Bridgwater & District Canine Society

Thank you to the Bridgwater & District Canine Society Committee for inviting me to judge their Open Show. This being my first open show appointment, it was nice to judge for a society that I used to be the Secretary of a few years ago. Its great to see the Society still doing well, and well done for a well run show.

Thank you to all the Irish Setter exhibitors who exhibited under me today as their replacement judge. Really pleased with my entry of 19 dogs, with only 3 absentees. Overall, the quality of the dogs was very good. I was however surprised with some of the poor mouths in the breed today; A few dogs without perfect, regular and complete scissor bite.

Class 225 PUPPY (2,0)

1st FAIRHAVEN YOUNG SOUL FOR KONAKAKELA (IMP SWE)

A promising 9-month-old dog, he displays a long, lean head with an excellent expression and correct perfect scissor bite. His forequarters are straight, and having good bone. The coat is of nice quality with a rich chestnut colour and appropriate feathering. Although a little naughty on the move, moving with the body at an angle to the line of travel, however this is forgivable due to the age, but did move for long enough to judge the movement. BPIB

2nd EMPYREANSKY VARGA VENUS LUCK

This 11-month-old bitch presents a pleasing head and expression with a correct scissor bite. Although she is slightly finer in bone compared to the first place dog and smaller in size, she was proportionate which is important for this breed. The breed standard does not outline a recommended size for this breed. Small, firm feet and with fairly good movement, she shows promise as she matures.

Class 226 SPECIAL YEARLING (7,2)

Wow, what a class!

1st CLONAGEERA SUMMER MAGIC

This 12 month old bitch, only just out of puppy, impressed me with her overall balance and quality. A well-defined head and correct bite, proportionate in size and a deep chest with well sprung ribs. Her movement is free flowing and showing that good drive. No doubt this bitch will do well in the future as she further matures.

2nd MARZANNE TRIGGER HAPPY BY THENDARA

Another promising 12 month old dog, also only just transitioned out of the puppy class. Long and lean head, exhibiting the breed's characteristics and a very handsome dog. Plenty of bone, a deep chest, a very muscular loin, as well as wide and powerful hindquarters. His racy silhouette with a good coat and nice feathering, correct of the breed type. Didn’t quite move as well as number one today, but result could have been easily different on a different given day.

Class 227 POST GRADUATE (3,0)

1st HENALEAS MAXIMILIAN WITH DERRYDORE JW

This 17-month-old dog immediately captured my attention upon entering the ring. He is exceptionally well-balanced and exudes quality and proportion in every aspect. His rich chestnut coat is beautifully presented, with excellent straight and flat feathering. Deep shoulders, with well let down elbows that contribute to lovely free flowing movement with plenty of drive. Nice deep chest with a good gentle sloping topline into powerful hindquarters. RBOB

2nd SHELDONITE GINGERBREAD MAN

A 3-year-old dog showing that racy and balanced general appearance. While his mouth could have been better, his deep chest and adequate length of neck provide a solid foundation for his overall profile. Additionally, he is slightly shorter in body than I would prefer, which affects the ideal proportions we look for in this breed. His movement is what gained him his placing as he showed that really nice true action whilst on the move. Great drive and lovely to watch move.

Class 228 LIMIT (1,1)

1st COVARNEY ESTEE AVEC MARZANNE JW

6-year-old bitch, not far away from being a veteran, who stood alone in her class, yet her quality deserves recognition regardless of the competition. She presents a nice long and lean head with a pleasing expression, and a good depth of chest. However, I did notice that her rear movement, particularly on the nearside, was not quite as strong as it could be today. While it wasn’t significant enough to withhold her from winning the class, it is an area that would benefit from improvement.

Class 229 OPEN (6,0)

1st THENDARA MARSHMELLO JW

A lovely 7-year-old veteran dog who truly excelled in this class. He is really well balanced and is full of quality, making him stand out. His rich chestnut colouring is striking, complemented by plenty of feathering that enhances his overall appearance. His head is of good proportion, with parallel lines and equal lengths, correct of breed type. Movement is one of his strong points; he showcases a lovely, free-flowing, and driving gait that an Irish Setter should have. With a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, he demonstrates excellent musculature, particularly evident along the loin. Whilst his tail could have been better, this is a minor point compared to the overall high quality of this dog. BOB

2nd REDCLYST MAXIMUS

An almost 8-year-old dog whose movement truly captured my attention; free flowing, true in action and perfect co-ordination. He exemplifies good breed type, with correct proportions and his fore and hindquarters being well-developed. He presents a lovely, racy, and clean outline that is expected of this breed.