United Spaniel Association

The United Spaniel association

11th April 2026

Spanish Water Dog

As always, my thanks go to the committee for inviting me to judge at their show. It was a well organised and run show. Many well done on the work and effort put into every aspect, including the raffle. The rings were of a good size enabling movement to be seen clearly, especially for the breed in which I judged.

My stewards were excellent. I couldn’t have asked for a better run ring and annotated catalogue. Many thanks to both Andy and Sue.

As always, I am grateful to anyone who comes under me. As this isn’t a breed that is seen in any profusity at shows, I was glad to those who came under me and saw some lovely exhibits of the breed. The standard was there, and I am sure that some will go on to greater things. Also, many thanks to the Spanish Water Dog Club for their kind sponsorship of the Rosettes.

Spanish Water Dogs

Class: 59 - Puppy (1,0)

1. 164 – Caille’s LENDEVER’S TIME TO SHINE – 7-month girl and what a start to my day’s judging. A very lovely young white with black girl, that shows plenty of potential already. Very well off in the stack showing a pleasing outline and well developing amount of coat already, that was correct in texture and curl type for age. Very pleasing in parallel head planes, showing a gentle rise to stop. Typical in skull to muzzle ratios. Width seen to nostrils, of dark pigment, that was matched in the eye rims. These surrounded a tight, dark eye of medium, oval shape. Although all showing a very pleasing female head, this did not detract from strength. Lovely face trim and colouration that was all very much pleasing and in keeping with the rest of the charge. Correct in ear positioning and V-shape, sitting ever so slightly above eye level. These were well dropped close to head next to a short and muscular neck. Very well laid-back shoulder showing the start of good muscle development. In the body, thoracic cavity down to elbow, with spring to ribs. Strong over loin providing the grounds for a level topline. Muscularity seen to upper thigh, and moderate rear angulation. This was in keeping and balanced with front. On the move, carried herself with confidence and happiness in the ring. This was lovely to see, and I hope you can keep this for as long as possible. On the around, footfall was correct. Well off for muscle for age, but as to be expected, not having the adult tone and refinement yet. She is only 7 months, this will come, I am sure. Pushed the other exhibits in the breed all the way, but just pushed on her lacking maturity in a couple of areas. However, like coat, this will come over time. This is a lovely prospect and one on which to keep a keen eye. Best of luck with her future development. RBOB and BP. I also note that she went particularly well in the puppy group and achieved RBPIS. Many congratulations.

Class: 60 – Junior (1,1)

Class: 61 – Post Graduate (1,0)

1. 162 – Abrahams’s CRAVESSA’S RIGHT ON THE DOT BY ADORMIDERA – a 3-year-old girl of slightly lighter build, but with overall good proportions, presenting a balanced stack and positive outline. Coat currently clipped off and in growth, predominantly white; nevertheless, texture is evidently correct—curly and woolly as required by the standard. Carries a good amount of muscle throughout. Feminine head of good quality, with elegant parallel planes of skull and muzzle in correct proportions. Very pleasing dark brown eye, well set, giving a typical expression. Ears correct in set, shape and carriage. Short, strong neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, with good length and angulation of upper arm. Well balanced in angulation both front and rear, with good width to upper and second thigh. Depth of chest, showing down at elbow. Body a shade longer in cast than tall, with strong, level topline and correct tail set. Did not have the same presence at its kennel mates. A very sound mover, brisk and showing good drive from rear. Topline did not waver. Overall, a sound, honest and typical bitch with pleasing construction and correct breed characteristics.

Class: 62 – Open (2,1)

1. 163 – Abrahams’s FIVENINEPLUS AZAHARA BY ADORMIDERA – On entering the ring, the attitude of this girl, of not quite 2-years of age, was instantly eye catching and could not be ignored. Presented in a clipped, super tightly curled black coat with a small white bib. Another that is still maturing, she already showed a lovely outline in profile, moderate, and certainly robust. Absolutely loved her head proportions. Strength yet retaining femininity. Excellent proportions of foreface to skull. Softest rise to stop, that was bordered well apart by medium, oval shaped eyes, of darkest brown. All pigmentation in keeping with the darkness of coat. Lovely roundness to back of skull, that was all in all, in keeping with rest of body. Correct in ear shape, size and set, framing the head well. These were dropped next to a super muscular, short neck, showing no sign of dewlap. Flowing seamlessly into well angulated shoulders, and of correct proportions. Legs straight and parallel, that framed a deep chest. She came into her own with a fabulous spring to rib, that was well covered. Muscular throughout that was evident in the loin. Width across croup in keeping with rest of charge, as was the length and angulation. This allowed for an appealing tail placement. Rear angulation in balance with front, showing moderate angulation. Excellent width to upper and second thigh, which was very evident in the roundness seen to upper hindquarters. All showing a slightly longer than height cast, in keeping with the breed standard. Once she controlled her youthfulness, she went like an absolute unit, showing her athleticism and powerful drive. Couldn’t fault her up and back with upright pasterns and showed good width. True on the around. In the group she really went well and showed off. I see a lot to come from this young girl. She has a bright future. BOB .

Class: 63 – Veteran (1,0)

1. 161 – Abrahams’s ADMORMIDERA ZIGGY STAR DUST VW – This 9.5-year-old boy is an exhibit I have liked from the ringside for some time. Presented in a full, tight, and corded lighter black coat, showing a very pleasing outline, well-balanced, rustic and workmanlike, that all aided to his overall balance. Head of correct proportions, with 3:2 ratio to muzzle. Male in head appearance without being too strong. Correct parallel planes to skull and strong muzzle. Stronger in stop but in keeping with males of the breed and within standard. Really lovely, keen expression coming from lovely facial furniture, that framed obliquely set, medium-sized, oval eyes. Ears of correct size, V-shaped and slightly rounded at the tip, and set well in line with those lovely eyes. Neck clean, flowing into well-laid shoulders. Front assembly of good angulation and upper arm in correct proportions to scapular. Width seen to chest and prominence to prosternum. Depth to chest also. Body slightly longer than tall with a firm, level topline even at his age. Hindquarters well-muscled and showing balance with rest of exhibit. Tail set well, with length to croup. Movement has not deteriorated with age, true footfall on the around, a good width behind on the away. Typical action of the breed, maintaining good drive and stability throughout. Overall, a very typical and honest example of the breed, and excellent condition at 9.5 years.

BOB – Abrahams’s FIVENINEPLUS AZAHARA BY ADORMIDERA (from class 62, Open)

RBOB, BP and RBPIS - Caille’s LENDEVER’S TIME TO SHINE (from class 59, puppy)

Hefin Jones

(Pencastan)