Honley Show Society

Spaniels (Cocker), Spaniels (English Springer), Spaniels (Welsh Springer).

Many thanks to Tim, Janet, and the rest of the committee, not only for asking me to judge but for the lovely welcome and hospitality. It was very well run indeed.

Although the ring sizes were not particularly large, they were more than adequate to enable me to judge and obtain a complete view of the charges on view.

Many thanks must go to Colin and Charlotte for running the ring so well and keeping the moral of everyone so high. Thank you both. 

Spaniels (Cocker)

As this is a breed I have owned, I often follow these with great affection. Today, there were some lovely cockers on show, with plenty of type. Movement was also sound on many of the exhibits. However, for personal preference, I would prefer a little less weight on some of the charges. This would certainly have meant that the competition would have been even fiercer.

Class 34: Junior (5,0)

1. 84 – Griffin’s GRIFFIAL BACK TO BLACK – this all-black bitch of some 12-month to the day, was a very pretty and almost the complete package already. Really lovely to go over and strongly considered for BOB. Very pretty bitch. Square in muzzle and foreface finish. Lovely in prominence to stop, with balance also seen between proportions of skull: muzzle ratio. Workings seen to zygomatic arch that framed super dark eye, that in conjunction with pigmentation, completed the immaculate coat so very well indeed. Rims tight. Ears set on low and reaching nose tip. These hung neatly next to a muscular, moderately long neck. seamless transition from neck to well laid shoulders, that were fine at point and of good proportions. Lovely width to chest that fitted the hand well, she was down at elbow also, giving a deep brisket. Quite cobby in appearance to thoracic region, showing compactness and strong. Ribs well sprung. Rear angulation in balance with fore. On the move flat topline did not waver and showed excellent width behind. Upright action of rear pasterns on the up and back. Good foot fall on the around. Only very narrowly missed out on best of breed as tail carriage was a little high on the day, for me. However, presented well in beautiful coat. A lot to like about this young girl. Will hopefully see her do very well in the future. Good luck. RBOB.

2. 86 – Sherlock’s CRIMICAR DREAMCHASER – 14-month bitch shown in full, beautiful, blue roan coat. Very pretty bitch, that had the loveliest expression, that was mature beyond her years. Very pleasing when viewed in side profile in the stack. Very well off for placement of stop and its prominence. Nice, but not overly done, occipital convexity. Quizzical in intelligent expression that rose from darkest, full eye, that was trimmed with dark pigmentation, and topped with suitably conspicuous eyebrow. Ears of correct length, placement and texture. Clean in well muscular, super reaching neck. Front width showing a lovely big chest, straight in forelegs and well off for bone. Fine at shoulders. Elbows held closely to body, with depth seen to brisket. Not long in body, showing her compactness. Very well sprung in ribs. Rear quarters showing good width to upper and second thigh and correct rear angulation. Personally, would have liked a little weight off, which I think would elevate this girl. On the move, a touch close behind for my liking on the away, but front showed the width I expected from this girl. On the around showed excellent reach and drive, really motored around the ring. Absolutely lovely in disposition and tail never stopped moving, very in keeping with breed.

3. 82 – Flynn’s PLAIGLEN HARIBO.

Class 35: Post Graduate (4,0)

1. 84 – Griffin’s GRIFFIAL BACK TO BLACK – Please see critique from 1st in Junior.

2. 87 – Sherlock’s CRIMICAR MIDNIGHT DREAMZ JW – 2.5-year-old bitch that again stood in a full darker blue roan coat. Looked really super in the stack with lovely level topline and exhibiting that typical cobby profile. Super feminine head that was not out of proportion with rest of the skeletal construction of body. Stop correctly placed in head, showing good proportions and planes. Well off for chiselling. Lovely placement to ear set and extending to tip of nose. Lovely soft texture. These again hung closely to neck of excellent reach in proportion to rest of body. Very much showing her balance again. This transitioned into fine shoulders, of correct angulation. Width seen to, deep chest. Certainly, well sprung ribs and good tuck up. Strong over short loin, with width across croup. Width seen across upper thigh and well off for rear angulation. this was easy to see on the around where she drove out well and showed some lovely reach, also. Width also seen on the up and back, with good action, showing good character. Personally, would like to see her shed a few pounds to complete her picture. However, it shows how well off she is in terms of construction as her movement was still so very sound.

3. 95 – Watt & Taylor’s SENOIA A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE.

Class 36: Open (6,1)

1. 81 – Daniels’s HELUIN TAKE APPLAUSE – 4.5-year-old dog that showed so many positive attributes. Presented in beautiful full golden coat. In my opinion, showed plenty of type and so very pleasing in the stack and all over. Although many of the cockers on the day moved so very well, I could not fault this boy. Although definitely a male head, he still had the loveliest expression. This came from a super definition to stop, darkest brown to eye, that was full and soulful. Beautiful, raised eyebrows that manipulated your gaze. This was trimmed by dark skin pigmentation that was mirrored well in lovely wide nostrils. Lovely depth to moderate chiselling. Well off for skull shape and proportions. Lobular ears set on low, reaching the required length to tip of nose. Neck of moderate length and retained strength. Elegant transition into well laid should, fine at point. Scapular and humerus show correct angulation, and proportions, being held close to the body, also. Prominence to prosternum indicating correct angulation. Width to chest to allow for well sprung ribs and front action on the move. Down at elbow and lovely strength to short loin. Again, width to gently sloping croup, that also showed correct tail placement and carriage, which was very evident on the move. Definitely showing off his “cocker bum”. Balance in body coming from width to rear and his angulation. Used these assets well on the move, with drive and reach. Showing the characteristic bustling movement. Presented beautifully. BOB.

2. 93 – Walton’s ANNASIDE LET’S DANCE – 5.5-year-old dog that I liked quite a lot. Instantly eye catching from being presented beautifully in a fully, black coat and oozed confidence. Really lovely in head type, showing typical male cocker distributions and style. Square muzzle, with clean finish and appealing expression that was soft and affectionate. Full, darkest brown eye, with dark pigmented surroundings that were matching with coat. Low set on ears, that hung neatly. Neck was muscular without throatiness. Another charge that had sound construction of forequarters. Well off for bone throughout. Well ribbed, short wide loin, nicely rounded backend. Another level topline, which was lovely to see. This did not waver on the move. Rear construction correct and in keeping with fore. Width to upper and second thigh that enabled super positive action on the move. Personally, would like a pound off, to complete the visage of compactness. Entirely in keeping with breed standard on the move, where he covered the ground well and with drive. So merry with handler. Pushed 1st well in the class.

3. 83 – Griffin’s GRIFFIAL ALL MY LOVING.

BOB - 81 – Daniels’s HELUIN TAKE APPLAUSE (from Open).

RBOB – 84 - Griffin’s GRIFFIAL BACK TO BLACK (from Junior & Post Graduate).

Spaniels (English

Class 37: Junior (3,1)

1. 101 – Topliss’s BERESFORD STAND N’ STARE – 12-month dog that was litter mate to that of second. Much of what can be said for 1st can be said to that of second as they shared a lot of similar qualities. Stood in a liver and white coat, although still only 12 months old, starting to show a lot of maturity, a little more than that of 2nd. Very much in my mode for type. Balance was definitely on the cards for this boy, which was seen throughout. Male in head appearance, showing a lovely slightly rounded skull. Balance in foreface to skull proportions and depth to muzzle, that was square in flews. Shade of brown to large nostril, lighter that blended into the liver coat so very well. Softest expression from dark hazel eyes, of moderate size. Ears set well inline with eyes, that had lovely feathering and texture. Balance of reach of neck that showed slight arch. Excellent in forequarter angulation, with straight ulna/radius. This gave good prominence to prosternum. Well off for bone. Width seen to chest, that fitted the hand perfectly. Thoracic cavity down at elbow, with well sprung ribs and excellent strength to loin for one so young. Super width over croup upon which you could balance a plate. Again, for age, excellent in upper and second thigh width, with angulation to match. on the move, best mover of all English Springers on show, on the day. Width to front and parallel in action behind. True in footfall on the around, with plenty of drive from rear. All the best with this young man’s future. BOB.

2. 100 – Topliss’s BERESFORD STAND AT EASE – 12-month dog that in frame and many characteristics, a pea in a pod with 1st. Again, presented in a liver and white coat and appealing male head. Although showing maturity beyond age, potentially a little less so than 1st, yet more refine in cranial features. Once again, lovely soft expression coming from dark hazel eyes, of almond shape and lovely positioning in skull. Skull was slightly rounded and fairly broad. Well developed in lighter brown nostrils, yet still in keeping with coat. Rise in foreface providing basis for height of stop that certainly emphasised the expression. Clean in finish to foreface and muscular neck. Neck was skirted by lobular ears that were set well and neatly. Excellent reach to neck that smoothly transitioned into well laid shoulders. Well sprung ribs and strong over loin. Breadth seen to rear quarters, showing good angulation. On the day did not deliver on movement as well as litter mate and was a little tricky to judge, however, on another day I am sure the skeletal attributes will allow him to do so. However, he certainly went around the ring with that characteristic English springer front action and was certainly merry, which was lovely to see.

Class 38: Post Graduate (3,0)

1. 101 – Topliss’s BERESFORD STAND N’ STARE – please see critique from 1st in junior

2. 98 – Osbourne’s TIROEN TYPICALLY BRAEGO (KCJ) – 2.5-year-old bitch shown predominantly liver, with white and tan. More refined and pleasing feminine head. Fairly deep in flews, that sat in front of a skull of medium size. Flat in cheeks with ample workings below super soft, doe-like expression. This was from almond-shaped eyes of rich hazel being framed by those tri colours. Pigmentation around eye and to well-developed nose, exactly the same colour as liver coat. Ears set in-line with eye. neck of balanced length, showing good reach. Feminine in appearance, yet still strong. Fore and aft angulation very much in keeping with each other and correct. Well off for bone. Chest deep, with spring to rib. Very strong over loin, showing slight arch. Muscular in upper thigh with good amount of prominence to second thigh. Personally, would like a little leaner which pushed her to second, behind a dog that I felt was a little more in-keeping with my type. On the move she moved well showing good reach and drive coming from that well-muscled rear. Correct footfall on the around. Beautiful rich coat and presented very well.

3. 100 - Topliss’s BERESFORD STAND AT EASE.

Class 39: Open (1,0)

1. 96 – Casey’s TIGERROCK STRIKE A POSE – 8-year-old bitch. This girl certainly didn’t show her age in coat, muscularity or in the stack. More compact than that of other exhibits on the day, which worked in her favour. This girl is one I have gone over before, and I am happy to say she is still presented beautifully in a predominantly liver with white coat. Super balance seen throughout, with the majority of her construction in keeping with the rest. Excellent in muzzle finish, with a very pretty head that was so soulful in expression, super dark eye, of medium almond shape. Excelled in workings that all came together to give that expression. prominence to brow, that ridged from a well-defined stop, all assisted with this. Good width to skull. Ears of correct length and set on low, in line with eye. Good length to neck, with muscularity. Depth seen to chest and of good width. Well off for bone throughout. Strong in loin, and spring to ribs. Width seen to croup. Rear angulation matching that of front, similarly the proportions. Lovely width to upper and second thigh that was still quite solid for age. Super in-sync with handler, where she showed drive from rear on the up and back and the positive width already mentioned. Super sturdy topline that did not waver. Good footfall on the around. Very happy to award RBOB.

BOB - 101 – Topliss’s BERESFORD STAND N’ STARE (from junior and Post Graduate).

RBOB - 96 – Casey’s TIGERROCK STRIKE A POSE (from Open).

Spaniel (Welsh Springer)

Class 43: Junior (3,0)

1. 110 – Smith’s NYLIRAM HOLD MY HAND AT ISFRYN – 17-month bitch that has a lovely expression. Very fine in head construction, yet still sound. Showing good head planes, and square finish to end of muzzle. Balance between muzzle and skull proportions. Good definition to stop that accentuated that lovely expression. Lovely dark brown eye, with eyeliner black rims. This was married in pigmentation to well-developed nostrils. Super workings under eye that really made you look twice. Correct in ear placement, shape, and texture. Strong in neck construction. Excellent lay back of shoulders, with correct forequarter angulation and proportions. Feminine in bone construction, in keeping with rest of body. Deep in brisket and width to chest. Well coupled and strong in loin. Width to upper thigh and decent rear angulation. Used this on the around, showing the best mover in the class. Really lovely temperament and worked so well for handler, which was a pleasure to see. Lovely rich coat, also. I’m sure this girl will develop nicely.

2. 108 – Knowles’s MENSTONIA ENDLESS MIST – bitch of some 7-months that has the most glorious disposition, especially for one so young in this breed. Very much of similar type to that of first, in terms of body type. Again, a lovely head to this very young bitch. So very sweet. Beautiful dark eye that was of medium size and well positioned in skull, as was her clear stop. Lovely finish to muzzle all round. Super dark large nose, in keeping with surround of eyes. Correct in ear placement, which also hung very closely to head/ neck. Characteristic slight domed shape to skull that was there for all to see. Neck was strong and clean that transitioned well into sloping shoulders . Again, good front angulation, with bone developing well. Brisket down at elbow, with width to forechest, of prominence. Well sprung ribs and strength to loin, showing that slight arch. good shape to croup and great tail set and retained her carriage on the move. Excellent width to upper and second thigh to one so young. Moderate angulation. Although a little raw on the move, this is quite to be expected of one so young. However, from her balanced construction and what I saw, there seems a promising future. Really good width behind and in front on the up and back, true in footfall on the around. Good luck with her and her litter mate’s development. Very happy for BP.

3. 109 – Knowles’s MENSTONIA ENDURANCE – honourable mention for this boy. Absolutely lovely in head construction and litter mate to 2nd. Just needs a little schooling. Just like litter mate, super disposition.

Class 44: Post Graduate (3,1)

1. 105 – Casey’s TIGERROCK AMAZING GRACE WITH WILLOWMEANA – bitch of some 3-years of age. I see that she is very much in keeping with my style of Welsh, which fits that breed standard of length of body being proportionate to length of leg. Balance was an absolute for her. Definitely female in appearance yet still showing the femininity required. Just enough brow to be quizzical, yet soft enough for a kindly disposition. Eye of a lovely hue of brown that matched coat well. Black pigmentation to large, well-developed nose and rims to eyes. Suitable amount of workings to zygomatic arch that enhanced her already pretty expression. Well off for stop that led into lovely, shaped skull, with that slight dome shape. Clean in finish to foreface. Ears of suitable length with good shape and texture. These hung next to a clean neck showing long reach. Seamless transition from neck to very well laid shoulders that showed excellent angulation and proportions to upper arm. Forelegs straight. Super muscling to shoulders and throughout thoracic region. Down at elbow and excellent spring to ribs. Well coupled, with short, strong loin, providing basis for super topline. Coming from these attributes and her compact nature, the topline did not waver on the move. Good width to croup of correct degree of angulation, showing correct tail placement. Excellent in rear quarters, in width and angulation. A loose lead helped this handler as she moved best out of all the Welsh on the day. Super action when seen on the around and width to front/ rear on the up and back. Certainly, showed drive and smooth coverage of the ground. A very pleasing BOB.

2. 110 – Smith’s NYLIRAM HOLD MY HAND AT ISFRYN – please see critique from 1st in junior.

Class 45: Open (3,2)

1. 106 – Casey’s TIGERROCK LIT DE ROSES WITH WILLOWMEANA – 4.5-year-old bitch that has done well under me some time ago, but eventually came up against some excellent other dogs. However, she seems to have really come on well. Just like the other charge from this exhibitor, very much in keeping with body type and with many similar positive attributes. Still showing lovely femininity throughout. Super sweet expression originating from a lovely dark, medium shaped eye that was positioned well in a slightly domed skull, of proportionate length. Stop giving enough height to foreface, without being stern or over done. Chiselling to zygomatic arch, finished off the look well. Ears of correct shaping falling close to cheek. Good reach to neck that led in to nice body proportions. Front and aft angulation correct and in keeping with each other showing balance. Down at elbow, with lovely width to chest. Well sprung ribs, strong in loin, with good topline. Personally, would like a shade lighter in weight in her trunk, yet still well-muscled throughout, which was evident in the stack from her limbs. No more so than her rear, where upper and second thigh were solid. She used these well to her advantage on the around exhibiting easy ground covering action, with lovely drive from rear. Excellent width to rear. Schooled well and was happy in her movement. Super coat and lovely presentation. Very much compact in the stack, which I really liked to see, as I feel is getting lost in some Welsh. Happy to award RBOB.

BOB – 105 – Casey’s TIGERROCK AMAZING GRACE WITH WILLOWMEANA (from Post Graduate).

RBOB - 106 – Casey’s TIGERROCK LIT DE ROSES WITH WILLOWMEANA (from Open)

BP - 108 – Knowles’s MENSTONIA ENDLESS MIST

Dr. Hefin Jones

(Pencastan)