East Anglian Gundog Society

East Anglian Gundog Society Open Show

Sunday the 12th of October 2025

Thank you to the hardworking Committee for asking me to judge at one of my favourite Open Shows in their 40th Anniversary Year. It was a special appointment as I had attended their first Open Shows all those years ago.

Brittany

Open (4, 2a)

1st – Slack – Sh Ch Bonapartist Snow Goose – What a great way to start the day, with this super smart, workman like bitch. She combines substance with a huge amount of style and grace. Inquisitive and expressive eyes, always alert, she did not stop showing herself off. Muscular through the shoulder with the correct angulation fore and aft and lovely tight elbows. Neat feet and well boned. On the move she is so neat with a brisk and short stride, she looks like she could keep on going all day. To top things off she was presented in fantastic condition, she did not have a hair out of place. BOB. Delighted to see her win BIS3 in a top quality line up.

2nd – Adams – Patouche Tartuffe – 3 year old dog who is fairly new to the show ring. Once he concentrated on the job in-hand he really showed a super outline and lots of promise. His head and dark oval eyes were extremely appealing. Lovely depth of chest and short strong loin. He showed some short striding and brisk movement but just needs to keep is mind on moving forward rather than looking at his owner. Keep going, he has real potential. RBOB.

Gordon Setter

Junior (1)

1st – Bloxham – Caradilis Carog Dubh - A rangy young dog who looks like he is just starting to mature and fill out into his body proportions. Well boned and strong in his quarters, deep brisket and ribs well sprung back, he excels though his neck and shoulders. Handsome in head, not heavy or over-done, broad nose and a very kind expression. He showed some free moving, powerful strides, but he tended to get a bit too strong, I am sure this will improve once he is more finished. BOB.

Irish Red and White Setter

Oh, what a quality entry – thank you. Lovely to see such good sportsmanship between the exhibitors in this breed.

Junior (1, 1a)

1st – Hart – Gilliegrae So Berry Excited – Goodness me, what an exciting prospect this young man is, he is absolutely full of quality. His head and expression are very appealing, with a lovely eye and correct ears. Muscular, slightly arched neck which flows into his shoulders, which are well laid back, he is strong in topline and has such fabulous bone. Deep chest with ample fore-chest and well sprung ribs. He was very keen on the move, I think his mind just needs to mature and catch up with his strength and power. I look forward to watching his progress in the ring. BP (and I seriously considered him in the BOB challenge) and delighted to see him go BPIS4.

Open (3, 1a)

Wow – this class really took some serious thought! Two absolute stunners.

1st – Catton and Cook – Sh Ch Daithi Shadow Dog with Ferngate (Imp Pol) – This dog was in top form today, he needed to be to win this class, he has really matured into a handsome and eye-catching boy. Attractive head with correct eyes and good in stop, he is slightly long in muzzle. Today he showed a great balance throughout his body, athletic, upstanding with great depth of chest and very clean in topline, strong and muscular loin. Muscular hind quarters which he used well on the move, driving around the ring with an active tail and good athleticism. He was presented in excellent coat and condition, he just had the edge today to win this hotly contested class. BOB

2nd – McDonald – Sh Ch Roanjora Cremant D’Alsace JW – A bitch I have often admired ringside and she does not disappoint when you get your hands on her. Absolutely exquisite head, full of breed type with the kindest of eyes and gentlest expression. Very clean in outline, everything flows from her muscular neck, though her well laid back shoulders and correct croup. Effortless and super tidy movement propelled her around the ring, while looking up at her owner who she clearly adores. Pleased to award her RBOB.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Graduate (1)

1st – Cuddy, Cuddy and Norbury – Bedeslea Prada Paradoxe – An eye catching, attractive and exciting young dog, he creates a balanced and square outline and has an overall feel of quality about him. Very correct head proportions with a little glint of mischief in his eye, looking around keen and active, always on the go. Muscular and powerful neck, he is compact and strong in body and he uses his correct hindquarters well on the move, moving with a great freeness around the ring, using his tail well. His coat is of wonderful quality, woolly and rather rough and was presented is great condition. A young lad who I think has such a bright future ahead of him. BOB.

Handling Classes

Junior Handing - 6-11 years (3)

1st – Emily Windler – An extremely well-schooled young handler who has clearly worked hard to get to this high standard. Calm and professional at all times, never fussing and always aware of what was happening in the ring. She showed her dog off to its very best advantage; she has a real style and maturity to her handing. Best JH – very well deserved.

2nd – Ella Punter – Handling an exuberant Flatcoat Retriever is never easy but Ella kept calm, kept smiling and she really impressed me. She did not get flustered and had a great bond with this dog.

3rd – Sienna Hoa

Adult Handing – 17-24 years (1)

1st – Megan Slack – Megan is a truly great handler. Calm, professional, neat and tidy, she put the dog to the forefront and blended into the background. It takes a lot of hard work to become such a confident handler and create such a bond with your dog. The Brittany she showed was very ‘on her toes’ and Megan really worked hard but made it look effortless. Congratulations.

Adult Handing – 25-44 years (1)

1st – A Mellersh-Tett – I have watched this handler progress so much over the last few years and she put on a confident display today. So kind and gentle with her dog always encouraging her and she really showed what a great team they are together. I was very impressed that she kept her dogs enthusiasm under control while still letting her personality shine through.

Adult Handling – 45 – 59 years (2)

Two wonderful handlers – a very close decision.

1st – Nikki Rice – Nikki handled a young puppy in this class and showed perfectly how this should be done. She was so kind, no fussing and she gave the puppy such confidence while allowing her to enjoy the experience. Her gentle handling reflected in the great performance her young bitch gave.

2nd – Jennifer Salmon – Another very calm and kind handler who got the very best from her dog. She was aware of the judges position at all times and had real ring presence. I was really splitting hairs between 1 and 2.

Adult Handing – 60 years and older. (3, 1a)

Two extremely experienced handlers who I highly respect. Thank you for entering.

1st and Best Adult Handler – Ray McDonald – Ray just did not put a foot wrong today, a showing and handling masterclass. Calm, reassuring and always so kind and gentle, which you need to be when showing Setters. He really bought the very best out of the bitch he handled, especially on the move, it was wonderful to see her move out on a loose lead. It was a tough decision for Best Adult Handler but Ray could not be denied – Congratulations and how lovely to seen great sportsmanship in the ring.

2nd – Jackie Weyman – A really close contest in this class as Jackie is another experienced, calm and professional handler who brings out the very best in her dog.

Claude George Memorial Members Stakes

What a wonderful class, many quality exhibits had to go cardless.

1st – IRWS – Catton and Cooks - Sh Ch Daithi Shadow Dog with Ferngate (Imp Pol) – Repeat – see above.

2nd – SWD – Searles – Cravessa Snoop – What a smart young dog, I was very impressed with him. He is so balanaced and robust in profile with a strong head, muscular neck and level topline. In very good coat and condition, he moved well around the ring with correct footfalls and good drive from his hind quarters. Another I will watch to see how he matures, he should have an exciting future.