Gundog Society Of Wales

Large Munsterlander

Miss Victoria Wilkins (Velvetquest)

DCC 397 - Sh Ch Graf Iii vom Busshof at Albadhu ShCEx (E & F Logie & Braidwood)
RDCC 391 - Sh Ch Vonstrahlend Kam Das Leben (Mrs Nm & Mr I Griffiths-Rose & Griffiths)
BCC 411 - Dita Z Miketova Dvora (Imp Cze) (Miss C D Weber)
RBCC 396 - Sh Ch Albadhu Pawsitive Vibes JW VW (E & F Logie & Braidwood)
BOB 411 - Dita Z Miketova Dvora (Imp Cze) (Miss C D Weber)
BP 412 - Reinstwasser Gustav vom Eichenhirsch (Miss S & Mr J Welsh & Wake)
BV 396 - Sh Ch Albadhu Pawsitive Vibes JW VW (E & F Logie & Braidwood)

Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to every single person who entered under me. With the rising cost of fuel and the cost of living continuing to put pressure on everyone, I know that showing our dogs is becoming increasingly expensive, and I really do appreciate the time, effort and money involved in attending a show. Every single entry meant a great deal to me, and I am so grateful that you chose to bring your dogs under me and seek my opinion. Thank you also to the committee of GSOW who are just one of the best on the show scene.

As someone who is actively involved in the breed, I also want to say how much I appreciated the support from fellow exhibitors, many of whom I have known for years. I know so many of you personally, and that made your support even more special to me. It was genuinely lovely to see everyone coming together to support a breed specialist, and I certainly don't take that for granted. We are a relatively small breed community, and I think it is so important that we continue to support one another and those who are passionate about the breed. It really did mean a lot to me to see so many familiar faces around the ring.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day and was really pleased with the depth and quality of the entry. The atmosphere around the ring was wonderful, with such a lovely sporting spirit amongst exhibitors, which made the day even more enjoyable. Temperaments were very good throughout, which is something I always feel is so important in our breed. There were some incredibly close decisions, and in several classes I could quite easily have swapped my placings on another day. So many of the dogs had qualities I absolutely adored, and in the end a lot of my decisions came down to movement. For me, that lovely, long, springy, ground-covering gait is so important, and those who really used the ring to their advantage often just had the edge.

My comments regarding breed type from my previous judging appointment still stand. I do feel there continues to be quite a variation in type across the breed, and this is something I think we should all be mindful of. However, on the whole, I was absolutely thrilled with the quality of the dogs I had the pleasure of judging, and there were so many lovely examples of the breed.

I was particularly interested that both of my CC winners were foreign imports, which I thought was quite significant and certainly worth mentioning. My Best of Breed, Best Puppy and Best Veteran all went on to do the breed proud at the end of what had been a very long day, and I was so pleased to see them representing our lovely breed so well.

Finally, a special thank you to the exhibitors in the bitch classes who kindly allowed my student judge, Helen Sutton, to go over their dogs. I really do believe that giving aspiring judges the opportunity to get their hands on dogs and learn about our breed is hugely important. We all have to learn somewhere, and without the generosity and support of exhibitors, the next generation of judges simply wouldn't have those valuable opportunities.

195. Large Munsterlander - Puppy Dog
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 412 - Reinstwasser Gustav vom Eichenhirsch (Miss S & Mr J Welsh & Wake)

This youngster is very much a baby at 12 months old and has plenty of time to mature. I wouldn’t like him any bigger, as he is well up for size now, and has plenty of filling out to do. With time he will body up and mature, and I’ll watch with interest to see how he develops. He had good head proportions of muzzle to skill, good eye shape and colour, and a good neck with a slight arch. Good layback of shoulder, nice tight feet, In the rear he shows good bend of stifle and is exceptionally well muscled for one so young – I can very much see him working. Over time as well as maturing, he will settle in his handling as he can be a bit of a fidget, but at this age they need that character. Moved well, and put in a nice performance in the puppy group. Well done. Best Puppy in Breed.

197. Large Munsterlander - Yearling Dog
Entries: 3 Absentees: 2

1st 404 - Echobase Star Man (Mrs C A Thorne)

What a happy chap. I really, really liked this boy and I do think with more ringcraft training and show practice he will be a future CC winner. Needs to settle on the move to show the best of his movement, but from what I saw he had good reach and drive and could benefit from being moved on a longer stride. The best of heads for me, nice eye, lovely ear, beautiful melting expression. Very attractively marked and a tail that never stopped wagging. Needs to body up but plenty of time as he is such a baby. In super muscular condition. Good topline. His handler was quite nervous as it was only one of their first shows. Please keep going and throw yourself into it – he is a lovely boy and you are doing a really great job. Will watch him in future. He was turned out in such superb condition – his coat was gleaming. 

198. Large Munsterlander - Novice Dog
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 404 - Echobase Star Man (Mrs C A Thorne)
Repeat of previous class. Settled more in this class than previous.  

199. Large Munsterlander - Post Graduate Dog
Entries: 3 Absentees: 2

1st 385 - Tarkanya Ritas Reinheart at Alfriston (Mr M Day)

Not sporting his best jacket today and would like to see him carrying a little more coat, particularly in his trousers, to complete the overall picture. He has lovely markings which really catch the eye, and I find him a very attractive boy. Lovely headpiece with good proportions and a kind eye, giving him that beautiful Munsterlander expression. At the top end of size for me, but with good depth of chest, well-laid shoulders and plenty of bone without being overdone. He was shown in super, hard muscular condition, and I have no doubt he could do a good day's work. He held his topline well on the move, although I did find him a little difficult to assess properly today as I would have liked to see him moved out on a longer stride. I think allowing him to really open up would show off that lovely, long-striding, springy gait that we want to see in the breed. He has the cheekiest personality and clearly loves every minute of being in the ring! I remember judging him as a youngster, and it was so lovely to see that he has lost none of that wonderful character or his love for life. A really charming boy with plenty to like about him, and one who certainly made me smile!

200. Large Munsterlander - Limit Dog
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

Two really nice boys in this class, and for me the final decision came down to overall balance on the stack. Both had plenty to like about them, but I just preferred the more complete outline of my winner today.

1st 405 - Ulys Du Pic Des Berlanches avec Exelby (Imp Fra) (Miss E Uherkovichova)

I really liked this boy and for me he had the more balanced and complete outline on the stack, despite not yet having the maturity or coat of my second place. There is still plenty of time for him to develop, and I think he has so much to offer as he matures. Loved his head, with lovely proportions and a really pleasing expression. He has a great attitude and clearly enjoys being in the ring. Good front with plenty of forechest and depth of chest, lovely spring of rib and well ribbed back. Nice tight feet and a good, firm topline which he held both standing and on the move. He really came into his own moving around the ring, particularly in profile, showing lovely reach and drive with that typical long, springy gait that I love to see in this breed. He covered the ground well and made a really pleasing picture on the move. There is still some maturing to do, particularly in coat and overall finish, but I loved him and think he has a very exciting future ahead of him. I would be surprised if he doesn't go on to become a very worthy CC winner and gain his title. Handled beautifully and shown to his full advantage throughout.

2nd 402 - A Foxy Gozer Uut’t Vossebeltseveld (Imp Nld) (Mr Rj & Mrs Ja Siddons)

Another really nice boy and absolutely no doubting that he is all male! He has a lovely commanding presence on the stack and really catches your eye. Shown in a beautiful coat and groomed to perfection, with his handler clearly taking great pride in his presentation. I always appreciate seeing a dog turned out so beautifully. He has a tendency to drop his topline slightly when standing, which for me just spoils his otherwise lovely outline, and this was ultimately what cost him the class today. He was shown in absolutely fantastic, hard muscular condition, and I have no doubt whatsoever that this boy could go out and do a full day's work. A lovely body with good depth, super feet and a lovely tail. Slightly sloping croup, good width of thigh and plenty of muscle behind. He moved well around the ring, both coming and going, showing himself to be a sound and capable dog. There really was very little between these two, and I could quite easily see them swapping places on another day. A lovely, masculine dog with plenty to admire about him.

201. Large Munsterlander - Open Dog
Entries: 4 Absentees: 1

I will start by saying that I found this a really challenging class to judge, as all three males had qualities that I absolutely adored. On another day, at another show, I could quite easily have placed them in a completely different order. All three were lovely examples of the breed and there was very little to separate them. Ultimately, my final placings came down to movement, particularly the ability to show that lovely reach and drive and really use the ring to their full advantage.

1st 410 - Caesar Ii Svatoborský Revír (Imp Cze) (Miss C D Weber)

Another male who wasn't shown in his best coat, but actually, for me, this really showed off his lovely shape and outline. He presents such a balanced picture, with nothing overdone and is just right for size and type for me. Lovely head with good proportions between muzzle and skull, and a kind, dark eye giving him that beautiful Munsterlander expression. Super length of neck with a slight arch and plenty of strength, flowing into well-laid shoulders. Good return of upper arm and plenty of forechest. He is well ribbed back with a good spring of rib, and has lovely width of thigh, well-bent stifles and plenty of muscle behind. A really well-made dog with so much to like about him. On the move he really came into his own, using those well-muscled hindquarters to power around the ring, showing excellent reach and drive and covering the ground with ease. Held his topline well and carried his tail beautifully, completing a lovely picture in profile. For me, he won this class on his movement, really making the most of the space available to him. I did seriously consider him for the RCC, but on the day I just preferred the overall balance and maturity of my veteran winner. A super dog who I thoroughly enjoyed judging.

2nd 392 - Crumpsbrook Jay (Mrs J Horton)

Oh, what a lovely boy this is! Another who could so easily have won this class, and I have to say, on the stack he was my winner. He has the most beautiful outline and was presented in absolutely incredible condition. This is a dog show after all, and I really do appreciate a dog that has been prepared and presented with such care. You can clearly see the pride his handler takes in him, and for me that is just the icing on the cake. Beautiful breed type with the kindest of dark eyes and the most melting expression. Lovely head, good earset and feathering, with a super neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Good bone and lovely tight feet. His coat really is to die for, beautifully presented and with feathering in all the right places. He makes such an attractive picture standing and there really is so much to admire about him. On the move, however, I just didn't feel he showed quite the same reach and drive as my winner. I would love to see him moved out on a longer stride, as I think this would really allow him to show off that long, springy gait. He is so at one with his handler and clearly a real pleasure to show. A beautiful dog who I liked enormously, and on another day he could very easily have taken the top spot.

3rd 386 - Kamaze Dance in The Dark ShCEx (Mr P W Disney). Another lovely boy, who could have again won this class on another day. Very similar comments about movement and stride length apply, a lovely dog.

202. Large Munsterlander - Champion Dog
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 397 - Sh Ch Graf Iii vom Busshof at Albadhu ShCEx (E & F Logie & Braidwood)

I had the pleasure of awarding this boy his very first RCC at just six months old, and here I was, years later, awarding him his 10th CC! A real full circle moment for me and quite a special one, as he has matured into such a lovely dog. He has so much character and personality, and I really do hope he never loses it! Full of bouncing beans and clearly loving every minute of being in the ring. I thoroughly enjoyed his type, with nothing overdone about him and a lovely, balanced outline. He is well angulated fore and aft, with good layback of shoulder and length of upper arm, plenty of forechest and lovely spring of rib, being well ribbed back. Good through the loin, with plenty of muscle behind and lovely width of thigh. He is a well-made dog who really comes into his own on the move. He has super reach and drive, really using those powerful hindquarters to propel himself around the ring, holding his topline beautifully throughout. His tail carriage just completes the picture for me. Handled very well and shown to his full advantage, despite all those bouncing beans! In the BOB challenge I just preferred the overall movement of the bitch today, but this boy could so easily have taken that spot on another day. A lovely, honest dog, full of breed type and character, and it was a real pleasure to see how beautifully he has matured since I first judged him. A very special moment for me.

203. Large Munsterlander - Veteran Dog
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 391 - Sh Ch Vonstrahlend Kam Das Leben (Mrs Nm & Mr I Griffiths-Rose & Griffiths)

For me, this boy pushed incredibly hard for the CC today. There is just something about him that makes it difficult to take your eyes off him. It isn't just how well he is put together, but that wonderful Munsterlander temperament that makes this breed so special. He absolutely oozes personality and really did capture my heart! Loved his beautiful outline, so balanced and full of breed type. Shown and presented in super condition, with a lovely gleaming coat. Well balanced angles fore and aft, with a super head of lovely proportions, a kind eye and that beautiful expression. Good length of muscular neck with a slight arch, flowing nicely into well-laid shoulders. Good layback of shoulder, lovely spring of rib and ribbed well back, with a super loin. He has so much to like about him both standing and on the move. He tends to fly his tail a little when moving, but what a lovely picture he makes in profile, covering the ground beautifully and holding his topline throughout. I just preferred the overall balance and movement of my CC winner today, but goodness, this boy really did make me think! Handled beautifully and always so focused on his handler, clearly enjoying every moment in the ring.  

204. Large Munsterlander - Special Beginners
Entries: 1 Absentees: 1

208. Large Munsterlander - Yearling Bitch
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 394 - Albadhu I'm Addicted to You JW (E & F Logie & Braidwood)

Liked this girl very much and did seriously consider her for higher honours. She is still very much a baby, with plenty of time on her side, and I will be interested to see how she matures. Loved her overall outline, so balanced and full of type. Super depth to her chest, well ribbed with good forechest and depth of brisket. Lovely neck with that slight arch, flowing nicely into her shoulders. Beautiful feminine head with good ears and correct feathering, giving her a very pretty expression. Shown in good condition and handled well throughout. She moved around the ring well, showing good reach and drive, but still has that slight roll you can see in youngsters while they are developing. It was this that cost her against the more mature bitches today. A really lovely, typey and attractive young bitch with so much to like about her. I will certainly be keeping an eye on this one as she grows up.

209. Large Munsterlander - Novice Bitch
Entries: 0 Absentees: 0

210. Large Munsterlander - Post Graduate Bitch
Entries: 3 Absentees: 0

1st 383 - Kamaze's Dancing Queen (Mrs K Caile)

I will say this bitch didn’t move the best at the start of the class, but as she settled into her job she showed great promise, despite giving her handler a bit of a challenge! Despite this, I couldn’t not award her the class as her construction was the best for me. I loved this bitch for her overall size, type and balance, presenting a lovely, feminine outline with plenty of breed character. She has a beautiful, well-proportioned head, flowing into a lovely length of neck and well-laid shoulders. I would prefer a touch more forechest and depth of chest to complete the picture, but she has a pleasing front assembly, lovely spring of rib and a firm, level topline which she maintained throughout. She is well boned without being overdone, standing on lovely, tight feet. She presented a very typical outline, with much to admire. I would have liked to see her moved at a slightly faster pace to really appreciate her action, but she moved soundly and well, covering the ground with ease. 

2nd 401 - Crumpsbrook Escher (Mrs A & Mr P Ryder)

Another very pretty bitch with plenty to like about her. I loved her markings, which really caught my eye and gave her such an attractive overall picture. Lovely head and neck, although I would prefer a little more width through her head as she is slightly narrower than my ideal. Good front with a pleasing outline and a firm topline. I particularly liked her hindquarters, with a super bend of stifle and good angulation behind. Lovely feathering in all the right places, which really finishes off her appearance. She moved okay around the ring, although I would have liked to see a little more from her on the move today. A very pretty girl with some lovely qualities and plenty to admire. Handled well.

3rd 382 - Crumpsbrook Mariet (Mrs J & Mrs H Bargman & Stanford)

211. Large Munsterlander - Limit Bitch
Entries: 5 Absentees: 0

1st 411 - Dita Z Miketova Dvora (Imp Cze) (Miss C D Weber)

This girl won the class and eventually went on to take the CC on her beautiful, effortless, ground-covering movement and she is an absolute joy to watch. She really reaches out in front and drives beautifully from behind, covering the ground with ease and making the most gorgeous picture in profile. When she is moved steadily, she settles into that lovely, long, springy stride, ands he really does come into her own. Not sporting her best coat today, but actually there was absolutely nothing to hide with this girl, and it allowed me to really appreciate her lovely shape and construction. She has a beautiful outline, with lovely head proportions and a kind expression. Good layback of shoulder, well angulated in front and a super bend of stifle behind. Lovely depth of chest, good spring of rib and well ribbed back, with a super body and plenty to like about her overall balance. Shown in fantastic, hard muscular condition, with good bone and lovely tight feet. She held her topline beautifully, both standing and on the move, and I particularly loved how she maintained her outline as she powered around the ring. For me, she was the best mover in this class. A lovely, honest bitch with nothing overdone, who thoroughly deserved her CC today and eventually BOB. Put on a lovely performance in the group.

2nd 395 - Albadhu I'm Mad About You JW (E & F Logie & Braidwood)

Another very attractive bitch and I have to admit I do have a bit of a soft spot for the lighter coloured ones and she caught my eye immediately. I really liked her markings, which are so pretty and make her a lovely picture on the stack. A nice, typey bitch with plenty to like about her. Lovely head with a super eye and arched neck. Good front with a pleasing depth of chest and a firm topline. I particularly liked her hindquarters, with good angulation behind. Good feet and bone. Lovely feathering which finishes off her overall appearance nicely. Like her sister, she still has that roll on the move when youngsters are developing and this will develop with time as she matures. There is plenty of time for that to come, and today she just lost out to the more mature bitch ahead of her. A very pretty girl with lots to like about her, and I will be interested to see how she comes on with age. Handled very well and to her full advantage at all times.

3rd 379 - Crumpsbrook Anki (Mrs J Bargman)

212. Large Munsterlander - Open Bitch
Entries: 2 Absentees: 0

A lovely class with two really nice girls who could quite easily swap places on another day. There was plenty to like about both of them, and ultimately my decision came down to movement, with my winner just having that little bit more 'go' about her today.

1st 390 - Toberworry Little Lies (Mr P & Miss H J Foreman)

A really nice bitch with plenty of breed type and lots to like about her. Good shoulder angulation and a lovely head and neck. Good square outline. She has a good body, with nice depth and ribbing, and a lovely bend of stifle behind. Well balanced fore and aft and held her topline nicely both on the stack and when moving. What won her the class for me today was her movement. She really wanted to get going and moved out well, showing good reach and drive and making good use of the ring. A lovely girl who just had that extra bit of enthusiasm on the move today. Handled well. 

2nd 389 - Tarkanya Sophies Sunflower (Mrs H Evans)

 Another lovely bitch and one who could easily have taken the top spot on another day. For me, she had the best of heads, with such a lovely expression and beautiful proportions. I could look at her eyes all day! Super chest and front, with plenty of forechest and good depth of brisket. Well ribbed back with a good croup, lovely hocks and good pasterns. She does have a tendency to slope through her topline when standing, which can spoil her otherwise pleasing outline. On the move she just didn't have the enthusiasm of 1 and I would have liked to see her really open up and show what she is capable of. There is so much to like about her, and I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see these two swap places another time as it was very close for me. Today I just preferred the more positive movement of my winner.

213. Large Munsterlander - Champion Bitch
Entries: 1 Absentees: 0

1st 384 - Sh Ch Crumpsbrook Anneke to Incadar (Mr G T & Mrs J Darby)

What a beautiful expression this girl has! For me, she has the most lovely head with a kind eye and that gorgeous, melting expression that I could look at all day. She is such a happy girl, full of character and clearly enjoying every minute in the ring. There is plenty to like about her and I can certainly see why she has gained her title. She still needs to mature and develop a little more in body for me, but time is very much on her side and I think this will come as she matures. Super neck and front, with good shoulder angulation and a lovely bend of stifle. Good muscling behind and she was shown in lovely, fit condition. She holds her topline so well on the move and makes a very pleasing picture in profile. She is so at one with her handler, clearly enjoying herself and showing with such a happy attitude. A really lovely girl with plenty of breed type and so much to admire about her. 

214. Large Munsterlander - Veteran Bitch
Entries: 4 Absentees: 0

Two lovely bitches headed up this class, who again could swap places.

1st 396 - Sh Ch Albadhu Pawsitive Vibes JW VW (E & F Logie & Braidwood)

 I really loved this girl's type and she presented such a lovely, balanced outline. For me, she has a head to die for, with the most beautiful expression and a super neck flowing nicely into well-laid shoulders. Good bone, lovely ribbing and nice tight feet. Shown in good coat and condition, and there was so much to admire about her both standing and on the move. I would prefer a little more bend of stifle, but I am being picky here as I really did like this bitch. In profile she has that lovely, ground-covering movement and really makes a beautiful picture as she goes around the ring. For me, it was her overall type, balance and movement in profile that just gave her the edge today. A super bitch with so much to like about her. Put on a lovely performance in the challenge which meant she was awarded the RBCC and Best Veteran. Well done on a good group performance too.

2nd 409 - Sh Ch Braccpoint Song of The Wind for Gemlorien (Mrs H J Ward)

Awarded her the RCC last time I judged and she still has that same sparkle as she did then now she is a veteran. Another really lovely bitch who pushed my winner hard and could quite easily have taken the class on another day. She has one of the nicest outlines, presenting such a balanced and attractive picture on the stack. Good shoulder angulation and shown in super muscular condition, with plenty of strength without being overdone. Not sporting her best coat today though. She moved really well, particularly in profile, where she showed lovely reach and drive and covered the ground with ease. She was pulling a little in front today, and I would have liked to see her steadied slightly to really get the best from her movement as she was trying to get back to her owner. When she settled into her stride, she made a super picture and there was very little to separate her from my winner. A lovely, well-balanced bitch who I thoroughly enjoyed judging, and I could easily see these two swapping places another time. 

3rd 380 - Crumpsbrook Molinia (Mrs J Bargman)

VICTORIA WILKINS (VELVETQUEST)