Goyt Valley Gundog Society

Goyt Valley Gundog Society- 22/09/2024

Irish Setters, Large Munsterlander, Retriever (Flatcoated), Spanish Water Dogs.

My thanks go to hard working committee for asking me to judge at their show and for a lovely welcome. This show has been one to remember for me, for all the right reasons. Therefore, I really am grateful for the appointment. Thanks, must also go to Ian and Emma for their more than able assistance in running the ring so well for me. They both made life a lot easier.

The biggest thanks, must go to the exhibitors who brought their four-legged companions under me, especially in breeds that are not my own. Although in several classes the numbers were not high, this was made up for, by the standard of their charges, with plenty of hope to be seen from lovely youngsters coming through.

I would normally state that my critique is based strongly on movement, however, this was not the easiest to assess today.

Critique in catalogue order.

Brittany

Classes 5,6,7,8: no entries

Irish Setter

So much to like about many of the exhibits entered in this breed, in every class. Each class had at least one dog that would do very well in any show and have firsts on their day. A heartfelt thank you to the exhibitors for this great entry.

Class 41- Irish Setter Puppy (3,1):

1. 61- Holmes’s GWENDARIFF MR BLUE SKY - this 10-month young man, looks to be one for the future. Everything seems so well put together already. Very well-balanced young man. Quite a rangy boy with plenty of scope available and strong in the stack. Male head, that is well off for ratios of skull to muzzle. Parallel planes evident. Lovely workings under deep, dark eye, with strength to stop and raised brows. Good prominence to occiput. Correct in ear placement with ample reach to well arched neck. flowing lines easily seen from neck into shoulders fine at point and well set back of good proportions. Rather narrow to chest. Well sprung ribs. Not overly done tuck up and well coupled. Strength over loin. Width to croup and that was not exorbitant. Correct tail set. This all came together to provide a lovely gently sloping topline. Correct rear angulation, in balance with front. width to upper thigh evident. Well off for bone throughout with plenty of substance. Moved out with purpose and drive. Definitely one to watch closely. I’m sure if he keeps on this trajectory he will do so well. Over the moon to say BP and BPIS.

2. 55- Hart’s GWENDARIFF YOU’RE A WEE MONKEY AT GILLIEGRAE – a young 7-month-old boy that was unlucky to come up against the other entry in the class. A fab male head that had a lovely shape to the cranium, excellent occipital protuberance, and finish to square muzzle, with flews of good depth. Well raised brows surrounding characteristic unshelled almond eyes, of dark hue giving a look of pathos. Ample amount of working to zygomatic arch. Appealing rise to stop. Ear set on low, hanging neatly and closely to neck of good reach and correct arch. Correct in front angulation and proportions. Rather narrow in front. Good spring to ribs, with strength to loin. gently sloping croup. Lovely rear angulation with width to upper thigh. Short hocks and correct tail set. Moved well in the triangle, and on the up and back. Free stacked well. Personally thought he needed a little more substance, losing out to the more mature dog on the day. However, I’m sure this young man will keep moving in the right direction under this great tutelage.

Class 42- Irish Setter Junior (5,1):

1. 60- Holehan’s LOGANRISH TIGER WARRIOR – 14-months of age, only just into the junior class but certainly did not look out of place. I have been lucky to go over this young man previously and my opinion on him hasn’t changed. Quite imposing in the stack, forming a great profile and well balanced between front and back. A well-constructed male head, showing good length proportions from muzzle to cranium. Prominence to occipital protuberance. A lovely soft expression formed from dark, unshelled almond shaped eye and lovely amount of working to foreface. Good length to neck, which was well off for muscle. Fine at point of shoulder, with great front angulation. Excellent depth to chest, that was down at elbow. Stereotypical topline, held well on the move thanks to a well-muscled loin. Width seen across croup, that was well placed. Lovely rear-angulation that was mirrored with front. Width across upper thigh coming along nicely as is the strength to second thigh. On the move, was true on the up and back, with good footfall. Plenty of width behind. Very pleasing in the free stand. Still would like to see a little more fullness to body but looking positive for a young dog. He is maturing nicely and hope to see a good future.

2. 59- Holehan’s LOGANRISH TIGER LILLY PEARL – litter sister to 1st. As to be expected, finer than that of her brother, giving her feminine appearance, yet showing a lot of the same qualities. Really lovely soft expression, coming from some lovely workings to zygomatic arch, raised brows and darkest of correct shaped eyes. Good finish to foreface. Good balance in head planes and construction, lean yet not snipey. Prominence to stop, without being overdone and decent presence of occiput. As with her brother, lovely reach of neck, yest still strong. Balance in angulation between front and rear. Nicely sprung ribs, which were down at elbow, with good width to chest. Strong in loin. Nicely sloping croup and well set on tail. Not overly done width to thigh which was in keeping with the rest of this girl. Nicely short hocks. Yet another with a good topline, which did not waver on the move. Moved well on the up and back. A well-balanced young girl. Presented well indeed. Maturing will be key for this girl in terms of body and coat. However, it might not be long before she surpasses her brother.

3. 62- Kassube and French’s THENDARA HOT DIAMOND AND CARARUA.

Class 43- Irish Setter Postgraduate (3,0):

1. 66- Sloane’s FERASHEEN POP THE CHAMPERS JW– This nearly 2-year-old bitch is very eye catching indeed. Very feminine in overall appeal without losing correct characteristics. So appealing in the stack, showing a racy outline without being narrow or frail. Super, characteristic expression, with depth to eyes that she used well. Suitably prominent stop in keeping with a lovely lean head, that showed parallel planes that finished well in foreface. Correct ear set and well off for length. These were held closely to an elegant neck that still had strength. Excellent in front angulation. lovely width to chest. Thoracic region well sprung and well let down. Good strength to loin. Slightly longer in cast than I am used to but still within balanced proportion. Width seen across croup. Excellent in upper thigh width and good rear angulation. All coming together to give that gently sloping topline. Well-muscled throughout. Even in a less than helpful ring, the handler got the best out of her, showing graceful movement, correct footfall, and good width in the up and back, as well as the free stand. Coat needs a little filling out, but sure will come with time. I think she still needs a little more maturing but will certainly be pushing for top honours in many shows. A great prospect and lovely bitch.

2. 52- Gilks’s SUTERESETT MR MISTOFFELEES AT GOCHMAWR – this 5-year-old looked very impressive in the stack, in part because of the super condition of his coat. Instantly eye catching. Good finish to face and balance to parallel planes of head and muzzle. Super shape over cranium and occipital protuberance. Such a gentle, soft expression, to make you want to keep looking deep into his eyes, that were not too wide apart, nor too narrow. Correctly placed ears and of good length, that had a style suiting him. Strong neck, of moderate reach. Fine at shoulders, with good length to scapula. Deep in chest. Well off for bone and rib. Width over croup good, and tail set as of breed standard, on just below the level of the back. Width seen to upper thigh. Short in hocks. Super gently sloping topline and free flowing lines. Super presentation, so very well done.

3. 53- Green’s LOGANRISH OUT ON THE TOWN JW (honourable mention).

Class 44- Irish Setter Limit (0):

Class 45- Irish Setter Open Dog (5,0):

1. 65- Richardson’s GWENDARIFF TULLY’S RED ARROWS – I have been lucky to have gone over this lovely boy, some 2 years ago. Now just over 4 years of age, he has matured beautifully. Imperious in the stack, showing true qualities of an Irish Setter male. Strong, pleasing dog head, with correct planes. Correct finish to muzzle. Prominence to stop with oval shape to skull. Dark eye that was shelved by an appealing amount of workings. Occipital protuberance nicely present. Ears set on low of good length, hanging neatly next to arched, strong but lean neck of moderate length. This transitioned effortlessly into fine withers and well angulated shoulders. Well boned throughout. Depth to chest and well sprung ribs. Strong over loin and nicely angulated croup, with a correct tail set. All providing that necessary gently sloping topline. Width to upper and 2nd thigh, all set off with correct rear angulation, mirroring front. Even in a difficult ring, still moved so very well, showing width behind, correct footfall in the triangle and upright pasterns on the away. Was true in the free stack. Presented to perfection in a full coat. This boy has come together very well indeed, and I would expect to see a few abbreviations before his name in the future. A very well earned and deserved BOB.

2. 51- Cohen’s LYNWOOD MERRY MAY KING WITH SHUSHANA – yet another nice entry making this class a hard one to judge. Really lovely in head and expression from this 5-year-old. Full in dark nose, good finish to foreface, balance to muzzle and head proportions. prominence to stop without being excessive. Lovely, raised brows, decent workings to zygomatic arch, classic dark unshelled almond eye, with lovely complementary pigment. Ample rise to occiput. Excellent in ear placement and length, which was held tightly to skull. This framed the head beautifully. Good reach to neck that flowed well into shoulders that were fine at point, good angulation, and proportions. Lovely width to front. Good bone seen throughout and strong, straight in forelegs. Excellent in depth to chest, and spring to ribs. Strong over loin and good tuck up. Good angulation and length to croup, making tail set easy to see that it was correct. Would personally prefer a little more width to thigh to finish the package off. Nice, short, hocks. Moved very well in the up and back. True footfall on the around. A little naughty in the free stack, which showed his lovely character. All making for a lovely boy.

3. 58- Holehan’s LOGANRISH LET’S GO CRAZY (very honourable mention).

Class 41- Irish Setter Open Bitch (3,1, 1 W/D):

1. 57- Holehan’s LOGANRISH DIAMONDS N’PEARLS – 6-year-old with a lot to like. Mother to 1st and 2nd in Junior. I believe she has been shown lightly but believe she should have been more. A lovely girl of very nice construction. A refined female head, very much of my liking. Good width and shape over skull. Sweetest expression, coming from gentle supraorbital torus, correct unshelled almond shaped eye, and complementary workings. Moderate rise to the stop also assisted this well. Good planes to skull. Transition from skull to nape of neck presenting that arch, into neck of good reach and strength. Correct in front angulation and proportions, with good balance between scapula and upper arm. Well boned throughout, and lovely straight forearm. Excellent spring of ribs and strong loin. plenty of width over croup. Lovely balance to front and aft angulation, with upper and second thigh showing width and strength. Excellent short hocks. Tail set just below level of topline. moved with good width on the up and back. A well put together mature girl, with lots to like.

BOB - 65- Richardson’s Gwendariff Tully’s Red Arrows (from Open).

BP - 61- Holmes’s Gwendariff Mr Blue Sky (from Puppy).

Large Munsterlander

Class 55- Large Munsterlander Puppy (0):

Class 56- Large Munsterlander Junior (0):

Class 57- Large Munsterlander Limit (0):

Class 58- Large Munsterlander Open (2,1):

1. 75 – Jenks’s ALBADHU HIDDEN POTENTIAL - this 5-year-old male, sadly stood alone today, in the breed today. Presented well in a full, predominantly solid black coat. Strong in male head that was appealing. Broad in slightly rounded skull, slightly rising stop. Loved his eyes for depth of dark brown colour and shape, giving a lovely intelligent expression. This was very in keeping in size to rest of body. Ears, of good length, lying sufficiently close to skull and well haired. Very strong in neck, which joined well with forequarters. Good width to front and depth to chest. Well sprung ribs. Strong over loin. Well off for body proportions. Good width over croup. Tail set and carriage very good. Muscle seen throughout. Again, ring not suitable for dog to show his best, seeming a little close behind. Very neat feet. Well feathered on front and hindlegs. BOB.

BOB -75- Jenks’s ALBADHU HIDDEN POTENTIAL (from Open).

Retriever (Flatcoated)

Class 73- Retriever (Flatcoated) Puppy (1,1):

Class 74- Retriever (Flatcoated) Junior (1,0):

1. 102- Blythin's ANGELUSPARKS V PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT JULESVILLE (IMP PRT) – a very lively 15-month-old, that was lovely to see. He loved his job and did it with exuberance. Quite typical in head construction, with good planes and length. Dark in eye and correctly set ears, of proportional size. Clean lines seen throughout. This was evident from the transition from strong neck into well angulated shoulders. Well off for bone for age, which was very evident in his strong straight front legs. Lovely topline, that was strong on the move as well as in the stack. Nice rear angulation. Balance between front and back was evident. Still showing a little immaturity, compared with the other exhibits in the breed, but sure will develop with time. Although not dripping in coat, he was presented very well. Extremely jolly on the move, which I hope he retains.

Class 75- Retriever (Flatcoated) Limit (3,2):

1. 103- Buckley’s BLACKTOFT BRINDISI BY BUCKLEYHILL – the last time I saw this young man, he was still just starting his show career. He did particularly well under me. I think it is safe to say he is still maturing very well. Although a slightly smaller in stature black male, a boy of sound construction, with a lot to like. Head long with very slight stop, and skull of width. Lovely shape to eye, that had great depth. This provided him the base of a lovely gentle, yet intelligent expression. Correct in ear size and set. Length to well-muscled neck. Entire body flowed from one aspect to the next. Head well set into neck. Front with width and depth and in angulation, sound. Well ribbed, down at elbow and strong over loin. Hindquarters of good proportions and lovely to see a good second thigh with correct rear angulation. Neat feet. Moved best out of all the ‘Flatcoats’ on show today. Presented in a very sleek coat. Overall balance and cleanliness of lines won him BOB.

Class 76- Retriever (Flatcoated) Open (4,3):

1. 105- Hewison’s CASBLAIDD ISLAND IN THE SKY SGWC KCWGC – a black male of some 7 years of age. more substantial in height and overall presence to that of the other entries in breed. Very good condition for age, brilliantly off for muscle throughout and lovely disposition. Although very much a male in head construction, the softest of expressions was visible, which was very appealing. Very dark in eye, with pigment to match, perfectly matching coat. Gentle stop. Correct in ear placement and size. Strong in neck and well laid into shoulder. Depth to chest and solid over loin. Excelled in width to upper thigh. Good rear angulation, width to croup and lovely tail set. I believe that the ring was not conducive to the movement of this charge. Presented beautifully in super coat.

BOB- 103- Buckley’s BLACKTOFT BRINDISI BY BUCKLEYHILL (from Limit).

Spanish water dog

If the entries present are indicative of the standard of the breed, then it is in a good place.

Class 127- Spanish Water Dog puppy (1,0):

1. 223 - Darwesh’s CHANDERHILL SMART EDITION FOR ELIZARD – A dog and handler I have had the pleasure of meeting previously. I must say that it was not beginners’ luck when they were placed well under me before. Lovely shape to head of obvious 3:2 proportions, with flat skull and slight stop. Eye colour hazel, complementary to that of coat, as was pigmentation to nose and eye lids. Ears set slightly above level of eye and of correct v shape. This hung well next to strong, short neck. Lines flowed well into withers that were the tip of good front angulation. Width to deep chest and excellent in spring of rib. Strong over loin and just showing the characteristic height to length ratio. Well-muscled throughout including rear. Ring size was adequate for this breed, with this man still showing that strut I have seen before. Good in footfall and moved briskly. Presented extremely well in predominantly rich, dark brown, with white coat, this young man looked the part, even though only being some 10 months. Up against very stiff competition for the challenge. BP.

Class 128- Spanish Water Dog Junior (1,0):

1. 223 - Darwesh’s CHANDERHILL SMART EDITION FOR ELIZARD- see critique from class 127- puppy.

Class 128- Spanish Water Dog Limit (0):

Class 128- Spanish Water Dog Open (1,0):

1. 224 - Preece and Coopers’s SH CH JANAMORIO NORTHERN ARLO- Another that I have had the pleasure of going over previously. However, the glimpses he showed when young have come to fruition, making for a lovely complete package at 4 years of age. Very imposing in the stack, showing the special appearance in keeping with the breed. In lighter shades of brown with white than that of the puppy, and still dense in close curls. Lovely strong male head, of correct proportions and balance. Loved his parallel planes. Lighter shade of brown in eye colour, that again complemented the lighter brown coat well, with pigment to match. Correct in ear placement and shape. Short, strong neck effortless transition from neck to withers. Correct front angulation. Straight in front quarters, and well boned throughout. Well sprung ribs. Good strength to the loin. Good to see a good amount of width to hind end and well developed, large upper and 2nd thigh. Correct in body to length ratio. Drove out particularly well. Presented and handled excellently. BOB and Grp4.

BOB - 224 - Preece and Coopers’s SH CH JANAMORIO NORTHERN ARLO (from open).

BP - 223 – Darwesh’s CHANDERHILL SMART EDITION FOR ELIZARD (from puppy and Junior).

Dr. Hefin Jones (Pencastan)