Birmingham Dog Show Society Ltd

Birmingham National

09/05/26

Cocker Spaniels

I would firstly like to thank the Birmingham Dog Show Society for the opportunity to judge the Cocker Spaniel classes at their well thought out show, where they thoughtfully provide a lot of classes for the exhibitors to take advantage of. I am also grateful to my stewards, Mark and Joyce Collins, for their hard work and friendly welcome. I thank you for your support and for keeping me on track for time!

Finally, and most importantly, I would like to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to the exhibitors who gave me the honour of their entry. It will never be lost on me how much of a privilege it is to have the opportunity to judge other people’s dogs, and the time and money that is put in by others to get your opinion. I was truly spoilt by your entry and had some lovely dogs to assess. It would however be remiss of me not to mention one of the most common issues I noted during this opportunity – mouths. The standard states ‘a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite…’. I was disappointed to find a number with rather misaligned teeth in addition to the odd incorrect bite which was a shame. Incorrect mouth can be quick to appear but take generations to remove and it important the breed work as a collective to help breed these out. With that said, I was spoilt for choice many times. The youth classes contained lots of promising and exciting prospects, Minor Puppy B was particularly impressive where I wish I had more places to award. Both Limit classes also impressed, and the Open classes were things of dreams.

Special Beginner D – 8 (1)

1st: LEYLAND’s Crankwoods Quick Step

Well-presented black who topped this class for his overall breed type and classic, balanced, outline. Well made all through with good body and bone, and a nicely worked head with good expression. His clean neck and nicely placed shoulders are also pleasing. Sound and precise on the move. Best Special Beginner.

2nd: NORRIS’ Joaldy Mr Happy At Amaranth ShCEx

From a bigger mould, this handsome headed mature black of substance is also nicely knitted together with balanced angulation, though not quite the length in upper arm of 1. Expertly handled and presented, he moved well. Preferred the overall outline of 1.

3rd: BROTHWELL’s Annilann Da Business At Wissant Jw

Minor Puppy D - 8 entries (2)

1st: WILLIAMS’ Wyndsmoor Chasing Dreams

Quality B&W of almost 8m who caught my eye on entering, and who I later note was sired by my BOB. Short and compact, I loved his overall make and shape, bone and body. His nicely worked head with beautiful dark eyes are particularly pleasing, along with his super forehand construction and forechest. His correct quarters enabled him to move out soundly with confidence covering the ground. Presented to advantage, he stole my heart to take BPIB in hard competition, I wish he was mine. One to watch.

2nd: MASTERS & DOTT’s Manchela Ring Of Fire

Another super puppy from the top draw who pushed 1 all the way and, at just a day apart in age, I can see these two swapping places a lot. Close up to 1, he also excels for breed type, make and shape, with a nice head and expression, and he stands on well boned straight legs and neat feet. Beautifully handled and presented as one would expect from this kennel, he moved out soundly with drive. Just felt 1 was more forward in body at this stage. Another whose career I will watch with interest.

3rd: THOMAS’s Aylesmead The Joker Among Claramand

Puppy D – 6 (1)

1st: STOKES-HARRELL’s Chezzas Personalized Blend

At almost 12m, this smart black is maturing well with plenty of bone and body, and he presents a balanced picture both standing and on the move. Attractive head and good neck and shoulders with corresponding upper arm that places his straight front legs nicely under him. Happy and sound on the move.

2nd: BOAM’s Rellas Boy By Honeyredss

9m black with much to like on handling. His handsome head is well-proportioned and his muscular neck of good length set into nicely placed shoulders, and nicely sprung ribs, are also pleasing. While erratic to start, he moved well once settled.

3rd: KEW,’s Lujesa Paperback Writer With Wylyeview

Junior D – 4

1st: MCBRIDE’s Topday Break Dance

Eye catching blue rising 15m. Put down to perfection, he presents clean and balanced outline and is correctly made throughout with good neck, shoulders and rear. His headpiece is also masculine but not overdone. Confident and sound on the move. Just felt he lacked the level of maturity shown in the older boys on the day, however a bright future awaits this boy for sure.

2nd: SUTTON’s Shirepark Fly Me To The Moon

Pleasing mid blue of good type, just shy of 18m. Short and compact, he is maturing well, with an appealing head and expression, and well-made and placed neck and shoulders with plenty of forechest. Moved well. Preferred the overall outline of 1.

3rd: SMITH’s Angela Trinitron Columbia

Yearling D – 6 (1)

1st: MCBRIDE’s Topday Northern Dancer

Litter brother to the Junior D winner, this is another rather smart boy from this kennel who is close up to his brother and similar comments apply. Another sound and positive mover who was beautifully presented and handled.

2nd: COX & DEWHURST’s Ryallcourt Charm Of Unique To Suvern (ai)

Moderate B&W who ticked the boxes for being merry, sturdy, sporting, well balanced and compact. He has the most charming head, and his bright and merry temperament shines through in his lively expression. A happy, exuberant boy, he made his handler earn her keep, but when he settled into the job at hand he presented a pleasing picture both stacked and on the move.

3rd: KENGYELICS Zheridons Tradeoff With Hebdene

Maiden D - 2

1st: KEW’s Lujesa Paperback Writer With Wylyeview

3rd in puppy dog, this smart black had settled more in this class to show sound and correct movement. Of good breed type with everything in the right place, he shows promise of good things to come. He just needs time to grow, mature and to fill his frame, and at just 9m, he has plenty of time on his side.

Novice D - 2

1st: HARRISON’s Glenbrows Galanthus

Eye catching B&W. Lovely outline with correct angulation front and rear, and good legs, feet, ribs and topline. His round bum and strong quarters which he used drive around the ring, and attractive well worked head, are also pleasing. I liked him a lot, but he was another that couldn’t quite match the maturity of the older boys on the day but am sure he has good things to come.

2nd: POCOCK’s Wilcaro Warrior

Honest blue roan of pleasing overall type with balanced angulation front and rear, and nicely proportioned head and correct square muzzle. Presented in full coat and sympathetically handled.

Graduate D – 7 (1)

1st: Glenbrows Galanthus

Repeat – 1st Novice Dog

2nd: MCSHANE’s Delightful Hunter London Eye At Meggiemac

Appealing typey mid blue with good bone and substance. His masculine head with alert expression is not overdone, and his well-developed deep ribs and tight elbows are also pleasing. Sound and happy on the move.

3rd: WEST’s Edasiy Dream Upon A Star By Sheigra (imp Can)

Post Graduate D – 9 (1)

1st: WARD’s Whinburn Walk The Moon To Wensum JW

Typey unexaggerated black who scores for overall make and shape and cockery outline. Correct angles front and rear, and good bone and body. His handsome nicely moulded headpiece and expression also appeal. Sympathetically handled. Sound and steady on the move.

2nd: MACLEAN & SCOTLAND’s Lynwater Moon Walk

Masculine blue of good type with super bone and substance without being overdone, and great feet. This kennel also certainly knows how to breed good fronts and forechest! Handled to advantage, he moved out with purpose. Just preferred the overall outline and head of 1.

3rd: PEARCE-GUDGER’s Pearkim Pietro

Mid Limit D – 5 (1)

1st: KITCHEN’s Annilann Bhama Mama

Mature, honest blue who presents a neat and balanced picture throughout. Pleasing headpiece, neck and shoulders, and a strong, firm body with lovely spring and depth to ribs, and tight elbows. Moved well holding a good topline and tail carriage.

2nd: DAVIES’ Kerriglow Summer Solstice

Nicely knitted together golden of good type and shape. His lovely head with super dark pigment and melting expression, is particularly appealing. Handled to advantage presenting a good outline with correct tail carriage. Would just prefer a little bit more of him all through.

3rd: TERRY’s Shaggylands Midnight Train Jw

Limit D – 6 (2)- lovely class

1st: WATSON’s Quettadene Stars Aligned Over Bordacity JW

Eye catching black, who caught my attention from the outset for his classic breed type and lovely outline. His handsome head is so well balanced with the gentlest expression. Correct, muscular neck with clean well-set shoulders and good upper arm, he stands on good of legs and feet, with a strong, deep middle piece in between. His quarters with his peachy bum are also well angled and developed. Presented in good coat and condition, he moved out well throughout showing true driving movement. He pushed the open winner hard to take RCC in strong competition.

2nd: DEWHURST’s Glowhill Silver Arrow At Lapidary

Typey blue who I’ve previously judged as puppy, and it was lovely to see his promising frame in its mature form. Balanced and free from exaggeration, he has the most charming head and expression, and pleases through his neck and shoulders, with super bone and deep body. Well-presented and handled, he moved out soundly with precision. Unfortunately to meet 1 on such good form.

3rd: JONES’ Oktumi Star Chaser

Open D – 7 (1) – what a fantastic class of depth and quality where any one of those present could have easily been awarded first palace and who were separated by whiskers in my final decision. It was an absolute honour, pleasure and privilege to have opportunity to handle and assess each one. I don’t think I stopped smiling once – Thank you.

1st: HACKETT’s Sh Ch Lindridge Front Runner

I have always wanted to get my hands on this super orange and he certainly did not disappoint. Of excellent quality and full of breed type, he is so well balanced and was presented to full advantage in super coat and hard condition. For me he ticked all the boxes, and he flowed uninterrupted under my hands from his beautifully worked handsome head with true cocker expression, through to the tip of his well set and carried tail, with correctly made body with excellent angulation in-between. He also stands on the best of legs and tight feet. He moved out positively showing correct reach and drive as he covered the ground holding his correct outline at all times. He commanded attention and I couldn’t deny him the CC and later BOB against the exquisite female.

2nd: DARBY’s Sh Ch Classicway Call Time JW

Another from the top draw, this light blue boy is a favourite of mine that I did well as a youngster, and it was a pleasure to handle him now as an adult and to see how his well put together, balanced body and attractive masculine head have matured. Pushing 1 all the way, he was presented in super coat and condition and moved out well with drive and purpose. Unfortunate to meet 1 in such good form. Considered hard for RCC.

3rd: WILLIAMS’ Sh Ch Wilmerella Highlander JW

Veteran D – 3

1st: PEARCE-GUDGER’s Sh Ch Cachel Prince Charming Of Pearkim JW

It was my first time handling this orange and it was easy to understand why he has done so well. At almost 11 years of age, he is of super quality and breed type, and his attractive head and balanced body are so nicely put together. He particularly scores in front and rear assembly and his well-developed quarters. Presented in the lovely coat and condition. Moved out soundly showing drive that could put some of the younger dogs to shame.

2nd: DRIVER’s Annilann Mister Spangles At Beckaby JW

Appealing blue of 7 years who is of good make and shape. Presented in super coat and condition, he is moderately angled throughout, with pleasing muscle, width and depth, big ribs and firm back. His handsome head also appealing. Moved well.

3rd: MASON’s Sandlauga Soul Man VW

Special Beginners B – 10

1st: BROTHWELL’s Wilanorah Sat'day Nite Diva At Wissant

Square and compact feminine dark blue who presents a balanced outline both standing and on the move. Moderate neck and clean shoulders with appealing forehand and chest, and pleasing bone, width and substance for her size. Sound and happy on the move and handled to advantage.

2nd: WALKER’s Spindlesway Heart And Soul

Honest light blue who also appealed for overall type, make and shape, and was free from exaggeration. Attractive well-proportioned head and kind expression. Moved well once settled, just lacked the finish of 1.

3rd: HUTTON-BABER’s Babtonkelpie Galley Queen JW

Minor Puppy B – 18 (3) – a super class

1st: BESWICK’s Kirlinjis Espresso Martini For Cachel

Stunning 7m B&W of excellent type and who commanded attention. She combines substance and femininity, with just the right amount of bone and body. Her pretty, balanced head also has just the right amount of work for her age. With extremely pleasing angulation fore and aft she moved out confidently driving from her well placed hocks. Another that I fell for and could easily have taken home. She pulled out all the stops to take BPB over the mature black from following class and was only just pipped to the post by the MPD in the challenge for BP. Will watch her future with interest.

2nd: TAYLOR-KISTNER’s Frieljoanipa Enya Dreams

Promising, attractive black of just 6m, who is so nicely constructed under her big puppy coat. Short and compact with lovely ribbing, and pleasing bone and body for size. I found her feminine balanced head with the most beautiful eyes and expression also appealing. Happy and sound on the move once settled.

3rd: HARRISON’s Glenbrows Promise

Puppy B – 9

1st: RAHMAN & TODD’s Chataway Vera

This quality black of 12m stood out for her overall maturity and finish. Standing on good legs and feet with plenty of bone and substance. Her strong balanced body is also correctly angled and her silky flat jacket beautifully presented. She drove out well. While she didn’t put a foot wrong, for me she just didn’t quite match the presence of MPB winner on the day.

2nd: KETTLE’s Lujesa Dream Lover

At just 9m, this attractive black of good type gave a lot away on maturity to 1. However, her make and shape is all there, and she still pleases for bone, body, ribs and topline. Her beautiful head is also nicely proportioned. Moved happy and sound on the move once settled.

3rd: DUTCHAK’s Eastdray Everlasting Star

Junior B – 4 (2)

1st: HARRISON’s Glenbrows Blue Fortune

Beautifully presented, attractive and feminine blue. While not the biggest in stature, she is of a super type and has just right amount of bone and substance for her frame. Exquisite head and expression and lovely angulation throughout. She moved well and I liked her a lot resulting in her being awarded 2 classes; just wish she could have given a bit more of herself.

2nd: MCSHANE’s, Meggiemac Tan Tangfastics

Moderate B&T of a nice overall type with lovely rich and clean tan markings and nice bone and substance. Her lovely head that is balanced and correctly worked with a most appealing expression. Happy and confident on the move.

Yearling B – 6 (1)

1st: MASTERS & DOTT’s Manchela Soul Sister

Full of breed type, this quality blue is well constructed and presented a lovely outline from every angle. Cobby and compact, she has super front construction with clean neck and shoulders and lovely shapely quarters which are developing well. She moved out confidently with free ground covering movement. Liked her a lot but felt at she just lacked the edge on maturity at this stage.

2nd: MITCHELL’s Glowhill Candy Corn

Another pleasing blue of super type who was very close up to 1 for her moderate and correct make and shape, though she is not quite as forward. Her lovely legs and super neat feet, along with her shapely strong quarters are particularly appealing. Moved well.

3rd: HENDERSON’s Pendledell Violanda

Maiden B - 2

1st: Glenbrows Blue Fortune

Repeat 1st Junior B

2nd: TORBETT’s K Kirlinjis White Russian

The litter sister to the Minor Puppy B winner, this attractive and feminine B&W is close up to her sister and so similar comments apply, however there is less of her all through and she is not so forward. Her pretty head and nicely formed forehand construction are especially pleasing. While a tad erratic on the move, when she did settle, she moved out well.

Novice B – 5

1st: NORIE-MILLER’s Ryallcourt Silent Night

Nicely marked B/W&T whose lives up to the ‘merry’ in merry cocker with a charming glint in her eyes. Short and compact, she presents a clean and honest balanced outline where nothing is overdone and is nicely made all through with good neck and shoulders, nicely sprung deep ribs, and a round bum. Happy and confident on the move.

2nd: Glenbrows Blue Fortune

Repeat 1st Junior B

3rd THOMAS’ Fortuna Of La Vie Magnifique Among Claramand

Graduate B – 8

1st: RAHMAN & TODD’s Chataway Motzi Mabusi

Classy black from the top draw who is full of breed type. Feminine but with strength and substance she is maturing well with her a pretty head and expression, muscular neck and clean slopping shoulders, straight front and super legs and feet, firm middle piece and round muscular quarters. She moved out straight and true with purpose. Presented in good coat and condition and handled to advantage, strongly considered for RCC.

2nd: WHITEHEAD’s Ryallcourt Timeless Thread

Attractive balanced and compact blue with good substance and pleasing outline, who pleases for overall type and sound proportions and was unlucky to meet 1 on such form. Attractive head. Her super forehand construction with ample forechest and good upper arm are also very appealing. Moved well.

3rd: NICHOLAS & WILDMAN’s Mr Mike Oktumi Wishful Thinking

Post Graduate B – 8

1st: TORBETT’s Kirlinjis Moonlight Jw

Lovely blue who is well-made throughout and appeals for make, shape, and breed type. Feminine head and kind expression. Her chest is well developed with correct width all through, and her forequarters and rear angulation are balanced. She moved out well driving from the rear.

2nd: MACLEAN’s Lynwater Snow Moon

Appealing typey orange who was close up to 1. While stronger all through, she is still feminine with an appealing head with lovely colouring and pigment. Short and compact, her strong balanced and nicely angulated body is nicely put together with pleasing width and depth, and strong quarters. Moved well.

3rd: WEST’s Jamesfield Just A Star At Sheigra

Mid Limit B – 5

1st: MCCABE-BELL’s Grandtully Biddy Ford

Appealing liver who scored in this class for her overall width and depth though she still has some maturing to do. While not quite in full coat, she had enough and was very much ‘what you see is what you get’ - an honest unexaggerated typey feminine cocker who is square and compact, and who has an attractive well-proportioned head, and pleasing balanced angulation throughout. Moved out soundly.

2nd: HENDERSON’s Pendledell Mia Tesorino

Attractive black who scores for her overall breed type and classic, cockery, outline with her clean and nicely angulated neck and shoulders, short back and correctly angulated rear. She presented a pleasing profile on the move, would just prefer more width and depth all through.

3rd: KEZOUREC’s Wilmerella Fantasy At Belcroute

Limit B – 8 – lovely class

1st: KETTLE’s Lujesa Laurellakes Angel Whisper

Very smart black of quality who I judged as a puppy and was thrilled to see her now where she has fulfilled her early promise. Loved her make and shape and classic breed type, and her overall femininity and substance. Pleasing in head and kindly eye. Her correct muscular neck that is cleanly set into fine slopping shoulders particularly impressed, along with her strong deep middle piece. Presented in lovely coat and condition, she impressed on the move where she used her well developed and made quarters to power freely around the ring covering the ground showing a correct outline all the time. She stayed on my mind and pushed hard in the challenge to take the RCC in great competition.

2nd BOWEN’s Glowhill Annika At Lararth

Appealing blue of pleasing overall type and who was presented in good coat and hard condition. Balanced and compact, with a charming head and expression, she is free from exaggeration with well-developed and angulated front and rear quarters, lovely well boned legs and correct feet, and a short deep body with correct ribs. Moved out soundly with confidence.

3rd: REMINGTON’s Rozamie Black Pearl Jessremjul ShCEx

Open B – 9 – another lovely class where I was truly spoilt for choice and where there were many I could have easily placed 1st.

1st: HILLIER’s Sh Ch Coedcernyw Calendar Girl JW

I have long admired this girl from afar, so it was a real pleasure to finally get my hands on her. She is a beautiful example of the breed with all the typical breed attributes clear to see, and there is not much I can say about her that has not already been said. In super coat and condition, she belies her age, and her head and expression is simply stunning with eyes you could lose yourself in for days. But it is on the move where it all comes together where she strides out showing clean purposeful bustling movement. Loved her! CC and BVIB, and while she pushed the DCC hard she had to concede to the rested presence of the dog in the challenge for BOB. Thrilled to see her later take veteran group 2 – well done!

2nd: TORBETT’s Sh Ch Kirlinjis Made You Wait

I’ve said it before and will say it again, this kennel knows how to make honest, tidy cockers! Lovely quality dark blue of super breed type. Cobby and compact she presents a lovely outline with excellent forehand construction, deep well-developed rear quarters, and a firm and deep body in between. Such pleasing bone and substance but still feminine with a pretty well-proportioned head. Presented in lovely coat and condition with sound purposeful ground covering movement. Considered for RCC.

3rd: SHINKFIELD & LESTER’s Quettadene Queen Of Stars JW

Veteran B – 6

1st: Sh Ch Coedcernyw Calendar Girl JW

Repeat 1st Open B

2nd: DAVIES’ Kerriglow Honesty JW

Having previously judged this black as a 10m puppy where I did her well, it was lovely to assess her now as a fully mature 9-year-old. Of a slightly bigger frame, she pleases for type with plenty of bone and substance and is well constructed throughout. Her very pretty head and feminine expression, along with her strong neck and well-placed shoulders are particularly nice. She moved out confidently with purpose.

3rd: WEST’s Sheigra Simply A Star JW ShCEx OSW VW

 Judge: Tori Ellis (Shannara)