Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

Birmingham National Dog Show

9th May 2026

Veteran Gundog Group

Thank you to the society for the invitation to judge the Veteran Gundog Group. What a lovely quality group, with several worthy contenders for top honours. For further consideration, I also shortlisted the English Setter, Gordon Setter, Flat Coated Retriever, and Hungarian Vizsla.

1st

ODDIE, Miss A
 Sh Ch Sharnphilly Boondoggle JW – POINTER 

A beautifully balanced dog with a graceful, curvy outline who immediately stood out for his superb body condition and musculature. He has excellent layback of shoulder and a first class front assembly, giving him the correct elegance and reach for the breed. Masculine head of correct proportions with an intelligent, kind expression and well developed slightly dished muzzle. His neck flows cleanly into well laid shoulders, and he possesses excellent depth of body with well sprung ribs carried well back to a strong, short loin.

On the move, he truly came alive, displaying the effortless, ground covering movement so typical of the breed. Completely sound coming and going, with excellent reach in front and strong driving action behind while maintaining his lovely outline throughout. Presented in excellent coat and condition and handled to advantage. A beautiful Pointer and it was a pleasure to award him the Veteran Gundog Group.

2nd

HILLIER, Mr I & HILLIER, Mrs S
Sh Ch Coedcernyw Calendar Girl JW – SPANIEL (COCKER) 

A beautiful example of the breed with the typical merry outlook so essential in a Cocker. Feminine head with the kindest expression, distinct stop, lovely large nostrils, and soft melting eyes. She has a compact, well-balanced body with well-sprung ribs, a firm level topline, and strong, well-rounded muscular hindquarters.

Moved true both fore and aft with style and drive, maintaining her topline on the move and displaying lively tail action throughout. Her silky coat was beautifully presented and enhanced the overall picture. Full of breed type and quality, and I was delighted to see she later took Veteran of the Year.

3rd

MOSS, Mr A D
Sh Ch Fecimus Chase The Dream To Ewtor JW – SPANIEL (FIELD) 

A quality dog with a well-balanced outline and excellent breed character. Noble head with lovely chiselling, long muzzle, raised brows, and a thoughtful, gentle expression. He has a strong, clean neck flowing into well-placed shoulders, with plenty of body and good ribbing giving the correct substance without coarseness.

Strong muscular hindquarters provided good propulsion on the move. He moved true with an easy, flowing side gait and maintained his outline well throughout. A sound, honest dog presented in excellent condition.

4th

BATES, Mrs Hayley & BATES, Mr James
Akenscales Waterloo – RETRIEVER (GOLDEN) 

A balanced and well-constructed dog with a lovely masculine head and the softest of expressions. Correctly proportioned throughout with well-laid shoulders, good return of upper arm, deep chest, and nicely ribbed back. Strong topline and a correctly set tail completing the overall picture.

Moved with good reach and drive, covering the ground steadily while maintaining correct tail carriage. Presented in good coat and condition and shown to advantage.

Tania Gardner 

Danwish