Guildford & District Canine Society

I would like to thank the officers & committee for inviting me to judge Tibetan Spaniels and Clumber Spaniels at their premier open show. Thank you to my ring stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly and effectively. Of course, I thank the exhibitors who entered and took my decisions with good grace.

Tibetan Spaniel

Junior (1,1)

1 Vine & Hassel, Miss H & Mrs J, Lacoral King Edward at Beanalrem. Best of Breed.

A handsome gold sable youngster with an attractive black mask, shown in excellent condition. He entered the ring full of confidence, displaying the alert, self-assured and slightly aloof attitude so typical of the Tibetan Spaniel. His head is of correct proportions with a defined stop, good breadth of skull and pleasing cushioning to the cheeks, contributing to a warm yet discerning expression. Dark oval eyes, well set and framed by black pigmentation, enhanced his expression and gave the desired bright, intelligent outlook. Correct bite.

He is well balanced throughout, with good spring of rib and a compact body, giving the impression of strength without coarseness. Level topline, which he maintained both standing and on the move, and he moved soundly with purpose and confidence, covering the ground well for a young dog. Although standing alone today, he made a very pleasing picture and fully met the breed standard in outline, attitude and overall balance. A promising young dog who was a worthy winner and deserved his Best of Breed.

PG (0,0)

O (0,1)

Clumber Spaniel

J (0,0)

PG (4,5)

1 Wareham, Miss L, Tweedsmuir Moonflower.

A very pleasing 2 year old bitch who appealed for her overall balance and adherence to the breed standard. She has an attractive expression, with a feminine head of correct proportions and features, complemented by clean, dark amber eyes and correctly shaped ears, all contributing to the desired gentle yet dignified Clumber outlook. Well boned without coarseness, she has good spring of rib and sufficient depth of body, giving the required strength and substance. On the move she showed positive drive from behind, maintaining her topline both standing and in motion, and presented a steady, free and easy stride typical of the breed. Overall, she was the exhibit most closely aligned to the breed standard in her class, and on that basis deserved her win.

2 Sainsbury Mr J & Mrs C, Elskerwoo Silver Lining

A well-boned 18 month old bitch of good substance, presenting a pleasant and honest expression. Her head is feminine and in keeping with the breed, and she carries herself with a calm, workmanlike outlook. She has good spring of rib and is well muscled throughout, giving the strength and stamina required of the breed. Her coat is silky and in good condition, and she has a correct tail set which completed her outline well. On the move she went soundly, covering the ground well and maintaining her outline. I would prefer a little more length of neck and greater slope to the shoulder, which would allow for smoother reach in front. Nevertheless, she moved well with purpose and balance.

3 Sainsbury Mr J & Mrs C, Wooliebourne Nick Of Time Among Elskerwoo.

O (4,4)

1 Wareham, Mrs R, Suelynda Dream On. Best of Breed

This 21-month-old bitch entered the ring beautifully presented, shown in a clean, straight, silky coat. She has a lovely expression, with clean amber eyes of correct shape, giving the gentle yet dignified Clumber expression. Her head is of correct shape with the desired square appearance and a well-developed skull, free from exaggeration. A bitch of good substance, she is well boned and feminine throughout. She shows good depth of chest with well-sprung ribs, providing the necessary capacity without losing balance or femininity. Strong through the loin, she presents a pleasing outline. Her topline remained level both standing and on the move, complemented by a correct tail set. Hindquarters show sufficient width and strength to provide drive. On this outing her handler presented her to best advantage, and once settled she moved more freely, covering the ground steadily. Overall, a very nice young bitch with much quality and plenty of breed type, who should continue to mature well and deserved her Best of Breed.

2 Wilson, Mrs S A & Miss L L M, Vanitonia Some Like It Hot at Winhampton. Reserve Best of Breed

An attractive 2-year-old bitch of correct construction, giving a true Clumber outlook with her pleasing head proportions and soft, characteristic expression. She is of good substance, being well boned with ample depth of body and well-developed ribs, providing the strength and capacity expected of the breed. Muscular throughout, she also benefits from a good length of neck, which adds to her overall balance and outline. She showed a lively attitude on the move initially, but once settled she produced a sound, purposeful action with good drive, demonstrating the stamina and efficiency required for a working day in the field. A quality bitch with plenty of breed type, and I was pleased to bring her back into the ring to be awarded Reserve Best of Breed.

3 Thorogood, Mrs L J, Anbrook Don’t Stop Me Now At Harrifield.