South Wales Kennel Association

South Wales Kennel Association, October 10th 2026

Critique on the GUNDOG GROUP

Thank you to the hardworking committee of the SWKA, led by Miss Bridget Croucher, for the invitation to judge this group and for their hospitality during the show. Everything ran like clockwork.

After an initial assessment, I shortlisted eight for further consideration. In addition to the four placed, I pulled in the German Wirehaired Pointer bitch, such a lovely type, very sound and of the right balance and proportions; the Hungarian Vizsla dog, a very sound, well made dog who was shown in super condition; the aptly named, glamorous Gordon Setter bitch shown in full coat; and the veteran chocolate Labrador dog, excelling in a superb coat and tail and super stride in profile.

Winner of the group was the beautiful young Weimaraner, Dyer and Oddie’s Sh Ch Rivertone Wicked for Sharnphilly, she came into the ring as if on fire displaying an effortless, ground-covering stride, on close examination she exuded quality with power and substance, so well balanced overall with well made front and hindquarters, super legs and feet, good depth of chest and well sprung ribs, so true out and back and kept her super outline in side profile, never stood wrong, pleasure to award her the top spot which she thoroughly deserved;

Pushing hard and into group 2 position was the beautifully feminine Irish Setter, Danks and Kniveton’s Sh Ch Alolfrana Electra, what a beautifully balanced bitch this is, shown in immaculate gleaming coat and condition, lovely head and eye, so well made in front, correct bone and feet, deep chest, well ribbed back, strong hindquarters with well bent stifles, correct over the croup, super mover particularly behind and carries herself well in profile;

Third place went to the American Cocker, Lynn and Crummey’s Sh Ch Afterglow Impose, gave this beautiful youngster her third CC and BOB in July and she has matured to advantage already, looked super, most beautiful head and eye, well made front giving correct slope to the topline, correct ribs and short loin, very well made hindquarters, presented to the minute and really went well on the move, pushing all the way;

Fourth place was the Italian Spinone, Whittingham’s Sh Ch Rubino Spinone del Mucrone with Riccini (Imp Ita), what a most typical specimen of the breed this is, robust and squarely built, clearly a male but with not a hint of coarseness, super head and eye, correct skin and coat, so sound on the move where his typical topline is maintained, out of the top drawer.

David R Craig (Judge)