Comments from the 2025 Judges
Comments from Carolyn Adkins-Fry, 2025 National Specialty Judge
SWEEPSTAKES – Beginner Puppy 4-6 months
Best of Breed – No. 5
I really fell for this young man! He displayed very nice breed type – a strong-boned, well-proportioned body with a deep and broad front assembly, well-rounded and well-coupled mid-section and a nicely-conformed hindquarter with good width of thigh, correct angle of croup and width/breadth to his loin. He excelled in shoulder placement (which was noticeably lacking in many of the exhibits). Good length of upper arm, a clearly marked forechest and a well laid-back shoulder. Correct balance of head, neck and body proportions and a flowing, correct topline without exaggeration. His head is balanced skull to muzzle, with divergence of planes, a good spongey nose with open nostrils and a really kind and typically expressive eye. Ears are a tad long. Best of Breed over a very nice female today on his strong and well-held gaiting, his overall angulation and head type. I shall watch his progress with interest! A really exciting prospect!
Best of Opposite Sex – No. 6
Another really nice puppy, with good breed type and a well put together body. Very feminine, without lacking the desired substance, with expressive eyes and a good balance of skull to muzzle. Many of the above attributes apply to this exhibit too. She’s a slow burner compared with the male at this stage, but she has time on her side. Very promising!
NATIONAL SPECIALTY
MALES
6-9 Puppy Dog & Best Puppy & RWD – No. 7
7 month old with nice proportions head/neck/body and presenting a correct square frame and robust appearance. Appears a tad long in leg/shallow in chest, which is common for males at this stage. Well-angulated quarters. Croup of good length. Super thick skin and correct coat. Loved his well-constructed and balanced head, typical expression, marked occiput and clear back skull, set-on and shape to ears, large spongy nose and his free and easy movement. Carries his topline rather tautly on occasions (which I attributed to his age and stage of development), but overall he has traits that are special to the breed and seem to be lacking in much of today’s entry. Exciting prospect and will follow his progress with interest.
9-12 Puppy Dog – No.9
This young male carries a warm-toned, slightly wiry brown roan jacket attached to thick, leathery skin. He is well-boned with excellent feet. Not quite balanced in body at this stage, with legs a tad long and hindquarters needing to let down, which disturbs his upper profile outline and action going away. Occiput could be more pronounced, supra orbital area (above eye) rather chiselled, which detracts from his expression. Pleasing head for planes and balance, with excellent spongey nose.
12-18 Months Dog – No. 11
Very nice type of brown roan male with excellent bone and super feet for size and shape. Well-formed pasterns. Excellent coat and skin. Would prefer more angulation to front and rear, but he is balanced and his mid-section is strong, well-ribbed and long in coupling. Topline and croup are correct. He moves easily, holding his outline together, including his topline, head and neck. Loved his head for shape, balance and expression. Very promising and interested to see how he develops. Close up in the challenge.
BBE Puppy Dogs – No. 19 (Winners Dog and AoM)
He presented a very nice picture both standing and moving. Sufficiently masculine for his tender age (9 months), well-boned and with correct coat and skin. Correct feet. A tad shallow in body, but square in outline and presenting a correct upper line and tail set/carriage. Body proportions are pleasing, with neck and head balancing well with his body for height and length. He comes alive on the move, holds himself in place and gaits with ease around the ring. Lovely head proportions, skull/muzzle, diverging planes and expression. Very promising indeed which drew me to him once more in the Best of Breed, awarding him an Award of Merit.
2nd/ No. 17, 3rd/ No. 15
BBE Adult Dogs - No. 21
Very pleasing head for shape, balance, expression, muzzle and occipital protuberance. Overall rather heavy in bone, size and condition and would prefer more angulation fore and aft. Very good skin. Correct coat. Sadly he paced today and I was unable to assess his movement.
American Bred Dogs – No. 23
Rising two and not yet reached his maturity potential, with ribs and underline lacking spring and fill. Would prefer a tad more bone to balance with his proportions, but he holds a nice shape together both standing and in profile movement. Gaiting up and back he is not quite so correct in footfall. He has a very kind and typical expression, a super large nose, good coat and skin. Well-conditioned. Nice partnership.
Open Dog – No. 25
Well-proportioned and balanced male presenting a nice outline overall. He was a little stand-offish on entry into the ring but was accepting of my examination. Excellent bone and feet and with correct leg/body ratio. Holds his topline together. Ribcage a tad short. Would prefer more angulation fore and aft. Coat was sparse in places but correct in texture. Skin correct. Very nice head and expression, with marked occiput. Moved soundly.
FEMALES
6 to 9 puppies - #14 – RWB
Very feminine with lovely type. Excellent coat and thick, leathery skin. Correct in proportions of head, neck, and body. Well-constructed head with lovely expression and correct head planes. Body is well balanced with leg length. Excellent bone and feet. Deep chest and ribs well coupled. Correct topline and croup. Nicely angulated quarters. Slightly wide in front. Pleasing profile and accurate movement. Reserve Winners Bitch today behind a more finished and developed female. Close decision in puppy challenge. One to watch!
2nd #10, 3rd #12
12 to 18 females - #16
13 months old. Very feminine, with good proportions. Balance to head neck and body. Ribs could be longer and hindquarters a tad more angulated. Good topline and croup. Excellent front and forechest and length to blades – very nice to see. Excellent skin. Coat a little sparse. Feet a tad flat. Beautifully constructed head with typical Spinone expression. Movement a little uncoordinated today.
BBExhibitor puppy females – Number 20
Won this nice class on her easy gait, correct head, expression and balanced outline. Super shoulder with good layback. Adequate ribbing. Correct topline and croup. Super feet and bone. Adequate coat and excellent skin. Very pretty head with lovely eye. Ears carried a tad high. Quality female.
2nd #22, 3rd #24, 4th #30
BBExhibitor adult females - #32 – WB/BOW/BBBE
This white and brown female immediately tests your judging eye! In my opinion, this coat colour can impact on Spinone breed type. The first question I ask myself when a dog walks into the ring - “Does he or she shout Spinone”? But I was not disappointed! She cannot be mistaken for a heavy Pointer or an over- tall Springer! Her proportions, balance and in particular, her head type ooze breed type. At 16 months she’s just coming into maturity and still lacks some finish, which cost her just a little in the best of breed ring. That aside, her condition, breed type outline stood her away in the Winners challenge. She is correct in ribs, bone and coupling. Well angulated in hind quarters. Coat is a little sparse, but correct texture and attached to a thick skin. Super head for shape, length and balance. Large spongy nose. Good mover, particularly in profile. I’m sure she has an exciting future! This was a pleasing class with the following being credits to their owner/breeders…
2nd #40, 3rd #34, 4th #42
Open Females -#44
This female Is well boned with a deep chest. Her proportions are balanced head neck and body. Her coat and skin are correct. Her coupling is rather long with short ribs, causing an over-accentuated top line and close rear action. She lacks angle to the fore and presents an overly long lower thigh.
7 to 9 Veteran dogs – BV/BOS - #47
Rising 8 years, very masculine and full of personality. Excellent bone with deep chest, Good width to forechest and correct shoulder angulation, which assisted him to power effortlessly around the ring with an easy gait and holding together a typical outline. Correct coat and skin. Presented best ‘on the move’ , not always so correct in the stack. But at his age, static work would be considered rather boring and his young handler made the best of him where it mattered most. Super eye and expression, excellent nose. Skull and ribbing just a tad short to be critical. But, for breed type coupled with showmanship on the move, he demanded I not ignore him! Traits which appeal greatly to breed judges and should not be lost to the breed in favour of extended trotting (rather than collected for the show ring) impacting on the typical Spinone profile shape, leg placement and head/neck position. Static = kinetic in this breed = a dog built to endure and deal with difficult/uneven terrain.
Veteran Dog 11+ - #49
A sweet strong and rustic boy at 11 years. Strong bone, super feet, well angulated front and rear. Excellent coat and skin. Very good head planes and kindly expression. Coupling rather long. Movement was OK. Unlucky to meet the younger veteran male in good form today.
Veteran female 7 to 9 years - #74
9 years and looking in excellent condition. Excellent bone, correct body to leg proportions, deep chest. Strong well muscled hindquarters. Shoulders not quite so well angulated. Short in rib. Another that held her top line when moving, but less so in the stack. She could mostly be forgiven today! Absolutely loved her headpiece for balance and shape. Super ears, large nose and the loveliest of expressions. Her enthusiasm left her in the challenge, but here she beat off another very good female with similar traits. Credit due!
2nd #82, 3rd 80, 4th 76
Field class – #84
6 years old and presents a really typical picture. Super bone shape and proportions. Kindly expression. Good skull, divergence of planes, correct ears and large spongy nose. Chest a tad broad with elbows open. Short in rib. Top line a little overdone. Well angulated hind quarters. Nice profile movement.
BOB : 46
BOS: 47
BOW: 32
SD: 33
SB: 68
AOMs: 19, 31, 58
It was unfortunate that I did not write individual critiques for the main winners unless they were present in the classes (19, 32, 47) and I apologise for this oversight in the moment, to those that appear in the esteemed list above. Fortunately, I was able to express my overall opinion of the entry after dinner, where I spoke of the importance of rewarding breed traits over showmanship. From the critiques above, you would not be wrong to assume that the final line up would carry many of the traits I consider important. None were credited on any one area alone. Not the ‘last dog gaiting’ in a race around the ring, nor the neatest hocks or finest head. Judging is a balance, decisions made on the day, and suffice to say I enjoyed hands on each one of that line up. Credit to you and I appreciate the work and effort that brings your dog to me.
My BOB/BIS winner was unassuming, true to type and it was her femininity and lovely profile shape that kept drawing my eye back to her. She gaited with ease and made me smile from the front view. Truly endearing and typical, with substance, maturity and at one with her handler. Most of the essentials could be appreciated and a true partnership.
My Selects and AOMs all displayed breed type for me, although maturity/finish in the main did not prevail. Several puppies made the top table, alongside some typical and finished mature dogs. Suffice to say that I appreciated them all and look forward to how they impact on the next generations too. Thank you for the opportunity to judge your lovely dogs!
My ring style is always directed to seeking out important nuances of the Spinone; some that are quickly noted in my head from long term understanding and cannot always be expressed in a critique where time is of the essence. But, I was asked by a couple of enthusiasts to explain my hands on procedure. Perhaps here is the place to explain a little of what I am assessing during examination?
1/ Allow time for set up while I view from a distance the rear assembly, taking in occiput, back skull, neck and wither placement, elbows, width of thigh, width of rump and finally when the handler comes to head and tail, the hock length and placement. Note: not the first and last thing to consider, but a part of examination.
2/ A stacked view, taking in underlines, topline, squareness, head length/shape, neck set-on/length, forechest, shoulder placement, hind angulation, leg/body balance, croup angulation/tailset, substance, balance of how all parts fit together, flow of lines, body condition. Note: not just the topline, rear angulation and divergence of head planes.
3/ From the front, immediate impression of expression and placement/shape of eyes, head/skull balance, ear placement, strength of muzzle, occiput, smoothness to skull, width/depth muzzle, nostrils/nose, bite, dewlap, pro-sternum, elbows, depth/width of chest, strong, oval bone, straightness of front limbs, pasterns, feet, pads/depth of feet, spring of rib (should be visible from this angle), rear feet placement.
4/ Use hands to check where hair may be more profuse – muzzle, underjaw, bite, dewlap, depth of chest, Important : OVAL BONE, WITHER PLACEMENT, LENGTH OF UPPER ARM, TOPLINE SEGMENTS, UNDERLINE, STIFLES, SQUARENESS, BREADTH OF TAIL, COAT TEXTURE (SINGLE, WIRY), LEATHERY SKIN, testicles, etc. etc.
5/ Gaiting : at a positive but collected trotting pace. Going away, the whole body (as per rear examination) – does it remain in place? Does condition allow that to be maintained for a reasonable time frame? Coming to me: all limb placement, head held correctly and presence of a positive, springy, but not ‘uneconomical’ action. No excessive lift of feet or knees, head drop or unsoundness in limbs. In profile, the static shape maintained easily, with topline, neck and head held together. Nose should not poke, or be held too high (check length of neck!), if the balance of neck and head is correct. The tendency is towards a shorter head than desirable, with equal length of neck. Not breed specific! Shoulders engage as dog extends a little, but topline is to be maintained.
6/ The Spinone does not necessarily pull up into a balanced stack after gaiting and I find that many of the impressive self-stackers lack some traits I revere. Ring presence has value, but the Spinone is not an extrovert in temperament and many find the show ring rather boring. I would rather see a loose leash (dewlap, ears, expression are all affected when it is held tight under the throat), and dogs assisted by gentle hands and walked into position with minor foot placement by the handler. That tells me more!
Incidentally, the tight-leash style of handling that can prevail in the Sporting Group has led to incorrect ear placement becoming the norm with a number of breeds, and in turn skulls have become flatter, heads shorter and necks longer. Please aim to breed for correct skull, ear set-on and head/neck balance and select puppies with the Standard rather than the judges influence at the forefront of your mind.
Lifting fronts and rears into position can create an unnatural shape (and will be learned whether the placement is correct or not, by a willing dog). The mobility of those Spinone limbs and joints can be a challenge for a handler and can lead to presenting a non- typical (read “over smart”) outline that may impress. But long term it will inevitably pull the breed away from the “all terrain Italian hunting dog” into the more easily-accepted generic show dog.
I made no bones about my disappointment with a number of the breeding age dogs exhibited and that I saw more breed type and quality with the young dogs and with some of the veteran entry. Certainly, heads were more correct in the younger entry on the whole and bodies/bone were more evident in the senior dogs. Going back ten years, breed type, substance and superior head shapes were easy to find in North America. I am sad to see so many of those breeders no longer active. But… heartened to see real interest and passion evident from the interesting discussions at the Breeders’ Seminar. All hope is not lost – that is clear!
I should also add that although there were dogs with very nice type and one or two that I would steal, it would be remiss not to outline exactly where the failings sit… front assembly construction fails in many, with either a) a short upper arm, b) a lack of angulation of shoulder or c) upper arm, d) a poor layback of shoulder e) insufficient depth of chest.
Other faults sit with these serious failings to create incorrect outlines and poor movement (some leading to unsound action). Even a good front assembly will fail to produce the correct outline if it is attached to an incorrect mid-section or weak (or over- angulated) rear.
It is well known that faults within the shoulder are the most difficult failings to correct and have always run through the Spinone worldwide. Do not compromise in this area – seek it out, breed it and do your very best to hang onto it! An upright shoulder may be accepted (and even taken as the norm), but if you have passion for the Spinone, you will work hard to maintain type, conformation and soundness, however difficult it is and even if it affects your show winning In the short term. Once you have it, you can continue to produce it. That has been proven time and time again! There is no lack of love for the Spinone, but it is a challenge in the current era. I really do wish you well…
— Carolyn Adkins-Fry (Bedeslea)
Comments from Doug Johnson, 2025 Parent Specialty Judge
Hello
Thank you to the club for their continued appreciation of my opinion on your breed. I think breeds cycle and have peaks and valleys. Also, a National’s location can prohibit many from attending. This show appears to be one of those occasions.
In my opinion, this entry was more of a challenge for me. What I look for in the breed was not always present here. I want bulk and body, with bone and I require soundness from my winners. The entry was more shallow and less compact than I want for the breed. Overall, the entry was less mature and under developed in breed type. Taller, fine and elongated dogs appeared to be the norm. This is something I would be careful of as a breeder.
I like breeds with extreme type and yours is one of them. However, this entry was finer and flatter in presentation. I would encourage breeders to seek out heavy, large boned animals to move their breeding programs forward towards the correct type desired in the breed. As is the case with my lessor known, and less breed population, the good dogs are in a different league to those of the rest of the entry. Breeders need to keep a more narrow gap in quality. We all need to be mindful to maintaining overall quality to represent the breed. We want more of the upper percentile and less of the lower.
My Winners dog was quite good. Of all of the class entrants, he had the most bone and body. I would like more break in the topline transition and tailset but overall, he is the winner hands down here. Very appealing in head type. Very sound in all directions. He is substantial enough for me.
Winners bitch also very nice in shape, balance and head. A lovely expression and correct head planes. A young bred-by bitch with lots of type elements to make her highly valuable in the breeding program, correct bone for size, depth of body and length of back. Sound and good in temperament.
Best of Breed is a super solid dog with wonderful breed characteristics. He is sound and strong moving in all directions. This is not easy for your breed and he impressed with his ability. A great size dog, deep and massive without being overdone. He has large bone and feet, a correct head and nice eye. Lovely head piece without becoming a caricature of the breed. Massive in second thigh which is also lacking in much of the breed. Great balance of type and substance, yet strong and sound. Well done!
BOS was a love bitch with good type and quality throughout. She is well made and deep, lovely headed and sound. She had a super body and ribbing. Not too long cast and correct in shape. Feminine and appealing, could be larger.
A word of caution on the breed today, I was seeing an imbalance of too many dogs with not enough correct type elements. They are appearing too tall, too narrow and too fine for my tastes. They must have large bone and be solidly built. Breeders need to work to retain the correct breed specific traits for this unique breed. Do not allow them to become generic or typical. They are anything but this! Remember your differences are what you should be judges on. Those are their defining breed elements and traits breeder should be breeding for.
— Doug Johnson
