Border Counties Gundog Club

Border Counties Open Show 3rd. May 2026

Irish Setters 

What a smashing show at which to be invited to judge Irish Setters. The venue was excellent, with plenty of amenities for everyone. The whole show was run in a friendly and calm atmosphere where exhibitors socialised and appeared to enjoy the day accepting the judges’ decisions in a sporting manner. Congratulations to the small, hard-working committee for their organisational skills. Additionally, my thanks to the mighty duo, Judith and Judith, who did a sterling job of running the ring in a calm, quiet and organised manner. Thank you, Ladies.

Class 37: Graduate DOG (2,1)

1. WALKER, Mr. & Mrs D & L: Gwendariff Hanky Panky

A handsome young man who portrays breed type and a balanced picture when stacked. He possesses a lean, proportionate head with a prominent occiput, dark eye with workings underneath that come together to give the required loving and intelligent expression. Ears set on low. A strong arched neck that flows into well laid-back shoulders. He stands on strong, oval bone with a straight front. He has a deep chest with the desirable spring of rib that is carried well back. He has width to his hindquarters and a neat bend of stifle. Today, though, he did not move as well as I have seen before, but I am sure that this will be momentary.

Class 38: LIMIT DOG (2,1)

1. WALKER, Mr. & Mrs D & L. Gwendariff Ucant Touch This J.W.

In profile - a smart and eye-catching dog that is racy, elegant and well presented. He is well balanced and stands on strong bone. Well proportioned, masculine head with dark, unshelled almond-shaped eyes giving a gentle, intelligent and appealing expression. Moderately long, muscular, arched neck leading to well laid-back shoulders. A correct topline that he held on the move. Liked his straight front assembly, deep spring of rib and strong loin. Hind quarters are well constructed with a good bend of stifle. Although his reach and drive were good, on the day, he lacked the lustre that I have seen him portray at other times. This is what cost him in the challenge for B.D.

Class 39: OPEN DOG (3,1)

1. BOYD-MCNEIL & EDWARDS, Miss & Mrs J & S Gwendariff Beam Me Up Scotty.

I have admired this dog since he was a youngster and he did not disappoint on the day. He has a stylish profile showing a gently sloping top line and well bent stifle. He is balanced, with quality bone and substance; a straight front with excellent depth of chest that was fairly narrow. He is a handsome dog with parallel planes to his proportionate head. He possesses raised brows that he used to his advantage; dark, appealing eyes of the correct shape and a slightly square muzzle. His ears were set on low. Strong neck flowing into well laid-back shoulders. Ribs were well sprung and a strong loin with correct tail set. He came into his own when on the move with good stride, correct footfall, drive and a lashing tail. He is quite a showman and could not be ignored. I was delighted to award him B.D. and B.O.B.

2. MURCHISON, Mrs. L. Kerryfair Please Please Me Corphin

Ten-years-old, on the day, is a larger dog than one, who pushed hard for this class. I do like his breed type - a classic profile, displaying a gently sloping topline. A long, lean, refined head of correct proportions. Dark, soulful and correct shaped eyes, a slighter stop than 1, with workings below, all producing a soft, gentle expression. A dark nose with the desired wide nostrils. Ears set on low. A muscular neck, straight front, deep chest, Pronounced sternum, well sprung ribs of good length, strong over loin, with width to croup, correct tail set, muscular first thigh and small, tight feet. Plenty of dark, well-maintained feathering and shown in hard condition. He moved well for his ten years, with a lashing tail, but not quite as impressive as the class winner. Well done to the gracious owner.

Class 40: PUPPY BITCH (1,1)

Class 41: GRADUATE BITCH (4,1)

1. MURCHISON, Mrs. L. A. Harelferg Penny Lane via Corphin

This youngster appeared to be happy in the ring as she strutted in with her wagging tail. She certainly portrayed the demonstrably affectionate temperament of the Irish Setter In the stack she displayed a balanced outline, parallel planes to her feminine head, raised brows, dark eye for her intelligent expression, moderate length to neck with a slight arch to it, fitting well into well laid back shoulders; depth to chest, down at elbow strong loin; bend in stifle with well-toned thighs; firm, small feet, hocks well let down. She moved freely and confidently with reach and drive.

2. WILLIAMSON, Mrs. L. Keljaru En Vogue

Handler and dog worked as one, which was pleasing to see. This balanced girl is built on finer lines than one. In the stack she appeared to have a good outline. She possesses a fine, feminine head, dark eyes with a kind, intelligent expression. She is sound in front with good shoulder placement, strong across loin and croup, neat feet. On the move she held her topline. Moved better on the around than up and back. This is what cost her the class, but I am sure that this will be overcome.

Class 42: LIMIT BITCH (1,1)

Class 43: OPEN BITCH: (3,2)

1. WILLIAMSON, Mrs. L Bluesprings A Kind Of Magic At Keljaru This bitch showed a classical picture with nothing exaggerated. A feminine head with pronounced occiput; correct planes, dark eyes that showed a kind, intelligent expression, good stop with some workings below her dark eyes, fairly square muzzle, low set ears of adequate length; moderately long, strong, arched neck, straight front; down at elbow ; ribs well sprung; close coupled strong loin, width to hind quarters. On the move she used the strength in her rear to drive and produced a clean set of pads. Best Bitch

B.O.B. and Best Dog: Gwendariff Beam Me Up Scotty;

Best Bitch: Bluesprings A Kind Of Magic At Keljaru

Rhiannon Jones

(Pencastan)