South Western Golden Retriever Club

South Western Golden Retriever Club Open Show – 19th April 2025

Thank you to the Officers and Committee of SWGRC for the appointment to judge at their Spring Open Show held in conjunction with South Western Gundog Club Open Show. Such a friendly and welcoming committee and a great atmosphere despite the wet weather, which forced the judging inside the hall and delayed the start until the ring was available. Special thanks to my Steward Gordon for his support, and for ensuring the smooth running of the ring. I was delighted with the entry and had some super dogs to judge – many thanks to the exhibitors for the privilege of assessing their lovely goldens. There were some hair-splitting decisions and in some classes I needed more than 1 red card! No dentition issues were observed, and temperament appeared to be excellent as would be expected in all exhibits.

Baby Puppy Dog (0, 0)

Minor Puppy Dog (4, 0)

1. Hurrell’s Kadaka King of Klay. Nicely proportioned 8 months puppy looking just right for his age. He has a soft but masculine head with gentle expression and the best of pigment. Stands on neat cat-like feet. Moderate length of neck into good layback of shoulders and enough forechest. Elbows close fitting to ribs and he is short in the couplings. A little ‘bum high’ at the moment. Moved well for a youngster straight and true and attentive to handler. Well-presented mid gold coat. 2. Todd’s. Xanadu with Toddrosa of Sunshine’s Valley( Imp Bel) Also 8 months, larger framed puppy, was close up to the winner. Very exuberant and giving his handler a hard job to control it at times. He is full of quality with a lovely masculine head and coal black pigment. Good reach of neck. well angulated forequarters and corresponding hindquarters. Straight forelegs and elbows close fitting to ribcage which is deep and long; short in loin and level topline. Splitting hairs between these 2 youngsters but just preferred the more precise movement of 1 today. 3. Henson & Luckham’s Flyngalee Hunky Dory

Puppy Dog (5, 0)

1.Taylor &Teague’s Trewater Watson at Goldrealm. Eye catching boy of 11 months who has the most gorgeous masculine head and soft expression, complimented by jet black pigment and kind dark eye. He is well up to size and has a good reach of neck flowing into a good layback of shoulders. Well off for bone with well-padded feet. When stood correctly his forelegs are straight. Elbows close fitting and ribs deep through the heart, short coupled with strong level topline and good turn of stifle with hocks well let down. He moved well once settled, a little loose at the moment, holding his topline with level tail carriage. Nicely handled and presented in full blonde coat. 2. Edmunds’s Sunnyoak Eiffel Tower Also 11 months and close up to 1, nicely proportioned and more compact. He has a gentle but masculine head with dark points. Plenty of forechest and straight forelegs with neat feet. Well angulated fore and aft. Moved well holding his topline but a little proud of his tail today. Shown in well-presented mid gold coat. 3. Todd’s Xanadu with Toddrosa of Sunshines Valley (Imp Bel)

Junior Dog (2, 0)

2 lovely examples of the breed in this class.

1.Main’s Putjade Perran by Gwyngala Approaching 15 months this dog is so full of quality and breed type. He has a beautifully clean and balanced outline and exudes a happy and outgoing personality, he really looks like he is enjoying himself! He has a gorgeous head, a cheeky expression and well chiselled foreface with coal black pigment and kind dark eyes. He has a super reach of neck which flows into well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm placing forelegs well under body, Elbows close fitting to ribs. Plenty of forechest and ribs well sprung for a youngster. Spirit level topline which he held standing and moving. Strong quarters with well bent stifles and hocks well let down with straight rear pasterns. Moved on an easy stride with correct footfall. Shown in rich golden coat and sympathetically handled. I believe this win gave him the final point needed for his JW – congratulations! RBD 2. Winsor-Williams & Williams’s Aurgentious Mena Dhu Very unlucky to meet 1 today, this boy is 12 months old and is also a quality golden, brimming with breed type. He has a more compact outline than 1 with a very nice masculine head which is shorter in muzzle; good pigment. Well angulated forequarters corresponding hind quarters with quality bone and neat cat-like feet. Moved well with correct footfall maintaining level topline and tail carriage. Well-presented gold coat with pale feathering. Handled well. Liked him a lot.

Special Yearling Dog (4, 2)

1.Main’s Putjade Perran by Gwyngala 2. Linfield’s Tonara Yellowstone. Larger cast dog of 18 months who was giving his handler a hard time with his exuberance. He has a nice masculine head without a hint of coarseness, kindly expression and dark points. Straight forelegs but not the width of forechest as 1; needs time to fill his frame. Well angulated front and rear quarters. Good bend of stifle and hocks well let down. He moved well when settled, just needs to tighten up, with accurate footfall and level tail carriage. Well presented in mid gold coat and quietly handled.

Novice Dog (3, 0)

1. Winsor-Williams & Williams’s Aurgentious Dearov Im. Presenting a lovely balanced outline and full of breed type, really impressed with this well proportioned young dog of 12 months. Nothing overdone. He has an attractive masculine head with kind dark eyes and super pigment. Neck well set on and of moderate length into good layback of shoulders and return of upper arm of equal length placing forelegs well under body. Straight in front with good width of forechest and standing on well padded feet. Elbows close fitting to well sprung ribs and short in loin with strong level topline and correct tail set. Moderate bend of stifle and in hard condition. Moved straight and true maintaining topline: a little proud of his tail today but preferred his more accurate movement over 2. 2. Taylor &Teague’s Trewater Watson at Goldrealm 3. Henson & Luckham’s Flyngalee Hunky Dory

Graduate Dog (5, 2)

1. Main’s Putjade Perran by Gwyngala 2. Hurrell’s Klassical Legacy from Double Gold among Gillansgold (Imp Nld) More compact than 1 this 2 ½ year-old dog presents a happy and animated picture with his ever wagging tail. Balanced masculine head with black pigment and kind dark eye. Well angulated forehand assembly and moderate bend of stifle. Would prefer more width of 2nd thigh. Nicely padded neat feet and good bone. Compact body, level topline and short coupled. Movement a little erratic today with a tendency to crabbing. A bit proud of his tail. Shown in rich gold coat. 3.Thomas’s Santandore Blonde over Blue

Post Graduate Dog (3, 0)

Lovely class of 3 quality exhibits making for hair splitting decisions.

1.Main’s Putjade Perran by Gwyngala 2. Merrick’s Warrentor Tourmakeady Unlucky to meet 1 today and close up. This 2 year old dog presents a picture of balance and symmetry on the stack. No exaggerations and with an unmistakably masculine head with well chiselled foreface and coal black pigment. Textbook angles front and rear, well off for bone and catlike feet. Ribs deep and elbows close fitting. Strength in topline with strong short loin and correct tailset. Movement could have been steadier and he does give his handler a challenge to control his speed. Shown in rich gold wavy coat. 3. Lockley’s Steval Whathappenedwas.

Limit Dog (4, 2)

1.Henson’s Cinderbank Move It JW. Approaching 3 years old and presents a balanced picture on the stack, he is well up for size. Attractive male head with dark pigment and gentle expression. Decent angulation to front and rear quarters. Well off for bone and stands on neat feet. Elbows could be closer fitting – enough spring of ribs. Moved steadily with correct footfall albeit a little wide in front. Maintains level topline and tail carriage on the move. Shown in mid gold well-presented coat. 2. Coad’s Tinklersroc Bon Bon Also 3 years old, with typical balanced head with dark points and kind dark eye. Plenty of forechest and good depth and spring of ribs. Short coupled and strong quarters with hocks well let down. He was distracted by noise today which affected his demeanour. Moved OK. Topline is level but his deep gold coat is at the ‘in between’ stage giving an illusion that he is ‘up at the bum.’ Handled sympathetically.

Open Dog (8, 2)

1.Carter’s Kadaka Kauldrun JW. 4 year old mature dog who scores highly on breed type with his unexaggerated conformation. He has good proportions and super balance from any angle. He has a lovely head which is masculine without coarseness, muzzle wide and deep. kind eyes and soft expression. Strong straight forelegs and neat, well padded tight feet. Neck well set on and of good length flowing into well laid shoulders. Upper arm of equal length, plenty of forechest and depth of brisket. Good spring of ribs. Short in the couplings and well-muscled quarters with hocks well let down. He moved on an easy stride covering the ground effortlessly and with correct footfall whilst holding a level topline and tail carriage. In lovely mid gold coat and condition and well handled. BD, BOS & RBIS 2. Clunie’s Warrentor Bold As Brass JW SGWC WGC Another top quality male of 4 years who was close up to 1 though of different type. Gorgeous head with cheeky glint in his eye, jet black pigment and well chiselled foreface. He also has good angles front and back and a strong topline with correct tail set. Well off for bone and exceptionally well padded neat feet. In hard condition and shown in rich gold coat. Moved out well with correct footfall and handled to advantage. Preferred rear movement and tail carriage of 1 today. 3. Main’s Denmarella Mr Bright Skies over Gwyngala

Veteran (4, 0)

1.Clarke’s Sunnyoak Cherry Blossom. Pleasing clean outline on this well-proportioned 8 year old bitch. She has a feminine head with super dark pigment, dark eyes and soft expression. Good width of forechest and reachy neck flows smoothly into shoulders that are long in blade with corresponding return of upper arm. Straight forelegs, neat feet and elbows close fitting to well sprung ribs. Strong level topline and correct tailset. Moved steadily straight and true maintaining a level topline and tail carriage. Shown in well-presented blonde coat and handled very well. BVIS 2. Fenn’s Chalksville Barregarrow at Jandeburn JW ShCM VW A lot to like about this mature 9 year old dog who belies his age. He has a masculine head with muzzle wide and deep, dark pigment and kind but alert expression. He is not a big dog and I would prefer a little more length of leg for true balance. However, he is sound in his construction and very well off for bone. He has very good angulation front and rear, well sprung deep ribs and short in the couplings with strong level topline. Very well muscled quarters used to advantage on the move. Moved well at one with his handler and exhibiting a happy disposition. Shown in full dark gold coat. 3.Leeming’s Kadaka Kameo at Iscadu

Baby Puppy Bitch (5 ,2)

3 lovely baby puppies who enjoyed their time in the ring and were outgoing and confident. A credit to their owners and wish them all well for the future.

1.Hewitson’s Seruilia Society Girl. Very promising puppy of 5 ½ months who has a lovely outline and good angulation fore and aft. Feminine all through with lovely head and jet black pigment. Good bone and neat feet. Moved very steadily for a youngster. Well presented pale gold coat; handled expertly. BBPIS. 2.Anstey’s Seruilia Sunbeam at Andesine. Litter sister to 1 and nicely balanced in outline this puppy is also full of potential. Not yet as mature as 1 and just preferred the overall angulation of 1 at the moment. Lovely feminine head with blackest of pigment and dark eyes. Very happy outgoing demeanour. Moved well for a youngster and handled sympathetically. 3. Anstey’s Andesine Ray of Light

Minor Puppy Bitch (3, 2)

1.Ball’s Shearstone Live in The Dream at Fivelms. Standing alone in this class but a worthy first place winner. 8 months and well developed for her age, she has a balanced profile. Feminine all through with lovely head and sweet expression. Blackest of pigment and dark eyes. Forelegs straight and neat feet. Neck of good length flowing into good layback of shoulders. Elbows close fitting to ribs. Good bend of stifles. Moved well straight and true and attentive to handler holding a level topline and tail carriage. Shown in full blonde coat. In the next class she was close up to the winner whose movement I just preferred today.

Puppy Bitch (4, 1)

1.Lockley’s Madison of Magic Hearts I’m Magic with Steval. Well proportioned young bitch of approaching 11 months looking just right for her age. Balanced outline from any angle with nothing overdone. She has a feminine head with sweet expression, dark pigment and kind dark eyes. Straight forelegs, neat feet and good width to forechest, reachy neck and well angulated front and corresponding rear quarters. Short coupled and level topline, which she held on the move with correct tail carriage. Moved soundly with accurate footfall displaying happy demeanour and attentive to handler. Well-presented mid gold coat Very impressed with her and delighted to award her BPB & BPIS. 2. Ball’s Shearstone Live in The Dream at Fivelms 3.Double’s Rheincroft Snow Leopard

Junior Bitch (5, 0)

1.Healey’s Marsabit Celtic Harp. 13 months young bitch who stood out for her balanced well-proportioned outline. Very feminine all through, sweet head and expression with dark points. Straight in front with good width of forechest and well padded feet. She has good angles fore and aft with nothing exaggerated. Correct tailset. Held topline on the move with level tail carriage. Moved well and coped quite well with change of handler for this. Shown in well-presented pale gold coat. 2. Scuffle & Ennis Van Maren’s Ramchaine A Red Red Rose 14 months young bitch who also presents a very balanced picture. Similar remarks apply as for 1. She also has a lovely head with dark points and sweet expression. Excellent topline with tail set on level and carried straight off the back. Moved out well with good reach and drive from well angulated strong quarters. Shown in pale gold coat and handled to advantage. Just preferred the overall proportions of the winner today. 3. Jenkin’s Owrekvilla Ocean Breeze

Special Yearling Bitch (5, 2)

1.Collis’s Tillsun Mistletoe Promises. 19 months well balanced bitch who is full of breed type. Compact with nothing overdone. Lovely feminine head with dark pigment and kind dark eye. Straight in front with neat cat-like feet. Good depth to brisket and correct length of neck into well laid shoulders. Short coupled with strong level topline and well angulated hindquarters. Correct tailset. Moved steadily straight and true with good reach and drive holding topline and with level tail carriage. Well-handled and presented in deep gold coat of good texture. Liked her a lot. 2. Jenkin’s Owrekvilla Ocean Breeze. 14 months and placed 3rd in Junior. Also full of breed type and similar remarks apply to her as 1. Just preferred the topline and rear movement of 1 at this stage. Shown in deep gold full coat and handled well. 3. Pyne’s Hammerfield Legato Lullaby

Novice Bitch (3, 1)

1.Winsor-Williams & Williams Aurgentious Ros An Gwel. Attractive outline to this 12 months bitch who is compact in proportions with nothing overdone. Nice head with dark points and soft expression. Good length of neck flows into shoulders well laid back and corresponding return of upper arm placing forelegs well under body. Good width of forechest. Well off for bone and super cat-like feet. Good depth of ribs and short in the couplings with level topline. Well angulated quarters and short straight rear pasterns. In hard muscular condition. Moved very steadily for a youngster with correct footfall and attentive to handler. Shown in full golden coat. Preferred her overall finish over 2 as well as having the edge on movement today. 2. Healey’s Marsabit Celtic Harp

Graduate Bitch (4, 0)

4 lovely bitches of different types in this class making for close decisions.

1.Smyth’s Kadaka Krumpet JW. Quality 22 months bitch who is so well put together headed this class. She has a clean outline and looks a picture of balance and symmetry with her unexaggerated angles front and back confirmed by hands on assessment. Nice head with soft expression and dark eye. Straight front and good reach of neck into super layback of shoulders. Good spring to ribs and short in loin with level topline and tail well set on. Wouldn’t want her to carry any more weight. Moved out steadily straight and true on an easy stride holding her topline and level tail carriage which won her the class. Well-handled and presented in lovely mid gold coat 2. Chan’s Wemcrest Sound of Music Another quality exhibit who is 2 ½ years and full of breed type. Very clean in outline and scores highly for balance and super angulation of front and rear quarters. Nice head with dark eye and kind expression. Reachy neck. Spirit level topline and tail well set on and held level on the move. Moved enthusiastically and with correct footfall. Shown in rich gold coat and in hard condition. Not as mature in body, and preferred the width of forechest of the winner today; nevertheless I liked her a lot. 3. Thomas’s Santandore Honesty

Post Graduate Bitch (1, 1)

Limit Bitch (3, 0)

1.Clunie’s Warrentor Nohkalikai JW. Very well put together 2 year old bitch who is brimming with breed type. Lovely head with coal black pigment and an alert and happy expression with kind dark eye. Excellent bone and straight in front with very well-padded cat-like feet. Good body proportions with correct length of neck and shoulders long in blade with corresponding return of upper arm. Close fitting elbows and well sprung ribs. Loin short with strong topline. Well angulated rear quarters and good width of 2nd thigh. Hocks well let down. Moved well with good reach and rear drive. Shown in gleaming rich gold coat. Handled to advantage. Liked her very much. RBB 2. Leeming’s Kadaka Kalypso at Iscadu JW Close up to 1 this lovely 3 year old bitch is easy on the eye and looks very well balanced on the stack. Very feminine all through with lovely head, dark points and gentle expression. Nothing overdone, she has a well angulated front and rear assembly. Good length of neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Short coupled and topline level and maintained on the move with correct tail carriage. Moved well but not quite the extension or drive of the winner today. Shown in well-presented blonde coat and handled very well. McCammick’s Saffdales My Memoir to Inca

Open Bitch (6, 1)

1.Ives’s Balsamina Bellini JW. My star of the day. Unmistakably feminine all through, this 4 year old bitch never put a paw wrong. She has a very clean outline; on the smaller side but for me she is perfectly in proportion and free from exaggeration. Lovely head with dark pigment, kind eye and the sweetest expression. Straight forelegs with enough bone and plenty of forechest. Neat catlike feet. Clean neck flowing into shoulders long in blade and corresponding return of upper arm. Close fitting elbows to well sprung ribs. Short strong loin and spirit level topline with tail well set on and carried level on the move. Moderate bend of stifle and hocks well let down. Her movement is effortless and precise with good head carriage. She oozes ring presence and is at one with her handler. Shown in well-presented blonde coat and expertly handled BB and delighted to award her BEST In SHOW 2. Winsor-Williams & Williams Fleur So Sweet at Aurgentious. 4 year old, bigger than 1 but again perfectly in proportion and well put together. Feminine all through with lovely head and soft expression with dark points and eyes. Nicely balanced body proportions, good depth to brisket, level topline and correct tailset. Well angulated fore and aft and well off for bone with lovely catlike feet. Good spring of ribs. Moved well, maintaining level topline and tail carriage. Shown in mid gold well presented coat and handled well. Just unlucky to meet 1 in top form today, 3. Clarke’s Sunnyoak The Girl Is Mine.

Judge: Tina Williamson (Sandti)