St Andrews Cupar & District Canine Society

Thank you to the Officers and Committee of St Andrews, Cupar & District CS for honoring this judging appointment for Cocker Spaniels and Junior Handling which was originally planned for 2020. The warm weather mixed with the Jubilee weekend resulted in a fairly poor turnout across all breeds. However, this has not deterred me from travelling to Scotland should future judging opportunities present themselves, I was not disappointed with the quality of the dogs that were present or the standard of the junior handlers.

Cocker Spaniel

Puppy (3,3) – Absent.

Junior (4,3)

1st – Hamill’s Vittador Sea Beet – 18 month old blue roan and tan dog. Good angulation front and rear, moved well once settled . Would like to see more spring of rib and depth of chest but he still has plenty of time to mature. Handler was a little nervous and I would have loved to have had the opportunity after judging was complete to give some pointers so this dog can be shown to his full potential.

Post Graduate (4,3)

1st – Ewan’s Craigdean Hendrik Hanssen – almost 3 year old blue roan dog that was immaculately presented by the exhibitor. Nice dark head that has tight eyes to harmonise. Loved his clean lines and well muscled front and rear quarters, masculine throughout with good depth of chest and spring of ribs, held a level top line on the move.

Open (5,2)

1st – Ewan’s Craigdean Holby City – 4 year old orange roan dog that is well balanced and compact, he caught my eye as soon as he entered the ring. Beautiful masculine head with well muscled and clean neck that leads to front quarters that are well angulated. Short coupled and correct rear angulation mean this dog has a typical cocker outline. Moved well in clean straight lines with plenty of drive and a merry cocker action. Loved this boy from the moment I set eyes on him, no hesitation in awarding BOB, he then went on to be placed gundog group 3 under breed specialist Mr. Darby.

2nd – Murray’s Snowgate Starstruck – 4 and a half year old dark blue roan dog that has a well structured head with a kind, gentle expression with dark eyes to harmonise. Well sprung ribs and coat in perfect condition, moved well with a great length of stride. Just preferred the well balanced and compact structure of 1st.

3rd – Cleland’s Belltrees Kandyman

Junior Handling

6 – 11 year olds – no entries

12 – 16 year olds

1st Kara Deas (Newfoundland) – This young lady handled her dog perfectly, I was particularly impressed to find out after judging that she only met the dog on the morning of the show. Kara kept the lead hidden at all times and showed the teeth without any issues. It was clear that she has had plenty of practice as she did not break the golden rule including when she entered the ring. Kara is a very calm handler and this showed, taking her time to make sure she gets the best out of the dog she is handling. ‘T' shape was perfect with good clean and tight lines on the move. Pleased to award her best junior handler. I feel this young lady will do well regardless of what dog she handles.

2nd Jessica Shaw (Chinese Crested) – Jessica was a delight to see handling her dog, her dog was a little nervous at first, particularly when on the exhibiting table, Jessica was not phased by this and remained calm in order to get the best out of her dog. Good communication with her dog whilst exhibiting but just not as tight on the lines of the ‘T' shape.

3rd Adam Deas (Boxer)

Damien Hutton-Baber (Babtonkelpie)