Border Union Agricultural Society

The Pastoral Group – Judge Caroline Friend-Rees (Amical)

I would like to start by saying thank you to the Officers and Committee of Border Union Agricultural Society for inviting me to judge the Pastoral Group.  

Thank you also to the breed judges who sent through so many quality Best of Breed winners making it a very strong group with many quality dogs not making the shortlist.

As well as the Four placed dogs, I also shorted the Bearded Collie – Memoryland Emotions in Motion for Ravenswyre (Imp Fin), the Finnish Lapphund – Oberitz Kaamoksen Ruhtinas JW, The Samoyed Ch/Ir/Nld/Int/Dk/Bl/Ger Ch Vandreem Imperial Kazhiya JW and the Shetland Sheepdog – Rannerdale Coco Pop.

All excellent examples of their breeds.

Group 1 Fr/Lux/Prt/Esp/Sw Ch Stairway to Heaven Take That Jww ‘23, owned by N & S Meijer. 

 This stunning male caught my eye the minute he came into the ring with his strong, square outline, correct size and portions. Moving with effortless ground covering strides and strong drive from the hindquarters, not forgetting the typical OES roll from the rear. He had a balanced head with equal proportions, fabulous profuse harsh textured coat to finish off the complete picture.

Group 2 to the Australian Shepherd - Rosschell Maid to Dazzle JW, owned by Mr J Walsh & Miss M Davis. 

Only young but so well put together and totally balanced. Medium size with moderate bone. Excellent clean masculine head with expressive almond shaped eyes and triangular well set ears. Firm level topline held at all times . excellent front assembly and strong hindquarters. Moving with free easy strides                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Group 3 Ch Twinan The Beat Goes On JW, Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) owned by Miss T J Irving.  

Another young male who was strong and sturdily built. He came into the ring with that workmanlike look as he moved purpose and drive from his hind action whilst holding his topline both on the move as well as on the stand. Lovely foxy head shape of correct proportions. Good length neck into well laid shoulders. Medium length body with well sprung ribs and close-fitting elbows. Strong well angulated hindquarters. Shown in excellent coat.

Group 4 - Ch Mybeards Sweep, Breed: Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Miss L Mottram)

 A quality medium sized dog in very good coat. Head of correct size and in proportion to body with good eye and head furnishings. Strong medium neck into well placed shoulder, good rib, deep and a strong loin. Well-developed rear, strong muscular thighs. Good bone and stands on good oval shaped feet. Presented in very good condition and moved with smooth gait over ring, holding a very good outline.