National Gundog Association

National Gundog Association.

Best in Show

What an honour to be invited to judge best in Show at this prestigious show. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. The rings were a generous size and the weather was kind for most of the day. New secretary Editha Newton and her team had everything in hand and a good atmosphere prevailed. A good crowd stayed to watch the groups and warm applause greeted the winners.

My two line ups gave plenty of food for thought. I thought a couple of the best of Breeds were over angulated behind and this affected their movement. I was delighted with my final line up. I was impressed with so many puppies, not just the shortlisted ones. It will be interesting to watch them develop.

Best in Show

I shortlisted eight for further consideration. In addition to those placed there was the Large Munsterlander, Sh Ch Crumpsbrook Woodrush, golden retriever Quakerhall Flare by Pandora, clumber spaniel Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist and Welsh Springer Sh Ch Nyliram Telling Tales JW, all worthy representatives of their breeds in good body and coat and going well.

Best In Show was the Bracco Italiano Sh Ch Braccorians Never Say Never, presented a picture of balance and quality. Good to go over, with the distinctive sculpted head. In such good body and condition. Moving so well covering the ring effortlessly and carrying herself so well. A worthy winner.

Reserve Best In Show was the English Setter, Sh Ch Severnsett Firecracker, it’s never easy giving top honours to your own breed but this boy is full of quality and looking his very best. Elegant and refined yet plenty of him with super balance and proportions. Presented in full coat and handled to advantage. One to be proud of.

Group three went to the Pointer, Sh Ch Chesterhope C’mon over to Carmandine, one I have admired before and given top honours to previously. No reason to change my opinion today. Classic head, correct bone and the desired series of graceful curves. Moving well in profile showing reach and drive.

Group four was the young American Cocker Afterglow Juxtapose. What a promising junior. Full of quality and plenty of her under profuse coat. So well ribbed for her age and short coupled. Moved so well away from me showing plenty of drive. First class presentation.

Best Puppy in show, after consideration, I shortlisted 9 for a second look. There were several others in contention, it was an impressive array of youngsters.

My shortlist included the English setter Tattersett Stolen Silver, the Lagotto Kan Trace Emit Remmus the Golden Retriever Lamancha Tango, the Cocker Classicway Call Time and the Welsh Springer Glenbrows Wish. All of whom look to have bright futures and look certain to make their presence known in their breed rings.

Best Puppy in Show was the GWP, Caldewriver Storm N Teacup, just commanded attention in this quality line up. Alert and showing all of the time. Striking in outline. Super head and so good to go over. Loved her overall balance with correct length of body. Moved so well showing plenty of drive and holding her topline. Loved her.

Reserve was ESS Melverly Iridescent, one I have previously admired from the ringside and she does not disappoint on close inspection. Mature in body and full of breed type. She is in good coat and well presented. Easy to see why she is doing so well.

Puppy Group 3 went to the Irish Setter, Casachared Constance Tally of Aubanjon, caught my eye on her first run round for her type and firm topline. Refined in head with balanced body and good rear angulation. Moved well both ways. In good coat and body for her age. Should have a bright future.

Puppy Group 4 was the American Cocker, Jaclee en Cue, grew on me as the group progressed. Balanced in outline and good to go over. In super body and good coat. Presented to advantage and moved well once settled. Another with plenty of promise.