Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

The National Dog Show 09/05/2025 Breed: German Wirehaired Pointers Judge: Alice Turnbull I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the committee of the National Dog Show for inviting me to judge German Wirehaired Pointers and for the honour of my first Challenge Certificate appointment. It was truly a privilege to judge this breed at such a prestigious level, having been involved with and competing in this breed since 2001. I extend my thanks to the exhibitors who generously gave up their Friday to present their dogs, as well as to those who sent their apologies due to prior commitments. My appreciation also goes to the stewards for their efficient assistance in ensuring the smooth running of the ring throughout the day. That said, I must note that even the most skilled handlers can occasionally overstretch their dogs or allow them to adopt a ‘rocking horse’ stance, which detracts from the overall outline and presentation of the dog. Special Beginners Dog - No Entries Minor Puppy Dog- No Entries Puppy Dog- (1) 1. Morris & Evans’ Beanalrem Gwyndu. This 11 month of youngster of promising type, displays a pleasing overall outline. This dog presents correct body proportions and stands on straight well boned forelegs with clean lines. Coat is of good texture and lies close to skin. The topline is firm and holds tail well on standing and moving. Hindquarters are developing well, with hocks of correct length, set square and parallel, allowing for efficient movement. Today, the dog appeared somewhat immature and slightly out of balance- likely due to an awkward growth stage. With time, I expect this youngster to come together into a sound and great example of the breed. Awarded Best Puppy. Junior Dog- No Entries Post Graduate Dog- No Entries Limit Dog (2) 1. O’Brien’s Caldewriver Cold As Ice. This dog presents a well balanced and compact build, well proportioned with a straight topline. The head is of pleasing shape, balanced and strong without being overdone. Expression is alert which adds to the character of this dog. The coat is of correct harsh texture, lying close to the body. Legs are strong and straight with lean, well defined muscle, and feet are compact, contributing to a sound and functional mover. Overall a tidy, well balanced dog which shows much promise. Proud to award RDCC. 2. Hewins’ Xaver IV. V Bockenhagen (Imp Deu) Taller than class winner, but still maintains equal and correct body proportions, presenting a strong, workmanlike outline. This dog displays a level topline and overall balance which speaks to function. Well developed in muscle, particularly through the hindquarters, he boasts a strong turn of stifle with hocks set square. Open Dog (5) 1. Donelley’s Ir Sh Ch Kimmax They Kall Me Mr Tibbs. A beautifully balanced dog who stood out today for his overall outline and exceptional movement. He presents a classic silhouette, with a strong, level topline and well-angulated hindquarters that contribute to a powerful, driving gait. When on the move, particularly on the circles, he truly came into his own—covering the ground with purpose, freedom, and impressive reach and drive. Without question, he was the best mover of the day. His head is of pleasing proportions, good furnishings, good head planes and a strong, alert expression. Neck of good proportion flowing into well laid shoulders and nice deep chest. Well muscled with a strong turn of stifle and hocks set square, he combines athleticism with correct breed type. A well-constructed, workmanlike dog who embodies both function and form. Proud to award him the DCC and BOB. 2.McCullough’s Kimmax Kiss Ma Blackside At Beechillawn Slightly smaller in overall shape compared to class winner, despite this, this dog presents a compact and balanced outline, with correct proportions and a firm topline. He is well-structured with good bone and stands on strong, well-made hocks that provide stability and support. His movement was generally sound, though he moved a little close behind for my preference today, particularly on the out-and-back. Nonetheless, he maintains a purposeful gait and a well-constructed frame. The head is broader in plane than class winner, but still within type, and carries a pleasing expression. A solid dog with good underlying structure and plenty of potential. Veteran Dog (2) (2abs) Special Beginners Bitch (1) 1. Hogg’s M-Frivilje At Cappercleigh (Imp Nor) A 4-year-old bitch of pleasing type, presenting an extremely feminine and refined outline. She displays a very attractive head—balanced and proportionate—with a gentle, intelligent expression enhanced by beautiful, correctly shaped eyes of ideal colour and set. Her topline is firm and level, leading into well-angulated hindquarters with a good turn of stifle and hocks of correct length and shape, set square to the ground. Movement was sound and purposeful, though slightly quick at times, which slightly detracted from her overall rhythm. Carrying a little more weight than ideal today, which softens her outline somewhat, but this did not diminish her quality or her ability to move with drive and balance. It was a pleasure to see her be placed Special Beginners Group 4 at her first dog show, and deservedly so. Minor Puppy Bitch- No Entries Puppy Bitch- No Entries Junior Bitch (1) 1. Geary’s Becka Dreams Of Little Prince At Germanus (Imp Hun). A feminine bitch with a pleasing head and a dark shaped eye that contributes to a soft, typical expression. She possesses a clean neck that flows neatly into well-laid shoulders and a nicely ribbed body. While generally well balanced, I would prefer more length in body to improve overall proportions. Her rear is moderate but functional, with a well-set tail that was carried correctly on the move. Post Graduate Bitch (2) 1. McCullough’s Beechillawn Bed Of Roses At Kimmax (IKC) A nicely proportioned bitch who presents a clean and typical outline. She has a pleasing eye—medium in size, of correct shape and colour—contributing to a gentle and intelligent expression. Chest is well developed, appearing deep rather than wide, with good forechest and well-sprung ribs. Forelegs are straight, lean, and of good strength. Hocks are straight, parallel, and of correct length, providing efficient and sound movement. 2. 1st in Special Beginners Class Limit Bitch (3) (1abs). 1. Flatt’s Kimmax Keep My Actions Klear For Belstock Possessing a very pretty head with a soft eye and inquisitive expression, this bitch is mature in body with good depth. She has just the right amount of bone, a strong front, and lovely width through well-bent stifles in the hindquarters. Her movement is accurate and purposeful, though she was carrying slightly too much weight today, which affected her overall outline. 2. Quinn’s Germanus Miles Between Us It was fantastic to see such a young handler confidently in the ring. Although the dog was a little playful at times and didn’t always stand stacked when needed, the pair showed great spirit and potential. This dog is smaller in structure and build compared to the class winner but has a lovely straight topline and a fun, lively expression. With a good tailset, she just lacked a little drive on the move today—something that I’m sure will come with handler experience. Open Bitch (4) 1. McCullough’s Sh Ch Kimmax Kindly Stand Black Beautiful in type, shape, and expression, this bitch exemplifies the breed’s characteristic elegance. She possesses a nicely feminine head with a dark eye, contributing to a typical, alert expression. Her chest shows good depth, while her legs are well-shaped and muscular, reflecting strength and soundness. The turn of stifle is correct, supporting her balanced movement. Her harsh coat lies close to the body. She moved with commendable drive, covering the ground effortlessly. Proud to award BCC. 2. OBrien’s Sh Ch Caldewriver Storm N’ Teacup for Katillien Beautiful in type and well balanced in proportions, this dog presents a pleasing outline. She has a feminine head with a soft expression. Her legs are well shaped with tight feet, supporting a strong turn of stifle and a deep, well-developed chest. The only minor fault was a slight lack of harshness in the coat compared to class winner, but overall she is a quality example of the breed. Proud to award RBCC. Veteran Bitch (1)(1abs) 1. Shepherd’s Kimmax Klean Sweep Nice in proportions, this bitch exhibits a strong, well-muscled front with straight legs and well-formed pasterns. Her dark eye—likely the deepest in colour today—adds to a cheeky, alert expression. She holds a firm, straight topline and shows a correct turn of stifle, reflecting good angulation in the hindquarters. Movement was smooth and driven, covering plenty of ground with purpose and soundness. I wish her a very happy 8th birthday in the coming week! Awarded Best Veteran.