Clumber Spaniel Club

Clumber Spaniel Club

120th Anniversary Championship Show

6th October 2024

It was indeed a pleasure to judge the 120th Anniversary Championship show of the Clumber Spaniel Club, and I would like to thank you for the wonderful entry of 65 dogs making 77 entries. The show had a super atmosphere, and the sportsmanship was evident throughout the day. Thank you to the Club for hosting a wonderful weekend for Clumber enthusiasts. I was very fortunate to have 2 very competent stewards in Graham Taberer and Eddie Boden, who kept the ring running perfectly.

Having been involved with the breed since childhood, I have had the good fortune of seeing some of the greats of yesteryear coming from formidable kennels such as Raycroft, Frastan, Topjoys, Fatpastures and Belcrum etc. These instilled in me Clumber type and, alongside the history of the breed and why it was developed so, its importance. This is a breed that should work all day in packs, on heavy soil and through brush. They were designed to bulldoze through, not to jump 5 bar gates. Soundness, substance and fitness, alongside being relatively low to ground (but not short legged), need to be paramount. Thankfully, we still have excellent examples, true to type, who are sound and fit, and the breeders of the past would have been proud to have had them in their kennels. The only difference is that today we are fortunate, in the main, to have them better presented.

Colour is an interesting point. The standard states that the Clumber should have white body preferred with Lemon markings, Orange permissible. If you look at the historic paintings of the breed, Orange was the prevalent colour. Then through the 20th century, Lemon was far more prevalent, however today we see a resurgence of Orange. Now, I do not have an issue with the odd body marking, it adds character (although I do frown on ticking), and I do not have a preference between Lemon or Orange. However, Orange should be Orange, and my fear is that there are a number that could possibly be considered Red, and this is something we should all be mindful of. Red markings, especially on the head, harden the expression and we lose that softness and a very breed specific attribute. Now, I know the phrase a good horse is never a bad colour, but we have to have a limit.

Bone and feet are also a concern. There is nothing better than having a well boned Clumber, be it male or female, with quality bone all the way down to its large round feet. Substance without coarseness giving the dog stamina, strength and most importantly power. I had a handful today that lacked bone and, more worryingly, very poor, flat weak feet with no padding. There is no way that these could work a day without either damage or tiredness.

Presentation on the whole was super, the majority were shown in clean condition, had clean eyes and ears and breeders are doing their very best with regards to the amount of haw showing. Haw is a contentious issue, and we all take it seriously. However, it has been in the breed standard since it was written, with the exception of 1905 when, for a moment, it was taken out. Therefore there have been generations of dogs showing slight haw, some more so than others, but it will take a few generations to put right, without losing type. Remember a sound dog (in all respects) that lacks type is worthless, whereas a sound dog with type is priceless.

Twenty odd years ago, the term “Clumber Roll” was, thankfully, taken out of the breed standard due to the fact that the roll came from dogs that were unsound and not because they are long bodied and low to the ground. There is absolutely no mention of a roll in the breed standard, and I urge non specialists who have a desire to judge the breed to take account of this. The reason I mention this is because we do still see the odd “roll” today, in fact I had a couple in this entry, but it comes from unsoundness in limb and action and should NEVER be rewarded high honours. And it should never be confused with the slight movement of the skin when moving either.

Just a couple of incorrect bites today, which was refreshing. It’s been the bane of many of us in our breeding programmes, and we have all suffered due to the fact that it is in the gene pool from years back, plus the standard used to state level bite. But hats off, there is a tremendous improvement.

Dogs

Baby Puppy

1: Crittenden’s MALBECMOGS TIGER EYES, 5 month and good for size. He is coming along the right lines. Clean eyes and good for bone. He needs to tighten all through, but this will come, moved on the right track for his age. Coat well presented, just would not like his colour any darker.

Minor Puppy

1: Guy’s SUELYNDA DREAM DREAMER TO JAHANGHIR, 7-month-old and has type. His expression pleases but his head is still to break. Decent neck and strong topline, with well set tail, pleases for bone. Just needs to body up and strengthen behind. Coat of good texture and well presented with clean ears and eyes. Super temperament.

Puppy

1: Nicholson & Risk’s KNOCKHALON SPOOKTACULAR OF TARANSTIGH, 11-month-old. Super eyes and pleases for expression. He is balanced in outline and scores in front assembly. He has depth to chest and is well ribbed. He has a strong topline and a well-set tail. Just needs to fill out in middle piece and drop behind and he’ll be away. Keeps an outline on the move and moves with a steady gait. Well presented with clean ears. BPD

Junior

1: Blackburn’s SUELYNDA LET ME BE THE ONE. My surprise of the day. This is a super young dog of real type and quality. Masculine and powerful without coarseness or exaggeration. He is all male in head, that it is square all through, would possibly just prefer a softer expression. He is totally balanced in outline. Scores in front assembly and is balanced behind. Strong neck into firm topline and correctly set tail, which he uses all the time. Wonderful bone and feet. He is well ribbed back leading into a muscular loin. On the move he is sound, putting his feet in the right place and carries himself beautifully. A dog that could do the job they were intended for. Totally deserved the CC, his first, and I’m sure that he should wear a well-deserved crown, given the average amount of luck. He continued to impress me, and I could not deny him BIS.

2: Boden’s SUELYNDA BOOM BANG A BANG, litter brother to the winner and, obviously, similar in type. He too has a lot to like about him. Well off for bone and substance throughout. Moved soundly and steadily. Not quite the forehand of his brother but I’m sure he too will be another title holder for this kennel.

3: Seo Gagnebeck’s FLAMRIS OBELIX MED MINGLAS, 12-month-old and going through the teenage stage at the moment. He pleases for shape, but his head just needs to break. Scores in front assembly and totally balanced behind. Moved out well but really needed a bigger ring. Time is on his side.

Novice

1: Husband’s BEBECOVA QUICKSILVER, 21-month-old and has a very pleasing outline in profile, his expression is typical, and his head shape correct. Very pleasing for front assembly, strong topline and well ribbed back. Would prefer a little more angulation behind. Moved on the right track but could just benefit from a little more confidence. Well presented.

2: Fenwick, Thompson & Langridge’s BADGERSMOON THE ONE AND ONLY, another going through the teenage stage at present and needing to settle in topline. He has a lot of type about him, and I like his head shape and expression. Good for upper arm but a little steep in shoulder which meant he didn’t reach in front like the winner. In good coat well presented.

Graduate

1: Blackburn’s SUELYNDA LET ME BE THE ONE

2: Fenwick, Thompson & Langridge’s BADGERSMOON IT HAD TO BE YOU, I really like this dog for type, and he presents a very typical outline. He has super bone and substance and his head and expression are a delight. Balanced in angulation he keeps an outline in profile and uses what he’s got. Just a tad erratic going away which cost him, but he is worthy of a title.

3: Lovell’s CLUMBRAISE YOUR SONG, liked this young man in profile and his head pleases. Just need to drop in front and he was a little narrow coming towards me. But he has type and is very well presented. Another who will have the benefit of time.

Post Graduate

All 3 differing slightly.

1: Monaghan’s KENSEQUI NICE AT TWEEDSMUIR JW. This boy is all male and he pleases for bone and substance, square head and scores in front. Well ribbed and balanced behind. He pleases in profile, just needs to strengthen a little going away.

2; Fenwick, Thompson & Langridge’s BADGERSMOON THE MOST WANTED, another who scores for type in head and he is balanced in outline. Coat well presented and he too looks good in profile, just a tad erratic on the out and back today.

3: Crawford’s ABBYFORD SIR GREY WETHERS, Love the attitude of this boy and he was in the most wonderful muscle condition. He too pleases in outline and has substance, just a little plain in head for me and would prefer slightly more angulation in front.

Limit

1: Morton’s WIGLYTAILS VA BENE (IMP), exceptionally sound and stylish, this boy has balance, type and attitude. His head pleases and he has a delightful expression. Good for substance and beautifully presented. Strong topline and well-set tail, although he does carry it a tad higher than ideal, but that can be forgiven.

2: Pickering’s WAHNAHNISH SUPERMAN OF HAJACAN (IMP), like the type of this dog and he has a delightful head and expression. Beautifully presented as always. He is good for front angulation but would just prefer a little more width to chest in front and strength behind. Strong topline. Moves well in profile but erratic on the out and back.

3: Hanney’s MAURSETT MORUISG, well presented and a delightful temperament. A little more colour than I really like. He is balanced in profile and outline but just tended to stand a tad narrow in front. Scores in hind action and he is beautifully presented.

Open

1: Seo Gagnebeck’s DK CH SU CH BELVY VULKANY OBELIX EPIC, not the first time I have met this young male as he was my BOB at the Stockholm International show last year. I was delighted to be able to meet him again. He is truly as fit as a flea being in the most wonderful muscle condition. He is all male and extremely well made throughout. He has substance and bone. Well ribbed back, strong topline and correctly set tail. Sound on the move and puts his feet in the right place. Has style and a look as if he could keep going all day. Add to that a wonderful temperament and you have a winning combination. Considered seriously again for top honours today, but it was the carriage in profile of the junior dog that tipped the balance. RCC and RBIS

2: Seo Gagnebeck’s SU CH CASPER SOFI’S FAIRY-TAIL, I liked this dog for type, and he pleases for balance in angulation, beautifully presented and sound on the move, he just could benefit from a little confidence as he did not have the look at me attitude of his kennel mate. Good one though

3: Thorogood’s ANBROOK SON’T STOP ME NOW AT HARRIFIELD. Old fashioned, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of, and typy this boy, when you go over him, has it all in the right place. His head is the correct shape, and he is well off for bone and substance. Not in full coat and he was just a tad erratic going away today.

Veteran

1: Crawford’s NORTHMORE CAVALIER BY ABBYFORD, 10-year-old and as sound as a bell and a real credit to his owner. He has type and is a very pleasing shape, yes, he has a little more colour than I would like, still has a decent head and excellent mouth. A real gentleman.

2: Fenwick, Thompson & Langridge’s SUELYNDA SECOND EDITION WITH BADGERSMOON, has type and beautifully presented just carrying a tad too much weight and this just affected his action. He has all in the right place though.

3. Morton’s JACKPOTSTUD KISS ME QUICK. Delightful temperament and pleasing for head type, he is just a tad upright and he needed to settle in topline. Sound on the move and in wonderful condition.

Special working

1: Morton’s JACKPOTSTUD KISS ME QUICK

2: Harvey’s GRACEDIEU SHERBERT, good for size and fit as a flea, he just lacks in head a little and I would just prefer slightly more substance. Moved out on the right track and kept his topline. Coat a little on the wild side today.

Bitches

Baby Puppy

1: Sainsbury’s ELSKERWOO CLOUDY SKIES, 4 ½ months and showing real potential, she has a super head and expression, total balance and already sound and steady on the move, she has champion potential for sure. I liked her very much and will look out for her in future. BBPIS

2: Sainsbury’s ELSKERWOO SILVER LINING, 4 ½ month old and being the litter sister of the winner, of a similar type and stamp, not quite as fluid in movement at the moment but she is balanced in outline and presented beautifully. Not as forward in temperament as her sister, but this will come I have no doubt.

3: Harvey’s MALBECMOGS GLITTER AND GOLD. 5-month-old and pleasing for expression. not quite the front of those above and so, not the forward extension. She is very well ribbed and has a good topline. Coat of good texture

Minor puppy

1: Wareham’s SUELYNDA DREAM ON, 7-month-old and put in the more polished performance. She has a decent head and expression, well ribbed and bodied, good for bone and substance and puts her feet in the right place. Balanced in outline and keeps it on the move.

2: Furnell’s BEBECOVA CHARISMA, 7-month-old and she needs to finish in head and could just have a bit more confidence. She has a delightful outline stacked and she was well presented. Time is on her side.

Puppy

1: Barrass’ BEBECOVA UNIQUENESS. Those that know me well will understand why I fell in love with this 7-month-old precocious young lady. I would happily own her as she is exactly the type and style that I so admire and love. She may be young but to deny her today would have been an injustice. Her head and expression melted me. She flows from neck into shoulder through to a firm topline and well-set tail. Her front assembly is superb, and she has balance behind, just possibly needs to drop a little as she ages. On the move she holds her outline, puts her feet in right place and has that look at me attitude that I cherish so much. She has champion stamped all over her as she has quality in spades. Yes, it is safe to say I loved her. RCC and BPIS.

2: Monaghan’s SUELYNDA COCKTAIL OF DREAMS, like her for type and she is the shape I admire. Moved out well, very pleasing head and expression, just needs to firm up all over, particularly in feet.

3: Stevenson’s KNOKHALON PUT A SPELL ON YOU, slightly differing type but balanced in outline, slightly erratic on the move today. Well-presented and a super temperament.

Junior

1: Kirkman’s KIRKARA HELGA HUFFLEPUFF, superb for type and she has the most gorgeous head and expression. Well presented as always from this kennel and she is superb for size and shape. Strong topline, well balanced in angulation and moved out ok, just a smidge erratic at times. Once she gets her head in gear, will trouble the best.

2: Dawson’s BESKERBY FLORA FINCHING, like the type and she too presents a very pleasing outline, she is sound as a pound and well presented. Well ribbed back and balanced in angulation.

3: Page’s FLARIS NEW CREATION FOR MICKLEMESS (IMP), just out of puppy and not quite as forward as the 2 above her but she is full of type, in super muscle condition and puts her feet in the right place. Has potential and another that time will only be to her benefit.

Novice

1: Monaghan’s SUELYNDA COCKTAIL OF DREAMS

Graduate

1: Morton’s SUGARSWEET BANOFFEE PIE (IMP), delightful for type and size and she is totally feminine. She is as sound as a pound and totally balanced in outline. Well ribbed, strong in topline and well-set tail.

2: Dawson’s BESKERBY FLORA FINCHING

3: Taylor’s DELSEAUX FLY ME TO THE MOON, very good for type and she has a delightful head and expression and the balance of outline that draws the eye. She just was a tiny bit erratic on the move today which sadly cost her. Well made throughout though.

Post grad

1: Harvey’s GRACEDIEU FINEST JEWELS, balanced in outline, she scores in profile action where her ground coverage won her the class. Pleasing expression, she just left her best dress at home.

2: Morton & Constable’s WOOLIECOURNE LOBSTER LUNCH, beautifully presented and conditioned, she is well ribbed and has a strong topline and well off for angulation behind. Just not quite the reach in front of the winner today.

Limit

1: Dawson’s BIG BOOM’S VIKING LIV BESKERBY (IMP), lots to like about this very typical bitch. I liked her head and expression; she is balanced in angulation and is good for size and shape. She moved out soundly, steadily and put her feet in the right place. Well-presented and handled sympathetically.

2: Kirkman’s KIRKARA MINERVA MCGONAGALL. In she walked and my heart skipped a beat, she is everything I love, and I have admired her from the ringside and was hoping to get my hands on her. Her type is wonderful, her head and expression an absolute delight and to go over there is so very little to change. Add to that presentation of the highest order and you’ve got the complete package. I asked her to move, and my skipping heart just sank. Where her brain was, I do not know as it certainly wasn’t with her today. I don’t know who was the more gutted, me or her handler. But you have to judge on the day and today was just not hers. She will have better days as she is a certain champion, and I will be cheering when she does.

3: Pickering’s WYMESWOLD VERJEJO AT GREENCOURT (IMP). well presented in good coat, she has type and a decent head, would just prefer a little less body condition. She did not like the floor at all today and this affected her movement.

Open

1: Monaghan’s SH CH TWEEDSMUIR SHE’S SO SHEEK. Gave her her first CC as a youngster and she is now fully mature and today bang on form. She has wonderful type and is a wonderful shape in profile, has strength and substance yet retains a look of femininity. Presented in first class order and in full coat. She has a feminine expression and a head of balance of the correct square shape. On the move she was sound, precise and kept her outline. Asked for the CC today and she was rewarded. A very decent bitch. CC and BOS

2: Taylor’s MAURSETT MASIKEAN, as always from this kennel this bitch has a delightful head and expression, and she is very much the type I like. Unfortunately she left her best dress at home and so just did not have the finish of the winner today. Looked good in profile. Her title will come, and I won’t disagree when it does.

3: Boden’s SH CH SUELYNDA KREME DELLA KREME, lovely for shape and size she too scores for type. She has a delightful head and expression, pleasing outline in profile, just a little narrow coming towards me today.

Veteran

1: Dawson’s BESKERBY LUMINESCENT, 7-year-old and in fine form, prettiest head and expression, decent outline and moved out well belying her age. She was in wonderful condition and very well presented. A credit to her owners. BVIS

2: Page’s MICKLEMESS JUST AN ILLUSION, 7-year-old and another in firm condition, moved out on the right track, just not the reach of the winner today.

3: Crawford’s ABBYFORD BRAND NEW DAY, 11-year-old and still fit and a credit to her owner, she has type and is sound, just not as positive as the 2 in front.

Special Working

1: Morton & Constable’s WOOLIECOURNE LOBSTER LUNCH

Brace

1: Seo Gagnebecks’s well matched pair and very typical. Moved in total unison.

2: Harvey’s pair both of similar type.

Stud dog

1: DK CH SU CH BELVY VULKANY OBELIX EPIC, clearly showing that he is not just a one trick pony and siring some quality, typy offspring.

2; WIGLYTAILS VA BENE (IMP, close decision and another siring a type.

Brood Bitch.

1: SH CH SUELYNDA KREME DELLA KREME: Looking well after this litter and very much peas in a pod.

Lee A S Cox (Judge)