City Of Birmingham Canine Association

City of Birmingham Canine Society – 31st August 2025 Gundog Group Many thanks to City of Birmingham for the invitation to judge at their prestigious show. A hotly contested group with some quality exhibits being sent through. That said movement of a few exhibits was not as true as it should be in a group that has been traditionally known for that very reason. In my short list for further consideration were the German Wire Haired Pointer owned by the Johnston’s Sh Ch Glenquin Athena. The Hungarian Viszla, Ir Sh Ch Oakswarren Lightnin Strikes owned by Sinead Taggart. The American Cocker Spaniel Sh Ch Zarcrest After Blend owned by Will Harris. The Sussex Spaniel, Sh Ch Eald Dances With Wolves Among Nyliram JW ShCex Osw, owned by Tom Graham. My group winner was the Pointer owned by Miss A Oddie, Sh Ch Sharnphilly Boondoggle. Stood out, in the line up from the get-go. A lovely make and shape and so well balanced both stood and on the move. Plenty of masculine substance without being overdone, super bone and feet. Depth of brisket to the elbow and well ribbed back. Lovely flowing topline from the crest of the neck through his neck and shoulders to his well muscled rump, with the tail ideally set. A super mover both ways and in profile. Group 2 went to the Cocker Spaniel of David Todd and MD Rahman’s Sh Ch Zheridond Blanche. What a mover just covered the ground with such ease with a lovely open gait. The prettiest of heads with a kind eye and correctly set ear. Feminine although, well made with good bone and feet, well sprung rib and just enough substance. Presentation in top order with a lovely coat and well conditioned. In 3rd place was the Irish Water Spaniel of Linda and Paul Bradley’s Sh Ch Stanegate Stage Debut (AI) ShCex. I’d previously given this bitch a BIS at a Gundog group show and she has only got better with maturity. A balanced outline with that typical sense of humour expression. Feminine head with an expressive eye. Balanced proportions, slight crest of neck into a flowing topline through well laid shoulders, correct barrelled shaped ribbing and well back. Well let down behind. Moved with the rolling movement with some reach and drive. In full coat with a good tight curl. Last but not lease was the Golden Retriever bitch belonging to Mrs Deborah Robbins and Mrs Pat Rowark’s Brekswood Lady Eleanor. A typical Golden soft dark eye and kindly expression, plenty of work in the head and well balanced. A good length of neck into a well made forehand, well boned straight foreleg and cat like feet. With a good spring of rib and strong loin. In super coat and well presented. Moved really well with good front foot placement and some drive from behind and kept a firm topline in profile.