Border Counties Gundog Club

Border Counties Gundog Club Open Show

25 January 2026

Flatcoated Retrievers

I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to judge at this show. I was overjoyed at the entry, however the rate of absentees was huge on the day. I thank exhibitors for the sporting way my decisions were taken and the lovely exhibits. Many thanks to my stewards for conducting a great job.

I was delighted that there were no bad mouths, temperament was excellent, and I was very happy with my placings.

I was delighted to hear my Best Puppy was awarded Best Puppy in Show, well done to the owners.

Puppy (5,3) Difficult decision between the two as the age difference, meant a more mature 11 month old bitch puppy against a 6 month old dog puppy.

1st Anderson’s Feldkirk Roulette at Kazval

A very mature balanced bitch puppy who stands on the very best bone and feet, very exuberant happy puppy, with time should settle. Feminine head with good dark eye balanced skull to nose length, well set ears. This girl has good length of neck flowing into a good layback of shoulder and strong level topline with correct tail set. Shown in full coat and well presented, moved out well when settled with a good side profile movement A very happy temperament demonstrated through her enthusiastic tail action. Best Puppy & delighted to hear Best Puppy In Show.

2nd Walker’s Rotherfield Lone Ranger

A lovely 6 month old male puppy, who I have to admit I fell for. He has the most beautiful head with dark eyes, showing a very intelligent expression. Correct length of foreface with a nicely moulded skull. Good length of neck leading to well laid back shoulders and corresponding upper arm, strong level topline leading to correct tail set and lovely tail action. He stood on lovely bone and feet and had a lovely length of leg, this boy is well made throughout, moved out very soundly on the day I felt he needed more experience which will come, I will follow his career with interest, loved him.

Graduate (4,2) 2 lovely bitches in this class of differing types.

1st Wright’s Rotherfield One Last Look

A 21 month old bitch shown in good coat, she has a feminine head with nice dark eye giving a good expression. Good length of neck leading to a good layback of shoulder strong topline and tail set. Stands on a good length of leg with correct bone and feet. She has a balanced outline, good movement and drive with one of the best rear movement on the day.

2nd Macpherson’s Badcall Dream Weaver.

  This bitch has often appealed from the ringside, so delighted to have the opportunity to judge her. She has a balanced head with good expression, the neatest of ears, a good length of neck flowing into a well laid back shoulders and corresponding angulation of upper arm. A level topline is held whilst standing and on the move, using her hindquarters to advantage in profile. Unfortunately, on the day was just carrying too much weight for me, but none the less a quality bitch.

Limit (5,2)

Three delightful youngsters, all at varying stages of development

1st Stevenson’s Steelriver Pure Majness This 15 month old moderate bitch has a lot of positive qualities from her lovely feminine moulded head finished off with a neat ear and lovely expression. She stands on good feet & bone and has a lovely straight front. Good length of neck leading to level topline and good tailset, she has good angulation to her hindquarters and correct width on the move. This bitch really moves out well holding her lovely shape in profile and covering the ground with ease, I could have watched her go round the ring all day. Pleased to award her Best of Breed.

2nd Hall’s Hightyne Night Train Have judged this lovely 2 and a half year old boy before, a very balanced male, who is beautifully presented. Maturing well and still has more to come. He has a masculine head, a good length of neck flowing into level topline, still needs to drop into his front. He has good bone and feet, moves out well and very attentive to handler.

3rd Ross’ Islstrom Lia Fail

Open (9,7) Two lovely examples of the breed.

1st Macpherson’s Rachanmill Columbo – a 7 year old male who is well up to size, I have judged him before and today I found him in better overall condition and beautifully presented. There is no doubt of his masculinity, he is a super sound dog who moves out with drive. He has good bone has balanced construction throughout, good flow of neck into level topline and correct tail set. On the day was carrying just a little too much weight, so lost out on top honours.

2nd Stevenson’s Ir Sh Ch Blacktoft Caress of Steelriver JW - a 5 year old very feminine bitch, of the correct size. She has a lovely typical head with correct width and breadth of skull to muzzle, dark almond eye and neat ears well set. A good length of neck and flow into well laid back shoulders, level topline held both on the stand and whilst moving, with a well set tail. This bitch strides out well and has lovely profile movement, shame to come up against such an upstanding dog.

Judge Jane Wild (Bluewaters)