Crufts

CRUFTS 9TH March 2023

IRISH SETTER Bitches

What an honour and a privilege it was to judge today, the breed is so close to my heart, I started showing in 1978 so now 45 years later I can say I have achieved my dream. My thanks go to the Crufts Committee for this opportunity and for putting on a very well run, enjoyable show.

As we all know, the difference between Crufts and other Championship Shows is the fact that you have to qualify to enter. As such, the quality of my fantastic entry was high. I am sorry the weather wasn’t kind, but the absentee rate was not too high under the circumstances. Thankyou to everyone for making the effort to attend.

My stewards worked hard to keep the ring running smoothly and efficiently throughout the day and I send them my thanks.

When I judge, my overriding principles remain the same, I am looking for a dog that is as close to the breed standard as possible, that excels in overall balance when standing, is sound on the move and is in good condition i.e. weight and coat. Some of the classes were of such quality that the winners will clearly change places. I don’t think the green carpet helped as some dogs were really not happy on it which affected their ability to do their very best on the day. I noticed that some heads were losing their balance and so not typical of the breed. Overall, though, the breed is retaining its features and quality and I hope breeders continue to aim for no exaggerations which could cause detriment in the future.

I was thrilled with the consistency and type of my final line up and found out after awarding the CC & RCC that they were mother and daughter. The CC winner was Best of Breed and was shortlisted to the final 8 in the Gundog Group.

VETERAN (15, 6)

1 INT/CH BEL CH/LUX CH/CH CH/VDH RIVERWOOD OVER THE MOON BEL JNR CH (Miss C Godart)

This was a really good class. An 8 year old who was a joy to watch as she moved around the ring, so free flowing and happy on the move showing such soundness, tail lashing and maintaining her topline. Standing she had no exaggerations, her neck flowed into her shoulders, strong topline and good tail set. Good width to hindquarters and just the right bend of stifle. Very feminine head, balanced with correct eye shape and kind expression.

2 LOCHLORIEN TRUE DETECTIVE IS ANDLEY (Mr G & Mrs C Stevenson)

Another 8 year old with very similar body properties to my winner. She has substance but maintains her femininity. Traits which I like. She is a pretty girl with a sweet expression. Ears set on correctly Very good front, forelegs straight and good depth of chest. She is an excellent mover and maintains her topline on the move. Close up to 1.

3 SH CH QUENSHA TUMBLE AND TWIRL JW (Mr P, Mr G T & Mrs A Bott, Allen & Morgan)

I really liked this elegant bitch who looks a picture when standing, so lovely to look at with deep chest, super topline and well angulated hindquarters. Typy, with nicely defined head and expression. Beautiful rich dark colour to her coat and presented in immaculate condition. Whilst her movement is sound she was a tad reluctant on the move hence her placing today.

MINOR PUPPY (0, 0)

PUPPY (11, 2)

1 JOAODAWS STARGAZER (Mrs S Nevitt)

This baby is so well put together. Feminine balanced head, soft expressive eyes of the correct shape and dark colour, ears set on low, well arched neck flowing into her neck and shoulders, leading on to a good strong topline for a youngster, gently sloping with good croup and tail set. Only 9 months old but took everything like a trooper, standing still for her handler and then moved soundly and steadily for her runner without any break of continuity. A star in the making, I am sure she will have a bright future.

2 CORRANROO VIENNESE WALTZ (Miss L M Peters)

Different type to my winner, almost 12 months old, a bit bigger and more mature, good overall balance, very feminine head and expression, no throatiness, straight front with neat feet, neck flowed into her shoulders, excellent topline and quarters which she used to move very positively. Her coat is rich chestnut, and her furnishings are coming on nicely. She is definitely going to give her owner lots of fun, best of luck with her.

3 RIVERBRUE OPHELIA BONGOS AT HENALEAS (Mrs J A & Mr P Humphreys)

Elegant young lady, appealing well balanced refined head, dark eye with that true mischievous expression that is so pleasing. She has a racy outline which flows from head to tail. Good overall body properties, well-constructed in all departments. Obviously, plenty of maturing to do, another one with a very bright future ahead.

JUNIOR (15, 0)

1 RAHINA DELLA MAGNA SILA JR CH (Mrs M Mazzuca’s)

This girl was exactly the size, type and quality that I was looking for. A little gem and I wish her well. Beautiful balanced head with correct shape dark eye. Lovely finish to muzzle, nothing exaggerated. Good neck and lay back of shoulder, deep chest, ample stifle and strong hocks which she used to move round the ring soundly, lashing her well set on tail. Dark coat and in good condition.

2 LYNWOOD RATHER SCRUMPTIOUS (Mr R C & Mrs J P Mugford)

Slightly bigger overall than my winner. Another very nice bitch coming out of this kennel. She catches the eye with her overall balance, slightly arched neck set cleanly into her shoulders. Strong topline, good width to hindquarters, well bent stifle and hock joint. Rich dark coat colour and moved well.

3 JONOLA BELLINI (Mrs I M Hillocks)

Feminine young lady, very sweet head with wistful expression. Good straight front & well sprung rib with deep chest, liked her overall shape and body length with well bent stifle. Moved okay.

YEARLING (23, 6)

1 GLENNARA CHERRY COLA JW (Mrs K Hall)

This was a strong class and a close decision between 1 & 2. This girl is well constructed and it showed when she moved, very sound. She is very feminine, pretty well balanced head, dark eye, good ear set, flowed over her neck and shoulders, strong topline and good croup and tail set. True front angulation and good width to her quarters. She has a lovely rich colour to her coat.

2 GWENDARIFF HANDBAGS AND HI HEELS JUN CH (Miss Vs Stechovska)

A very elegant racy girl, a sound mover from any angle. Another that flowed from her nose to her tail and had excellent body properties. In particular I liked her front angulation, good straight front, deep chest and tight feet. Also, good topline and tail set and shown with good coat and featherings.

3 HARREDS LILLIE (Mr P J Hall)

Such a sweet girl, very typy as you would expect from this kennel. Very dark mahogany coloured coat with movement, exquisite head, perfectly balanced with dark eyes with wistful expression. Loved her front angulation, good topline and quarters. A stylish little mover

GRADUATE (30, 5)

1 BARDONHILL WOVEN IN GOLD (Mrs M Bott)

This young lady, 20 months old, pushed to win this very strong class with her movement. She never stopped lashing her tail whilst moving soundly round the ring, a joy to watch. Standing, her profile is so balanced, very good front angulation, deep chest, good strong neck of the right length flowing into her shoulders, super topline, good tailset and good bend of stifle. A very feminine head, lovely, raised brows with a kind dark eye. Beautiful rich dark coat in lovely condition.

2 SIXOAKS MY FAIR LADY JW (Mr & Mrs J E Heather)

An elegant racy young lady, shown in fabulous coat with an abundance of feathering. Pretty girl, nice head shape, good front and forearm with the layback of shoulder I like. Flowing topline from her nose to the tip of her tail. Good width & strength in hindquarters. Well angulated stifles and good proportions from hock to toe. Steady mover

3 GWENDARIFF DAZZLING DIVA (Mrs R & Dr H Jones)

Everything to like about this young lady, it was a strong class and I am sure the winners will change places. Overall very balanced, feminine head, long and lean with no coarseness, quizzical soft eye expression, low set ears. Proportionate body properties with deep chest and super quarters and stifles. Beautiful deep chestnut coat with oodles of feathering, moved okay.

POST GRADUATE (20, 3)

1 FORFARIAN TICKLES YER FANCY (Mrs S & Misses N & J Sturrock)

This girl struggled with the slippery floor surface which made it difficult for the handler to get the best out of her. It was clear to me though that she is an absolute quality bitch of super type. She has the most beautiful balanced head with perfectly shaped expressive eyes. Ears set on low and hanging in a neat fold as they should. Loved the elegance over her neck and shoulders, good deep chest and straight front legs with well arched toes. Strong hindquarters which she used to drive around the ring. She has ample coat although not dripping in coat as some are but this makes her outline clear to all. A super class to win.

2 IXIA SNOW VIXEN (H K & J A Bouttell & Burbridge)

An elegant feminine girl, very pretty with kind eyes and lovely brow, no coarseness at all and good shape to her muzzle. She has good shoulders and sloping topline, good depth of chest, slightly shorter coupled than my winner, plenty of strength in her hind quarters and good stifle. Moved well.

3 GWENDARIFF A GEE AN TEE FOR ME WITH DAZYCUTTER (Ms J Turner)

Lovely type with good eye and expression. Well off for bone, good clean neck, no throatiness flowing into well placed shoulders and strong topline. She was a bit hot and bothered today but still moved well and deserved her place in this strong class.

MID LIMIT (16, 2)

1 QUENSHA FAMILY PORTRAIT FOR TELERI (Mrs P A M Catling)

Very well put together, no exaggerations, very appealing feminine head with low set ears. Good reach of neck, super forearm angulation, nice slope to topline maintaining a racy outline. Not overly feathered, just the right amount, with a rich dark colour coat of nice texture and beautiful condition. Moved well thoroughly enjoying herself.

2 ANLORY CARIGNAN (Mr N Naylor)

A sound bitch that earned her place with her excellent body properties. Feminine, well-proportioned head with lovely, raised brows, good front with tight feet, deep sternum, good strong topline which she held on the move. Strong quarters, excellent croup and tail set. Not in the best of coats today

3 QUENSHA CRIMES OF PASSION (Mr P, Mr G T & Mrs A Bott, Allen & Morgan)

From the same kennel as my winner and such a lot to like about her. Not as good in head as my winner and on the day didn’t move as well as my 2nd place. Absolutely beautiful profile when standing, full of typiness and she flows from nose to tail. Dark mahogany coat in lovely condition, good neck and shoulders, good topline with excellent tailset.

LIMIT (13, 3)

1 RIVERBRUE CLOUDBURST OVER STRATHMEAD (Mrs J & Miss H Frampton & Piggin)

This girl had to be good to win this very strong class today and she was… she had it all, very good overall body properties, super front angulation, well laid back shoulders, good sternum, strong topline, good hind quarters which she used to drive around the ring soundly and with verve. Feminine head with good eye and expression and shown in nice condition with just the right amount of feathering to add to her glamour. Pleased to award her RCC and found out afterwards she was daughter of my CC winner.

2 GWENDARIFF PIN UP GIRL (Mr A & Miss C Stewart & Neill)

Another top notch bitch coming out of this well known kennel. Very well coated, deep chestnut colour & presented in excellent condition. Feminine head, with good stop and brows and soft expression. Good front, deep chest and sloping topline with good croup and tailset and strong hindquarters which she used well. Just nit picking here but I preferred the slightly cleaner shoulder placement of my winner and also the movement.

3 GWENDARIFF LOOK THIS WAY TO WYNJILL (Mrs J Holley)

Very feminine and similar type to 2 in a lot of ways. Well presented, dark coat, feminine head, nice finish to her muzzle, good neck length, slightly sloping flowing topline with good tailset. Good width to her hind quarters which she used to drive around the ring. When standing her hocks occasionally splayed a little but there is no doubt that when moving her hind movement was sound.

OPEN (17, 5)

1 SH CH RIVERBRUE GLORIANA (Mr B A Crocker)

A fabulous class of quality bitches and a privilege to judge them. There are so many words to describe my winner elegant, stylish, feminine, classy … I am sure they have all been used. And they all most definitely apply but what stands out for me and what gives her that extra stardust is her enthusiasm on the move, lashing her tail and thoroughly enjoying herself. Standing she fills your eye with her beauty, meeting the breed standard with her balanced refined head, lovely raised brow and a twinkle in her good shaped, dark eye. Good reach of neck, excellent lay of shoulder, good depth of chest and spring of rib. Good topline, croup and tail set. Strong powerful hindquarters and strong hocks which she used to effortlessly move round the ring at one with her handler. Presented to perfection, gleaming mahogany coat and just the right amount of furnishings to finish off. Pleased to award her the CC.

2 EE CH/LV CH/SL CH FAIRHAVEN ELECTRA (Miss L & Miss B Holm & Lind)

This girl caught my eye, a very glamourous girl, full of quality and elegance shown in fabulous coat, chestnut colour. Very feminine, another very refined in head with good ear set. Excellent body properties with good reach of neck, no throatiness, good lay back of shoulders, slightly sloping topline with good tailset. Strong hind quarters which she used to drive around the ring. She wasn’t fully co-operating with her handler today… typical of an Irish Setter. This certainly didn’t detract from her many virtues.

3 SH CH LYNWOOD ABRACADABRA JW (Mr R C & Mrs J P Mugford)

Another lovely bitch with super type and excellent body properties. Very balanced profile. Sweet head, kind eye, good front and tight feet, good sloping topline and excellent tailset. Good quarters and strong hocks and she moved steadily. Very close decisions to decide these top placings.

FIELD TRIAL (0,0)

SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG (3,0)

1 IR SH CH FORFARIAN RED OR DEAD (Mr H Brady)

3 year old bitch who absolutely fulfils the criteria of beauty and brains. She is not overdone in any way, very pretty head with kind expression, good neck and shoulders, flowing topline, good tailset, good width to her strong hindquarters which she used to move soundly and happily. Rich chestnut coat with ample furnishings. She was handled well.

2 CH BE MINE FROM REDWEED (Ms R Krskova)

Well feathered young lady, pretty head with nice eye shape and finish to muzzle. Overall shape in profile was okay. Good bone, deep chest, front a little on the narrow side, tight feet. Steady movement

3 EIREANN’S SPRITE HAVANNA (Mrs R & Mrs S Kurz & Galindo)

Not yet 2 years old so still plenty of maturing to do. Stronger type of head with a nice dark eye, good front, small firm feet, short coupled, moved okay.

GOOD CITIZEN DOG SCHEME (7, 0)

1 RIVERBRUE BE HERE NOW (Mrs D G Heppell)

Another lovely girl coming from this kennel. Very feminine, pretty head, nice ear set, good front and deep chest. Longer cast giving an elegant outline. Good quarters, super croup and tailset. Moved ok.

2 SANDSTREAM WELCOME BREEZE JW ShCM (Miss S Waterton)

A very elegant veteran, she has some super body properties and looked lovely when standing, clean neck and lay of shoulder, deep chest, good bone and substance. Feminine head with lovely expression and finish to muzzle. She was a bit airy fairy when moving. On overall confirmation, she deserved her 2nd place.

3 BLUEBYEYOU LOVE IN A MIST (Mrs G Bye)

This 2 year old girl was 4th in the very strong Graduate class. She still has some maturing to do, she has pleasing head and expression, clean neck, good topline, shorter coupled than 1 & 2, good hindquarters and enough angulation in stifle. Moved okay.

 JUDGE CHRISTINA SHELDON