National Gundog Association

National Gundog Sunday 4th August 2024

Cocker Spaniel Bitches

Judge: Mrs Wendy Grist (Kasordon)

BCC & BOB Manchela Little Tease JW

RBCC Riondel Solitaire

BVB & BVIB Withiflor Fairy Tale JW

BPB Plaiglen Biker Babe to Helenwood

BSBB & BSB Cachel Pop The Question to Meloneras JW

My thanks to the Officers & Committee of National Gundog Association for the invitation to judge at this prestigious show. I had been looking forward to the appointment immensely.

I would like to thank the two very efficient stewards, Mrs Coral Shapland & Mrs Sonia Turner who kept the ring running smoothly for me. They had an incredibly long day so a huge thank you for all you did, it was very much appreciated.

Thank you to all the exhibitor’s for being patient on what was a hot, long day for both dogs and humans & for accepting my decisions sportingly and with good grace.

Without exception all bitches had good temperaments. There were a few incorrect mouths, the Breed Standard calls for a regular and complete scissor bite. Some had dirty teeth and several with long toenails. Long toenails do not help with cat-like feet and in fact you end up with a foot splaying which is unattractive and of course, more importantly, affects the dogs’ movement. Some exhibits were carrying too much weight (this is not body or substance!) & some lacked body condition and muscle tone, all of which affects movement so they paid the price for this. I noticed a few were a bit ‘throaty’ which is not a desirable trait. Presentation varied although on the whole was good and I would draw attention to the Breed Standard again regarding tails which should be well feathered in keeping with the coat. Several had no feathering on tails at all.

All that said I was very pleased with my main winners today and it was an absolute pleasure and honour to judge your dogs.

A super class of Veteran Bitches to start my judging with, all in excellent condition for their ages and a credit to their owners. I am sure that places will change on other days, I really was splitting hairs in this lovely class.

Veteran Bitch – 5/0 abs

1st Withiflor Fairy Tale JW (Mrs F A Bard) a super golden bitch of 7 years in excellent condition with a gleaming coat. Very appealing feminine head, dark eyes in tight rims giving a lovely expression. Good front with plenty of width, lovely neck into well placed shoulders, deep chest with plenty of heart room with a good spring of rib, firm level topline which she holds on the move, short in loin. She is short below the hocks and her well-muscled rear assembly enables her to drive around the ring with great enthusiasm. Presentation is first class with the correct amount of coat and feathering. This bitch had the best feet of the day, firm, well padded, cat-like & trimmed beautifully. Her overall presentation both stacked and on the move a credit to her owner. I was delighted to award her BV bitch then with my co-judge BVIB. Congratulations!

2nd Kerriglow Honesty JW (Miss L Davies) a lovely black bitch of 7 years who I have judged before. Delighted to see her in the Veteran classes and still enjoying her show days. I still admire this lovely girl as she presents a cobby, short & compact outline. Pretty head with good front assembly leading to firm straight legs, good spring of rib, short in loin and firm rear end with good angulation. Lovely condition all through although for me carrying a little extra weight today over her shoulders. Coat well presented. Moved well although not as happy on the move as 1 which I just preferred on the day.

3rd Sheigra Stars In Her Eyes JW OSW ShCEx (Mrs C A West)

Minor Puppy Bitch – 6/1 abs

1st Plaiglen Biker Babe at Helenwood (Mrs J H Marris-Bray) 7 ½ month old black bitch. This girl presents a balanced, compact picture both stacked and on the move. The most beautiful appealing head with melting expression, she certainly stole my heart with just one look! She has a good front with lovely return of upper arm, sadly lacking in some exhibits today. Strong legs to neat well-padded feet. A good reach of neck flows into well laid shoulders, deep in chest with spring of rib appropriate for her age, firm topline and short in loin, lovely bend of stifle with good rear angles & plenty of width. Short below the hocks. Coat well presented for her age. Happy mover although her tail was carried a little high at times which I hope will settle as she matures. Loved this puppy for breed type & quality so will watch her progress with interest. Pleased to award her BPB, congratulations

2nd Snowgate Gives Joy and Hope to Atherbron (Mrs H & Mrs A Brown & Crossley) at almost 9 months old this dark blue girl is maturing well. She has substance all through and presents a compact, cobby picture. Pleasing front and rear angles with a firm mid piece and level topline. This little lady clearly knows her own mind and was making her handler work hard for this place in a quality puppy class. On the day I just preferred the head and positive movement of 1.

3rd Butterd Toast of Sharemead (Mrs C W Share-Jones)

Puppy Bitch – 11/1 abs

A wonderful class of puppies, I wish I had more cards to hand out as many good quality exhibits had to leave the ring empty handed today. Reassuring to see such quality coming through for the future of our breed.

1st Challowdown Fire Fly (Ms D M Barnes) this lovely orange roan caught my eye the minute she entered the ring. At almost 10 months old this bitch was a real treat to handle. Pretty head with appealing eyes and lovely tight rims complimented by dark pigment. Good width to her forechest which is nice and deep, good return of upper arm, adequate reach of neck into well laid shoulders, excellent spring of rib with plenty of heart room. Set squarely on strong legs & neat feet she has a firm straight topline which leads to a short firm loin. Her bend of stifle and rear angulation with firm rear is appealing and she is well toned throughout. Short below the hocks & well developed thigh muscles allowed her to power around the ring with her tail wagging completing the picture. Plenty of substance throughout, this bitch presents a balanced, compact outline both stacked and on the move. She possesses a flat, straight silky coat and her presentation is to be complimented. She should trouble the best as she matures. Really liked this bitch.

2nd Rosecourt Romance (Mrs K Nuttall) another lovely typy bitch of quality that I liked very much. At 11 months of age this blue bitch has a feminine head with a lovely expression and kind dark eye. She has an adequate reach of neck which flows into well laid shoulders. Good spring of rib, short loin, pleasing bend of stifle and good angulation both front and rear allow her to move out with plenty of reach and drive. She is compact and cobby and another using her tail showing that ‘merry’ cocker attitude on the move. Kind handling and very well presented she is a credit to her owner. I will watch her with interest as she moves up into the adult classes. Unlucky to meet 1 on such top form.

3rd Glantraeth Ovation to Oktumi (Mr M K Wildman)

Junior Bitch – 11/4 abs

1st Kerriglow Black Dove (Miss C Eisen) substantial 14 month old black bitch with a really beautiful headpiece & such a melting expression. She has a moderate neck into well set shoulders, good width to her front assembly with correct upper arm return. Good depth to her chest with well sprung ribs, slightly longer cast than I would prefer which can make her look less compact. Theres plenty of substance with this girl without being too much. She has a well rounded firm rump and is short below the hocks which enabled her to drive purposefully around the ring. Presentation was top drawer and she has a lovely flat silky coat which compliments her appealing outline when stacked.

2nd Manchela Pollyanna (Mr M J & Mr M F Masters & Dott) at nearly 14 months this blue roan is built on smaller lines than 1 and is more of the compact, cobby type that I look for. Feminine head with lovely dark eyes set in tight rims, pleasing front assembly. She stands squarely on well boned legs and neat cat like feet. Lovely spring of rib providing plenty of heart room, level firm back and short in loin leading to toned well rounded quarters. Her angles present a beautiful picture when stacked of balance and quality. However, when on the move she was unsettled and pulling out in front of her handler which was spoiling her topline and profile on the move. Ultimately, this is what cost her the class. Her coat presentation is top drawer as I would expect from this well respected kennel. I hope that as she matures her movement will settle down as she really is a quality girl who I liked very much.

3rd Anlasana Yeavering Belle (Mrs D Yilmaz)

Yearling Bitch – 10/2 abs

1st Wightroche Calla Lilly (Ms C & Mr I Blackley & Salero) A black of super proportions who presents a short, square, compact & cobby outline. A really lovely bitch to handle, she has a very pretty head with soft expression & correct ear set. Good width to her front assembly with good return of upper arm. Adequate bone to legs and nicely padded tight feet. Firm neck into well laid shoulders, level topline which she holds both stacked and on the move. Good depth to her chest with plenty of spring of rib and short in loin she has a pleasing sweep to her stifle. A nice firm rump with plenty of width leads to firmly muscled & well angulated hind legs which are short below the hock. She has plenty of substance all through without being overdone in anyway, such a balanced, well proportioned bitch. Beautifully presented, her coat is flat & silky in texture. On the move she had some cocker merry attitude which lifted her tail occasionally, however her experienced handler soon had her under control to win the class.

2nd Lujesa Laurellakes Angel Whisper (Misses A & S Kettle) another black of good proportions although not as short as 1. This girl presents a pleasing outline both stacked and on the move. She has a good reach of neck into well placed shoulders, firm level topline which she holds at all times, pleasing angles both front and rear. This girl has lovely muscle tone throughout which was lacking in many exhibits today. She moves positively and merrily. Presentation is excellent and once her new frock has finished growing it will complete the picture. Just preferred the head of 1.

3rd Charmwen Handle with Care at Topday (Miss J McBride)

Maiden Bitch – 6/1 abs

1st Pearkim Pompadora Dargess (Mr P W H Darby) a 14 month old dark blue built of larger proportions. That said she is balanced and has a pleasing square outline both stacked and on the move. Attractive head with kindly expression, good width to front assembly, firm strong mid piece with plenty of heart room. Her rump is well rounded with pleasing muscle tone which helps to propel her around the ring. Plenty of substance throughout there is no doubt she is ‘fit for function’. Her tail carriage was a little high on the move but I could not deny her the class win as she is a lovely, quality type. Well presented and handled.

2nd Granrose Three Times A Lady by Charmwen (Mr A & Mrs C Burnet) a light blue bitch with the prettiest of heads. She has an appealing outline although not as compact as 1. Good legs and ok feet, firm topline, short below the hocks and attractive rear angulation in profile. I would prefer more width. She moves soundly & positively. Excellent presentation of her coat & a credit to her owner/handler. On the day I preferred the substance of 1.

3rd Chataway New Beginning at Sandabys (B Pendlebury)

Novice Bitch – 6/1 abs

1st Albertean Minerva (Mrs R E Small) a substantial dark blue bitch who is nicely put together. She has an attractive head with appealing expression. Good width to front assembly with correct return of upper arm. Strong legs and neat feet, ample spring of rib for her age, short in loin and good angles to her rear. Her jacket is beautifully presented and completes a balanced pleasing picture both stacked and on the move. Would just like a little more animation on the move although I think the long wait and hot weather was affecting some exhibits today.

2nd Wightroche Causing Chaos (Ms C & Mr I Blackley & Salero) a golden bitch with the sweetest of heads and expression. Lovely dark eye and pigment to compliment her colouring. Good angles front and rear with plenty of width & substance. She is well muscled throughout which helped drive her around the ring. When she settled, she moved out well and was certainly enjoying her time in the ring – a very happy girlie. Well presented and handled. Just preferred the more settled movement of 1.

3rd Merry Cocktails Spice of Life at Frieljoanipa (Imp Swe) (Mrs P Taylor-Kistner)

Undergraduate Bitch – 5/0 abs

This was a very mixed class and certainly the first 2 could easily swap places on another day.

1st Ryallcourt Silent Witness for Tanrini (Mr M & Mrs C Norie-Miller) pretty light blue roan with pleasing head & melting expression. Moderate neck into well laid shoulders, adequate spring of rib, topline could be firmer which she lost a bit on the move. Her coat is very nicely presented & she’s well handled. Moved out happily although would like to see more drive from her.

2nd Harbethol Look Just Perfekt (Mr A E G, Misses L D & S J Clarke) compact & cobby blue roan bitch. Attractive headpiece with soft kindly expression, good bone & substance all through. Lovely return of upper arm, firm level topline, short in loin. Pleasing front & rear angulation. Presents a nice picture stacked & moved out well.

3rd Granrose Tantrums N’ Tiaras (Miss C White)

Graduate Bitch – 3/0 abs

1st Manchela Little Tease JW (Mr M J & Mr M F Masters & Dott) well what a super little bitch this is. I was looking for a quality short, compact, cobby cocker with substance and merry attitude and she has this in bucketfuls. A dark blue roan, she has the most beautiful head & melting expression, good width to her front assembly, pleasing return of upper arm, she stands four square on strong well boned legs with neat padded cat-like feet. A good reach of neck flows neatly into well laid shoulders, she has a good spring of rib with plenty of heart room, short backed & short in loin. Firm well rounded rump and short below the hocks this little lady drives from her hindquarters to propel herself around the ring with plenty of reach and drive. An absolute picture on the move, stacked and in profile. Everything just flowed with her, all in moderation and nothing overdone. Presentation is first class, her coat was gleaming & trimmed to perfection. When I started in cockers, I was told their coats should be like a silk scarf that’s been dropped over their bodies, touching in all the right places and gliding everywhere else…that’s exactly what I was reminded of today when handling this bitch. It was a privilege to go over her. She could not be denied today and I was delighted to award her the BCC and on referee decision BOB. I am sure it will not be long before she gains her crown.

2nd Canyonn Classic Vision JW (Miss D & Mrs S Young) a black bitch of different type to 1. Attractive head with good reach of neck, well laid shoulders, firm topline which she holds on the move and when stacked. Moved out OK. Not the coat or the finish of 1.

3rd Kyna Touch of Magic to Holchancer (Mr S A Holland)

The quality in the next three well filled classes was fabulous. I am sure many will change places on other days. Due to time constraints, I was unable to short list in any class.

Post Graduate Bitch – 12/0 abs

1st Glowhill Chiquitita (Mrs J E Mitchell) a blue of good honest type, lovely expression to her feminine head, she has a good front assembly and forechest with plenty of width, adequate neck into well laid shoulders, she has good ribbing, short in loin and level topline which she holds on the move. She is well off for bone and substance all through. Lovely compact neat feet. Moves out well and positively. Her coat has a wave to it but it is well presented. I would prefer to see some feathering on her tail as it tends to make her look longer cast and unbalanced which she is not.

2nd Wighroche the Bee JW (Ms C & Mr I Blackley & Salero) a black bitch with the most appealing of heads, lovely dark eye with that melting expression that captures your heart. Good width to her front assembly and correct upper arm return. She stands four square on nicely boned legs with neat cat like feet which are well padded. Firm neck into well laid shoulders, she has well sprung ribs which lead into a short loin. Her rump is rounded and firm, pleasing bend of stifle and short below the hocks. A short, compact, cobby bitch who is beautifully presented in a flat silky coat with correct feathering not too profuse and a credit to her owner/handler. Moved Ok just not as settled as 1, on another day could easily change places.

3rd Annaside Winter’s Moon (Mr P & Mrs M Davies)

Limit Bitch – 13/0 abs

1st Riondel Solitaire (Miss C Morris) a dark blue who caught my eye as soon as she entered the ring. Lovely balanced head with appealing expression. Good width to front assembly and correct upper arm return. Firm neck with good reach into well laid shoulders, deep chest with well sprung ribs allowing for plenty of heart room, firm level topline and short backed. Her front and rear angulations are a treat for the eye. She is compact, cobby & sturdy with good substance all through. Beautiful well presented coat in gleaming condition with just the right amount of feathering. Short below the hocks she uses her well muscled rear to drive her forward around the ring showing lovely reach and drive with powerful movement. A well deserved RBCC which I was delighted to award her.

2nd Haradwater Vanity Fair at Penmartan (Imp Port) (Mrs T A Lewis) Another quality blue of appealing proportions who I have admired from ringside. Pretty headed girl with good reach of neck into correct shoulder placement, she has a forechest with good width and well boned legs with neat feet. Well sprung ribs and short in loin, she has a firm level topline which she holds stacked and on the move. This girl has plenty of width and substance without being overdone. Lovely presentation as always from this well known kennel. Moved out well and with drive, unfortunate to meet 1 on such top form, I really liked this exhibit.

3rd Larath Midnight Blue (Mr DC & Mrs S L Bowen)

Open Bitch – 14/2 abs

1st Sh Ch Topday Tiny Dancer JW (Miss J McBride) I judged this bitch as a puppy and did her well then so am pleased that she fulfilled her early promise. A dark blue girl who presents a very pleasing outline of good proportions. A little heavier in head than I prefer, she still has an appealing and balanced head with kindly expression & good clean skull. Good reach of neck and her front assembly is firm with good width to her forechest. Lovely bone throughout she stands squarely on strong legs with neat well padded feet. Good depth to her brisket, her ribs are well sprung, short in loin and short below the hocks she is able to drive forward using her firm rump and well muscled thighs to advantage. Her coat is in top class presentation and this with her experienced handling gave a lovely picture both stacked and on the move. Pushed hard for top honours today.

2nd Sheigra Simply A Star JW (Mrs C A West) a black of smaller proportions than 1 with a short, cobby compact body. She has a pretty head with correct eye and melting expression. Adequate reach of neck into good shoulders and firm topline. Pleasing front and rear angles, she moves with drive and purpose and very merrily. With plenty of coat she is well presented & sympathetically handled. Unlucky to meet 1 today.

3rd Withiflor Bird On The Wire Over Wylyeview (Mr S & Mrs J Kew)

Special Beginners Bitch – 4/0 abs

1st Cachel Pop The Question to Meloneras JW (Messrs G & R Green & Brain) a sweet headed light blue roan who presents such a pleasing picture. She has enough width and substance all through, firm neck into adequate shoulder placement, ample spring of rib, firm level topline and short loin. She moves out very well with purpose and drive. Her coat was well presented and in gleaming condition, a real credit to her owner/hander. With agreement of my Co Judge, Miss Paula L Carey, delighted to award her Best Special Beginner in Breed. Due to the late finish of breed judging, the Special Beginner Group had been judged without the cocker being able to compete. Disappointing for the exhibitor, the breed and the breed judges.

2nd Albertean Minerva (Mrs R E Small) see critique in Novice Bitch.

3rd Merry Cocktails Spice of Life at Frieljoanpa (Imp Swe) (Mrs P Taylor-Kistner)

Judge: Mrs Wendy Grist (Kasordon)