Gundog Society Of Wales

Irish Setters

It is always an honour and a great pleasure to judge my favourite, heart breed. 

Thank you to the Committee for the invitation and of course to the exhibitors for their entries. Weather didn’t allow for us to be outside which was a little disappointing, however we were allocated a really good-sized big ring which as both a judge and an exhibitor is always a bonus. I love to see an Irish on the move as this shows and tells so much. 

I was pleased to have some dogs of super quality under me today. My positives and takeaways were, presentation, I feel most certainly continues to improve; both coat presentation and also body and muscle condition. Some really beautiful, correct head pieces, correct balance, planes, eye shape and colour, raised brows presenting the most gorgeous expressions. It was also exciting to see some lovely youngsters coming through. My main watch out and concern was movement. I was seeing dogs that lacked real reach and drive, close behind and ‘tippy toeing’ in front. This was accentuated by the large ring. 

Minor Puppy Dog Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1st: Gwendariff Little White Lie (IKC) (Mrs G Hyslop) What a super puppy. Lots to like here. The most beautiful head piece, with correct proportions and the loveliest expression coming from correct eye shape, colour and brow. Excellent bone and body throughout at this age. In good coat and lovely colour. Good length and arch to neck into straight front and excellent feet. Good depth of chest and spring of rib for a baby. Loved his character and temperament. Used the ring well to get the best out of him and let him get into his stride. 

2nd: Gwendariff Yellowhammer (IKC) (Mrs J M Lorrimer) Another lovely pup with lots of potential. Again, his head really appealed to me for its shape, proportions and eye. Good length of neck into a straight in front. Good depth of chest and spring of rib. Lovely smart feet. Today I preferred the strength, width and rear angulation to the hindquarters of 1st.

 3rd: Bardonhill to Be or Not to Be (Mr J, Mrs L & Miss L H Richardson)

Puppy Dog Entries: 3 Absentees: 1

1st: Riverbrue Gives You Hell (Miss C Clarke) Shown really well by his handler to get the very best out of him, using the ring to his full potential. He moved out well, covering the ground front and rear and holding his topline. Overall, a pleasing, balanced shape to this pup in outline. He has a kind expression with correct eye colour and shape, and correct bite, I would prefer a bit more work to the head. Correct length of neck with slight arch into a straight in front. Excellent tight, smart feet. He has good depth to his chest and a good body proportions. Good width to his thigh into short hocks. 

2nd: Gwendariff Yellowhammer (IKC) (Mrs J M Lorrimer) 

Junior Dog Entries: 1 Absentees: 0 

1st: Fairhaven Young Soul for Konakakela (Imp Swe) JW (Mrs P. Harris) A mature dog for his age in exceptional coat, presented in great condition. He has a masculine head with defined stop, correct eye colour and shape with an appealing expression. Well set and lay of ears. Good strength to his neck and depth of chest. Good spring of rib. Well angulated hindquarters. Moved with drive from his rear, would like more reach in front. 

Yearling Dog Entries: 5 Absentees: 0 

1st: Gwendariff Sky Diver (IKC) (Miss C & Miss R Neill & Ellrich) What a super exciting male. Quite special! Such presence which draws you to him. He totally owned that ring on the stand and on the move. Eye catching in the line-up and did not disappoint to go over. Well-constructed throughout from head to tail. Excellent front assembly which flows from the beautiful length and arch of his neck into well laid shoulders, straight front. He is balanced with correct body proportions. Super firm topline sloping to his rear with a good tail set. In excellent muscular condition and then all this came together on the move. Holding his shape, head and tail carriage, moved with such ease, excellent foot fall, for me the best mover on the day. CC and BOB and delighted to see him get shortlisted in the Group. 

2nd: Gwendariff Bobby Dazzler (IKC) (Mrs L J Dewar) A top-quality male that presents a clean balanced outline and presented in first class condition in body and coat. He has the most beautiful head, excellent shape, proportions and work to it with a lovely dark eye and raised brow with gives the desired expression. Excellent bone. Well put together throughout and a pleasure to go over, excellent front and rear assembly. Super width, length and strength to his hindquarters, into well angulated stifle and hocks. Another who took advantage of the ring and moved with both reach and drive. 

3rd: Gwendariff Mr Blue Sky (Mrs J & Mr R Holmes) 

Novice Dog Entries: 1 Absentees: 0 

1st: Rafinha Lofty via Riverbrue (Ms L & Mr B Roberts & Crocker) A pleasing overall, racy outline. I liked his head piece, balanced and appealing, long and lean, good shape to skull, a kind eye with good stop and raised brow. He was a little unsettled and not very happy which impacted his performance and his movement as he was not as free and at ease as I’d like to see. A lovely rich colour to his coat. He has a straight front and good depth of chest. Good spring to his ribbing. Good angulation to his hindquarters, just need to strengthen. 

Graduate Dog Entries: 5 Absentees: 1 

1st: Gwendariff Disco Dazzler (IKC) JW (Mrs J M Lorrimer) There is nothing overdone or exaggerated in this medium sized male. Modest and racy. He has a very attractive balanced, clean outline with a glorious coat colour and condition. He is well constructed throughout. Another very attractive head, correct shape, work and proportions, the loveliest expression and eye. Correct length of neck in a well put together front assembly and spring of rib. In tip top muscular condition which showed as he moved with such ease, covering the ground well. 

2nd: Tiroen Touch of Magic by Settesoli (Imp Kcj) JW (Mrs J P Russell) An attractive male in outline. Balanced and of a good shape. No exaggeration or coarseness. A lovely head, clean muzzle, raised brow, good eye colour and shape giving the kindest of expressions. He has an excellent length and strength of neck into a well laid-back shoulder. Correct depth of chest and spring of rib. He has a firm topline, sloping down from the withers as desired. 

3rd: Thendara Haribo at Baibreeze (Mrs D Abbott) 

Post Graduate Dog Entries: 7 Absentees: 2 

1st: Bardonhill Mcintosh Red at Montgreenan JW (Mr J, Mrs L & Miss L H Richardson) This boy really appealed to me in the line-up, and I liked him more and more as I went over him. He is an absolute joy to go over, so well put together. He really is full of quality and one I think has a good future ahead of him. He has a masculine head, with the most appealing expression. Well set and lay of ears. He has an excellent front assembly and rear quarters, with an excellent topline. When he really impresses is on the move. He moves with reach, drive and enthusiasm holding his shape, filling my eye. Lovely partnership too between dog and handler. 

2nd: Ferasheen Hot Proper Tea JW (Mrs K & Miss G Sloane) Presents an attractive outline on the stack. A lovely rich chestnut colour coat. Overall, not quite the scope and raciness compared to 1. He is a little too heavy for me in head. He has well placed ears, good length and arch to his neck into a straight front, good bone and depth of chest and spring of rib. Strong topline, held well on the move. 

3rd: Penclippin Jubilee Flame JW (Mrs H G Bentley) 

Mid Limit Dog Entries: 2 Absentees: 1 

1st: Swiftlark Spellbinder (Mrs S S Corless) This male is good to go over. He is of an appealing type and liked him for his moderation. He has a masculine head, a good eye and expression. Excellent clean front assembly, shoulders well laid back, straight front and good bone throughout. Good depth to his chest into good spring of rib. In excellent hard muscular condition. 

Limit Dog Entries: 3 Absentees: 2 

1st: Gwendariff Tullys Red Arrows (Ms R Richardson) Put down to perfection. A great team these two, working so well together. An eye-catching clean outline. He can fall into himself a bit on the stand but holds his shape well on the move. A masculine head with a kind eye and expression. A clean muscular, arched neck. Liked his forequarters, strong with excellent depth and straight front. Good spring of rib into a strong lion. Lovely tight, smart feet. Well-muscled and angulated hindquarters. 

Open Dog Entries: 2 Absentees: 0 

1st: Sh Ch Copper’s Get Off My Cloud by Bonhomie (Imp Swe) (Mrs S E Edwards) I liked this male for his moderation, clean balanced, racy outline. He never stood wrong when stacked or free stood. There is nothing overdone here. His presentation has to be commended; his coat was full of quality and an excellent colour. He is clearly well exercised as in hard muscular condition throughout. He has a beautiful head, correct plains and shape of skull. He has a good eye, shape, colour giving an adorable expression. Clean through the throat and neck which is of good length flowing into well laid shoulders. He has an excellent front assembly and straight front. Super feet. Firm topline into a strong lion and correct tail set. On the move he is sound and true but would just like to see a bit more enthusiasm and scope. RES CC. 

2nd: Jetsetter Wind of Dreams (Imp Rus) (M Beresford) I’ve admired this male since his was a youngster and watched him mature and fulfil his promise. He is of top quality, and I am pleased that I had the pleasure to go over him. So much to like about him and is really well constructed throughout. He has the sweetest of faces. Not quite the work of 1st but still very appealing with his raised brown and lovely eye nd expression. He is racy and balanced in outline. Excellent arch to his neck into good front assembly. He has the desired depth of chest into correct spring of rib. He has excellent body proportions and a firm topline, sloping down from his withers. Strong, very well-muscled hindquarters with nicely angulated stifle. 

Champion Dog Entries: 1 Absentees: 1 Veteran Dog Entries: 1 Absentees: 0 

1st: Sh Ch Lynwood Hocus Pocus at Settesoli JW (Mrs J P Russell) A lovely male of excellent type. A real gent and really pleasing dog to go over. An honest, modest dog throughout. He has a gorgeous head with lovely definition and work, the kindest and most gentle expression. In very good muscular condition and body at 8 years old. He has that lovely arch to his neck into a clean front assembly. Well laid back shoulders and a straight front. He has the correct depth of chest, spring and reach of rib. He has an excellent topline, firm and sloping. Good hindquarters in angulation, width and strength. 

Special Beginners Entries: 6 Absentees: 2 

1st: Dendroch Anne Frank (Mrs Lm Taylor) A really pretty young lady who won this class on her movement. Lovely footfall, in both front and rear and held her shape, topline, head and tail carriage, plus was really enjoying herself, which is great to see, super temperament and character. She has a very pretty head and expression. Well set ears. Good length and a clean neck into good forequarters with a straight front and good depth of chest. Lovely smart feet. Well-muscled thigh. 

2nd: Carnbargus Happy Returns (Mrs S & Mr B L Greenwood) Another pretty girl who had a pleasing overall shape and outline. A feminine head with good planes, eye and raised brow. She has a straight front, good depth of chest and spring of rib. In good coat and lovely rich colour. Feet need to tighten. 

3rd: Henaleas Go West at Teignestuary (S M & N W Full) 

Minor Puppy Bitch Entries: 3 Absentees: 2 

1st: Gwendariff Grace Kelly (Miss J M Childs) Full of character, love it. Excellent character and personality on this pup. I love to see this and always easier to reign it in than try to bring it out. Feminine head, long and lean with a mischievous expression that made me smile. Has a lovely coat on her at this age; quality, condition and colour. Tidy, tight feet. She had an excellent front assembly and lovely to put your hands on. In good body for a baby. 

Puppy Bitch Entries: 1 Absentees: 0 

1st: Riverwood X Written in The Stars (Imp Bel) (Mr D & Mrs S & Ms J Hopewell & Hopewell & Greenan) Look at me is what she did as she entered the ring. Made me smile. Lovely air and attitude on her. A gorgeous rich chestnut colour to her coat. She has a very pretty head, feminine with a lovely dark eye and raised brow. Good proportions to her head. She has a good lay of shoulder and excellent depth to her chest and tight, straight front. In excellent body for age. Good bone and spring of rib. Firm topline. Good width and strength to her hindquarters. For me, could be better in croup and tail set. She moved soundly, covering the ground well. 

Junior Bitch Entries: 7 Absentees: 0 

1st: Polmennor Spice of Life (Mrs A R Roberts) The prettiest of girls, with a long and lean head. Presents a racy, clean outline on the stack. Beautiful coat colour and condition. Such a lovely face, a little bit cheeky which is so appealing. I liked her to go over, well put together and for me this was reinforced as the more she moved the more I liked her and that’s what gave her the class. She has an air of fun about her, carrying herself well on the move with great head, shape and tail carriage, covering the ground well and with ease. 

2nd: Bluesprings Love of My Life for Shirlilah JW (Miss L M Peters) Of a different frame to one, not quite the scope but is sound throughout. She was also very pretty. Pleasing work and balance in her head. Her eye shape, colour and brow gave her a kind and little bit of mischief expression which was lovely. Good bone, excellent length and arch to her neck, straight front, good depth to her chest and pleasing lay of shoulder. She had a firm topline. Would prefer a better croup and tail set and slightly more angulation in her hindquarters. 

3rd: Polmennor Pandora (Mrs A R Roberts) 

Yearling Bitch Entries: 5 Absentees: 0 

1st: Gwendariff Flirt in A Skirt (IKC) JW (Miss C & Miss R & Mrs L Neill & Ellrich & Jones) Of such an appealing type, so racy in outline with an attitude and style about her that I love. She has the prettiest of heads that is so feminine. Long and lean with correct balance and work to it. Lovely correct eye shape, and raised brow giving a kind, with a little bit of cheek expression. She flows so well throughout. Good length and arch to neck, into well laid shoulders and correct front. Desired depth of chest and nicely ribbed. Firm topline, held well on the move, where she was so sound, moved effortlessly, used her hindquarters to drive and carried herself well. 

2nd: Alolfrana Electra (Mrs R D Danks-Kemish) Another I liked a lot. Of a lovely type, racy and feminine all through. Not quite the dress and finish of 1st but this will come to finish the overall picture. She has a pretty, feminine head, not quite the work of 1st but a good eye, raised brow and good ear set. She has a very good front and rear assembly, desired depth to her chest and ribbing. She was in great muscle condition, and this showed when she moved out, true and super soundly. 

3rd: Riverbrue Mystique avec Brinara (Mrs B & Mrs L Berry & Morris) 

Novice Bitch Entries: 9 Absentees: 0 

1st: Polmennor Spice of Life (Mrs A R Roberts) 

2nd: Riverwood X Written in The Stars (Imp Bel) (Mr D & Mrs S & Ms J Hopewell & Hopewell & Greenan) 

3rd: Polmennor Pandora (Mrs A R Roberts) 

Graduate Bitch Entries: 6 Absentees: 1 

1st: Bridgella's Jubilee Queen JW (Mrs D & Mr W & Miss L Bridgwater & Bridgwater & Goddard) On the stack she has a racy, feminine outline. She has a very appealing, pretty head with a good eye giving a lovely expression, well set low ears. Correct arch to her clean neck. Good depth of chest and a straight front. Would prefer tighter feet. Plenty of room in her spring of rib. She carried a firm topline which she held on the move. Good width to her thigh and bend of stifle. On the move she covered the ground well. 

2nd: Cherrorvale Dream Come True JW (Mrs M & Mr D Robinson) An attractive balanced outline. Lovely coat colour on this girl and super condition to it. A feminine head with lovely balance, chiselling and proportions. A kind eye of good shape and colour. Good length, strength and arch to her neck. Good forequarters on her, straight front into tidy, tight feet. Good bone and correct bend to her stifle. Well-muscled in her hindquarters. Would prefer a better croup. 

3rd: Penclippin Celtic Asthore JW (Mrs H G Bentley) 

Post Graduate Bitch Entries: 6 Absentees: 1 

1st: Gwendariff Don't Look Back Aoibheanne (Miss E S Ciechonska) Really like this girl and lovely to go over. She is ultra feminine and racy. She is a good size and balanced, standing over the ground well. Not quite the overall coat finish today on her but there is nothing to hide in outline, and her construction is spot on. Her head was beautiful, pretty, long, lean and the softest expression. Excellent forequarters, depth of chest, lay of shoulder and topline. She has wide and strong hindquarters and great angulation to her stifle and hocks. 

2nd : Glencarron Second Edition to Corcencone (Ms K P Vallance) Of a heavier frame overall to 1st and not the scope and raciness however she has an attractive head and expression, good ear set. She has a good length and strength of neck into well placed shoulders. Her front is straight into good, smart feet. Her chest is deep and her body has the correct spring and reach of rib. Firm topline held well on the stack and move. Well angulated hindquarters. She moved out soundly. 

3rd: Corranroo Viennese Waltz to Shirlilah (Miss L M Peters) 

Mid Limit Bitch Entries: 4 Absentees: 0 

1st: Quensha Joker and The Queen (Mr P, Mr G T & Mrs A Bott, Allen & Morgan) She stood out in this class for her elegance and raciness. She had a tendency to fall into her rear at times on the stack but was handled well to correct this. She has a very pretty head and face, nicely put together with a kind, soft expression. Liked her forequarter construction. Her front is straight with correct depth of chest and well laid-back shoulders. Good spring and length of rib on her. She has a good width to her hindquarters and bend of stifle. Would like to have seen more reach in front and enthusiasm on the move. 

2nd: Corranroo Hot Sensation at Shirlilah (Miss L M Peters) A larger framed girl overall, not quite the raciness of one. However, she presents a clean outline and was presented in excellent condition. She has an appealing head with a kind eye. Correct length of neck. A straight front with good depth to her chest. She has a firm topline, good spring of rib and strong loin. Good width and strength to her thigh. She was sound on the move just carried her tail a little high. 

3rd: Lynwood Rather Ravishing at Corcencone (Ms K P Vallance) 

Limit Bitch Entries: 6 Absentees: 1 

1st: Riverbrue Ophelia Bongos at Henaleas (Mrs J A & Mr P J Humphreys) The large ring was good for this girl as the more she moved and the more length of lead her handler gave her the better she got. Super feminine and racy in outline and presents a lovely overall picture. I’d like a tad more length to her legs but there is a lot to commend and like about her. I absolutely loved her head piece, from her proportions and balance to her chiselling, ear set, eye shape and colour, resulting in the most gorgeous expression. She was very easy to go over but that I mean she is well put together and sits in a good frame. Excellent in front and rear assembly with correct angulations. Presented in first class body, coat and muscular condition with a beautiful coat colour. RES CC 

2nd: Corranroo Rainbow Shimmer (Mr G C & Mrs J Bayne) Not the raciness and as elegance of 1st but shown in super condition and presentation. She is very sound to go over and has a feminine head with a lovely eye shape giving that desired very soft and kind eye. She excels in her front construction, with well laid-back shoulders, depth of chest and straight, tight front. Her ribs are well sprung and of good length. Firm topline. Her hindquarters are powerful and wide with a good bend to her stifle. I just wanted a bit more from her on the move. 

3rd: Covarney Dream Time from Bronrians JW (Mr D & Miss C Clarke) 

Open Bitch Entries: 2 Absentees: 0 

1st: Gwendariff Thistle Be Jills at Wynjill (Mrs J Holley) I have admired this girl for some time, and it was an absolute pleasure to judge her. Today I thought she looked the best I have seen her, and full credit to owner for her excellent condition and presentation. She has a beautiful coat colour. To me she excels in scope and raciness, with elegance and balance. A delightful outline on the stand and held on the move. Her head is lean, with the correct eye shape and the most affectionate expression and lovely brow. Excellent front assembly with correct lay of shoulder. Good depth of chest and spring of rib. She has excellent strength in her hindquarters and well angulated. She moved with ease; carrying her head, holding her topline and a lashing, happy tail. She covered the ground and was a joy to watch. Today she on was top form and thoroughly deserving of the CC. 

2nd: Quensha Beautiful Stranger of Gracewood (Ms A & Ms S Douthwaite & Wharfe) Lots to like about this girl and so very sound on the move. She covered the ground really well, at ease, carrying her head and tail, and in profile really showed her reach and drive as well as her balanced outline. She has an appealing head, with correct proportions, eye shape and colour. She is feminine but with good bone and depth of chest, excellent spring of rib and strong in the loin. She is well muscled in her excellent hindquarters. 

Champion Bitch Entries: 2 Absentees: 1 

1st Sh Ch Gwendariff Hot Ticket JW (Miss L Bougen) Another girl full of quality and type. Liked her height and scope too. Racy and elegant in outline. She is very sound on the move which didn’t surprise me given her frame, and strong hard condition. Really nicely handled on the move to get the best out of her and think she could have moved and moved all day long. A lovely head on her, good length and arch to her neck. A balanced, good shape and body proportions. Super width to her hindquarters and angulation to her stifle. 

Veteran Bitch Entries: 4 Absentees: 1 

1st Gwendariff Its Numero Uno at Bonhomie JW (Mrs S E Edwards) The condition of this girl at 8 years old is quite something. She oozes quality and is a great example of the longevity of this breed in the show ring. A real pleasure to go over and here today in first class condition, both coat presentation and body condition. She has a super head with good stop and shape to her to her skull with a lovely eye and the softest of expression. Excellent strong neck of good length into a very sound front assembly. Lovely depth to her chest and spring of rib. She has a firm, gently sloping topline her withers. Excellent width to her thigh and correct angulation to her stifle. Lovely feet. Best Veteran and so happy to see her win Group 3 in a fabulous Veteran group.  

2nd Sh Ch Gwendariff Lily The Pink (Miss L Bougen) I’d also like to commend this owner/handler of the condition of this girl. Not quite the coat finish of 1st but her body and muscular condition was outstanding. No denying the exercise she gets which allowed and enabled the free, easy movement. She moves with elegance and style, holding her head, topline and tail, and honestly looks like she’s loving every minute. She is ultra feminine and racy in outline. She has a very pretty head, with a lovely, raised brow, eye and expression. She is very balanced throughout, a lovely girl with super qualities. 3rd Swiftlark First Desire at Paduan (Mr A J White)