South Wales Kennel Association

South Wales Kennel

10th October 2025

Irish Red and White Setters, and German Wirehaired Pointers

My thanks must initially go to Mr. Morris, and his committee for asking me to judge at their show. It is such an honour. The welcome was also second to none.

I was kept in check by Catherine, Julie, and Hazel, which they did admirably. Many thanks’ ladies for your diligent work and assistance on the day.

I would also thank all those who took time and effort to bring their charges under me. I am always very grateful. Thank you. On the day there was a little bit of a mixed bag. Those that were good were very good and those that were not so, did leave me a little disappointed and concerned. I recently read a critique from a well-respected judge, that stated that the unique qualities of some breeds are being lost, in favour of breed that is very similar. One of the breeds mentioned in that critique are of those that I judged here. I would like to echo the sentiment of that critique. The breeds I judged are pedigree breeds with great history and that shouldn’t be forgotten or lost. They are unique for a reason and what makes them special. It needs to be retained or actually worked on to promote the wonderful points of these breeds.

Irish Red and White Setter

Class 749 - Puppy Dog (1,0)

1. 1660 - Hart’s GILLIEGRAE SO BERRY EXCITED – What a start as the first exhibit of the day! There are many positives to say about this young man. Standing at just 10.5-months of age, this dog is showing so much promise and maturity for his age. Straight from the off, the stack was super imposing in deed, showing his strength and power. This came from the extent of excellent quality bone, providing a super foundation to take his qualities. Masculine in general appearance, inclusive of balanced head, that had excellent planes. Clean in finish to proportionate muzzle, breadth to domed skull. Lovely workings to zygomatic arch that complemented the stereotypical markings, that emphasised the good, solid stop. Dark brown in rounded eyes, that were trimmed by black pigmentation. This was mirrored in the colouration to wide nose. Ear set level with eyes, well back and super close to head. Muscular, clen neck of moderate length, showing the necessary slight arch. This seamlessly transitioned into well laid shoulders of correct angulation. Lovely to see upper arm/humeus length, proportional to scapular. Width the chest that fitted the hand so well. down at elbow and well sprung ribs. Strong over loin and short coupled. Lovely flat topline. width over croup, that sloped away well, showing off his excellent rear-angulation, balancing with front. excellent muscle throughout that made him look all dog already. Tail placement and carriage couldn’t be faulted. The problem I had, on the day, is that his youthful exuberance got the better of him, making it difficult to match his movement to the qualities expressed in the stack, which did cost him the BOB. He did have width behind on the up and back and could see the reach and drive on the around, when he realised that it helps to keep his feet on the ground. When watched in the group, he did get it together so very well and expressed himself. Super happy disposition. Nothing is overdone on this boy and providing his trajectory continues, I genuinely believe this man is going to be a special Irish Red and White, he just needs to get it together. BP & RBD.

Class 750 - Junior Dog (1,0)

1. 1660 - Hart’s GILLIEGRAE SO BERRY EXCITED - please see critique for 1st in puppy dog.

Class 751 - Post Graduate Dog (1,0)

1. 1661 – Jones’s ROANJORA CREMANT BOURGOGNE INTRO EX – A 2-year-old male that although stood alone, was still quite appealing, especially from his lovely expression and head planes. Clean in finish to square muzzle and no coarseness, breadth seen to domed skull. Workings to under eye, that made you look twice at his lovely rounded shaped, dark hazel eye. This was set well into his red head markings, emphasising that gentle male expression. Ear set level with eye, which were held close to side of head, and framed so well. Proportion of slightly arched, well-muscled neck length in keeping with rest of body proportions. Well off for front angulation, with well laid shoulders. Strength to loin. Correct angulation to croup and rear angulation. Amount of width to rear in keeping with rest of construction. Short in hock, which was pleasant to see. Personally, would have liked a touch more substance. Neat in feet. Tail placement and carriage correct. This did not stop on the move. True footfall on the around and was free striding. Appealing for percentage of red coat covering.

Class 752 - Open Dog (2,0)

1. 1662 - Martin, Martin and Green’s RHOSWENDALE GAME IS ON AGAIN FOR VISZASET (Imp Fin) – 2-year-old male that was impressive in the stack from the off. Presenting a strong male silhouette. This came from a shapely, dominantly male skull, showing strength and domed shape. Fairly square in finish to clean, strong muzzle. Broad across skull. Hazel in rounded eyes, that were trimmed by darker brown tight rims, matching in colour of wide nose. Lovely prominence to stop. Ears set level with eyes and certainly well back. Hanging very neatly next to head and super strong, moderate neck, that had the required slight arch. This seamlessly transitioned into excellent front construction. Well laid and fine at point of shoulder. Correct in angulation and ratios. Straight in leg. Good with to forechest and prominence to prosternum. Lovely depth also, showing down at elbow. Strong over well muscular, male torso. Well sprung ribs and short coupled loin. Width over croup. All coming together to present a level topline. balance seen between front and rear angulation, with muscular upper thigh or good width. Had good reach on the around and drive. Coat of appealing percentage of contrast, coming-in nicely. Most complete dog on the day. BD & BOB.

2. 1666 - Ward’s ROANJORA CREMANT DE LUX COPPERWHITE JW – another 2-year-old male that showed a lovely head type and expression. A little tentative initially, but soon came out of his shell. Litter brother to 1st in post graduate, that shows similarities especially in head, although personally think a little more solid. Again, clean in finish to square muzzle with refinement to foreface and those similar workings under eye, yet still very much a dog. Still a soft expression coming from dark hazel eye of rounded form. Darkest pigmentation surrounded these dark eyes, that again matched that of a large nose. Breadth to domed skull that had an obvious, good ratio to muzzle length. Parallel in appearance again, which is well received. Ears set on low once more, that clutched the side of the head well. Lovely reach to moderately long neck, which was in proportion to the rest of the charge’s construction. Well laid shoulders that flowed from that moderately long neck, without a break in transition. Good upper arm to shoulder length ratio. Width to front and straight in foreleg. Down at elbow and decent spring to rib. Nicely short coupled and length to gentle croup. Pleasing in proportions of front to rear angulation. Tail placement correct. Decent bone throughout. On the move showed sound footfall on the around.

Class 753 - Puppy Bitch (0)

Class 754 - Junior Bitch (3,2)

1. 1664 - O’kelly & Hancock’s COOLFIN THE ECSTASY OF GOLD AT CARADILIS – a very honest, athletic bitch, which was obvious from the stack and on the move. Still very much a youngster in terms of completeness and coat. Strong in head features, with square finish to muzzle, prominence to stop and correct dome shape across broad skull. A pleasing, alert expression coming from rounded, dark hazel eyes, set well into head, either side of that prominent stop. Ears set well back, that hung next to a lean neck, that showed that essential slight arch and of good reach. Excellent lay of shoulders showing the desired angulation. Straight in forelegs and decent width to chest. Brisket down at elbow. Proportional spring to ribs and strength to loin. Angulation to rear, in balance to that of front, with rear quarters showing width to upper thigh and across the croup. Moved out with good reach and moved best of the bitches. RBB.

Class 755 - Post Graduate Bitch (1,1)

Class 756 - Open Bitch (4,3)

1. 1665 - Ward’s CORNADORE BIA BECOMES COPPERWHITE (Imp Pol) – this girl of some 7-years was very well of for type, which in the end, won her BB. Presented in a full, bitch coat that for me was more traditional in appearance. A very refined bitch in appearance, with nothing over done at all. This was straight away evident from the very gracious/lean, bitchy head, yet still showing strength. Almost square in finish to muzzle, that was obviously lean with excellent workings throughout. Good length to cranium. Circular eyes of a shade of hazel, well positioned into head. Slightly lighter brown pigmentation to surround of eye and wide nose, but this was very much in keeping with eye shade and slightly lighter red coat colour. Required doming to skull present and certainly showed breadth. Not over done, but still had a good rise to stop. All in keeping and giving a lovely alert expression. Ears far set back and in line with eye, tucked close to head. Strong in moderately long neck, that showed no throatiness and that setter slight arch. Seamless transfer into the torso was evident with good front construction, well laid shoulders, and proportions. Prominence to prosternum and good width to chest that fit the hand. Brisket down at elbow and very well sprung ribs. Super topline that was level and was assisted by short coupling and strong loin. Width was also clear across croup. Rear angulation was correct and in balance with front. Loved the width to upper thigh. Hocks well let down. She a coat that you had to get your hands into in order to appreciate some of her construction. BB.

BD & BOB 1662 – Martin, Martin and Green’s RHOSWENDALE GAME IS ON AGAIN FOR VISZASET (IMP FIN) (from Open Dog)

BP & RBD 1660 – Hart’s GILLIEGRAE SO BERRY EXCITED (from Puppy and Junior Dog)

BB 1665 – Ward’s CORNADORE BIA BECOMES COPPERWHITE (IMP POL) (from Open bitch)

RBB 1664 - O’kelly & Hancock’s COOLFIN THE ECSTASY OF GOLD AT CARADILIS (from Junior bitch)

German Wirehaired Pointer

A lot to like from several charges in this breed, making for some difficult decisions.

Class 689 - Puppy Dog (1,0)

1. 1560 – Campbell’s DRAHTJAGER AQUAMARINE VOM FENGHAR – This 6.5-month boy is an exciting young prospect, with a lot to like. Well off male construction in the stack, showing strength and substance. A lovely expression that was from an eye of medium-sized, oval, and lighter shade of hazel. This was in keeping with the coat and liver pigmentation around the eye and to the large nose. Amount of hair surrounded eye was very appealing to assist with that expression. Good balance to head: body, that had good breadth and lengths. Ears correct in length and size. These hung well next to head and neck of strength and moderately long, again in keeping with rest of the construction. This flowed well into lovely forequarters, showing correct angulation and proportions. Well off for bone to forelegs and throughout. Good prominence to forechest and width. Down at elbow and well sprung ribs. Strong over loin already, and moderate tuck-up. Croup width and angulation very pleasing. Rear angulation, correct and balanced with front. Well off for age in terms of upper thigh width and strength to second thigh, hoping he will keep as he matures. Docked tail of correct length and good placement. Presented in that already stereotypical coat. A little more scope in the stack will complete the lovely picture. On the move, had good width to front and back, but still showed his puppy movement, which is lovely to see. Topline didn’t waver on the around and showed good footfall also. Best of luck with his development. BP.

Class 690 - Junior Dog (1,0)

1. 1565 - Morris & Evans’s BEANALREM GWYNDU – this 17-month exhibit again had a great deal to like. Slightly taller in appearance, but still in keeping with breed standard. Although standing alone in the class, this game him a great deal of ring presence, which he certainly used to his advantage in the stack and on the move. In head, his good proportions are seen with strength to foreface. Not overly done in head trimmings, which showed off his medium sized, darker hazel eye. dark surrounds matched that with his nose and, black and white coat well. Elegant lines throughout showing flows from strong neck of good reach, in to a well-muscled, male body. Strong front assembly and well boned. Down at elbow and ribs extend well back to a firm loin, presenting a lovely, slight fall in topline. This allowed for a mild tuck up and a gentle fall to croup. strong in thighs and stifles well bent. Absolutely motored around the ring with excellent drive. On the up and back also showed good width. He was presented in excellent harsh jacket. Another to watch.

Class 691 - Post Graduate Dog (2,0)

A really nice class.

1. 1566 – Robson’s GLENQUIN MAJOR AT YOHENOAK – Yet again, a very nice example. Presented in a dark with white coat of good, dense quality. Up on size, making for a solid male frame and appearance. Really excellent in the stack. Similar to that of my first in previous class, but with a bit more substance, at present. Strong in dominant male head, but was in keeping with the overall presence of the dog. Correct in head shape. Good depth to muzzle, without being overdone. Lighter in facial trims than some of my other class winners, but still plenty to enable the framing of a lovely expression. This was from a super dark eye that melted into the dark facial coat. these were set well onto the head with a lovely white flash highlighting his moderate stop. Medium sized sears that were set high. Excellent reach to strong neck. another with an easy transition from neck to well laid shoulders. You could draw a line down his front legs and it would be straight until reaching his slightly sloping pasterns. Super muscling throughout and was evident in the shoulders. Down at elbow again, with spring to ribs. Slight slope to back. Decent amount of width to thigh. Good rear angulation. Neat in feet and well boned. On the move went well, showing good reach and amount of width behind on the up and back. Happy to give RBD.

2. 1562 – Jones’s GERMANUS MAKIN A POINT (AI) – A nice young boy, of some 3 year of age that was well presented in a super liver and white coat. Slighter than 1st, but still within standard, masculine and importantly, balanced. Another with a lovely head and super expression. Lighter in Hazel eye, not piercing, but intelligent and alert. Although not profuse in facial furniture, it was super appealing that helped looked into those lovely oval eyes. Pigmentation surrounding the eye and to large nose, assisted well with the expression as these were liver in colour and matched the darker head hair. Strong in rise to stop, that was emphasised by lighter coat at this point. Correct in high ear, carriage and of moderate size. Well off for masculine head. Lovely strength to neck that also enabled reach. Well laid shoulders of excellent angulation. This was mirrored in the rear angulation, showing excellent balance. Straight in foreleg, with slight slope to pasterns. Deep in chest and decent spring to ribs. Ribs reaching well back and strong over loin giving gentle tuck-up. Very gentle downward sweep to topline, that was appealing. Nice and firm. Would like to see a little more width to thigh to finish off the picture. Showed good drive on the around. Also, on the up and back covered the ground easily with each stride.

Class 692 - Open Dog (1,0)

1. 1564 – Mccullough’s SH CH KIMMAX KISS MA BLACKSIDE AT BEECHILLAWN – 5-year-old male that was instantly impressive. Everything oozed quality. For me, most complete exhibit on the day. A touch more compact than some of the exhibits on the day, this stood for nothing, as everything was in balance, proportion and as it should be, complying with the breed standard. Stood in a darker coat, showing a prominent free stack of power and strength, nothing could be hidden. Lovely furnishings throughout. Breadth to skull, with that required slight rounding. Excellent balance in ratio between muzzle and cranium lengths. Good rise to stop. Strength to jaw. Loved his expression that came from super dark, soul seeking eye, that lacked protrusion, and retained its oval shape. Facial adornments assisted to emphasise his eye/expression, where the brow concentrated the look. Super dark in surrounding to eye and nose also. Ears of correct reach to lips and set well on head. Excellent reach of strong neck, that showed no sign of sag. This eased into excellent shoulders, that were well laid and of correct proportions. Not fine in point, but not wide either. Straight in lean forelegs, with slight slope to pasters. Width to chest that gave him enough space to move, without being cathedral fronted. Down at elbow and proportionate spring of rib. Firm back, with slightly falling back line all enabled a lovely tuck-up. Strong in loin and excellent rear angulation, all came together to show balance to the charge. Close knit feet were also evident when looking down from the well bent stifles and squarely set hocks. Tail of full length and correct carriage, showing the correct croup. On the move, did everything asked of him. Width on the up and back, with excellent drive and reach on the around. Performed a little better in the challenge for BOB than his litter sister. Also noted that 5 days later achieved best dog in breed at another show. BD & BOB.

Class 693 - Puppy Bitch (0)

Class 694 - Junior Bitch (0)

Class 695 - Post Graduate Bitch (0)

Class 696 - Open Bitch (3,0)

1. 1563 – Mccullough’s SH CH KIMMAX KINDLY STAND BLACK –A lot of the superlatives used for her brother can be used for her, with so many qualities that were apparent in both. Stood in a darker coat, that covered a lean muscle and clean bitch body type, without being too thin. Very balanced in all aspects, in super condition. Definitely in her prime. In head showing excellent ratio of muzzle to skull length. Good rise to stop, yet retaining her femininity. Beautiful expression that came from her lovely deep in colour, dark eye. The brows really helped her in a similar fashion to her brother, in that the facial furniture assisted emphasise her oval, medium shaped eye. As did the dark eye liner like pigment to the dermis around the eye and to the large nose. Medium sized ears of correct length, reaching to corner of lips and set well up on head, framing so very well. Loved the head planes and whole proportions of head construction. These all assisted with the making of that expression. Excellent in reach to neck, that showed elegance and strength, without coarseness. Flowing female lines went into well laid shoulders, of correct proportions, without break. Straight forelegs, with slight slope to pasters. Brisket down at elbow and excellent spring of rib. Firm back, and strong loin provided excellent shape to torso and slightly falling back line. This gave rise to a lovely tuck-up. Strong in loin and excellent rear angulation. This mean that this girl screamed balance. Correct croup length and angle meant that the tail of full length, had correct carriage. Well-toned and muscled throughout, with plenty of bone. Best movement of bitches showing plenty of drive from rear and reach to front. Good width to both quarters on the up and back. True footfall on the around, also. A close-run competition between this and her litter mate for BOB. More feminine in construction and lines, as to be expected. Only just pipped as, although she had very good movement, I just preferred the extra bit of range and substance from the male. Very happy to see that not 5 days later, she went BOB at another show. Really lovely bitch. BB.

2. 1561 – Jones’s GERMANUS DUTCH DELIGHT – Unlucky to come up against 1st. 5.5-year-old bitch presented well in a liver and white coat. More solid in appearance than 1st, but still excellent, showing good proportions and no exaggeration throughout. Well balanced, that was noticeable in the stack. Attractive in head with very appealing extent of facial trimmings of beard and eyebrows. Correct in head proportions, with strength to jaw without being overdone. Appealing in head planes, that also showed balance to rest of body. Prominence in stop without being too strong. Hazel eye, lovely and in keeping with coat colour and standard. This gave her a really lovely, intelligent feminine expression. Ears, of high set always alert, aware, and ready for her handler. Reach in strong neck, which free flowed into well angulated front construction. Well-muscled over shoulders and good condition throughout. Width to chest that also showed depth. Ribs reaching well back. Excellent width to croup. Good drive from rear that came from excellent width to upper thigh and well-off rear angulation. Moved well with width shown to rear. Correct footfall in the around and moved with smooth action. Quite appealing on the move and showed off. RBB.

3. 1567 - Stamp & Thomas’s TYNSIL JUST ONE SMILE.

BD & BOB - 1564 – Mccullough’s SH CH KIMMAX KISS MA BLACKSIDE AT BEECHILLAWN (from open dog)

BP - 1560 – Campbell’s DRAHTJAGER AQUAMARINE VOM FENGHAR (from puppy dog)

RBD - 1566 – Robson’s GLENQUIN MAJOR AT YOHENOAK (from Post graduate dog)

BB - 1563 – Mccullough’s SH CH KIMMAX KINDLY STAND BLACK (from Open bitch)

RBB - 1561 – Jones’s GERMANUS DUTCH DELIGHT (from Open bitch)

Dr. Hefin Jones (Pencastan)