PAIGNTON & DISTRICT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION

Judges Critiques

Mr R MORRIS

Judging:

Paignton & DFA – Gundog Group - 2nd August 2025 – Judge Richard Morris (Lascoed)

                                                            Gundog Group

The sun kindly shone and the truly warmest of welcomes greeted judges and exhibitors at Paignton & DFA show from an experienced, friendly and forward-looking committee, thank you to the show management for the superb hospitality and the honour of being invited to judge the gundog group. My fellow judges sent forward a grand array of breed specimens giving me ample choice to select four group placings of merit and for that I thank them too. Priorities on the day for me in my observations were soundness, breed character appearance, disposition and presentation this final aspect was on virtuous display with all the finalists. The time of year dictated that some were not quite in their full gundog jackets one or two seemingly felt the heat of a long day or other distractions such as bitches these latter matters disturbing movement on the day. In addition to my four winning exhibits I shortlisted the Hungarian vizsla, Irish setter, retriever (Curly coated), spaniel (Irish water), Spanish water dog and Barbet each I considered lovely examples of their respective breeds. I only wish there had been more awards to give out in this quality group and am sure you will all enjoy success at future shows.

Congratulations to my group one placing Rahman & Todd cocker spaniel bitch Sh.Ch. Zheridons Blanche rising two and a half years old a smart quality bustling golden cocker spaniel on top form looking every inch a champion balanced typical outline bright gentle expression correct head proportions slightly rounded muzzle with length clean muscular neck. Splendid body condition excellent spring and length of ribcage strong across the loin. Hindquarters correctly set short strong hocks. Superbly presented coat enhancing her body outline without excess feathering silky texture and lying flat. Impressive ground covering driving rear action notably straight hocks and rear pasterns correct head carriage with merry well set level tail action. A joy to assess embodying the essence of the breed in her character.

Group two a chestnut/white Bracco Italiano dog owned by Mr M. & Mrs C. Sanderson Sh.Ch. Owlspoint Trouble Again JW Sh.cex Osw a seven years old veteran who I have followed over his show career and awarded best of breed at NGA last year. He just keeps getting better with age in my opinion and must be at his zenith currently. Powerful throughout slightly squarely built masculine dog noble head kind expression from dark eyes ears of correct length. Slightly raised withers super body condition fit wide across the loin muscular croup skin tough. Strongly bone throughout standing on thickly padded tight feet striking out with impressive extended trot correct head and tail carriage on show with very sound action front and rear. A quality bracco and a credit to the breed and his owner, congratulations.

Group three Sh.Ch. Thornywait Starstruck With Lovissa JW a three and a half years old golden retriever bitch owned by Mrs M. Loverock, Mrs L. Waldron-Smith & Mrs S. Zubair pleasing for size construction and feminine quality. Melting kind expression on lovely proportioned chiselled head with good length and strength of muzzle neck muscular correctly set into shoulders excellent length and spring of oval ribcage super level topline strong back very firm at the couplings powerful hindquarter with correct length of thighs and pleasing turn of stifles hocks strong and correctly let down. A super sound mover front and rear with plenty of determined energy and drive presented in wonderful dense coat condition a lovely golden colour and polished off with correct level tail carriage creating a delightful breed picture, congratulations.

My group four placing was awarded to a chocolate American cocker spaniel dog Nujax Happy Halloween twenty-two months old owned by Mrs A. Manser & Mrs L. Nelson strongly boned masculine young dog who I later learned has achieved his crown this year, congratulations. Very balanced standing and on the move holds his topline so well pleasing overall construction strong shoulders with good length of upper arm firm front with correct depth of brisket. His head and expression were most virtuous pleasing chiselling around eyes skull nicely formed without excess of doming eyes set forward round eyeballs and most attractive intelligent expression. Superbly presented in fullness of coat and feathering without exaggeration glorious silky texture lying flat.

A wonderful group of quality dogs thank you all for staying it was a privilege to assess each of your beautiful exhibits and I wish each of you every success with your future show careers.

Richard Morris (Lascoed)