Border Counties Gundog Club

Border Counties Gundog Club 3rd May 2026 Spaniels (English Springer), Spaniels (Welsh Springer) and Spaniel (Field) I have been honoured to have been asked to judge at this show once before and I was so very pleased to be asked back to do so again, but for three different breeds. Although one or two changes in personnel, the welcome that is attributed to this show, had not changed. Many, many thanks to Mrs MacLachlan, Ms Henderson, Mr Armstrong and the rest of the committee for initially asking me to judge and their fabulous welcome. The location is a particular asset with rings that are able to show off their Gundogs well. this comes from large ring sizes and plenty of lighting. The well-oiled machine of the committee provided plenty of information to exhibitors and judges alike, to enable a free flow of the show and enabling those to come later where necessary. Great organisation. Thanks also to my stewards, Heather and Gillian. Superb ring management, well organised and extremely helpful. Really run the ring well. Thanks again, must go to all who brought their charges under me. Overall, I was very pleased with the entries that came under me on the day, with a couple of exhibitors, honouring me with their champions. I said previously that I thought the overall standard of dogs in and around the Scottish Borders was high and I stand by this. Also, to find out that there were several Open and breed specific shows on or around the date for this weekend, was another testament to the Show, drawing in a higher entry. Long may it continue and well done. Spaniels (English Springer) The standard of exhibits on show was top notch. Although only four exhibits, it was more than a pleasure to go over each one. I am sure a lot more will come from the two puppies. A big thank you to all the exhibitors and their lovely charges. Class: 98 – Puppy (1,0) 1. 227 – Calvert’s CALVDALE INFINITY – 9-month bitch that has so many attributes in keeping with the breed. A well-balanced colour to a liver and white, with light ticking to forelegs and rear. A young bitch with so much to like. Well developed for her age, showing good muscle and overall substance. A beautifully balanced and feminine head, with correct proportions. A gently chiselled foreface and a well-defined stop. She has a lovely clean skull and her dark hazel eyes are of excellent colour, giving the soft, melting expression that is so desirable. Lobular ears, set in line with eye. these hung close to a neck of proportionate length that was clean, with a slight arch. This transitioned with ease into well-constructed, well-laid shoulders and excellent angulation both fore and aft, producing a most balanced and harmonious outline. Width to chest that fitted the hand so very well. This showed good depth, down to elbow. Lovely spring to ribs and a strong, firm loin. Width to croup that showed proportionate length. Her well-developed thighs are entirely in keeping with the rest of her, adding strength and overall symmetry. Still showing a touch of “puppiness” on the move, as expected at this stage, but all the essentials are clearly in place. She is progressing well and already showing encouraging width behind on the away. Such a happy girl in the ring that did everything for her handler. A delightful youngster with a very bright and exciting future ahead of her. She just pipped her litter sister to BP on her ring presence but little between them at this point. Keep an eye on this girl. Very happy to award BP and find out she went on to gain BIS P. Grp 4. Class: 99 – Graduate (1,0) 1. 228 - Calvert’s CALVDALE LIZZIE STARK – 9-month litter sister to 1st in Puppy with so many of the similar qualities. Again, a well-balanced liver and white bitch. She is slightly more substantial than that of her litter sister, again showing excellent muscle and overall substance. Beautifully feminine head with balance in length of skull to muzzle. Lovely clean finish to muzzle, with a wide nose of complementary pigmentation to coat and surround to eye. These are of medium size and again similar colour to that of her litter sister, dark hazel. These were separated by lovely fluting showing good width to a gently rising, well-defined stop. A gently chiselled foreface and, complemented her clean skull. An alert and kind expression was present from these positively amalgamated assets. These were framed well by lobular ears that were well feathered and hung close to head. A strong neck was seen coming from this point that showed good length, also. Again, these eased in transition from neck to well laid shoulders. These also showed balance between length of scapula to upper arm. Straight in foreleg and depth to chest. Again, excellent spring to rib that might even be a little stronger than her sister, at this stage of development. Super strong in loin and width to croup. Lovely rear angulation and width to upper and second thigh. Well boned throughout. On the move she showed promise. Clearly attentive to her handler with width behind and to front on the up and back. Good footfall on the around. Initially a little reserved when going over her, but pleasing to see her settle and show to better advantage later in the AV classes. In the future, I see there being hot competition between her and her litter sister. Get the popcorn ready to watch. Again, another very promising prospect. Class: 100 – Limit (1,0) 1. 230 – Joyce’s PEASBLOSSOM AURA AT FELLTOPS – 4-year-old bitch that again was really appealing. A lighter liver and white 4-year-old bitch of good, honest type. Nothing overdone here and all the better for it. Presented a balanced and workmanlike outline both in the stack and on the move. Her head was feminine and well proportioned, with good width of skull, nice chiselling and depth to muzzle. She had a lovely, soft expression enhanced by a dark brown eye. Overall, an appealing and pleasing head. She was solidly constructed throughout, with a strong neck flowing into well laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Front assembly was sound with good width and length of leg, giving her the correct proportions. She had filled her ribs and is strong over the loin, with balanced body proportions and a firm, topline. Her rear quarters are well balanced, with lovely angulation without exaggeration. She carries hard muscle tone behind, which she uses to advantage, producing strong drive. Importantly, her balanced construction allows her to maintain true Springer front action. On the move today, she was sound and purposeful, with good tail action, although at times just a little sluggish which slightly detracted from the overall picture. Nevertheless, she retained balance and correctness in profile. Presented in very good condition. Unlucky today to come up against an exhibit very much in my type, for Best of Breed. Class: 101 – Open (2,1) 1. 229 – Chandler’s SH CH ELAZLAN CORONATION DAY JW – A 3-year-old bitch I admired greatly. In her absolute prime and she showed it! Beautifully presented by her highly capable junior handler. Although on her own in her class, she was a standout girl. One that fits my interpretation of the breed standard so well. Liver and white of excellent type and balance. Immediately appealing for her overall size, shape and clean outline. She had a very typical head with good breadth of skull, flat in cheek and lovely workings to the zygomatic arch. Her brow is particularly pleasing, framing the eyes to give that true, soft and feminine expression so essential to the breed. Lovely dark brown eye, well matched to her coat colour. Ears of excellent shape, length and correct placement. Clean through the neck and shoulders, with a well-balanced, slightly arched neck flowing into correctly angulated shoulders. She stood on a good width of front, down to elbow, with straight, well-boned forelegs and tight, well-arched feet. Her body was compact and strong, with excellent spring of rib, short couplings and real strength in loin. She always held a superb topline, with croup well balanced to the rest of her frame and correct tail carriage completing the picture. Her hindquarters were a standout feature, with super width to thigh and short, well-let-down hocks. This, combined with excellent balance between front and rear angulation, produces a truly typical action on the move. She covered the ground with a free, easy and purposeful stride, showing both reach and drive in harmony. Shown in great condition, this bitch combines breed quality with sound construction and effortless movement. A thoroughly deserving exhibit. Very happy to award BOB. BOB - Chandler’s SH CH ELAZLAN CORONATION DAY JW (from class 101 Open) BP and BIS PGrp 4 - Calverts’s CALVDALE INFINITY (from class 98 puppy). Spaniel (Field) Class: 102 – Junior (0) Class: 103 – Graduate (1,0) 1. 235 – Taylor’s NADAVIN ALBANY WITH TAYOWEN – 13-month-old liver bitch. A very sweet and appealing youngster who has all the essentials in the right place. Presented in an honest, liver coloured coat, with a white flash to chest adds to her overall appeal. She has the softest of expressions, enhanced by a super soft, dark eye, giving such a gentle expression. This came from an eye shade very much in keeping with rest of this girl. Pigmentation to eye frames and nose matching and blending well with liver coat. Occiput well defined. Her head is developing nicely for her age, showing decent length to a strong muzzle with prominence to cheek bone that remained lean beneath eye. Good strength to a moderately long neck that transitioned into well laid shoulders. She was down at elbow and was well-off for bone. She presented a balanced outline, with an excellent spring of rib for size and a firm, level topline. Lovely shape to loin, in keeping with rest of charge. Her angulation is well judged throughout, giving her a pleasing symmetry without exaggeration. Nothing is over done in this girl who is still maturing, as expected, but already showing promise for the future. On the move she showed decent width behind and was so wanting to please her handler. Good luck with her continued development. Class: 104 – Open (2,1) 1. 233 – Hepburn and Laverick’s IRISBEL FROM NOW ON – 3-year-old black dog presenting a very solid and masculine exhibit, full of substance and strength, yet retaining breed type and balance. He has a distinctly masculine head with good length of skull, moderate stop and a well-developed muzzle and nose, showing a clean finish. His expression is particularly pleasing—soft, yet regal and strong—enhanced by the darkest pools of brown. Ears are well placed and of good length, completing a typical and noble appearance. Neck of good length and strength that flowed into a well-assembled front. He stands with a very good outline, showing a level topline. He is very well off for bone, with decent width to front, with balanced angulation fore and aft. His body is well developed, with good depth and length of thorax. Very appealing spring of rib and a strong, muscular loin. He has good width to thigh and well-developed hindquarters, with firm hocks and a well-set tail completing the picture. Presented in a lovely coat of great texture and sheen. Shown in hard condition, with good muscle to inner thigh. He moved soundly with a good width behind and to front on the away and back. On the around showing drive and good footfall. He also had presence in the ring that was so appealing. A masculine dog with much to admire in construction and type, who gives a strong overall impression. BOB. BOB - Hepburn and Laverick’s IRISBEL FROM NOW ON (from class 104 Open) Spaniels (Welsh Springer) Another breed that had beautiful exhibits in every class. So lovely to see and gave me several headaches. Thank you all once again. Class: 112 – Puppy (3,1) What a lovely class from litter mates. 1. 252 – Douglas’s CHANANGEL HYPNOTISED BY SANTALLINA – 7-month dog that I later found out was the son of my BOB. A great deal to like and already showing some of his father’s wonderful traits. Presented in a fuller coloured coat that was highly appealing. Strong male head, showing good substance that was obvious when compared to his litter mate. Slight doming to skull. Quite square in finish to muzzle of moderate length and good depth, with a lovely clean finish. Clean in cheek with workings in zygomatic arch coming in so well, under super dark brown eye. These were medium sized and well positioned in skull separated by a well pronounced stop that had an appealing amount of fluting. Lovely little brows finished off the complete picture of such a gentle expression. Pigment around eye and to the big nose, so very dark. Correct in ear shape and hanging on low, next to a super strong, clean long neck. This flowed so easily in superb front construction. This revealed correct angulation and good proportions. Straight in leg and good width to chest. Well sprung ribs and strength to loin that enabled a level topline. Lovely shapely rear construction with angulation matching that of front. Excellent width to upper thigh. Correct tail set. On the move already showed typical smooth, ground covering action. Really not a lot to choose between him and his litter sister, but today he was a little more complete. His ring presence is already coming on so well. so much to like about him and I’m sure that he will go far. One to watch. BP. 2. 249 – Chandler’s CHANANGEL KISS CAM – 7-month bitch that was super appealing straight from the off. Very much compact in the stack which I feel is getting lost in the breed. Very bright and alert expression. excellent workings under lovely dark medium shaped, almond eye. strong in stop, yet retaining a refined female look. Black pigmentation to large nostrils and eye lining lids. Very good balance to head proportions and shape. Ears set well. A very pretty bitch. However, really came into her own in bodily proportions and balance. Long in clean neck that entered seamlessly into well angulated shoulders that showed proportionate lengths. Width seen in the chest and prominence to prosternum. Excellent spring to ribs that were down at elbow. Off square in appearance. Level in topline that transitioned into a shapely croup of good width, giving her lovely flowing lines. Even for her young age, excellent width to thigh that highlighted her rear angulation. on the move showed what her construction was about, showing plenty of drive, from rear and lovely typical easy ground covering action. She showed a little inexperience in the ring today as it was one of her first shows, pushing her to second, however, over time I am sure this will go and she will come out of herself. I did see her in several other classes throughout the day and she grew in confidence as the day went on. She is a highly interesting prospect and I, for one, will be following her progress keenly. Class: 113 – Graduate (3,2) 1. 255 – Lemin’s HIGHSLADE MILLION REASONS FOR BONVIS – 15-month-old bitch of lovely head type and balance to front and aft angulation. She is still very much a youngster and needing time to fully come into herself. She does possess many of the requirements to be a lovely girl. A very pretty head that was lean with a sweet, soft, feminine expression enhanced by an excellent dark hazel eye, of medium size. Her head is developing nicely. Super workings beneath eye that showed off her well-proportioned stop. Slight dome to skull and muzzle in proportion to rest of cranial construction. Lovely strength to neck that entered well angulated and balanced front construction that was mirrored in the rear. She is slightly longer cast, but still maintains balance to her overall look and strength very much apparent in loin that enabled her to hold her topline well. Particularly appealing muscling to the hindquarters, showing excellent width to upper and second thigh. Good bone throughout with neat, tight feet. Beautiful coat of rich red and white with lovely texture, presented in excellent condition. At times she appeared a little unsure in the ring and she could benefit from a little more confidence. However, when settled, she showed sound and balanced movement, showing correct Welsh action. A raw youngster with time very much on her side. Once confidence and maturity come, I feel she has the potential to develop into a very lovely bitch indeed. Class: 114 – Limit (2,1) 1. 250 – Chandler’s CHANANGEL WHITE ROSE - Just over 2-year-old bitch of excellent type and substance, presenting a lovely overall picture and outline. In keeping with my style of Welsh in profile. A more cobby appearance, making her a super robust girl, beautifully balanced throughout and presented in outstanding coat and condition. Her head is one of her many virtues, being feminine, well balanced and free from coarseness. Very pretty indeed and showing excellent balance. Skull of good proportion with a moderate stop, clean through the cheeks and nicely chiselled beneath the eyes. She has lovely workings around the eye area, which combined with her excellent dark eye of correct size and shape, gives the true soft, gentle yet intelligent and inquisitive expression. Ears are correctly set, lying close to the cheek and framing the head well. Altogether a most attractive and typical headpiece that was accentuated by her rich contrast in colours between rest of head and fluting through stop. This adorned a clean neck of appealing and proportionate reach, the transitioned effortlessly into well angulated shoulders. Another exhibit with excellent spring of rib and a strong loin. Loved the width across her croup. This allowed for a sturdy and flat topline. this gave the firm grounding to hold well-developed quarters with excellent rear angulation, good width to thigh and hocks well let down. On the move she covered the ground extremely well, showing width behind on the away and moving in total harmony with her young handler. A very nice bitch who appealed greatly for her balance and overall breed type. Class: 115 – Open (4,2) I loved both of these exhibits and thought so highly of them. Many thanks for bringing them. 1. 248 - Chandler’s SH CH CHANANGEL JO SUGDEN JW SHCEX OSW – 5-year-old dog of outstanding quality and true breed type that I thought had everything. Presented in first-class condition and painted the correct outline of a Welsh Springer male in his prime. He showed excellent balance and breed character in one complete package. He possessed the correct proportions and substance without any exaggeration. Masculine throughout yet remaining refined and typical. His head is a particular virtue, masculine without coarseness, with a well-proportioned skull and clearly defined stop and strength to muzzle. Flat in cheek with excellent workings to his zygomatic arch. He has the most pleasing dark hazel eye that forces you to look twice. Correctly shaped, sized and set, giving an intelligent and kindly Welsh expression. Super dark in pigmentation around eye and to wide nostrils. Ears are well set and lie close to the cheek, completing a super appealing, typical headpiece. Excellent reach of neck flowing cleanly into well laid shoulders and a correctly constructed front assembly, balanced in lengths as well as angulation. Good width to chest, fitting the hand so well and strongly boned throughout. Forelegs straight with strong pasterns and neat, tight feet. Body well ribbed with excellent spring and depth down at elbow. This was coupled to a strong loin and firm, level topline which he always maintained. Croup well-formed showing width and length. His hindquarters are powerful and well developed, showing excellent width to upper and second thigh with balance in his angulation. On the move he was a delight to watch, covering the ground with effortless reach and drive, true both in the up and back, maintaining his topline and showing free action, effortlessly covering the ground with lovely drive. He owned the ring. Presented in superb coat of rich red and white, correct in texture and beautifully prepared, completing the picture of a high-class Welsh Springer Spaniel male who thoroughly deserved BOB and BIS Grp4. 2. 254 – Douglas’s SANTALLINA OFF AND RUNNING JW – 3-year-old dog of excellent type and quality, who was extremely unlucky to meet the winner today, as there is so much to admire about this balanced young male. Presenting quite a complete and finished picture. Slightly longer cast than the class winner, but this in no way detracts from his overall balance. He gives a lovely profile outline, possessing excellent body, substance and bone throughout. His head is attractive and masculine without any hint of coarseness and pleasing chiselling beneath the eye. He has a very dark eye, well-shaped moderately sized and expressive. This was assisted by a moderately wide stop of good prominence and strength. Clean in skull that showed that characteristic slight dome that was slightly stronger than first, yet none the less appealing. Ears correctly set and lying close to the cheek. These hung neatly next to a strong neck that eased into well laid shoulders with good return of upper arm and balanced front assembly. He stands on good bone with straight forelegs and strong feet. Body has excellent depth and spring of rib with a firm loin and correct topline, flowing into a good tailset which he maintained well on the move. Croup is balanced with overall appearance in shape, length and width. His rear quarters are well developed with good width to thigh, balanced with front and in terms of angulation and short rear pasterns, allowing him to move with purpose and drive. He showed true action behind, good footfall in front and motored around the ring, holding himself extremely well. Presented in a dark, rich coat in excellent condition, this is a very honest young male with lovely character and enthusiasm. One I admired greatly and pushed hard for top honours. At only 3 years of age, his time will come, I am sure. BOB and BIS Grp4 - Chandler’s SH CH CHANANGEL JO SUGDEN JW SHCEX OSW (from class 115 Open) BP - Douglas’s CHANANGEL HYPNOTISED BY SANTALLINA (from class 112 puppy) Dr. Hefin Jones (Pencastan)