and excellent lay back of shoulder with correct return of upper arm although handler tends to stack him wide in front. Good width of thigh and moved well.

2nd Mr & Mrs Hemmings Orlanset New Flame

Very close up to winner but he just pipped it on maturity and strength in quarters. Finer made all through and has a softer expression than winner. Firm topline leading to good tailset, neat feet and good bend of stifle. Also moved well.

3rd Mrs J Lorrimer Kerrimere Classique JW

Open Dog (6)

1st Mr & Mrs K & P Stockton SH CH Riverbrue Alchemist Amidst Kespas JW

A worthy Sh Ch I have admired from the ringside and was delighted to have the opportunity to judge him today, and wasn’t disappointed. He possesses a balanced outline and flows from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. He has a refined head with parallel planes and correct amount of stop, correct eye shape and colour. Good finish to foreface and wide nostrils. Oval skull with ears set on low. Reachy arched neck leading to well laid back shoulders followed by a gently sloping topline. He has a well constructed forehand with correct return of upper arm and well sprung ribs with chest reaching to just below the elbow. Rear quarters are strong with good width of thigh, Tail well set on. In super coat and condition and moved extremely well. Delighted to award him the DCC (his 25th I believe) and then BoB. Proud to see him be awarded Res Best in Show.

2nd Mrs S Edwards Gwendariff Ucan’tmissme Bonhomie

Another stylish dog who has all the essentials. Slightly stronger in head with good eye shape, raised brow and low set ears, pronounced occiput. Strong neck with good length. Firm topline leading to good croup and tail set. Straight front, powerful quarters with well bent stifle. Moved well. RDCC.

3rd Mrs J P Russell Sh Ch Lynwood Hocus Pocus at Settesoli JW. Another worthy Sh Ch who I have admired from the ringside, just didn’t cope as well today with the floor conditions.

Veteran Bitch (6, 1 abs)

1st Mr & Mrs Stevenson Lochlorien True Detective is Andley

Presents a balanced picture and good colour. Has a pleasant head with correct eye shape and colour. Straight front, feet ok. Muscular neck, good shoulders and gently sloping topline. Strong quarters with good width of thigh. Moved very well.

2nd Mrs D and Miss J Parsons Braidmount Lady of the Lake at Bransett

Close up to winner and has a lovely head which is more to my liking. Strong neck, firm correct topline but just preferred the tailset of the winner. Good front with ample depth. Moved well.

3rd Mrs S Begg Sh Ch Thendara Chasing Boys to Sumaric

Minor Puppy Bitch (10, 1 abs)

1st Mrs L Leach Riverbrue Ophelia Jubbly

Very close between 1st and 2nd in this class, just preferred head on winner and she has a slightly neater front at the moment. Balanced head with raised brows, eye needs to tighten but this will happen with maturity. Has the essential raciness, strong quarters for her age with good width of thigh and correct tailset. Lovely textured dark coat.

2nd Mrs K A Hall Riverbrue Ophelia Love Glennara

Litter sister to winner and lots of the same comments apply. Stands a little squarer at the moment. Good arch to neck. Strong quarters and correct tailset.

3rd Ms K P Vallance Glencarron Second Edition to Concencone.

Puppy Bitch (9)

1st Mrs L Leach Riverbrue Ophelia Jubbly

2nd Mrs K A Hall Riverbrue Ophelia Love Glennara

3rd Mr & Mrs D & A Paton Meadowfoot Juicy Wiggle

Junior Bitch (7)

1st Mr & Mrs Mugford Lynwood Rather Scrumptious JW

Presents a balanced picture. Nice head but would prefer a little more work in rear skull which will come with time I am sure. Good eye shape and colour, low set ears. Well arched neck, straight front, well bent stifle and good tailset. Moved well.

2nd Mrs M Bott Carry on Cleo

Slightly larger made bitch all through. Beautiful head, correct eye and low set ear. Wide nostrils. Strong arched neck, straight front and firm topline. Preferred croup of winner. Good colour.

3rd Mr P Hall Harreds Lillie

Yearling Bitch (7, 1 abs)

1st Mrs K A Hall Glennara Cherry Cola JW

Feminine bitch with good proportions. Strong bone, good depth and correct bend of stifle. Dark correct shaped eye, low set ears. Firm topline leading to good tailset. Handler tends to set her up a little wide in front. Moved well.

2nd Mrs S Corless Swiftlark Illustrious JW

Stronger head and would prefer a slightly less round eye. Straight front with neat feet. Not quite the reach of neck of winner. Firm topline, correct tailset and adequate bend of stifle. Moved well once settled.

3rd Mr G, Mrs R Charlish Harelferg Traces

Novice Bitch (5, 1 abs)

1st Ms K P Vallance Lynwood Rather Ravishing at Corencone

Balanced bitch with dark coat of good quality. Correct shaped dark eye. Head needs to break in rear skull but again I am sure this will come with time. Good quarters and correct tailset, neat feet. Won this class on her steady movement.

2nd Mrs L & Miss A Crombie & Stuart-Cook Bardonhill Going For Gold at Dawnglo

Very pretty headed girl, would prefer a slightly less round eye. Slightly shorter coupled. Adequate reach of neck and good topline. Well muscled and presented in very good condition.

3rd Mr I & Mrs P Pallister Penwyn Keeping Faith

Graduate Bitch (6, 3abs)

1st Mr G C & Mrs J Bayne Corranroo Rainbow Shimmer

Substantial bitch in good coat and condition. Pleasant head with pronounced occiput, sightly narrow in muzzle and would prefer a darker eye. Arched neck and good layback of shoulder, correct return of upper arm. Well bent stifle. Moved well.

2nd Mr I & Mrs P Pallister Penwyn Keeping Faith

Pleasant head and eye. Reachy neck, good topline and enough bend of stifle. Very unsettled today.

3rd Mrs H B Walker Glenvarna My Girl

Post Graduate Bitch (7, 1 abs)

1st Mr P, Mr G & Mrs A Bott, Allen and Morgan Quensha Crimes of Passion

My notes say it was very close between 1st and 2nd although they are made from different moulds.

Balanced bitch with strong arched neck leading to good shoulders with an excellent return of upper arm. Straight front. Strong gently sloping topline finished by a correct croup and tailset. She has good depth of chest reaching just below her elbows, strong rear quarters with good width of thigh. Presented in good coat and condition.

2nd Mr J A Watt Shenanagin Half A Sixpence

Preferred the head on this girl who has a lovely kind expression. Strong neck into correct shoulders and also had good return of upper arm. Strong quarters with ample bend of stifle. Preferred croup on winner. Slightly lacked coat today but is in fabulous condition.

3rd Mr & Mrs Robinson Lanstara Red Dress

Mid Limit Bitch (7, 3 abs)

1st Mrs P Catling Quensha Family Portrait for Teleri

Shown today if full bloom. Very balanced and pretty head, correct dark eye. Very good layback of shoulder and great depth. Has a straight front and neat feet. Strong quarters with good width of thigh. Moved very well with correct tail carriage. Seriously considered for top honours and I am sure her day will come.

2nd Mr & Mrs Heather Sixoaks Leading Lady

Pretty bitch with feminine head but would prefer a slightly less round eye. Presents a balanced outline but carrying a little too much weight today. Good coat condition and colour. Strong quarters with good width. Moved slightly close behind.

3rd Sharman and Jennings-Sharman Kerrimere Red Ribbon JW

Limit Bitch (7, 2 abs)

1st Mrs & Miss Frampton & Piggin Riverbrue Cloudburst Over Strathmead.

Just has the edge here with youth on her side, which put a zip in her stride on the move. Well proportioned head with lots of work over her brows framing correct eyes. Ample length to foreface and well shaped rear skull. She has the best layback of shoulders, correct length to body showing balance, finished with correct tailset. Has good width of thigh, long in second thigh. Moved well. RCC

2nd Mrs M Elkins Twoacres Promise of Spring with Avacet

Balanced, stylish and feminine bitch but didn’t quite have the spark of 1st on the move today. Pretty head, slightly narrow muzzle. Good bend of stifle and neat feet, correct tailset.

3rd Mrs S Edwards Gwendariff Its Numero Uno at Bonhomie JW

Open Bitch (4, 2 abs)

1st Mr & Mrs Mugford Sh Ch Lynwood Abracadabra JW

This is the 3rd time I have judged this girl, awarding her the RCC the last time, and I think she just gets better. She has a feminine head with plenty work over the brows, correct planes and correct finish to foreface. Strong arched neck leading to correctly constructed shoulders, firm sloping topline finished with correct tail which she used to advantage on the move. She has excellent forechest and return of upper arm. Strong powerful rear quarters with good width which allowed her to move very well. Delighted to award her the BCC today.

2nd Mrs P Catling Sh Ch Teleri Indian Summer (AI) JW

Another very pretty girl who I have admired. She also has a powerful neck with correct arch and well laid shoulders. Gently sloping topline and good finish with correct tailset. Neat feet. Just preferred the rear quarters of winner today. Moved well.

Sandra Sturrock (Judge)