Waverley Gundog Association

Flatcoated Retrievers

I thank the committee for the opportunity to judge at this lovely venue. I apologise for the lateness of submitting this critique, however less than 48 hours after the judging appointment, we unexpectedly and traumatically lost my dad.

I was overjoyed at the entry, and I looked forward to the appointment and was not disappointed on the day. I thank exhibitors for the sporting way my decisions were taken and the lovely exhibits. Many thanks to my steward for conducting a wonderful job on the day.

I was delighted to hear my Best of Breed was awarded Reserve Best in Show, well done to the owners.

Puppy (4,1) Difficult decision between first two as one appealed for outline, however the other scored on movement.

1st Harris’s Ronevorg Highland Whisper of Siancala

Lovely six month old balanced puppy, he has a super outline, his head is lovely with good dark eyes, good length of neck leading to well laid back shoulders with corresponding upper arm. Level topline, he is a sound mover, would have preferred a bit more spark on the move on the day, although he did enough to win the class. BP

2nd Blain’s Rotherfield Made to Last at Steelriver

7 month old male puppy who has come up to size. He has a lovely head with dark eyes, shown in good coat. Good length of neck leading to well laid back shoulders and corresponding upper arm, on the stand he tends to crouch which spoils his topline and the lovely outline he shows when on the move, as he matures his rear quarters will strengthen. He stands on good bone, with an ever wagging tail, which was used well on the move. His stride, carriage and drive on the move were very impressive for such a youngster.

3rd Grant’s Westoncruive Stand By Me

Junior (3,1)

1st Hall’s Hightyne Night Train

This 15 month old balanced male presents a lovely outline, he is well presented, shown in lovely coat and condition. He has a good head and expression and very attentive to his handler stands on good bone and feet, he has a lovely reach of neck leading into a level topline, his angulation is balanced throughout, a shade long in loin, moved out effortlessly with drive.

2nd Mackessack-Leitch’s Caci’s the Jewel of June at Inchstellie (Imp Swe)

16 month old balanced bitch with a feminine head, dark eye and well set ears. Good length of neck flowing into well laid back shoulder placement, level topline which she held on the move with good level tail action. Balanced rear angulation which she used to advantage on the move. Unlucky to come up against the beautifully presented male on the day.

Special Yearling (3,1)

1st Harris’s Dymexe Outlander at Siancala

A happy exuberant boy of moderate size and well presented. I would have preferred a more refined head and expression. He has a lovely length of neck, leading to a level topline. I found him to be well made throughout. Muscular hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle. This boy moved out really well today, with good reach and drive.

2nd Caci’s the Jewel of June at Inchstellie (Imp Swe)

Graduate (3,0)

1st Thorpe’s Montreathmnt Hotlips

This 6 year old bitch presented a pleasing outline, feminine head, good length of neck flowing into level topline, balanced angulation throughout, short in the loin with gradual spring of rib, moved out well with good tail action.

2nd Flynn’s Rodsdream She Doesn’t Mind

A 4 year old bitch on the smaller side, she presented a pleasing outline, however, would have preferred a shade longer leg length. This bitch is very attentive to her handler, standing on good bone and neat feet. She has a lovely length of neck flowing into level topline with good tail set and moderate angulation throughout. Moved out well.

3rd Mackessack-Leitch’s Finhamspride Kia at Inchistellie

Limit (6,1) Lovely class in which I felt placings could change.

1st Flynn’s Simon Says Home to the Castle (Imp Nor)

A super outline on this 7 year old bitch, who belies her age, she has a lovely head with dark eyes. A great length of neck flowing into well laid back shoulders with good length of upper arm and depth of chest. She stands on a lovely straight front with quality bone, has corresponding hind angulation and good tail set. She is a sound level mover, presented to perfection, liked this bitch a lot. RBOB

2nd McDonalds’s Skyloch Final Say

This 4 year old lady presents a lovely picture, she has a lovely head and expression with dark eyes. Not in the best of coats today, but she appealed for her many qualities. A correct sized bitch with good length of neck, level topline, good depth of body and angulation throughout. Moved out well with drive.

3rd Macpherson’s Rachanmill Columbo

Open (3,1) Two lovely examples of the breed.

1st Flynn’s Sh Ch Finhamspride Kovu Among Rodsdream

This 6 year old male stood out for me today, I have never seen him looking and moving as well. A lovely champion with a personality to match and beautifully presented. He has a lovely appealing head, masculine with dark eyes, excellent length to his neck that flowed into well laid back shoulders and level topline. He has a good depth to his chest, lovely bone and good tight feet, quality body properties throughout with strength in his rear quarters. He moved out very stylish and sound, the icing on the cake was his non-stop happy wagging tail both standing and on the move. Delighted to have the opportunity to judge him and award him Best of Breed on the day, pleased to hear he went on to take RBIS.

2nd McDonald’s Sh Ch Steelriver Dance in the sun at Skyloch VW

What a pleasure to judge this nine year old feminine bitch, she has a lovely classical head, good shape and colour of eyes topped off with neat ears. I found this lady to be well made throughout, short coupled, good topline and tail set. She moved out soundly with a good stride, just unfortunate to come up against the beautifully presented first place.

Judge Jane Wild (Bluewaters)