Scottish Kennel Club

Scottish Kennel Club General Championship Show May 2026.

My thanks to all at Scottish Kennel Club who do some quite remarkable work in enabling two championship shows to run concurrently with such ease, my congratulations and thanks.

This was my second gundog group. It was a pleasure to step into the lovely bright blue ring to assess this best of breed winners.

Prejudging saw approximately three quarters of the best of breeds able to present themselves, some noticeably slightly jaded and less settled than normal perhaps, given the duplicate events. Prejudging took place in a smaller ring than the main group judging.

It was interesting to watch the dogs come into the larger ring, a little more refreshed later. After an initial shortlist which included: The GSP, Golden Retriever, American Cocker, Welsh Springer Spaniel and the Portuguese Pointer. I was delighted to award;

Group 1: Am Grchs/can Ch Fenwyck's Glamour, Breed: Gordon Setter (Mrs S. & Dr M. Patterson)

Appealed immediately, stylish and symmetrical, honest and true and in immaculate condition and form. Her shining coal black coat, gleamed, straight coat of lovely texture, head optimised the ‘deep rather broad’ requirement, stop cleanly defined, muzzle long enough with almost parallel lines. Her movement is free and easy, and she moves around the ring effortlessly, you easily imagine her scenting on the moor. Level topline with well sprung ribs, appreciated her type and size. I took great pleasure in watching her on the live stream for BIS.

Group 2: Sh Ch Stanegate Standing Ovation, Breed: Spaniel (Irish Water) (Mrs J L Carruthers)

Coped admirably in both the smaller and larger ring, strongly built and compact yet so typical, lovely almond shaped kind eye, moved cleanly and easily and with gusto, and so very mature, under the profuse clean crisp ringlets of coat was this body and structure of spaniel that just sang. Powerful and well angulated to the rear. Coped more admirably than others with the longer day and relentless performance. The loveliest of type through and through.

Group 3: Gunalt Conversation with Allenie, Breed: Weimaraner (Mrs C, Mr G T & Mrs A Bott, Allen & Morgan)

This young lady got better as the ring got bigger, my goodness can she move exceptionally well in profile, in the larger ring she provided a class act on profile movement. Had power with femineity, stamina without being overdone. In head she is moderately long and absolutely aristocrat, ears long and lobular. At only two years, I suspect the best is yet to come and I have no doubt we'll see more of her, she will no doubt fund favour with the bigger rings afforded to her over the summer months.

Group 4: Berseydale Poker Face, Breed: Pointer (Ms V Feichtinger)

One I was pleased not to promptly overlook. Clearly more at home in the bigger ring, where he found his stride and form. Easy to handle, curvy and graceful but clearly able to do a day’s work and well-built all over. Shoulders strong and long, on the move he covered the ground and was sound coming and going. Gained his crown today I understand, my congratulations. Interestingly he is I understand the son of my group winner last time I judged.

Judge: Jennifer Millard.