Shropshire Gundog Society

Shropshire Gundog Flatcoated Retriever Critique

26th May 2025

Thank you to the committee for the invitation to judge and for a friendly, well-run show. Also thank you to my stewards for running the ring so efficiently and to all of the exhibitors who entered your lovely Flatcoats.

Puppy (3, 1 Absent)

1. Young’s Gemswin Just Like Heaven At Larksburn. Very promising 9 month old bitch presented in excellent condition. Of moderate size and good bone throughout. Head of good length and well-proportioned with a scissor bite. Well constructed front with good return of upper arm and well defined brisket, balanced both in standing and on the move. Strong level topline and correct tail set and carriage. Best Puppy.

2. Hazelton & Vasey’s Telurn Ghost Of You For Hazeyvasey. Another promising puppy, well handled and presented in wonderful coat and condition. Up to size but balanced. Correct, masculine head with a dark eye and kind expression. Good reach of neck with a well laid shoulder and level topline. Good bone and great feet.

Junior (6, 2 Absent)

1. Fox’s Westoncruive Ace Of Spades By Blacktoft. 14 month old dog. Masculine but with a moulded head, dark eye and soft expression. Well constructed front and rear, good reach of neck and well placed shoulders. Just needs to fill out a little bit more which should come with age. Presented in excellent condition which was reflected in effortless movement.

2. Pierce’s Wychwizard Forester At Tarnmillcrag. A couple of months younger than the winner and needs more time to mature but showing a lot of promise. Shown in great coat. Of moderate size with good bone and good feet. Head of good length and well proportioned. Balanced moderate angulation and moved well, just preferred the tail set of the winner.

Post Graduate (7, 3 Absent)

1. Pierce’s Wychwizard Forester At Tarnmillcrag. 2nd in Junior.

2. Burroughs’ I Know Him So Well At Rokaness JW. 3 year old dog of moderate size. Well ribbed up and short coupled with a level topline and correct tail carriage. Head moulded and well proportioned, would just like a little bit more length. Dark eye of correct shape and scissor bite with a pleasing expression.

Open (7, 3 Absent)

1. Fox’s Satinbaze Cracksman For Blacktoft (AI) JW SGWC. Mature, workmanlike dog of wonderful breed type. Presented in hard condition and so well balanced. Of correct size with plenty of bone with great feet. Moulded head and moderately broad with a dark almond-shaped eye and the kindest of expressions. Correct front and rear angulation, well placed shoulder. Well ribbed up and short coupled with correct tail set and carriage. Best of Breed.

2. Lewin’s Vynesbrook Deja Bleu. Another of lovely breed type. Presented in excellent coat and condition. Refined and feminine with enough bone. Head of good length and well proportioned, good reach of neck into a well laid shoulder flowing into a level topline. Correct front and rear angulation with hocks well let down. Very balanced and one of the best movers of the day, just preferred the tail set of the winner. Reserve Best of Breed.

Lauren Broome