PAIGNTON & DISTRICT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION

Judges Critiques

Jim Richardson

Judging: Gundog Group

PAIGNTON CHAMP SHOW – 5.8.23  -  GUNDOG GROUP REPORT 
This was my second time of judging the Gundog Group at Championship level and I was not disappointed on the quality of 
breeds sent through to me although I was a bit surprised that two 
exhibits did not have the correct scissor bite.
I shortlisted seven including the following three which did not make the final four:  The Spanish Water Dog – Sh Ch Zorrazo Hey There Yogi Bear, the Cocker Spaniel – Oktumi Major Player and the Curly Coated Retriever – Maycourt Stairway to Heaven.
Group 1 was awarded to the stylish Flatcoat Retriever – Andersons Sh Ch Feldkirk Dior of Kazval.  Two days off her 6th birthday.   She simply oozes quality and breed type with that classical well moulded head which is so feminine.  Such clean lines and so well constructed throughout and showed her socks off from start to finish.   In such hard condition and that gleaming coat showed that she was in the picture of health.     Nothing exaggerated on the move which was positive at both ends and handler just got her spot on.   She was up for it .
Group 2 – The masculine Weimaraner – Alcorn & Ingrams - Sh Ch Gunalt Hendricks whom I have awarded a CC to two years ago.  To  think that he is only 4 years old and to what he has achieved so much in that time.    
Today I considered him to be more finished than in 2021 and he is the picture of masculinity without a grain of coarseness.    Quality from nose to tail and everything is shown to advantage by his clever handler.  In such hard condition .    His movement is a joy to watch.

Group 3 – The top quality 4 year old German Wirehaired Pointer – Pinkerton handling for Pinkerton & Alimov – Sh Ch/Ukranian Ch Matze Vom Alte Wald (Imp)    Good sized boy who possessed excellent ring presence   Classical headpiece with no exaggerations.    Well constructed at both ends with mature well muscled body in between.   Covered the ground with ease and style and moved at the right pace by his young handler.    

Group 4 – The eye catching – 4 year old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.   Elkins – Ch Tollekin Caife Americano Sgwc, Shcex. 
Although I don’t award CC’s in this breed I have recently judged a good number in various European Countries at CAC level and this boy is the cream of the bunch.   It was a pleasure to go over him and found that everything was in the right place under that very attractive and healthy coat.   I loved his head with that intelligent expression.   So well put together.   He didn’t put a foot wrong.
What a delight to witness his true, positive movement in both directions.

I wish to thank the Committee for inviting me to judge this Group, believe me it was my pleasure  

Jim Richardson  (Judge)