Darlington Dog Show Society Ltd

Gundog Group

A very mixed group with some lovely dogs, but also quite a few that left me worried. The following were selected, but were not placed: the Hungarian Vizsla Oakswarren Magic In Mind, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Sh.Ch. Schindow Junior Cowboy With Cresthengan, the Cocker Spaniel Cossom Merrilegs, the English Springer Spaniel Ch. Trimere Time Fly’s, the Sussex Spaniel Sh.Ch. Eald Dances With Wolves Among Nyliram and the Welsh Springer Spaniel Sh.Ch. Ferndel Water Mark.

1. Gordon Setter Hernwood Gin Fizz JW

A very stylish, highly typical bitch from the top drawer, fitting my interpretation of the standards call for galloping lines and combining strength with quality. Skull with good depth and correct width for a bitch, slightly rounded. Defined stop, excellent length of muzzle to length of skull and excellent lipline. Correct bite. Lovely outgoing temperament and a kind and welcoming expression from her dark brown, well shaped eyes. Long and arched neck, well set into withers. Well angulated front with elbows close to body, not always the case in this lovely breed. Strong, level topline, ideal depth of brisket, and combined with very good length of leg made an impressive outline. Excellent coat quality with shining coal black colour, if not the richest of tan. Sound, steady and energetic mover with plenty of drive, at all times keeping her outline and balance. Loved her!

2. Clumber Spaniel Sh.Ch. Vanitonia Soloist

A long, well balanced, strong and masculine dog with plenty of quality and style about him and a particularly impressive mover. A lovely character, dignified yet very friendly and happy. Masculine head, typically square with well defined occiput and brows. He excels in the balancing act of combining breed type and soundness. Clean, expressive eyes. Well set ears. Powerful neck of pleasing length. Well angulated both ends. Body covering plenty of ground, firm and deep and with well sprung ribs. Low hocks, balanced angulation behind. Well set and carried tail. Coat of correct silky structure. He moved with plenty of energy, animation and drive.

3. American Cocker Spaniel Sh.Ch. Afterglow Impose

A beautifully balanced and proportioned black bitch, instantly attractive for her great type and quality. Beautiful, feminine head with well rounded skull, excellent chiselling, well defined stop and eyebrows and a deep, square and well filled muzzle of ideal length. Eyes dark enough. Slightly arched and well set neck of pleasing length. Excellent topline, slightly sloping standing and moving. Short and compact body, well sprung ribs. Excellent coat quality and just the right amount of coat, showing good daylight under her. Correctly set and carried tail. She retained her balance on the move and at her best moved very well indeed, if not all the time.

4. Pointer Sh.Ch. Sunhouse Banged To Rights

A typically sound, well constructed dog, for sure giving a highly functional and workmanlike impression. Strong and masculine without lumber, conveying the important impression of strength, endurance and speed. Masculine head with a correct medium wide skull, well defined stop and occiput, but could do with some more dishface for perfection. Strong and shapely neck, very well set into withers. Well angulated both ends. Strong bone and well-knit feet. Strong topline with slight arch of loin. Excellent coat. Correct bee-sting tail which he used actively and attractively. A very sound mover from all angles, again giving a functional impression.

Espen Engh, judge