Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

I awarded my first set of CC’s at this show in 2015, so it was wonderful to be afforded the honour of judging my first group here 10 years later. This committee run a well-oiled machine; everything works smoothly and all are in unison. Truly a show run by exhibitors, for exhibitors.

My thanks to the breed judges for sending through a top-class selection of best of breeds for me to judge. Only one was missing, the GLP, which had to leave the show early – thank you all for staying and representing your breeds so well. This made deciding on a shortlist a challenge, as there were many great examples to appreciate. Outwith those shortlisted I feel I must also commend the winning Gordon Setter, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, Cocker and Labrador, who were each of excellent type and could have easily made the short list on another day.

Shortlisted but not placed on the day were: the Italian Spinone, Sh Ch Affilato You Can Bank On It JW, typical with a beautiful head and expression, well constructed all through with strength, presented in top class order he particularly excels on the move; the Golden Retriever Sh Ch Linirgor Tomich JW, who is great for type, upstanding and with an endearing kind attitude so typical of the breed, balanced in his construction all through he has no exaggerations, and produces such an easy long stride on the go around; the Clumber Spaniel Ir Sh Ch Vanitonia Swashbuckler Of Glenariff impressed greatly for type, balance, and soundness without exaggeration – he has particularly good temperament and moved with such power from his quarters; and the Irish Water Spaniel Sh Ch Stanegate Standing Ovation who is feminine but with strength and balance, moderation and overall soundness, in great coat and superbly muscled, she is well ribbed and moved with accuracy away and back.

Fourth place in the group I awarded to the very exciting young Welsh Springer Spaniel, Nyliram Born This Way JW. Super headed with dark expressive eyes, his demeanour suggests confidence. He is well angled fore and aft, strong in topline and well ribbed back with correct length of leg. Firm in loin with well set on tail, he really excels on the move, holding his outline so well and driving off with power from his low hocks. An exciting future awaits!

The third spot was claimed by the typical Hungarian Vizsla, Sh Ch Oakswarren Inferno, whom I have awarded a CC to, and I’m delighed he has gone on to do so well and mature very nicely indeed. Lean gaunt head with well coloured eyes he is strong in neck and topline, well developed in brisket and ribbing with a short tight loin. Has particularly good development of first and second thigh around his moderately angled quarters. Moves out with power and exacting balance of reach and drive, and a light footfall.

The runner up spot today was awarded to the exciting Flatcoated Retriever, Sh Ch Kazval Angel In Your Sky Over Feldkirk, who is eye catching and on her toes at all times, displaying that wonderful confident happy temperament of the breed. Her outline is typical; a balance of angles and devoid of any exaggerations. She stands well over her ground and has quality bone and depth, with femininity all through. Beautiful lengthy head with dark expressive eyes, so full of life and a want to please her handler. Moves away and back with tidy footfall, and goes around the ring eating up the ground with great freedom of action, strength in topline, and with a well-used tail. Presented to the minute, her condition of overall zest for life means she cannot be overlooked.

The winner of the group today never put a foot wrong, working quietly with her unassuming handler at all times: the English Springer Spaniel, Sh Ch Trimere Time Fly's. She impressed on the initial walk-around and did not disappoint thereafter. Her overall outline is one of balance without exaggeration. Everything fits together tidily and she flows throughout. She has a beautiful head of balance, with clean dark eyes, depth of muzzle, and big open nose. Her dry neck flows cleanly into a well laid, long shoulder, and on to her firm topline. Deep in brisket and well ribbed back she has a short strong loin. Well angled behind and with superb width of thigh and development of second thigh. Going away and back she is just as sound on the go as her static balance would suggest, with accuracy of footfall. Presented in glorious coat and condition, that was the icing on the cake. Delighted to award her the top spot in this ultra-competitive group today.

David R. Alcorn (Lourdace/Gunalt) (Judge)