Hamilton Canine Club

Firstly, I would like to thank the officers and committee of Hamilton Canine Club for the kind invitation to judge cocker spaniels at their club show. I was delighted with my entry of 26 for my first appointment. Unfortunately, there were several absentees, but this did not take away from the quality of the entry. Thank you to the exhibitors for entering and taking my results with great sportsmanship. Finally, thank you to Gemma (club secretary) for the hospitality and for making me feel welcome and to my two ring stewards, Duncan and Leah, for keeping the ring moving. I was very pleased to hear that my principal winners went on to do well in their respective groups later in the day. Puppy (6,3) 1st – Todd & Rahman’s Chataway Vera (BPIB, PG3): Topping the class was this 8 month old black bitch who was presented very well. She is pretty in head with a correct scissor bite. In addition, she has a good depth of chest, plenty spring of rib and well muscled quarters. She moved with drive and purpose and together with her handler. I was delighted to hear of her success later in the puppy group. 2nd – MacLean’s Lynwater Fiyero: Another quality exhibit. I really like this 8 month old orange dog. His head profile was very masculine with a moderate reach of neck flowing into well laid back shoulders completing a balanced picture. He moved with enthusiasm and had an ever wagging tail. I’m sure he will have a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to following. 3rd – Burnett’s Alan Parrish of Shaggy Love (Imp Fra) Post Graduate (6,3) 1st – Todd’s Chataway Motzi Mabusi (BOB, G2): This 1 year black bitch stood out for me today on the stack and moving. Another girl with a very pretty head and dark eye giving a kind and endearing expression. She has balanced angulation front and rear. On the move she holds her topline and she moves with great gusto using her tail to epitomise that typical cocker bustle. Presented immaculately with dripping coat and I couldn’t deny her BOB and was delighted to hear she went on to win Gundog Group 2. 2nd – Rodger’s Ravensgreen Diura: This 2 year old black bitch has a level topline and is short in the loin. She was very enthusiastic on the move, full of life and sympathetically handled by her owner. She was carrying her tail a little high today but overall, a pleasing exhibit with plenty substance. 3rd – Macfarlane’s Cooleela Laughing Eyes Limit (6,4) 1st – Nuttall’s Rosecourt Romance: This is a lovely 2 year old blue bitch who is feminine yet has plenty bone and substance. She is compact in body displaying a good depth of chest and well muscled hindquarters coupled with a good bend of stifle. She has neat cat-like feet and is another happy mover with correct tail set. 2nd – Macfarlane’s Cooleela Electra: 3.5 year old golden bitch who has a feminine head. Slightly longer than the winner but has a level topline and well made all through. Good spring of rib and it was great to see her growing in confidence in the class and coming to life on the move. Open (8,6) 1st – Fairbairn & Madigan’s Misperros Incandescent at Carmelfair JW: 3 year old blue bitch who is pretty in head with a well-built front and angulated rear. She was confident on the move, moving with reach and drive. She was very well presented and handled to advantage covering the ground well. 2nd – Fairbairn’s Misperros Sophia Loren (BVIB, VG3): 7.5 year old blue bitch. In my notes I wrote “similar type to class winner” and the penny dropped upon reading the catalogue that these two exhibits are mother and daughter. She has a strong front and short in loin. Her tail was carried correctly but not as outgoing as class winner today. Very pleased to hear she went on to win Veteran Group 3. Ewen Brindle Ordhaway Cocker Spaniels