Newton Abbot & South Devon Canine Society

Newton Abbot and South Devon Canine Society

Critique by Victoria Wilkins (Velvetquest)

I have looked forward to this judging appointment since I received the invitation from Debbie Fenn and it didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic show with wonderful, sporting exhibitors and a committee that couldn’t do enough for you. They are a credit to the dog scene. My steward, Gordon, was efficient, calm and collected, and such a pleasure to be in the ring with. I couldn’t have asked for a better steward. Thank you for entering your dogs under me – it was a fantastic entry and I wish I could have awarded top places to more of you.

English Setter

Graduate (7, 2)

1 Rainey’s Culverwell Touch of Fortune at Wolmersdon. Attractive orange belton bitch who I thought oozed quality. She has a lovely head with a kind and noble expression, with correct earset with a long and lean neck. Lovely front assembly, good shoulder, held her topline well. Stands over plenty of ground. Moved the best of the entry, with free and graceful action. BOB

2 Osman’s Bournehouse Sirocco Over Marissolo JWl Lovely balanced male dog. Thought he had the best of heads with the gentlest of expressions. Lovely deep chest and well-ribbed back. Scores in rear for me, with good stifles and strength through the loin. Thought today he wasn’t as strong on the move as the class winner, but a lovely example.

Open (2,0)

1 Ridsdill’s Sharnyx Here’s Bonnie. Showed in such muscled condition which was a pleasure to see. Well balanced throughout with a feminine expression, leading into a good long neck and shoulder placement. Turned out in great condition with correct coat structure. In the challenge I felt the BOB winner was more forward on the move and covered the ground better, however she was a lovely exhibit to judge. RBOB

2 Wilson’s Ir Sh Ch Ravensett Giovanni. Another lovely example, but I felt he wasn’t so together on the move today. In profile he is a balanced picture, so well-conditioned throughout. Good front assembly, well-ribbed back and has good stifles and hocks. Turned out in lovely coat condition with the correct texture.

Irish Setter

Puppy (3, 1)

1 Pym’s Marzanne Trigger Happy by Thendara. What a gorgeous dog! My notes say ‘fell in love with’ and sometimes you just do! Lovely shape to this dog, with no exaggerations in my opinion. For one so young he feels like he has a maturity that belies his age. Shown in gleaming condition and presented to his best. Racy throughout with correct skull proportions. Deep chested, with gently sloping topline. Scored in hindquarters which were wide and powerful, using them to power around the ring with a free-flowing movement. In the challenge he really pulled out all the stops against the other dogs and I was delighted to award him BOB, BP, then later PG3.

2 Roger’s Clonageera Summer Magic. One not so settled in the hall today and not performing at her best but on her best day could push 1st place all the way. She has a gorgeous head and expression that screams breed type. Good shoulder placement and topline, with balanced and strong hindquarters. Didn’t move as well today so this cost her but still a lovely example and will watch with interest as she matures.

Special Yearling (3, 1)

1 Spencer’s Sheldonite More Romance. Preferred the overall balance of this male. Shown in good coat condition with good texture. Moved OK but could have done with a larger ring. Kindest of expressions, good earset and length of neck and shoulders. Stifles well bent with good hocks. Held tail well on the move.

2 Macdonald’s Sheldonite It Takes Two Baby. Larger throughout than 1, and stronger in type. Not stoof the best on the stack today so this impacted the overall balance of how he looked. Moved OK, but could be better on the move as he was slightly erratic. Classic head, with good set on neck.

Post Graduate (2,1)

1 Pike & Henderson’s Redclyst The Celt. Nicely shaped dog with good proportions throughout and pleasing lines. For me he had a lovely topline, good hindquarters with well-bent stifles, and was well-muscled throughout. Unfortunately he didn’t settle well in the hall today and didn’t move his best, but shows good breed attributes.

Open (6, 1)

1 Pym, Bott & Milligan-Bott’s Thendara Marshmello JW. Loved how this boy looked on the stack and was delighted that he didn’t disappoint when I got my hands on him. Well proportioned throughout with plenty of balance. Won this tough class with grace and style. Good length of neck leads into clean, well-placed shoulders, no throatiness, well-muscled in rear and well-angulated in rear. Moved with a free-flowing stride. Beaten in the challenge by his son who shows many of his attributes! RBOB

2 Macdonald’s Redclyst Head Full of Dreams. Another good example of the breed and many of the comments from 1st place apply as this was a close call. On the move he came to life and held his topline well, moving with a free-flowing stride. Masculine throughout and handled well. Could swap places in future.

Gordon Setter

Open (2,0)

1 Ball’s Kilnrae Black Sapphire. Presented in good coat and condition, handled well. Good bone and feet, with clean shoulders. Thought she had a lovely proportioned head and kind expression. Steady on the move, and showed good drive from behind. BOB

2 Robson’s Kewstoke Ocean Commander at Glendudmoor. 8m youngster very much enjoying his time in the ring today. Still only a baby so totally expected the fidgety nature – still very raw throughout but has time on his side. Showed promising proportions fore and aft. Bouncy on the move but had a great experience today. BP.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Open (2,0)

1 Serpa & Graham’s Winterwell Tubby Tompkin from Nyliram JW. Wow, one of the best conditioned dogs of the day – shown in such hard and muscular tone which was a pleasure to get my hands on. A credit to his owner. Gorgeous clean cut head with expressive eyes. Muscular, slightly arched neck into sloping shoulders. Well-ribbed back with strong hindquarters which he used to power around the ring. BOB.

2 Atkin’s No More Cloudy Days. Feminine bitch with a lovely head and expressive eyes. Her head is well-balanced, and she stands straight in front with good bone. She has sufficient neck length and shows decent angulation both front and rear. Another one exhibited in muscular condition. Not as positive in the ring as 1st place. RBOB.

Hungarian Vizsla

Graduate (6, 1)

1 Parker & Gist’s Glenbrows Rouge. Pretty bitch of medium size with good balance throughout. The best mover in this class by far, showing off a graceful, elegant and lively trot with good head and tail carriage, with reach and drive. Level, short back with broad chest, well sprung ribs and well-muscled in rear. I thought she was a lovely example and pushed hard for BOB. RBOB.

2 Challis’ Vizlanya Valor. Up to size for me but a balanced dog throughout. Heavier throughout than other dogs in this class, but still retains balance and type. Good length of neck, well-sprung ribs and good stifle and hocks. Moved well and handled well. BP.

Open (4,1)

1 Challis’ Vizlanya Praxis. One I have judged previously and awarded BOB to and still like. She has wonderful movement which really does eat up the ring. Feminine throughout with a lovely strong neck and correct lay of shoulder, she has a lovely expressive headpiece and is muscular throughout, especially in hindquarters. BOB.

2 1 Parker & Gist’s Glenbrows Calamity JW. A top-quality bitch—truly lovely. She has a clean, refined head with a noble expression. Well-laid shoulders and a strong, level topline. Moved with ease, covering the ground effortlessly. Shown in muscular condition, and pushed 1st place all the way.

Italian Spinone

Graduate (3,0)

1 Kruglow’s Stowledge Scilla at Incantevole. This bitch immediately caught my eye upon entering the ring. She has a superb head with the kindest expression and an elegant overall shape. Maintains a lovely topline, moves well, and is nicely angulated throughout. On the move she shows off the typical breed gait, and lights up the ring. I could watch her move all day. She really put a smile on my face when I watched her. She put in a spotless performance later in the day to be awarded PG1 and G3 then I was delighted to see her go BEST PUPPY IN SHOW.

2 Scoble’s Tolosa Provolone. Presents a pleasing profile—well-constructed and balanced throughout. Moved soundly with a gentle, appealing expression. Good shoulder placement and rise over loin. Good head proportions and typey throughout. On the move I felt 1st place was more forward.

Open (2,0)

1 Mortimer’s Scodinzolare Photoulla. A bitch of good type with an appealing shape and a lovely head, featuring a well-proportioned skull and muzzle, low-set ears, and a soft, expressive look. Displays good neck length, a pleasing outline, and a strong topline. Wasn’t as coordinated or forward on the move as I would’ve liked today. RBOB.

2 Scoble’s Tolosa Provolone

Retriever (Flat Coated)

Special Yearling (4,1)

1 Moxey’s Dymexe My Cherie Amour JW. Attractive bitch, displaying good reach of neck and well-sprung ribs. Her rear quarters are well-developed, contributing to a balanced overall appearance.

2 Thurgood’s Thurwitt Lyra Belacqua. Well-made puppy with a nice head and good eye. Exhibits overall balance, tight feet, and a strong topline with a well-set tail. Well-muscled rear quarters. Movement is still developing. BP.

Post Graduate (3,3)

Open (4,2)

1 May’s Ronevorg Dark Angel at Lussac JW KCWGC KCSGC. Really liked this dog for type, shape and size. Showed off the typical free flowing gait, although I think he could’ve really got into his stride in a larger ring. Correct head proportions, flat and moderately broad. Neck leads into correctly placed shoulders, good depth of briscit and well-ribbed. Strong in hindquarters. Delighted to award him BOB.

2 Smith’s Ruddleberry Dark Phoenix. Handsome, masculine head set on a strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Deep chest with well-sprung, lengthy ribs and good bone throughout. Hindquarters are well developed. Movement not at his best today and wasn’t enjoying the hall.

Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)

Post Graduate (3,1)

1 Boyd’s Skysaria Eternal Flame. Medium-sized masculine male with a pleasing head and expression. Slightly wedge-shaped with flat cheeks, a correct stop, well-shaped eyes of good colour, and correctly set and carried ears. Strong, clean neck flows smoothly into well-placed shoulders. Good chest depth and well-sprung ribs. Moved OK but would prefer to see in larger ring.

2 Hughes Abacot Heart of the Ocean. Lovely baby at his first show at just 6 months of age. Really enjoying his time in the ring. Good medium size and compact in overall appearance. Clean cut with slightly wedge-shaped head. Showed good movement, with reach and drive fore and aft. At this age he is still very raw and had that expected ‘puppy roll’! Nice tight feet. Good luck in the future.

Open Dog (5, 2)

1 Ward’s Melanitta Palmata JW. Lovely male, strong throughout and every inch masculine. Good proportions and balance, shown in lovely coat and condition. Good eye and earset. Moderate neck and well-placed shoulders, with good angulation. Moved with a springy gait.

2. Hughes’ Abacot Into The Unknown JW. Another nice masculine example but I preferred the movement of 1st place today. Lovely eye colour, in keeping with coat. Balanced in front and in rear, with well-muscled hindquarters. Good width of thigh and bend of stifle. Lovely expression and at one with his owner.

Open Bitch (5, 2)

1 Anstead’s Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Riverwatcher Koda. Such a well-made bitch throughout. Gorgeous head with correct proportions, with lovely expressive eyes that make you melt. Good bone and feet, well-ribbed back in body with correct coat texture. Shown in lovely condition. Shows good reach and drive in profile, with springy gait. Just the right size for me with lovely tail carriage. Delighted to award BOB and later G2.

2 Hughes’ Sh Ch Eusanit Gem Stone at Abacot. Another bitch of lovely size and type. Shown in lovely condition and handled to get the absolute best out of her. Wedge shaped feminine head. Good length of neck in to well placed shoulders. Moved OK but preferred the movement of 1st place today.

Spaniel (Field)

Post Graduate (3,1)

1 Russell & Palm’s Brynnyth Echo. Very bouncy baby and super happy to be in the ring today which was a pleasure to see. Difficult to assess as she was very excited to meet me. A little upright in shoulder but had good body length and hindquarters. Good earset and the kindest expression. BP

2 Russell & Palm’s Brynnyth Eos. This was my class winner on the stack as I preferred her for overall balance and type, but unfortunately was not happy in the hall today. Noble head with kind expression, lovely flowing neck which was strong, with deep chest. Hindquarters had good angulation, with well let down hocks.

Open (3,0)

1 Harding’s Kingsmist Remember Me JW. Really liked this dog for breed type and overall balance. He has a well-chiselled head and a clean neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Straight, flat-boned forelegs, a deep chest, and well-sprung ribs contribute to his strong structure. Maintained a level topline on the move and demonstrated good drive. BOB

2 Russell & Palm’s Wealdthorn Rumour at Brynnyth. Nicely sized bitch with well-chiselled head and lovely kind, noble expression. I just fell in love with her head. Epitomises the breed’s temperament in bucketloads. Shown in lovely condition, with balance fore and aft. Deep chest, well-sprung ribs. Strong in hindquarters. Just preferred the overall picture of 1st today.

AVNSC Gundog

Graduate (4,1)

1 Blaber’s Oakmarsh Laurel. Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Nice outline on this bitch, definitely thought she could do a day’s work. Well-balanced throughout, with an excellent head and the most appealing expression. Strong, muscular neck with the right depth and width of brisket. Good coat texture. Moved with drive around the ring. BAVNSC.

2 Critchley’s Bracciano Now or Never. Bracco Italiano. Lovely girl shown and handled to her best. Feminine throughout and retains the bone required for the breed. Strong topline and good body proportions. Well-muscled and angulated in the rear which she used to power around the ring.

Open (1,0)

1 Bedford’s Crumbledor Cedric Diggory. Sussex Spaniel. Attractive head with a short, strong neck that flows into well-laid shoulders. Strong bone and a straight front. Deep, well-sprung ribs and a moderately angulated rear. Moved steadily and true with typical roll. Showed better in this class as previously placed third.

Gundog Groups

Group 1 Bedding & Jennings’ American Cocker Spaniel Alibama Knockout JW. Wow, this dog really commands attention. He entered the ring screaming ‘Look at me!’ and I definitely did. B&T dog with a well-developed and rounded skull, clearly defined stop and soft expression. Covers plenty of ground on the move with grace and style. Good body proportions with strong back and correct topline, compact and all together. Well-muscled and conditioned throughout, handled and turned out to perfection.

Group 2 Anstead’s Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Sh Ch/Ir Sh Ch Riverwatcher Koda.

Group 3 Kruglow’s Italian Spinone Stowledge Scilla at Incantevole.

Group 4 Ray & Challands’ Cocker Spaniel Annilan Miss Merry Berry JW. Merry by name, merry by nature. I could watch this one all day. Such a beautiful head with a soft, appealing expression. Presents a sound front, strong topline with well-set tail, and a well-angulated rear. She has excellent depth and width throughout. Moved with ease and precision to win this group placing. Lovely example.

Puppy Group 1 Kruglow’s Italian Spinone Stowledge Scilla at Incantevole. BPIS.

Puppy Group 2 Pym’s Irish Setter Marzanne Trigger Happy by Thendara.

Puppy Group 3 Caile’s Large Munsterlander Kamaze Dancing Queen. Thought this bitch lovely for type and size for the breed, such a lovely expression with kind, dark eyes. Correct head proportions with good, slightly arched neck. She has good balance, and a strong back, with good turn of stifle. A little bouncy on the move today but when settled she showed reach, drive and a springy gait with good stride length.

Puppy Group 4 Taylor & Teague’s Golden Retriever Trewater Watson at Goldrealm. Quality example of the breed and still such a youngster. Lovely head and kind expression, well-made in neck and shoulder with good depth of chest, brisket and well-ribbed back. Nice straight hocks and sound throughout. Moved straight and true.

Critique by Victoria Wilkins (Velvetquest)