Amman Valley Canine Society

English Setters, Retriever (Flat coat), Weimaraner, Spaniel (Welsh Springer), Irish Setter, Spaniel (American Cocker), Spaniel (Cocker), Spaniel (Field), Spaniel (English Springer).

Firstly, I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge at their show. The warm welcome received from Julie, Wyn and the rest of the committee was excellent and greatly appreciated. It was very evident the amount of organisation that had gone into the show. Well done to all involved and thank you.

I would also like to thank Nigel for stewarding so diligently for me. It was much appreciated for keeping the ring running so smoothly and tirelessly, especially on his own. Many thanks Nigel! However, as always, my thanks go to the exhibitors that brought their charges under me. The weather, on the day, was particularly bad and to present most of the dogs to the standard that they did was a credit to them. Your attendance was very much appreciated.

Class 199 – English Setter Postgraduate (2, 1):

1. 368- Thomas’s Kanietter Sarka- on first examination in the stack, this 16-month, blue Belton boy, made for a nice picture. He has a lovely expression. Square in muzzle, dark in eye, ample chiselling, well defined stop. Skull of correct oval shape and nice strength to occipital protuberance. Ear placement good into reach of neck that was pleasing. Front angulation good and mirrored in the rear. Although deep in chest and flat topline, could do with filling out a bit, which I hope will do so as he ages. He has the bone and frame to do so. In terms of movement, a little shaky on the up and back, but around was ok. Went with enthusiasm. BOB.

Class 200 – English Setter Open (3, 1):

1. 368- Thomas’s Kanietter Sarka- (please see critique from 1st in postgraduate)

2. 2) 267 – Lewis’s Belton Pearls a Kind of Magic (IMP DEU) (AU2) – this 7-year-old male I have been able to have hands on at a previous show. A much different style to that of 1st. presentenced excellently in a full, dark Belton coat. Very well-muscled and schooled. A very soft male expression, with nice dark eye with chiselling. Correct ear set. Good reach of neck, flowing well into correct topline. Good amount of bone seen throughout. Balanced in angulation in fore and hindquarters. Did not move as well today as noted previously, which cost him the class. Very keen to please owner.

BOB – 368- Thomas’s Kanietter Sarka

Retriever (Flat coat)

Class 201 - Retriever (Flat coat) Postgraduate (3,0):

1. 371 - Simon’s Coedylan Bambino Caro JW – this nearly 3-year-old girl was the best mover in the class. Very pleasant female in appearance, both in head and body. Sweat expression, with long head, gentle stop and flat skull. Neatly hung ears, close to head and reasonably long neck. This flowed into well placed shoulders. Good bone seen throughout. Moved well and with enthusiasm. Presented very well.

2. 373 – Stephenson’s Llantrussa Peer Gynt At Falahall – a 2.5-year-old male that was appealing in the stack. Good masculine head with dark eye. Good reach of neck. width seen to chest, on straight forelegs. Desired short loin. rear angulation mirrored that of the front. On the day, did not move as well as 1st.

3. 372 – Simon’s Coedylan Martini Night – A very honourable mention. Would have been placed highly but was a little over exuberant in movement.

Class 202 - Retriever (Flat coat) (2,1):

1. 375 - Simon’s Rainsgift Royal Mint I Coedylan JW – Happy to find out this was the mother of the postgraduate class winner. 7-year-old bitch who made a very pretty picture, in the stack and on the move. Feminine in appearance. Lovely head construction that was balanced and with alert dark eye. Good ear set, neck of proportional length. Fore and hindquarter angulation was very appealing, with plenty of bone seen throughout. Depth to chest, straight front and plenty of brisket there to see. Excellent topline that did not falter on the move. Well-muscled in rear. Good tail set and carriage. Free flowing movement seen in both up and back, and the around. Best mover of the breed. BOB

BOB – 375 - Simon’s Rainsgift Royal Mint I Coedylan JW

Weimaraner

Lovely examples of the breed entered into the two classes.

Class 203 – Weimaraner Postgraduate (1,0):

1. 376 - Phillip’s Moon Shadow By Atria Cordis Rivertone (IMP POL) NAF TAF [ATC AX12345] – Absolutely loved this young man. Although stood alone, a lot of competition would have struggled against him. Although only 10 months old, the foundations of a top dog can be seen. Good strength seen to male head, with nice working to zygomatic arch. Complementary pigment seen to nose and eye. Ear set correct. Clean in neck that had good reach and flowed effortlessly into well laid-back shoulders. Front quarter proportions correct and straight. Well-developed chest. Well-sprung ribs with strength to loin, even for his age. Rear angulation and proportions in balance with front. feet compact. On the move, did not falter. Topline did not waver on the move, drove and strode effortlessly. One to watch keenly, as he develops. To me, stood out in the group and puppy group ring. BOB, BP & Gundog Puppy GRP4.

Class 204 – Weimaraner Open (1,0):

1. 377 - Stafford’s Rivertone Under My Skin Farnfield – although standing alone, yet another lovely example of the breed. This bitch of some 3 years definitely showed her femininity, whist retaining the characteristic muscularity required of the breed. Attractive in face, lighter in round eye than that of group winner, but still more than acceptable. Head proportions correct. Good reach of clean neck. Strength seen to straight foreleg. Well sprung ribs, with strength to loin. well developed in musculation. Firm, compact feet. Moved well around the ring, but not quite as well as 1st. Preferred angulation of postgraduate winner but would still make a worthy winner.

BOB & BP - Phillip’s Moon Shadow By Atria Cordis Rivertone (IMP POL) NAF TAF [ATC AX12345]

Spaniels (Welsh Springer)

A favourite breed of mine to judge, being very close to my heart, having a past steeped in this lovely breed. In this show, 4 Champions were entered, with 3 coming under me, and others, I think, will become champions soon. The standard, on the whole, was high, which gave me a headache in every class. Thank you all for coming under me, with your lovely dogs.

Class 205 – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Junior (3,1):

Two nice examples of the breed!

1. 380 – Worth’s Sarabande Kisses Of Fire (AI) – A very eye-catching young lady, due to her lovely rich coat. This 16-month-old bitch is one to watch eagerly. Lovely and compact. Showing plenty of drive on the up and back, as well as the around. A cheeky expression, with a lovely balance seen to the head, of correct proportions. Good working below dark eye. Well developed, dark nostrils. Correct ear placement and shape. Long and lean neck into well angulated shoulders. This was in balance with the hindquarters. Well-boned and muscled throughout. Lovely to see proportions of length of body to length of leg, correct. She won her class as she was my type, her proportions, movement and maturity. Although a little raw at present, she has all the makings of a lovely Welsh Springer.

2. 379 – William’s Nyliram The Alibi For Trebettyn – Unlucky to come up against the other entry present in this class. Not as much my type of Welsh, but could see many qualities that are indicative of the breed. Still quite raw at just under 1 year of age. Strong in male head. Well-developed nostrils. Lovely chiselling under dark, nicely shaped eye. Clearly defined stop. Ears close to cheek and muscular neck. Forelegs straight and well boned. Deep in chest and ribs sprung. A little longer in cast than that of 1st. Well-muscled throughout. Good width to upper thigh and moderate turn at stifle. On the move, the up and back was sound and very merry on the around. BP, Gundog puppy GP1 & BPIS. Congratulations.

Class 206 – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Postgraduate (4,1):

1. 384 – Worth’s Sarabande Wild At Heart (AI) JW – keeping with type, this being the mother of my winner of the junior class. Again, another that I am sure will be made up soon. Instantly eye catching on entering the ring, not only because of stature and presentation, but also a highly appealing coat. A little over 2-years-old, this girl has a lovely, sweet feminine head. Lovely workings and expression, with expressive brows. Ear placement and shape, set off correct head structure. Good length to muscular neck. Great angulation to shoulders and front construction, of correct proportions. Body is of correct proportions, showing deep brisket and well sprung ribs. Loin muscular and width over hindquarters. Moved so well in the class, enabling her to push her half-brother into 2nd. place Strongly considered her for BOB, but movement of winner from the open class was truer in the challenge.

2. 383 – Worth’s Sarabande Name Of The Game (AI) – half-brother to winner of the class and another that I am sure is going to go far. A very kind masculine head, nice dark eye that complemented head well. Medium length to muzzle. nicely chiselled under eye. Strength and length of neck very pleasing. Excellent angulation both in the fore and hindquarters. Well boned in his entirety. Lovely compact boy. Well sprung rib. Strength seen to loin and rear. Once again shown in excellent condition.

3. 382 – Moore’s Kidenoan Mark That Bird

Class 207 – Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Open (6,1):

Very difficult decision to make between several quality dogs.

1. 390 – Worth’s SH CH Sarabande Lord Of The Dance (AI) JW – Absolutely loved this 6-year-old boy from the moment he stepped into the ring. At his peak, made a lovely outline in the stack and didn’t disappoint on the move. Everything about this boy was what I would look for in a Welsh Springer. Excellent in masculine head, with lovely dark eye framed with complementary skin pigmentation. Correct proportions from muzzle to head, with moderately defined stop. Muscular neck of good length, which flowed effortlessly into well-laid-back shoulders of good construction/proportions. Deep in chest, showing good width, providing room for excellent spring of rib and strong loin. Good tail set and length to croup. These elements enabled a desirable topline. Nicely angulated rear with width to upper and second thigh. Went around the ring with drive and true on the up and back. Lovely rich coat that has obviously had hours spent on it, finished off a great example, of a balanced dog. BOB.

2. 388 – Riese-Bassel & Worth’s AM GCH, SH CH Sarabande Sweet Nothings (AI) (RE-IMP) – half-sister to the winner of the class and on another day the positions could change. Many superlatives for 1st are applicable to this girl. At nearly 8-years-old, this bitch could have easily been excused for a younger girl. Lovely and feminine in appearance. Excellent head proportions and quality. Well chiselled beneath eye. Strength to long, clean neck. Again, flowed effortlessly into correctly constructed shoulders excellent bone, to straight foreleg, for bitch, depth to chest and that of brisket. Again, well sprung ribs, super strength to loin. Excellent width to upper thigh. Hocks well let down. Very typical in “Welsh” movement, but 1st had a little more enthusiasm in the up and back. Nit-picking to choose between 1st and 2nd, just preferred the compactness and drive of 1st.

3. 389 – William’s SH CH Isfryn Spot The Difference Trebettyn

BOB – 390 – Worth’s SH CH Sarabande Lord Of The Dance (AI) JW

BP – 389 - William’s Nyliram The Alibi For Trebettyn

Irish Setter

Class 208 – Irish Setter Puppy (2,1):

1. 392 - Webb’s Alolfrana Whole Lotta Love With Redeshka (BA2) – A racy, raw, pretty young lady. This is to be expected of one that is of some 8-months. Femininity seen throughout. Long and lean in foreface, and skull. Chiselling noted to zygomatic arch. Dark in unshelled-almond shaped eye, well framed by good pigmentation. Gentle stop, retaining her femininity. Good ear placement lying close to lean neck, showing customary arch and good reach. Angulation to front construction. Straight in foreleg. Chest down to elbow. Good tail placement. Moved around the ring ok. Was true on the around and retained topline. Good luck with your youngster. BP

Class 209 – Irish Setter Junior (3,1):

1. 393 - Bentley’s Penclippin Celtic Asthore – A pretty 18- month bitch. Parallel in head planes, of good proportions. Ample workings seen under dark eye. Decent brows, ears hanging close to neck of good reach. Front angulation mirrored in the rear. Straight in foreleg, with ample bone. Spring to rib with strength to loin. Croup and tail set good. In a deep, rich coat, but would like to see a little more. Moved better than second in class. Foot fall good in the around.

2. 394 – Bentley’s Penclippin Jubilee Flame JW – litter brother to winner. Again, can see a nice head, which must have been indicative of the litter. Soft male expression, with correct shape to dark eye and complementary pigmentation. Ample chiselling under eye and decently raised brows. Good stop and planes to head. Ear placement correct, next to strong neck of decent length. Angulation to shoulders. Down at elbow and tuck-up. Croup and tail placement good. Could have been a bit tighter on the move. I found the balance and movement of the sister preferable.

Class 210 – Irish Setter Postgraduate (5, 3):

1. 393 - Bentley’s Penclippin Celtic Asthore – Please see critique for 1st in Junior.

2. 399 – Richards’s Redclyst Captain Kidd - again another lovely head in the Irish. Loved this 2-year-old’s expression with raised brows and workings beneath a lovely dark unshelled almond shaped eye. Squared shape to front of muzzle. Good prominence to occipital protuberance. Strength seen to moderately long neck, with characteristic arch. Deep in chest. In plenty of coat. However, the movement was not as sound as that of 1st.

Class 211 – Irish Setter Open (2,1):

1. 401 - Webb and Danks-Kemish’s Alofrana Azzaro Beside Redeshka (AW1) – Another dog by this exhibitor that did well. A pleasing male head. wide in dark nostril. Ample workings seen under eye. Well defined stop. Correct ear placement. Long reach of slightly arched neck, flowing well in to angulated shoulders. Straight in forelegs. Down at elbow and decent spring to ribs. Strength to loin that was evident in gently sloping topline. Width over hindquarters. Neat feet. This 5-year-old was the best mover of the Irish on the day, which enabled him to win BOB.

BOB - 401 - Webb and Danks-Kemish’s Alofrana Azzaro Beside Redeshka (AW1)

BP - 392 - Webb’s Alolfrana Whole Lotta Love With Redeshka (BA2)

Spaniel (American Cocker)

Class 212 - Spaniel (American Cocker) Postgraduate (1,0):

1. 402 – Jones’s Truly Mine Teddie (IMP FRA AZ4) – A young man of some 18-months, that has a lot to like. This all-black youngster looked quite appealing in the stack, even though he stood alone in the class. Dark eye, with complementary pigmentation. Clearly defined stop, good amount of chiselling below eye. Correct head to muzzle proportions. Correct ear placement, set on low. Clean in neck that showed good reach. Nicely angled shoulders with strength seen to straight front leg. Well sprung ribs that were deep. Lovely topline that was strong and didn’t waver on the move. Good angulation to hind quarters. Correct tail placement. Moved best of the American Cockers, which was smooth and covered the ground easily, especially on the around. In full coat and groomed so well. Good luck with the future development of this young man. Preferred the topline and angulation of winner of this to winner of Open, enabling him to BOB.

Class 213 – Spaniel (American Cocker) Open (1,0):

1. 403 - Jones’s Alkimadus Ruben James – An 8-Year-old buff male. Looking good for age and in full coat. Very nice in strong male head, correct ear placement. Good reach of clean neck. straight in foreleg, good depth to chest and spring to rib. Short coupled and had some strength to loin. Rear angulation ok. Moved ok, better in the around where footfall was good. Did not move with as much drive as winner of Postgraduate.

BOB - 402 – Jones’s Truly Mine Teddie (IMP FRA AZ4)

Spaniel (Cocker)

Class 214 - Spaniel (Cocker) Junior (8,3):

A class that I was thrilled to see, with many lovely examples, especially as having owned black Cockers in the past. Personal preference was on the dogs that were slighter in frame.

1. 406 - Craig’s Alisma Amarillio JW – one of two blue-roan on show in this class. 16 – months of age, a lovely little boy. Lovely balance and compact appearance, in the stack and on the move. Eye catching even in a good line up. Loved the kind, soft expression. Dark eye, which was framed by good, inquisitive brow and cleanly chiselled under eye. Correct ear placement and length. Strength to clean neck. Front construction of good proportions and angulation. Well sprung ribs, down to elbow. Good width to chest. Strong loin. Good bend of stifle, nice short hock. All coming together on the move, showing plenty of drive, reach and free movement. Won class on overall balance and movement.

2. 411 – Lewis’s Rockypoint Reffles – the second blue-roan in this class. This 10 - month – old seems to have everything together, even at such a young age. Excellently presented in a dark coat, ahead of his age. Slightly taller in stature than 1st. Nicely lean, male head. Square in muzzle. Soft expression, with dark eye and lovely brows. Strength to neck of good reach. Nice angulation to front shoulder. Plenty of bone throughout. Strong in loin. Good width to hindquarters and thigh. Nice tail placement and carriage. Very happy on the move. Drove well on the up and was true on the back. BP.

3. 408 – Harvey’s Tomerine a Dolca Vita

Class 215 - Spaniel (Cocker) Postgraduate (2,0):

1. 412 – Craig’s Alisma Aloonah – another blue-roan, that I loved. A lovely compact picture in the stack and on the move. Nearly 2-year-old bitch. Femininity seen throughout. Correct dentition. Lovely dark eye, with complementary pigment. Good amount of chiselling to zygomatic arch. Fabulous soft expression and head. Ear set and length correct. Good reach of neck, flowed into well laid-back, fine shoulders. Good proportions to scapula and upper arm. Chest deep and well developed. Ribs well sprung. Firm topline and strong loin, that did not waver on the move. Width seen to muscular hindquarters. All in all, giving rise to a strong, compact body. Moved with great drive and covered ground easily. Tail did not stop wagging showing type. Lovely young bitch. Will keep abreast of her progress, keenly. BOB & Gundog GRP 2.

2. 413 – Davies’s Trinant Celtic Cariad – More robust than that of 1st, but none the less a nice example. This 5-year-old was presented in excellent, full coat. Pretty in head, showing a nice expression, with dark eye, working and head construction. Good length and strength to neck. Balanced in angulation with front and rear construction. Nice short hocks. Well boned throughout. Good topline. Would prefer a little leaner. Moved with vigour and enthusiasm, which was lovely to see.

Class 216 - Spaniel (Cocker) Open (4,3):

1. 415 – Davies’s Trinant Mint Humbug – litter sister to that of 2nd of postgraduate. Many of the attributes of the sister were present with this lady. Again, presented well in full coat, a testament to the owner. Nice in profile in the stack and on the table. Pretty in head, lovely dark eye of correct shape. Well set ears. Proportional reach to neck. Straight in foreleg. Well boned. Very good spring to rib. Today was not her best day on the move, but foot fall was correct on the around. Again, would like to see a little less weight.

BOB – 412 – Craig’s Alisma Aloonah

BP – 411 – Lewis’s Rockypoint Reffles

Spaniel (Field)

Class 217 - Spaniel (Field) Postgraduate (3,0):

1. 419 – Shipton’s Heartwood Mishules Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – A 15-month, brown and tan boy that showed strength throughout. Strong male head that had an engaging expression. Well-developed nose, moderate stop, ample chiselling beneath almond shaped eye. Good ear set. Strong in neck Shoulders of good angulation. Good straight, flat bone to leg. Good spring to ribs. Well-muscled over body and in hindquarters, giving him drive. Carried himself well around the ring on the move.

2. 420 – Stone & Parvin’s Sonnetend It’s Meant To Be – Very much liked this one for type. A nice young bitch in the making. 7-month, black girl, was full of youthful exuberance, which was lovely to see. Lovely gentle feminine expression. Doleful in eye. Strength seen to neck and well angulated shoulder. Would like a little more width to front. Good in topline, with strength to loin, which was level. Didn’t move quite as well on the up and back as 1st, but I am sure will come as she matures. Good luck with her as she develops. BP.

3. 418 – Harnett’s Redeswell Sweet Serendipity

Class 218 - Spaniel (Field) Open (3,0) –

1. 423 – Stone & Parvin’s Sonnetend Too Funky – this nearly 7-year-old, instantly caught my eye on entering the ring. Very much of a type I like. Did not show his age at all. Striking black dog in a well-groomed, full coat. Very appealing head construction and expression, with chiselling under eye, good length of muzzle, wide open nostrils, lovely curious brow. Correct ear placement which was well feathered. Strength seen in long, muscular neck. Well-laid shoulders and straight front. Deep through chest. Nicely developed body and strong hindquarters, good bend at stifle. Overall balance throughout. Well let down hocks, enabling plenty of drive. Moved so very well, in all movements. BOB.

2. 421 – Bebb & Sutton’s Sonnetend Spellbiner by Cochen – father of 2nd in Postgraduate. This liver-roan 3-year-old male is a lovely boy, that was unlucky to come against 1st. Another nice, regal head, with correctly shaped hazel eye, giving rise to a desirable expression. Well laidback shoulders, that lead on from strong, long neck. Level topline and strong quarters. moves true both away and to, with drive. However, didn’t have the vivacity of that of 1st.

3. 422 – Shipton’s Broomeece Fire Cracker Over Mishules

BOB – 423 – Stone & Parvin’s Sonnetend Too Funky

BP - 420 – Stone & Parvin’s Sonnetend It’s Meant To Be

Spaniel (English Springer)

Class 219 - Spaniel (English Springer) Postgraduate (1,0):

1. 424 - Bullock’s Trixhund Secret Obsession – another youngster that came under me, for which I have high hopes. Lighter in eye, but still correct, that completed coat colour around eye and muzzle. Gentle expression, with appealing male head, showing correct proportions. Ear set in line with eye, showing correct shape. Strong neck of good length, showing stereotypical arch, which flowed into well laid-back shoulders. Forelegs straight showing good bone. Chest deep and down at elbow, ribs well sprung and strength to loin seen. Width and angulation seen to hindquarters, which were muscular. Carried tail in a lively action throughout. Moved with the characteristic action, driving well on the fore and aft, showing good reach. BOB.

Class 220 - Spaniel (English Springer) Open (1,0):

1. 425 - Bullock’s Trixhund This Is My Destiny – Very much liked the head type of this 2.5-year-old boy. Good proportions seen throughout providing a smart outline. Very kind expression to male head. Dark in eye and good brows. Good shape to skull. Reach of neck also in balance with rest of dog. Forelegs upright and well boned. As with postgraduate winner, had good strength to loin. well-muscled hindquarters Preferred the angulation and action on the move of 1st in Postgraduate.

BOB - 424 - Bullock’s Trixhund Secret Obsession

Dr. Hefin Jones (Pencastan)