Guildford & District Canine Society

Guildford & District Canine Society 18th February 2024

Cocker Spaniels

Huge thanks to Guildford and the committee for inviting me to judge Cocker Spaniels, I had such an enjoyable day. And to both of my stewards for being so welcoming and helpful. Thank you also to Hampshire and Sussex Cocker Spaniel Club for sponsoring the entry. I was thrilled with the entry of Cockers today, all of which were of good quality and showed well.

Puppy (5 Entries) Abs: 2

1st – Warrington’s Zakova Santana (BPIB)

What a fantastic class to start the day. Lovely 8-month-old black boy who caught my eye on the initial move around the ring. He possesses the most delightful head with such a soft expression. He is well angulated both front and rear, with a good reach of neck. He has good depth of chest and width at the rear. Moved around the ring well, very settled and had good tail action. Delighted to award him Best Puppy and to hear he was shortlisted in the Puppy Group later in the day.

2nd – Anderson & Foster’s Sabaloo Star Dancer

Sweet 6-month-old Black bitch, who also has many lovely attributes for such a young pup. Still very raw but she has everything in the right place. She has a lovely head and neck, leading into fine shoulders. Lovely tight elbows and short, cobby body. She strode out confidently on the move using her tail well as she went, she just needs to settle a bit more to show off her attributes.

3rd – Kotanen’s Yokotai Queen of Chaos

Junior (3 Entries) Abs: 0

1st – Warrington’s Zakova Wise Guy (BOB & G2)

As soon as this 13-month-old black dog entered the ring, I could not take my eyes off him and upon inspection I was not disappointed. He has the most divine head and gorgeous melting expression that I love about Cockers. He presents a lovely flowing outline, with nothing overdone. Lovely bone and front assembly. Moved soundly both fore and aft, using his tail well and showing great reach and drive. First class presentation and fantastic coat. Delighted to award him Best of Breed and to hear he later went on to be awarded Gundog Group 2.

2nd – Collier’s Pepperbox Midnight Parti JW

Lovely 17-month-old blue roan dog, who also has many lovely attributes. Another who has a splendid masculine head piece. Particularly liked him for his well sprung ribs and short cobby body. Nice fine shoulders leading to tight elbows. Good angulation all through. He moved out well round the ring. A lovely dog, well done.

3rd – Anderson & Foster’s Sabaloo Moondance Kyd

Post Graduate (4 Entries) Abs: 0

1st – Warrington’s Zakova Wise Guy

Repeat from Junior Class

2nd – Hutton-Baber’s Esqueen I’m Iconic For Babtonkelpie (Imp Pol)

Sweet 20-month-old Black & White Bitch. Presents a lovely compact outline when stood, with a good reach of neck. Another who has fine sloping shoulders and is nice and short in loin. Nicely angulated front and rear, with nothing over exaggerated. Presented in lovely condition. Just lost out on movement to the Junior class winner.

3rd – Pepperbox Midnight Parti JW

Open (5 Entries) Abs: 1

1st – Hutton-Baber’s Esqueen Following Star At Babtonkelpie JW (Imp Pol) (RBOB)

2-year-old dark blue roan bitch, who was presented in fabulous coat and condition. She has a beautiful head and expression, ever so gentle. She stood square on nice tight feet with good bone. Nice front and rear angulation. A good honest cocker with nothing overstated. She won this class on her movement, which was both steady and accurate showing good drive around the ring. Pleased to award her Reserve Best of Breed.

2nd – Anderson & Foster’s Zakova Sundance Kyd At Sabaloo JW

2½ year old black dog who oozes masculinity from head to tail, with everything in the right place. Gorgeous head and expression. Lovely reach of neck leading into a well-constructed front. Good strong body with good ribs and bone. Nicely angulated all through. He is a good mover with good drive, just preferred the tail action of the winner. Another lovely dog.

3rd – Collier’s Pepperbox Parti On JW

Claire Dolan