Cheshire Agricultural Society

The Royal Cheshire County Premier Open Show – 19th June 2024

Spanish Water Dogs

Judge: Aarron Kehoe

I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge Spanish Water dogs at the show for my first official judging appointment. Thank you to all those who entered under me, in what turned out to be a breed record entry for a KC all-breed Open Show, it was a privilege to be allowed to go over your lovely SWDs, the quality on show was magnificent. It’s also worth noting the fantastic camaraderie amongst the SWD exhibitors, it all helped create a fantastic atmosphere.

Puppy (5)

1st Lendever's Get A Grip

Black with white markings. Just turned 6 months and her first time in the ring, you’d never have known it! Fantastic character first and foremost, tail wagging and a very happy puppy. Expressive eyes and a strong head of correct proportions. A lovely big nose with fantastic black pigment, continuing through her coat. Even at this young age you can already see a strong short neck, well set into shoulders. On the move is where this bitch sparkles. A beautiful brisk and powerful stride across the ring, perfect foot placement and reach. Great tail set and carriage. BP

2nd Bullbrothers Miracle

8-month-old brown and white bitch. Another cracking puppy bitch. Just as good in construction as 1st place and just as happy. Beautiful hazel eyes, slightly more developed than 1st place and you can see that strong, elegant head already coming along nicely, leading to muscular neck, with a level top line. Nice deep chest. Moderately angled hindquarters with very well-muscled thighs. On the move she lacked the drive of 1st place, however still a lovely puppy with an exciting future.

3rd Lendever Don’t Look Now

Special Yearling (3,2)

1st Briarlow Bin Winning via Amigorizado

20-month-old white and brown dog. Short/Medium length coat with correct texture. Another fantastic temperament. Strong head of correct proportions. Short muscular neck with sound front assembly. Stood like a rock with a level top line and strong loin, leading to very well-muscled thighs. On the move he made it a little difficult for his handler, however you could see good steady rear drive. The outline/silhouette of this dog was one of the most pleasing on the day, he’s very well put together and fully deserving of his place, was very close to BOB and RBOB awards. Exciting dog to watch develop.

2nd Lendever's All Bets Are Off

15 months old black and white bitch. A very pretty but solid working dog. Was in a very short coat today, recently clipped but was proudly showing off her latest couple of bumps and scuffs that she picked up from a hard day’s gundog work. Lovely dark eyes and a pleasing, elegant, feminine head. Strong front assembly with a deep chest showing good angulation and correct length of leg. Correct top line. Well-developed hindquarters. Effortless movement. A touch short in the back for me.

3rd Cravessa's Right On The Dot by Adormidera

Limit (6)

1st Zorrazo X Factor at Lendever

2-year-old brown and white dog. Robust, fantastically conditioned, strong dog with a classic outline, this dog is an athlete. Short in coat and not hiding anything. Such a happy soul, expressive eyes with a flat skull of correct proportions. Very strong neck set into shoulders. Muscled and well put together front assembly with elbows close to body. Well sprung in rib with a deep chest and minimal tuck up. Hindquarters following a similar pattern of strength and moderate angulation. Powerful drive moving across the ring. Could have easily swapped places with BOB and hardly anything in it. RBOB.

2nd Lendever's You Snooze You Lose

15-month-old brown bitch. Really eye catching with lovely pigmentation with that deep brown colour of coat. Was very happy to be in the ring, nice elegant and feminine head. Plenty of chest, with excellent proportions of height to length. Level top line with minimal tuck up, giving a strong loin leading into very well-conditioned hindquarters. Moved with purpose around the ring. Just lacking the strength and maturity of 1st place. Very promising indeed.

3rd Silvestre of The Marjohrita avec Briarlow

Open (7)

1st Janamorio Northern Arlo

Nearly 4-year-old brown and white dog. Looked the part, presented in full rustic coat. Superb head, strong jaw and short, muscular neck set well into shoulders. Front assembly was spot on, great proportions. Deep chest with well sprung ribs. Level top line and muscular loin leading into a correct medium tail set. Moderately angulated at the rear, well-muscled thighs with super developed second thigh. Correct hocks and rear pasterns with tight round feet. He moved with purpose and drive, looked like he loved every minute of it. A lovely bond with his handler. Very tough choice between him and the Limit winner for BOB, in the end his super head was the only thing that separated them for me. BOB

2nd Sh Ch Josalyn Rio Ziggystardust via Janamorio

6-year-old brown dog. Recently clipped but still showing evidence of curl. Kind eyes with correct head and skull. Nice short, strong neck. Correct proportions for height and length. A nice deep chest giving plenty heart and lung room. Round, tight feet. The dog knows his job, he’s such a showman and I imagine he could do his whole routine without a handler. Moved true, with power from the rear.

3rd Zorrazo Everybody Gonna Talk at Lendever