Gundog Society Of Wales

Gundog Society of Wales 40th Group Championship Show, 15th October 2025

I would like to thank the officers & committee for inviting me to judge Clumber Spaniels. Thank you to my ring stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly and effectively.

Of course, I thank the exhibitors who entered and took my decisions with good grace; it was lovely to see such relaxed happy Clumbers, despite having to wait for a long while to get into the ring, and without a rolling gait in sight!

Clumber Spaniel

YD (1,1)

1 Benge, Mr M & Mrs C, Wahnahnish St Gilles (IMP NLD) JW

19-month-old male who presents well on first impression, showing clean eyes and ears with a soft, pleasant expression typical of the breed. Head proportions balanced, with correct scissor bite. He has a good depth of chest with well-sprung ribs, giving him the required substance without coarseness. Topline remained level on the move and he carries a correct tail set, maintaining the outline expected of a Clumber Spaniel. Covered the ground steadily, moved well overall, though a little close behind on the out-and-back. Well-presented

OD (2,2)

1 Blackburn, Mrs C & Mr J, Sh Ch Suelynda Let Me Be The One JW, Best Dog & BOB

2 year-old boy who truly owned the ring the moment he entered. His confident demeanour and calm, workmanlike attitude epitomises the Clumber’s characteristic steady nature. Beautifully presented, showing the clean, silky coat texture expected of the breed.

He possesses a lovely, gentle expression enhanced by clean amber eyes, and his head is of correct shape with the desired square appearance and well-developed occiput. Adequate cushioning and depth through the muzzle without exaggeration. Correct bite.

A dog of excellent substance without coarseness; he is well boned with large, large rounded feet, giving him the sturdy foundation required for a day’s work in heavy cover. Good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs leading to a strong, short loin, giving him the classic silhouette.

He presents a balanced outline; his topline is level and firm and he maintained this on the move, showing the characteristic free, easy and effortless action of the breed. Correct tail set, carried in line with his back. Hindquarters broad and powerful with good second thigh, enabling strong drive.

A dog of true Clumber type, combining substance, balance, soundness and that essential gentle yet dignified temperament. He could not be denied today. My Best Dog and Best of Breed.

2 Thorogood, Mrs L J, Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now At Harrifield Reserve Best Dog

Five-year-old boy who presents with a correct head, eyes and ears, giving the characteristic gentle yet dignified Clumber expression. He has clean amber eyes are well-shaped, enhancing his soft, kindly outlook. Ears of correct set and shape. Correct bite. A dog of good substance with strong bone throughout, giving him the sturdy, workmanlike appearance expected of the breed. Tight feet and ample bone in the limbs support his ability to work in heavy cover. His coat is silky in texture, clean and well-presented, showing the correct straight, dense quality. He was full of beans today, clearly enjoying his time in the ring, but this enthusiasm made him a little excited on the move, although he still demonstrated the free and easy action typical of the breed when he settled. Body proportions are correct, showing the long, low outline with well-sprung ribs and enough length of loin to provide strength without weakness. A sound, well-made dog with plenty of breed type who just needed to steady himself to show his best movement. Nonetheless, a pleasing Clumber with many virtues. Reserve Best Dog.

LB (4,2)

1 Wareham, Mrs R, Suelynda Dream On Best Bitch, Reserve Best of Breed

This 20-month-old bitch came into the ring beautifully presented, showing the clean, straight, silky coat. She has a beautiful expression with clean amber eyes of correct shape, giving that gentle yet dignified Clumber expression. Her head is of correct shape with the desired square appearance, well-developed skull, without exaggeration. A bitch of good substance, she is well boned. She shows good depth of chest with well-sprung ribs, giving her the capacity needed without losing femininity. Strong through the loin, maintaining the required long, low, and powerful outline. Her topline remained level both standing and on the move, accompanied by a correct tail set. Hindquarters show enough width and strength to provide drive. I would prefer a little more slope to the shoulder, which would give a smoother extension on the move. This slightly limits her front action, but she still covered the ground steadily with the characteristic free and easy Clumber stride once she settled. Overall, a very nice young bitch with much quality and plenty of breed type, who will no doubt continue to mature well. My Best Bitch and Reserve Best of Breed.

2 Nixon, Miss C, Knockhalon Put A Spell On You At Glenbruetti Reserve Best Bitch

Two-year-old bitch who moved pleasingly around the ring, showing the free and easy action characteristic of the breed. She has a feminine head, though I would have preferred a little more length of neck to enhance overall balance to give a cleaner transition into the shoulder. Her eyes are of correct shape and colour, giving a gentle, typical Clumber expression. A well-boned bitch with good substance and strong, tight feet. She has the sturdy, workmanlike outline expected. Her topline is level and remained firm on the move, supported by a strong loin and well-sprung ribs. Hindquarters are broad and powerful, allowing her to move with drive and purpose. Overall, a sound, honest bitch with good movement and plenty of Clumber virtues. Reserve Best Bitch.

OB (2,1)

1 Nixon, Miss C, Stonielea Williams Charm At Glenbruetti.

Five-year-old bitch with a pleasant demeanour. She is well boned with strong limbs and large, tight feet. Clean amber eyes of correct shape contribute to her soft, gentle expression. She is well-muscled throughout with driving movement both fore and aft. Her topline remained steady and she carried her tail correctly in line with her back, completing a balanced outline on the move. A sound, honest bitch who moved with strength and intent, showing the durable, capable nature expected of the breed.