Three Counties Agricultural Society

Three Counties Championship Show  07th June 2026 

Such a lovely, well-run show, at the beautiful Three Counties showground. The weather was kind allowing all judging to take place outside.  It was a busy and enjoyable day judging the various breeds and classes.  Many thanks to my stewards Kay and Paul who kept everything running smoothly.  

Bracco Italiano Always a joy to judge the breed, with a lovely entry.  All bites were good, as were diverging head planes to varying degrees.  The break in the vertebrae was evident in all, but some lacked the high withers and breadth to the top of the shoulders required.   The chiselling required was also not evident in all exhibits. Coat condition could be better in some exhibits of both colours.  Some of the chestnuts lacked the metallic sheen.  Breed type is incredibly important but equally the breed should be fit for function.  This meant difficult decisions had to be made, especially in the dogs.  I placed more weight on exhibits having correct front and rear angulation, along with a strong topline and loin, sometimes at the expense of wider than optimum heads.  There was a lot of wide movement, both front and rear, as well as overly long backs and high tail sets.  I can forgive a dog flying its tail a little, as long as the set is correct.  Eyes could be tighter in some.  Not all doom and gloom though, there were some lovely exhibits with breed type and some lovely younger bracchi coming through.  

PD (4,0) 1st Miss E Towns Braccorion Excuse my French 8mth with lots to like and should have a good future.  Lovely sheen to his chestnut coat.   Super head, not overly done in anyway.  Eyes need to darken as he matures.  Stood presents a picture of breed type, with lovely bone and a square profile.  Well laid shoulders with a good length of upper arm, balanced with his good rear angulation.  Liked his topline, with correct slope to his croup, docked to a correct length.  Very erratic on the move but as expected for his age.  BPD 2nd Miss L J Coghlan Bracchini’s Absolute drama 11mth  - although a more mature pup than 1,but I prefer the head, especially the narrower back skull and shoulder angulation of the winner.   He is a little short in his upper arm.  His chest still needs to drop but plenty of time on his side.  Lovely oval bone, and good slope to his pasterns.  His ribs are well back and he is short coupled.  I would prefer more slope to his croup.  More settled on the move, with a nice side profile. JD, GD (0,0), PGD (1,1) LD (9,2) this was a lovely class but difficult to judge as exhibits very different. 1st Miss K & Miss G C & Mr J & Mr D Holdstock & Marking & Fretwell & Bramley Callaiscroft Esprit De Vie for Amicofedele JW – 2 yr.  Won this class on his balanced, square outline, angulation and movement.  No mistaking he is male in his head, I would not want anymore width to his back skull, but has nice chiselling and head planes. Liked his bone.  Has fabulous length to his upper arm.  Strong, muscular neck leading to well set shoulders.  High in his withers, correct break and strong in his topline.  I would prefer more slope to his croup though.  Can slope his topline stood,  but posed no problem for me as held his topline correctly on the move, with the break in his vertebrae very evident. Chest deep, enough fore chest, ribs well back and short coupled.  Moderate in his stifle, hocks well down.  Shown in good muscular condition.  He did not disappoint on the move, presenting a picture of balance, front reach and rear drive. Pleased to award him BD and CC. 2nd Ms C A & Mr S A Pearson Kelevra Bacchustabio 3yr – this dog has really matured and like 1, had good front and rear angulation.  Well off for bone and I really liked his orange colour.  A little broader in the skull than 1 and eyes could be a little tighter but are a nice colour. Ears well set level with his eye.  Strong in the neck, into well set shoulders.  Chest not quite as deep as 1 and this gave him a slighter wider movement coming towards.  Ribs well back and short couples, just not as square as 1.  Really good rear angulation which he used well on the move to produce drive and present a lovely side gait. Another who would benefit from more slope to his croup.  Just not quite as strong on the move when returning for the RCC sadly. OD (8,1) Like LD this was a difficult class to judge.  1st Mr A & Miss S Pipes and Groves Bushwacker Don Juan JW 3yr square dog, presenting a dog of balance both stood and moving.  Ok in the head, a little broader than I would prefer.  Good in the eye and correct set ear.  I liked his front angulation, balanced to his stifle.  Excellent depth to his chest and good fore chest.  Nice bone and good pasterns.  Ribs well back and he was short coupled which enabled him to have strength over his loin and hold his topline on the move.  Another who could benefit from more slope to his croup. Had good rear drive and front reach which he used well to achieve the RCC. VD (2,0) 1st Miss A Bell Tolriver Enzo at Owlspoint – 7yr One I judged as a youngster and cannot believe he is now a veteran, and more importantly how he has matured.  He was very leggy when younger but he now has the depth to his chest which gives him a more balanced outline. Liked his head which has less width than 2, dark eye and well set ears.  Has balanced angulation.  Ribs well back and strong in his loin.  Shown in lovely muscular condition.  On the move he was clean out and back, and had a good side profile.  Very well handled to get the best fron him, pleased to award him BV 2nd Miss E J Longman Braccorion Quick Look of Callaiscroft 7yr.  Another nice veteran , heavier boned than 1 and a little broader in the skull.  Liked his outline stood.  Slightly more angulation than 1 but sadly just not the strength of rear movement than 1.  Good muscular condition, on the move had front reach and good side profile. PB (7,0) what a super PB class which should bode well for the future.  1st Mr J Beard Kellitcreeds Whistledown NAF TAF – Wow, caught my eye as she came in and did not disappoint at all.  Just 6 months old, full of breed type from head to tail.  She was my star of the day and I would happily taken her home! Well boned and yet totally feminine.  The most beautiful head, correct planes, chiselling beginning to show.  Her eyes will darken as she matures.  She excels in angulation front and rear, with super upper arm length and already shows a good fore chest and depth to her chest.  Short coupled, which is not always evident in the bitches.  Correct slope to her croup and well set tail.  On the move she already shows the elastic movement and is surprisingly balanced for one so young, I still cannot believe her age.  I will follow as she matures, but predict a good future.  Thrilled to award her BP, and so pleased to see the puppy group judge appreciated her quality as much as me in awarding her PGRP2 – very well done. 2nd  Miss E Towns Olympia Dell’oltresavio (Imp IT) 8mth – another super puppy bitch, slightly less bone than 1 but that is not a criticism, as she is a very eye catching pretty bitch.  Super head, balanced front and rear angulation, just not quite the fore chest of 1.  Everything needs to mature for her but sure she will come on well.  Just not quite the movement of 1.  Has a super metallic sheen to her coat and shown in lovely coat and condition.  Not surprised to see which Italian kennel she comes from. JB (6,2) 1ST Mr I Sladden Canemamans Final Blow 13mths feminine bitch with a lovely head.  Everything about her flows from her neck to front and rear angulation.  Needs to mature all round but should come on nicely.  A little down on her pasterns currently but not unexpected for her age.  Balanced on the move out and back,  and has a nice side profile. 2nd J Rose Piccorino Persnickety 13mth, longer cast than 1 and a tad broader in the skull.  I really liked her bone and balanced front and rear angulation.  Her ribs are well back and she is strong in the loin, but could be shorter coupled.   Balanced on the move. GB (2,0) 1st Ms D R Blomfield Teverlarni Who’s That Girl at Woodland Blue – 20mths.  I really liked this young, chestnut bitch, who should to continue maturing well.  Super head, lovely neck onto well laid shoulders, balanced by moderating in her stifle and rear.  Nice depth to her chest, oval bone and ribs sprung and well back.  Very strong on the move.  Shown in lovely coat and condition. 2nd Mrs L Webber Canemamans Two Faced of Trevois 2yr, a longer cast and higher on the leg bitch than 1, just not presenting the balanced outline as the winner.  Nice in the head but just a little broader than preferred.  Not quite as strong on the move. PGB (3,1) 1st Miss S & Ms L Smith 20mths – a lovely chestnut bitch with very nice bone and presenting a square outline, with correct topline from her high withers through to croup and tailset.  Very pretty head, with a lovely dark eye, well set ears of correct length.  Strong but still feminine in her neck into lovely front angulation. Nice chest depth, ribs back and strong in the loin, with short couplings. Moderate in her stifle, which she used well on the move to produce drive and front reach, should come on well as she matures.  2nd Mrs L Webber Paris Mon Tresore D’amoure of Trevoris (Imp Pol)2 yr – longer cast and lighter bone than 1, very much a leggy bitch which I would prefer to have more breed type all round.  Moved ok. LB (3,0) Mrs N Jackson Polcevera’s Genova (Imp IT) 3yr – not surprised to see this is an imported bitch. Lovely feminine bitch, balanced bone and presents a super outline stood and on the move.  Loved her square outline, super head, with correct planes, lovely chiselling and the narrowness required.  Nice eye and ear set.  Strong, yet feminine neck just flows through to well angulated front, with nice depth to her chest.  Strong slightly sloping pasterns.  Ribs well back and nice strong, short coupled.  Balanced rear angulation, with moderate stifle.  Nice slope to her croup and well set tail, carried well on the move.  So easy on the move with rear drive and front reach, holding her topline well.  So pleased to award her RCC.  2nd Mrs M Critchley Bracciano Now or Never JW 2yr super boned, pretty bitch.  Longer cast than 1 and just not as strong on the move.  Pretty in the head, balanced front and rear angulation.  Longer coupled and meant just not quite holding her topline.  Liked her slope to the croup and tailset.   Super tail carriage. OB (5,0) A lovely class but all very differing types. 1st Miss S & Mr A McAndrew & Cooper Gunsyn Supercala in Brackenmist JW Cw26 – 2yr beautifully balanced feminine bitch, with the most super head.  Stood and on the move presented a super outline.    Correct head proportions, strong neck and well laid shoulders.  Just enough depth to her chest which I hope will continue to drop with maturity.  Correct oval bone, strong in her pasterns, her ribs have sprung and she is strong in the loin. High in the withers and presents the correct width to the top of her shoulders.  Her break is evident stood and on the move, with a well held topline.  Balanced rear angulation, with moderation in her stifle.  Very light on her feet moving, with a lovely side profile, front reach and rear drive.  Pleased to award her BCC and BOB. 2nd Miss E Towns Braccorions You Are My Candy – a bitch I am pleased was entered today and a shame she was having a phantom pregnancy which just spoilt her normally super outline.  She is full of breed type, smaller stature than 1 and has more bone which combine to present a bitch of square shape, strength yet remaining feminine.  Probably the best fore chest seen in the bitches, very good front and rear angulation with super length of upper arm.  Deep in the chest, ribs well back and short coupled.  Super topline and slope to her croup.  Her head is very typical for the breed, with everything as it should be.  On the move showed power and balance all round, but her smaller stature and phantom just meant she had to give way to others this time sadly.

GWP – Such a lovely breed which I always enjoy judging, the numbers showing seem to be continuously reducing which is a shame to see. All bites were correct.  

PD, JD, PGD (0,0) OD (4,2) 2 quality males both having breed type and presented in strong, muscular condition. 1st Mr P, Mrs L & Miss N Johnston Sh Ch/Bel Ch Glenquin The General 3yr well up to height, upstanding, balanced, quality male. I judged him at 12mth old and said “should have a good future” which has come to fruition with him gaining his title.  Presents a beautiful outline stood and on the move.  His head has correct proportions with a super look at me expression and dark eye.  He is strong in the neck leading to well laid shoulders, deep chested, his ribs are well back into short couplings, ensuring he has a strong well held topline.  Well-muscled rear, moderate stifle and good width to his thigh. A joy to watch on the move with a strong ground covering stride and excellent front reach but can be a bit extravagant with his tail carriage at times.  Shown in excellent condition and harsh jacket. Pleased to award him BD and BOB 2nd Mr P F & Mrs M Mccullough Sh Ch Kimmax Kiss Ma Blackside at Beechillawn 6yr smaller stature than 1 but with similar qualities.  A little heavier in the head but still has good proportions.  Strong in neck, balanced front and rear angulation.  Deep in his chest.  Extremely well muscled rear and strong in both 1st and 2nd thigh.  Rough and harsh jacket.  Moved out well but just not quite as well as 1, but pleased to award him RBD.  VD (1,0) PB (1,1) JB (0,0) PGB (1,1) OB (2,1) 1st Mr P, Mrs L & Miss N Johnston Sh Ch Glenquin Athena 7yr old quality bitch who I have judged before and gave top honours to, the dam to the BD and BOB and today had to give way to her son but that does not distract at all from what a lovely GWP this is, she belies her age, presented in fantastic condition with a harsh jacket.  Strong in bone but still feminine in her correctly proportioned head.  Strong neck into well placed shoulders, balanced to hear rear angulation. Deep in her chest, well sprung ribs and short coupled.  Held her topline on the move and just flowed around the ring with easy drive and reach.  BB and BOS.

AVNSC Gundog Super NSC classes full of quality exhibits. All bites were correct.   

PD (1,1) JD (1,0) Mr D Tilson Carnedd Llewelyn Sussex Spaniel, 12mth old lovely youngster who should come on well.  His head presents a well defined stop, correct curve and showing lovely expression from correct eye and low set ears.  Strong, slightly arched neck leading to well-placed shoulders and depth to his chest.  Well sprung ribs and correct rear angulation which he used well on the move.  Low set tail.  Shown in lovely coat and condition, should come on well as he matures. PGD (0,0) OD (2,0) 1st Ms L & Mr M Latheron & Trenchard Sh Ch Fynder Reacher ShCEx  2yr IWS – Super, upstanding male full of quality and breed type, substance and balanced proportions, shown in super condition with a correct coat of ringlets and oiliness.  Correct head proportions in both width and length, with a high dome and correct coat topknot. Strong in his neck, leading through to well laid shoulders, deep chested.  Well sprung ribs which are well back, short coupled.  Very balanced rear angulation with hocks well down.  On the move he has the distinct rolling gait coupled with excellent front drive.  BD and BOS. A very close call for BOB, I could have watched the BD and BB IWS move round the ring all day, they were both fantastic IWS.  2nd Mrs L A & Mr P Bradley Nyllaup Oregon Sunstone 22mth IWS another super dog, a little less mature than 1 but similar qualities.  No mistaking he is male even though slight smaller in stature than 1, masculine in his head with all the correct proportions.  Super angulation front and rear, strong in his neck, deep chested and well sprung ribs. Super condition and ringlet coat.  Moved out well using his muscular rear to produce drive, just not quite the balance as 1 out and back. RBD VD (0,0) PB (1,0) Mr D Tilston Rydonmist San Antonio Rose 6mth Sussex Spaniel. A lovely very feminine youngster with so much to like for one so young.  Liked her head, presenting a correct dome, low set ears and defined stop.  She is very balanced both in her outline and on the move.  Forechest developing well, nice front and rear angulation used well on the move.  Lovely coat and condition.  Should mature well and have a good future. BP JB (0,0) PGB (0,0) OB (3,0) What a super class with quality IWS and CBR.  1st Mrs L A & Mr P Bradley Sh Ch Stanegate Stage Debut (AI) ShCEx 6yr IWS Such a beautiful bitch full of breed type and femininity both stood and on the move.  Wonderful correctly proportioned head which is so pretty finished nicely with a correct topknot.  Her neck presented the most flowing line into well angulated shoulders, deep chested, correct ribbing completed by balanced rear angulation.  The most fabulous coat.  On the move she flowed around the ring being balanced, strong and feminine in equal measures. BB & BOB 2nd Mr G, Mrs K & Miss Stirk Sh Ch Nyllaup Akoya Pearl for Grakar JW 23mth IWS Yet another quality IWS, just looked a little less mature than 1 but that is not a criticism as she is also full of breed type and super conformation.  A delightful correct head, balanced front and rear angulation, strong neck and deep in her chest.  Well ribbed.  Shown in fantastic condition and coat.  Moved very well out and back, and in side profile.  Not surprised to see she is already a champion RBB. 3rd J & C Middleton and Mayhew Lux/Bel/Dk Ch Arnac Bay Jellicoe JW CBR. VB (1,0) J & C Middleton & Mayhew Sh Ch/Int/Multi Ch Arnac Bay Hebe Wgc ShCEx VW Ew22 VVw24 7yr CBR – A super bitch, not surprised to see her various titles.  Balanced and feminine with a pleasing head, with a lovely expression, moderate stop.  Strong in the neck, well laid shoulders, deep chested.  She has a very strong topline which was held well on the move.  Well sprung ribs, short in the loin.  So good to see the well defined stifle and well muscled rear.  Correct coat condition and texture.  Moved well, a shame to come up against the IWS on the day but pleased to award her BV.

Import Register Gundog  Such a super entry both in number and quality.  I am a strong supporter of the IR breeds and today did not disappoint.  Delighted to see the BOB being awarded high honours in the group ring.  A large Korthals Griffon entry, I wish them good luck as they move onto rare breeds in 2027.

  All bites correct. PD (0,0) JD (0,0) PGD (4,1) 1st Miss S M Blair Fidelix Outrageous 2yr Korthals Griffon – By far the best mover in the class and achieved that from his front and rear angulation, and overall balance.  Deep in chest, ribs well back and short coupled.  Super head, with the most wonderful eyes and expression.  Correct horizontal tail carriage, held his topline on the move and had drive, reach and good side gait.  Should continue to mature well. 2nd Mr P R & Mrs D E & Mrs l & Miss J G Stilgoe & Stilgoe & Fox & Fox Teisgol King Arthur 3yr Portuguese Pointer -  Has balance to his head, with an almost flat skull.  Correct shape eye and pigmentation.  Well angulated front and rear.  Just not as strong on the move sadly, very well handled to settle him. OD (4,0) 1st Mrs C Davies Adonis Sheep on Hunt at Barbamor (Imp Pol) 3yr Barbet – Super upstanding male, in wonderful coat.  Liked his bone and overall balance of front and rear angulation.  Has a good width to his head, dark in his eye with good expression.  A good stop ensured correct parallel head planes.  Short and strong in his neck.  Well ribbed and short coupled and strong in his topline and loin.  On the move was balanced and powerful.  Well deserved BD and BOS.2nd Mr P F & Mrs M McCullough Fidelix Special Edition at Kimmax 4yr Korthals Griffon – very close decision in this class, a super male, shown in fabulous muscular condition and jacket.  Balanced front and rear angulation which he used well on the move, today just not quite the balance of the Barbet.  Excellent depth of chest, ribs well back and short coupled.  Good to see well developed first and second thigh. RBD  VD  (0,0) PB (1,0) 1st Mr r & Mrs L Sumner Hundr Astridr The Devine 11mth Korthals Griffon – enjoying her day in the ring and making her handler work hard.  Still a raw youngster who will mature with age.  Pretty in the head and expression.  Moderate in her front and rear angulation.  Good coat. BP JB (2,0) 1st Miss S M Blair Fidelix Spice is Right 15mth Korthals Griffon – beautiful head.  Balanced front and rear angulation, but would prefer a little more width to her front, hopefully her chest will drop further which should help.  Really liked her bone whilst still remaining feminine. Has a super side profile on the move, just needs to gain balance out and back.  2nd Ms J & Mrs M & Mr S Taylor & Martin & Martin Topfields Kinkyboots at Shannonstyle 12mth Korthals Griffon – just out of puppy and should mature well. Liked her head and furnishings, shown with a good harsh coat.  Has a better front than 1, and moderate in the stifle which once she matures will produce better movement.   PGB (7,3) 1st Miss S & Mr A O’Sullivan & Wiggins Fidelix Olympia for Atkaluna 2yr Korthals Griffon – shown with a harsh jacket and good furnishings.  Lovely head and eye.  Really liked her front angulation but would prefer a little more stifle to compliment it.  She was the strongest on the move to win the class.  2nd Mrs C Crowther Corve Conqueror 2yr Barbet – a lovely, happy bitch who just lacked a little animation on the move today sadly.  Lots to like in her head with parallel head planes and super expression.  Liked her front and rear angulation, ribs well back.  Shown in good condition and coat.  OB (9,2) 1st Mr M W Taylor Swiss Sh Ch Fabpoint Pagen through Pointoak Ww23 (Imp Prt) 4yr Portuguese Pointer  - if you read the breed standard you picture this bitch.  Full of breed type and quality, super in the head, with the correct ratio meaning her head is balanced to her body. Flat in the skull, super eyes and correct high ear set. Her super neck just flows into her well laid shoulders. Excellent depth to her chest, ribs well sprung. Strong in her back and loin with a correct slight slope to her topline.  Everything culminated in her muscular rear, with her moderate stifle and well developed first and second thigh. On the move she is balanced, effortless and yet covers the ground with drive and reach.  Such a lovely side profile holding her topline and correctly carries her tail slightly above her back.  Very pleased to award her BB and BOB, in addition to see her awarded a thoroughly deserved GRP2 – Well done. 2nd Ms N Draj Forrests Impah into Griffonview 3yr Korthals Griffon  - One I have judged before and my opinion has no changed, stood 2nd in such good company. Liked her bone and balance but still feminine. Has lovely furnishings and superb harsh coated jacket, shown in muscular condition.  Her head has correct proportions with a  moderate stop, her dark eye in harmonises with her coat. Moderate length to her neck, liked her depth of chest, strong in her pasterns, ribs well back.  Short coupled and strong over her loin.  Balanced in her front and rear angulation, which she used well on the move with reach and drive RBB VB (3,0) 1st Mrs C Crowther Magnum Kiss Curl Pickle Paulette Doubs of Corve (Imp Fra) 7yr Barbet – Super veteran who was just stronger on the move to win the class.  Has lovely balance, deep in her chest, good front and rear angulation.  Super head, with a round skull, full in her stop and parallel head planes. Strong in the neck. Ribs well back.  Strong in the loin and topline which she held on the move.  Shown in good coat and condition. BV 2nd Mr I Sladden Khyannes Villette at Canemamans ShCEx (Imp Hun) 7yr Braque D’Auvergne – Has the most prettiest of heads, with the correct length of muzzle and slightly divergent head planes. Super in her expression from her dark eye. Her long, arched neck flowed in her well laid shoulders. Ribs well back to a strong loin and balanced rear angulation.  Liked her bone and femininity.  Has a lovely side profile on the move, and good out and back, just needed a little more animation.

Junior Stakes Gundog  –  Dogs 1st Ms J Pearman Weipowa Shaken not Stirred to Britmans 14mth Weimaraner – very mature for his age, upstanding, masculine, full of breed type, super coat colour and condition. Presented a well balanced picture stood and on the move, especially for one so young.  Super head, lovely expression.  Extremely good front and rear angulation, super upper arm length, depth of chest and strong sternum.  Well sprung ribs which are well back leading to his strong loin.  Excellent stifle and well muscled thighs.  So promising on the move with rear drive and front reach, balanced with a strong side gait, should have a good future.  2nd Mrs J M Rees Merchinetes Taliesin at Typica 13mth WSS – a very mature male, in super coat and condition.  Such a lovely head, with a super expression. Liked his body length to height proportions which presented a pleasing picture stood and on the move.  Already has a well developed chest for one so you, balanced front and rear angulation.  Strong in his line and topline.  Balanced and strong on the move, another who should have a good future. 3rd Ms C Gray Hafwenna How you Doin  Bitches 1st Ms D Priestly Eltrym February Stars 15mth Hungarian Vizsla a super, elegant bitch, everything where it should be for her age.  Beautiful russet colour, with a lovely sheen on her coat.  Feminine all over.  Correct head proportions, with a moderate stop and skull width.  A lovely flowing, arched neck into well angulated shoulders with a good length of upper arm.  Already good depth to her chest.  Strong, upright pasterns.  Her ribs are well back, short coupled and strong over the loin, all holding her topline well.  Moderate in her stifle.  On the move she covered the ground well, has strong front reach and produced a picture of elegance.  2nd Miss S J Whiting Annilann Miss Whoopsi Poopsi JW 16mth Cocker Spaniel – lovely head, square muzzled and low set ears. Compact in her body with good front and rear angulation. Strong in her loin and topline, sloping to her well set tail.  Well turned stifles.  Shown in good coat and condition.  Lovely on the move, held her topline and correct tail carriage height and lively. 3rd Mrs N S Rice Tiamaria Bella Rosa

Judge Keeley Newman-Jones