Scottish Kennel Club

The Scottish Kennel Club

General Championship Show-Saturday 16th May 2026

Judge's Critique- Cocker Spaniel dogs

As always a real pleasure to judge the breed; my thanks go to the committee of SKC for the invitation. Considering two shows ran along side each other everything seemed to work well and I thank my two very capable stewards who ensured the smooth running of my ring.

There can be fine margins when judging an entry of this scale. The movement of some dogs let them down today which is a shame, some coupled with a lack of width across the beam; this along with tail carriage and feet that lacked the required cat-like, well padded qualities determined some of my placings. Given that this was their second time in the ring on the day most demonstrated willing, merry disposition and wagging tails.

Puppy Dog (6) as there was no minor puppy class these puppies were all at very different stages of development.

1.Lewis Penmartan First Edition a very sturdy orange and white who showed well to win this class. Short, cobby and well-ribbed and carrying the right amount of body for his young age. Well boned; stands on well padded feet. Moved out well; a confident puppy. At the end of a very busy day he had just lost the edge in the challenge. BPD. 2. Robertson Zheridons Black Mirror, attractive boy developing well for his age. Slightly longer cast than the first. Beautifully presented black coat. Settled well for his handler, moving with drive, using his tail well. 3.Flowers Totenkopf Duty Free

Junior Dog (3) 1. Robertson Z.Black Mirror 2. Burnett Alan Parrish of Shaggy Love (Imp.Fr.) well put together blue of pleasing overall type, moved out with confidence and displayed his merry character. 3. Flowers Totenkopf Don't Look Now.

Yearling Dog (4) 1.Brennan Ir. Sh.Ch. Charbonnel Chaperone at Kerrijoy JW Jch compact black dog with a pleasing profile; well balanced head and dark expressive eye. Clean over neck and shoulder and leading into a well ribbed body. Well turned quarters used to advantage on the move. 2.Maclean&Scotland Lynwater Moon Walk, smart blue of correct type and free from exaggeration. Correct in front and pleasing rear angulation. Very well handled to get the best from him. 3. Kozak Royal Quest Powering Rain

Graduate Dog (5) 1.Kengyelics Zheridons Tradeoff with Hebdene, have liked this dog since first seeing him as a puppy and he did not disappoint. He has a well balanced head and dark, expressive eyes. Well off for bone and with correct body. Stands on well boned limbs with correct thickly padded cat like feet. Strong quarters and short below the hock and uses himself well on the move. 2. Harrison Glenbrows Galanthus another very attractive male who is coming to his best as he begins to mature; well proportioned and has strength in body. He moves merrily using his quarters to drive off well. 3. Bodzak Whinburn Dearg Aurora

Post Graduate Dog (5,1ab) 1. Ward Whinburn Walk the Moon to Wensum JW this dog has to be handled to appreciate his qualities; he carries more coat than I prefer which can hide some of his good points. Possesses a well balanced head and has the most soft, gentle dark eyes, clean over neck and shoulder into a well ribbed body. He has excellent bone and body. He moves off from strong, well muscled quarters at a steady pace with his handler. 2. Young Canyonn Black Caviar JW a mature black male who shows and moves in complete harmony with his handler. Kind and gentle expression. Clean in profile and carrying sufficient coat, bone and body. 3.Roberts Glantraeth Seren Libanus with Sunabil.

Limit Dog (5) 1. Dewhurst Glowhill Silver Arrow at Lapidary my CC winner and I understand this gives him his title-congratulations to both owner and breeder! He looked impressive both on the stack and on the move; so well constructed and without any exaggeration. Pleasing head and intelligent expression. Clean and tidy front, correct neck and shoulder. Short and deep in body with good ribbing; well boned limbs and tight well padded feet. Well turned quarters, short below the hock and using himself well on the move, both merry and energetic. Shown in great condition and with a beautifully prepared coat. 2. Furzer Durham Blue a handsome, well bodied blue with adequate bone, shown well in good coat and condition; moved merrily with drive. 3.Kita-Oakes Ludzska Royal Quest

Open Dog (3,1ab) I liked both of these blue males each in their own way.1. Fairburn&Madigan Sh Ch Carmelfair Cesare from Misperros JW well proportioned handsome boy, moderate and free from exaggeration in make and shape. Strong, well ribbed body, good bone and well muscled quarters used well on the move. 2. Keely Sh Ch Oakbeach Dare to Dream Big with Alhambian (Imp. Swe.) a mature and more substantial male in terms of body; pleasing head and kind expression; well ribbed and with good bone. Shown in excellent coat and moving happily at one with his handler.

Veteran Dog (3) all 3 a credit to their sporting owners! 1.Smith Sh Ch Pearkim Pokemon at Luanshya JW VW, my RCC winner and Best Veteran in Breed. This handsome dog wears his years so well and with a sparkle in his eye. His sporting owner presented him in excellent coat and condition and their strong bond is evident. Tidy front, strong body with good ribbing. Well muscled quarters plus ageless enthusiasm enables him to move with drive and energy in harmony with his handler. I don't think I've ever seen him looking better!2. Maguire Sh Ch Bencleuch Before the Storm, a very typy blue who looks wonderful for his age, handled beautifully and shown in tip top condition; short and cobby, clean and free from exaggeration in profile. Moved very well using the strength in his well made quarters. Unlucky to meet 1 on such great form today. 3. Davidson Rancecraig a Million Dreams.

Special Beginners Dog (7) Quite a keenly contested class! 1. Walton Chataway Let's Jive JW beautifully presented and handled very well on the stack and on the go round. Pleasing head and soft, expressive eye. Well proportioned, flowing cleanly over neck and shoulder into well made body; well off for muscle and carrying correct weight. Moves with merry action at one with his handler. BSB in breed. 2. Sewell Lynwater Mad Hatter at Quattrozampe JW close up to 1 but carrying a little weight over his withers which spoilt an otherwise tidy profile. A very attractive orange and white shown in excellent coat and condition. Sound and happy on the move. 3. Norris Joaldy Mr Happy at Amaranth Sh Cex.

Good Citizen Dog Scheme Dog (1) 1. Proudler Kimapa Kwackers Kalon JW, very steady dog on the table, adequate body and bone and with a pleasing head and eye. On the move he uses well muscled quarters to advantage.

Sue Shinkfield (Judge)