Gundog Society Of Wales

GUNDOG SOCIETY OF WALES 2024

GUNDOG GROUP

I was honoured to judge BIS and BPIS at Gundog Society of Wales and I thank the Society for the appointment and their kind hospitality at such a friendly and well organised show. I had two top quality groups and all exhibits were present in the ring except the Pointer due to breed judging running late. From a super Iine up I selected nine dogs, the Gordon Setter, German Shorthaired Pointer, Hungarian Vizsla, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, Italian Spinone, English Springer, Welsh Springer, American Cocker and Field Spaniel. After my final deliberations the top spot went to the outstanding Gordon Setter bitch, Sh Ch Flaxheath Top Model at Glenmaurangi. She has a well proportioned head, gentle expression and dark eyes. Superbly constructed throughout with a stunning outline on the stack. She moved effortlessly around the big ring with reach and drive and was presented in gleaming coat and she has great rapport with her handler. My Res BIS was the English Springer Spaniel bitch, Sh Ch Trimere Time Flys. I found her very pleasing in head, feminine with good eye colour and lovely expression. She is so well constructed throughout, excellent forehand and just flows from head to tail. Presented in superb coat and condition, she impressed me with her sound movement, driving well from behind and well deserved her place in this strong group. In third spot was the Italian Spinone, Sh Ch Bessalone Peaky Blinders, what an impressive mature male he is. Super head of correct proportions with desired divergent planes. He has an excellent outline when stacked and commanded attention. He moved freely around the big ring holding his topline, presented in great coat and excellent muscular condition. Fourth place went to the Welsh Springer Bitch, Sh Ch Nyliram Telling Tales JW Sh Cex OSW. One I have judged before and today she was on top form. A super bitch with a beautiful head, who looked a picture when stood with her symmetrical outline. She is so soundly made throughout with strong hindquarters and correct tailset. On the move she is very sound and positive with a powerful rear action. Presented in excellent silky coat, and fabulous muscular condition.

GUNDOG PUPPY GROUP

What a super group of puppies with some very exciting prospects for the future. I selected eight dogs for my shortlist. Flat Coated Retriever, English Setter, Hungarian Vizsla, Irish Setter, Welsh Springer, American Cocker, NSDT Retriever, and Lagotto Romagnolo. I was spoilt for choice for the top spot but the final movement clinched it for the Welsh Springer Spaniel, Nyliram Born This Way. He excels in head, correct eye colour with adequate stop. I found him clean in outline and so well constructed and balanced throughout even at this early age. A super confident puppy putting on a great performance with his sound movement and happy disposition, I wish him well for the future. RBPIS in show went to the quality Irish setter bitch, Gwendariff Skys The Limit. She is most appealing in head, oval skull, with correct finish to muzzle. She presents a balanced picture when stacked with correct angulation both fore and aft. Looking fabulous in super coat of rich colour with feathering developing well. Held her topline on the move and made the most of the big ring. A very close decision, another super youngster with a bright future. Group Three was the charming Lagotto, Very pleasing head, dark eye, strong through neck and already has good body depth, shown in a correct dense woolly coat with undercoat. A sturdy puppy of square appearance with a big personality who moved out freely with good driving rear action and well deserved his place in the group. Fourth place was the Flatcoated Retriever, Hopevalley Morning Xanadu. I found this young bitch so very sound throughout. Head is typically moulded with correct flat skull and dark eye. She excels in front assembly and already has good depth of chest. She came into her own on the move where she flowed round the ring on a good stride carrying her tail correctly, another confident happy puppy.

Jean Byrne (Judge)