Lancashire Heeler Association

The Vulnerable Native Breeds Show - 15th August 2026 Hosted by The Lancashire Heeler Association Irish Water Spaniels It was a pleasure to judge Irish Water Spaniels at the 4th Vulnerable Native Breeds Show. There was a lovely atmosphere. This was my first time judging the breed outdoors on grass and it was a joy to see them move to their full potential. P (1) 1. Stirk's Stanegate Step To Stardom For Grakar. 7 month old bitch, definitely well on her way to stardom, in lovely coat and condition. Pleasing head with almond eyes just needing to darken a little, gradual stop, strong muzzle of correct shape and a nice large nose. Enough slope to her shoulders, straight forelegs and round feet. Good depth of chest for her age, with ribs carried well back to a strong loin. Well angulated stifles and low hocks. Once settled, she was sound and true moving towards, with a pleasing side gait. I loved her character and she is a very exciting prospect. BP. J (1) 1. Stirk's Stanegate Step To Stardom For Grakar. L (4,2) This was a difficult class, with two very different examples of the breed. 1. Bradley's Nyllaup Oregon Sunstone. 2 year old dog, rather raw at present but with lots of potential. Masculine head with low set ears. Strong neck, deep chest and enough spring to rib, though less developed in body than 2nd. Preferred his well angulated quarters and his reach and drive on the move. 2. Hardy's Cuboglach Tufted Skipper Of Babanoddraig. Lovely head on this 3 year old bitch, she is strongly built and compact all through. I liked her deep chest, well sprung ribs and short, strong coupling. Very well balanced with a low set tail and good quality coat. I would prefer to see her carrying a little less weight. Moved on an even, steady stride. O (3,1) In contrast to the last class, these girls were so similar in construction and performance it was almost impossible to split them. 1. Bradley's Sh Ch Stanegate Stage Debut (AI) ShCEx. 6 year old bitch who is such a super example of the breed, I feel privileged to have got hands on her. Pleasing head with strong muzzle, smooth face and low set ears. Good reach of neck, strongly set into well laid shoulders. Tidy front with the best of feet. Good depth and width to chest, with excellent spring of rib and strong coupling. Powerful, well angulated hindquarters and low set tail. Well presented and handled, she covered the ground with ease, showing the breed specific rolling motion. BOB. 2. Stirk's Sh Ch Nyllaup Akoya Pearl For Grakar JW ShCEx OSW. 2 year old who lost out to her dam by the narrowest of margins. Both have breed type in abundance. I loved her head and expression, she has a good dome to her skull, with dark, almond eyes and long, low set ears. A very smart outline, with good length of neck; short, level back, correct tailset and well angulated quarters. So similar to the 1st, the only thing I could find to split them was she had a fraction less body under her dense, crisp ringlets - and that will undoubtedly develop more as she matures. Another that impressed on the move, with correct footfall and rolling gait. No hesitation in awarding RBOB. Eleanor Bryant (Phenset)