National Gundog Association

National Gundog Association 2026 – GORDON SETTER

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to NGA and the member clubs who nominated and voted for me to be able to award my first set of CCs in my beloved breed. NGA has provided me with so many special memories over the years and is one of the most prestigious shows in the calendar for gundog exhibitors. A special thanks must go to my excellent stewards, Colin and Michele, for their efficiency and good humour towards both myself and the exhibitors.

Overall, I was impressed by the quality of the entry today. The majority possessed the fundamentals of what constitutes good Gordon type and excellent temperaments, both of which we must try so hard to preserve. The first word of our Breed Standard is 'Stylish', and to me this single word encapsulates much of what defines the Gordon Setter. A stylish dog should display clean, flowing lines from nose to tail, a long neck, a raised head carriage, clean topline, balanced proportions and well-angulated quarters to produce effortless, ground-covering movement.

Presentation was excellent, with all exhibits being clean and well groomed. Personally, I feel the abundance (or absence) of coat has little bearing on a Gordon's ability as an efficient working gundog, as demonstrated by the increasing number of successful dual-purpose dogs within the breed. Coat has little influence on working ability, unlike poor construction. It was pleasing to note that all exhibits present today possessed the correct tail carriage on the move and the correct shade of tan was present in the majority of exhibits.

I was delighted with my class winners. Several classes required careful consideration, with only minor details separating exhibits. The dry, slippery ground and increasing heat made assessing today’s exhibits more challenging. However, I did identify some areas which I feel breeders and future judges should continue to consider.

Firstly, head proportions and overall shape. Whilst I do not consider the Gordon Setter to be a "head breed", the head is one of the defining features of correct breed type when compared to the other setter breeds. The standard calls for a muzzle slightly shorter than the skull. I did note several exhibits who possessed longer forefaces, creating almost equal proportions which can alter the expression. Most showed pleasing chiselling above and below the eyes, enhanced by the correct thickness of skin. A few also lacked sufficient width through the muzzle and skull, giving an overly lean appearance. 

Secondly, bone and substance. The Gordon Setter should possess the strongest bone and substance in relation to its size of all the setter breeds. They should portray the appearance of a true weight-carrying hunter with wide flat (or bladed) bone being a breed prerequisite. Those lacking substance often also lack body width and depth. Deep ribbing and broad quarters are essential to provide adequate heart & lung room and plenty of space for good muscle development.

Thirdly, hindquarter construction. A galloping breed must be capable of covering ground efficiently with the hindquarters providing the power. Correct hindquarter assembly is a culmination of several structural elements which include: a correctly angled pelvis that is also long and wide, good length of first and second thigh bones, wide muscular thighs, well-bent stifles and short rear pasterns. Correctly constructed hindquarters provide propulsion, lift and produce parallel rear action. These factors not only contribute to the stylish general appearance but are also essential for being able to gallop over heather in search of game. The term "moderate" should not be used to describe correct front or rear angulation in this breed. 

The croup should appear level, with the tail coming straight off the back to complete the correct, breed-typical outline. The level (or flat) appearance does not come from having a completely level/flat pelvis. This is achieved by a long, wide pelvis which is set at a slightly titled angle (or tending to horizontal) with the additional layers of muscle, fat, skin and fur on top which create the flat/level appearance. This allows for the rear legs to have a full range of motion at all speeds. Steep or rounded croups are generally associated with a steeper pelvic angle. Therefore, reducing the range of motion and, consequentially, the amount of drive produced.

Finally, many thanks to all the exhibitors for their support. It was a memorable appointment, made even more special by seeing my Best of Breed go on to win BIS.

107. Gordon Setter - Veteran Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

A good class to start the day!

1ST 209 - Liric Just The Ticket (Mr H & Mrs M Miller)

 A really solid dog who is undoubtedly all Gordon in his make and shape. Typical masculine head with excellent depth through skull and muzzle complimented by sufficient width throughout. Liked his dark eye and low ear set, I would just prefer a touch more stop for ideal balance. Decent neck into OK forehand with such great strength to his bladed bone and standing on the best of feet. Deep ribs with a strong topline. Wide over his pelvis with long bones from hip to hock and firm rear pasterns. Correct croup and tail set coming straight off the back. Not the most extrovert, but very sound, on the move showing good firmness in elbow and hock while maintaining his outline. Excellent shade of rich tan. Presented in good order.

2ND 195 - Locksheath Beach Comber (Mrs S Gregg)

 Different style to 1 being from a slightly smaller mould but very typy. He presents a very clean shape with correct body proportions. Liked his head profile very much with correct proportions and depth. From the front his head displayed excellent chiselling, slight rounding between the ears and enough width over the muzzle. Good reach of neck into decent forehand with ample bone. Well sprung ribs, level topline with a correct croup and tail set. Excellent hind angulation with long bones from hip to hock, wide over the pelvis, well bent stifles and short rear pasterns. Carries himself well on the move from all angles, just preferred the rear action of 1 today.

3RD 206 - Hernwood Boston High Flyer (Ms K Mccarthy)

108. Gordon Setter - Minor Puppy Dog

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

109. Gordon Setter - Puppy Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST 212 - Cottonstones Dawn Treader by Brobruick (Mr C & Mrs S A Mitchell)

 This 11-month old chap is very raw and up on the leg at present. He possesses such a beautiful head, so classic in shape with a square finish to muzzle, rounding over the skull and obvious chiselling under his dark eyes. Liked his excellent shade of tan with clear markings. Needs to develop through his middle, as one would expect, but I would prefer him a bit longer in body for overall balance. Well off for hind angulation with long bones from hip to hock and short rear pasterns. Very age-appropriate on the move needing to settle coming towards and in profile but displayed particularly good hind action for one so young. Delightful temperament, BP.  

110. Gordon Setter - Junior Dog

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST 199 - Ludstar Quintale (Dr Mcp Ivaldi)

 This young dog possesses such beautiful Gordon type! Despite his tender age, he conveys an air of style and strength in his appearance which kept drawing me back for another look. Classic, masculine headpiece with correct proportions, depth and width to his skull and muzzle. Long neck that flows into a well-made forehand with some forechest, standing on strong bladed bone and oval feet. He is very age-appropriate through his body with plenty of time to develop further. Excellent topline and wide pelvis with correct croup and tail set. Symmetrical rear assembly with correct angulation, length of bones and wide thighs. On the move he is so accurate going/coming for a youngster with a stylish, effortless side gait carrying his tail straight off the back. Presented in excellent condition with rich tan markings. A serious contender for the CC but just did not have the finish of the Open winner today. I am sure we will be seeing lots more of him as he continues to mature, very pleased to award him the RCC. 

111. Gordon Setter - Yearling Dog

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

112. Gordon Setter - Novice Dog

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

113. Gordon Setter - Graduate Dog

Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

1ST 194 - Caradilis Fiach Dubh (Mrs S Gregg)

 This young dog is made from a longer cast but fills the eye for overall type and strength in bone. Possessing a breed typical head with dark eyes, low set ears and correct width through skull & muzzle and square finish to his lip. Good reach of neck into a decent lay of shoulder, long upper arm with a good length of leg. Liked his spring of rib and depth of brisket, would prefer him a touch shorter in loin. Wide quarters with symmetrical angulation and firm hocks. Goes with panache on the move, carrying his head high and using his tail well. Presented in good coat and condition. 

2ND 216 - Kewstoke Ocean Commander at Glendudmoor (Mr I & Miss L A & Mrs E A F Robson)

 A slightly more compact and smaller dog than 1 but with such excellent bone and substance for his size! Typical head shape in profile with correct proportions and excellent width over his muzzle when viewed from the front with a big nose. Would prefer him a bit cleaner in cheek which would enhance the chiselling under the eyes. Balanced angulation both fore/aft with a deep brisket and a clean, level topline. Liked his wide quarters with correct croup and tail set. A sound mover from all angles. He made it difficult for his handler to show off his natural carriage in profile but he is a typical teenager who I am sure will settle with time. Excellent coat and presentation. 

114. Gordon Setter - Post Graduate Dog

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

115. Gordon Setter - Limit Dog

Entries: 5 Absentees: 2

1ST 213 - Caradilis Sky Rocket JW (Ms M Morgan)

An honest, middle-sized dog. Scored heavily for strength in bone, rich tan markings and wide quarters. His head in profile is correctly proportioned with good depth throughout complimented by dark eyes and low set ears. Good reach of neck into well-made forehand assembly. Would just prefer a bit more length of leg for better overall balance of body proportions. Mature through his body and stands totally firm on his hocks when viewed from behind. On the move he goes with pace and has particularly good hind action which won him the class.

2ND 208 - Cafotaliena Heart of A Hero JW (Mr H & Mrs M Miller)

 A slightly more refined style of dog but impressed for his symmetrical angulation and breed-typical shape. His head shows great chiselling and such a gentle expression with correct depth throughout but would prefer him slightly shorter in muzzle. Excellent neck and forehand with enough length of leg, standing on well-boned limbs and neat oval feet with the clearest of tan markings. Well bodied up with a firm topline. Corresponding hind angles with firm hocks. Took his time to settle on the move but displayed good natural carriage and was sound from all angles. Excellent coat presentation and sympathetically handled. 

3RD 207 - Hernwood Wizard of Oz JW (Ms K Mccarthy)

116. Gordon Setter - Open Dog

Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

A really good trio of dogs here. All 3 were of differing styles, I had to really split hairs to decide between them today.

1ST 193 - Fieldberry Secret Weapon at Rufusmoor JW Sgwc (Ms C Fudge)

 A most handsome and upstanding dog who epitomises the word “stylish” from nose to tail. Classic headpiece showing excellent depth through skull and muzzle with a square finish to lip. He has such a gentle expression when viewed from the front with dark eyes, correct rounding between the ears, width over the muzzle and a big nose. Reachy neck into well-made front with forechest. Strongly boned limbs and correct feet. To be critical, I would prefer slightly richer tan markings on his legs but you can’t have it all! Deep through his brisket with well sprung ribs, excellent level topline that flows through to wide hindquarters with long bones from hip to hock, well-bent stifles and firm rear pasterns. His movement commands your attention with tremendous reach and drive that is further enhanced by a high head carriage and lashing tail. Presented in such hard condition and handled to get the best from him. He is all Gordon and it was my pleasure to award him the CC today. He looked the part competing for BOB but was just pipped to the post by a very beautiful bitch. Another full champion in the making, CC & BOS!

2ND 202 - Ludstar Maccabee at Glenquin (Imp Ita) (Mr P & Mrs L & Miss N & Mrs F Johnston & Johnston & Johnston & Boxall)

 One I’ve judged previously. A stylish dog of excellent quality with strong bone and rich tan markings. His head is correctly proportioned with super width and depth through his skull and muzzle, accompanied by ample chiselling, dark eyes and a big nose. Clean, well-shaped neck into an excellent forehand. His level topline flows onto a flat croup and tail that comes straight off the back. Broad over the pelvis with long bones from hip to hock and well bent stifles. On the move, he too carries his head high, lashes his tail and displays good reach & drive. In good coat and hard condition. In serious contention for the RCC, I just preferred the body proportions of the Junior dog today. 

3RD 218 - Sh Ch Hernwood The Botanist JW ShCEx OSW (Mr P & Mrs C A Sandiford)

117. Gordon Setter - Special Beginners

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST 188 - Dj Bee Black Ivy (Imp Pol) (Mrs K Clark)

Very pretty bitch who is good for size and correct moderate length of body. Sweet head and expression with dark eyes, low set ears and evident chiselling, would prefer a bit more width through her skull and muzzle. Balanced angulation both fore/aft but would prefer slightly more both ends. Well sprung ribs with a level topline and strength through her loin. Excellent rich shade of tan. She moves steadily on a loose lead and uses her tail to advantage. Well-handled and has an excellent temperament, BSB. 

118. Gordon Setter - Veteran Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

A lovely class of titled bitches that were difficult to separate, full credit to their owners for keeping them in such good condition!

1ST 201 - Sh Ch Glenquin Phoenix (Mr P, Mrs L & Miss N Johnston)

 Ultra-typy, classy bitch who impresses immediately for her overall shape and balance. Such a feminine head with plenty of chiselling. Correctly proportioned head, slight rounding between the ears and square finish to muzzle in profile. Long neck that flows into well laid shoulders and good return of upper arm. Stands on strongly boned limbs with correct oval feet. Well sprung ribs with a level topline, excellent width over the pelvis and correct tail set. Scores heavily in rear assembly with well-bent stifles, long bones from hip to hock and short, strong rear pasterns. On the move she is so precise and demonstrates a stylish, long-striding action with plenty of drive from behind while maintaining her shape. Put down in excellent order and still able to trouble the best, a most worthy titleholder - RCC & BV.

2ND 219 - Sh Ch Hernwood Luna Eclipse JW (Mr P & Mrs C A, Mrs N Sandiford & Jarvis)

 Another worthy show champion, I cannot not believe she is 11 years old! Very similar in body properties to 1, possessing very good substance, symmetry of angulation with wide quarters and maturity through her body. Her head shape in profile is typical, being of correct proportions and having the required depth through skull and muzzle, I just felt 1 had the advantage on width of skull and muzzle when looking front on. For her age, her movement was just a joy to watch. Sound both going/coming with such a purposeful side gait and lashing tail action. A real credit to her owner for keeping her in such fine fettle! 

3RD 227 - Dt Ch Locksheath Princess Tiana JW (Mr K Whiting)

119. Gordon Setter - Minor Puppy Bitch

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

120. Gordon Setter - Puppy Bitch

Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

121. Gordon Setter - Junior Bitch

Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1ST 225 - Empyreal Desert Tempest at Glenmaurangi (Imp Can) (Ms T & Mrs T & Mrs J Watkins & Craft & Collins-Pitman)

 Sightly longer cast but full of quality and style. Ultra-feminine head with dark eyes, plenty of chiselling and the prettiest expression. I would just prefer her a touch shorter in muzzle, but she has a square finish in profile. Long, clean neck that flows into a good forehand with long, sloping shoulder blades and good return of upper arm. Straight, flat-boned limbs with excellent feet and some width between her legs. Excellent body development for her age with a deep brisket and strong topline. Really liked her long, wide pelvis with correct rear angulation and firm hocks. Moves out with panache, maintaining her outline and is very sound going/coming. Clear tan markings. Presented in hard condition and groomed to advantage. 

122. Gordon Setter - Yearling Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1ST 217 - Hernwood Superstition JW (Mr P & Mrs C A Sandiford)

 What a cracker! Liked her very much for size, type and balance. She depicts such a stylish, breed-typical outline. Feminine head and expression with dark eyes, deep muzzle and ample chiselling around the eyes. Long neck that flows seamlessly into an excellent forehand assembly with plenty of forechest. She stands on strongly boned limbs with clear, rich tan markings. Very age-appropriate through her middle with time to deepen and mature. Level topline with a good croup and tail set. Excellent length from hip to hock with wide thighs and firm rear pasterns. Stylish mover from all angles putting her construction to good use. I considered her for the RCC against some excellent bitches today, her time will come!

2ND 200 - Glenquin Phantom (Mr P, Mrs L & Miss N Johnston)

 Another stylish young bitch, not too dissimilar to 1 in make and shape which made for a difficult decision. Very pretty head and eye with excellent depth through her muzzle and skull. Reachy neck into long, sloping shoulders, just preferred the return of upper arm of 1 today. Excellent bone for her size and neat oval feet with correct shade of tan. Also a bit in-between through her body at the moment but has time of her side, strong topline and short loin. Croup is of excellent width and length. Correct rear angulation and wide thighs. Carries herself correctly on the move with purpose using her hocks and lashing her tail. Presented and handled well. 

3RD 203 - Rhiwgerrig Sonatina (Mrs A & Mr D C Jones)

123. Gordon Setter - Novice Bitch

Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1ST 215 - Benbuie Chinook at Coldwelfield (Ms H Potter)

 Very typy girl who is strongly made all through. Very classic head in shape and proportions, would just prefer her head a shade more refined for a bitch. Good reach of neck into a well laid shoulder, excellent bone and feet. Deep ribs that go well back, firm topline and well angulated hindquarters with plenty of width over her rump. Very sound mover but needs confidence to show everyone what she is really capable of. Clear, rich tan markings and presented in good order, liked her!

124. Gordon Setter - Graduate Bitch

Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

These 3 made for an interesting challenge to separate, would like to see them all as the finished article. I liked them a lot!

1ST 187 - Laurelhach Lotus with Muckypups JW (Mrs T Bryant)

A very honest young bitch with no exaggerations. Liked her very much for her type. Excellent head properties with correct proportions, loved her eye and expression. Excellent reach of neck into super forehand with strongly boned limbs and oval feet. Well-developed body for her age but just needs to firm up through her middle. Plenty of width over her pelvis, complimented by wide thighs and firm hocks when viewed from behind. At times, she did not make it easy for her handler on the move but did show glimpses of very breed-typical carriage once settled. Clear tan markings of correct shade, presented in hard condition. 

2ND 222 - Kewstoke Sea Queen Zena (Ms W D Smith)

 Loved the shape on this more middle-sized bitch, so clean throughout while also possessing excellent bone for her size. Beautiful head from all angles with ample chiselling and the darkest of eyes. She has a good flow from her neck into shoulder but would prefer her forehand assembly to be slightly better angulated overall which tipped the scales in the favour of 1 today. Stands on straight limbs and the neatest of feet with clear tan markings. Well-bodied up for her age with a perfectly level topline from withers to the tip of her tail. Excellent rear assembly possessing a wide pelvis, the correct length of bones, well bent stifles and short rear pasterns. Impressive mover all round and presented immaculately.

3RD 189 - Amscot She’s No Angel (Mrs J Collins-Pitman)

125. Gordon Setter - Post Graduate Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 2

1ST 196 - Cafotaliena All Eyes On Me (Miss N C & Miss C Hardy)

 Not the biggest but makes up for it with her excellent balance and overall quality! She headed a class of 3 lovely bitches who I am sure will swap places in the future. Her make and shape is most definitely stylish with ample substance for her size. Absolutely breed-typical head with the prettiest expression complimented by correct chiselling and dark eyes. Long, clean neck that flows into an excellent shoulder and long upper arm. She stands on straight limbs with rich tan markings. Well sprung ribs with an excellent flow from her withers through to the tip of her tail. Broad pelvis and wide thighs combined with correct length of bones and short, strong hocks. On the move, I loved her carriage with excellent reach & drive and is as sound as they come going/coming. Still needing to body up and grow a coat but she has time on her side. Considered for top honours, most promising!

2ND 226 - Locksheath April in Paris (Mr K Whiting)

She is such an excellent example of strong, proportionate bone in relation to overall size! Not too dissimilar in outline to 1. Her head displays excellent depth, width and shape throughout but still retains her femininity. Excellent neck into best of forehands with straight limbs and correct feet. Good depth of brisket and spring of rib. I would prefer her a touch shorter in loin for ideal balance – but I am being picky here! Excellent width over her quarters with firm hocks and an excellent flow from croup to tail set. She also carried herself well on the move and is absolutely parallel going/coming. Unlucky to come up against 1 today, handled to perfection!

3RD 220 - Hernwood Lunar's Gin (Mr P & Mrs C A, Mrs N Sandiford & Jarvis)

126. Gordon Setter - Limit Bitch

Entries: 2 Absentees: 1

1ST 223 - Glynderys Moonstone (Dr M Thomas)

 One I’ve previously judged as a youngster, pleased to see her now at full maturity. Very stylish with classic breed type. Her head is so feminine but still with correct width over skull and muzzle, lots of chiselling, dark eyes and low ear set. Long, slightly arched neck that flows into a decent forehand. Loved her strong, flat bone and neat oval feet. Well bodied-up with such a smooth flow over her croup and correct tail set. Long from hip to hock with good bentd of stifle and wide pelvis. She displays such an easy action on the move and uses her tail well. In excellent coat and condition, handled sympathetically. 

127. Gordon Setter - Open Bitch

Entries: 5 Absentees: 1

A lovely class!

1ST 214 - Sh Ch/am Grchs/can Ch Fenwyck's Glamour (Mrs S. & Dr M. Patterson)

Well, where do I start with this one…? She has type, quality and style in spades! Her head is so typical in both proportions and shape, with a muzzle slightly shorter than the skull, slight rounding between the ears, and correct width throughout. She has such a captivating expression complimented by low set ears and correct chiselling above and below the eyes. Her long, slightly arched neck flows seamlessly into the best of forehands, with well-laid shoulders and corresponding return of upper arm with well-developed forechest. She stands on wide flat-boned limbs and the neatest of oval feet with correct tan markings. Her deep ribbing extends well back to a strong loin and her level topline flows from the withers to a long, broad, flat croup. Her tail set comes straight off the back, completing her breed-typical outline both standing and in motion. She is a lesson in correct hindquarter assembly, with excellent length from hip to hock, wide thighs, well-bent stifles and short, strong rear pasterns without exaggeration. Every element of her correct construction came together on the move, where she was absolutely precise both going/coming and produced an effortless, ultra-stylish side gait. Presented to perfection and put on an immaculate performance. She is an outstanding example of the breed and could not be denied the CC & BOB today. I was thrilled to later see her win BIS under such a highly respected Gundog specialist!

2ND 186 - Laurelhach Ovation (Mrs F Boxall)

Very different style to 1 and so honest in her overall construction. Pleased me greatly for substance and overall balance of angulation and body proportions. Such a typical head shape from all angles with plenty of work around the eyes. Long, clean neck into excellent forehand with the straightest limbs and correct width between her front legs. Plenty of spring in her ribs with a strong topline. Wide over her pelvis with correct tail set. Liked her strong hindquarters with wide thighs and firm hocks, would just prefer her slightly longer in 2nd thigh to be critical. Absolutely sound from all angles on the move while maintaining her outline and using her tail. Presented in hard condition and handled to advantage. Excellent, rich tan markings. One of a quartet of beautiful bitches who were in serious contention for the RCC today, I just preferred the overall rear assembly of the Veteran. 

3RD 221 - Amscot Air Born via Kewstoke (Ms W D Smith)

Judge: James Newton (Patamoke)