Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society

Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society.

27th July 2024.

Clumber Spaniels.

What a pleasure it was to judge a numerically strong, sound and happy entry of Clumbers. I was most grateful to the exhibitors who had stayed south and supported me, when the lure of Challenge Certificates at Leeds must have had great appeal.

I was delighted with the quality and soundness of the entry and very grateful for the opportunity to judge such a number at such a lovely show.

Congratulations to the committee of the Society on their 140th show, a huge milestone, celebrated in wonderful style.

Puppy (0).

Junior (2).

1. Wilson Vantonia Some Like It Hot at Winhampton.

What a super prospect this one is, 17 months with the most robust happy temperament. Well but not over boned, she has femineity and substance without being overdone, her head was broad with a defined stop an square muzzle, correct vine ear shape, her body was long but for one so young she held her topline with ease on the stack and move where she was free and easy. She took best of breed as she performed better in the challenge being more settled than the Open Winner. BOB and later shortlisted in the group.

2. Pickering Vantonia Sorcerer.

A promising exhibit, large correct head, good body and proportions, showed very well for a male at a challenging age, moved well going around, has a super coat and nice markings, for me he lacked a little length of rib, and his flank was not as well let down as 1 but this will come in time. On the move he was a little wider in front than one, but much to like all the same. A strong partnership in the making.

Post Graduate (3,1).

1. Lovell Clumberaise Your Song.

20-month-old male, lovely clean eyes, without much haw showing, beautifully clean ears. He was in hard condition, and I was left in no doubt that he could do a day’s work in rough terrain. Adored his typy and typical outline that was unmistakenly ‘clumber’, his temperament was utterly infectious, super feet, put on an excellent show, despite the heat.

2. Lovell Abbyford Lady Merry of Ivale. A bitch of different type to one, slighter in bone and shorter in leg, a little distracted with her kennelmate in the same ring, but she was enthusiastic, short powerful neck, head markings perhaps a little prolific for some, her coat was silky with correct featherings in the right place. I suspect she might be happier undertaking work in a muddy field but I took pleasure in assessing her all the same.

Open (5,2)

1. Wilson Winhampton Pandoras Box.

Not my immediate winner, but she grew on me as the class went on and ultimately won on movement and cleanness of eye. She is moderate in angles to the fore and rear but balanced, her length of body and proportions are correct but her topline was sound on the stack on move, where she was active, sound and coordinated, perhaps little effected by the heat today, but would have been my BOB had there not been a change of handler. Immaculately presented.

2. Wilson Sh Ch Anbrook Fair Maid of Kent by Winhampton.

Of unmistakable quality, suffering a little in the heat and was a touch too relaxed on the move, which cost her the place regrettably. Super head, lovey shape ear and delightful to get your hands on, her chest is deep with ribs well spring, correct bone with femineity, she is a veteran and I suspect normally it doesn’t show, but in today’s heat she gave a little away to the younger exhibits. Not remotely surprised that she has a title, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to judge.

Judge; Jennifer Millard

Tunbridge Wells & District Canine Society.

27th July 2024.

Champion Stakes (15, 9)

1. Haffenden & Wood Ch Nasabe Play The Game JW, English Toy Terrier.

Caught my eye immediately and I was sure that she was determined to win from the minute she entered the ring. I was struck by her elegance and showmanship, her flat skull and wedge-shaped muzzle appealed, her loin was well rounded, and she had a a good turn of stifle. I was pleased to judge her, and she coped very well in the heat and enjoyed every moment.

2. Paingault Sh Ch Taftazini Aiden Abbett, German Shorthaired Pointer.

A royally bred veteran, whom I have never seen before, but the catalogue tells me that I was a huge fan of his mother. Just my type, substance, balance and bone without being overdone, the proportions that distinguish this shorthaired variety from its wire cousin. He was in such hard condition and so very sound, despite his veteran years. I was only sorry I hadn’t assessed him sooner.

Judge; Jennifer Millard