Crufts

Crufts 8/3/2025

Field Spaniels Judge Gretel Osborn (Elgert)

Such an honour and privilege to judge Field Spaniels at Crufts, I was so pleased with the quality in many of my classes, I have long made it known that when judging I am always conscious that Fields need to be fit for purpose and that function should always be at the forefront of judging this wonderful breed, and loose fronts with weak pasterns should be penalized as not correct, it is something that we have seen creeping into the breed, so it was a real delight that all but 2 had fabulous strong fronts with correct pasterns, let’s hope the breed is improving in this area. The heads are unique to Fields and we must really concentrate on this in the breed as we have lost some of the chiseling and refinement a true Field head should have, saying that though I was extremely pleased with many of my exhibits but just a little word of warning to keep striving for that special Field head as we breed. Having the benefit of the large green carpeted ring at Crufts really allowed the movement of the exhibits to shine and it was often nitpicking on some of my placements, totally a fabulous way to be when judging. The Dog CC and Bitch CC wow what a pair – totally splitting hairs over these 2 for BOB but just felt the dog had that little bit extra shine by this stage in the day. He put on a sterling effort in the Group and did our breed proud in that big ring, well done.

Veteran Dog (1)

1st Sh Ch Jesham Baronet (Mr D A & Mrs J Bennett)

One I have given top honours to before so was a delight to see him looking and moving so well in his veteran years. He had real drive from rear and such a true and straight front movement. Still has that melting expression that is so important in a Field Spaniel, clean and lean under the eyes with good chiseling throughout his headpiece, correct muzzle neither too broad or too deep, flews correct and in keeping with his profile to give that classic Field head outline. Clean to throat leading to well set shoulders with good angulation and lovely long neck with good layback of shoulder flowing into his strong firm topline, lovely strong loin again holding that topline on the move, good tail set and used enthusiastically. His ribs of correct 2/3 length of body and well sprung with good depth of brisket. Moved with drive but with that very typical Field unhurried stride. A real close call for CC and totally splitting hairs over the pair of them . Delighted to award him RCC and Best Veteran in Breed a truly wonderful example of the breed.

Puppy Dog no entries

Junior (1)

1st Gadhelic Jack Frost (Mrs L J Moss)

A lovely example of a roan Field spaniel, lovely size and substance to him without being over-done in anyway. On the day he did not quite stride out as much as I would like to see, but only a youngster (15mths) so time on his side to settle into his stride. Lovely dark eye and very pleasing expression, lean under eye and a good shape eye. Good shoulder angulation and enough upper arm, good depth to chest and already at this age well developed, correct length of rib and a nice strong loin leading into well-muscled hindquarters. Nice tidy feet, hocks of correct length. A really eye catching expression and head, as he matures up he will get better and better and will be a force to be reckoned with when he completes the full picture when his coat catches up with the rest of him.

 Post Graduate Dog (3)

1st Gadhelic Jack Frost (Mrs L J Moss)

2nd O’donavan of The Fields Society (Mr Eaa & Mr N Lunshof & Mol)

This boy strode out well and enjoyed using the ring to full advantage. He is heavier in head and so would like more chiseling in the head, and this is what I preferred in the 1st, although more mature than 1, I just preferred 1’s head and expression more. Lovely strong rear to him and a powerful unhurried stride to him. His front was good with correct true front movement coming towards you, this placed him above no 3 in the class.

3rd Irisbel from Now On (Miss J & Ms R Hepburn & Laverick)

Limit Dog (5, 1A)

1st Ewtor The Wizard (Mr A D Moss)

 A lovely, constructed Field, not carrying the coat of some but equally nothing then to hide, he is what he is and no clever trimming or handling needed. Strong muscular well built boy standing on good legs and nice tidy feet, good height and length ratio. I particularly liked his head with the chiseling well defined, his jaw and muzzle correct and not overdone, leading to lovely long strong neck, correct front angulation in shoulder leading to good depth of chest well below elbow and nice spring. Ribcage correct length and good loin, good length of hock. It took him a few goes to settle into his stride but once there, perfect footfall which won him the class. This dog really screams at you durable working dog with that noble expression that tells you he is a Field, when fully mature and coat to finish the picture an exciting future for him.

 2nd Kingsmist Remember Me JW (Mr M J & Mrs A E Harding)

A lovely black, good height but slightly long in loin for his length. Slightly narrow in foreface for me but doesn’t take away from his lovely expression and clean lines under the eye and good defined occiput. He just lost out as I felt 1 had the better work in the head with a bit more substance to him. Good, lovely flat bone on strong front legs, slightly flat feet but he strode out well with correct footfall and placement, nicely muscled and good stride from rear. Again, one that needs his coat to catch up with him.

3rd Bogdogs Brynnyth at Winsbrook (Mrs J & Miss V & Ms A Porter & Russell & Palm)

4th Irisbel The Greatest Showman at Tymora JW (Mrs H J & Miss S J Tye)

Open Dog ((7, 1A)

1st Sh Ch Fecimus Chase The Dream to Ewtor JW (Mr A D Moss)

What can I say about this dog that I have not said before – having judged him at the Centenary Show and awarded him BIS then, my view of him has not changed. Wonderful showman that really captures your eye as soon as he enters the ring. Head piece of correct shape and substance, lean beneath eye, with a lovely expression from his correct shaped eyes of good colour. His head really is like looking at Fields from over 40 years ago when I first came into Fields as just so true and correct, everything you would want in a good head, neither snipey or houndy but just enough to show power and substance yet a refinement to it to show good aristocratic expression and the special look of nobleness that you know is the correct making of a Field. His neck lovely and long going into well placed shoulders and correct upper arm for a good reach and stride. Back correct length with his well sprung rib of correct length, not over long but long enough to give you the 2/3 length but importantly has a correct firm strong loin to help aid the powerful rear movement when in full stride. You can just tell he could do a full days work and carry on for more, strong, powerful with the refinement that the breed calls for. Honoured to give him the Best of Breed and see him go through into the Group where he did himself and the breed proud indeed.

2nd Bel Ch Broomeece Fire Cracker over Mishules Bw2024 (S M Shipton)

 Again, another I have judged and like a lot, I think him very underrated by some as he has a lot to offer, but you have to have hands on to appreciate him more. His head is slightly broader than I would like but still has chiseling and a lovely melting expression and clean eye of correct shape. Carrying a little too much weight so spoiling his outline slightly. His neck flows into his shoulder which is correct angulation but again you have to have hands on as the weight detracts from this, correct clean front with good strong clean front movement, ribs well sprung and correct length, loin strong allowing him a good stride on the move. His handler got the best out of him in the large ring and he did himself proud, just a shame to come up against 1 who is one of my all time favourites of the breed.

3rd Dk Ch Periwinkle´s Paragon (Miss Mm Malmberg)

4th Lux Ch Ustorpabyns Fields First Time to Dynarkaraky (Imp Swe) (Miss P & Miss M Willcock)

VHC Bel/deu/lux Ch/swiss Gch Titus Du Domaine Des Coeurs Blancs Multi Jch (Mr T Dötsch)

Field Trial Dog no entries

Special Working Gundog Dog

1st Longbourn Dartagnan (Mrs N Draa)

A lovely young dog who has settled and matured on since I last judged him and so much happier in the ring, again needs time on his side to fully mature – Fields are slow matures and so can’t be rushed. Good head and expression, lovely eye shape and colour which is pleasing as sometimes tans can have light eyes, but his are lovely and dark. His foreface is good and lean but with substance and correct chiseling under eye and defined occiput. Good clean neck flowing into shoulders nicely, correct upper arm and lay back of shoulder. Chest is deep and moderately sprung, nice length of back to him with good muscled rear and good width of thigh. He just needs time to continue to mature up .

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog (1)

1st Bogdogs Brynnyth at Winsbrook (Mrs J & Miss V & Ms A Porter & Russell & Palm)

A very sound Field Spaniel, good up on height and length, just a bit soft through his body so not quite the clear lines that I like to see. His rear angulation is lovely with really good width of thigh and correct tail set, moved out well and with drive. His head slightly heavier than I like but still has a classic look to it with good eye colour and correct shape.

Veteran Bitch – No Entries

Puppy Bitch (5 1A)

1st Fecimus Repeat The Rumour (Miss A & Ms D Macbain & Brewer)

 My notes say what a lovely class with 1&2 who will swop places many times. Today 1st just had the edge on the day and held it together more on the move and stacked. Really lovely head with correct eye shape giving a lovely expression, would like a slightly darker eye but she is young and you can see her eyes are still changing as they do as babies. Lovely length of neck and correct front assembly with true straight front movement coming towards you, set on lovely feet. Nice length of back and well sprung ribs, correct loin and great rear angulations. Good correct hock length and strode out well giving a good drive from behind. Outshone the others in the class on movement.

2nd Brynnyth Echo (Ms A & Miss V Palm & Russell)

Well, what can I say about this lady – I think the class we all enjoyed watching the most! I am soo pleased though that eventually after several tries we got the required amount of feet on the floor to really show her movement. She is a real star in the making and will do well I am sure as she matures and grows on. Her head is lovely with good eye colour and expression, correct front, nice layback of shoulder and good upper arm length allowing when she settled a lovely reach with her front legs. Neck of good length and muscular flowing nicely into her shoulders and level topline, creating a nice outline when settled. Carried a level topline and showed us a true field character which I am sure her owner adores as bought a smile to all our faces.

3rd Vanilla Du Pech De La Ginestelle avec Cuvana (Ms J Hempstead)

4th Virginia Du Pech De La Ginestelle mit Dynarkaraky (Imp Fra) (Miss P & Miss M Willcock)

Junior Bitch (3)

1st - Gadhelic Sunshine Girl at Halbadier (Mr J E & Mrs S M Woodhouse).

Loved both my 1st & 2nd girls in this class, both have great potential and bode well for the future of the breed. 1st just had the power going round the ring with such a presence on the move and such drive without being over done or flashy – she just covered the ground effortlessly. Lovely dark eye and kind expression, good chiseling and lovely shape to her head, correct depth of muzzle and pronounced occiput. Neck long and strong, shoulders nicely laid back leading into correct legs of good flat bone and nice and true stride coming towards you. Back of correct length with lovely level topline with gentle curve to her tailset which again was well placed. Ribs well back and strong short loin allowing such powerful movement, a dog that just said athlete with correct breed type. Like some had her underwear on show today so when her full outer clothes are complete she will make a great picture and will push the very best of them. Delighted to award her the RCC in good company.

2nd Fantastic Field Shine Like A Diamond at Gadhelic JW (Imp Fin) (Miss C S Moore)

Again a lovely bitch of great type and substance, lovely head of correct shape and size, good occiput and eye shape, slightly lighter eye than I would like. Good chiselling and gentle curves to her muzzle into neck, lovely long and strong neck with good shoulders. Nice clean front on the move with correct straight footfall. Topline not as strong as 1st and did not quite have the drive in rear as 1st , but a lovely shape and outline to her and I am sure will swop places many times with 1st . Exciting pair for the future of the breed.

3rd Lot of Field's Mamma Mia Mocha (Mrs M Vijvers-Roosink)

Post Graduate Bitch (7)

1st Gadhelic Sunshine Girl at Halbadier (Mr J E & Mrs S M Woodhouse)

2nd Fecimus Never Look Back JW (Miss A & Ms D Macbain & Brewer)

Nice type and substance to her, being critical I would prefer a tad more of her throughout but what she has is quality and typical. Good head with correct eye colour, and shape, nice and lean beneath eye with good chiselling. Nice lines leading to neck and flowing well into body. Correct straight front movement, with a nice footfall on the move. Lovely level topline and good sprung ribs with correct 2/3 of length with nice firm loin not overlong to allow for a correct rear and level topline. Lovely broad thighs and correct tail set. Her movement from rear was strong and true with good drive. Happy mover and kept topline well on the move. Just lost out today to 1st who was on top form.

 3rd Trevorsilk Blue Velvet (Mr & Mrs T J Trevor)

Reserve Wealdthorn Rumour at Brynnyth (Ms A & Miss V Palm & Russell)

VHC Nadavin Nusa at Sagala (Mr G & Mrs S Wood)

Limit Bitch (2)

1st Gadhelic Jemima Jiggle for Trevorsilk (Mr & Mrs T J Trevor)

 A lovely headed bitch with a gentle expression, nice eye colour and shape, good chiselling and correct occiput giving her such an expressive look to her, really melting. Clean lines to neck and shoulders, good angulation in front with nice length of upper arm, chest deep and ribs nicely sprung would prefer slightly more length to her throughout and just slightly more of her overall. Good firm footfall on the move, hocks of correct length allowing good drive from rear, covered the ground well.

2nd Nadavin Nusa at Sagala (Mr G & Mrs S Wood)

Head is leaner than 1st, nice eye and shape and good chiselling. Neck strong and muscular leading into good set shoulders with correct sloping shoulders. Not as clean in front as winner with loose front movement with flat feet. Good length of back and nice spring of rib with correct 2/3 of body length, nice length of hock and good rear movement.

Open Bitch

Open Bitch ( 6 2A)

1st Nl Ch Roodkapje of The Fields Society (Mrs M Vijvers-Roosink)

She caught my eye as she entered the ring and didn’t let me down. Correct shape throughout on the stand, lovely angles and outline to her. Melting expression with good eye and colour, correct shape to her muzzle, not too lean but correct without being overdone in any way. Strong long neck with good shoulder placement, nice length of upper arm and correct straight correct front legs. Nice depth of chest with well sprung ribs and correctly 2/3 of her length. Firm and straight topline on the move and in standing position. Good loin and rear angulation, lovely tail set and correct width of thigh allowing for power and angulation. Coming towards you on the move she had a lovely clean front movement and such purpose and drive from the rear. Another that could clearly be out working all day with the true typical Field expression and outline, with all the finish required, exactly what I had been looking for in the girls today. Delighted to award her very delighted owner the CC – as much a special moment for me as it was her as I really was delighted to find what I was looking for in the girls. In the challenge it is always harder on the girls as they are not as fresh as the boys by this time, I really was spoilt for choice on these 2 wonderful specimens of the breed, both so typical of what I love about the Field Spaniel and classic in every way. Even when I walked to the middle of the ring I did not know who I would give the BOB to but it just came down to the dog having a little more flair on the move after several go rounds! But both worthy winners and a real treat to have them for my DCC & BCC at Crufts 2025, a truly memorable wonderful day.

 2nd Sh Ch Nadavin Yirki at Tumblebar (E Barker)

Lovely head and expression, nice chiseling under eye and lovely angles to her head into neck. Good length of neck, slightly loose in front on the move, her feet not as good as the winner. Lovely topline and good depth of chest with correct 2/3 ribcage of length, slightly longer loin so not quite the drive from rear. Her thigh and stifle of correct width and angle. Good strong hock to good rear feet.

 3rd Field Maritime Port Ellen (Mrs Im Steffenburg Wennberg)

Reserve Longbourn Vassa Firebird (Mrs N Draa)

Field Trial Bitch – No entries

Special Working Gundog Bitch (1)

1st Pt Ch Seahorse Du Pech De La Ginestelle (Mrs N Draa)

Nice pretty head with correct chiseling, kind eye of correct colour. Occiput well defined. Front was lovely and strong, correct neck and angulation of shoulder, good straight bone in front. Ribs of correct length and well sprung. Topline carried well on the move, strong rear movement and good hock and foot placement on the move. Would just like a tad more of her throughout to give a more upstanding robust outline to her.

Judge Gretel Osborn (Elgert)