Tay Valley Gundog Association

Tay Valley Gundog Association Members Limited Show.

Sunday 25th February 2024

Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge at this very well-run show & to my steward, Maura. Smashing new venue, spacious ring with a sandy surface. Retrievers (Golden) No mouth issues observed. P (3,1) 1. Macdonald’s, Largymore Classique, seven-month-old at her first show, appeared to find it a bit overwhelming making assessment difficult but lots to like. Although not relaxed, she had an attractive head with a dark eye and points. Straight front legs with good bone, well-made feet, nicely angulated front with plenty chest, well sprung ribs, very impressive quarters with a good bend of stifle & lovely straight rear pasterns. Attractive mid gold coat. Held her topline well when moving, correct tail carriage, in the brief moments when it all came together her movement appeared sound. 2. Davidson’s, Bluebraes Skelpit, 9-month-old bitch, very well handed by her novice exhibitor. Sweet feminine head with a dark eye & pigment. Nicely balanced overall, good front angulation, moderate rear angulation, a steady mover with a level topline, tail carried slightly high. Preferred the overall substance of the winner today. SY (2,1) Lochead’s, Kaylaton Heidi Weiss, exuberant sixteen-month-old bitch with lots of ring presence, glamorous pale gold coat, attractive feminine head, excellent pigment, with a very mischievous glint in her eyes. Her handler does a very good job of controlling her enthusiasm but would love to see her totally relaxed in the ring. Well boned straight front legs, clean muscular neck flowing into a good lay of shoulders, elbows well under the body, a tad long in the body for me but holds a level topline standing & on the move, good quarters, stands with hocks vertical. Moves with style, plenty of drive & correct tail carriage. PG (2,1) 1. Carlton’s, Fhairmhor Moonlight Sonata At Thistlegate, Beautifully presented balanced bitch, always fully attentive to her owner, very well handled. Lovely attractive feminine head, dark eye, textbook front when viewed straight on, strong clean muscular neck, well laid shoulders & good reach of upper arm, strong level topline standing & on the move, well boned straight front legs with cat like feet, well-muscled, good quarters but a little more bend of stifle would complete the picture for me. Comes into her own when she moves, a very steady mover, appears to move effortlessly around the ring with a good footfall & correct tail carriage. Attractive golden coat. BOB. L (2,1) 1. Lochead’s, Bluebraes Meadow Pipit, mature happy bitch, attractive golden coat, displayed a balanced profile, pleasant head with a cheeky expression, dark eye, correct length of neck, well laid shoulders, straight front & good feet, level topline, nicely angulated rear quarters. Moved well when settled. Retrievers (Flatcoated) P (1,0) 1. MacKessack-Leitch’s, Caci’s The Jewel Of June At Inchstellie (Imp Swe), seven-month-old bitch, large frame, correct one-piece head, scissor bite, dark brown eye, good front angulation, level topline & moderate rear angulation. Animated on the move with good tail action, less animated standing but expect this will come with time. Lot of leg just now but the big ring allowed her to get into her stride and she moved with drive & extension around the ring. G (2,1) 1. Thomson’s, Llantruss Winter Dreams @ Badcall, nice size bitch with a racy outline, attractive one-piece head, correct scissor bite, dark brown eye, straight front legs with good feet, well defined brisket, her well angled front is nicely balanced with her moderate rear angulation. Animated with enthusiastic tail action while standing, a very steady mover with good footfall, holds her topline well. On the move her tail carriage can distract from her profile. BOB and BIS 4.

Judge: Scott Williamson (Sandti)