Ch Ir Sh Ch Meadowleigh Brown Sugar (Sgwc)

Breeder : MEADOWLEIGH LABRADORS
Breed : Labrador Retriever
Location : Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
Birthdate : 17th April 2013
Colour : Chocolate
Health Tested

**** VERY LATEST UPDATE ****
The saddest day...We are devastated to announce that after a poorly time, lasting over a few months, Wes was put to sleep on February 14th 2023.
His owners Annie & Philip feel totally bereft at finally losing their amazing boy...as we all do.
Wes gave us so much joy throughout his 9 years..from puppyhood to Full Champion,Irish Show Champion & also by achieving his Show Working Gundog accolade with an incredible run of successes..undoubtedly, the top chocolate in the country & with a temperament to die for.
Thank you Wes for all the happy times that you brought us & for the legacy that you have left us....We are forever grateful to Annie & Phil for all the love & care they gave Wes & for taking us all on a journey that we will never ever forget.
Also to Becci (Hodge) of Naiken for showing Wes so professionally & so beautifully throughout his days in the ring.

Dearest Wes
your memory will live on in your offspring word wide & we are so lucky to have your daughter Nessa & granddaughter Esme here with us to remind us of your wonderful presence & super character.
xxx RIP our dearest Wesley xxx
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ON OCTOBER 28th 2017, WES WON HIS 7th GREEN STAR ( CAC ) with BOB, at The Gundog Breeds of Ireland Championship Show WHICH WILL AWARD HIM HIS IRISH TITLE *** ( Subject to IKC approval )

**** GB CHAMPION & IR.SH.CH
MEADOWLEIGH BROWN SUGAR ( SGWC) ****

*** LATEST UPDATE ~ JUNE 13TH 2015 *** WES IS NOW A SHOW CHAMPION! ***

*** EXTRA UPDATE ***
With KC Approval.. WES IS NOW A FULL CHAMPION
28TH JANUARY 2016

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HE WAS AWARDED HIS 3RD CC AT THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB SHOW ON JUNE 13TH BY BRIAN PARROTT OF LOUGIN LABRADORS.
HE WAS HANDLED IN HIS LIMIT CLASS & IN THE CHALLENGE BY HIS OWNER ANNIE & WENT ON TO BE DECLARED BEST IN SHOW

HIS 2ND BIS CAME ON JULY 1ST AT THE COTSWOLD & WYEVERN LABRADOR CLUB WITH HIS 4TH CC & BOB AWARDED BY BREED JUDGE AMANDA DEANE - TANRONENS

What an astounding run of success Wes has had to reach the TOP, achieving Show Champion status at only 26 months of age & in January 2016, earned his Show Gundog Working Certificate, before his 3rd birthday.. gaining his FULL CHAMPION status.
We are immensely proud of his achievements & it is a dream come true for Martin & myself as his Breeders.

Our CONGRATS TO HIS OWNERS ANNE & PHILIP WYATT & FAMILY & THANK YOU to his Judges & to his consistent ring partner & handler REBECCA HODGE who co-owed Wes's chocolate Grandsire the late SH CH Way Out West ( 'Chulu') & also to all the fans who have followed Wes's progress...
What an incredible journey!
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STEP 1...April 2014
WES JUNIOR THRILLED US ALL BY WINNING THE DOG CC & BEST OF BREED AT WELKS CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW - 26TH APRIL 2014 at the tender age of 1 year & 1 week!
HE WAS LATER AWARDED RESERVE IN THE GROUP UNDER THE PORTUGESE BEST IN SHOW JUDGE, COMPETING AGAINST 22 OTHER BEST OF BREED GUNDOGS.
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STEP 2..
AT LKA Dec 14th 2014, WES TOOK HIS 2ND CC WITH ANOTHER BEST OF BREED..BRILLIANT!
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STEP 3
WES GAINS HIS TITLE AT The LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW ON 13th JUNE 2015.
Our Judge MR BRIAN PARROTT ~ LOUGIN LABRADORS awards WES that special 3RD CC WHICH MAKES HIM A SHOW CHAMPION.. Later confirmed by the KC.
Both Judges agreed on BOB and he progressed on to be announced ...'BEST IN SHOW'
A SUPERB DAY!
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STEP 4
During 2015 into 2016, Annie continues with Wes's Gundog Training, taking him to classes & local shoots where he proves to be a quick learner & is steady to game.
On January 28th 2016, he is assessed during a shooting day on pheasant & dummies by Judges Barbara Kuan
(Dolbremin) & Championship Show Judge David Coode (Warringah)
Both judges were more than satisfied with his performance & agreed on the award for his Show Gundog Working Certificate ~ SGWC
This enables Wes to lose the 'Sh' & become a FULL Champion
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HUGE CONGRATULATIONS GO TO HIS OWNERS..ANNE & PHILIP WYATT & HIS 'FAMILY' at STONEHOUSE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE.
WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS...
** FOR GAINING HIS STUD BOOK NUMBER WHICH QUALIFIES HIM FOR CRUFTS FOR LIFE.
** AND FOR BEING CREDITED WITH OUTSTANDING QUALITIES WITH A 1ST CC AT JUST OVER 12 MONTHS YOUNG.
** AND FOR GAINING HIS SHOW CHAMPION TITLE WITH AN AMAZING RUN OF SUCCESS, AT JUST 26 MONTHS.
** AND FINALLY, FOR GAINING HIS SHOW WORKING GUNDOG CERTIFICATE ON DUMMIES & GAME THUS ACHIEVING HIS FULL
CHAMPION CROWN BEFORE THE AGE OF 3 YEARS
** AND IN OCTOBER 2017, FOR ALSO BECOMING AN IRISH TITLE HOLDER..
*** IRISH SHOW CHAMPION & GB CHAMPION ***
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THE BEGINNING..
Meadowleigh Brown Sugar was one of Ruby's final litter of 7 chocolate puppies born during April 2013.
He was sired by is Keene's Walnut Wesley At Ryedown & his paternal Grandfather is the famed chocolate Show Champion NAIKEN WAY OUT WEST.. aka 'Chulu'.

Wes is lucky enough to enjoy living in the Gloucestershire countryside with his adoring family & his best black Labrador friend & 6 year old playpal..'Oscar' ( very sadly in August 2020, Oscar passed to Rainbow Bridge)
He has proved to be a delightful boy in many ways & began his show career on a learning curve at 6 months by winning Best Puppy at his very first Open Show, handled by his owner Annie.
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Since then, in early February 2014 & before reaching 10 months young, Wes had hit Canine Big Time by already qualifying for Crufts 2015..handled by myself, at his first ever Labrador Championship Breed Show ( Labrador Club of Wales) which so delighted his owners & ourselves as his Breeders
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Here is the Report for his placing at THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB OF WALES CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW on February 3rd 2014 where I showed him...
The dog judge was CHRIS JURY of TIBBLESTONE LABRADORS

2ND MAIDEN DOG
Wyatt's MEADOWLEIGH BROWN SUGAR
'Nice chocolate dog which I placed 3rd in a strong Puppy Class.
Dark choc' coloured coat with complimenting eye colour & pigmentation. Good neck & chest, short in coupling & good tail set.
Steady in movement'

On meeting Wes for the first time at this show, puppy Wes soon gathered a crowd of admirers includng Rebecca Hodge, who co owns Wes's Grandsire, Sh Ch Naiken Way out West, with her mother Jackie & dad Andrew..Becci excitedly expressed a happy wish to show him..
Hmm, after some persuasion, we agreed & it seems that Becci & Wes have now obviously developed a super rapport & a great partnership!

The following is the Judge's Report for Wes winning the Junior Dog Class, the DOG CC with BOB at his very next Championshop Show ..WELKS 26th APRIL 2014..under MRS MARLENE HEPPER of famed MARDAS LABRADORS
What a thrilling day for all of us!

'Choc, just out of the Puppy Classes. Beautiful head & melting expression with dark eye colour. Correct shoulder placement, good coat, good bone, deep rib & short in loin. He even has a keel which many Labradors of today don't have. Strong quarters & level topline, both standing & on the move. He moves so well, I did not hesitate to give him the CC & then later BOB.
He is a true Labrador, nothing overdone in any way.
I was so pleased to see him placed 4th in the Gundog Group..Something Labradors don't do very often!'

On May 23rd at BATH CH SHOW, Wes again wins Junior Dog..
Here is what our Judge HEATHER WILES FONE ~ HEATHERBOURNE, had to say about him.
'Eye catching choc of superb construction, combines quality with substance, presented in gleaming condition, lovely shaped head, good eye colour, great body, level topline, everything in proportion & looks good from any angle, sound stylish mover who gives his all, expertly handled & great breed type'

A week later, on 8TH JUNE 2104, MIKE GATSBY - AFTERGLOW GUNDOGS was presented with a difficult choice...Here is his critique.
'I had quite a difficulty separating the first 2 in this class'
JD (9) Wyatt's MEADOWLEIGH BROWN SUGAR
Chocolate shown in super condition. Gorgeous head & expression, super shoulder, good length & return of upper arm, excellent well rounded rear with good angulation & short strong hocks. Good bone & feet with sloping pasterns'

Thank you to Becci of NAIKEN for handling him so expertly.

The following weekend, at the prestigious LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW, Wes was Runner Up to the same Champion dog in the biggest dog class with 23 entries. Our Judge was ALLAN TAYLOR of SANDYLANDS fame.

JD (23/6abs)..
'A top class choc. Good head & body, well boned with correct front & super hindquarters. In top class coat & condition & such a true whole choc colour. A great mover, shows his head off. I really liked him'

Wes's next show was PAIGNTON on 2nd August 2014, ANTHONY ALLEN ~ ALLENIE, gave him the Junior Class. Here are his comments..
'A very smart choc male, still young but balanced & presenting a clean outline. Head masculine, with a lovely dark eye, clean reach of neck which led on to well placed shoulders, correct front angulation, well developed in forechest for his age, standing on good, well boned legs. Good spring of rib, correct through the loin, level topline & tail straight off the back. Super quarters with moderate bend of stifle. Movement was positive & he had a lovely free flowing action when viewed in profile.
He was shown today in good condition & handled well'

The following day,at NATIONAL GUNDOG, judged by MARY McCULLOCH of FREWLINGS LABRADORS, Wes wins his Junior class again...
'Well balanced chocolate, kind head, correct eye colour, stong neck into good front angulation, level topline & tailset, strong legs into good feet, moved & showed well'

At WELSH KENNEL CH SHOW on 17th August, BETH SWEIGART (USA) had this to say about him..
2ND in JUNIOR..
'Chocolate dog with very good head & expression. Has wonderful pigmentation & eye especially for this color. Standing on great legs & feet. Solid topline with thick tail that is well set'

STEP 2..
LKA was the final CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW OF 2014.. Wes wins his Yearling Class & Judge PAT HARRISON of STEBEL LABRADORS awards him his 2ND CC WITH BOB!

She writes..
'20 month old choc with everything in proportion, excellent coat & otter tail, kind masculine head, strong neck into well placed shoulders, good turn of stifle, very sound on the move.
AN EXCITING PROSPECT..CC & BOB'
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It is now 2015 & on February 7th,
THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB OF WALES holds the first Breed Championship Show of the year..
Another super win for Wes in YEARLING DOG judged by PAUL COLLINS of KASPAIR LABRADORS, his first such appointment.

His critique is as follows:
'This chocolate was the winner in a class full of superb dogs. He is well built with excellent dark coat colour. He has a correct bite with pleasing head and expression helped by his dark pigment and eye colour. He is deep in body with a good spring of rib, excellent angulation both front and rear and has a level topline with his tail coming straight off his back. He was shown in top condition and moved well'

STOP PRESS....
At his first ever CRUFTS 2015, Wes was 3rd in the Top Trio of a stunning class of YEARLING dogs.. We all had a brilliant day!
MRS LINDA SUTCLIFFE of CRAWCROOK LABRADORS judged the males and wrote..

A CLASS FULL OF QUALITY DOGS
'Choc with a beautiful kind head and expression, in super coat with otter tail, really good in front angulation, good bone, a shade longer in back than first and second, moved with drive off very good quarters.
THREE VERY GOOD LABRADORS'

THEN..After his 2nd Birthday in mid April 2015, Wes moved up into LIMIT CLASSES where he has taken 11x 1ST PLACES at each Championship Show to date.

This is SHAUN WILLIAMSON'S (SHAROUNS) report from MIDLAND COUNTIES LRC SHOW ON APRIL 18th...
'Smart looking chocolate boy, pleasing in outline with a firm topline & tailset. Typical head & expression, lovely reach of neck, good bone with neat feet. Ample substance without looking heavy. Well constructed throughout. A sound & steady mover. Handled well, never stood wrong.
Close up to top honours indeed.'

AT WELKS on 26th April, Breed Judge ANGELA WILLIAMS (FOULBY) AWARDED WES THE RCC FROM LIMIT & she wrote:

'Top Class choc youngster of correct type, balance & lovely quality. Correct head with lovely eye colour, good bone, correct body lines, well bodied with good spring of rib, good hindquarters & a super coat & tail.
A sound true mover in all directions, A PLEASURE TO AWARD HIM THE RCC..One for the upper house for sure'

WES WAS NEXT AWARDED 1ST LIMIT
AND A 2ND RCC by ERICA JAYES ~ SANDYLANDS AT THE BIRMINGHAM NATIONAL ON 16th MAY..Another thrill!
Here are her comments..
'This chocolate is another good representative of the breed. He was superbly handled and at no stage did he ever stand wrong. Loved his head shape & eye colour, excellent front, neck & shoulders, good bone & feet, strong topline, correct tailset & good quarters. He was shown in top class coat & condition & moved superbly presenting a lovely outline.
LOVED HIM. RCC'

Then at our local BATH CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW on May 23rd, yet another Limit win ..His 4th. Our Judge was CHRIS MILLS of LEMBAS LABRADORS.
His critique reads:'
Super choc of lovely type, kindest of heads, in good coat of correct texture, good through neck, good shoulder, short couple, deep body & strong muscular rearend, good otter tail, set on correctly & moved well enough'

SOUTHERN COUNTIES CH SHOW followed a few days later on 29th May & our JUDGE was JAN ROGER SUAGE FROM NORWAY.
Wes delighted us again by winning LIMIT & after challenging the 2nd placed dog in Open, he was awarded his 3RD RESERVE CC.
How fab!
Here is his Write Up:
'What a fantastic choc! Medium sized dog who is very well balanced. Lovely kind head & expression, good front & rear angulation. Moved well, lovely coat & colour.
I SEE BRIGHT THINGS IN HIS FUTURE'

Then on JUNE 7th at THREE COUNTIES CH SHOW, NANCY FARQUARSON (FHINNOCHLACH) gave CC's for the first time & WES WINS LIMIT AGAIN...
She says:
'Liked the dogs I placed 1ST to RESERVE in this class..
This choc has a very pleasant headshape, good eye colour & nice ear placement. Clean outline with lovely reach of neck. Excellent front, good bone & feet. Level, strong topline held on the move with good tailset. Nice coat. Shown in good condition & moved effortlessly with a sound, easy stride. Well handled'

STEP 3..
WHAT AN AMAZING DAY..'BRIGHT THINGS IN HIS FUTURE' have surely come true!
BRIAN PARROTT OF LOUGIN LABRADORS GAVE WES HIS 8th LIMIT CLASS & HIS THIRD CC WITH BEST IN SHOW, AT THE LRC CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW on JUNE 13th 2015!
Handled by Anne, BOTH JUDGES LATER DECLARED HIM BEST IN SHOW.. We are so delighted for his owners Anne & Phil & to have bred our 1st CHOCOLATE SHOW CHAMPION..is just fabulous!
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Her are his remarks:
L (19,6abs)'What a lovely choc this is, beautifully balanced head, masculine but not overdone, the very best of eye colour & pigment, he has a lovely soft expression, strong neck going into textbook front, level topline & tailset with correct otter tail, he has good spring of rib, well boned legs & good feet, carried a decent coat today. On the move, he covered the ground with ease. Very pleased to award him the CC, his 3rd & BIS with my co-judge'..
(Arwyn Ellis - DOLWEN )
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At NW LABRADOR CLUB'S JOINT SHOW ON JUNE 28th, the dogs were judged by JOHN D JACKSON.
Another WIN..HIS WRITE UP SAYS..
'It was difficult to separate the first three in this class.
My winner was a good strong chocolate dog. Not overdone at all. Head has a kind expression but still masculine. Strong neck & powerful body. Strong hindquarters & good rear angulation. Sound mover.

The next stop on JULY 1ST was the COTSWOLD & WYEVERN LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW where AMANDA DEANE-TANRONENS, was giving CC's for the first time...
Yet another fabulous win in LIMIT FOR WES FOLLOWED BY THE DOG CC & BEST IN SHOW!
Her report reads:
'Chocolate, what a lovely boy, looked lovely today, good harsh coat with correct otter tail, good width & length of muzzle & brown eye colour, deep through chest with well sprung rib cage, nice turn of stifle & second thigh, good arched feet, stood foursquare, moved well.
BEST DOG & BEST IN SHOW
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On August 1st TOM GRANT ~ SIMANDEM LABRADORS, judged the both sexes & Wes won his LIMIT CLASS yet again.
He says:
'Chocolate with a kind masculine head, good pigment & correct eye colour, good angulation front & rear, level topline, good depth & spring of rib, moved true & sound'

The following day was NATIONAL GUNDOG. DAVID BELL ( Ballintyne ) was giving CC's for the first time.
We were delighted when he awarded Wes HIS 4TH RESERVE CC..

His comments:
'Super choc dog, loved his balance, strong neck set cleanly into well angulated front assembly, well ribbed back, short & strong in loin, correct tailset & carriage. Has a super head with a kind expression & probably the best eye colour I have seen on a chocolate. Moved out very well TO TAKE THE RCC'

On 11th OCTOBER 15, Breed Judge KAREN WALSH - KARIMWOOD judged both sexes at SOUTH WALES GUNDOG ASSOCIATION at BUILTH WELLS.
Wes wins his FIRST OPEN CLASS & we are delighted again.
She writes..
'Beautiful chocolate shown in excellent condition, lovely head & eye colour, correct length of neck & well placed shoulder, strong in the back & a true otter tail, correct coat, moved well'

NOV 15TH..Annie shows Wes at the LABRADOR CLUB OPEN SHOW, where JENNY DOBSON of LAKEMEADOW LABRADORS awards Wes 1ST OPEN DOG - BEST DOG & BEST IN SHOW..His 2nd BIS at the Labrador Club & his 3RD Best in Show win within 5 months.
Her comments follow:
'I haven't seen this dog for nearly a year & he has really matured into a very eye catching dog during that time. Presents a beautifully balanced profile with everything in proportion.
Lovely masculine head, attractive eye, strong neck into well laid back shoulder & well angulated front.
Excellent topline & tail & strong, well muscled quarters. Moved well.
He has great ring presence which gave him the edge over the bitch for BIS'

LKA on DECEMBER 12th, was the final show on the 2015 Calender..
Breed Judge MAXINE CROCKER-WILLIAMS awards WES 1ST in the GC Dog Class...
She says..
'What a lovely quality choc dog.
Not exaggerated anywhere. Lovely kind head & expression, excellent front, good bone & feet, balanced, standing foresquare, good level topline with tail coming straight off. Good depth of chest, excellent quarters, shown in good fit condition & coat. Moved well.
My other consideration for the RCC'

2016 ARRIVES!
AT THE MANCHESTER NATIONAL SHOW on 17TH JANUARY, MARK RAWLINSON of HALSHIMOOR LABRADORS awarded Wes 2ND in OPEN.
His Critique reads:
'I really liked this choc. Excellent colour & presented a pleasing outline.
Good head with correct eye colour, well angulated throughout. Strong bone into correct feet. Moving really well. For me, just carrying too much weight which counted in the end'

ON FEBRUARY 6th, RICHARD MORRIS - LASCOED GUNDOGS, judged the males at THE LRC WALES Championship Show.
Wes is awarded 3RD in a lovely class of dogs.
His comments:
'This compact & solidly built twenty two months liver dog caused all three colours to feature as a stud book placing in a very strong class! Typical breed outline, impressive for powerful muscle condition on a young dog, especially his hindquarters, strong bone & pasterns, well sprung ribcage & depth of body. Well proportioned overall with reasonable length of leg to depth of brisket.
appealing head & expression, excellent thick coat of correct texture & even colour, qualities so good to find on a liver. A quality, fit for function retriever'

AT CRUFTS ON 11th MARCH, WES WINS HIS CLASS UNDER GARY JOHNSON of Cremino Labradors. He says:
'This was the best entry of males that I have ever judged & I think it would take something special to beat it...
Solid choc carrying a little too much weight for me. No doubt a quality animal, but would look better several pounds lighter but this is not helped by his carrying a super coat with a true otter tail. Wonderful head & expression, lovely eye colour contrasting well to his coat, good length of muzzle & broad across the skull. Deep chest, well sprung ribs, firm topline & good underline. Excellent strong quarters enabled him to drive around the ring. Moved very cleanly with drive, covering the ground with ease'

Previously, on MARCH 5th, the EAST ANGLIAN LRC held it's Championship Show.
Our JUDGE WAS LINDA HARVEY MAJOR of LINJOR Labradors.
She awarded Wes his 5th CC. Her comments follow..
'Have admired him for some time & today he did not let me down. Choc that filled my eye with quality, showing the typical type for show & working. In good, hard condition, well muscled & with a lovely double coat with hard topcoat. Kindest of head with correct eye colour & pigmentation, clean & good reach of neck, correct shoulder placement, straight topline going to good otter tail with correct wrap, well sprung in rib & lovely fore & hind angulation which he used to give a lovely steady driving action to cover the ring.
I have always loved a good choc & was so happy to award him the CC in good company today.

AT THE LRC SCOTLAND on April 2nd, Wes took 3RD place under DAVID WILMSHURST
( MANDAMAY ) in SWGDog.

At MIDLAND COUNTIES on 16th APRIL, LORRAINE TOOTH (LUDALOR) awarded Wes 2ND IN OPEN.
'Lovely choc boy, gentle expression, correct length of muzzle, good pigmentation, well angulated front & rear, firm topline, moved true & straight, in full coat'

AT WELKS on 22ND APRIL, ANN TAYLOR of FABRACKEN LABRADORS places Wes RESERVE in a strong OPEN CLASS.

THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW, BIRMINGHAM followed on 5TH MAY Judged by Portugese all rounder LOUIS PINTO TEIXEIRA who had previously given Wes G4 at WELKS in 2014.
In a strong OPEN CLASS, Wes is RUNNER UP to the WINNER.
Here is the judge's report..
'
On MAY 7th, WES travels to BELFAST for the LRC of NORTHERN IRELAND on MAY 7TH which was judged by ALLAN TAYLOR of SANDYLANDS fame. Here, winning the Open Dog Class, gave Wes his 6TH CC.
How brilliant!
Allan writes..." Anyone who thought they could gain cheap wins would have been very disappointed. Most classes had top quality exhibits. I must admit I was not expecting the depth of quality that I had here today"...

'This chocolate looked superb..Such a nice head with good eye colour. Well made in front and behind.
Super reach of neck and strong topline, presented in top class coat and condition. He moved really well a showed his socks off.
In my opinion, a worthy CC winner and he could be the best chocolate that I have ever judged...A really top class dog'.
'
The next day, the IRISH ALL BREEDS CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW was held at Newlandstown where Annie showed Wes under RICHARD BOTT~ QUENSHA. After a win in his Open Class, Wes is awarded the RCC & his FIRST IRISH GREEN STAR.
CONGRATULATIONS!..He needs 6 MORE TO BECOME AN IRISH CHAMPION.

Next was a trip to Scotland on MAY 21st for the SCOTTISH KENNEL CLUB, Breed Judge MARY MCCULLOCH ~ FREWLINGS. Another OPEN WIN & a RCC.
'Two lovely dogs, 1 in better coat than 2. This choc has a pleasing head & expression, correct eye colour & a good length of muzzle. Well balanced with a flowing line from neck to tail, he moved well & was presented in lovely coat & condition' ..RCC.

At BATH on 28th MAY, the sun was out, & all round Gundog Judge PAM BLAY gave Wes an excellent 2ND in OPEN.
She says:
'Ch Brown Sugar, as his name suggested, is a chocolate of quality who is all of one piece, masculine head & expression, in good coat & condition, he is well muscled all through with good body proportions, very masculine in outline & moved so well, really giving 1 a run for his money. Again, that no nonsense workmanlike type that I so admire, showed & moved well for his place'

The Summer shows are getting well under way now & Wes is next SOUTHERN COUNTIES at NEWBURY on JUNE 5th under another breed judge DALE ELLIOTT(LYNDHAM)
He wins OPEN ..She writes:
'Well handled to win this strong Open Class. Lovely choc with correct head & eye colour. Balanced outline with good construction all through. Level topline, short coupled & with tail well set on. Moves with drive. CONSIDERED FOR ONE OF THE TOP SPOTS'

Next up is THREE COUNTIES at Malvern.
Our judge from North Wales is SIAN ELLIS of DOLWEN LABRADORS.
WES WINS HIS OPEN CLASS & his 7th CC WITH BOB..Another memorable day!
'Upstanding balanced choc dog, standing foursquare who presented a balanced outline. Shown in fit hard condition carrying the right ammount of weight. Excellent coat of correct texture, masculine head but not overdone in any way. Lovely eye colour with dark pigment. Strong neck into well placed shoulders, good ribcage, strong quarters with firm topline. Tail straight off the back. Moved with drive covering the ground with ease.
CC & BOB'

On JUNE 12th, THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB held a Back to Back weekend with Breed Judge DAVID CRAIG (Davicard) judging the dogs.
Wes wins his Working Class & is awarded the CC ..HIS 8TH! A repeat of his success in 2015 at the LRClub
David's report reads...
'Top Class choc who immediatly strikes you as an absolutely typical Labrador in type & temperament. He has a most beautiful head with correct breadth of skull, super eye shape & perfect eye colour ( very difficult to achieve in a choc) well constructed all through with strong clean neck let into well placed shoulders, has just the right amount of bone going right down into good feet, short coupled , deep ribbed body with strong, short loin, level topline held on the move, tail comes off the back just right & is the right shape, well angulated hindquarters with good width of thigh & well let down hocks, his coat is just as the Standard requires & he is a whole colour. What I particularly liked was the fact that he never stands wrongly & the mechanics of his construction manifest themselves in a dog who is a sound, strong, straight & true mover both ways who has an effortless stride in profile.
A pleasure to award him the CC.
Well deserved'

The following day, the JOINT LABRADOR CLUB SHOW took place at the same venue. HEATHER WILES of HEATHERBOURNE fame was the judge.
Again, Wes wins the WORKING Class.
'Choc of undoubted quality, commands attention, excels in his super balance & great breed type, well moulded head with intelligent expression, stong neck flowing into sloping shoulders, good angulation front & rear with super body properties, well muscled hindquarters, moved with precision, presented in lovely condition, showed with great style for his handler & is a credit to his owners'
After a gap, THE UNITED RETRIEVER CLUB followed on AUGUST 17th.
This turned into another brilliant day for Wes as besides winning SPWG & his 9TH CC..under BREED JUDGE KAREN POWELL
( SEATALLAN ) he tops a great day by also WINNING BEST IN SHOW, from an excellent line up, judged later by Gundog specialist RUTH BARBOUR ...AMAZING!

Firstly, KAREN'S critique:
'A really excellent, well balanced choc boy, well made throughout which gives him the ability to move effortlessly with good length of stride. His head is delightful, so expressive & gentle with lovely eye colour. Stands foursquare with super angulation in the front, well boned legs & lovely neat feet, powerful quarters. He was in tip-top condition today, the best I have seen, which combined with his movement, earned him the CC & eventually BEST IN SHOW.

RUTH BARBOUR'S COMMENTS..
The BIS from an excellent line up was the outstanding dark chocolate Labrador CH WYATT'S MEADOWLEIGH BROWN SUGAR. I had to referee the Labrador BOB & was impressed with his typical outline, balance & hard condition. He is in no way overdone. His expression is helped by a dark eye. His well sprung ribs are not covered by excess fat. His powerful well muscled hindquarters contributed to his movement, he has a typical otter tail & in profile, his gait was smooth with excellent extension & drive & he was true fore & aft.
He was very much at one with his handler..All in all, he is a lovely Lab & a deserved BEST IN SHOW WINNER'
What superb comments from both Judges today..
THANK YOU!
At CITY OF BIRMINGHAM on 4th September, Judge CAROLE REYNOLDS (Carromer) awarded Wes Runner up in OPEN DOG.
'Super choc with wonderful head & eye colour. Short coupled with a good, deep ribcage, excellent front & in super fit condition. Another moving with ease around the ring. Showing superbly for his handler. Again, a well worthy Champion.

Next came SOUTH WALES KENNEL CLUB with first time CC judge, Amanda Stewart.
IST in OPEN again..
3 & a half years choc, gorgeous head & expression with correct eye colour, strong through neck, well placed shoulders, deep through brisket, good upper arm, well sprung ribs, excellent bone & feet, level topline with tail straight off & carried correctly, strong through rear with good second thigh, lovely dark coat, moved with ease around the ring.

AT GUNDOG SOCIETY OF WALES on 19th October, JUDGE MORAY ARMSTRONG gave Wes a strong 2ND in OPEN DOG.
AT MIDLAND COUNTIES on ..October, Breed Judge ROSEMARY HEWITT ( NEWINN ) also awarded Wes Runner Up in OPEN.

NORTH WEST LABRADOR CLUB on 30th October, gave Wes his 10th CC from the SPWG class..A lovely line up for MARGARET GAWTHORPE ( WATERBROOK LABRADORS ) from which to select her TOP DOG..
He also wins BEST IN SHOW. ..Fantastic!

'Such a kind expression..masculine head, strong neck going into correct shoulder placement & front assembly. .Goid bone & tight feet. Deep through chest, short coupled with level topline.Strong hindquarters, correct coat & tailset, he moved with drive.
In tip top condition & handled to perfection ( Thank you Rebecca! ) We'll done'.

Wes's final show of 2016 brought us to 5th November & THE WEST OF ENGLAND LRC where our JUDGE was MARILYN PRIOR
( PRIORISE Labradors) He was 3RD in a strong OPEN Class.

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2017 began with BOSTON CANINE SOCIETY CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW in January.
A brilliant result with KARL GAWTHORPE ( WATERBROOK ) agreeing with the qualities which his mother Margaret had found when she judged Wes at NWLRC in October 2016...Thus giving him his 11th CC.

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Wes continued his winning ways throughout 2017, when numerous judges have recognised his undeniable qualities.
It is now November 2017 & at this point in time, he has won
14 Challenge Certificates
7 Reserve CC's s & 9 Best of Breeds & Best in Show Top awards.
He began successfully campaigning for his Irish Title during 2016 & already has already won the 7 GREEN STARS required to be declared an Irish Champion...

As his breeders, it goes without saying that all 'his family' closely followed his travels with owner Annie & handler Becci accompanied by two NAIKEN girls & wished him lots of luck at his shows across the Irish Sea!

**** STOP PRESS: 28 th OCTOBER 2017 ****
WES WINS HIS FINAL & 7th GREEN STAR (CAC) at THE GUNDOG BREEDS OF IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW held near Dublin.

THIS AWARD MAKES HIM AN IRISH SHOW CHAMPION AS WELL AS A GB FULL CHAMPION ( Subject to IRISH KC approval )

A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT....CONGRATULATIONS & a huge Thank You to Rebecca for her super handling!

FOR ALL WES'S FOLLOWING RESULTS DURING 2017..PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT HIS RESULTS PAGE TO FOLLOW HIS CONTINUED SUCCESSES...

IT IS NOW 2018 ..& another year beginning....Already, 3 FIRST PLACES ....

*****CRUFTS 2018 ON 11th March, gave Wes Runner Up in SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG...THANK YOU TO OUR BREED SPECIALIST JUDGE, RICHARD STAFFORD OF FARNFIELD GUNDOGS*****

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WES HAD REMAINED BEEN UNBEATEN IN ALL HIS 11 LIMIT CLASSES AT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS.
Could this be a record?!
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During 2015/16, Wes 'Junior' progressed well with his serious Gundog Training and confidently moved into the Top Group.
He attended severally shoots & confidently & happily retrieved pheasant..Quite a pawful for a young boy to manage but he seemed to be taking it all in his stride.

On 28th January 2016, handled by his owner Annie, Wes gained his SGWC making him our first chocolate homebred FULL TITLE HOLDER & his owner's first FULL UK CHAMPION...A fabulous achievement.

Wes is likely to be the first chocolate male to have been awarded FULL Champion status for 40 years
*** The last male to do this was perhaps the best known chocolate & son of the famous black dog CH Merrybrook Black Stormer..being the CH/USA CH LAWNWOODS HOT CHOCOLATE who gained his title in 1977 ***

Wes is blessed with the most wonderful temperament..inherited from his parents our late 'RUBY' & 'WES' SENIOR & most importantly, he continues to be a credit & a joy to his owners in so many ways.

Update from April 2018
After Crufts in March, Wes will be taking a break from the ring for a while, due to family commitments ....
But..no doubt he will be back..Another space to watch! ....

CRUFTS 2020...Shortly before the COVID 19 LOCKDOWN & as it turned out, this was the final show of this awful year!
Wes wins his SPECIAL WORKING GUNDOG CLASS out of a huge entry.
A big thank you to LUCY KENT of TREWINNARD LABRADORS for recognising Wes's true qualities against big competition.



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