Field Spaniel Society

The Field Spaniel Society Ch Show KC Building, Stoneleigh

 Judge: Mr Chris Bexon

When you have judged dogs for over forty years in lots of different places in the world it is very refreshing to officiate at such a high-class breed society show in this country which could not do any more, to deliver a first-class event. I was honoured to be asked to judge at this show in the first place. The welcome from Officers and Committee members was so encouraging which gave a ‘feel good factor’ to start with. The hospitality of quality breakfast and lunch was exceptionally good. The entry was so very Exon good for Fields, 64 dogs making 92 entries.

The quality of the dogs was very good on the whole and all conformed pretty much to the points of the breed standard, realistically in varying degrees, always of course allowing for compromise and slight deviations from prescribed breed points. Fronts in some exhibits could have been straighter and tails on some exhibits went passed their hock joints.

The applause from the exhibitors and spectators at my decisions was at times so loud, I felt suitably encouraged and yet humbled. The special rosettes on the day were something to behold and hopefully treasured. Everything had been thought of to make this such a special day for everyone.

As I have reported on many occasions in the past, I do not follow what dogs are winning what, as it is ‘not relevant.’ So, you can imagine my surprise to be told after the event that my BIS specimen was winning his twentieth CC on the day. Which proves it is not a pre-requisite to reasonably successful judging.

I want to thank my two exceptionally good stewards Vicky Russell and Sue Graves, who looked after me completely through my judging experience.

Minor Puppy Dog - Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Moss’ Gadhelic Jack Frost 8-month-old liver and white, really nice dog, lovely head, nice skull, good occiput, moderate stop, decent muzzle, flows nicely underneath to the throat, very smooth, with nice shoulders, correct level topline, he has good bone, excellent feet, not too small, with good depth of chest, short loin, good width of 2nd thigh and nice short rear pasterns. On the move he was steady, head carried well, shown in good coat, nice shape to neck, lots going for him. Best Puppy Dog

Puppy Dog - Entries: 3 Absentees: 2

1st Wade’s Sylviidae Be My Wingman, nice blue roan dog, jaunty on the move, very nice outline, lovely head, nice occiput, good shape to skull, not too narrow, nice moderate stop, pleasing dark eye, tight lids with no redness, good muzzle length, slightly rounded at end of muzzle, ear set low, front has reasonable width but not quite as straight as it could be. He has a nice spring of rib developing well, into short loin, moderate bend of stifle, with good width of second thigh, good rear pasterns, nice sized feet, shown in really good coat developing well of a pleasing silky soft texture. His topline had a slight dip, but he is still growing, his tail set was good just fractionally lower. His coat was gleaming and shining, with a silky texture. On the move he carried tail and head well. 1st rate young male.

Junior Dog - Entries: 6 Absentees: 2

1st Wheeler’s Elgert King for A Day, liver male 16-month-old, developing really nicely. He will develop more in body to advantage. His elbows were well tucked in, he has a straight front, lovely field spaniel head, with good occiput, good shape to skull, nice length of muzzle, nicely rounded at end down to throat, with good ear length and shape and low set. He has a good length of neck, good shoulders, good bone, pasterns ok, with nice sized feet well up on his toes. He has a good topline, level and quite strong, reasonable spring of rib over two thirds of his body, with the final third of a short loin, nice moderate bend of stifle, his short rear pasterns were strong. He moved really well around ring. His straight front was special, his tail set nice. He has a quality coat on tail and chest and underline. A lot to like, very promising.

2nd Harrison & Macbain’s Fecimus Never Ending Story, thought he would be my winner on first sight but was a bit shy. I like the type of this male, a very nice black but a handful for the handler. Quite a nice head, nice eyebrows, dark eye, tight lids, nice length of muzzle to length of skull, good ears, very strong moderate length of neck, good shoulders, nice bone, could be a bit straighter in front, with good pasterns, nice rounded feet, not too small, very good strong topline, lovely spring of rib, moderately long loin, moderate bend of stifle, short strong rear pasterns, shown in very good coat, a handful for the very sporting handler. On the move gives a good account of himself, head and tail held correctly.

3rd Wade’s Sylviidae Be My Wingman

Novice Dog - Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st Prew’s Redeswell Albus Allure, A really nicely shaped field spaniel youngster, a liver, everything just flows together, very nice head, plenty of sponge to nostril with good opening. Eyes in keeping with the colour liver, giving a nice expression, good eye shape, widely set apart, good muzzle length and shape, with good ear set. He has a good width of chest, reasonable shoulders, level topline, nice spring of rib, moderate hind angulation, short strong rear pasterns, tail carried slightly higher on move though. He has quite a nice silky coat developing well, still quite young but shows quite a bit of promise

2nd Harrison & Macbain’s Fecimus Never Ending Story,

Graduate Dog - Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1st Prew’s Redeswell Albus Allure

2nd Harrison & Mcbain’s Fecimus Never Ending Story

3rd Tye’s Irisbel The Greatest Showman at Tymora

Post Graduate Dog - Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1st Harding’s Kingsmist Remember Me JW, I liked size and the outline of this liver dog, nice shaped Field Spaniel head, suggesting nobility, he has a nice long muzzle, decent eye shape, with good work in skull, nice low set ears, moderately wide and long, well set. He has a good length of neck, clean throat, decent shoulders, good topline and tail set, reasonably angled ribs, with decent width of chest, not overdone in any way, moderate hind angulation, nice short rear pasterns, with good feet. On the move he covers the ground well with good reach, jaunty movement, will continue to develop in body and muscle tone as he matures. Shows a lot of potential.

2nd Menzies Henderson’s Nadavin Nabilah at Vrackie, really liked this stylish liver dog, slightly heavier build than winner, with a very nice outline, slightly heavier shaped skull, but very good shape to skull, with moderate stop, good nostrils, good dark eye with a lovely expression, good tailoring to muzzle, ears moderately long and wide. He has correct dentition, good length of neck, very good shoulders, with a gentle flow to topline onto a correct slightly lower tail set, excellent bone and feet slightly larger than 1, but good and round. Shown in pleasing silky texture to coat, covers the body really well with good feathering. On the move he uses his tail really well and it comes straight out. Shown and presented well. Really positive male.

3rd Harrison & Mcbain’s Fecimus Never Ending Story

Limit Dog - Entries: 5 Absentees: 2

1st Elliott’s Elgert Break Every Rule at Portsoy, a really good-sized male with plenty of pizazz on the move. He has a strong well-made head, a bit deep in stop but with a good shape to skull and occiput, pleasing shape to eye, tight lids and with a pleasing expression and a reasonably good length of muzzle. His ears set the head piece off. His neck is a moderately good length and strong. His topline is level, with decent spring of ribs, good depth of chest and loin. His loin is shortish and strong. I liked his moderate stifle, short rear pasterns and a good tail set. On the move he is a dream. Shown in a fit condition presented very well. Using his wagging tail to advantage.

2nd Harding’s Kingsmist The Black Knight, tall black male, slightly nervous today, but a very good type of black. I liked his very nice head with good skull shape, moderate stop, nice dark eyes, but he can pull an expression looking a little roundish. He has a good length of muzzle to skull ratio, low set ears of good width, with a good reach of neck, good forechest, his bone is quite good, although I thought his toes slightly splayed on front legs. I thought he had a good strong topline, pleasing spring of rib, medium loin, good width of second thigh, nice bend of stifle and moderately short rear pasterns that I thought but could be a little stronger. He moved quite well, coat in gleaming silky condition.

3rd Jefferies’ Irisbel You’re The One

Open Dog - Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1st Mosedale & Rossiter’s Sh Ch Elgert Disco Inferno at Knightsbay, Smart black male, a worth title holder. Very nicely balanced throughout, excellent outline, very good head with occiput, good length of muzzle, good width and length of ear, low set, very good dark expressive eyes. He has a correctly shaped neck, into good shoulders, with pleasing width of chest, he has nice bone and good feet, he was beautifully presented and shown in lovely coat, of the correct texture and decent length, correct topline, On the move he uses his tail well all the time, with a short loin and good bend of stifle, short rear pasterns. He is an excellent example.

2nd Holgate & Baumann’s Prince Arthur vom Belauer See at Nadavin (Imp Deu) JW, liver male, full of breed type, nicely maturing not overdone in any way. I like his shape of body, ribs nice and not barrel shaped, short loin, good bend of stifle and short rear pasterns. He has a very nice head, nice tight eye, good muzzle, nice nostrils, nice shaped skull. He is well off for bone, not quite as straight as 1, but all field spaniel, with a strong loin, nicely muscled rear end, in good coat, of nice texture. Moves well giving a good account of himself.

3rd Murray’s Nadavin Wallace

Veteran Dog - Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1st Bennett’s Sh Ch Jesham Baronet, A really good quality mature liver male who just oozes breed type, excellent head properties, very good length of ear and set, very good reach of neck, level topline, excellent bone and feet, very good body shape, strong anglulated hindquarters, shown in good coat. He is built to move right and he does deliver. Shown and presented well. Reserve Dog CC and Best Veteran Dog.

2nd Harris’ Kingsmist Panther Another really masculine dog, of good type, well-constructed, with good body shape, Moved well.

3rd Haynes’ Nadavin Wensley

Champion Dog - Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1st Moss’ Sh Ch Fecimus Chase The Dream to Ewtor JW, so typical of the breed, reminds me of some of the big winners of the past, all field spaniel and so full of personality. With a lovely masculine head, good occiput, lovely tight dark eye, good muzzle with shape to end of it. Good width of chest, nice bone and feet and front legs are straight. Very good topline, ribs take up 2/3rd of the body, with very short firm loin, nice bend of stifle, short rear pasterns, lovely silky coat, beautifully presented, tail set on. On the move he covers the ground well, no messing, everything in a coordinated way. Lots to like. Uses his tail well on the move. Dog CC and BOB. I was not at all shocked to later be told that this was his 20 CC, I am not surprised.

2nd McDonald-Watts’ Sh Ch Cochen Hocus Pocus of Hurndewin, really liked this black dog, thought his head was slightly domed though for me, but has a moderate stop, lovely dark tight eye, muzzle at end shape is slightly more setterish than winner. Nice neck, good shoulders, really nice topline, good bend of stifle, short loin, nice feet, adequate bone but front could have been straighter. Lovely texture to coat, excellent condition. First rate dog, different type to 1 but still quality.

Veteran Bitch - Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1st Osborn’s Sh Ch Elgert Lady Sta'dust JW VW, 8½ year old bitch in superb nick, slim over the ribs, moved with verve, very nice head, like the way her muzzle is finished, lovely dark eye, very tight, lovely expression, width of chest good, nice bone and front, nice straight forelegs, very good mover, nice topline, good neck into decent shoulders, not too overdone in ribs, short loin, nice moderate bend of stifle, good rear pasterns and feet, good coat, nice texture, moved really well. Best Veteran Bitch and Best Veteran in Show

2nd McVitty’s Sh Ch Sonnetend Faith, body looked a bit sussex spanielish, lots of spring of rib, not quite as firm as winner. In superb coat, really nice condition, very lovely head, good occiput, nice eye and expression, nice ears, nice forechest, nice bone and feet. Covers the ground well. Tailset correct, good mover, quality bitch.

Veteran Bitch Over 10 Years - Entries: 2 Absentees: 0 Two beautiful bitches

1st Bennett’s Sh Ch Nadavin Ursella with Jesham, beautiful liver, so sound, not exaggerated anywhere, beautiful head, good occiput, nice work in skull, moderate stop, muzzle good, nice backskull, good length and width of ear, strong neck, good shoulders, nice underline, good bend of stifle, topline level, uses her tail well and really moves well. Front correct on the move with good strong rear end, delivered good strong movement. Shown in good coat.

2nd Wheeler’s Tayowen Touch of Elixir, has the most beautiful head and eye, lovely liver coat and condition, at 13 ½ year old she is amazing. Only when stood, she did not quite stand as well as winner. Lovely expression her condition is a great tribute to the owner, with very good construction. She stands there with that lovely expression and ever wagging tail and appears to all the world that she likes everyone. Which is a joy. She moved well for her age.

Minor Puppy Bitch - Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Woodhouse’s Gadhelic Sunshine Girl at Halbadier, beautiful youngster, very classy, built beautifully, everything in place, she should have a really bright future. Nice noble head, length to foreface, nice skull, occiput, good nape on shape of neck, quite long neck, good shoulders, good forechest, nice bone and very good feet, excellent topline, good body shape to her ribs, moderately short loin, good bend of stifle, decent short rear pasterns, beautiful coat and condition, coat is soft, silky and well looked after. First class youngster. Moved a dream. Best Puppy Bitch and Best Puppy in Show

Puppy Bitch - Entries: 3 Absentees: 2

1st Woodhouse’s Gadhelic Sunshine Girl at Halbadier – Repeat of M P Bitch

Junior Bitch - Entries: 6 Absentees: 1

1st Macbain & Brewer’s Fecimus Never Look Back, nice black bitch, very nice type, very good head, lovely tight eye, moderate stop, good nostrils, very good muzzle and shape to muzzle, nice head shape, nice shoulders, good topline, her length to height ratio is good, with a good bend of stifle, good rear pasterns, lovely feet, nice coat, well presented and moves well. Promising.

2nd Moss’ Elgert Dancing Queen at Ewtor, close up to winner. Not quite as developed as the winner, but she is a work in progress. With a lovely outline, beautiful head and eye, beautiful in skull, loved length of muzzle, good neck; although a tad more throat. She has good shoulders, elbows held tightly, nice bone and feet, correct level topline, good ribs, nice short loin, good stifle, reasonably short rear pasterns, not quite the strength in rear as winner but a good mover, covered the ground well. Built on clean lines, must have a bright future.

3rd Osborn’s Killara's Pass The Crown to Elgert (Imp USA)

Novice Bitch Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1st Prew’s Kingsmist Queen of Hearts at Redeswell, what a really nice liver bitch, oozes breed type, at four years of age, I liked her head and expression, with a good shape to skull, nice length of muzzle, with low set ears. Decent shoulders and strong level topline. Her chest is deep, but with a little tuck up, her hind angulation is good with shortish rear pasterns and she had a very good spring of rib. Moved really well, excellent handling.

2nd Mcvitty’s Sonnetend Eternal Flame, about fifteen months of age, liver girl, with a pleasing head and nice dark eye giving a lovely expression, she has good all-round construction, very nicely ribbed, with strong loin. Gave a good account when moving. Another positive one.

3rd Harnett’s Redeswell Sweet Serendipity

Graduate Bitch - Entries: 6 Absentees: 2

1st Prew’s Kingsmist Queen of Hearts at Redeswell - 1st in Novice.

2nd Macbain & Brewer’s Fecimus Never Look Back – Promising black at a few days over 12 months, she exhibits good breed type, with a typical outline of the breed. She is well constructed fore and aft, with a good topline, decent bone and feet. She has plenty of time to continue in her development. I liked the texture of her coat. Moved quite well in a strong class. One to watch.

3rd Harnett’s Redeswell Sweet Serendipity

Post Graduate Bitch - Entries: 5 Absentees: 2

1st Watts’ Elgert Surprise Surprise, nice black bitch, everything fits well together, nice outline, good feminine head, occiput, good moderate stop, good muzzle length and shape, nice ear set, most beautiful soft and gentle expression, nice dark eye, good width of chest, nice bone, good construction fore and aft, with a moderate spring of ribs, but can look a little narrow all through for me. Short loin, decent tail, coat soft and well presented, moves well coming and going.

2nd Macbain & Brewer’s Fecimus Never Look Back – Repeat of 2nd in Grad Bitch.

3rd Osborn’s Killara's Pass The Crown to Elgert (Imp USA)

Mid Limit Bitch - Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1st Trevor’s Gadhelic Jemima Jiggle for Trevorsilk, feminine bitch, lovely head, good length of muzzle to skull ratio, clean dark eye, decent shaped reachy neck, good level topline, nice tail set, good body shape without being overdone, short loin, nice bend of stifle, short rear pasterns, straight front, good feet, moves really well with a lot of style.

2nd Osborn’s Killara's Pass The Crown to Elgert (Imp USA) liver and tan, different shape in head, plenty of work in it, nice occiput, moderate stop, good muzzle, very good length of ear, strong neck, good topline, good ribs, moderately short loin, moderate bend of stifle, short rear pasterns, good front, nice pasterns, good bone. Looks good for balance, well bodied, with lovely feet. She is shown in good coat, another first-class bitch.

3rd James’ Kingsmist Golden Future for Bleiddiaid JW

Limit Bitch - Entries: 5 Absentees: 2

1st Hazell’s Nadavin Expectation of Vraibleu, A lovely liver girl about three and a half years of age. With a super head, oozing breed type, she has a good shape to skull, occiput, moderate stop, decent shape, length and depth of muzzle. Her ears are moderately long, wide and well set. She has a good reach of neck, decent shoulders, level topline, but I felt was slightly longer in body, her loin is strong, she has good second thigh and moderate bend of stifle, with strong short rear pasterns. I would like just a tad shorter tail. Her coat is a very good texture. On the move she covers the ground well.

2nd Johnson' Sonnetend Silk Stockings for Sylviidae, another nice typy liver bitch, four-and-a-half-year-old, with a certain amount of nobility, although slightly heavier than winner but a beautiful shape, with a bit more depth of body and more coat. Well-constructed fore and aft. Nice ear leathers, with a good head. Has a lot going for her, moved and used her tail well.

3rd Moore’s Nadavin Yaling for Gemelbet

Open Bitch - Entries: 6 Absentees: 2

1st Barker’s Sh Ch Nadavin Yirki at Tumblebar, Quality four-and-a-half-year-old liver, with such a stunning outline, typy, super head and a little more refined in head than 2 with good chiselling, reasonable stop, nice eye and expression, good muzzle, correct shape to throat, with good backskull, nice length to ears, moderately wide and has good dentition. She has a good neck, very good shoulder angulation with upper arm, she has some forechest, straight forelegs of flat bone, with decent feet and strong pasterns. I liked her topline and good body shape, with her deep chest and strong loin, a moderate bend of stifle and short rear pasterns. On the move there was no messing, driving off well and has good forward reach. Head carriage was good, holding her topline well and tail carried well. Quality performance. Reserve Bitch CC

2nd Holgate’s Nadavin Neala JW, very stylish bitch, bit fuller in muzzle, nice shaped skull with good occiput, but not quite the head plains of one. She has a lot of work in skull, with a strong neck, good shoulders, topline not as level as it should be as it slopes gently down then back up toward croup, then her tail set is slightly low. She has a nice shape to ribs and loin, with moderate hind angulation, good rear pasterns, quite well muscled. She drives off well. Very little to choose between 1 & 2 on the move. Another quality bitch.

3rd Holgate’s Nadavin Zahlee

Champion Bitch - Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1st Osborn’s Sh Ch Elgert Private Dancer, younger bitch clearly with a degree of style and nobility, everything well defined, good outline, really nice shaped head and skull, nice muzzle, good ear set, good neck, good shoulders, length and angle of upper arm, level topline, good bend of stifle, nice short rear pasterns, nice depth to chest, with correct straight bone, good pasterns and reasonably sized feet. She has a good coat of a good deep liver colour. Moves really well. In summary she is such a super mover, plus type, very balanced with very good construction and body shape. Bitch CC.

2nd Holgate’s Sh Ch Nadavin Wenhaver JW, Another first-class bitch from the top drawer. lovely head shape, with a noble skull shape, good stop, slight refinement, both first class bitches, nice muzzle, slightly throatier than winner, nice neck, shoulders, topline, not quite 100% level, but moderate hind angulation, nice rear pasterns & nice feet, with good size straight bone, she has good shape to ribs, short loin, coat of correct texture, moved quite well. The winner had a bit more oomph.

3rd Macbain & Brewer’s Am/can/ukc Ch Fecimus Written in The Stars

Brace - Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1st Mr & Mrs T J Trevor, A matched pair of liver-coloured fields, both with similar breed features of quality in shape, size and a fair amount of type, very well constructed.

2nd Mr M J & Mrs A E Harding, another typy brace, black in colour, not quite as evenly matched as 1, but moved well.

 Progeny - Entries: 3 Absentees: 2

1st Osborn’s Sh Ch Elgert Lady Sta'dust JW VW – Quality Field Spaniel with typy youngsters, a credit to the breeder and her stock.

Judge: Mr Chris Bexon