National Gundog Association

NGA 2/8/26 

Hungarian Vizsla 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the National Gundog Association for inviting me to judge at this show. It was a privilege and a great honour . I would also like to thank all the exhibitors for their support and for presenting their dogs so well, which contributed to an enjoyable day of judging. 

I was particularly pleased with the overall temperaments on display, with the majority of exhibits demonstrating the breed character one would expect of a Vizsla. Whilst there was much to admire, I did note several aspects which I feel are worthy of comment. In a few of the lower classes, I would have preferred to see more forechest and front assemblies with slightly better angulation, Correct front construction is essential for efficient movement, particularly in a gundog expected to work with stamina and purpose. 

Size was another area of concern. Whilst many of the principal winners were of correct size and proportions, I felt that some exhibits, particularly among the bitches, exceeded the size I would ideally wish to see. We should not lose sight of the fact that the Vizsla is a medium-sized breed, and maintaining the correct size and proportions is important to preserving breed type. That said, a slightly over-sized exhibit that is otherwise balanced, sound and correctly constructed will always be preferred to one of ideal size that lacks these qualities. 

Head type was another area where I noted some variation. There were some excellent examples on the day, although I felt that a number of exhibits carried broader skulls with shorter muzzles than I would ideally like to see. Maintaining the clean, balanced head that is so characteristic of the breed remains an important consideration. 

On a positive note, I was pleased to see many exhibits presented in good muscular conditions. There were a number of quality dogs throughout the entry, and I was faced with several challenging decisions. 

VD 1. Pawprint Geller for Donurie (Imp Hun) (Miss C, Mrs T & Mr S McDonald) Balanced outline with good depth of body and firm topline. Presented in excellent hard condition with well-maintained muscle tone. Moved soundly and freely, retaining the fitness and stamina expected of a working gundog. A credit to his owner 

PD:(9) A promising Puppy Dog class with several youngsters showing potential, particularly the first four placed exhibits. Close decision between 1 & 2 on the day the winner had the advantage for forechest and overall outline, appearing the more finished puppy at this stage of development. 1. Russetmantle Teak von Alfizsbet (Mr D R & Mrs S Whitfield) Promising puppy of correct size, masculine head, balanced outline and good proportions throughout, with a lovely flow of neck into well-laid shoulders and good front angulation. Particularly liked his developing forechest and well-sprung ribs carried down to the elbows, which contributed to a more complete front assembly and overall picture. Firm topline, good depth and substance for age, combined with sufficient muscle tone. Good turn of stifle and can see he has started to develop his second thigh. Moved soundly with good reach and drive. 2 Donurie’s Im Still Standing by Pirospont (Mrs E Roe). Another promising youngster and I am sure these 2 will change places many times he is also pleasing in head with a lovely expression and kind eye. He is balanced, good reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulders and showing correct front angulation and developing forechest one would expect at this age. Good bone and super feet. Firm topline and well-muscled quarters with a good turn of stifle. Moved soundly and freely with good carriage. 3.Russetmantle Tangle via Benzali (Mrs H Sutton) 

JD(10) 1.Soletrader Rockin Robin (Miss Er O'Brien) Caught my eye on entering the class and did not disappoint on closer inspection. A very promising dog of excellent size particularly liked his head, with correct skull and muzzle proportions, eyes and well-set ears. He’s balanced throughout, showing good angles both fore and aft. Correct chest with depth to the elbows, good spring of rib and firm topline. Well-muscled throughout. Moved soundly with an excellent rear drive, covering the ground with ease. Considered him for the RCC but felt he just needed a little more time to mature and complete the picture. Certainly, one to watch for the future. 2. Debian Dionysus for Ruamadra (Ms M Kiely) Another promising 11-month-old youngster of pleasing size. Attractive head with correct skull to muzzle proportions and correct ear set. Good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders with good front angulation. Balanced throughout with forechest beginning to develop, as expected at this age, and good bone. Moved soundly and freely. Still very much a baby and needing time to mature and complete the picture, which is exactly what I would expect at this stage of development. Pleased to award him Best Special Beginner and delighted to see him go on to take Group 3. 3. Oroshaza Reka (Mr W & Mrs A Irving) 

ND (5)1. Listerlo Amber Management (Mrs K Petitclerc) 17m Head of good skull to muzzle proportions and correct ear set. Good bone and super cat-like feet, good tail. Still developing in body, balanced outline. Presented in good muscular condition, moved sound. Needs time to mature. 2. Danzarg King Kobe (Mrs S.S Shaw) Same age as 1. Strong muscular neck with slightly more forechest than the winner at present. Good bone and presented in muscular condition. Moved sound. On the day I preferred the winner's overall balance and rear construction, which gave him the advantage in this class. With time and maturity should continue to develop. 3. Lindenwood Cast A Spell at Madarkutya (Mrs D L Carter) 

GD(2). Soletrader Rockin Robin (Miss Er O'Brien) 2. Vizslanya Sarkany JW (Mr S & Mrs K M Challis) Head slightly stronger in skull than my ideal, though has a kind eye of correct colour. Strong muscular neck, prominent breastbone, good bone and tight feet. Presented in fit condition with good second thigh and well-muscled quarters. Moved adequately. Preferred the winner's overall balance and more effective rear action on the day. 

PGD(3) 1. Oakswarren Feel The Heat at Alaszdale JW (AI) (Miss H Senior). He was appealing for his overall balance, size and moderation throughout with good bone. Attractive masculine head with correct skull to muzzle proportions, kind eye of correct colour and ear set. Lovely reach of neck flowing into well laid shoulders, prominent breastbone, well sprung ribs and chest down to elbow. Balanced front and rear angulation with a firm topline and well-muscled quarters. Moved soundly and efficiently, maintaining his outline. His overall balance, construction, and movement saw him win this class and led me to award him the RCC. 2. Perllanside Street Party JW (Miss J Wall) Slightly larger dog than the winner but balanced throughout. Pleasing head with good proportions, kind eye of correct colour and good ear set. Muscular neck leading into a sufficient front assembly. Level topline, good bone and feet, with moderate turn of stifle. Presented in hard muscular condition and moved well.  3.Vizash Hunor (Mrs CM Sharrocks) 

LD (7) 1. Glengamna Malbec JW (Mr M P Woodcock) Masculine dog very workmanlike, good width of skull and length of muzzle, correctly placed ears. He is balanced throughout, prominent breastbone, with good depth of body and well-sprung ribs. Firm topline maintained both standing and on the move. Well-muscled throughout with moderate angulation. Moved soundly with good reach and drive, maintaining his outline on the move. Looked capable of doing the job for which he was bred, and his overall quality secured him for the class. One to watch for the future. 2 Roughshoot Seabiscuit at Parmelly JW (Mr S & Mrs K Palmer) Close decision between 2&3, with this dog just having the edge on movement today. Nice size and maturing well. Presented in hard condition with well-muscled quarters and good second thigh. Masculine head, kind eye and expression, with correct ear set. Good bone and feet, moderate throughout and balanced in angulation fore and aft. Moved soundly and purposefully and presented as an athletic dog. 3. Oakswarren Trickster (Mr P Watson) 

Open (8 1a). A strong Open class with several quality exhibits, some close decisions further down the line-up came down to movement on the day. 1. Sh Ch Pitswarren Tempus Viator JW (Mr J P & Mrs E J Harper) Masculine dog with correct head proportions, kind eye and correct ear set. Appealed greatly for his overall balance, breed character and quality. Good forechest with plenty of heart room, complemented by well-sprung ribs and correct depth in body. Carrying good strength and substance throughout without sacrificing the elegance essential to the breed. Firm topline maintained both standing and, on the move, with well-muscled quarters and moderate angulation. Presented in hard condition and moved with purpose, showing good reach and drive whilst holding his outline. Worthy of the CC today. 2. Sh Ch Rarog Ruda Szata for Pirospont JW (Imp Pol) (Mrs E Roe) Another quality dog of pleasing size and proportions. Masculine head with kind eye of correct colour and good ear set. Good reach of neck, well-sprung ribs and sufficient depth of body. Stands on good bone and feet, with moderate angulation fore and aft. Presented in hard condition and carrying good muscle throughout. Moved soundly and freely. A quality dog in his own right, but the winner appealed that little bit more overall on the day.3. Sh Ch Amarantos Katana for Ertekes JW (Mrs R & Mrs L Da Silva & Sexton) 

SB( 9) 1.Debian Dionysus for Ruamadra (Ms M Kiely) 2. Silvestre Wednesday (Miss S & Miss V Jones) Head with a kind expression and correct ear set. Good bone and excellent feet. Still maturing, moderate neck, adequate front assembly, firm topline, with sufficient depth of body and well-sprung ribs. Strong through the loin. Moved soundly. 

VB (2 1a) 1Ch Piroseg Mandarin of Perllanside JW (Miss J Wall) Stood alone in her class I see she is a full Ch. Presented in excellent hard condition a credit to her owner. Fit for function and carrying the muscle tone and athleticism that suggested she could still put in a full day's work in the field. An honest and functional bitch with a feminine head and kind eye and expression. Balanced throughout with good forechest, correct depth of body and well-sprung ribs. Firm topline, well-muscled quarters and presented in excellent condition. Moved soundly and with purpose. Not a flashy exhibit, but one whose qualities became increasingly apparent, in the challenge there was simply something about her overall balance, soundness and quality I found myself repeatedly drawn back to her, and whilst pushed hard by my RCC winner I just could not deny her top honours CC & BOB particularly pleased to see her quality recognised further with a well-deserved Group shortlist.  

PB. (6) Some nice puppies in the class with the first three standing out for future potential. Each at a different stage of maturity, but all displaying encouraging attributes for their age. 1.Debian Definitely Maybe (Miss D Warnes). I preferred the winner's overall balance and outline on the day. Attractive and lovely size who appealed for her overall balance and shape. Feminine head with kind eye and correct ear set. Developing forechest, good depth of body and well-sprung ribs. Particularly liked the strength through her loin and quarters, which contributed to a balanced and complete outline. Stood on good bone and feet, maintaining a firm topline. Moved soundly and with purpose, just had the edge over the dog today for BPIB. One I will watch with interest as she continues to mature.2. Russetmantle Taffeta (Dr S Gottlieb) Another promising youngster with much to like. Feminine throughout with a kind eye, correct ear set and good reach of neck. Balanced outline with sufficient forechest for age, good bone and feet and moderate angulation throughout. Moved soundly and freely with a bright future.3. Donurie's Harlekuin (Miss C, Mrs T & Mr S McDonald) 

JB (6) 1. Oakswarren Believe in Magic (Mrs K & Mr A Scott Legg & Scott) Feminine who appealed greatly for her overall balance and flowing outline who is maturing nicely. Moved soundly and purposefully, maintaining her shape throughout. Attractive head & eye with correct ear set. Good reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, sufficient forechest and depth of body for age. Firm topline, well-sprung ribs and balanced angulation fore and aft. Presented in excellent condition. Handled well, allowing her to make the most of her many qualities.2. Debian Definitely Maybe (Miss D Warnes) 3. Glenbrows Blush at Tantaraviz JW (Miss C M & Mr T D & Mrs H L Ward & Harrison & Harrison) 

GB (5 4a) Unfortunately, several exhibits missed this class despite repeated calls, which was disappointing for both the exhibitors present and myself. 1.Vizslanya Novemberi (Mrs L.c. & Dr M.j. & Ms E.m. Turtle) Just out of J. Particularly liked her head, correct head and muzzle proportions, feminine, kind eye and correct ear set giving a pleasing expression, carried on a strong, smoothly arched neck. Still developing in body as one would expect at this age. Level topline, moderate sweep of stifle, good croup and tail set. Presented in good condition, showing muscle development, moving well. 

PGB (3 1a)1. Facanvadasz Demeter (Mrs H F Melvin) Workmanlike whilst still feminine, whose overall shape and functionality is appealing. Lovely head, skull shape and muzzle length, classic Vizsla ears framing a pleasing expression. Muscular neck, strong level topline, balanced frame, moderate angulation throughout lovely feet. Presented in hard condition. Owner tended to slightly over-stretch her hindlegs when stacked, although this gave a more exaggerated impression of her rear angulation than was actually the case. 2. Glenbrows Opera D'arte JW (Ms C Gammon) Taller made bitch with a clean neck and feminine outlook. Adequate spring of rib, good bone and feet, firm topline and rounded croup. Presented in good condition and moved soundly. Adequate angulation fore and aft. On the day I preferred the winner's overall shape, substance, and front development. 

LB (16) A lovely large class of exhibits with depth of quality throughout, some very close decisions for the placings. 1. Aldom Coco Chanel (Mrs R J Price) [Pleasing bitch of excellent type and balance. Feminine head carried on a moderate neck flowing into a well-constructed front. Good bone and feet, firm topline, good spring of rib, and rear angulation, correct tail set. Sound throughout and presented a functional outline, looking fully capable of carrying out a day's work in the field. Moved with reach and drive which won her the class. 2.Nevedith Golden Reign at Szelfuto JW (Mrs D & Mrs E Hardy & Phillips) A most eye-catching bitch with a pleasing, flowing outline and excellent overall balance. Lovely neck, firm topline and well-constructed throughout, with good angles fore and aft and a lovely sweep of stifle. Attractive feminine head of good proportions and ear placement. Moved well. Pushed the winner hard on her type and quality, but I preferred the winner's front action on the move today. 3. Donurie's Texas Honky Tonk JW (Miss C, Mrs T & Mr S McDonald) 

OB (15). Another quality class. very close decision between 1 & 2 1. Sh Ch Layways Cinnamon Girl (Mr S Layton) Feminine bitch of good size whose quality became even more apparent on hands-on examination. Particularly appreciated her head, which reminded me of the older wording of the standard when the term gaunt was used, being lean, noble and free from exaggeration, with a kind eye and correct ear set. Balanced throughout good front assembly & prominent forechest, with correct depth and well-sprung ribs. Firm topline, nice rear angulation and well-muscled quarters. Presented in excellent condition and moved soundly and purposefully, maintaining her outline at all times. Easy to see why she has enjoyed such success. A very close decision between her and the CC winner, I was delighted to award her the RCC.   2. Sh Ch Danton Obsession with Tantaraviz ShCEx (Miss C M Ward) A bitch I have admired for some time and one I was pleased to have previously awarded a RCC. Since I last judged her, she has gained her title, and deservedly so. Feminine throughout with a pleasing head, kind eye and expression. Balanced throughout and well made, presented in excellent condition, moved soundly and in complete harmony with her handler, the bond between them evident throughout. Still a quality bitch I continue to admire whose many virtues remain easy to appreciate, but unfortunate to come up against my eventual top two winners on this occasion. 3. Sh Ch Russetmantle Maia (ai) (Dr S Gottlieb) 

Judge: Nicola Green (Viszaset)