Border Counties Gundog Club

My thanks must go to the committee for asking me to judge at this very well organised show. Although small in number, this did not mean the committee were any less efficient or accommodating than bigger shows, in fact, quite the opposite. Thank you for the lovely welcome!

Also, thanks must go to my stewards on the day, who kept the ring free flowing and, more importantly, me in check. These were excellent - must be something in their pedigree.

Although dodging the bad weather, I would also like to thank all the exhibitors who brought out some lovely dogs for me to judge. I was asked to judge three breeds and I am happy to report that I found that the standard was high in the breeds that I judged and, across the board, the dogs were particularly well turned out. Movement is always important to me and this did not waver for this show. I felt the majority of the dogs conformed to the breed standards well and left me with some difficult decisions to make. Thank you! In catalogue order.

English Setters

It was pleasing to see perfect dentition throughout the exhibits in this breed.

Class 6- Junior (2,0)

1) Taylor’s KANIETTER KOCOA- A dog that already knew his job at such a young age. Also, already in coat above his age. On the taller end of the breed, but had the bone and frame in which to develop, still in the breed standard. A very masculine head, with a pleasing expression. Fore and aft angulation was correct, with a nice bend at stifle. Movement was best in class on the day.

2) Thomson’s MAURSETT MORGANITE FOR CASPELLWYND- a very excitable young man and was lovely to see. A little heavier in head than first. Body has some to do at the moment, but front and back angulation is correct at present. Just needs to get over the gangly stage. Coat coming in nicely. A little difficult to fully judge movement as so happy to be in the ring, but what was seen was correct. Has some maturing to do, but once complete, I am sure will make the owner pleased.

Class 7- Graduate (4,3)

1) Smettem-minson’s GORDON HALL EUPHORIA AT CHYWOON (IMP RUS)- A nearly 3-year-old, Orange belton bitch, that had so much going for her. Lovely stronger head for a bitch but none the less pleasing. Oval from ear to ear and square in jaw. Very expressive in eye. Construction was sound in both fore and hindquarters. Although on the shorter size, still fell within the breed standard. On the move, was sound. It was such a shame that she was a little nervous after having an issue at a previous show, but with time, I am sure she will turn it around.

Class 8- Open (7, 4)

1) Thomson’s BUSHBANE RATHLIN CASPELLWYND- 2-year-old, Tri-coloured male. A handsome dog with a very enticing expression, with head features that ticked the boxes of the breed standard. Rather long in neck with a slight arching at crest. Correct angulation in front quarters, with lovely depth to chest. Well sprung ribs, into muscular loin. Strong, wide rear quarters that had correct angulation, in proportion to front. Presented in a full coat of soft texture. Aesthetically pleasing stack. Well feathered feet. Movement was best on the day. BOB

2) Vallance’s ROWANMYLE WAS A SKELLUM- This pushed 1st all the way. A very nicely turned-out Blue Belton male in lovely condition and free flowing coat. dark eyes, that were set off by a balanced, masculine head and framed by closely hanging, neat ears. Correct neck length. Nice angulation in front and back. Would prefer a slightly wider thigh. This was shown on the move where he didn’t drive out as well as 1st, however, held topline very well. Could easily change places with 1st on another day.

3) Smettem-minson’s PRINCESS PRIDE NOBLE AT CHYWOON (IMP HUNG)

BOB- Thomson’s BUSHBANE RATHLIN CASPELLWYND

Best puppy- Thomson’s MAURSETT MORGANITE FOR CASPELLWYND

Irish Red and White Setters

Class 38- Junior (3,1)

1) Gardner’s CHARNBOROUGH CHARISMA OF DANWISH- This girl spoilt me for the breed straight from the off. This 15-month girl looks to have a bright future. Lovely in head with the correct domed skull and eye. Ears set below eye and neatly, close to head and neck. Good strength and angulation to front construction. Similarly, the case with the back end, with a good width to thigh and good bend of stifle. Nice topline. Very athletic in profile and on the move. Drove out well on the move and didn’t faulter. Lovely richness to coat, with the start of maturity with feathering, on such a young girl. Owner should have high hopes in the breed with this one. BOB.

2) Gibson’s COOLFIN AOIFE- a pleasing youngster. Lovely richness to coat and well maintained. Has the right materials to progress as age/time allows. Very good strength and follows the stereotypical athletic requirements. Good amount of bone. Head of domed shape with round, slightly protruding eye. Very sound in the strength of the back. Could do with a little more practice and at that stage/age where needs to kick on to allow body mass to spread. Given a little time and patience, could bloom.

Class 39- Graduate (1,0)

1) Tait’s TALINTYRE WINTER SPICE- Although standing alone in the class, still a worthy winner of a graduate class. This 2-year-old is very pretty in head with good expression. The amount of coat was not abundant, because of age, but this made the positives of the dog, very clear, especially in terms of construction. Very good lay back of shoulders, showing good length to upper arm. Lovely depth to well sprung ribs. Would prefer a little more bend at stifle, however, still moved well with that lovely free action. A nice overall girl presented very well.

Class 40- Open (3,1)

1) Tait’s TALINTYRE WINTER SHADOW- I was very happy to learn this was the litter brother of the winner of graduate class. Much the same in many regards as his sister. Lovely strength to a very appealing, masculine head. Ear set on low, close to head. Correct lay back of shoulders, in to straight, well boned legs. Lovely spring of ribs into muscular loin. Again, more than pleasing thickness to upper thigh. Correct tail set. A very honest dog, with some very promising attributes. His affectionate nature was also a contributing factor. Lovely colour to coat and free flowing movement and reach.

2) Whittaker’s OLDESTONE CAUGHT IN THE ACT AT VIEWLAND- this 5 ½ year old boy is at his prime and it was certainly shown in his coat. It was obvious that a lot of effort had been put into it. He has a balanced masculine head, with correct shaped and colour to eyes, which gave rise to a good expression. Adequate length to neck, with a correct front. Correct width and depth to chest. A little nervous when being gone over.

BOB- Gardner’s CHARNBOROUGH CHARISMA OF DANWISH

Irish Setters

I was very happy to see that the presentation on all the exhibits in my breed was at a high level. The only issue I had was the long nails on a few exhibits. This detracted from the overall picture, especially on the move, which in my opinion affected the movement somewhat. However, saying that, all the dogs showed their masculinity and the bitches oozed femininity, which was lovely and to go over!

Class 41 Puppy Dog: (1,1)

Class 42 Graduate Dog (3,0)

A difficult class to judge because of the lovely exhibits. Later I found out that 1st and 2nd are litter brothers. No wonder that there were so many similarities.

1) Hughes’ GWENDARIFF PLAYS THE FLUTE –The first thing I wrote in my notes for this dog was, lovely head, and I stick by that. Lovely expression with correct eye which really drew you in. Nice chiselling under eye. Good length of neck into correct front angulation. Deep chest with well sprung ribs. Well-muscled back end with good angulation. Correct tail placement and carriage. Coat in lovely condition. Handler showed off the dog’s good movement well. Fine, but well feathered. Definitely a dog to my taste. A genuinely lovely dog that pushed for top honours and on another day, could have taken them.

2) Walker’s GWENDARIFF FLAGS ARE FLYIN – litter brother of 1st and so many similarities. A very nice outline in the stack and on the move. A strong dog in body and head, which was very pleasing. Very well boned, which again was pleasing to see. Head and neck similar to 1st, however, maybe a little stronger. Was in full, rich, flowing coat, which was pleasing on the move. Movement was very good. Very neat feet.

3) Hanson’s GWENDARIFF UP AN AT EM

Class 43 Limit Dog (3,0)

1) Murchison’s KERRYFAIR PLEASE PLEASE ME CORPHIN – A dog that was very pleasing on the eye, from a breeding that is known to have a lovely, soft expression. With correct shaped and coloured eye, framed by a slimmer head than my other winners, but with a good amount of work and good stop. A nice racy body, that was well balanced. Good in width behind, and broad rear, which combined gave rise to a free-flowing action on the move. Presented in good coat, with a deep rich chestnut colour.

2) Boyce’s FORFARIAN’S SECRET ADMIRER- This 6-year-old was again a well-balanced dog. A nice expressive, dark eye. This boy had a good depth of chest, which dropped nicely below elbow and a strong front. Again, good width to ribs. Have seen this dog in more coat previously. On the day, did not move as well as 1st, was a touch close behind. Nice neat, slightly arched feet.

3) Tupper’s STARATLANTA SHANKLY’S FIRE

Class 44 Open Dog (5,1)

1) Alcorn and Ingram’s GWENDARIFF RED LIGHT SHOW FARNFIELD – So much to like about this 5-year-old boy. Presented so very well. This dog not only looked the part, but also played it. He certainly knew his job. A rangy dog that was in good coat and groomed immaculately, with a lovely deep richness and sheen to the coat. A masculine head with the stereotypical unshelled almond shaped eye, with good depth in colour. Nice rise in the occipital protrusion. Good reach in neck. correct front angulation and length. A proportionally sprung rib, with well-muscled loin and a very good thickness and width to the entire back end. Good definition to muscle throughout. Moved well when looking from front, back or in profile. Happy and showing the typical temperament whether on the move or at the judge. A worthy BOB and Reserve Best In Show

2) Tupper’s STARATLANTA ELLIOTT SHCM- This mature dog of some 8 ½ years was shown in full, rich, deep chestnut coat. looking very smart for age especially in the stack. A pleasing masculine, parallel head, with deep, dark eye. Good length to eyes and good set. Ample length of neck into a well-balanced body. Well-muscled. Good strength/ bone to rear. Movement was sound on the out and back.

3) Murchison’s PAWSWORD PAPERBACK WRITER FOR CORPHIN

Best Dog- Alcorn and Ingram’s GWENDARIFF RED LIGHT SHOW FARNFIELD

Class 45 Puppy Bitch (0,0)

Class 46 Graduate Bitch (4,1)

1) Alcorn and Ingram’s GWENDARIFF TROLLEY DOLLY (IKC)- A very nice girl starting to show her colours. A rangy girl, in a coat of lovely tone. Straight, not overly blessed, but coming in nicely for age. Gorgeous expression, with lovely chiselling around eye and in foreface. Very good length of neck into well-constructed front. depth of chest below elbow and good spring of rib. Good slope to topline. Good width across back end. Moved well. Muscles conditioned well and super body. All the attributes point to this girl will mature well.

2) Williamson’s BLUESPRINGS A KIND OF MAGIC AT KELJARU- This 2-year-old has such a pretty head and expression, with some lovely working around the eye. Good neck length. Construction of good angulation and well boned. Slight slope on topline. Good width to second thigh and across backend. Although coat slightly lighter in colour, still lovely and well presented. Was a challenge to 1st, but in my opinion, could do with losing a pound or two.

3) Borthwick’s LOTUSHILL SCOTCH AND WRY

Class 47 Limit Bitch (3,1)

1) Sturrock’s FORFARIAN SO LUSH JW- a quite fine, 3-year-old girl, that was very feminine in appearance, sleek and racy. Nothing was over-pronounced on this girl. Very nice shape to head, that was long and lean, with correct eye shape. Lovely arch and length to neck. rather narrow in front, as required in breed standard. Wide in first thigh, giving good balance to the girl. Although not “dripping” in coat, nicely feathered, straight and well presented. Well-toned muscles and moved well. Best bitch, but was also a contender for BOB.

2) Borthwick’s LOTUSHILL KATSURA- A taller girl. A gentle, pretty expression, with very feminine features. Very well-defined detail in foreface. Ear set correct, on low. Topline, gently sloping in to correct tail set. Muscles conditioned well. Presented very well and finished with a fine, but good coat. Neat feet.

Class 48 Open Bitch (2,0)

1) Hunter’s BRAIDMOUNT LADY IN WAITING JW- This girl was of my liking. A more robust girl than other bitch entries, and gave a striking appearance, especially in the stack. Very nice head with parallel planes and lovely strength to occiput and well-defined stop. Ear set on low. Good front construction, well-muscled and with good angulation. Similarly so for the back end, but with good width to thigh also. In full, but fine coat.

2) Davie’s LOCHFRAE NINA SIMONE- good length to this girl. Very pretty in head, in terms of planes, an appealing amount of chiselling. Front and back angulation was appropriate, giving good balance to the bitch. Nice width to back end. Good depth to chest and spring of rib. Pleasant colour to coat. Slightly lighter in nose colour. On the day, 1st had the edge on movement.

Best Bitch- Sturrock’s FORFARIAN SO LUSH JW

BOB- Alcorn and Ingram’s GWENDARIFF RED LIGHT SHOW FARNFIELD

Hefin Jones (Pencastan)