Goyt Valley Gundog Society

Goyt Valley Gundog Society

Bracco Italiano, Brittany, large Munsterlander, Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling), Spaniel (American Cocker).

My thanks go to the hard-working committee for asking me to judge at their show and for a lovely welcome. I am always grateful for any appointment; however, this show always holds something special for me, thereby making it all the more significant. Thanks, must also go to Ian Biggs and Wendy Pickup for their brilliant assistance in keeping me in check and their ring duties on the day. To have two stewards with such experience was a breeze and pleasure to judge alongside. Thank you both.

As always, my thanks goes to the exhibitors who brought their charges under me and took a chance under my judgement. Although in several classes the numbers were not particularly high, I was informed that it was about average, especially with Manchester Champ show just around the corner. Many thanks to you all.

I would normally state that my critique is based strongly on movement, however, this was not the easiest to assess today. However, what was on show, on the whole, was assuring and assisted with constructional affirmation.

Critique in catalogue order.

Bracco Italiano

A very nice group of exhibits

Class: 1 - Puppy (0)

Class: 2 – Junior (2,1)

1. 9 - Woodhouse’s ELFRINDEW BYE BABY BUNTIN AT VIXENMOOR – 17-month bitch that stood in a coat of orange and white. From her pleasing stack she was very appealing straight from the off, Development in keeping with her age. Well off for type in head construction, shown by her moderate divergence from muzzle to skull. Depth seen to muzzle that sat beneath a foreface showing width. Lovely soft expression, that had lighter pinking to surrounding pigmentation, in keeping with coat colour. Symmetrical in orange mask, that tucked in around the inside of the eye well, emphasising the stop nicely. Lovely in workings to foreface and into skull. This matched the prominence to occiput. Correct in length to leathers. Strong in neck, that was in keeping in length to rest of charge. Well laid shoulders and straight in oval boned forelegs. Well boned throughout. Width seen to front. Spring to ribs. Ever so slightly longer in torso, than at height at withers in keeping with breed standard, with a lovely topline, showing slight rise to an already muscular croup. Width across upper and second thigh already, showing balance throughout. On the move, although still showing a little puppy movement, you can see all the correct pieces coming into place. Good width to front and rear on the up and back. Reach seen on the around, but could do with a larger space to enable full action to be observed. Drove well from rear. As this one develops fully, I’m sure she will flourish.

Class: 3 – Limit (3,2)

1. 8 – Warburtons’s WITHAMFRIARY LUSH BLOSSOM AT HEBERHOUSE – bitch of some 4 years, that I remember judging a little time ago. She was very unfortunate to come up against some other good, mature dogs then. However, she has now come into her own and matured very well indeed. Slightly more compact than the other exhibits on show on the day, however, this is in her favour. Presented in beautiful rich chestnut and white coat that showed excellent definition to the solid markings, well flecked throughout the rest. Super balance to head planes, showing lovely and proportionate length of muzzle to cranium. Excellent depth and width to muzzle that was in keeping with rest of exhibit. Yet she still retained femininity. Depth to a lovely large, brown nose that matched coat well. Regal in head that she held well on the move. Engaging workings to under eye that assisted with her doe-like expression. Appealing rise of stop, which lead the eye to via the medial furrow to the well prominent occiput. Ears of lovely texture, set on level with eye that reached the tip of nose. These folded neatly next to a neck showing strength. This free flowed into well balanced in shoulder construction and angulation. Balance in length to upper arm and scapula. Straight in sinewy forelegs, with lovely width to chest. Very appealing in length of torso, in comparison with height at withers. Strong over loin and length to croup. Rear quarters finished off that almost square picture, very well. Proportional in width to upper thigh, with super angulation, that complimented front so very well. Upright in pasterns in the stack and on the move. On the day, best mover, showing plenty of reach and drive. Width on move to both front and rear without being overly done. Great untiring action. Another with a super topline. Very well done with her development. Very happy to award BOB.

Class: 4 – Open (4,2)

1. 7 - Warburtons’s OWLSPOINT LOADS OF TROUBLE AT HEBERHOUSE JW – nearly 3-year-old male, shown in a well-defined orange and white, well flecked coat. Very imposing in the stack, showing very good male proportions, in head and body. Well-muscled throughout. Strong appealing male head, with super depth to powerful jaws and characteristic appearance to bridge. Gentle rise to stop, furrowed by medial line that ran through to prominent occipital protuberance. Amount of workings under eye was spot on, emphasising his mask and soft expression well. Clean in cheeks. Ear placed on level with eye and hung neatly next to super strong neck that was moderately short. This entered well into shoulders of appealing angulation. Strong in forelimbs that were straight, but sloped well at pasterns. In profile, gave the appearance of slightly off square. Depth seen to chest, with well sprung ribs. Another that had a highly appealing topline, showing the slight rise to croup. Strength seen over wide loin. Well-muscled rear and pasterns short. Moved best in class showing good reach to front and width behind. Very appealing on the around. Only just pipped to BOB by his kennel mate as I personally preferred her rear and head. However, another lovely example that I am sure will do very well in his career.

2. 5 – Kelsey’s ELFRINDEW KINKY REGGAE – 5.5-year-old bitch that was shown in an orange and white ticked coat. Strength to body was obvious in the stack. Feminine in head construction, with complementary expression to match. Although no face mask, it didn’t detract from the overall look and appeal of head. Loved the length to her muzzle, which complemented the length of skull well. Depth was also apparent. Refinement was more than apparent, showing lovely workings under eye, clean cheeks and into skull. Super soft expression rising from fairly large, oval shaped eyes. Lovely tight rims, that had brown pigmentation, in keeping with nose and darker eye colour. Strength seen to moderately short neck that transitioned well into strong front construction. Decent width to chest that showed good depth. Excelled in spring to ribs and strength to torso. Gentle rise to croup of good length. Lovely strength to loin. Good in rear angulation with lovely width to upper thigh. Showed width to front on the up and back. True in footfall on the around.

BOB - 8 – Warburtons’s WITHAMFRIARY LUSH BLOSSOM AT HEBERHOUSE (from Limit)

Brittany

​Class: 5 – Puppy (0)

​Class: 6 – Junior (0)

Class: 7 – Limit (3,0)

1. 12 – Taylor & Gill’s UNIQUE DE LA RIVIERE OUAREAU AVEC AMFREVILLE (IMP FRA) – dog of 2.5-years, presented in an appealing black and white coat, that was beautifully kept. On entering the ring, showed plenty of energy. For me, chosen on type. In the stack it was evident the skull was parallel with the muzzle. Moderate in stop that dissected his super dark, expressive eye. proportion of skull to muzzle in keeping with breed standard. ears set relatively high and reaching stop. All sat on top of a neck of medium length that ran cleanly into well set shoulders. Appealing front construction showing moderation throughout. Forelegs straight and elbows close to body. Decent width to front and depth to chest. Good topline, showing slight slope from withers. Short in back. Well off in height to length ratio. Width seen to upper thigh. Tailless. Just needs to drop into himself a little. BOB.

2. 11 - Jones’s ROCHUS TAKE ACTION – 3-year-old dog that was shown in a darker black and white roan coat and more compact in appearance than that of first. In the stack, very pleasing for balance showing that square and cobby appearance. Super engaged with handler and looking for work. In head construction, not overly done but still showing male features. Very expressive, darkest of eyes melted into the dark coat seamlessly. Medial line present that engaged pleasingly with skull in occiput of slight protrusion. Width at zygomatic arch in balance with rest of skull. Neck was of moderate length but showed strength and cleanly flowed into front construction that said moderate in most areas. Brisket at elbow, and well-rounded ribcage. Gentle in slope to croup. Moderate bend at stifle in rear, showing good balance with front. Moved very well on the day, showing those characteristic short, brisk steps. Very much a toss-up between this charge and 1st for pole position.

3. 10 - Jones’s ROCHUS SWEAT PEA.

Class: 8 – Open (0)

BOB - 12 – Taylor & Gill’s UNIQUE DE LA RIVIERE OUAREAU AVEC AMFREVILLE (IMP FRA) (from class 7 limit)

Gordon Setter

Class: 25 - Puppy (1,0)

1. 42 – Hartley’s HATENZIEL VALAIS AT COMPLEYDALE – 11-month-old male of good breed type. He is still super raw and needs to fill out. He seems to be going through that “gangly” stage. However, he has several positive attributes to achieve this and come through. This is in no uncertainty stemming from his typical, masculine head. this showed the breadth across skull and muzzle that was very appealing. This was also true of his proportions of tan to black markings. Prominence to stop of moderate width, that provided the grounds for a lovely gentle expression, correct dark brown eye of appealing shape. Excellent workings below eye that focused your look. Ears set on low, giving a very pleasing overall appearance to the cranial construction. Neck long and lean that transitioned into well-laid shoulders easily. Chest developing, though currently a little on the lean side and would benefit from carrying more condition. However, I am sure this will come with time. Ribs of good length and correct level topline. Hindquarters showing balanced angulation with front. On the move, was still a pup, yet showed good reach. Width to rear was present on the corner and back. Coat in puppy stage, but still of good texture and colour, well presented. Typical temperament. With a little more maturity and substance, he should develop into a sound exhibit. BP.

Class: 26 - Junior (1,0)

1. 37 – Donovan’s AMSCOT ANGEL ON FIRE - dog of 18 months that I instantly took to as he entered the ring. A lot to like. Very well off for type, presenting a pleasing picture, with balance and symmetry in the stack. Head planes parallel with good workings to the zygomatic arch and pleasing breadth to the slightly rounded skull. Clean in finish to muzzle. Beautiful, kind expression from a dark brown eye, with a well-defined stop. Proportions of skull to muzzle length very much equal. Ears correctly set on low and of good length. These hung neatly and close to a clean, lean neck of proportionate length. Well-constructed forequarters with matching angulation to aft. Good level topline, strong and well held over the loin. Excellent spring of rib. Already showing good width to thigh and overall strength and with maturity will only improve. Moved very well, showing good reach in front and width and drive behind, maintaining a lovely topline on the move. Feathering good for age. At just 18 months, much to look forward to from this young dog. Best of luck. BOB

Class: 27 - Limit (5,2)

1. 41 – Hartley’s BALNAKEIL CARN LIATH AT COMPLEYDALE – bitch of some 5 years. Presented in a fuller and lovely textured coat that was free moving. Thought her refined and feminine head was so lovely. A very thoughtful look to those darkest of brown eyes that assisted with her expression so well. Super workings to foreface gave a lean impression to clean cheeks and rise to brow emphasised the entire look. Lovely width to stop that had prominence. Correct in muzzle to skull proportions, with similarly correct parallel planes. With the roundedness of the skull also taken into consideration, a very nice headed girl. Good length to ear that hung well next to a long neck that had strength without being thick. This eased into shoulders of good proportions. Forelegs straight. Chest down at elbow, showing a level top line. Would like to see her given some more scope to show off her rear angulation that was balanced with front. On the move, she showed good width behind on the up and back.    

2. 38 – Donovan’s TIGHNABO SGALPAIGH – a male that is a little over 3 years of age. Masculine dog with, yet again, one with a lovely head that was pleasing and strong. A kind, intelligent expression, soft in dark brown eye with good finish to foreface. Workings ever present beneath lose lovely eyes. Strength in muzzle and proportionate rise to stop. This also provided good width, without being too strong. all framed well by ears of correct length. Long, lean, arched neck into well laid shoulders, leading into good front angulation and proportions. Straight fore legs and decent width to chest. Down at elbow and good spring to ribs. Excellent topline, strong over the loin, though ideally would prefer him a shade shorter in back and with a shorter loin. Rear has good angulation but would like more width to upper and second thigh. Good depth of brisket, enough bone and nice short hocks. Rich dark coal coat and handsome overall appearance. Moved steadily with good reach in front and with some width, maintaining his topline. Lovely disposition

3. 39 – Garbett’s GAILIECH BEVERLEYBOTTIR- very honourable mention for this lovely 2.5-year-old bitch. I liked her so very much, however, very unsettled in the ring due to a previous fright. Very difficult to go over. I really hope she can bring it together because in the stack and on the move, was a lovely picture indeed. Please keep going with her. I wish you all the very best with her.

Class: 28 - Open (0)

BOB - 37 – Donovan’s AMSCOT ANGEL ON FIRE (from class 26 Junior)

BP – 42 - Hartley’s HATENZIEL VALAIS AT COMPLEYDALE (from class 25 puppy)

Large Munsterlander

Class: 55 - Puppy (1,0)

1. 85 - Jenks’s ALBADHU FORCE BE WITH YOU – A promising 10-month dog, with a lot to like. Stood in a good coat for age that had pure white areas, yet well ticked. So happy in the ring, which was lovely to see. Very attentive to handler. I love to see a strong male head and this charge had it, without being overly so. Alert in expression that came from deep, such dark eye that blended with the black, head colouration so very well. Showed no haw, what-so-ever. Head that was in keeping with body proportions. Gentlest of rises to stop, with roundness to back of skull. Correct in ear position. Neck strong, with good transition to lovely lay back of shoulders. Front proportions were also very good showing length to upper arm and scapula. Straight in forelegs, with depth seen to chest. Excellent spring to ribs and short in coupling. Lovely width to upper thigh that showed good rear angulation. On the move, still showing his pup side. Energetic and excited but getting there. Showed good width to front and behind on the up and back. Best of luck with his development. BP.

Class: 56 - Junior (1,0)

1. 86 – Pilkington’s ALBADHU PLAYING WITH FIRE AT BAYCROSS – a little over 1 year of age male, but, yet again, one that looks to have a good future. Seems to be a trend with this breeder. Excellent for ring confidence, even at such a young age. Quite a bit to like about this young boy. Presenting a good outline, with well ticked, darker coat. Balanced in head proportions in comparison to body. Rounded in broad skull, showing slight rise to stop. Very soulful, medium eye, dark in brown colour. Dark in pigmentation around eye that matched with large, scent finding nose. Lovely amount of workings around eyes that was not overdone, making him quite expressive. Ears set quite high. Neck of proportionate length that showed slight arch and muscularity. No hint of joining between the neck and thoracic region. Well angulated forequarters, with a nice fill in the forechest, showing development beyond his age. Depth seen to chest that had well sprung ribs and strong loin. Short coupled, and width across croup. Slope slight, toward croup. Angulation to rear quarters, moderate. Very neat in feet. Personally, would like his tail-set a little stronger, to finish him off well. However, on the move drove out well and with purpose. Stretched out with reach on the around and showed plenty of width behind on the up and back. He has a lot of positive foundations to allow him to come together over time. Good luck with his progress. BOB.

Limit (1,1)

Open (0)

BOB - 86 – Pilkington’s ALBADHU PLAYING WITH FIRE AT BAYCROSS (from class 56 limit)

BP - 85 - Jenks’s ALBADHU FORCE BE WITH YOU (from class 55 puppy)

Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)

Happy with the standards of this breed, as it led to many hard decisions, on the day.

Class: 93 - Puppy (1,0)

1. 186 – Greenwood’s COEDHELYG GOOD 1 SON – What a start to the breed. 7-month bitch that I liked quite a lot. Quite pleased to find out she was this young as I think she has matured well already. Presented very well in a rich orange coat, that was already full. Really had to get your hands into it, which is super for a girl of 7 months. Really lovely expression that came from bright, alert eye of amber colour. This matched coat so well. lovely tight rims that were colour matched with fleshy nose. Clean in skull, that had clear tapering from slight stop to nose. Ears set on high and alert to handler at all times. Strongly muscular neck, but still lean. Well off for coat here, but not excessive. This transitioned well into shoulders of excellent angulation. deep in chest, that was down at elbow and ribs well sprung. Width to chest was appealing and fitted the hand well. Strong over loin and good length to croup. Excellent width to upper and second thigh, with angulation mirroring that of front very well. White flick to tail tip present that was used well on the move. Lovely typical movement, with width to front and rear on the up and back. Good action on the around. Well balanced and very promising youngster. Very best of luck BP.

Class: 94 - Junior (2,0)

1. 186 – Greenwood’s COEDHELYG GOOD 1 SON- please see critique from 1st in puppy.

2. 184 – Dawson’s SAWBRIDGE CLAMHAN RUADH – 16-month bitch that was again shown in a lovely rich coloured coat. Slightly more robust in stature than that of first. Another I liked for expression that came from an amber coloured eye with a lovely, complementary amount of workings. These were seen beneath the eye, but also raised brows accentuated the overall appeal. Slight in stop of good width that showed well the tapering run to large, flesh coloured nose. Correct in ear placement and carriage. Good strength to moderately long neck. This entered well into well angled front construction. Lovely depth to chest and strong over well sprung ribs. Moderate in tuck up. Length seen to croup of good width that was in keeping with rest of the charge. Neat in feet. Width seen to upper thigh. Personally, would like a touch more angulation. On the up and back showed good width to front. Good in footfall on the around, showing good gate.

Class: 95 - Limit (2,0)

1. 183- Burgess’s REDMANHEY’S COMTE DE LA FERE – 3.5-year-old male that really caught the eye from his lovely presentation and balance in the stack. In the middle of the size standard. Excellent, straighter coat of rich darker shade of orange. Very much a male head that had the loveliest, soft male expression. clean in skull construction, following a slight, wedge shape. Across the skull showing breadth without being overdone. Presence of moderate stop, that had good width that assisted with that expression. dark in moderately sized, shapely eyes. Tapering muzzle led to flesh coloured large nose. Overall making a good head, with correct ear set. Medium, but strong neck that transitioned into excellent front construction and return of upper arm. Straight forelegs, tight feet, and good rear angles. Level topline, good rear angulation and width to upper thigh, with typical breed action on the move. Could be a little stronger in drive, but moved well, showing width to front. Little to separate him with BOB. Very attentive to handler. Another good example.

2. 182 – Brand’s COEDHELYG JINGLE ALL THE WAY- 5-year-old male that has done well under me previously. Just missing out on first as he didn’t seem to have the same spark today. However, very little has changed from my previous comments. Presented in a coat of darker orange, meeting the standard’s description of ‘moderate’ in many aspects. Very little to separate this dog from 1st; maintained his moderate proportions in the stack. However, somewhat slighter an example than to which I am accustomed. Very pleasing male expression with darker amber, almond-shaped eyes with ample workings. Clean, wedge-shaped skull showing breadth, with a moderate and appealing stop. Flat cheeks, ears well set high and alert, typical of the breed. Moderate neck of good length with proportionate strength, flowing into correctly angled shoulders and straight forelegs. Ribs well sprung, loin strong. Good width to upper and second thigh, which he used effectively on the move, showing sound rear propulsion. Tail and head carriage correct for breed; a hint of white to tail tip that lashed on the move. Very alert and responsive to his handler, showing enthusiasm and eagerness to work.

Class: 96 - Open (2,0)

1. 180 – Adshead’s AFONBACH SYRAX JW - 3.5-year-old bitch another that I have been afforded the opportunity to judge previously. The qualities I stated previously are still there and I think she is improving. Quite a compact girl that was again presented beautifully in a full coat for female, in a moderately deep orange toned coat and white splash to chest. A slighter framed bitch yet showing plenty of tone and good muscle. Dark brown eye, surrounded by lighter pigmentation, in keeping with her well-developed nostril and coat colour. Feminine in head with good prominence of stop without being overdone and correct head planes, all in pleasing balance. Strong neck of appealing length flowing well into well-angulated shoulders. Elbows held close to the thoracic cavity, enabling a deep chest and good spring of rib. Strong loin and good width to croup with correct angulation, allowing for a well set-on tail reaching to hock. Appealing width to upper thigh. Well-toned throughout. On the move she showed good drive from the rear and reach today, true in footfall on the around with typical action. Tail showed correct colouration and appealing action, both in the free stack and on the move. Overall, an appealing exhibit that showed balance throughout. Seems to have come on well in a short time. Well done with BOB.

2. 185 – Gough's CRETSHENGAN KITCHI LAKE (AI)- 5-year-old male, shown in a richly coloured coat, well presented stronger in appearance and rangier than his competitor. Masculine head with slightly rounded skull and almond-shaped eyes giving an alert, yet attentive expression. Good head properties with favourable workings around the dark eye; lighter pigmentation to large nose but in keeping with coat colour and pigmentation around the eye. Moderate length of neck leading into shoulders of decent angulation. Straight in front with good width and depth to brisket, elbows held close, ribs deep and well sprung, with a firm, level topline. Slightly longer in cast. Plenty of bone with tight, round feet. Good width to upper thigh and well-muscled hindquarters, which he used to drive around the ring. Moved soundly, though I would prefer more reach in front. Overall, a good dog with much to admire that was unlucky to come up against 1st.

BOB – 180 – Adshead’s AFONBACH SYRAX JW (from class 96 Open)

BP – 186 - Greenwood’s COEDHELYG GOOD 1 SON (from class 93 Puppy)

Spaniel (American Cocker)

Shame not to have any to go over today, because I was very much looking forward to this breed.

Class: 97 - Puppy (1,1)

Class: 98 - Junior (0)

Class: 99 - Limit (1,1)

Class:100 - Open (0)

Dr. Hefin Jones (Pencastan)