National Gundog Association

 National Gundog Association – Flat-Coated Retrievers terri durrant 2/8/2026

My sincere thanks to the National Gundog Association Committee for the invitation to judge the Flat-Coated Retrievers. It was a great honour and a privilege to officiate over the entry. I would also like to thank my two efficient stewards, who ensured the ring ran smoothly throughout the day, and my thanks to all exhibitors for presenting their dogs under me and accepting my decisions in such a sporting manner.

The weather was hot and sunny with a welcome breeze. However, the prolonged dry conditions had left parts of the ring surface very hard and slippery, resulting in several exhibits losing their footing on the move. I was mindful of these conditions when assessing movement and took them into consideration where appropriate.

General Observations

Overall, I found some quality exhibits and enjoyed my appointment. However, there are several points that I feel breeders should consider if we are to preserve the true characteristics of this wonderful dual-purpose breed.

The first is Breed characteristics At present there is a noticeable variation in type throughout the breed, and I feel we must be careful not to lose the correct outline, balance and overall characteristics described in the Breed Standard. Breed type should always be instantly recognisable and remain the priority in any breeding programme.

Secondly, I was concerned by the lack of bone in some exhibits. The Flat-Coated Retriever should possess sufficient bone and substance without becoming coarse. Correct bone is essential to produce a dog capable of carrying out the work for which the breed was originally developed.

The third point is the lack of fore chest seen in several exhibits. A well-developed fore chest is fundamental to correct construction. It contributes to efficient movement, provides the necessary heart and lung room, and enables the dog to perform its original function as a working retriever. Whilst many Flat-Coated Retrievers today may spend their lives solely in the show ring, breeders should never lose sight of the breed's heritage as a true dual-purpose gundog.

Presentation was generally of a pleasing standard, although a few exhibits would have benefited from additional attention to grooming and ringcraft. A well-presented exhibit allows the judge to appreciate its virtues immediately. One exhibit appeared untidy at first glance, but once examined and gone over by hand, I found a quality dog beneath the coat. It served as a reminder that presentation can significantly influence first impressions.

Overall, I was pleased with the temperament displayed throughout the entry. The Flat-Coated Retriever should always exhibit the happy, outgoing and confident disposition for which the breed is renowned, and it was pleasing to see this quality well represented.

Finally, I would once again like to thank the National Gundog Association Committee for their kind invitation, my excellent stewards for their hard work throughout the day, and every exhibitor for their support. I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment and hope my comments are received in the constructive spirit in which they are intended. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve the correct type, soundness and working qualities of this beautiful and versatile breed for future generations.

Dog Challenge Certificate 808 - Ch Woodfinch Masquerade (Mr D & Mrs R Bellamy)

Reserve Dog Challenge Certificate 843 - Gemswin Innocent Man JW (Mrs S, Mrs G & Mr M Knight & Jacobs)

Bitch Challenge Certificate 879 - Rainesgift New Sensation (Miss H M Watson)

Reserve Bitch Challenge Certificate 846 - Hopevalley Morning Minuet JW (Mrs D R Markillie)

Best Of Breed 879 - Rainesgift New Sensation (Miss H M Watson)

Best Puppy 838 - Braemist Chase The Stars (Miss L S Jones)

Best Veteran 853 - Sh Ch Never Say Never Oasis of Peace to Maddouse (Mrs S & Mr I Phipps-Baker & Baker)

Best Special Beginner 846 - Hopevalley Morning Minuet JW (Mrs D R Markillie)

Veteran Dog (1)

1st – Murphy's Treat (Miss E Shepherdson)

Seven-year-old liver dog who stood alone in the class. I would have preferred to see a little more bone and a richer, deeper liver coat colour. He has a pleasing one-piece head with dark eyes giving a kind expression, neat ears of correct length, and a good reach of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. Would benefit from a little more forechest. Straight front, firm topline flowing into a correctly sloping croup and well-set tail. Hindquarters of adequate width and moved sound.

Minor Puppy Dog (1)

1st & Best Puppy Dog – Ford Never Touch Ground Sophistication at Percuil (Imp Swe)

A very promising six-month-old black puppy who is still very much at the raw stage of development, with plenty of growing and maturing to do over the coming years. A puppy with good potential, showing nice balance and a pleasing outline even at this early stage.

Lovely head shape with dark eyes giving a kind expression. Good reach of neck leading into well-placed shoulders and a nice front assembly. Good topline with very promising rear angulation. Tail is currently a little long for his stage of growth, but this is something he should grow into as he matures.

Moved well for his age, showing good promise, with a lovely shiny coat of good condition. A very nice young dog with plenty to look forward to as he develops. A well-deserved Best Puppy Dog.

Puppy Dog (1)

1st – Braemist Chase The Ace with Sabarka (Miss J Reading)

A lively 10-month-old black dog who is very much still a puppy in mind and body. A real “puppy on a string” today, showing plenty of exuberance and enthusiasm, which made assessment a little challenging both on the stand and on the move. With further ringcraft training and maturity, I am sure he will learn to settle and allow his qualities to be shown to better advantage.

Pleasing head with good shape and dark eyes giving a kind expression. Good length of neck, although I would like to see more fore chest as he continues to develop. Nice tight feet and a good topline. Slightly longer in body at present, but still with plenty of time to mature and strengthen. Coat coming through well with good shine.

Moved reasonably well for his handler considering his excitement. A promising young dog who should benefit greatly from time, confidence and further ring experience

JUNIOR DOG 3

Junior Dog (3)

A very pleasing class with two quality exhibits from the same kennel, both showing good breed type and sound construction. Although a few months apart in age and from different parentage, both were very similar in quality and presented a strong picture of the breed.

1st – Flatcharm Hobgoblin at Tarnmillcrag (Mr J & Mrs R Pierce)

A lovely young male with excellent breed type. Super masculine head with a beautiful, melting expression and dark eye. Good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Soundly constructed front and rear, with good angulation and excellent balance throughout. Presented in very good coat and condition. Moved very soundly with good carriage and purpose. A very promising young dog.

2nd – Flatcharm Mr Potato Head (Mrs J A & Mr S Woodhams)

Another very good young dog, slightly older and from different parentage but showing many similar qualities to the class winner. Well-moulded masculine head, although I would have preferred a slightly darker eye to complete the expression. Good overall construction with sound movement and strong driving action from the rear. A quality exhibit who was very close, but today I preferred the balance and overall movement of first place.

3DR Culcrieff's Ferntower Glen of Wetnoses (Mr D E J & Mrs M A Salt)

YEARLING DOG 3

1st – Clandrift Make It Funky JW (Mrs V Bowen)

A quality young male who appealed greatly for his overall balance, construction and breed type. He has a lovely one-piece head with equal planes, a kind, dark eye giving the correct expression, and well-set ears. Good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, with excellent front angulation. A well-developed forechest, straight front and tight, well-knit feet.

One of the best dogs in the entry for bone, possessing the substance expected without any loss of quality. Well-sprung ribs, strong topline and excellent rear angulation with straight hocks. Correct tail set in coat and condition.

Moved freely for his handler 

2ND Flatcharm Hobgoblin at Tarnmillcrag (Mr J & Mrs R Pierce) 1 ST IN JUNIOR 

3RDCulcrieff's Ferntower Glen of Wetnoses (Mr D E J & Mrs M A Salt)

Graduate Dog (2)

1st & Reserve Challenge Certificate – Gemswin Innocent Man JW (Mrs S, Mrs G & Mr M Knight & Jacobs)

A very quality male whose overall balance and proportion appealed greatly. Nothing is exaggerated; he is a thoroughly masculine dog with substance and excellent breed type. Lovely one-piece head with a kind, dark eye giving an alert yet typical Flat-Coat expression. Good length of neck, although I would prefer slightly better shoulder placement. Well-developed forechest, firm topline maintained both standing and, on the move, and a well-set tail carried correctly with the characteristic lashing action. Well-bodied throughout and standing on strong, well-boned limbs. Moved cleanly and soundly with good reach in front, strong driving action behind and parallel movement. A worthy winner of the class and deserving recipient of the Reserve Challenge Certificate.

2nd – Wychwizard Forester at Tarnmillcrag JW (Mr J & Mrs R Pierce)

A smaller-framed male who appealed for his overall breed type. Pleasing head with a kind expression, dark eyes and neat, well-set ears. A little short in neck but soundly constructed both front and rear with a firm topline. Tail was carried a little high on the move, Nevertheless, he moved positively with good drive and purpose. A quality exhibit who was unfortunate to meet such a strong class winner today.

Post Graduate Dog (2)

This class presented two very different types of dog, both in profile and on the move. At this stage of their maturity, my preference was for the overall balance, outline and proportions of the winner.

1st – Gloi Dubh Mormaer JW (Ms E J & Dr L Walker & Roberts)

A very pleasing young male of good size and shape with an attractive, balanced outline. Well-moulded head with dark eyes giving a typical kind expression. Good layback of shoulder, straight front legs and a well-developed forechest. Well-sprung ribs, firm topline and well-angulated hindquarters with a correct tail set. His tail is a little long at present, but this should come into proportion as he continues to mature. Moved freely and soundly with good reach and drive, maintaining his balance throughout.

2nd – Ronevorg Can You Be Serious at Inglewidden (Mr D H Clark)

A stronger, more heavily made male than the winner, with a heavier masculine head. Shorter, stronger neck, good forechest and well-sprung ribs giving him plenty of substance. Short-coupled body with sound construction. A particularly happy dog, carrying and using his tail with the characteristic Flat-Coat wag throughout. Moved soundly, but on the day I preferred the overall balance, outline and freer movement of the winner

Limit Dog (5)

A quality class with two well-balanced dogs heading the line-up. Both possessed many virtues, but the winner's maturity, overall balance and sound movement gave him the edge on the day.

1st – Blacktoft Brindisi by Buckleyhill (Mrs H J & Mr I M Buckley)

A balanced, well-constructed male of pleasing size and excellent breed type. Correct masculine head with a dark eye giving a kind expression and neat, well-set ears. Good front and rear angulation, deep through the chest, with well-muscled thighs and well-let-down hocks. Straight, well-boned front legs leading to excellent tight feet. Firm topline with a correct tail set, all of which he maintained on the move. Moved very soundly I awarded this dog first place two years ago, and he has matured very well since then. In the challenge he just failed to settle sufficiently to press harder for the top award.

2nd – Hightyne Night Train (Miss M Hall)

Another quality male, balanced throughout and very similar in many respects to the winner. Pleasing head with a kind expression and dark eyes. Good front construction with well-fitting elbows, straight front and excellent tight feet. Nicely bodied with well-sprung ribs, strong, well-muscled thighs and straight hocks. Correct tail set and carriage. Moved well with good purpose and soundness throughout. A very worthy second, but on the day I preferred the greater maturity and overall finish of the winner.

3RD - Kulawand Casanova (Mrs J A & Mr S Woodhams)

Open Dog (9, 2 absent)

A very strong class with a pleasing mixture of UK and European bloodlines, making for an interesting comparison of type. One exhibit was absent as the owner had sent their apologies. The previous day the dog had won the Gundog Group and, on the day of my judging, went on to win Best in Show at Paignton. Congratulations to both the owners and their dog on such an outstanding achievement. It would have been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to judge him, and I hope our paths cross in the future.

1st & CC – Ch Woodfinch Masquerade (Mr D & Mrs R Bellamy)

A dog I last judged four years ago when I awarded him the Reserve CC. He has matured into an outstanding representative of the breed and was thoroughly deserving of today's Challenge Certificate. A quality black dog with excellent breed type, presenting a balanced outline throughout. Masculine without being coarse, with a well-moulded head, kind dark eye and typical Flatcoat expression. Good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, straight front and a well-developed forechest. Deep chest with well-sprung ribs, firm topline and correct tail set, carried and used to advantage. Moved freely and effortlessly with excellent reach and drive, always maintaining a level topline and wagging tail. A worthy champion and a deserving winner of the CC.

2nd – Ronevorg Dark Angel at Lussac JW SGWC ShCEx OSW (Mrs S May)

Similar in overall type to the winner but carrying a slightly heavier head. Good dark eye giving a kind expression, with a slightly shorter neck than the winner. Excellent forechest, straight front and good, tight feet. Well-sprung ribs, firm topline and well-angulated quarters with a strong second thigh. Moved positively with good drive and purpose, just lacking the overall balance and flowing movement of the winner on the day.

3RD Sh Ch Windyhollows Ragged Robin JW (Mr E W, Mrs P J & Miss N E Colson)

Special Beginners (6, 1 absent)

A pleasing class with some promising exhibits. It was encouraging to see newcomers enjoying their day, and with continued experience and ringcraft, I am sure several will progress well.

1st – Hopevalley Morning Minuet JW (Mrs D R Markillie)

A lovely young bitch who immediately caught my eye for her quality and femininity. Very pretty, with excellent breed type and a pleasing, balanced outline. She has a feminine head with a kind expression and presents a very attractive picture both standing and on the move. A promising youngster with a bright future ahead. RCC BITCH IS A DAUHTER OF THE DOG CC

2nd – Aspleypine Dig Dis (Mrs H J & Mr P J McDuell)

Another pleasing bitch who has many good qualities. On the day she would have benefited from more ringcraft training, as she did not always make the most of her virtues when standing or moving. With greater confidence, experience and ring presence, I am sure she will show to much better advantage in the future.

3RD Tikkidui Life Is But A Dream (Mrs E A Hollingdale)

Veteran Bitch (6, 1 absent)

A lovely class of mature ladies, showing the quality, character and longevity that the Flat-Coated Retriever can achieve.

1st – Sh Ch Never Say Never Oasis of Peace to Maddouse (Mrs S & Mr I Phipps-Baker & Baker)

A very feminine bitch with an excellent expression, lovely eye shape and colour. Beautifully constructed front and rear, presenting a super outline with a level topline. Good forehand assembly and balanced throughout. Moved out very well with excellent reach in front and strong driving action behind. A quality veteran who showed herself exceptionally well and was the better mover in front on the day. BEST VETERAN

2nd – Caehaidd Lets Go Crazy with Braemist JW (Miss L S Jones)

A very pleasing, bitch of the correct size and good overall balance. Attractive head with correct, Good clean neck leading into a correct forehand assembly. Excellent topline flowing into a strong loin, with well-muscled and moderate hindquarters. Super bone and excellent feet. Moved very well with good soundness and purpose. A lovely veteran who was unfortunate to meet such a strong class winner.

3rd – Hopevalley Morning Shine over Wychwizard (Mrs C & Mr A Leavy)

A pleasing veteran bitch who represented the breed well. Showed good character and maturity, with many of the qualities expected in an experienced Flat-Coated Retriever. A lovely exhibit who deserved her place in a competitive class.

Minor Puppy Bitch (1)

1st – Ursinia Black Brianta at Tikkidui (Mrs E A Hollingdale)

A six-month-old youngster attending her first show, and understandably rather wibbly wobbly, which made her a little difficult to assess initially. Nevertheless, she is a very pretty puppy with Feminine head with soft expression, dark eyes and correct equal planes. Good length of neck flowing into developing shoulders and a nicely developing fore chest. Straight front with good bone; feet could be a little tighter. Good length of body with a firm topline. Tail is a little long at present, but this should come into proportion as she matures. I would just like to see her rear angulation strengthen with age and development. Moved satisfactorily for her age and experience. A promising young bitch who should benefit from time, confidence and further ring experience

 Puppy Bitch (2)

A lovely pair of promising youngsters, both of very similar age and quality. They made for a close decision, but on the day the winner's overall balance and movement gave her the edge.

1st & Best Puppy in Breed – Braemist Chase The Stars (Miss L S Jones)

A well-balanced young bitch with a very pleasing outline and excellent breed type for her age. Feminine head with an appealing expression and presented in good coat and condition. Moved extremely well for such a young exhibit, showing freedom of movement, balance and confidence. She has a bright future ahead and was a worthy winner of the class. I was delighted to award her Best Puppy in Breed.

2nd – Hegrie Joyful Melody at Bonnyhilbrae (Mrs C A Staff & Mrs J Powell)

Another very balanced young bitch, very similar in age to the winner and possessing many of the same qualities. Good front assembly with excellent feet and an attractive feminine outline. Moved soundly and showed well throughout. A very close decision between the two, but today I preferred the overall balance and movement of the winner.

3RD Ursinia Black Brianta at Tikkidui (Mrs E A Hollingdale)

Junior Bitch (5)

A pleasing class of quality young bitches. The first two were very close, with the final decision being made on movement.

1st – Shashkrox All Revved Up (Mr P & Mrs S Holliday)

A stylish young bitch. She initially became a little spooked on her first circuit of the ring, but once settled and given another opportunity to move, she showed her true quality with free, driving movement that won her the class. Pleasing feminine head, good front assembly with sufficient bone and excellent tight feet. Slightly longer in body than the second-placed bitch, but balanced overall with a firm, level topline. Although out of coat, this did not detract from her quality or disguise her virtues. Well-handled throughout and a worthy winner.

2nd – Feldkirk Roulette at Kazval (K Anderson)

Another quality young bitch with a pleasing, balanced outline. Feminine head with a good eye and typical expression. Well-balanced throughout with a firm topline, good front and rear angulation and excellent tight feet. Presented in good coat and condition. Slightly shorter in stature than the winner. Moved well, but on the second round of movement did not quite match the drive and freedom shown by the winner, which decided the placings on the day.

3RD Lussac Bewitched (Mrs S May}

Yearling Bitch (6)

A lovely class of quality young bitches with plenty of promise. The winner had already impressed me earlier in the day, while the second-placed bitch was unfortunate to meet such a quality exhibit.

1st – Hopevalley Morning Minuet JW (Mrs D R Markillie)

This lovely young bitch had already won my Special Beginners class earlier in the day and again impressed with her overall quality, femininity and balance. She presents a very pleasing outline with excellent breed type, a feminine head and kind expression. Soundly constructed throughout and moved freely and confidently with good reach and drive. A quality young bitch with a bright future ahead.

2nd – Rainesgift Fair Play (Miss H M Watson)

Another lovely young bitch whose only misfortune today was meeting such a quality winner. She still has some maturing to do and, at present, looks the more immature of the two, but time is very much on her side. Well balanced throughout with an excellent head shape and soft feminine expression. Clean neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, good depth and spring of rib, and well-made hindquarters with good width of second thigh. Excellent bone and outstanding feet. Just lacking the body and coat of the winner on the day. Moved freely with a good stride and should have a promising future as she continues to mature.

3RDClandrift Funky Angel JW (Mrs V Bowen)

Novice Bitch (5, 1 absent)

1st – Gemswin My Life at Artois (Mrs K & Mr D Turner ]

 pleasing bitch of good overall size and balance. Lovely one-piece feminine head with good proportions and a dark eye giving an attractive expression. Good length of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders and a sound front assembly with good angulation. Well-developed fore chest and straight front legs leading to good feet. Nice length of body with a firm topline and well-set tail. Good rear angulation and overall balance. Moved well with drive, 

2nd – Hegrie Joyful Melody at Bonnyhilbrae (Mrs C A & Mrs J Staff & Powell)

Another quality young bitch whom I had previously placed second in Puppy Bitch. 

3RDPajanbeck All I See Is You (Mrs V & Mrs J & Miss S & Mr P Davis & Egginton & Egginton & Egginton)

 Graduate Bitch (7, 2 absent)

1st – Maddouse Never Too Much JW (Mrs S & Mr I Phipps-Baker & Baker)

A bitch with a very pleasing outline both standing and on the move. Balanced excellent breed type. Feminine head with a good eye, neat ears and a gentle yet keen expression. Good length of neck flowing into a well-developed forechest, with the chest extending down to the elbow and ribs carried well back. Firm topline maintained both standing and in motion. Lovely wide hindquarters with well-let-down hocks. Moved positively and truly, with good reach and soundness throughout. move well 

2nd – Wychwizard Painted Lady JW (Mrs C & Mr A Leavy)

Another quality young bitch, very similar in overall type and construction to the winner. Pleasing balanced outline with good breed type and a feminine head. Good front and rear construction with sound movement. A little immature at present and still needs time to develop in body and substance. A promising young bitch who should improve considerably with maturity.

3rd Ronevorg Whisper A Promise (Mrs N Weston }

Post Graduate Bitch (11, 3 absent)

A strong class with a good range of type and several quality bitches. The first two both had plenty to recommend them, although for very different reasons.

1st – Manteauplat Margaux (Mrs A & Mr N Jackson)

A lovely feminine bitch with a pleasing, well-balanced head, dark eye and soft expression. Good balance between height and body, giving an attractive overall outline. One of the best bitches in the entry for forechest and spring of rib, with tight elbows, good bone and excellent tight feet. Presented in good coat and condition. Soundly constructed throughout and moved well and freely with good reach and drive. A very worthy winner.

2nd – Hightyne Blue River (Ms J A Scott)

A nice bitch with good overall balance and many qualities to appreciate. Unfortunately, she would have benefited considerably from a good trim and better presentation, but this did not prevent me from assessing her construction and virtues. Pleasing head with dark eyes and well-set ears. Shorter in neck than the winner, but good forechest and sound rear angulation. I would prefer tighter feet. Moved well with good purpose. With improved grooming and presentation, she could show to considerably greater advantage.

Ronevorg Whisper A Promise (Mrs N J Weston)

3RD Pajanbeck One Moment in Time (ai) (Mr P, Mrs J & Miss S & Mrs V Egginton & Davis)

Limit Bitch (9, 1 absent)

A strong class with some very pleasing bitches. The first two both appealed greatly, with plenty of quality and sound construction.

1st – Dymexe My Cherie Amour JW (Mr M R & Mrs D P Moxey)

Another bitch who really caught my eye. Beautiful feminine head with superb dark, almond-shaped eyes and a lovely twinkling expression. Good reach of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, with good bone and excellent tight feet. Firm, level topline and strong, well-developed rear quarters. Moved extremely well, with excellent driving action from behind and good forward reach, covering the ground with ease. A very attractive and well-balanced bitch whom I seriously considered for the top honours. I am sure her day will come.

2nd – Hopevalley Morning Xanadu JW (Mrs M E Romeo-Dieste)

Another very well-made bitch, more mature in body and showing good overall balance. Well-shaped feminine head with a pleasing expression. Moderate length of neck leading into well-laid shoulders, with good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. Strong, well-made hindquarters and good overall construction. Moved well with soundness and purpose. A quality bitch who was unfortunate to meet such a strong winner today.

3RD Stranfaer One Fell Swoop (Mr D & Mrs K Joyce)

Open Bitch (6)

A lovely class of quality bitches, with depth throughout. The winner was in outstanding form on the day and was a deserving recipient of the top honours.

1st, Challenge Certificate, Best Bitch & Best in Show – Rainesgift New Sensation (Miss H M Watson)

Today this beautiful bitch gained her crown with her third Challenge Certificate. she certainly did not disappoint when I had the opportunity to judge her. A beautifully balanced, classical Flat-Coated Retriever of excellent breed type and femininity.

She has a long, well-moulded head with a flat, moderately broad skull, dark eyes giving the correct intelligent expression, and small, well-set ears lying close to the head. Her long neck flows cleanly into well-laid shoulders and a firm, level topline. She has a well-defined forechest, deep chest with the correct gradual spring of rib, and is beautifully balanced throughout. Her muscular hindquarters are well angulated, with moderate bend of stifle and well-let-down hocks. She stands on excellent tight, round feet with well-arched toes and has a correct tail set.

On the move she was effortless, free-flowing and sound, covering the ground with excellent reach in front and strong driving action behind while maintaining her beautiful outline. I could not deny her the Challenge Certificate, Best Bitch and ultimately Best in Breed. A truly worthy winner.

2nd – Finhamspride Clio SGWC (Mrs Sara Thurgood & Ms E M C Holmes)

Another quality, eye-catching, medium-sized bitch of excellent breed type. Feminine head with lovely eye shape and expression. Soundly constructed front and rear, presenting a balanced outline with a firm, level topline. Moved well with good reach in front and strong driving action from the rear. A quality exhibit who was unfortunate to meet such an outstanding winner on the day.

3rd – Rydanah Devils in The Detail (Mrs J Holmes)

A pleasing feminine bitch of good breed type with many admirable qualities. Presented in good condition and showed herself well throughout. Moved soundly and deserved her placing in this strong Open Bitch class.