Kent County Canine Association

Kent County Canine Association

Open Show

23rd February 2025

My thanks to the club for the invitation to judge my first Gundog breeds, and to all of the exhibitors who gave me a lovely entry to go over and took all my placings with good sportsmanship, congratulating winners in every class. Thanks also to my two stewards who did a great job in the difficult (windy) conditions! 

Gordon Setter

A couple of dogs had level bites, and a complete mixture of coats, with many carrying waves and a few lacking the waterproofness I would expect from a breed meant for the outdoors. Construction was mostly pleasing, but a few had slightly upright hindquarters, lacking a well bent stifle.

Puppy (5, 3)

1st – Flanagan, Ms G M. Kewstoke Sea Biscuit. 9 month old dog, who was initially a bit unsettled in the windy conditions, but on his individual go around moved true to type. Lovely proportioned head with correct eye and ears. Nice depth of chest for a youngster and correct angulation. BP

2nd – Bryant, Mrs T. Laurelhach Lotus with Muckypups. 8 month old bitch. Nice head, with a kind expression. Held topline well on the move, just preferred the reach and drive of 1st.

Junior (4, 1)

1st – Thomas, Mrs S P. Hernwood Bleu Spirit to Rackens. Dog of jet coal black and gloss to the coat, well feathered. Correct head, with kind expression to eyes. Good forechest and depth to brisket. Good angulation front and rear. Moved with great reach and drive from both ends.

2nd – Tye, Mrs H J and Miss S J. Roydack Black Knight at Tymora. Different type to 1st, slightly larger in size, although finer in build. Had correct flat bones and a deep chest, just preferred the movement of 1st.

3rd – Flanagan, Ms G M. Kewstoke Sea Biscuit

Post Graduate (4, 1)

1st – Horler, Mr K and Mrs R. Colourbox Wild Wild West with Rackens. Dog of top size but everything in proportion to create an overall balanced impression. Good head with dignified expression and correct proportions. Nice length of neck. Shoulder well laid back and close at withers. Forelegs flat boned and held straight. Level pelvis, with good rear angulation to match the front. Moved with excellent reach and drive. BOB. Found out afterwards he loves agility, which showed as he was very well muscled.

2nd – Whiting, Mr K. Locksheath April in Paris. While the dog was top size, I would say this bitch was maybe a touch small. Nice feminine head with kind expression. Good topline and angulation, with correct amount of forechest and brisket. Moved well.

3rd – Williams, Mr B and Mrs E M. Longrow Jean Genie

Open (5, 2)

1st – Whiting, Mr K. DT Ch Locksheath Princess Tiana JW. Bitch of good size and lovely proportions. Nice head with intelligent expression, good forechest and nice depth of chest. Good angulation front and rear. Held topline on the move. RBOB

2nd – Gunnery, Mrs J. Longrow Love Of My Life. Bitch of finer type than 1st. Nice head. Would prefer a deeper chest, but moved well.

3rd – Harris, Mrs L. Annie-Macrae Dowry Town of Bonnienitch (Imp Cze)