Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales

OPEN SINGLE BREED SHOW

at Forest Oak Farm, Lydney, Glos. GL15 4LN

on SUNDAY 30 March 2025

Judge: Mrs Jan Reynolds (Benoveor)

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE

I would like to begin with thanking the committee for their kind invitation to judge at this superb venue. My overall entry was of a high calibre & I felt honoured to have such lovely quality dogs to assess.

Disappointingly I found several exhibits moving very wide in front & others far too close behind, others could do with watching their waistlines (more evident in the bitches); this affected my final decisions ‘on the day’.

I thoroughly enjoyed judging every exhibit and was on the whole spoilt for choice. Thank you all for taking my decisions sportingly.

DOG CLASSES

Class 1 - Veteran Dog (9:1)

1st Graham's Sh Ch Taimeres Twister round Nyliram JW ShCM VW – Not much to say about this lad that hasn’t been said before, now 10 years young with the kindest of expressions, good dark eye & correct scissor-bite. Showing super balance throughout & stood four square on good feet, moved well, he is such a super example of the breed & so lovely to put your hands on, everything flows & he is so easy on the eye. Hard to believe this lad is now in double figures. A dog I’ve always admired & had no hesitation awarding him BVIS.

2nd Brown's Bowdonia Ozzie VW – another lovely quality balanced boy still sporting a full red coat of rich colour, just the charming peppering on his muzzle gave the game away. Correct angulation fore & aft. Liked his bend of stifle & well let down hocks. Shown in hard condition & covered the ground with ease. Preferred the length of neck on 1, pushed the winner hard but well deserved his place in this quality class.

3rd Williams’ Sh Ch Isfryn Spot the Difference Trebettyn VW

Class 2 - Baby Puppy Dog (no entries)

Class 3 - Minor Puppy Dog (2:0)

1st Harrison’s Glenbrows Turn Back Time – mature male of 7 months with the most delightful head, super front assembly on this one, deep throughout with a good spring of rib, tight at elbows, good straight forelegs, stood on the best of feet, liked his well-muscled rear angulation which he used to his advantage on the move, coat just beginning to come, for me an easy winner, a quality dog who should have a promising future.

2nd Johnson & Langley’s Santallina Coreobus – 7 months & very raw at this stage, pleasing head with correct scissor-bite, good angulation throughout & everything in the right place; moved ok, he just needs time & patience, sympathetically handled which was a joy to see.

Class 4 - Puppy Dog (2:0)

1st Johnson & Langley’s Santallina Coreobus – (see above)

2nd Harrison’s Glenbrows The Time is Now – another promising pup with good bone, once settled moved out well, but just a tad long for me.

Class 5 - Junior Dog (4:0)

1st Graham’s Nyliram Born This Way – 14 months & beginning to look the part, good balanced head with the correct stop & length of muzzle, good reach of neck leading into a nice front assembly, deep throughout & tight at the elbow, to be super critical I’d like a little more length in leg, adequate bend of stifle and well-developed second thigh, correct rise over the loin, carried his tail well on the move.

2nd Griffiths’ Merchinetes Padrig – just out of puppy but very mature, slightly ‘racey’ in side profile, head not quite the balance of the winner, shown in good hard condition, superb temperament, moved well.

3rd Gaylor & Robertson’s Gilstonia Run Red Rum for Aprilflash

Class 6 - Novice Dog (no entries)

Class 7 - Graduate Dog (1:0)

1st Johnstone’s Glenbrows Erasmus for Gilpeta – one I have admired from the ringside, quality lad with a correctly balanced skull, kind expression & correct bite, strong neck set on a well-developed front assembly, super spring of rib & deep throughout, short couplings & good rear assembly, correct set on tail carried well on the move, a steady accurate mover coming & going, shown in lovely coat & condition.

Class 8 - Post Graduate Dog (3:1)

1st Williams’s Nyliram The Alibi for Trebettyn – 2-year-old lad of good size, lovely head of correct shape & balance, slightly shorter in the neck than I’d like and a little longer in frame, good angulation fore and aft and well-set tail, shown in full coat and good hard condition, covered the ground with a good stride & happy wagging tail.

2nd Barkley’s Jacranella Galahad of Cherryheath (AI) – happy and outgoing; broken coated youngster at just over 2 years, balance skull with correct scissor bite, strong neck, good length of upper arm and layback of shoulder, deep throughout, good rear angles, which he used well to propel himself around the ring, fabulous temperament, just preferred the overall size of my winner.

Class 9 - Limit Dog (7:2)

1st Clarke’s Tigerrock Tick Tick Boom JW (TAF) – this dog is balanced from the top of his nose to the tip of his tail, at first glance he shows such promise and does not disappoint, your hands just flow over his lovely unexaggerated frame, he has a beautiful head with the kindest outlook, stood on the best of feet and commanded attention on the move, a lovely example of our breed, what a smashing dog and pushed so hard for top honours, RBD.

2nd Hepworth’s Kamunting’s Mad Hatter – good balanced head with soft expression, good length of neck, balanced construction throughout, deep rich coat of good quality, tidy ‘catlike’ feet, did not move as well as I’ve seen him before.

3rd Jones’ Trosley Tamoshanta

Class 10 - Open Dog (4:1)

1st Allan’s Eiriandylis By George – presented in full coat and lovely condition, correct head proportions and earset, the softest of expressions that made me smile, super reach of neck, good length of upper arm and return of blade, deep in brisket and tight in elbow, straight fore legs of good length, slightly longer in frame but still showing good balance, quality bend of stifle and well-let down hocks, super muscle tone, stood on tight feet, flowed effortlessly on the move, carrying his tail at the correct level, I have done well for this lad before and have not changed my opinion of him, he pulled ‘all the stops out of the bag’ today to clinch BD & RBIS.

2nd Gaylor & Robertson’s Sh Ch Heniveruce King of Brewers for Aprilflash ShCEx – one I have admired from the ringside, quality boy shown in full bloom, pleasant head with correct bite, lovely bone and balance, a worthy Sh Ch and unlucky to meet 1 today.

3rd Clarke’s Sh Ch Tigerrock Magic Woundabout JW ShCEx OSW

BEST DOG – Eiriandylis By George

RESERVE BEST DOG – Tigerrock Tick Tick Boom JW

BEST PUPPY DOG – Glenbrows Turn Back Time

BEST VETERAN DOG – Sh Ch Taimere's Twister Round Nyliram JW ShCM VW

Class 11 - Special Beginners Dog or Bitch (4:1)

A class of mixed ages and all at different stages of development

1st Yacoubs’ Laithmoor’s Felka – 4-year-old of smaller stature, balanced head, correct topline and set of tail, well-toned, slightly overangulated on rear but moved ok.

2nd Johnson & Langley’s Santallina Coreobus – (see above)

3rd Brabon’s Kidenoan My First Cover

Class 12 - Special Working Dog or Bitch (1:0)

1st Smith's Isfryn Peeping Tom JW – 8 year old and looking so well, loved his kind head with gentle expression, good reach of neck leading into lovely shoulder placement, nice spring of rib, correct topline and short couplings, topped of with a lovely bend of stifle and well let down hock, stood on the best of feet, moved with enthusiasm and drive, I can see why he can do a good days work!

BITCH CLASSES

Class 13 - Veteran Bitch (3:0)

1st Attwood’s Ir Sh Ch Kylowen Demelza VW Ir Vet Ch – just over 10 years and of smaller frame, pretty feminine young lady with superb dentition, good front assembly, nice spring of rib and deep throughout, good bend of stifle with deep second thigh, she does tend to dip a little behind the shoulders in the stack but holds her topline well on the move, out moved the others today to clinch the class.

2nd Jones’ Sh Ch Julita Rumours at Trosley – a kind natured bitch of substance, good angulation fore and aft, liked her balance, good topline and tail set, tidy feet, shown in good coat, overall a lovely bitch but didn’t step out today as I’ve seen her before which cost her the class.

3rd Barkley’s Cherryheath's Miss Velocity JW

Class 14 - Baby Puppy Bitch (no entries)

Class 15 - Minor Puppy Bitch (1:0)

1st Harrison’s Glenbrows Timeless – My notes say ‘Oh my what a beautiful bitch’, her head is her fortune, such beauty with correct balance to skull, scissor bite, good strong reach of neck flowing into good upper arm and layback of blade, elbows tight and good depth of chest, good topline with correct rise over loin, great strength in rear assembly, quality muscle tone throughout, stood on ‘catlike’ feet, on the move she came alive showing textbook foot fall and elegance, not as mature as her littermates but had no hesitation awarding her top honours today, could have taken her home! BPB & BPIS.

Class 16 - Puppy Bitch (1:0)

1st Harrison’s Glenbrows Time Will Tell – litter sister to my MPB, pretty head of lovely proportions, correct length of neck, super angulation, deep with plenty of heart room, presented to perfection but had her mind elsewhere today, moved ok when settled.

Class 17 - Junior Bitch (6:1)

1st Ritchie’s Slapestones Finsch – mature young lady just out of puppy, balanced head with good earset, balance angles front and rear, correct topline, tail set on well, a little longer in loin, shown in good coat and condition, happy mover, coming she had the tidier front to win the class, on the day.

2nd Harrison’s Glenbrows Rhyme – another mature balanced youngster who excels in front, deep in chest, stood on the best of feet, unsettled on the moved and not quite as tight in front movement as 1.

3rd Cooper & Mullin’s Gilstonia Maggie May

Class 18 - Novice Bitch (4:1)

1st Ritchie’s Slapestones Finsch – (see above)

2nd Harrison’s Glenbrows Rhyme – (see above)

3rd Cochrane’s Eiriandylis Confusion

Class 19 - Graduate Bitch (4:0)

1st Sutherland’s Jacranella Graceful (AI) – 3-year-old and longer cast than I would like but has good attributes in all departments, presented in super hard condition, where she excels is on the move; showing power, reach and drive, topped off with grace and accurate footfall, sealing the class win and RBB.

2nd White & Diamond’s Roxdale Premier Rose – a super compact girl with the most delightful head, good honest construction throughout, very much what I was looking for, on first glance I thought she was my winner; but today she didn’t produce the motivation I was looking for on the move.

3rd Place & Halliday’s Slapestones Aykhal at Aarminias

Class 20 - Post Graduate Bitch (3:0)

1st White & Diamond’s Roxdale Moody Blue – another lovely bitch from this kennel, prettiest of heads, correct reach of neck leading into a good front, good width of chest, and straight forelegs, good length of rib, correct couplings, adequate bend of stifle and well let down hocks, stood four square on tidy feet, moved free and true, happy disposition, easy winner.

2nd Casey’s Tigerrock Amazing Grace with Willowmeana – another very feminine well presented lady, similar in remarks to my winner, moved ok but would like to see a trimmer waistline.

3rd Yacoub’s Laithmoor’s Felka

Class 21 - Limit Bitch (3:1)

1st Tew’s Pamicks Dream With Me – a 3 year old just coming into her own, slightly bigger framed girl but presents good balance all round, pleasing topline & tail set, rich in colour, moved well, very impressed with her overall presentation.

2nd Casey’s Tigerrock Lit de Roses with Willowmeana – another quality, well presented one from this kennel, a lovely feminine bitch around and very much what I was looking for, super balance from every angle, shown in full coat, again carrying too much around the waistline which ultimately cost her the class.

Class 22 - Open Bitch (6:2)

1st Graham’s Sh Ch Nyliram Telling Tales JW ShCEx OSW – one I have watched from the ringside and what a super bitch she is to go over, for me she is a fine example of our beautiful breed, she shows strength without coarseness, kind head and expression, correct length of neck leading into a cracking front assembly, super spring of rib, good length to height ratio, correct rise over the loin, correct bend of stifle with lovely depth to well muscled thigh, well set tail which she used to advantage on the move, displaying super side profile, moved steadily true going away and back, all topped off with a full quality coat, a bitch at the top of her game -she came, I saw, she conquered, delighted to award her BB & BIS.

2nd Johnston’s Nalydris Hakuna Matata – one I have done well for before and unlucky to meet 1 today, just shy of 7 years and so much to like about her, beautifully balance all round and stood on the best of feet, another true welsh lady who just didn’t step out but well deserved her place today.

3rd Ritchie & Ritchie & Ritchie’s Sarabande Dancing Queen at Slapestones (AI) JW

Judge – Jan Reynolds (Benoveor)

BEST BITCH – Sh Ch Nyliram Telling Tales JW ShCEx OSW

RESERVE BEST BITCH – Jacranella Graceful (AI)

BEST PUPPY BITCH – Glenbrows Timeless

BEST VETERAN BITCH – Ir Sh Ch Kylowen Demelza VW Ir Vet Ch

FINAL CHALLENGE LINEUP

BEST IN SHOW – Sh Ch Nyliram Telling Tales JW ShCEx OSW

RESERVE BEST IN SHOW – Eiriandylis By George

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW – Glenbrows Timeless

BEST VETERAN IN SHOW – Sh Ch Taimere's Twister Round Nyliram JW ShCM VW

SPECIAL AWARDS – CRITIQUE

Judge: Mr Bill Molton (Breabrits)

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales Committee for inviting me to judge the Special Classes at their Show held at Forest Oak Farm, Lydney on March 30th 2025.

I have held a strong interest in this unique breed for a long time. I consider it a particular honour to judge at their Show. I am happy to report that all the exhibits I judged had good dentition.

Class A – Special Kath Morgan Memorial Junior Dog or Bitch (5:2)

1st Graham’s Nyliram Born This Way – (D) smart young lad at 14 months, first impressions are compact and balanced at a good height. Correctly shaped skull with pleasing expression, dark eye, nicely set ears, good shape and length to muzzle, enough stop. Lovely length to neck, strong and well set into his shoulder. Strong in front quarters with the correct bone for age. Lovely depth and breath of rib. Strong short loin to well muscled rear quarters. Not overdone in stifle or hock. Loved his tight round feet. Moved with the best driving gait in the class, holding his excellent topline on the move. Tail carriage correct.

2nd Gaylor & Robertson’s Gilstonia Run Red Rum for Aprilflash – (D) another young lad at just a year old, up against it today but has a lot to like and has time. Another pleasing skull with correct shape and proportions, nicely defined stop, muzzle needs to finish. Lovely length to neck, correct through shoulder, pleasing return of upper arm, not quite the depth of rib yet but this will come, strong enough through topline, nicely shaped rear quarters, correct in stifle and hock. Another with excellent feet. Moved out soundly and true. Just preferred the finish on 1 today.

3rd Cooper & Mullin’s Gilstonia Maggie May

Class B – Special Kath Morgan Memorial Post Graduate Dog or Bitch (3:0)

1st Williams’ Nyliram The Alibi for Trebettyn – (D) very surprised to learn this lad is a full brother to the winner of the previous class. Nearly 2.5 years old, this lad was standing with a compact profile, he is of a good height. Another lovely head, not overdone in any way, dark eye, correctly set ear of correct shape. Strong in neck, excellent in shoulders and topline. Lovely depth to rib, ample brisket, pleasing bone in foreleg. Strong in loin and well muscled rear quarters. Lovely lower thigh. Correct in set on of tail and carriage. Good feet. Moved with drive, straight and true.

2nd Barkley's Jacranella Galahad of Cherryheath (Ai) – (D) just 2 years old, lots to like here and just tiny margins separating the placings. Another head I liked a lot, lovely expression, good shape to skull, lovely dark eye, good length to neck, well set shoulders, lovely depth to rib. I did prefer the topline on 1 both standing and moving, ample substance in bone fore and aft. Strong in rear with excellent lower thigh. Marginally preferred the feet on 2. Moved out strongly but carried his tail a fraction high for me, this will probably settle.

3rd Casey’s Tigerrock Amazing Grace with Willowmeana

Class C – Special Len Morgan Memorial Open Dog or Bitch (9:1)

This was a lovely class to judge, in general I would like to have seen more substance on the bitches, but they also provided the most pleasing skulls.

1st Gaylor & Robertson’s Heniveruce King of Brewers for Aprilflash ShCEx – Nearly 5 years old, this lad oozes quality for me. He is compact and balanced when stood, showing an excellent profile. I really liked his head, excellent length and shape, stop, eye and muzzle. Lovely ear set and shape finish his expression. Super in neck length, strong, well laid back shoulder, excellent return of upper arm, ample bone, lovely depth to rib, strong in brisket, topline is short and strong, like loins, strong coupling. Hard muscling in rear, I really liked his hock placement and stifle. Lovely tight round feet. Moved out with an attractive driving gait, excellent in footfall, straight and true. Shown in a well conditioned coat.

2nd Williams’ Sh Ch Isfryn Spot the Difference Trebettyn – 9.5 years old and still sound throughout. Normally I would not expect to place a veteran in such a quality class. However, his conditioning and type was irrefutable on the day. Standing like a picture, he is so full of type. Compact and balanced, visible substance and strength, not overdone anywhere. Wearing grey like a medal, he has a mature head of excellent proportions, nicely defined stop, good ear set. Lovely depth to rib, surprisingly strong through topline and loin. Hard in rear quarters, lovely in thigh. Not the tightest feet in the class but such a sound mover. Strong and powerful driving gait, straight and true. Irresistible!