Hampshire Gundog Society

I was pleased to be asked to judge Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers at this prestigious Gundog show. Also, delighted with the number of entries and only one absentee. I had the fourth highest entry behind Pointer, Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters. The quality of exhibits was very high. I heard later that most of them had received at least a RCC. I feel very honoured to have received such an entry. A special thank you to Seon and Judy, my stewards.

PUPPY (2)

1. Lashly’s Tollisty Thrymheim. A nicely balanced youngster, with all the correct proportions. Not a strong, masculine head, but everything is correct, only a puppy and will develop more. Correct wedge-shaped skull, slightly rounded, with moderate stop. Medium sized ears set well back and almond shaped eyes. Medium lengthed neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Straight forelegs standing on medium tight round feet. Body well made. Chest developing, short back, correct croup and hindquarters developing. Good tail set and use. Impressive movement with good reach in front and drive from the rear. Presented in good coat and condition. I hope he matures into a nice masculine dog. BEST PUPPY.

2. Smith’s Tollisty Jotunn. Litter brother to above. Stockier in build and more masculine, with heavier correct head. Strongly muscled neck flowing into well laid shoulders. Correct depth of chest and straight forelegs. Good spring of rib for age, level topline, kept on the move. Providing a nice overall picture. Very muscled hindquarters and fit for purpose. Good bone and feet. A steady mover, but not the reach of his brother. Coat coming. 

SPECIAL YEARLING (1)

1. Townsend-Bean’s Arthundur Firecracker. Very feminine, rather on the smaller size, but had a good shape. I found her a lot better to go over, than she looked. Nicely shaped head, super ears giving a good expression. Level topline and well-muscled throughout. Sturdy enough in bone to carry out her original role. Good on the move, although a tad close going away and coming back. Lovely deep rich colour with good markings. 

POST GRADUATE (6)

1. Strevens’ Tollisty You Can’t Decline. I see I have judged him before and gave him the same award. I am surprised he still qualifies for Post Graduate. Attractive dark coat colour of good quality. A well-balanced compact body producing a nice outline. Well-proportioned, masculine head of pleasing shape, moderate stop, correct eye colour and good ear size, giving a soft expression. Shoulders well laid back, straight fore legs, elbows close to body and tight well-presented feet. Nicely bodied, ribbed well back and level topline. Well-muscled hindquarters with stifles well bent. Excellent topline and tail set, tail well carried. Moved out with good stride, holding his topline.

2. Nutland’s Arthundur Dandelion Wishes. A lighter, very feminine bitch presenting a nice outline. Well balanced and compact. Correct feminine head, good ears and eyes giving soft expression. Good front assembly flowing down to strong, slightly sloping pasterns. Well-muscled throughout with correct hindquarters. Moved quite well. Presented in good coat and condition.

3. Smith’s Tollistry Couldn’t Carless. Sister to winner.

4. Townsend-Bean’s Arthundur Firecracker.

5. Lashly’s Tollisty Blow Your Mind at Citanabel JW. Another sister to the winner. The breeder must be proud.

OPEN (6)

1. Burchell’s Flavour of Tokaj Aszu Suchy Las Vegas to Tivalake JW SGWC (IMP POL). I see I have judged this bitch before when a lot younger. She is maturing well but has further to go. I still love her. Just what I thought a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever should look like. Compact, well-muscled, powerful and fit. Wonderful movement but could have moved out a little more on the day, but it was getting hot. She still has not got her full coat, but enough. A well-balanced bitch who presents a pleasing outline. Super well-proportioned slightly wedge-shaped feminine head. Almond shaped eyes, blending with her coat colour. Strong well-muscled neck, shoulders well laid back, elbows close to body, straight well boned forelegs and excellent feet. Ribs well sprung, firm topline, which she maintained standing and moving. Tail well feathered and carried. Well-muscled hindquarters, stifles well bent and hocks well let down. Shiny coat enhanced with white markings as a blaze, on tip of tail, chest and feet. Very fit for purpose. BEST OF BREED.

2. Streven’s Sh Ch Tollelkin Caife Gaelach at Tollisty. Another I have judged before and awarded her the same place in the same class. Still a lovely type and worthy champion, with all the attributes that go with it. She is a mature feminine well-made Toller, compact with a balanced outline and plenty of coat, presented in excellent condition. Very attractive typical Toller head, super kind almond eyes of correct colour. Strong neck set on well laid shoulders, with straight well boned fore legs and slightly sloping pasterns. Plenty of substance and well-muscled. Good depth of chest, spring of rib and short loin. Straight, strong topline. Good tail set with tail constantly in motion. Muscled hindquarters and good turn of stifle. Tight well arched feet. Moved very well. Such a showgirl. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

3. Burchell’s Orxes Kissing the Waves on Tivalake (IMP CAN) SGWC.

4. Streven’s Tollisty Shincha JW.

5. Never’s Tollelkin Dream Cove at Sheldrake AW(B).

6. Smith’s Tollisty Raudr.

Felicity A. Snook

JUDGE