Devon & Cornwall Cocker Spaniel Club

Thank you to the Officers and Committee of Devon and Cornwall Cocker Spaniel Club for inviting me to judge the Special Awards at their breed club show on 18th November 2023. A special thank you to my stewards who were well organized and the exhibitors who had supported me by entering. Apologies for the slight delay with these critiques, my other dog show commitments and matters in my personal life have slightly got in the way.

Class A – Special Puppy Dog or Bitch (2,1)

1st – Ray & Challands Annilann Mister Down Under – 7-month-old dark blue roan dog which sadly stood alone. Well balanced head with a distinct stop, square muzzle and dark eyes that harmonize, correct scissor bite. Well angulated front and rear quarters, good bone on front legs and well muscled hind quarters. Moved with drive and held a level topline. This youngster still has plenty of time to mature.

Class B – Special Post Graduate Dog or Bitch (9,4)

1st – Masters & Dott’s Manchela Little Tease JW – 19-month-old dark blue bitch that is such a delight as a judge to go over. She has a beautiful head and is feminine throughout. Compact and cobby with plenty of muscle, good front assembly with good width and depth of chest, held a level topline both when stood and on the move. Typical ‘merry’ cocker on the move and presented in immaculate condition.

2nd – Dean’s Sandlauga Sherbert Pip with Tisabelli – 3-year-old dark blue roan bitch that is compact and balanced. Feminine head and expression with dark eyes and correct placement of ears, strong muscled neck. Level topline with well sprung ribs and nicely angulated quarters. Very merry on the move. Just preferred overall structure and presentation of first.

3rd – Craig’s Alisma Aloonah

Class C – Special Open Dor or Bitch (5,2)

1st – Birkenshaw’s Gilcar Blue Destiny – 3-year-old compact light blue bitch that has a balanced feminine head, good angulation front and rear. Good depth and width of chest with a level topline that gently slopes across the croup. Merry and moved with drive.

2nd – Salmon’s Crimicar Indigo Eclipse – almost 3-year-old dark blue roan dog that is masculine in appearance. Square muzzle and chiselled face with dark eye which gives a gentle expression. Well laid shoulders and good spring of rib, level topline and moved with drive. Just preferred more balanced construction and movement of first.

3rd – Parkhouse’s Sandlauga Magic Spell for Shivani ShCEx

Damien Hutton-Baber (Babtonkelpie)