East of Scotland Cocker Spaniel Club Open Show
Sunday 4th. September 2022
Critique: Tori Ellis (Shannara)
My sincere thanks to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge this lovely, friendly show set in the most beautiful of settings. To my steward, Jane, for keeping the ring running so smoothly, and finally to the exhibitors for entering their lovely dogs and for their kind acceptance of my decisions; I had a truly wonderful day.
VD – 1
1st – Williams’ Gallinagos Gold Finger (imp Serb)
Honest 7 year old golden boy of good type and balance who stood alone but was a worthy winner. Masculine head with kind eye. Strong neck leading to good shoulders and firm short back. He stands four square on well boned straight legs and neat feet and used his well-developed quarters to move free and true, once settled. Well-handled and presented. BVD & BVIS
MPD – 1
1st - Flowers’ Gillians Gino for Totenkopf
Black baby of 8 ½ month who is of good make and shape and moved out well for one so young; whilst I would prefer more of him all through, he has time on his side. I particularly liked his nicely balanced head for his age and kind, soulful expression. His front construction with his good length of neck, well-placed shoulders and good length and return to upper arm also pleased.
PD – 5 (1)
1st – Bayliss’ Shirepark Sir Francis Drake by Wilanorah
Confident, merry, blue boy of 9 months with lots to like. He showed his socks off from start to finish to take this class over 2. Good head and dark tight eyes with a gentle yet alert expression. Ultra-short body with good bone, width and rib. Balanced angulation fore and aft. His well-set hocks and quarters, which are developing nicely for his age, enabled him to move out soundly and happily. BPD
2nd – Flowers’ Totenkopf Dutch Obsidian
Of a different type to 1, this well put together solid chocolate boy of 11 months took my eye on entering the ring with his balanced cockery outline which just flowed from head to tail and thought him to be my class winner on first review. However, unfortunately he lacked some confidence on the table on the day (I later understand due to a recent bad experience) and whilst a sound mover, following this he couldn’t match the verve and showmanship of 1, who didn’t put a foot wrong. Hopefully with time and nurturing he will gain his confidence again.
3rd – Davidson’s Annilann Mister Boo
JD – 2
1st – Scotland’s Lynwater Anything Goes
Really liked this compact, squarely built orange lad of 13 months who has plenty of bone and substance but is not overdone. Beautiful balanced head, with lovely dark eyes and kindly expression. For me he excelled in front construction with his excellent length and return to upper arm and well developed fore chest. Big deep ribs and short firm topline. He also as a big peachy bum and nicely angulated and muscled rear quarters which he used to propel him around the ring showing plenty of push and drive. Well-presented and handled to advantage, RBD.
2nd - McMurdo’s Black as Sooty Lad
Sweet black boy of 11 months with a nice head, eye and expression and good depth to foreface. He is ok for bone and substance and has straight legs with nicely trimmed feet. Moved ok enjoying himself.
MD – 2
1st - Maclean’s Lynwater Stop an’ Stare
Upstanding chocolate roan boy of 13 months of a ranger type. He has good head properties with nicely pigmented eyes and nose. His neck is long and well placed, he is well off for bone and has deep ribs which reach far back. Super angulation all through, if a tad over longer in second thigh than I would prefer. Moved well.
2nd – Black as Sooty Lad – repeat 2nd JD
ND – 2.
1st – Maclean’s Lynwater Look at Me
Another lovely headed boy from this kennel. At 14 months, this blue roan and tan boy with good clean tan marking, is nicely made and presents a balanced outline but still needs to fill and broaden through his frame. Once settled his sounder movement going away won him this class over the more mature 2. Well-presented and handled to advantage
2nd – Chelland’s Lochellan Twist ‘n’ Shout
Another well-presented and sympathetically handled young man. This 2 year old blue dog is of good breed type. Close up to 1, he too presents a nicely balanced outline and is more mature through his body than 1. He is also handsome in head with nicely shaped eyes, however, would prefer a slightly longer foreface for balance. Moved ok if a tad erratic going away.
YD – 0
UD – 3
1st – Scotland’s Lynwater Hamilton
Nicely presented orange lad of 13 months. Good head, eye and pigment. Particularly liked his clean neck of good length, shoulders, and his big ribs which reached well back. Nice bone, short loin, and well angulated quarters. He was the best mover in this class, however, could be tidier in front.
2nd – Brindle’s Dunherl Edradour Signatory
Black male of 2 ½ years. Nice head and alert expression. Moderate neck, balanced angulation front and rear. For me he could benefit from more width through his fore chest. Moved ok if erratic at times.
3rd – Furzer’s Durham Blue
GD – 1
1st - Hynd’s Ryallcourt Tan about Town at Scomar
Standing alone, this b/w/t boy is full of breed type and has bone and substance in spades, if a tad heavy for me. Lovely balanced head and cheeky expression. Good angulation all through and strong deep body. He was well presented and moved soundly.
PGD – 5 (1)
1st – Madigan’s Misperros Design in Silver
This naughty blue boy certainly made his handler work hard. Short and compact, I liked him for his overall breed type, substance, and balanced square outline. He has a lovely head and eye with such a cheeky alert expression that just made me smile. Once settled he showed sound and precise movement. Considered for top honours.
2nd – Maclean’s Lynwater Jitterbug
Of a different type to 1, this is another nicely angulated young male who excels in front construction. Masculine head with a well-defined stop. While he is not a big boy, he is well of for bone and substance and moved well. Just preferred the overall balance of 1
3rd – R Tan about Town at Scomar
LD – 7 (3)
1st – Torbett’s Kirlinjis Taylor Made
Beautiful typey dark blue male who is so well put together. Loved his masculine balanced head which is free from coarseness. His neck is strong and muscular and flows into correctly placed shoulders with good length and return of upper arm, and he excels in fore chest. Standing on the best of legs and feet, he has big deep ribs, his topline is strong and firm and his has good width all through. His quarters are well muscled and his bum big and peachy. He used his correctly angulated rear and nicely placed hocks to power around the ring with drive and purpose. BD and RBIS.
2nd – Cleland’s Belltrees Kandyman
Impressive golden boy who presented a lovely well-balanced picture again full of breed type. He has a lovely head with a dark kind eye. Pleasing neck and shoulders and tidy front he stands on nice straight legs and neat feet. Strong deep body and good ribs. His rear quarters are well developed and angulated. Sound mover. Just preferred the length of upper arm of 1.
3rd – Davidson’s Rancecraig A Million Dreams
OD – 1
1st - R Tan about Town at Scomar- repeat of GD.
SBD – 0
VB – 3
1st – Madigan’s Misperros Silver Lining at Carmelfair
Merry and compact blue bitch of 8 years who is of a good overall type. She has a pretty balanced head with plenty of work but not overdone, and a dark cheeky eye that matched her cheeky personality. She is well off for bone and substance and excels in front construction. She is also nicely angulated behind with good width to her second thigh. Full of beans, once settled she moved well with drive. BVB
2nd – Neatham’s Shoogsea Jessica Rabbit VW
Of a different type to 1, this feminine orange roan female of 8 years has a kind soulful expression and dark eye. Good length of neck and nice angulation front and behind, she presents a nice outline and shape, and moved straight and true. Nicely handled and presented. Preferred the cleaner shoulders of 1.
3rd – Neatham’s Shoogsea Peach Streisand VW
MPB – 7
1st – Barry’s Kenwad Katarina
Really liked this typey 7-month dark blue girl, who needs to be handled to be fully appreciated. She presents such a balanced outline both standing and on the move, with her good angulation fore and aft, and she is free from any exaggeration. Loved her pretty, nicely balanced head and dark eye, and she pleases for bone, width, depth and substance for her size and age. Once settled, she was happy and sound on the move.
2nd – Nuttall’s Carmelfair Zahrah
Another nicely put together blue girl of 7 months, who flowed from her ultra pretty head to the tip of her nicely set tail, however, would prefer a little bit more of her all through. Lovely neck and shoulders. Good rib for age, short back, and nicely angulated rear quarters. Her first show, she was understandably on her toes to start but once settle moved well.
3rd – Flowers’ Totenkopf Essence of Magic
PB – 5
1st – Flowers’ Totenkopf Hip Hop
Absolutely fell for this 11 ½ month dark blue bitch and would gladly have taken her home! For me, she excelled for balance, breed type and substance without being overdone. Pretty, balanced head, with dark eyes and lovely expression. She has the best of neck and shoulders, straight well boned legs, and the neatest of feet. Her ribs are well sprung and her body deep. She is short in back and her topline is firm. With a nice round bum, she is well angulated behind and her muscle is developing well. She moved out well showing plenty of push and drive. BPB and BPIS
2nd – Madigan’s Heluin Blue Jay
Close up, this is another lovely balanced blue girl of 11 months who was unfortunate to meet 1. She too has the best of heads and expression. She stands four square on nicely boned legs and feet. She is good though the body and has lovely angulation fore and aft. Stylish and sound mover.
3rd – K Katarina
JB – 4 (1)
1st – Madigan’s Misperros Silver Summer Sun
This 17 month old blue roan and tan girl is maturing well. Beautiful balanced head piece with plenty of work and her markings add to her soulful expression. I thought her to be well made all through with her clean muscular neck of good length, good angulation, and short compact body. She moved soundly with drive and was handled to advantage.
2nd – Bradford’s Vistwin Grand Ole Oprey
Very pretty black bitch just shy of 13 months. From a slightly bigger mould than 1, she too is balanced and of good breed type and is well-made throughout with pleasing body and angulation, just not quite the maturity through the body of 1. Moved well.
3rd – Jones’ Kenwad Belladrum
MB – 1 (1)
NB – 3
1st – Rodger’s Ravensgreen Abair Longnadh
Mature square 2 year old black bitch of a nice type, with good bone and substance. Nice head and alert expression, she stands on strong straight legs and ok feet but would benefit from shorter nails. Short and compact, she presents a balanced outline throughout. Moved ok once settled.
2nd – Skinner’s Kaimerlay You Pretty Thing
Pretty black female of 17 months with a cheeky eye who really enjoyed her day. Moderate neck and shoulders and nice angulation behind, she is ok for bone and has nice feet. Moved ok if a tad erratic.
3rd – K Belladrum
YB -2
1st - Torbett’s Kirlinjis Handmade
Blue bitch of 17 months who pleased for her good breed type and balanced outline. Pretty, nicely worked head with good eye. I particularly liked her neck, shoulders and upper arm. Nice for bone, she stands on good legs and feet and has good depth and rib. She is also short and compact with a firm topline. Lovely round bum and rear angulation. Moved with drive. Well-presented and handled
2nd – MacFarlane’s Cooleela As Sweet As You Are
Honest black bitch of 14 months of a different type to 1. Balanced head with a kind feminine expression. Square and compact with good bone and substance and balanced angulation. Moved ok. Sympathetically handled.
UB – 3 (1)
1st – Rodger’s Ravensgreen Gaol Mo Cridhe
Mature black bitch of good type and substance that needs to be handled to be appreciated. Pretty head and alert expression. Short, cobby, deep body, she was presented in hard condition and stood fore square on nicely boned straight legs and nice feet, however like her kennel mate would benefit from shorter nails. Once moved at a slower pace, she used her correct angulation to move true and sound showing good foot fall to take this class over the lovely blue bitch
2nd – K Handmade – repeat of 1st YB
GB – 3 (1)
1st – K Handmade - repeat of 1st YB
2nd – Wilson’s Kenwad Chanel Mademoiselle
This typey blue bitch is so cobby and cockery and was shown in excellent coat. Another who stands on nicely boned legs and good feet, and she has a lovely head and expression. Just carrying a little too much weight over her shoulders. Moved well. Nicely handled.
PGB – 7 (2) – headed by 2 lovely blue girls where I was really splitting hairs!
1st - Torbett’s Kirlinjis Kustom Made
This kennel certainly knows how to make honest, tidy, typey cockers! This quality blue bitch is so well put together from her beautifully balanced head piece, excellent neck, shoulders and fore chest to her well developed and angulated quarters, with a deep strong body in between. Moved well with precision and drive. Shown in excellent coat and condition and handled to advantage. Pushed the BB hard – RBB and RBIS.
2nd – Kennedy’s Culburnie Nice n Square at Kenwad
This blue girl was so close up to 1 and so similar comments apply. Another beautifully headed bitch from any angle who was so well presented and handled and moved well. Just felt 1 had a tad more substance all through.
3rd – MacFarlane’s Cooleela Cressida
LB – 1
1st – Duncan’s & Kennedy’s Kenwad Black Tulip of Dunherl
Substantial black bitch of a good honest type shown in full coat and good condition with excellent muscle tone. Pleasing head and expression, deep body and balanced angulation all through, I particularly liked her deep second thigh. Moved ok if feeling the heat a bit.
OB – 3 (1)
1st – Adams’ Whinburn Winter Eclipse
This stunning black bitch took my breath away on entering the ring and didn’t disappoint in any way on handling. Of excellent type, she simply flowed from her stunning, beautifully worked head to her lovely set on tail. Balanced from every angle, she excels in angulation front and rear, I particularly liked her excellent fore chest and deep well-developed quarters. She stands on the best of legs and feet and has a lovely deep body. She used those well-developed quarters and correctly placed hocks to propel her around the ring with sound true driving movement. Beautifully presented in hard condition and gleaming coat. Expertly handled to advantage. Couldn’t be denied BB & BIS.
2nd – Neatham’s Shoogsea Bibdi Bobidi Boo
Rich orange roan bitch of a nice honest type. She has a pretty head with lovely eye and kind expression. and pleasing neck and shoulders. Compact and cobby, she has nice bone and body and nicely muscled rear quarters. Moved well. Well-presented and handled,
SBB – 2
1st - Duncan’s & Kennedy’s Dunherl Forget Me Not
4th in the nice MPB class, this solid chocolate girl of 7½ months pleased for overall breed type and balanced outline. Nice head and eye. Pleasing neck and shoulders, she stands four square and has good bone and body for her age. With a different handler this time, whilst she had fun holding her lead, once settled she moved well
2nd – Lawrie’s Bella Hills to Inverella
Sweet b&t baby of 8 ½ months of nice overall type. Another with a nice head piece and eye whose tan is rich and nicely placed. Short and compact body, nice straight legs, neat tight feet and ok bone and body. Moved ok