Richmond Dog Show Society

Richmond Championship Dog Show

Thank you to the wonderful team at Richmond for inviting me to judge at their wonderful show. The new committee were all so pleasant and attentive all day

I am hugely passionate about Gordon Setters and whilst I realise I am still a relative newbie, having only been involved with showing Gordon Setters for around 20 years, and although not actively showing them myself at present, they are an enchanting breed which I cherish.

The overall quality was very mixed, as in so many breeds these days, with – unfortunately – true “weight carrying hunter” types in the minority. Heads were extremely varied with many not having the true “brick on brick” - deep, characterful and expressive, intelligent - Gordon head we desire. The breed is the heaviest of the setter breeds and there were some which would unfortunately make a poor Irish; our breed should never been comparable to the raciest of the setters.

Colour may seem a minor detail to some, however it is a distinguishing breed feature and whilst one would never recognise a dalmatian that is solid black, we should not ignore colour in Gordons. Correct lustrous tan, that which used to be described as similar to that of a freshly opened horse chestnut, appears to now be very much in the minority and this key feature of our breed needs to be borne in mind otherwise it will be lost. What a perfect time of year to get out and see just what sort of colour I am describing!

In some cases handling left a little to be desired, and whilst I tried to see past that in all cases please remember you only have a couple of minutes to show your dog off to the judge. Particularly in the movement element of the assessment, the way in which you handle your charge directly affects the way in which they use their construction when in motion.

Nobody was more surprised than I was when I found my top winners to be from the younger classes – something which, whilst rare, has happened within the breed on several occasions before, when judges have found really exciting youngsters. Unfortunately some of the reactions from the ringside left a little to be desired. As judges we are charged with assessing the dogs present on the day and picking, from that entry of dogs in front of us, the ones which we feel meet the breed standard as closely as possible. We are tasked with giving high awards to those we consider to be “of such outstanding merit to be worthy of the title of champion”. I was horrified to hear from naysayers that I “won’t get an entry next time” because I went down the line to award the CC’s to younger classes. Future entries are never something which has concerned me; it’s only the dogs on the day in front of me that are of my concern. How worrying that there are some whose attitude suggest that decisions they make may be influenced by their motivation to attract a large entry for their next appointment.

I wish all of the dogs I judged the very best for the future, particularly those youngsters who were picking up their first CC’s - I can only hope their progression to stardom within the breed is not hampered by judges who resent the fact they won top awards as puppies.

I did not intend to start this critique in a negative way, and I hope the above comments can be taken in the positive way in which they are all intended by all of the diligent breeders and exhibitors we have.

VD (2)

1st: 2133 HARKER, Mr & Mrs Anthony & Debra Paradise Final Legacy

What a super type and true Gordon to start the day. Epitomises the weight carrying hunter look throughout as he has depth, strength in bone, substance, all combined with galloping lines and long striding, free flowing movement. Smashing headpiece with depth, correct colour, dark eyes, and well set ears. Excellent neck flows cleanly though his well laid shoulder into a solid topline and along to a well set tail which he uses to advantage. Correct flat bone, excellent length of rib and standing on excellent feet. Presented in first class order with gleaming coat, perfect body condition and toned muscles throughout, to take BVIB & VG4.

2nd: 2140 MCCARTHY, Ms Karen Hernwood Boston High Flyer

Strongly made male with a little less work in his head than 1. Has enough coat which is well conditioned, and was presented in very good order and fit condition. A sound mover behind, he drives off well from his low hocks, but he didn’t quite have the strength in pasterns of 1 today.

MPD (1)

1st: 2135 HORLER, Mrs Rachel & SANDIFORD, Mrs Christine & SA Hernwood Bleu Spirit

This is a truly outstanding puppy and a credit to his owners for having him in such perfect body condition for his age, and his breeders for producing a true and correct Gordon of type and style. Smart headpiece with definition to stop, slight rounding of the skull, and depth throughout. Large clean teeth, dark well set eyes and long fine well set ears. To go over, everything fits together perfectly – without exaggeration and flowing throughout. Beautiful crest to neck already, which arises from his excellent lay of shoulder and fine close withers. Has useful length of upper arm and consequently neat fitting elbows. For his age his brisket is already well developed and deep, ribcage long and he excels particularly in his length of backrib which give him a short strong loin and firmness in topline and the correct underline. Has moderation of angulation behind, in harmony with his front, with well bent stifles, width of thigh, and low hocks. Now we come to the movement part which, for me, is so important, and where this youngster truly shone today. Rarely do we see puppies of this breed move in such a fashion – that is, completely together, balanced, with accuracy of footfall, and on the go around with a balanced even stride which produce reach and drive in equilibrium with correct convergence. His rapport with his talented handler is evident, and throughout the class, the challenge, and on into the final three I selected to be considered for the CC, they were the only duo who didn’t lose their concentration and throw it away on the move. His age played on my mind when I picked up the CC, but to not award him it on the day would have been criminal - I certainly have no regrets in doing so. A true Gordon through and through; I hope he is given a fair crack at being made up, as he ought to soar.

PD (2)

1st: 2152 SANDIFORD, Mr P & SANDIFORD, Mrs C & LOMAS, Miss A Hernwood Rocket Man.

This kennel is extremely clever in that they can produce great type time and time again, and this youngster is no exception. He has a lot of potential and appeals throughout. Has a well moulded head with depth, plenty of work, and dark expressive eyes. Clean neck, well laid shoulders and a great return. Already deep in chest with the elusive development of forechest which many lack. Has length and depth of rib, and strength in topline both standing and moving. Stands on particularly excellent feet and has strength in pastern. A very stylish mover indeed, he really drives off so well from his low hocks. Pulled in to the final three to be considered for the CC today, however he just started to be a tad naughty in front which cost him top honours, but I was very pleased to award him a closely contended RCC.

2nd: 2157 TYE, Mrs H & Miss S Roydack Black Knight At Tymora

This is a well grown young chap and he has bags of character, which makes his handler’s job quite a challenge! Rather light in eye at present, but has a head of decent shape and balance with well set ears. Pleases particularly for his excellent colour. Stands on excellent feet with strong pasterns and has good bone. Not quite together behind at the moment and needs to tighten up through the pelvis and hocks, but he has plenty of time.

ND (1)

1st: 2157 TYE, Mrs H & Miss S Roydack Black Knight At Tymora

PGD (4,1)

1st: 2143 NAGATY, Mr Ramsey Marlbeck Maldini.

This d needs to be gone over hands-on to be appreciated, and his handlers needs to relax and work better with him as he tends to tense him up over his topline when stacked. On going over, you find a sound honest sort with moderation all through. Has a typy head and good colour, and is strong in topline. A little stilted in front action he needs to grow into himself and relax and use his front to better advantage when moving.

2nd: 2141 MCCARTHY, Ms Karen Hernwood Wizard Of Oz JW

This male is a stronger and head than 1 with a deeper stop, but his skull has good width and depth and his ears and well set and eyes dark and expressive. Rather steep in shoulder which shows in his action going around, and he tends to side-wind on the away and back as he hasn’t balanced himself up as yet. Stands on good feet and is of good colour.

3rd: 2134 HORLER, Mrs Rachel & HORLER, Mr K Colourbox Wild Wild West With Rackens

Class 1303 LD (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1st: 2156 MORGAN, Ms Maggie Caradilis Sky Rocket . JW

Very strong headed male, but with good depth of flew and brain room. Has well set ears and is of good rich colouring. Pleasing to go over as he is soundly constructed at both ends having good angulation fore and aft. Well laid shoulders fit neatly into his strong topline and the overall outlook is of a weight carrying hunter. On the move he uses himself quite well, however his handler runs him too fast at times and this causes and erratic action. In the challenge he was rather all over the place which cost him higher consideration today, unfortunately.

2nd: 2130 EDE, Mrs Elizabeth M Burroughtof Loch Leven At Glenarden.

Exhuberant sort with a very endearing temperament and another who makes his handler work for it! Liked his colouring and good markings. Masculine in head and good work under eye. Needs to come together behind as he isn’t quite so strong in hock, and does have a tendency to tense up and stand rather upright on his pasterns at times when stacked.

OD (4)

1st: 2148 PHILLIPS, Mrs A & WATKINS, Ms Tereza & MILES, Ms E Sh Ch Glenmaurangi Mandalorian JW.

Here we have a true weight carrying hunter with a smashing outline overall when stacked up – along with bags of personality which are displayed through his constantly wagging tail! Has good width and depth throughout. Smashing headpiece which has strength and masculinity, plenty of work, dark eyes, and a great expression. Appeals for length and strength in neck from his well laid shoulder, and has deep ribbing and heart room. Strong and level in his topline his tail is well set. Stands well over his ground on strong flat bone. Moves out with panache and style, covering the ground well, however today he tended to lose his hind action and move out with excessive width between the hocks. Shortlisted to the last three in the challenge for the CC but whilst he did lose his concentration on the move completely, as it was all just too exciting for him, his general zest for life and great temperament, attitude and showmanship are hugely appealing.

2nd: 2142 MITCHELL, Mr C & Mrs S Sh Ch Cafotaliena Thief Of Hearts By Brobruick JW

This is a smartly headed young male who is of excellent colour – deep shining coal black and true lustrous tan markings. His head is deep and has a dignified kind expression with low set ears and well shaped and set eyes. He didn’t quite have the body depth and width expected, however, for this breed, his is still at the younger end of the scale and will mature. Tended to tense his topline and fly his tail today, and just didn’t see entirely at ease with the whole situation as his movement was not as expected. Just not his day today.

3rd: 2158 WHITING, Mr Keith & COPS, Mr John Locksheath Black Ice

Res: 2129 ASHLEY-TURNER, Ms Alison Hernwood The Botanist Jw Shcex Osw

VB (2,1)

1st: 2144 NAGATY, Mr Ramsey Ch Forester's Xclusive Edition Of Darkmoor At Marlbeck

Substantial in build and with great depth and super width all through, there is no doubt this lady is a weight carrying hunter. Has strength in head and is deep in flew, with good tan markings on her legs. At this age she still has strength in her topline from her long well sprung ribs. Movement starting to show some signs of age, but still has enough fluidity and good length of stride.

PB (2)

1st: 2147 PHILLIPS, Mrs A & WATKINS, Ms Tereza Flaxheath Cover Girl At Glenmaurangi

Outstanding young b who combines great type, a super effervescence of character, immaculate presentation, correct construction, and to top it all off good colour! She is sweetly headed, with strength and depth to skull and muzzle, big clean teeth, dark expressive eyes, and long low set ears. Beautiful clean dry neck flows and fits perfectly through her well laid shoulder blades into a strong level topline. Her useful return of upper arm completes a textbook front assembly, and she already has correct depth and good width through the brisket. Long ribcage with deep backrib, short firm loins and from her broad croup comes a well set and used tail. Stands well over her ground on strong flat bone, with tight oval feet. Clearly afforded plenty of exercise she is in perfect condition for her age with just the right amount of weight and correctly defined musculature. On the move she excels – using every bit of her correct, well-balanced, construction to best advantage and moving true and positively from all angles. Her great temperament brings her head up as she goes, and her overall carriage and settery outline cannot be ignored. Seemed to go up a gear in the challenge and from being in contention for a top award, she never let herself, nor her handlers, down and went all the way. BCC & BoB, going on to gain a great many admirers in the group despite her youth in strong company. Age and maturity will take her to top accolades in the breed and in groups I am sure - good luck!

2nd: 2138 LINES, Ms Victoria Louise Flaxheath Centrefold.

Beautifully headed young b from this extremely clever breeder who has never lost sight of type and still breeds and produces sound typical examples reminiscent of many of yesteryear, and without changes in fashion or fancy. This young lady is just a touch less mature than 1 at present, but has all the same very positive attributes to admire all through. A great prospect for the future.

JB (3)

1st: 2138 LINES, Ms Victoria Louise Flaxheath Centrefold

2nd: 2162 BRUNE, Mrs Petra Wild Emerald's Here Comes The Sun

Nicely shaped head on this young lady, who has dark expressive eyes. She is quite well balanced all through, but is at an in-between stage of growth so needs some time to come together. Strong in topline and very well muscled, she drives out well from her strong hocks. Touch wide coming towards at present,but that has time to rectify with maturity.

3rd: 2131 FULLER, Mrs Julie Bonnienicht's Akinos Glow Of Rosemullion

YB (2)

1st: 2162 BRUNE, Mrs Petra Wild Emerald's Here Comes The Sun

2nd: 2131 FULLER, Mrs Julie Bonnienicht's Akinos Glow Of Rosemullion

From a smaller and narrower frame than the winner, and with a little less bone at the moment – but another who has plenty of time on her hands to mature and body up and finish. Has lovely dark clean eyes and good clear tan markings. Stands on very good well shaped feet and demonstrates good action when moving.

PGB (5)

1st: 2154 SANDIFORD, Mr P & SANDIFORD, Mrs C A & MAZZEO, Mis Eusanit Marcella

Stood away in this class for overall type and style, as her outline is very much “Gordon”. Very pretty feminine head with depth of flew and defined lip, as well as plenty of work under her dark expressive eyes. Well made all through she has balance of forehand and hindquarter angles which means she can barely stand wrong at any time. As one would expect, she uses herself very well on the move to produce a neat and balance stride with plenty of ground cover and good drive from behind. A smashing sort who worked well with her handler, but I would just prefer clearer tan.

2nd: 2145 O'KELLY, Ms Deirdre & HANCOCK, Mr Alan Caradilis Sparks Will Fly JW

Another whose colour isn’t quite so good as it could be, and just a tad longer and more rangy in outline than 1. This b is soundly made however, and presented in very fit order which allowed her to move out well with sound action away and back and an easy stride on the go around. Needs to finish in maturity in body, but plenty of time for that, but overall a very good type.

3rd: 2151 HALL, Mrs Linda Clohass Diamond By Melview

LB (3)

1st: 2149 ROBERTS, Mrs Elaine Moonglade Lily Mae Magic

Very feminine outlook all through on this typy young lady, who has a lovely headpiece with dark expressive eyes of intelligence. She scores particularly well in body and ribbing, which gives her a true weight carrying hunter outline. Good front angles and super feet. She is very well muscled and condition, and with plenty of coat, and she holds her topline well standing and moving. Close contender today, however just tended to drop her head carriage a little in the challenge which was unfortunate as she moved much better in the class. One for the future!

2nd: 2132 GUNNERY, Mrs J Longrow Love Of My Life (ai)

This b is surprising as her handler doesn’t make the best job of her stacked up and she looks overly short and rather stuffy, however when asked to move she comes into her own and uses her balanced construction to great advantage to produce a long free easy stride with good carriage. She has a feminine head with pretty shape and dark eyes, and with good colour. Needs to be moved to be fully appreciated, as she had a lot of qualities.

3rd: 2137 JONES, Mrs Alison & JONES, Mr David Roydack The Duchess

OB (4)

1st: 2146 PHILLIPS, Mrs A & WATKINS, Ms Tereza Sh Ch Flaxheath Top Model At Glenmaurangi.

Well shaped head on this fully mature bitch, who has useful length of skull and muzzle, correct depth, rounding to backskull and well set low long ears. Has dark and intelligent eyes and plenty of work in her lean cheeks. She is well developed in body and ribbing, with depth to forechest and length of rib leading to strong loins. Particularly pleasing in width through the pelvis with correct length from the hip and well let down strong hocks which she stands well over. Moves out using every inch of herself to best advantage, her skilled handler knows just how to get the very best from her. Presented in first class order and very fit condition, she has the added advantage of not being burdened by an excessively long coat, too! Pulled out all the stops in the challenge, but her younger kennel mate just took the edge on front action on the day, so she had to settle for a well deserved RBCC.

2nd: 2150 HALL, Mrs Linda Melview Phoenix.

This is a smashing b of really lovely true Gordon type. Stylish, balanced, with the correct depth and weight carrying hunter outline all through. She has very good clear lustrous tan markings and is extremely fit and well muscled. Standing up she has balance of forehand and hindquarter angles which she used well enough on the move, however she wasn’t quite so together as I would have expected and even though given several chances she didn’t want to play ball on the move and show herself off today, which was a real shame as there is so much to like.

3rd: 2136 HORN, Mrs Sharon & HORN, Mr Kevin Ordett Love Me Do At Keaswood JW

David R. Alcorn (Lourdace/Gunalt) (Judge)