Newton Abbot & South Devon Canine Society

Many thanks to the organisers and my stewards. Their hard work, dedication and attention to detail ensured the smooth running of the show. Sincere thanks to all exhibitors who, despite the cold and rain, came and presented their setters in such wonderful condition – they were a pleasure to assess.

Irish Setter

Puppy (3,0)

1. CROCKER & FROST’S SASSY SUSAN LOFTY AT RIVERBRUE (IMP POL)
A truly eye-catching puppy of excellent type who immediately appealed for her overall balance and quality. She presents a lovely outline with a pretty head, gentle expression and low-set ears. Neck of good length flowing seamlessly into well laid shoulders. Straight forelegs. Impressive front assembly, especially for age with a great depth of brisket and a pleasing length of ribcage. Straight, gently sloping topline held well both standing and on the move, complemented by a well-set tail carried correctly. Hindquarters well developed for a puppy, with a good bend of stifle and short rear pasterns. Moved soundly with plenty of drive to match her reach. Nice coat with good feathering coming through for age, shown in excellent condition throughout. I have no doubt she will be highly successful as she continues to gain confidence in the ring. BP

2. PRANGLE’S HEATHCLARE FABERGE
Very attractive puppy bitch. Slightly heavier head than the winner but of harmonious proportions with good stop and lovely raised brows, giving a soft, kind expression. Well set ears. Neck a little shorter than the winner but flows into a sound front. Straight forelegs with strong pasterns and neat feet. Well-developed depth of chest for age with nice spring of ribs and strong loin. Good, gently sloping topline, though croup a little round at present for me. Hindquarters well made with a nice length of first and second thigh. Moved soundly and with confidence. 

3. POOLE’S GWENDARIFF RING ARING AROSES (IKC)
A male puppy with many desirable features. At his stage of development, he was not quite as coordinated on the move as his competition.

Special Yearling (6,1)
A truly high-quality class, with each dog deserving recognition making placings very difficult. 

1. CLARKE’S RIVERBRUE GIVES YOU HELL
A very stylish young dog presenting an upstanding, balanced outline. Well-proportioned head with correct planes, dark eye and pleasing expression, complemented by low-set ears. Clean neck of excellent length flowing smoothly into a well constructed forehand with good lay of shoulder and matching return of upper arm. Very good depth of chest and spring of rib. Great topline, held well in stance and movement, finished with an excellent tailset. Hindquarters are well developed for age, with broad muscular thighs and a sound bend of stifle, giving strength and stability. Notably excellent tight feet with nicely arched toes. Moved effortlessly around the ring, while maintaining his outline. Beautifully presented and handled to advantage. RBOB

2. RUTHERFORD'S CLONAGEERA SUMMER MOMENTS JW
A well-boned bitch of pleasing overall balance. Head a touch stronger than my personal preference, however it has many desirable features, with raised brows over dark eyes, level planes, well defined occiput and a kind expression. Muscular neck leading into a well made front with correct shoulder placement and good return of upper arm, both of very good length. Deep in brisket. Ribs of appealing length and good depth provide ample heart and lung room leading to strong loin. Powerful hindquarters and excellent width of first thigh. Moved soundly with purpose and plenty of drive from behind. Presented in a dark, rich coat in very good condition. Just preferred the topline of the winner today.

3. ROBERTS’ POLMENNOR SPICE OF LIFE

Post Graduate (5,1)

1. CROCKER & FROST’S RIVERBRUE LOFTY (IMP POL)
A beautiful, very feminine bitch of excellent breed type, showing great elegance and quality throughout. The most attractive outline, enhanced by a refined head with soft expression from under raised brows, correct parallel planes and low-set ears. Neck of good length with a gentle arch, flowing without interruption into very well-laid shoulders. Nice return of the upper arm. Ample depth and length of ribcage, supported by straight forelegs and neat feet. Straight topline with the correct, gradual fall through the croup, maintained excellently in stance and movement. Tail set correctly and carried well, completing the picture. Powerful rear assembly with excellent width through the first thigh. Balanced angulation and an optimal bend of stifle. Moved with ease and purpose, showing good extension in front and strong drive behind, keeping balanced outline throughout. Beautifully presented with attractive feathering. BOB

2. PIKE’S REDCLYST SIBELIUS
A male of good overall proportions, presenting a balanced outline in profile. While I would prefer a more refined head, it remains in keeping with the dog. Neck of correct length, well arched, leading into adequate shoulder placement with a good length of upper arm. Straight forelegs with good feet. Sufficient depth of brisket. Well developed body with substance. Hindquarters strong and well muscled, with well-bent stifles. Moved well, slightly narrow going out today. Feathering of good quality and colour which enhanced his outline.

3. GARDINER’S GLIMMER NOBLESSE EAGLE EYE OF BLAYSDELL (IMP SVK)
I really liked his type and many qualities, but was a bit unsteady on the move today which influenced the final placing.

Limit (3,0)

1. PRANGLE’S CLONAGEERA ITS A NEW DAWN AT HEATHCLARE JW
A very pleasing bitch of excellent type, presented in superb condition. Strong and attractive head with parallel planes, plenty of brain room, a clearly defined occiput. Gentle, inquisitive expression, dark eye and nicely raised brows. Correctly low-set ears. Muscular neck flows cleanly into well-placed shoulders. Good depth of brisket with well-sprung ribs, straight front with good bone and neat feet. Topline held well at stance. Strong, well-muscled hindquarters. Demonstrated a sound movement, though a slight tendency to a steeper croup was mainly noticeable on the move. Immaculately presented. The silky coat enhanced her overall picture.

2. HENDERSON, SZWAJKOWSKI & PIKE’S REDCLYST PERSHING
A sound, unexaggerated dog of nice type and shape. Head of correct proportions with well-defined occiput and raised brows, giving an appealing, gentle expression. Neck nicely arched and of correct length. Good depth of brisket and spring of ribs. Strong, well-muscled hindquarters, though a little more bend of stifle would further enhance rear construction. Carried a nice full coat and was presented in a lovely condition. Moved out steadily with a good stride, just a touch close behind today.

3. MACDONALD’S REDCLYST HEAD FULL OF DREAMS

Open (4,0)

1. CLARKE’S COVARNEY DREAM TIME FROM BRONRIANS JW
An appealing bitch presenting a substantial yet elegant outline. Feminine head of good proportions with a pleasing expression. Muscular neck of appropriate length. Well-constructed front and correct depth of brisket. Ribs carried well back to a slightly arched, muscular loin. A strong, straight topline with a gentle slope, extending to a well-set tail. Balanced fore and hind angulation. Powerful hindquarters with great bend of stifle. On the move, showed purpose and drive, maintaining strong topline, with footfall just lacking a little precision today. Meticulously presented. 

2. PIKE’S REDCLYST BORIS VW
A masculine male with attractive overall symmetry, presenting a clean outline. Very nice head with planes of correct length and position. Kind, soft expression. Good depth of brisket. Straight gently sloping topline with correct tail set. Very well-muscled throughout. Moderate hindquarters with enough bend of stifle and strong hocks. Moved freely and with confidence, though a bit narrow behind today. Presented in a full, beautiful, straight coat which completed the picture.

3. HENDERSON & SZWAJKOWSKI’S REDCLYST PASHA

English Setter

Post Graduate (2,0)

1. RAINEY’S CULVERWELL TOUCH OF FORTUNE AT WOLMERSON
A stylish, well-made orange belton bitch. She has an appealing head, which she carried high on the move. Clean, slightly arched neck flowing smoothly into a firm topline. Straight forearms. Well laid-back shoulders, contributing to a balanced and well-proportioned front assembly. Well set tail, maintained correctly in line with the back and used with animation. Moved well with reach and precision. Coat texture and feathering are of very good quality, enhancing her overall presence. RBOB

2. RIDSDILL’S SHARNYX SHE'S SO PRETTY
A sound orange belton bitch with good substance. Well balanced head with well defined stop. She has a kind, typical expression. Not as straight in front as the class winner. Neck of correct length. Firm topline falling a little at the croup. Short coupling. Attractive coat and feathering. Moved slightly narrow behind today.

Open (2,0)

1. RIDSDILL’S SHARNYX HERE'S BONNIE
A quality blue belton bitch of good type with a compact, strong body, shown today in very well-muscled condition. Lovely feminine head of correct proportions, with ample stop, depth of flew and earset, giving a soft, keen expression. Appealing in outline, with a strong, muscular yet lean neck flowing into a firm, level topline and correct tailset. Well placed shoulders, appropriate depth of chest and spring of ribs. Balanced angulation fore and aft with good bone. Correct silky coat texture. She moved with confidence and steadiness, showing excellent reach, drive and power, while maintaining correct head and tail carriage throughout. BOB

2. OSMAN’S BOURNEHOUSE SIROCCO OVER MARISSOLO JW
Tricolour, upstanding male of pleasing type. He presents a most handsome, masculine head of correct proportions, with oval skull, square muzzle and a gentle, friendly expression. Clean neck of good length. He has adequate shoulder placement and length of upper arm giving a balanced front with straight forelegs and correct depth of brisket. Plenty of width over the loin and good bone throughout. Hindquarters are strong, wide and well angled, with a nice bend of stifle and long thighs; thighs of good width, though not quite the breadth of the class winner. Presented in excellent coat and condition. He moved soundly and well in profile, a touch narrow behind. Today just lacking a little firmness of body and overall coordination, which should improve as he continues to mature and may also have been influenced by the ring size.

Gordon Setter

Graduate (4,0)

1. BALL’S LIGNUM CARIBOU
A very attractive, masculine dog of correct size, substance and strong bone. Broad, strong head of correct proportions with well defined stop and low set ears. Pleasant length of neck. Deep brisket with ample spring and length of rib, short-coupled, with a strong, muscular loin. Oval feet, toes could be slightly more arched. Well-muscled hindquarters with moderate bend of stifle and good angulation, providing strength and drive. Presented in great coat condition with clear tan markings. Moved soundly. RBOB

2. SMITH’S KEWSTOKE SEA QUEEN ZENA
A classic type bitch of desirable size and excellent bone, presenting a feminine outline. Lovely head with pleasing expression and ears set low. Well arched, long neck flowing into a sound front with correct shoulder placement. Short in coupling. She has a strong, muscular rear with adequate angulation. Coat of excellent pigmentation, in shining condition. Moved freely, though could have held her topline a little more firmly on the move.

3. ROBSON’S KEWSTOKE OCEAN COMMANDER AT GLENDUDMOOR

Open (1,0)

1. BALL’S KILNRAE BLACK SAPPHIRE
A well-made bitch of correct shape and balanced outline, presented in lovely silky coat of rich colour and excellent condition. Feminine head, nicely proportioned with correct length of muzzle, dark eye and attentive expression. Neck of very good length leading into well laid shoulders with good length of blade. Strong, straight front with level topline, which she maintained well on the move. Pleasing depth of brisket. Body well muscled throughout. Strong hindquarters with nice length of bones. Particularly good, tight oval feet. Moved with smooth, easy action, remaining steady and true, showing plenty of reach and drive. BOB

Critique by Agnieszka Dufrat (Haverley)