Welsh Springer Spaniel Club Of South Wales

Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

29th March 2026

Judge Gretel Osborn (Elgert)

I would like to thank the Committee and Club for inviting me to judge your Breed Open Show. My stewards were wonderful and welcome any time I judge with their wonderful treats to keep us going ! It is such an honour to judge a Breed Show and I so enjoyed the privilege of judging your dogs. I must say as a whole I was very impressed with the dogs both in construction and muscle tone with no bad mouths and would say the breed seems in a very strong state which is encouraging in a Vulnerable Breed. Just one general observation I would comment with handling is that many hold the heads of the dogs over the muzzle, when you stand in front of the dogs you are looking at front construction and also expression and this makes it very difficult to see expression when you have a hand in the way – just a little thing but when looking at the line up as a whole from front of dogs this happened in most classes and is such a little thing to correct.

I was delighted with my winners and thank you all for presenting them in such fab hard condition, a show dog is lovely to see but you always must keep in mind the reason for the breed and if they can be fit for purpose, which I must say my winners fitted this bill perfectly well.

Best In Show

Sh Ch NYLIRAM TELLING TALES JW ShCEx OSW, GRAHAM, Mr T

Reserve Best In Show

Sh Ch HENIVERUCE KING OF BREWERS FOR APRILFLASH ShCEx, GAYLOR & ROBERTSON, Miss C, Mr I

Best Puppy In Show

MERCHINETES TALIESIN AT TYPICA, REES, Mrs J M

Best Veteran In Show

ISFRYN LADY GODIVA AT FIREGLOW JW VW, WALLER, Miss R

Best Baby Puppy in Show

HILLPARK PAINTED LADY FOR CERYSAN, CALDWELL, Mrs A

Veteran Dog 4(1)

1st GRAHAM, Mrs J SH CH TAIMERE'S TWISTER ROUND NYLIRAM JW ShCM VW

Lovely shape to him with correct topline held well on the move. Good feet with correct cat-like shape. Head of good length, good dome with correct stop. Good chiselling under eye with a lovely expression with kind eyes of good colour. Front assembly correct with good strength throughout, firm loin and strong hindquarters making for good drive on the move. BVD

2nd WOODHAMS, Mrs J & Mr S. GLYNELL JIFFY

Slightly shorter in body than 1, but still a correct shape for his height keeping him compact and symmetrical. Kind eye with good dark colour, nice work in his head. Lovely front set on good feet. Strode out well and moved with drive.

Baby Puppy Dog 0

Minor Puppy Dog 2

1st HARRISON, Mr T D & Mrs H L, GLENBROWS MANUSCRIPT

8 months old and even though only 2 months older than 2nd so much more mature. Neck and shoulders of good length leading into a good topline and arched loin, would prefer slightly less length overall to give the correct compact shape but at this age the height of leg is there so I am sure will settle and all fit together as he matures up and drops into himself. He was not a fan of the flooring but did enough to win the class, he got better as he settled down.

2nd DOUGLAS, Mr & Mrs I & D K, CHANANGEL HYPNOTISED BY SANTALLINA

6mth real baby. I liked his length of back to height ratio giving a nice compact shape. Good straight front legs, forequarters good, deep brisket, lovely front movement giving nice reach with good feet. Chiselled head but slightly longer muzzle.

Puppy Dog 2

1st REES, Mrs J M, MERCHINETES TALIESIN AT TYPICA

11month old maturing up nicely, loved his attitude and happy nature. He has a tendency to every now and then get a bit over excited with his tail and hold it high but it is set correctly and I am sure as he matures and settles down to the job in hand that will sort. His leg height to body depth was correct with good back length so a nice compact firm symmetrical outline given. He could do with a little more drive in rear movement but again only a baby and I am sure as muscle tone and strength comes through that will improve. Lovely expression and detail in head. Delighted to award him BPD and BPIS

2nd HARRISON, Mr T D & Mrs H L, GLENBROWS MANUSCRIPT

Junior Dog 0

Novice Dog 3

1st 1st REES, Mrs J M, MERCHINETES TALIESIN AT TYPICA

Interestingly in this class on the move his tail settled so quite confident that it will settle more as he grows on.

2nd BENNETT, Mrs Tracy, GILSTONIA WRECK IT RILEY FOR FLYBORON

Smaller throughout than winner, however still in proportion for his structure. Eye just slightly lighter than I would like. Lovely front assembly with good upper arm, feet I would like a better rounded cat shape. Won over 3rd as 3rd just needs more substance throughout as very raw for the age.

3rd MERCER & MERCER, Mrs M, Mr J D, AMBLELIGHT OLEANDER

Graduate 3

1st REES, Mrs J M, MERCHINETES TALIESIN AT TYPICA

2nd JOHNSON & LANGLEY, Mr A G, Mr R, SANTALLINA COROEBUS JW

Not quite as mature throughout as the puppy. Good length of neck and leading to good sloping shoulders, would prefer a slightly more pronounced chest. Good depth of brisket with sprung ribs. Nice head and eye but would prefer a better dome to his head with a bit more chiselling under eye as a bit course here, however a good depth to his muzzle so gave a nice outline and shape . Moved well with good reach and drive.

3rd MERCER & MERCER, Mrs M, Mr J D, AMBLELIGHT OLEANDER

Post Graduate 1

1st GILSTONIA RUN RED RUM FOR APRILFLASH,GAYLOR & ROBERTSON, Miss C, Mr I,

Just loved this boy for substance and type, so firm to go over with plenty of muscle tone throughout standing on good bone and fabulous shaped feet. Nice eye and expression, well chiselled under eye and good length of foreface to back skull giving the correct Welsh Springer outline to his head. Such a happy boy on the move carrying his tail well from a good set on – nice length of back, not over long and good firm arched loin. Moved with great drive and purpose. He played the fool in the challenge but would prefer that than a worrybean.

Limit Dog 5 (1)

1st NYLIRAM THE ALIBI FOR TREBETTYN JW, WILLIAMS, Mr & Mrs T

This dog won the class on movement as he really played up his handler on the stack, lovely outline to him but he was determined not to show it off! But wow can he move, such stride and strength in front and great drive from the rear moment, when they move as well as this you just know what your hands will be finding for great structure and breed type. His head was so lovely and just said yup I am a Welsh Springer, good expression and lovely eye colour and set giving that special kind expression they have. Critically, I would prefer slightly tighter feet.

2nd GLENBROWS ERASMUS FOR GILPETA, JOHNSTONE, Mr P & Mrs G

Not as good on the move as 1 but plenty to like about him. Kind eye and expression but slightly courser in head than I would like. Good front assembly, good length of neck firmly carried, correct sloping shoulders and good length of back to height for the compact outline. Hocks well let down, nice tight feet.

Open Dog 3

1st SH CH HENIVERUCE KING OF BREWERS FOR APRILFLASH ShCEx, GAYLOR & ROBERTSON, Miss C, Mr I

A dog out of the top draw, catches your eye straight away for type, soundness and muscle tone, along with his fabulous head with good chiseling kind expression and correct dome. Adding the finishing touches of a showman and you have this boy wrapped up in a parcel. When hands on you are going over such a well constructed sound boy and a pleasure to judge thank you for bringing him under me. BD & RBIS

2nd SH CH EIRIANDYLIS BY GEORGE, ALLEN, Ms Josephine

Nice outline to him giving the right height and length ratio for the correct compact shape, good head and chiselling, would prefer his eye slightly tighter. Neck of good length and arched into correct shoulder and topline. Slightly looser in rear movement.

Special Beginners Dog or Bitch 1

1st CERYSAN LIMITED EDITION, LEVY, Mrs C K

He was handled well, with good movement. Slightly shorter in back with a slightly high tail set so giving the wrong outline on the move. Would prefer a better shape eye. Handled very well though and a happy mover.

Special Working Dog or Bitch 0

My notes on final Dog Placings

Best Dog

Sh Ch HENIVERUCE KING OF BREWERS FOR APRILFLASH ShCEx

GAYLOR & ROBERTSON, Miss C, Mr I

won on type and head with such firm condition and drive

Reserve Best Dog

NYLIRAM THE ALIBI FOR TREBETTYN JW

WILLIAMS, Mr & Mrs T

Movement won him this

Best Puppy Dog

MERCHINETES TALIESIN AT TYPICA, REES, Mrs J M

Lovely boy just needs to settle with his tail but so well constructed

Best Veteran Dog

Sh Ch TAIMERE'S TWISTER ROUND NYLIRAM JW ShCM VW, GRAHAM, Mrs J

Gorgeous type who could go on all day

Veteran Bitch 4 (1)

1st ISFRYN LADY GODIVA AT FIREGLOW JW VW, WALLER, Miss R

Loved this lady’s shape and style to her, elegant without being overdone in anyway. Good strength throughout, correct front angulation and leading to lovely sloping shoulder and good topline held well on the move. Head was fabulous with good shape and depth to it with correct dome to rear of skull and nice chiselling under eye which was of good colour and shape. Moved with stride and purpose. Best Veteran Bitch & Best Veteran in Show

2nd HILLPARK QUEEN BEE FOR CERYSAN AWB, CALDWELL, Mrs A

Slightly smaller throughout than the winner, although still a lovely shape from floor to withers and back length giving a good compact shape to her. Her eyes for me were not quite the right shape of almond, so did not give such a soft expression as winner.

Baby Puppy Bitch 1

ILLPARK PAINTED LADY FOR CERYSAN, CALDWELL, Mrs A

Just 5mths old and wow what a sweetie she is, her temperament and character were wonderful and I am sure she has a great future. She moved like she owned the ring, I will be watching her progress with interest and definitely potential for great things.

Minor Puppy Bitch 1

1st GLENBROWS SYMPHONY, HARRISON, Mr T D & Mrs H L

Lovely slightly domed shaped head with good eye shape and colour, slightly shorter in muzzle but good depth to it . Liked her front movement as very precise and clean. Good topline held on the move and nice short muscular loin giving strength to her frame and good clean movement. Best Bitch Puppy

Puppy Bitch 3

1st GLENBROWS SYMPHONY, HARRISON, Mr T D & Mrs H L

2nd RUBYDOWN SUMMER JOY, DIXON, Mr C & Mrs F

Correct length of body to her height, although would prefer slightly more bone to her to give the finished look. Kind eye and expression but just not the chiselling under eye that is needed. Moved well with well let down hocks giving drive.

Junior Bitch 2

1st AMBLELIGHT MEADOW ORCHID, WALLACE, Mrs S

2nd GLENBROWS ASHA, AYRES, Mrs Andrea

A very difficult class, both very raw dogs, both needing time to mature and fill into themselves, so judging them was a bit of compromise on different factors. Feet on 2nd were much tidier and a better cat like shape, however, 1st had a better head and eye shape. 2nd slightly long on the leg for her length and really could do with some more weight on to fill into her frame. 1st a better shape for her height.

Novice 3 (1)

1st AMBLELIGHT MEADOW ORCHID, WALLACE, Mrs S

2nd GLENBROWS ASHA, AYRES, Mrs Andrea

Graduate Bitch 3

1st GLENBROWS HOPEFULNESS, LAMPORT & LAMPORT, Mrs Elizabeth, Mr Mark C

A more mature girl, good width of thigh and lovely straight hocks. Nice height to her with correct corresponding length of back. Head ok, not quite as refined as I would like but the white on her muzzle makes her look broader than she is.

2nd GWIRGARIAD SHOOTING STAR, LOCKIE, Mr M & Mrs J

Front assembly correct with good reach of neck and good lay of shoulders. Nice tight feet for correct cat shape, moving with good footfall and length of stride. Head and eye nice shape but her muzzle was a slight too fine for me.

Post Graduate Bitch 2

1st NYLIRAM HOLD MY HAND AT ISFRYN, SMITH, Ms

Absolutely loved this girl for type and substance. Lovely length of back and leg height, pure muscle throughout which allowed her to move out with stride and strength. Such a happy girl on the move. Head of nice proportions and width, not over done in any way, nice shape eye and colour giving a good correct kind expression with chiseling under. One that needs to be handled to fully appreciate the construction of her. Reserve Best Bitch

2nd EIRIANDYLIS CONFUSION, COCHRANE, Ms Sarah

Very pretty head of nice shape and good depth to her muzzle, kind expression and good chiseling, slight domed skull. Neck of good length, leading into well laid back shoulders, correct back length and height length, giving a good correct sturdy outline. Held tail well on the move.

Limit Bitch 4 (2)

1st PAMICKS DREAM WITH ME, TEW, Mrs P

Good strong girl of correct proportions giving a good correct outline stacked. Long neck leading to correct shoulder and upper arm, clean in throat. Correct eye colour and good chiseling under eye to give the lovely kind expression. Firm body with deep and well sprung ribs. Lovely wide thigh giving good support for clean movement with good drive.

2nd BENOVEOR TRULY TO GWIRGARIAD, LOCKIE, Mr M & Mrs J

Longer in body throughout, so not quite the compact shape that the Welsh shape should be. Slightly straight in stifle, feet were good and nicely shaped for the catlike shape required. Head not as good as 1.

Open 7 (5)

1st SH CH NYLIRAM TELLING TALES JW ShCEx OSW, GRAHAM, Mr T

When you put your hands on this girl the quality just shines through, its often hard to explain depth of quality in a dog until you touch and feel them and wow she had so much to her. Her head was the best on the day, good dome and defined stop, correct eye and chiseling under, just the best expression, kind and soft with such soul to her expression. Height and back length of correctness to give the shape required of a firm compact spaniel, length neck was good and strong, clean in throat. Nothing over done in any way just correct and quality. As you would expect from such a quality frame her movement was fabulous, foot perfect from front and great drive from rear, elegance, style and quality in a fabulous package of toned muscle and strength. Delighted to award her Best Bitch and Best in Show. I was delighted afterwards, when told of her many awards and thank you for the privilege of judging her and having hands on experience of such quality.

2nd AMBLELIGHT ADHARA JW, BLACKFORD, Mrs S

A lovely profile to her with correct length to height for compact shape. Nice depth of chest and good spring of ribs, firm loin, well muscled thigh and well let down hocks . Nice tight feet of good shape and thick pads. Head kind expression and enough chiselling under eye and depth to muzzle .

My notes on final Bitch Placings

Best Bitch

Sh Ch NYLIRAM TELLING TALES JW ShCEx OSW, GRAHAM, Mr T

Just wow, her quality shone through, head of text book shape and kindest of expressions

Reserve Best Bitch

NYLIRAM HOLD MY HAND AT ISFRYN, SMITH, Ms T

Just loved her power and shape

Best Puppy Bitch

GLENBROWS SYMPHONY, HARRISON, Mr T D & Mrs H L

Lovely baby girl with plenty more to give

Best Veteran Bitch

ISFRYN LADY GODIVA AT FIREGLOW JW VW, WALLER, Miss R

Loved her style, symmetrical outline and strength

Judge Gretel Osborn – Elgert