Midland Counties Canine Society

My day started well with a warm welcome from the Officers and Committee of this well-organized show. The untiring efficiency of my two Stewards, Helen and Catherine, made my task of focusing on judging so much easier. But the real stars were of course the English Springers themselves, and I thank each and every exhibitor for the huge privilege of judging their dogs, something that I will never take for granted. This breed has had my heart for 40 years, so to judge those entered here made a truly wonderful day complete. For me, there is no other breed quite like the English Springer, but a lack of numbers in the younger age classes, especially in males, is a concern. Registrations of show-bred puppies are seemingly very low and at the same time we are being urged to maintain genetic diversity. This means that “throwing baby out with the bath water” in either sex is not an option, so acceptance of imperfections alongside merits is a necessity, especially when exhibits seem to come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Today I thought that a small number lacked ideal size, symmetry and balance, and there were a few who were a little short in upper arm affecting forward reach, but most had the length, depth, width and substance in body that makes an English Springer an English Springer. By far my biggest challenge today, though, was to find exhibits with both a proper chiselled Springer head giving that unique melting expression and truly sound driving movement. Sadly, it was often a case of “either/or” and therein lay my main areas of compromise. That said, my winners filled my eye and my heart with their quality and gave me hope for the future of this incredibly special breed.

DCC - Sh Ch/Slo/Cro Ch Peasblossom Xanti (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell)

RDCC - Peasblossom Changes (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell)

BCC - Sh Ch Melverly Iridescent (Mr R J Smith)

RBCC - Sh Ch Sandylands Send The Roses (Mr E & Mrs E Casey & Jayes)

BOB - Sh Ch Melverly Iridescent (Mr R J Smith)

BP - Peasblossom Emotions with Teignvalley (Mrs C Hill)

BV - Sh Ch/Slo/Cro Ch Peasblossom Xanti (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell)

BSB - Clentonian Picture Perfect (Mr R & Mrs J Reynolds)

Minor Puppy D

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Favours Joy Ride to Baudelaire (Imp Swe) (Miss H Field-Enticott), L/W baby a whisker over 6 months, very much at the “legs & wings” stage with emphasis on the “legs”, pleasing balance between skull & muzzle, head just needs to finish, well-laid shoulders, good length to upper arm, brisket reaches to elbow, has length to body & decent spring of rib, moderate bend of stifle, just a little long in rear pasterns at this stage, movement hard to assess due to his exuberance, but better that than an over-schooled baby robot, he tried so very hard to please his handler displaying a happy & biddable temperament, just needs time to body up & fulfil his potential.

Puppy D

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Eastriding Devotion (Mrs K Jenkinson), 9 months smart B/W in sparkling jacket, masculine head with ample stop, sufficient length of muzzle but yet to finish in depth, dark eye & kind expression, good bone & lovely tight rounded feet, needs to develop in forechest, good length of neck leading to well-angulated front, deep through body, well-ribbed, short-coupled, showing good width in thigh for age, moderate bend of stifle, shade long in second thigh & inclined to roach topline, very happy on the move, just crabbing behind, perhaps just a growth spurt, as is the way with puppies front & rear will no doubt catch up with each other given time, BPD

Junior D

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1st Eastriding Royal Gold (Mrs K Jenkinson), well-grown 16 months L/W, made a pleasing shape on the stack being compact & strongly-built throughout, strong masculine head which is balanced in length & depth, chiselling still developing, would prefer a more almond-shaped eye but lovely dark hazel colour perfectly matched his dark jacket, clean in throat, excellent length to neck with desired slight arch, enough forechest, sufficient lay-back of shoulder & return of upper arm which was of good length, appreciated his deep body & strength in flanks, short-coupled, thigh is broad enough, stifle moderately bent, steady on the move showing strong drive behind, which along with his overall symmetry won him this class

2nd Beresford Stand N' Stare JW (Mrs T E Topliss), initially thought this well-presented upstanding 16 months L/W would be my winner, presents a very clean-cut & striking outline, all male, strong but well-balanced head with deep muzzle, preferred his eye shape to 1st, expression is charmingly soft, ample length to his neck leading neatly to a well-angulated front, deep & strong all through his body, has strength in his thigh & his bend of stifle isn’t over-exaggerated, would just prefer a little less length of second thigh for better balance with his front, on the move he was rather untidy behind & couldn’t match the rear drive of 1st.

3rd Forgespring Tomfoolery (Mrs C E & Mr P J Turrell)

Post Graduate D

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1st Clentonian Pitch Perfect (Mr R & Mrs J Reynolds), L/W with compact appearance & substantial build, not a flashy D but a very honest one with everything in the right place, nicely proportioned head, skull broad without being overdone, good depth & length to muzzle, lovely dark eye, I was enchanted by his gentle ever-patient expression, sufficient length to neck, well-angulated in front with good forechest & deep brisket, well-sprung ribs, strongly coupled, powerfully-made hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle, he wore an air of “seen it all before” on the move but could not hide his true action fore & aft, a little more merriment would top off this unexaggerated & well-constructed Springer.

 2nd Teignvalley New Beginnings JW (Mrs C Hill), B/W who is a completely different style to 1st being lighter-framed & built on racier lines, real eye-catcher in beautiful coat & condition, attractive head with the darkest of eyes giving that special melting expression, sufficient length of neck & forechest, shoulders well laid back, would prefer a slightly longer upper arm, deep in brisket, short-coupled, moderate bend of stifle, slightly shorter in second thigh than 1st, very lively & positively flew round the ring on a much quicker stride than 1st, overall a very smart compact & merry Springer who appealed greatly for his raciness, would just like a little bit more of him all over.

3rd Hunterheck Fade to Black (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc)

Limit D

Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

1st Peasblossom Changes (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell), very smart & well-presented L/W whose overall symmetry, balance & substance filled my eye, masculine & balanced head without being overdone, plenty of chiselling & dark well-shaped eye that combined to create the softest of looks, strong neck of good length, stands on well-boned legs & strong neat feet, well-laid shoulders with corresponding return of upper arm, deep all through body, well-ribbed & strongly-coupled, sufficient width of thigh, moderate rear angulation, well let-down behind with decent length of second thigh, bubbled over with enthusiasm on the move at times, but no doubting his outgoing & merry temperament, a proper Springer through & through, RCC, beaten to the CC only by his sire.

2nd More Than Amazing Wanna Be A Gangster at Spuffing JW (Imp Bel) (Mrs J Weyman), strongly-built L/W/T with an eye-catching compact outline although perhaps not quite the complete balance of 1st, unmistakably masculine in head with strength in skull, good depth & length to his muzzle, very pleasing dark eye of correct shape, stands on straight front legs & neat feet, sufficient length of neck, ample forechest & great shoulders with correct return of upper arm giving him a very impressive “front”, enough strength & depth in body, well ribbed & short coupled, sufficient width to thigh, a tad longer in second thigh than 1st, very steady & tidy mover, just preferred the overall symmetry & unquenchable verve of 1st

3rd Peasblossom Brogan at Gaolachcara (Ms Stevenson)

RES Eastfalla Sherlockholmes (Mrs H Warrener)

Open D

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

1st Beresford On My Way with Acregate (Miss J J Tracz), mature & undoubtedly masculine L/W, appealed for his overall shape & substance, strong but balanced in skull, would prefer a slightly better-shaped eye but his expression is nonetheless delightfully thoughtful & kind, excellent length & strength in neck leading to correctly-placed shoulders & a decent return of upper arm, great depth in brisket with well-sprung ribs, appeals for his firm topline & strength over the loin, super width & power in his hindquarters, plenty of angulation at the rear, his excellent temperament especially when passed to another handler to move him was evident, on the move he had great extension in profile, just a little untidy behind.

2nd Sh Ch Cherishym Dofida (Mr P & Mrs Y Richardson & Terry-Richardson), very smart-looking B/W with well-presented jacket & plenty of feathering, good size & compact outline, well-boned throughout, very masculine head with plenty of work in it, darkest of eyes giving a super soft expression, strong neck, enough forechest, would prefer a slightly better lay of shoulder although upper arm is a good length, deep all through body, well-sprung ribs, strong couplings, wide thighs, ample bend of stifle, well-rounded rump, couldn’t match 1st in front angulation & overall balance, this showed in his movement when he sometimes lost his shape in profile, pleasure to see him give his all for his handler today showing off his lovely outgoing temperament.

3rd Sh Ch Sandylands Xpress Delivery (Mr E & Mrs E Casey & Jayes)

Veteran D

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st Sh Ch/Slo/Cro Ch Peasblossom Xanti (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell), this class was pure joy, headed by a simply super, correctly-sized & upstanding B/W sporting the smartest of jackets, beautifully presented & not over-coated, absolutely the balanced & chiselled head I was hoping to find, beautiful melting expression in dark eyes that captured my heart & wouldn’t let go, neck is of good length with a slight arch, strength & depth throughout his body yet nowhere is he overdone, front & rear angulation are perfectly matched giving him symmetry & balance, stands on well-boned legs & tight feet, his exuberance was only just contained in his driving movement, a true merry Springer, the essence of moderation without exaggeration, CC & BOS, BVIB, losing BOB only to the BCC on her greater steadiness in the challenge.

2nd Crackerjanne Court Jester (Mrs C M Woodbridge), I once described this L/W as “Kevin the Teenager” when he was an exuberant Junior, he is now a venerable 9-year old gentleman on his best behaviour, appeals greatly for his size, compact shape & moderation in all areas, handsome & well-balanced in head with a lifetime of work in it, perfectly almond-shaped eye of glorious dark hazel colour, strong neck, correct front & rear angulation, deep through body with well-sprung ribs & firm couplings, great width to his thighs, firm topline, movement is so steady & sound, a hint of silver in his face the only thing that belies his senior status, called back to challenge for the RCC, just preferred the younger Limit D’s energy & polish.

Special Beginners D

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Hunterheck Fade to Black (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc), well-presented & well-handled, this masculine B/W is a good size, compact & moderate throughout making a very pleasing outline overall, well-shaped & balanced in head with a lovely almond-shaped & dark eye giving him the most charming of expressions, long enough in neck, shoulders sufficiently well-laid back, good length of upper arm but would like a slightly better return, pleasingly deep in brisket with good spring of ribs, short-coupled, excelled in width of thigh, moderate bend of stifle, a shade long in rear pasterns, he tried very hard to please his handler moving out with enthusiasm, a very honest & “old-fashioned” Springer with lots to like.

Minor Puppy B

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

Puppy B

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Peasblossom Emotions with Teignvalley (Mrs C Hill), 9 months B/W baby oozing quality & promise in equal quantity, neat & compact in outline, pretty head developing very much along the right lines, well-shaped dark eye with a mischievous yet delightful expression, good bone throughout, excelled in length of neck & layback of shoulder with correct return of upper arm, well-built for her age with a deep brisket & well-sprung ribs, short-coupled & already has strength in her hindquarters, thoroughly enjoyed herself going round the ring showing soundness & drive when she wasn’t being too bouncy, BPB & later BPIB on her correct, balanced & moderate shape, delighted to learn she was later shortlisted in the Puppy Group.

Junior B

Entries: 6 Absentees: 0

A difficult class to judge, with several lovely exhibits at differing stages of development, headed by two attractive sisters.

1st Spuffing Bellini (Mrs J Weyman), very well-made & moderate L/W who has plenty of strength & depth in body for her age, balanced head which is strong yet still totally feminine, eye shape & colour gave the most appealing of expressions, excelled in neck which had a slight arch, well-laid shoulders & good return of upper arm which to be critical could be just a shade longer, lovely depth all through body & strong couplings, firm in topline, great width to thighs, liked her bend of stifle which was not overdone, well-controlled on the move showing power & drive behind, overall makes a great compact shape & has many attributes to admire.

2nd Spuffing Daiquiri at Gaolachcara (Ms Stevenson), substantial & unexaggerated L/W with a lovely compact outline showing strength & depth throughout, different head shape to litter sister in 1st being broader in foreface & slightly longer in muzzle which gave her a touch of refinement in profile, very pretty girl with a sweet expression in her dark eyes, good length of neck leading to a well-constructed front assembly with slightly better length of upper arm than 1, deep in brisket & through flanks with well-sprung ribs & short strong couplings, firm topline, excelled in width of thigh & moderate bend of stifle, another who showed sound controlled movement, just preferred overall finish of 1st

3rd Forgespring Foolproof (Mrs V K Pattison)

RES Eastriding Royal Rose (Mr J & Mrs L Lillie)

VHC Annavah Ablaze (Miss L A & Mrs P J Havard)

Post Graduate B

Entries: 11 Absentees: 4

Interesting class where I was splitting hairs between differing shapes & styles.

1st Spuffing Daiquiri at Gaolachcara (Ms Stevenson), as Junior B

2nd Teignvalley Rags to Riches JW (Mrs C Hill), immaculately presented & very smart B/W built on slightly smaller lines than 1st, compact & balanced in overall appearance, very pretty & balanced head which made a lovely shape in profile, darkest of eyes with charming expression, very neat feet, excellent front & rear angulation giving her great symmetry, good width throughout with well-sprung ribs, appealed very much for her well-proportioned body which was of correct length & sufficient depth, very strongly coupled with depth in flanks, firm topline, wide powerful thighs & well-rounded hindquarters, moved out with great style, thought she was delightful & so very feminine, close up to 1st who just had more controlled movement

3rd Melverly Betsy Trottwood with Coastalglows (Mrs J L Harris)

RES Shersona I Believe in Angels at Beresford (Mrs T E Topliss)

VHC Peasblossom Celeste (Mr D J & Mrs E B Whitley)

Limit B

Entries: 8 Absentees: 1

Again, a variety of styles here, each with so much to like.

1st Peasblossom Tupelo Honey with Teignvalley (Mrs C Hill), mature & substantial B/W/T, not the smallest but still feminine in looks, liked her length in both body & leg being neither too long nor too short & giving her a correct balanced outline, head is well-shaped although would not want it any heavier, glorious dark eye & beguiling expression, well-boned throughout & stands on strong feet, pleasingly reachy neck leading to well-laid shoulders, would prefer just a tad more length to her upper arm, strong & deep through the body with big ribs, short-coupled & strong through her flanks, moderate bend of stifle, used her strong hindquarters to power round the ring with energy & style.

2nd Melverly Amy Dorrit with Coastalglows (Mrs J L Harris), B/W making quite a different shape to 1st, being built on slightly smaller & more compact lines, truly a head to die for being balanced & with plenty of work in it, loved her exquisite soft expression, lovely neat feet, good length & strength in neck, well-constructed fore & aft with no exaggerations, deep enough through body, very short-coupled, enough width in thigh & a pleasingly moderate bend of stifle, her topline is not her fortune & is not as firm as 1st, moved with enthusiasm but preferred the topline of 1st & would like to see her use her tail more to complete the picture.

3rd Annavah Aquarius (Miss L A & Mrs P J Havard)

RES Crackerjanne Cassiopeia (Mrs V K Pattison)

VHC Spuffing Prosecco (Mrs J Weyman)

Open B

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

Hardest class of the day to choose between three quality girls, each with a completely different look.

1st Sh Ch Melverly Iridescent (Mr R J Smith), here was my star of the day, mature L/W/T who filled my eye with her compact, strong & symmetrical shape, very well-balanced feminine head with sufficient work in it, almond-shaped dark hazel eye with such an attractive expressions, strong & long enough in neck, beautifully-constructed front assembly, one of the few with the correct length of upper arm, standing on well-boned legs & neat feet, very deep & strong all through body with short strong couplings, very powerful thighs & hindquarters, correct moderate bend of stifle, simply outshone all the competition with her easy sound driving action, my pleasure to award her the BCC in an excellent line-up & ultimately BOB on her more collected movement.

2nd Sh Ch Sandylands Send The Roses (Mr E & Mrs E Casey & Jayes), this L/W was very different to 1st being rangier & racier all through, nevertheless she made a very attractive outline, much finer in head than 1st but balanced & ultra-feminine, pleasing length of neck leading to a well-constructed front assembly, very deep in brisket with enough spring of rib, firm in topline, well-coupled with great depth to flanks, strong & wide thighs, moderate bend of style, perhaps a shade more length of second thigh than 1st which contributed to her rangier appearance, came alive on the move with her effortless super-stylish, accurate & powerful gait, which won her this placing over a more strongly-built B in 3rd & eventually the RBCC.

3rd Slo Ch Peasblossom Zoya (Mr & Mrs D Mitchell)

Veteran B

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st Ir Sh Ch Clentonian Pandemonium JW ShCEx OSW VW (Mrs M Hydon), lovely B/W carrying her 8 years very lightly, a picture of moderation throughout, compact & strong outline, correct size with good leg length, balanced feminine head with a lovely dark eye & delightful expression, sufficient length to neck & enough forechest, well-constructed front with good length of upper arm, stands on neat feet, deep enough in brisket, well-sprung ribs & well-coupled, super moderate bend of stifle & plenty of width of thigh, in excellent fit condition, moved on a light & effortless stride showing great poise & drive, held a firm topline both standing & moving, just out-sparkled by the Veteran D in the Veteran challenge

Special Beginners B

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1st Clentonian Picture Perfect (Mr R & Mrs J Reynolds), substantial L/W whose compact, strong & symmetrical outline draws the eye, correct size, no exaggerations anywhere, sweet feminine head which was well-proportioned, delightful kind expression in her dark hazel eyes, sufficient length of neck leading to very well-laid shoulders & a good length of upper arm, plenty of forechest, excellent depth all through her body, great spring of rib & short-coupled, particularly liked her wide & powerful hindquarters, moderately bent stifles, in super coat & condition, moved out well & with accuracy, one with all the essentials of a sound honest Springer, won this class & then Best Special Beginner on her substance & sound construction.

2nd Hunterheck Lost in A Spell (Mr M & Mrs A Le-Clerc), this B/W presents a real old-fashioned picture, very compact & smaller all over than 1st with lighter bone, very sweet ultra-feminine head & the darkest of almond-shaped eyes giving her a thoroughly charming expression, enough length of neck with slight arch, not quite the forechest of 1st, would prefer a slightly better lay-back of shoulder & return of upper arm, very pleasing body shape being deep brisket & strong through her flanks with short couplings, firm topline, very moderate bend of stifle & sufficient width in thighs, in beautiful coat & condition, moved with enthusiasm showing off her happy temperament, just a little untidy coming & going.

Teresa Dunsdon

(Judge)