Southern Pointer Club

Southern Pointer Club Championship Show held at Welsh Gundog Champ Show

Wednesday the 15th of October 2025

87 dogs making 120 entries.

Judge: Dr Kirsten Bond

It was both a privilege and a pleasure to judge the Southern Pointer Club Championship Show, and I would like to sincerely thank the Committee for the invitation and for their warm hospitality throughout the day. My appreciation also extends to the Committee of Gundog Society of Wales, whose kindness and encouragement made me feel genuinely part of their team — it was a wonderful experience. I am very grateful to all the exhibitors for taking the time and effort to present their dogs so beautifully; it was a strong and deeply rewarding entry. The overall quality of the Pointers was excellent, with many exhibits displaying the classic type, balance, and temperament that make this breed so special. A small number were a little out of condition or carrying excess weight, and there were a few rather tall and heavy dogs which lost some of the breed’s characteristic elegance. Overall, however I could have given out another set of green cards easily on the day! The cold conditions and indoor setting, while thoughtfully arranged for the comfort of both dogs and handlers, inevitably affected a few of the more sensitive Pointers who might shine even more in summer conditions. Nevertheless, it was an excellent day of judging, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who entered and made the journey on a school day to allow me to go over your lovely dogs.

Minor Puppy Bitch

1st – Sunhouse Quintessence (Mrs R & Mr C Martin)

Preferred here for her depth and overall development at this early stage. Feminine youngster of pleasing type, presenting a balanced outline with clean neck and shoulder and good length of leg. Still a little unsettled on the move at times, but where she could be assessed showed a lovely step and true, rhythmic action. Well laid in shoulder and good behind, giving her the potential for stylish, ground-covering movement once maturity comes. A promising puppy with all the essentials for the future but very much at baby.

2nd – Tenshilling Let’s Pretend (Miss C J O’Neill)

Another charming baby with a beautiful head and kind expression. Slightly lighter framed than the winner and still needs to body up and strengthen through her quarters, but everything is in the right place. Clean through neck and shoulder, elegant and feminine with the correct outline. Once she develops more substance behind, she should finish into a quality young bitch of excellent type.

Puppy Bitch

1st – Fleurfield Betty Barclay (Mr & Mrs M & A Hinton)

Lovely feminine puppy, full of Pointer quality and type. Clean through head and neck with a soft, kind expression and dark eye. Well-laid shoulders, straight front and good bone, already showing pleasing depth through the brisket for her age. Moved freely with reach and drive, holding a level topline and correct tail carriage throughout. A very promising youngster who impressed for overall balance, femininity and soundness — delighted to later award her Best Puppy in Show.

2nd – Droveborough Black Magic (Mrs P Wynne-Evans)

Another very beautiful puppy who pressed the winner closely and could easily change places on another day. Elegant, clean lines with an attractive head and gentle expression. Still needs a touch more maturity through body and hindquarters but full of quality and style. Moves out well when settled, showing scope and drive. Two lovely youngsters of excellent type who will both have bright futures.

Junior Bitch

1st – Bonham Just A Pretty Belle (Mrs D Matthews)

Neat and tidy youngster of pleasing type. Feminine head with kind expression and dark eye. Nicely made through the neck and shoulder with good topline and tailset. Moved soundly and steadily, keeping her outline throughout. A well-balanced bitch who presents an honest picture and should continue to mature with time.

2nd – Teisgol Rose Campion JW (Mrs M Stilgoe)

Attractive bitch of good proportions who moved soundly and with purpose. Balanced head and eye, clean lines and well-handled. Still needs a touch more finish to complete the picture but overall a quality girl of correct type. Not the strength behind of the winner today but another who should improve with maturity.

Yearling Bitch

1st – Ferndel Sapphire Mist Over Stocksell (Mrs S Stocksell)

An utterly beautiful bitch who caught my eye the moment she entered the ring and never disappointed. Feminine yet full of substance, with the most classic outline — flowing from the tip of her nose through her strong neck into perfectly laid shoulders and a gently sloping topline. Her head is exquisite: soft, intelligent expression, correct chiselling and dark, expressive eyes that radiate true Pointer quality. Every part fits seamlessly — depth of body, clean forehand, well-muscled quarters and lashing tail completing the picture. On the move she was simply breathtaking when she found her stride, gliding effortlessly with long, ground-covering stride and perfect footfall. Whilst she needs some time perfect this she gave enough for me to see her lovely movement. Presented in hard condition and handled to perfection. Delighted to award her the Bitch CC and Best in Show, I imagine her next CCs will not be to far down the road.

2nd – Meadowpoint Hocus Pocus JW (Miss D Dunn)

A neat, feminine bitch of pleasing type who presents a balanced outline and moves soundly. Attractive head and expression with good length of neck and a tidy topline. Not quite the scope or presence of the winner but an honest, well-made girl who shows herself steadily. Nicely put together and handled to get the best from her.

Maiden Bitch

1st – Tenshilling Let’s Pretend (Miss C J O’Neill)

A pretty and feminine young bitch who flows from head to tail. Cleanly made with well-set shoulders and enough bone for her frame. Maintains her topline well when settled and moves out with smooth, effortless stride. Still needs to develop a little more body and strength behind, but full of promise. Her balance and outline secured her the top spot here.

Novice Bitch

1st – Ferndel Sapphire Mist Over Stocksell (Mrs S Stocksell)

[As per Yearling critique — Bitch CC and Best in Show winner.]

2nd – Sniperay Secret Affair (Mrs J Radcliffe)

Quality young bitch of pleasing type with a feminine head, dark eye and neat ear set. Clean neck into a well-laid shoulder, straight front and tidy feet; enough depth for her age with a firm, level topline. Balanced quarters give a smooth, rhythmic action and she tracks true coming and going. Just lacked the finish and effortless flow of the winner today, but a stylish, honest bitch who should continue to progress with maturity.

Graduate Bitch

1st – Sniperay Secret Affair (Mrs J Radcliffe)

As per 2nd in novice bitch

2nd – Teisgol Alohomora (Mr & Mrs D Stilgoe)

Quality bitch with a lovely outline and good proportions. Feminine, clean head and pleasing expression. Well-angulated front and rear, holding her topline both standing and on the move. Just not quite as coordinated in front as the winner, but full of promise and nicely handled.

Post Graduate Bitch

1st – Sharphilly Dizzy Blonde at Linosa (Miss Alison Gates)

Stylish, eye-catching bitch who appealed immediately for type and outline. Well-shaped head with gentle expression, clean neck and correctly angulated shoulders. Strong through body with good bone and well-developed quarters. Moved with drive and purpose, maintaining her topline throughout. Presented in excellent condition and handled to advantage.

2nd – Droveborough Frost Queen (Mrs P Wynne-Evans)

A sound and honest bitch of good overall type. Balanced head with dark, expressive eye and elegant neck. Plenty of depth through the brisket and correct angulation behind. Moves freely with drive but didn’t quite have the same finish or outline as the winner today.

 Mid Limit Bitch

1st – Tenshilling To Sir With Love (Miss C J O’Neill)

Balanced, feminine bitch of lovely type, presenting a clean, flowing outline. Attractive head with kind expression, good length of neck and well-laid shoulders. Deep through the body with well-sprung ribs and strong loin. Moved soundly and with purpose, maintaining her topline and correct tail carriage throughout. Handled with confidence and shown in excellent order.

2nd – Carofel If I Had Wings JW (Mr R & Mrs C Hill)

A beautiful bitch who appeals for outline, head and expression. Well-constructed and moves freely, showing good reach and drive. Carrying far too much weight today, which affected her overall balance and definition, but nonetheless a quality girl of correct type.

 Limit Bitch

1st – Davigdor Poppies (Mr & Mrs D Moss)

I really loved this bitch and shortlisted her for top honours. She is beautifully balanced with the most classic outline, feminine yet full of substance. Lovely head and soft expression, clean through neck and shoulder into a firm topline and strong, well-developed quarters. Moved freely with reach and drive, though just a touch tense in the challenge which made her action a little choppy at times. Presented in beautiful condition and handled sympathetically — a quality bitch who impressed greatly.

2nd – Clamerkin Jubilee Surprise at Hookwood (Mrs S Welch, Mrs B Drake & Mrs L Hazeltine)

Feminine bitch of pleasing proportions and type. Attractive head and kind expression, well-constructed with correct forehand and good bone. Moved freely and with confidence, though not quite the overall flow and finish of the winner today. Well presented and shown to her best advantage.

Open Bitch

1st – Sh Ch & Ir Ch Joneva Just A Kiss JW (Mrs S Rossiter & Miss S Fewster)

An immense class of truly gorgeous bitches, and it could easily have gone either way between the top two. This bitch stood out on the day for her precision and composure. Classic, feminine head with dark, expressive eyes and lovely chiselling. Flows cleanly through neck and shoulder into a firm, gently sloping topline and well-set tail. Balanced angulation and correct depth give her a smooth, ground-covering stride with true footfall fore and aft. Presented in hard, gleaming condition and handled to advantage — the complete picture today. Delighted to award her the Reserve CC, and she pushed hard for Reserve Best in Show.

2nd – Sh Ch Fleurfield Black Caviar (Mrs M & Miss A Hinton)

Quality champion of excellent type and substance. Clean through the forehand with good ribbing and strong quarters; holds her outline well on the move. Positive, accurate action and full of ring presence, though just edged out by the winner’s extra polish on the day. Beautifully prepared and a worthy runner-up in a class of real depth and quality.

Veteran Bitch

1st – Carofel On Silent Wings JW (Mr R & Mrs C Hill)

Elegant veteran shown in beautiful condition. Retains all her quality and balance, with a kind eye and soft expression. Well-constructed with good bone, depth and firm topline. Still moves with grace and ease, clearly enjoying her day. A lovely example of the breed, ageing gracefully and a credit to her owners.

2nd – Sh Ch Droveborough’s Miss Marple (Mrs P D Wynne-Evans)

Another lovely veteran of excellent type. Balanced outline with clean neck, good shoulder and well-turned stifles. Moved freely with a smooth stride, holding her topline well. Really not much between these two and just preferred the shoulder lay on no 1 today.

 Field Trial Bitch

1st – FT Ch Aurichalcum Glentaisie (Miss K D Westron)

A fine example of a dual-purpose Pointer, combining elegance with field capability. Balanced outline with clean head, intelligent eye and athletic build. Well-muscled and fit, showing a smooth, purposeful gait with plenty of drive from behind. Her personality could fill the ring — full of enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of her work. A pleasure to judge; her happiness was infectious.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch

1st – Sharphilly Gingerbread SGWC (KLAIBER, Mrs Nicola)

A nicely put-together bitch of good overall balance and type. Feminine head with kind expression and a clean outline. Moved soundly and steadily, keeping her topline level. Handled sympathetically to get the best from her and well deserving of her place.

2nd – Freebreeze Pixar at Prosperity (Mr & Mrs M Neils)

Another honest, well-made bitch of similar type. Pleasing head and eye, good bone and depth of body. Moved out sensibly, just not quite the precision or drive of the winner today.

Minor Puppy Dog

1st – Sunhouse Quintessential (Mrs R & Mr C Martin)

Immature and still very much at the baby stage, but he was the most settled on the day, allowing for a fair assessment. A pleasing youngster with a kind, expressive eye and balanced head. Clean in outline with good shoulder placement and level topline for his age. Moved out freely once into his stride, showing good attitude and confidence for one so young. Awarded Best Puppy Dog.

2nd – Tenshilling Catch the Wind (Miss C J O’Neill)

An exuberant puppy, full of enthusiasm and showing plenty of quality. Good shape and proportions with a pleasing head and eye. Just needs time and experience to settle into his stride and show his movement to best advantage, but a very promising youngster.

 Puppy Dog

1st – Tenshilling Catch the Wind (Miss C J O’Neill)

See second in minor puppy

2nd – Daladancer Victor McDade (Miss K Scotland)

Smart, composed youngster of pleasing type. Balanced in outline with good head, neck and shoulder. Moved freely on a steady stride, just needing a little more “body” compared with the winner today.

Junior Dog

1st – Bonham Just The Ticket (Mrs A Matthews)

A smart, upstanding young dog of very good type. Balanced head with a kind, intelligent eye and clean outline. Strong through neck and shoulder with firm topline and good quarters behind. Moved soundly and with drive, maintaining his shape both standing and on the move. Presented in hard condition and handled to advantage — one full of promise.

2nd – Teisgol Sweet William (Mr & Mrs D Stilgoe)

Another quality young dog of pleasing proportions. Attractive head and expression, well-made through the body with a straight front and good depth. Moved steadily with accuracy, though just lacked a little of the fluid drive of the winner today. Nicely presented and handled sympathetically.

 Yearling Dog

1st – Tenshilling Shboom JW (Mrs C J O’Neill)

Stylish young dog of excellent type and overall balance. Masculine yet refined, with a clean, moulded head and soft, intelligent expression. Good length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders and firm topline. Strong quarters provide reach and drive on the move, and he covers the ground freely and accurately. Presented in lovely condition and handled to advantage — a dog of real potential.

2nd – Bonham Just The Ticket (Mrs A Matthews)

As previously described — a well-made, quality youngster who again impressed with his shape and sound movement. Maintained a pleasing outline and performed steadily, though just not quite the strength or finish of the winner today.

Maiden Dog

1st – Beresydale Poker Face [ATC BB54379MLT] (Dr D Busutti)

An absolutely beautiful dog who, for me, epitomises the Pointer — elegant, handsome, and perfectly balanced. Loved his clean, classic lines and moderate, unexaggerated construction. Gorgeous head with soft, intelligent expression and dark, kind eye. Flowing neck into well-laid shoulders, firm topline and strong, well-turned quarters. His movement was a joy to watch — effortless, smooth, and precise, always holding his outline. In hard condition and beautifully presented, he simply commanded attention. He was quietly and sympathetically handled and the picture was precise and elegant. Delighted to award him the Dog CC and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd – Freebreeze Fellini (Mr & Mrs M Neils)

A well-made, honest young dog of good proportions and balance. Pleasing head and expression, straight front and good bone. Moved soundly and steadily, maintaining a firm topline throughout. Nicely presented and sympathetically handled.

Novice Dog

1st – Beresydale Poker Face [ATC BB54379MLT] (Dr D Busutti)

2nd – Freebreeze Fellini (Mr & Mrs M Neils)

As previously described — both quality dogs, shown in fine form and maintaining their standards here.

 Graduate Dog

1st – Kananaskis Hudson (Mrs C Roberts)

A masculine yet refined dog of lovely type and quality. Strong, well-balanced outline with excellent proportions. Beautiful head with a dark, expressive eye and intelligent look. Clean through the neck and shoulder into a firm topline and well-turned quarters. Covers the ground freely with long, easy strides and true movement fore and aft. Presented in fit, gleaming condition and handled to advantage. A stylish dog who caught my eye immediately.

2nd – Freebreeze Fellini (Mr & Mrs M Neils)

As previously described — a balanced, honest dog who moved out well and maintained his form consistently throughout the day. Presented in good order and handled steadily.

Graduate Dog

1st – Kananaskis Hudson (Mrs C Roberts)

A masculine yet refined dog of lovely type and quality. Strong, well-balanced outline with excellent proportions. Beautiful head with a dark, expressive eye and intelligent look. Clean through the neck and shoulder into a firm topline and well-turned quarters. Covers the ground freely with long, easy strides and true movement fore and aft. Presented in fit, gleaming condition and handled to advantage — a stylish dog who caught my eye immediately.

2nd – Freebreeze Fellini (Mr & Mrs M Neils)

As previously described

 Post Graduate Dog

1st – Alozia Zealandia for Ratchda JW (Mrs J Cobden)

Liver and white dog of lovely type who moved beautifully and with accuracy. Balanced outline with a clean head and kind, intelligent expression. Well-constructed through the neck and shoulders with a firm topline and good hind angulation. Covered the ground with an easy, fluid stride, maintaining his shape throughout. Just needs a little more maturity in his body and some “finish” which time will bring for top honours, but full of quality and handled to advantage.

2nd – Joneva Just Goes to Show at Errytar (Messrs J & P Evans)

A pleasing dog of correct proportions and balanced outline. Good head and neck, well made through the forehand. Unsettled at times today, which affected his movement, but when he did relax his true quality showed. Nicely presented and shown in good condition.

 Mid Limit Dog

1st – Tenshilling Jimmy Mack JW (Mrs C J O’Neill)

Stood alone but deserving of his win. A quality dog of good overall type with a clean, athletic outline. Pleasing head with kind expression and good reach of neck into well-laid shoulders. Balanced through the body with firm topline and well-developed quarters. The windy conditions unsettled him slightly and he wasn’t entirely relaxed being gone over, but his breed quality is evident. Once settled, he moved soundly and accurately.

Limit Dog

1st – Sh Ch Joneva Just Imagine JW (Mr N & Mrs S Sweeny)

Classic, elegant and full of ring presence. Beautifully balanced outline combining strength with refinement. Lovely head and expression, clean through the neck into well-laid shoulders and firm topline. Excellent bone and quarters, moving with an effortless, ground-covering stride that held his shape beautifully. In superb muscular condition and presented to perfection. Slightly bigger all over than the winner and unlucky to meet the CC winner today but thoroughly deserving of the Reserve Dog CC.

2nd – Sunhouse Black Is Back (Ms S R Philo)

Another dog of high quality. Slightly heavier in build than the winner but still typy and full of Pointer character. Attractive head, well-made front and strong hindquarters. Moved soundly with reach and drive, holding a pleasing outline. Beautifully presented and sympathetically handled.

Open Dog

1st – Sunhouse You’re Nicked (Mrs R Martin)

A handsome, powerful dog with lots of bone who commands attention and one I have always liked. I preferred the head and length of this dog — a beautifully moulded head with a dark, expressive eye and kind, intelligent outlook. Clean through the neck and shoulder, deep in chest with a strong, level topline and well-turned quarters. Moved with accuracy and drive in his class, covering the ground with purpose and maintaining a balanced outline. In the challenge he seemed a little more tense on the move with his topline dropping at the shoulder, which was a shame, as I do like this dog very much — full of breed type and quality.

2nd – Sh Ch Carofel Wings of Hope JW WW23 Swiss JCh (Mr R Guy)

A beautiful, balanced dog of lovely proportions and true Pointer type. Elegant outline with clean lines and a kind expression. Well-made all through with good forehand and strong quarters. Moved freely and with precision, maintaining his topline and symmetry. Just preferred the head and length of the winner today, but a very worthy champion shown in immaculate order.

Veteran Dog

1st – FyDal Caprio at Salmonmist JW ShCM OSW ShCEx VW (Mrs S A Smith)

I absolutely loved this veteran — he oozes quality and typifies the breed so well. Strong yet elegant, with a beautiful head and soft, intelligent expression. Balanced throughout, with clean neck and shoulders, firm topline and well-turned quarters. Moved with drive and accuracy, maintaining his outline with ease and showing such enthusiasm for the job. Presented in superb condition and handled with skill. Shortlisted for the CC and he pushed hard for the reserve. Delighted to award him Best Veteran Dog and Best Veteran in Show.

2nd – Moenfair Sanguineum Luna JW (Mrs S Tregaskis)

A quality veteran shown in fine order. Balanced outline with a sweet expression and clean lines. Moved soundly and steadily, maintaining her topline and demonstrating correct Pointer action. Just lacked a little of the power and drive of the winner today but beautifully presented and handled with care.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog

1st – Moenfair Sanguineum Luna JW (Mrs S Tregaskis)

A well-balanced, honest dog who presents a pleasing outline. Gentle expression with dark, kind eye and good reach of neck. Clean through the shoulder and strong over the loin. Moved out freely and steadily, maintaining his topline throughout. A credit to his owner, shown in lovely condition and with excellent rapport.

2nd – Freebreeze Fellini (Mr & Mrs M Neils)

As previously described