South Wales Kennel Association

SOUTH WALES KENNEL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW 2023

GUNDOG GROUP

Huge thanks to the Committee for the invitation to judge the Gundog Group at this lovely well organised show. The show had a great atmosphere and delighted to see so many people around the ring to watch the judging. It was a delight and honour to judge such a superb quality group and from this my shortlist were – Weimaraner Sh Ch Gunalt Hendricks, Clumber Spaniel Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, American Cocker Spaniel Afterglow Impose, English Springer Spaniel Sandylands Stand N Deliver, Hungarian Vizsla Sh Ch Layways Lana del Ray, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Ch Enryb Simply Red, Pointer Sh Ch Chesterhope C’mon over to Carmandine (Imp Nzl) and Sussex Spaniel Sh Ch Eald Dances with Wolves among Nyliram JW ShCEx OSW.

GROUP ONE

Alcorn & Ingrams Sh Ch Gunalt Hendricks Weimaraner. What an outstanding dog, fantastic breed type with the best of heads with an aristocratic look, great angulation front and rear and good depth of rib, good muscle and built for the job. He moves around the ring with such power and style yet makes it look so effortless. At one with his superb handler and they make a formidable team. Delighted he was awarded Best in Show.

GROUP TWO

Cox’s Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist Clumber Spaniel – Pushed my overall winner very hard and again a superb quality dog who on the move gives you that tingle. Good square head and conformation, well muscled and good angulation. Nothing exaggerated and is a great ambassador for the breed.

GROUP THREE

Layton’s Sh Ch Layways Lana del Ray Hungarian Vizsla - when I judged my first group in 2018 I awarded this gorgeous girl Group 3 and here we are again with her at 8 years old and she is still a stunning vizsla. So feminine but maintains strength, lovely head and expression, extremely well balanced and good angulation and muscle. She excels in her movement really loving the big ring.

GROUP FOUR

Topliss’s Sandylands Stand N Deliver English Springer Spaniel – Another great moving dog, with such lovely lines and moves so well with his handler. Really liked his head being masculine but not overdone, great neck into clean shoulders. Good depth of rib, best of angulation and well muscled. He is only going to get better with maturity.

DOREEN SMILLIE-GRAY