Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club

Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club, Open Show, Sunday 4th December 2022 Critiques

I would like to thank, The Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club for inviting me to judge at their Breed Open Show, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and had a lovely entry.

Thank you to my ring stewards for being efficient and keeping the ring running smoothly and a heartfelt, “thank you” to all the exhibitors who entered and gave me the honour of judging their dogs.

Veteran Dog (1)

1st Reynold’s’, Ch Wiccanssage Hugo’s Dream JW

A very happy outgoing 7.5 year old boy of medium size with quality bone and balanced all through. Masculine one piece head, although I would prefer slightly more length of muzzle, dark almond shaped eye and small neat ears. Correct length of neck leading into well laid back shoul- der. Deep chest with pronounced fore-chest. Fore ribs flat and leading into a gradual spring and short loin. Muscled rear quarters with moderate bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Moved well with reach and drive.

Minor Puppy Dog (3)

1st Campbell & Brown’s, Ronevorg Firefly Fantasy

8 month old boy who presented a balanced outline and flowed around the ring. Slightly taller frame than 2nd but all in proportion. Lovely head with correct filling and dark almond shaped eye. Adequate length of neck leading into a level topline and scored in tail carriage. Correct length of rib with gradual spring and short couplings. Moderate bend of stifle with good width of second thigh. Quality bone and good feet. BPD.

2nd Thurston’s, Stranfaer The One That Got Away

Another 8 month old boy who was not quite as balanced as the winner today, shown in lovely condition with dense coat. Pleasing head but would prefer a slightly tighter eye, small ears well set on. Correct layback with return of upper arm and well defined brisket. Well ribbed, leading into moderate bend of stifle. Would have preferred a lower tailset as he carried it above the level of his back which spoilt his outline especially on the move.

3rd Hewison’s, Casblaidd Gun Sargeant

6 month baby who was not as outgoing as 1st and 2nd today and was at a slightly bum high stage of development. Nicely moulded head with dark eye and correct filling. Good length of rib leading into moderate rear quarters. Shown in good condition and moved well.

Puppy Dog (No entries) 

Junior Dog (5, 1abs)

1st Bellamy’s, Bochilbarley Goblet of Fire JW

What a super classical head on this young boy, with dark almond shaped eye and a naughty mischievous expression. Good length of neck leading into super lay back of shoulder but would prefer a touch more length of upper arm. Correctly angulated back end with well let down hocks. Level top line which he held on the move and correct tail set. Moved the best in the class with reach and drive.

2nd Burr’s, Roxwoodbay Rubha Douglas of Scheindubh

Workman like dog, lovely head and dark eye and kind intelligent expression with neat well set on ears. Nice length of neck running into well laid back shoulders and level top line, tail set was slightly high which meant he carried his tail above the level of this back on the move which spoilt his profile. Moderately angulated rear quarters with well let down hocks. Quality bone and tight round arched feet, moved well but preferred the movement and overall balance of the winner today.

3rd Milton’s, Manteaupl at Montbazillac

Another lovely boy with pleasing masculine head, dark eye and neat ears. Slightly shorter in neck than 1st and 2nd. Correct layback and return of upper arm, with pronounced fore chest. Gradual spring of rib but would prefer a shorter loin. Another one who’s tail set was slightly high and there- fore carried it above the level of the back which spoilt the profile movement. Nicely muscled rear quarters but would prefer more rear angulation as he was slightly straighter from stifle to hock.

 Special Yearling Dog (5)

1st Deacon’s, Harlistream Rainstorm

Balanced boy with correct height to length ration. One piece head with flat skull and correct dark eye, would prefer slightly smaller ears. Correct layback of shoulder and defined brisket with straight forelegs, strong pasterns and rounded feet. Length in the ribbing which had the correct depth and helping to keep a strong top line which flowed through the neck to tail. Excellent rear quarters with well let down hocks.

2nd Kearton’s, Braemist Bootlegger At Ravenhall

Medium sized workman like boy with a dense quality coat. Classical one piece head with kind expression and small neat ears set close to the side of the head. Correct shoulder placement and return of upper arm, gradual spring of rib but would prefer more length, short coupled and moderate bend of stifle. Slightly lower croup but tail was carried correctly. Moved okay but not as positively as the winner.

3rd Hessing’s, Hoedun Daddy’s Eyes At Montechor

Slightly taller than 1st and 2nd and going through an awkward teenager stage as he was not quite holding himself together today. Masculine head with dark eye although would prefer a tighter eye. Good length of neck although would prefer less throatiness, well laid back shoulder, correct length of rib with gradual spring and depth and short square loin. Strong back end with equal lengths from point of buttock to stifle and stifle to top of the hock. Quality bone and shown in lovely condition.

Graduate Dog (3)

1st Gribbles’s, Jazzanraga Adventurer

A lovely liver boy who was very balanced all through. Pleasing masculine head with correct eye shape and colour, being picky I would like slightly smaller ears. Nicely angulated front and rear, with good length and depth of chest and short couplings, held a level top line on the stand and move. Quality bone and tight well arched feet, he moved well with good extension and drive.

2nd Campbell & Brown’s, Ronevorg Angel Wiv Attitude

Medium size masculine boy, kind dark eye but would prefer more refinement in the head and more length of muzzle. Correct layback and adequate fore chest, good length of rib and short square loin. Nicely angulated rear quarters with well let down hocks. Did not move as true as the winner.

3rd Durrant’s, Diamondflats Don Vito Corleone Via Glenturret (Imp Ger)

Liver boy of medium size with pleasing head but would prefer a darker eye. Long neck free from throatiness, straight forelegs and strong pasterns, fantastic bone quality and super round tight feet. Correct length of rib and muscled rear angulation, moved a little close in the rear and carried his tail a little proud which spoilt his profile movement.

Post Graduate Dog (2)

1st Deacon’s, Harlistream Hendrick’s

Smaller sized male, would prefer more refinement to his head but had a kind dark eye and intelli- gent expression. Neck running well into the back with well laid back shoulders and a level top line and correct tail set. Strong rear quarters with good width of both first and second thigh and short well let down hocks. Correct bone and shown in full furnishings with a dense coat, he moved very well.

2nd Slade’s, Hightyne Fly Me To The Moon

Up to size masculine boy with lovely classical head, dark almond shaped eye with pleasing ex- pression and small ears, would prefer more length of neck. Correct shoulder and return of upper arm and adequate brisket, fore ribs were flat and body well ribbed up. Strong back end but longer from stifle to hock. Did not move as well as the winner and was giving his handler a hard time which unfortunately hindered his movement.

Limit Dog (3, 1abs)

1st Taite’s, Gamerights Troyte

I judged this boy as a youngster and he has matured beautifully. He presented a balanced outline in super coat and condition and strong oval bone. Masculine head with dark almond shaped eye and intelligent expression. Neck running into a strong top line and correct tail carriage. Super lay back with return of upper arm and pronounced forechest. Body well ribbed up with a gradual spring and correct depth and short couplings. Moderate bend of stifle with good width of both 1st and 2nd thigh, hocks well let down and stood true all round. Moved well showing power without lumber.

2nd Bell’s, Rotherfield Just For Show

A lovely boy who was lacking in coat and maturity today. Slightly taller frame than 1 but all in proportion. One piece head, nicely moulded with flat skull. Long neck leading into correctly angulated forequarters and pronounced forechest which was one of the best of the day. Forelegs straight and elbows tight to his chest which helped him move cleanly and evenly. Slightly over angulated rear quarters but had super width of thigh which helped him power around the ring.

Open Dog (5, 1abs)

This was a tough class with some very lovely boys, who could easily have swapped places on another day.

1st Hewison’s, Casblaidd Island In The Sky

This boy is just coming into his prime at 5.5 years old. Workmanlike, he had a classical masculine one piece head, with correct depth and length of muzzle and correct dentition, small neat ears well set on and dark almond shaped eyes with that intelligent expression. Long neck flowing into a level top line which was held on the move. Just the right depth of chest with pronounced fore-chest, correct layback of shoulder with equal return of upper arm. Gradual spring of rib leading into short couplings and well muscled rear quarters which enabled him to move effortlessly around the ring with no exaggeration and showing power without lumber. Full furnishings completed the picture, pleased to award him BD and RBIS.

2nd Bellamy’s, Bochilbarley Blue Moon Ai

Another stunning boy who is getting better with age as it should be, I just preferred the even balance all through the body of the class winner today. Beautiful moulded head with twinkling dark eye and small neat ears. Flowed through his neck into correct lay back but would prefer slightly more upper arm, well ribbed up and short couplings leading into a strong back end and well let down hocks. Moved with reach and drive, showing Flatcoat enthusiasm with an ever wagging tail action. RBD

3rd Burr’s, Woodfinch Torrin of Scheindubh

A medium sized workman like boy who today was just carrying a bit too much weight for me. In profile he is balanced and showing maturity with a think dense coat. Masculine one piece head with dark eye and intelligent expression and small neat ears. Correct angulation both fore and aft, with good oval bone and tight round feet. Did not move with the drive of 1st and 2nd .

Special Working Dog (3)

1st Hewison’s, Casblaidd Island In The Sky (1st in Open)

2nd Durrant’s, Glenturret Happy Go Lucky JW (SGWC, KCWGC)

A smaller sized dog all through but all in proportion, I just preferred the front angulation of the winner today. Pleasing head with dark eye and small neat ears. Correct length of neck leading into level top line and tail set which he carried level with his back. Well muscled, moderate rear angulation with well let down hocks.

3rd Reynold’s, Telurn Can’t Touch This

Another typical male up to size, nicely moulded masculine head but would prefer a slightly darker eye, small ears well set on. Flowed from his neck to his level top line and correct tail set. Well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm, moderate rear angulation. Moved well but slightly close at the rear.

Veteran Bitch (10, 2abs)

1st Merriman’s, Candiliz Pina Colada

8.5 year old bitch who flowed around the ring holding a level top line and moving with reach and drive covering the ground with ease. Pretty feminine head with dark eye. Lovely length of neck leading into well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm with pronounced forechest. Gradual spring of rib and short couplings, moderate bend of stifle and well let down hocks. Oval bone with tight round feet, full furnishings completed the picture. Please to award her BVIS.

2nd Milton’s, Madelea Magic Tricks

 9 year old typical bitch of medium size who was just out of coat today, one piece head with dark eye and intelligent expression. Correct front angulation with well defined brisket, good depth of rib and good rear angulation. Good bone just would prefer tighter feet. Moved well but just not as free and flowing as the winner.

3rd Hewison’s, Donascimento Danilo From Casblaidd VW

Another lovely veteran who presented a balanced outline but lacked the drive today of the 1st and 2nd. Pretty head with dark almond shaped eye. Head well set in the neck, correct layback of shoulder and return of upper arm, gradual spring of rib and moderate bend of stifle. Very well muscled and in good condition she belies her 9.5 years of age.

Minor Puppy Bitch (4)

1st Jacobs’, Gemswin Goody Two Shoes

This baby was just super, a rich liver colour at just 6 months old and at her first show she was so well balanced and in proportion and not phased at all. Pretty feminine head and kind dark eye, she flowed through her neck to a level top line and correct tail set. Correctly angulated both fore and aft, with her length being in her gradual spring of rib and short couplings. Free and flowing movement for one so young. I liked her a lot and look forward to watching her develop. BPIS

2nd Oates’, Jazzanraga Rascal

Another lovely baby at 8.5 months old. Pretty head with kind dark eye although would prefer a slightly tighter eye. Good length of neck leading into well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm. Gradual spring of rib and short couplings with good depth. Moderate bend of stifle although slightly longer from stifle to hock at this stage in her development. Moved well but not as together as the winner, but with time and confidence this will improve.

3rd Durrant’s, Glenturret Gypsy Tart

Another pretty puppy with dark eye and classical head. Adequate bone and at the right stage of development for her age. Level top line and tail carriage. Did not have the front angula- tion of 1st and 2nd, strong back end with good width of thigh and well let down hocks, moved well.

Puppy Bitch (2)

1st Tagg’s, Oiyou Double Expresso

At nearly 8 months this puppy was very balanced and held herself together so well. Pretty feminine head with correct filling and tight dark eye. Well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm with straight forelegs and strong pasterns. Gradual spring of rib and moderate rear angula- tion. Stood true all around on tight round feet. Moved very well holding a level top line.

2nd Stock’s, Oiyou Espresso Martini

Litter sister to the winner who was very similar but not so together and lacked the strength in her top line at this age. Pretty head with dark eye, and well set on ears. Good layback of shoulder and pronounced fore chest. Well ribbed up with a gradual spring but would prefer shorter couplings. Moderately angulated rear quarters although was slightly longer from stifle to hock. Lovely bone and tight round feet. Moved well but not as positive as the winner.

Junior Bitch (5, 3abs)

1st Strudwick’s, Burpham Lotties First Love

Very promising elegant youngster with a beautiful balanced outline and moved really well. Pretty feminine head and small neat ears. Neck was long and flowed into a level top line and correct tail carriage. Good layback of shoulder with pronounced brisket and elbows tight to the body. Fore ribs were flat with gradual spring and correct depth. Hind quarters were moderately angulated with good width of second thigh, well let down hocks helped her stand true all round on small tight feet.

2nd Knight’s, Blacklake Nerisa

Sweet youngster who was very attentive to her handler which did hinder her movement at times. Nice head with a happy kind expression but would prefer a slightly darker eye. Good lay- back with return of upper arm and moderate hind quarters. Did not have the overall balance of the winner as going through a slightly bum high stage but with maturity this will improve and her top line will even out.

 Special Yearling Bitch (8, 1abs)

1st Bellamy’s, Moontorn Better Half Of Me JW

This bitch stood out in this class, expertly handled she moved freely around the ring straight and true. Pretty one piece head, flat skull with correct length of muzzle and perfect dentition. Flowed from her neck through to a strong level top line and correct tail set. Super layback of shoulder and return of upper arm, well defined brisket with straight forelegs, strong pasterns and small rounded feet. Gradual spring of rib of correct length and depth and short couplings. Moderate rear angulation and hocks that were parallel to the floor. Just the right amount of furnishings for her age to complete the picture, strongly considered her for the top awards, will follow her with interest.

2nd Strudwick’s, Burpham Lotties First Love (1st in Junior Bitch)

3rd Deacon’s, Harlistream Rainy Day

Pretty bitch with balanced outline and correct tail set just lacking the maturity of 1st and 2nd. Nice length of neck leading into good front angulation, adequate length of rib but needs to drop into her chest more, slightly longer in couplings, moderate hind angulation with well let down hocks.

Graduate Bitch (4, 1abs)

1st Lee’s, Broomsward Vivian Westwood

This bitch presented a lovely outline and was shown in super condition. Not overly confident she was handled sympathetically but unfortunately later in the challenge she was not as attentive and did not show herself to advantage which was a shame. A very pretty feminine head with correct filling and dark almond shaped eye, neat small ears set close to the head. Reason- ably long neck running into a level top line and tail set. Correct angulation both fore and aft. A very elegant feminine bitch, I would be interested to see develop in confidence.

2nd Delamere’s, Gamerights Enigma

Another typical classical bitch with feminine head although I would prefer a less fuller eye. Well laid back shoulder with return of upper arm and well defined brisket. Elbows were tight to the fore ribs and enabled her to move cleanly with reach. Correct length and depth of ribbing and moder- ate rear angulation although slightly longer from stifle to hock. Moved well but preferred the overall rear movement of the winner.

3rd Segolo's, Paslowhall Kentra Bay

Sweet bitch but lacked the outgoingness of 1st and 2nd. Pretty head although would prefer more filling under the eye. Well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm with pronounced forechest, good length of rib although needs to drop into her chest as she is slightly tucked up at the moment, short coupled. Moderate rear angulation and well let down hocks. Did not quite have the bone quality of 1st and 2nd but was adequate for her size.

Post Graduate Bitch (4)

1st Milton’s, Manteauplat Black Pippin

This bitch presented a lovely outline, feminine and graceful and balanced all through. A beautiful one piece head with almond shaped kind dark eye, neat ears and clean neck flowing into well laid back shoulder with equal return of upper arm. Pronounced forechest and deep chest with gradual spring of rib. Would prefer a more moderate bend of stifle but excelled with width of thigh. Moved well in profile and coming and going.

2nd Hutton’s, Jazzanraga Exclusive

Unfortunately this bitch was carrying rather too much weight today and this ruined her overall balance and top line. Nice one piece head with dark eye and kind expression. Correct angulation both fore and aft with pronounced brisket and well let down hocks. Good bone quality but would prefer tighter feet.

3rd Cobby’s, Waverton Ice And Fire

Smaller sized bitch. Pretty head but would prefer a more almond shaped eye and smaller ears. Well defined brisket and good layback of shoulder. Correct length of rib but longer in the cou- plings. Moderate rear quarters with well let down hocks. Stood square all around on tight round feet. Moved well but did not quite hold a level top line.

 Limit Bitch (7)

This was a stunning class of bitches and some tough decisions were made.

1st Gale’s, Willowswind Nette Lark JW

This bitch just keeps getting better and better, from her classical one piece head with tight dark eye, small neat ears and correct dentition, correct length of neck leading into well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm. Deep chest with just the right breadth, gradual spring of rib and short couplings and strong back end with equal lengths from buttock to stifle and stifle to hock, latter of which were well let down. One of the best movers on the day with straight front move- ment and showing reach and drive. Shown in lovely condition, pleased to award her Reserve Best Bitch.

2nd Oxford’s, Matlaras Spirit of Dunkirk For Taranbeck

Another lovely bitch who was just lacking in maturity against the winner today. Lovely one piece head with correct filling, almond shaped dark eye, neat ears, correctly angulated both fore and aft, holding a level top line and presenting a balanced outline with correct length to height ratio. Good bone but would prefer tighter feet, moved effortlessly.

3rd Kearton’s, Hopevalley Morning Dew at Ravenhall

Workmanlike bitch, slightly smaller in frame than 1st and 2nd but balanced and in proportion. Exquisite feminine head with twinkling dark eye. Excellent layback with return of upper arm and well defined brisket, correct length of rib with short couplings leading into a strong back end with good width of second thigh. Well let down hocks, standing true all around on tight feet. Dense coat completed the picture. Did not quite move with the drive that 1st and 2nd did.

Open Bitch (3)

1st Bellamy’s, Moontorn Goddess Of Love

5 years old, this bitches side profile is just super, correctly balanced front to rear with just the right amount of tuck up through her loin, holding a level top line and correct tail set, shown in lovely condition with quality bone and neat feet. A pretty head with intelligent expression, clean through the neck into well laid back shoulder, being picky I would like a little more length of upper arm. Correct depth and length of ribbing, short couplings, strong back end and well let down parallel hocks. Would prefer her elbows to be a little bit tighter to her ribs as her front movement could be a little wide at times but overall she flowed around the ring with reach and drive.

2nd Kearton’s, O’Flanagan Brogan’s Legacy At Ravenhall Taf

This bitch was was very unsure of the matting and gave her handler a hard time but the movement I did get to see was straight and true. Feminine head with moderately broad flat skull and good length of muzzle, dark eye and small neat ears. Clean neck flowing into a level top line, correct layback with return of upper arm, fore ribs flat with gradual spring and short couplings. Correct rear angulation with excellent width of first and second thigh. Would prefer more bone and tighter feet.

3rd Simons’, Rainesgift Royal Mint I Coedylan JW

Very similar shape to second. Nice head but would prefer a more almond shaped eye. Neck free from throatiness leading into well laid back shoulders. Defined brisket and straight forelegs with elbows tight to the fore ribs allowing them to move cleanly and evenly. Level top line but steeper on the croup and slightly over angulated rear quarters which meant she moved slightly close behind today.

Special Working Bitch (3)

1st Jacobs’, Ch Gemswin Dressed For Success

This lady is just the ultimate show girl and you cant help but admire her. Bright and active of medium size with a nicely moulded feminine head, almond shaped kind eye with intelligent expression. Clean neck flows over her well laid back shoulders with equal return of upper arm, into a level top line and correct tail set, demonstrating Flatcoat friendliness with her enthusiastic tail ac- tion that never stopped. Excellent oval bone and neat tight feet, she moved effortlessly in her class but once settled in the challenge she excelled and epitomised raciness without weediness with effortless free flowing movement. Pleased to award her BB and BIS.

2nd Hewison’s, Donascimento Danilo From Casblaidd VW (3rd in Veteran bitch)

3rd Thomas’s, Tygwyn Rhiwbina

 A very feminine bitch all through but lacking in coat today, nicely moulded head with flat skull and good length of muzzle to enable her to carry game and kind dark eye. Nice length of neck well set into her shoulder but did not quite have the equal length of return of upper arm. Well ribbed up with short loin and a strong back end with correct angulation and well let down hocks. Adequate bone and super tight round feet, moved well.

Sarah Egginton 

Pajanbeck