Boston & District Canine Society

BOSTON & DCS CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

THURSDAY 2ND JULY 2026

COLLIE (ROUGH) – 

Wow – thank you to all the exhibitors for the amazing entry for my first CC appointment for Roughs. I’d been looking forward to this day immensely although slightly nervously knowing I had a big entry of Roughs followed by a good entry of Heelers to get through and that the BOBs etc. would still make the groups in time. I tried to give each and every dog the opportunity to give of their best while not hanging around too much and I was relieved that all was well and I finished both breeds in good time.

With an entry of this size and a pair of fresh eyes assessing the dogs I’d like to make a few general comments on the breed as entered. The general quality was good with many dogs of the correct proportions and some excellent profile movement on show. Flat skulls like you’d find in the Smooth ring are still in short supply and it’s almost a shock when you find one. 

It soon became apparent as I was going through the dog classes though that my biggest problem looked like being dogs that looked typy and well balanced in profile but hands-on proved they were really narrow, lacking width of chest and rib development. I realise that it takes young males in particular time to mature but even in the older dogs and bitches there was a noticeable lack of width of frame and development of body structure. This led to some out and back movement that was decidedly close and this also seemed to go along with a tendency to narrow forefaces, with a slightly more pinched look to the cheeks and lack of fill to the muzzle. 

As a consequence, I found myself particularly looking out for dogs and bitches that met the standard in these areas and tried to reward them accordingly. Perhaps just one more thing for breeders take into consideration when planning their next litters.

However, my top winners were a delight and all fitted the standard to a high degree including in the areas mentioned above. Any of my four shortlisted males in the dog challenge would have made worthy CC winners and often the seconds to them in their classes. The bitch challenge was superb, I really was spoilt for choice and again there were four in strong contention for the top awards. This was one of my most enjoyable judging appointments and certainly met all my expectations. A big thank you to Kelly Crawford for the videos of the challenges, they are a super reminder of a great day.

Thank you also to my hardworking stewards who stuck with me as we went right through both breeds without a break. The ring was good size, the weather was excellent and I hope everyone had as good a day as I did.

MPD (2,0a) 1. Blake’s Corydon The Visionary. Super s/w baby of 7 months and the first of three littermates making their show debut today. Good length of head, lovely eye shape and placement. Has all the essentials, lovely bone, legs and feet, well angulated front and rear. A little bum high at the moment but that’s just a growth stage. Moved out well on an excellent length of stride in profile, just a little close behind which is understandable at his tender age. In lovely rich gold/sable puppy coat with full white shawl collar, well-presented and despite all the new experiences, taking it all in his stride with a calm, gentle temperament. One who will definitely be heard of again, just needs time and maturity. BPD. 2. Durrant & Radford-House’ Fivejays Sparkle Crackle. 8 month old tri of a lovely type but totally lacking confidence to the extent I was unable to go over him. Good length of head with almond eye obliquely set. Looks to be well made and correctly proportioned. Super jet black coat with rich tan and classic white markings. Not giving of his best on the move and close behind at this stage of development. 

PD (2,1) 1. Cooper’s Kelekona Hearts of Fire. Impressive looking, well grown tri pup of 9 months. I understand he’d had a bad experience with a judge and he was unsurprisingly a little uneasy of being gone over but I think with gentle handling he will gain the necessary confidence and will then do well. Loved his type and proportions, balanced head with correct length of muzzle to skull, lovely almond eye, obliquely set, super ears also well set, just needs to settle enough to use them to full effect and to develop in foreface. Enough length of neck, excellent front, bone, legs and feet. Good depth of body, flow over topline, just needs to drop into himself a bit more at the rear. Excellent coat with rich colours and in good condition. Narrow all through at the moment but looks good in profile on the go round with easy movement on a good length of stride. Should mature into a good dog. Just lost out on the day for BPD to the more relaxed and confident MPD.

JD (4,2) 1. Williams’ Mejola Endeavour. Well-presented and proportioned s/w of 15 months. Good length of head, flat skull, correct stop, lovely eye, well set and neat ears correctly tipped and used well to enhance his gentle expression. His muzzle does drop off a touch at the nose and I would like more underjaw and find him a little deep through. That apart, behind the head he is super. Lovely length and strength of neck flows into an excellent shoulder with good return of upper arm, correct bone, good legs and feet, rib and body development on the way, good depth of chest, correct topline, well angulated behind and nice and short from hock to heel. Tail well set and carried and in correct, fitting, bright gold sable coat, classically marked with white. Moves out well in profile with power and drive, yet still light on his feet, just a bit close behind on the day. 2. Thorne’s Chelborn Look At Me. Well grown and presented b/m just over 12 months who looked a picture. Good pattern of head which I preferred to 1 with correct proportions, outline of muzzle and depth of skull giving a clean wedge, lovely eye, and correct stop but 1 had the better ears as this lad’s are a touch wide set. Good length of strong neck, super front angulation, correct bone, pasterns, legs and feet. Needs to develop in body under that big coat. Good flow over topline with slight rise over loin and nice sweep over the croup to a well set tail. Strong rear with good turn of stifle. In excellent coat, well marked, with a pleasing blue and rich tan. Really good mover in profile as you’d expect from his construction with a good length of stride and power from behind. At this point in time he is narrow up and down but hopefully that will improve as he develops and matures and I would like to see more confidence in a young male as he was a bit windy. It was these two points that ultimately cost him first place. One I’d like to see again in the future.

YD (4,1) 1. Corben’s Seorsin Shooting Star via Caprioara. Quality rich sh/s male of 20 months who I judged as a puppy and awarded him BP & PG1 so I was pleased to see him again. He still has excellent balance standing and moving which comes from his correct construction and proportions. Masculine head coming on well, with the correct length of skull and muzzle, good underjaw giving a nice clean, blunted wedge, parallel planes, slight but perceptible stop, beautiful dark almond eyes obliquely set, super ear set and uses them well but as I commented previously they are a touch heavy which just takes away a little from his otherwise super expression. Arched, strong neck flows into a lovely front, super lay of shoulder and return of upperarm, nice bone, straight forelegs, slight spring to pasterns and oval feet. Still maturing in body but good depth of chest, he has correct length to height proportions, lovely topline with slight rise over the loin and gentle curve over the croup to a well set and carried tail. His rear construction is as good as his front with well bent stifles, muscular thighs and well let down hocks. Lovely, fitting, double coat of the correct texture, well marked and a super rich sable. If his presentation could go up a notch he would look even better. He still moves out smoothly with reach in front, drive from behind and that rhythm and cadence that comes from correct construction and balance. Slightly narrow coming towards but is a slow maturing type so this should improve and he has the qualities to do some top winning in the future. 2. Randall’s Ladnar Call My Name JW. Showy, balanced b/m of 23 months. Typical head type with the sweet expression this kennel is known for. Good length of head, correct stop, lovely eye obliquely set, very neat ears set high on the skull. Preferred the length of neck of 1 but he does have a very full mane and frill which masks it. Well angulated front and rear, good bone, legs and feet. Good length of body but would prefer a longer ribcage compared to length of loin. Lovely flow over topline with slight rise to the loin and gentle sweep over the croup. Very well presented in good double coat which is well marked and a lovely colour blue, rich tan and classic white collie markings. Moves with ease and good fore reach, not quite the drive behind of 1 on the day. Quality dog with some top wins under his belt who I loved as a baby puppy and was pleased to have the opportunity to go over him. He has a lot of virtues. 3. Flower’s Serenlas The Jokerman. Another quality youngster but at 16 months giving away a lot in age to 1 & 2.

PGD (6,2) 1. Tilley’s Gemheid May’d of Amber for Detillio. Impressed with this upstanding sh/s boy of 2 years. He has a super outline and fits the general appearance clause of the standard to a tee – appears as a dog of great beauty, standing with impassive dignity etc. Good, masculine head with which is a good clean wedge and has length but not excessively so, correct stop, flattish skull, lovely almond eye, correctly set, good stop, neat ears, well set and used. Has good length of arched neck which he uses to hold himself proudly, enhanced by his big white shawl collar. Lovely lay of shoulder with good layback of upperarm but would like a bit more length to it for perfection. Correct bone, legs and feet. Still maturing in body and ribbing, but has depth of chest, good flow over topline with slight rise over loin. Could have a little less angle over the croup but tail is set and carried well. Strong quarters well angulated balancing the front with well let down hocks. In excellent double coat of the correct texture in great condition and well presented. Best mover in the class, flowing round the ring with lightness of foot and easy drive, with good reach in front. He still looked great in the challenge and was deservedly in my last four for the CC. Would not be at all surprised to see him made up with maturity. Top quality dog. 2. Collino’s Imaginist A Griffin’s Mark. This 2 year old tri dog is well proportioned with good balance although a little unsettled on the day. Good head pattern with length, good stop, almond eye and wedge shaped in profile. Flying an ear which didn’t help his expression. Good length of neck, well constructed with good angulation front and rear. Can still develop in body and ribbing to advantage but good depth of chest and correct length to height proportions overall. As with 1 could have a more gentle curve over the croup but tail set and carried well and noted his excellent low set hocks. In profuse coat, straight and dense. Moves out quite well in profile but narrow coming towards. I didn’t feel that I’d seen the best of him on the day. 3. Walton’s Sassari Smudge.

LD (9,0) A good class and an interesting one to judge. 1. Blake’s Corydon The Baronet. When I saw this gleaming tri boy of 2 years go round the ring I was almost mesmerised. He has superb balance and is the best moving Corydon I have seen which is no small compliment and I wondered if he would be my CC winner at this stage. He’s not a big lad and I would like a bit more of him all over but hey, sometimes good things come in smaller packages and there is absolutely no disputing that his type, construction and movement are of the highest order. Good masculine, quality head with correct length and proportions, parallel planes, correct stop, dark, almond eyes, obliquely set – wouldn’t want them any smaller – and correctly set, neatly tipped ears giving a lovely expression when alert. Good length of strong neck with a lovely flow down over the topline, noted his good width and depth of chest, super angulation front and rear, lovely bone, legs and feet, good breadth of back and maturing well in ribbing. Slight rise to loin and the gentle slope over the croup that just finishes off the outline to a well set and carried tail. In good jet black double coat with rich tri markings shining in the sun and although not flashily marked with white you don’t need flash to notice him. I so enjoyed watching him move, his cadence, stride pattern and rhythm is exceptional, flowing around the ring with deceiving ground coverage and you almost don’t notice the reach and drive he goes with such ease. Now that is workmanlike movement and he could certainly go all day. He had to be in my shortlist of 4 for the CC and was so close to the RCC. His time will most certainly come – I loved him. 2. Hanson’s Jards Ring Presence. Imposing sh/s of 5 years and a size larger than 1 with a lovely outline. Lovely head type and proportions, a good, clean wedge, he has a lovely eye - preferred the size to 1’s - almond shaped, beautifully set, correct stop and ears set ok, could use them to better advantage. Well angulated front and rear with correct bone, legs and feet, good depth of body and height to length proportions. Correct topline with slight rise over the loin, tail set correctly. In super sh/s coat, rich colours, well conditioned and presented, harsh outer coat and dense, soft undercoat. Good to watch on the move, extends well in profile, very free and effortless, preferred 1 up and down. Lovely dog who just needs to relax and settle to the job in hand and then has plenty of potential for top winning. 3. Holmes & Lusty’s Blamorder Gold Plated. A quick mention for this quality 4 year old s/w who has the proportions, construction and movement to compete with the best. Good head and expression, I think he can still mature on further to advantage but he made up an excellent trio of dogs heading this class. I understand with this placing he became the first Rough with two Smooth parents to achieve a Stud Book No. – Congratulations and well deserved.

OD (6,2) This was an excellent class full of quality dogs and I enjoyed sorting through them so have included a brief appraisal of placings 3 & 4 as well. 1. Mellish’s Demelewis Silver Spur at Corydon. There’s nothing flashy about this 5 years b/m and he’s not a showman but on the day he appealed for his correctness, maturity and because he excelled where I felt the breed was lacking going by this entry. He is all of a piece, each part flows into the next, he’s put together so well, he is well angulated and very balanced and so satisfying to go over. Good, masculine head and expression, correctly proportioned, parallel planes and correct stop, almond eye, obliquely set, one of the flattest skulls in the entry, good clean wedge, with good fill to muzzle. Managed to trick him into using his neat, correctly set and tipped ears and saw the full effect as every part came together revealing a lovely expression. Good length of strong neck with slight arch, super front and rear angulation, totally in balance, lovely bone, legs and feet with spring to pasterns. A super – rare in this entry – mature body with depth and width of chest, spring and length of rib, breadth of back, firm loin, correctly proportioned height to length, lovely flow over topline from head to well set tail, with slight rise over loin, curving over the croup, well-muscled thighs and strong, straight, short rear pasterns. In good double coat, fitting his outline, the correct texture, beautifully groomed, slightly darker blue but well marbled with black, rich tan and a big white mane. In a similar vein to my LD winner, he moves with such ease and outstanding balance, covering the ground and with that lovely width of chest to him he is so correct up and down. Most definitely fit for function and despite his disinclination to show off those lovely ears, I felt he thoroughly deserved the RCC on the day and he would and should be a well deserved Ch. He is a dog to appreciate and make the most of while he is here, he has a lot of positives to offer that the breed is lacking at the moment. As they say, use him or lose him… 2. Cooper’s Kelekona Hearts of Gold. I have appreciated this lovely rich sh/s/w male before and given him a BOB and G2 but compared to 1, is a comparatively younger dog at 3 years of age. He has a delightful head and expression, masculine but quality, a clean wedge, correctly proportioned with parallel planes, correct stop, lovely almond eye, correctly set, and neat, perfectly positioned and tipped ears which, unlike 1, he is happy to use to show off his virtues! Lovely length of strong neck, with arch, super angulation front and rear, correctly proportioned with good length of body, bone, legs and feet, couldn’t quite match 1 for body maturity yet. Like 1 has that easy, flowing line from head to tail with slight rise over the loin, gently curving over the croup to a well set and carried tail. In good coat and condition, richly coloured and classically marked with white including a big shawl collar. Another super mover who extends out with ease, reach and drive and is sound up and down. It’s a pleasure to watch dogs of this calibre moving as herding dogs should. Now coming into his own as he matures, he will make a well deserved Ch and I was delighted to see that he has since won his first CC under fellow Smooth and collie specialist, Nick Smith. 3. Williams Ch Mejola Top Gun JW. I admired this g/s as youngster and pleased to see he now carries his title. Soundly made, body well knit together and a good mover, I just preferred the head properties of 1 & 2, but deserved his place. 4. Harvey’s Wicani Invocation. Elegant and striking dark sh/s/w male of 5 years with a superb temperament. Appealed for his scope on the move but on the day just preferred the overall width, length of ribcage to loin ratio and body development for his age of those above him. Pleased to see he has since won his 1st CC under Bev White, another breed specialist.

VD (3,0) 1. Randall’s Ch Ladnar Mustriharder. When this magnificent 7 year old tri dog came into the ring, my heart sang! From first appearances he embodied what I was looking for as the dog judging had progressed. When he moved effortlessly round the ring on the first circuit I just hoped that hands-on would prove he was as good as he looks and I just couldn’t help smiling as I finished going over him as he was just as good! His head has the completeness that only maturity can bring and is a good, clean wedge with equal length of skull to muzzle, parallel planes, a pretty flat skull, the most beautiful almond eye, perfectly set, and this combined with his perfectly positioned and tipped ears and fill of muzzle gives him the most lovely, sweet and yet masculine expression. He has a good length of strong neck with slight arch giving him that regal look. Superbly angulated front with forelegs well back under the body, good bone, slight spring to pasterns, oval feet with well arched toes. He is a well knit together dog with enough length proportionate to height with super depth of chest and proper width, mature well sprung ribcage which is carried well back, good breadth of back with level topline and slight rise over the loin with a gentle curve over the croup to a well-set and carried tail of the correct length. He has good turn of stifle which totally balances his front, good width at the rear with strong, straight, low set hocks. In full coat with a big white shawl collar, raven black, rich tan and full white collar in perfect condition and body weight, he looked stunning. On the move he goes with lovely balance and rhythm, unhurried and effortless, covering the ground with the length of stride you’d expect and one of the best up and down. He totally filled my eye and was everything I was looking for on the day, excelling where others failed and looking the complete picture of a male Rough Collie and to top it off his kind and gentlemanly nature comes through. In the challenge he was the dog to beat and for me, on the day, he stood out from all his challengers and I was delighted to award him the DCC, his 7th and later in the day against my beautiful RCC winning bitch, BVIB. Congratulations to his breeder/handler who must be very proud to have produced this classic example of the breed and pleased to see later that my 2nd in OD is his son proving he can produce the goods as well. What more could you ask! 2. Corben’s Astromelias Ulises via Caprioara. This 8 year old sh/s is another well constructed dog with a typical outline. Excellent balance and proportions height to length. Masculine head and expression with correct proportions of muzzle to skull. Preferred the stop of 1 and found this boy a bit deep through. Good eye shape and correctly tipped ears which I would like to see a bit tighter. Not the exceptional head and expression of 1. However, behind the head there’s lots to like. Reasonable length of strong neck. Really well angulated front to rear. Good bone, legs and feet. Has depth of chest, ribs well sprung, level topline, slight rise over the loin before curving away over the croup to a well set tail. Really strong rear, with good turn of stifle, liked his length of second thigh and short, punchy rear pasterns which gives him his drive on the move and he certainly can move. He’s a delight to watch in profile and really covers the ground. In good coat with the correct harsh, straight, outer coat and dense, soft undercoat of a really rich, dark shaded sable. A dog with lots of good qualities but just could match the overall picture of 1 on the day. Boyle’s Barrenclough Heart of Gold JW ShCEx OSW VW.

SPBD (4,0) 1. Leese’s Essanjay Fields Of Gold for Firesaga. Well balanced dark sh/s almost 7 years old. Quality head shape, correctly proportioned with parallel planes and a clean wedge. Good dark, almond eye, correctly set, ears correctly tipped but just a touch wide set. Could have a little more length of neck but his markings and big, thick mane doesn’t help in that regard. Lovely front angulation, correct bone, legs and oval feet. Good depth of chest, nice spring of rib, level topline, slight rise over loin, heavy coat over the croup makes him look a bit bulky over the tailset but the angle underneath is fine, tailset is correct and he has a really good rear, well angulated, matching his front, with good short rear pasterns. Superb rich, dark overlay to his sh/s dense double coat, not flashily marked with white but moves out effortlessly with easy reach and drive and sound up and down. A good quality, honest Rough Collie of a lovely type. Walton’s Sassari Smudge. This 4 year old tri is a slightly more compact type but is well made with no exaggerations. Good type of head correctly proportioned muzzle to skull, parallel planes, almond eye, would like a little more fill to muzzle and ears are a touch wide set. Would like more length of neck but shoulder is well laid with good angle to upper arm, correct bone, legs and feet with slight spring to pasterns. Good depth of body, topline is level, slight rise to loin, flatter angle to the croup than 1 which gives him a higher tail set. Has good turn of stifle, rear pasterns not as short as 1. Coat is the correct double coat, thick and dense with harsh outer coat, good black with bright tan and classic white markings. Moved out easily with little effort but a bit proud of his tail which just spoils his outline. Beardley’s Marjalu Mr Lover Man.  

GCD (4,0) 1. Farthing’s Didek Once In A Blue Moon. Masculine 3 years old b/m who I judged back in 2024 as a yearling and he’s come on well. Good sized boy with correct length of head, correct planes, a little deep in stop, deep through the skull and would like a little more underjaw. However, he has a lovely almond eye and correctly set ears which gives him a lovely sweet expression. Good length of neck flows into a well angulated front and just needs to mature on in rib. Good bone, legs and oval feet, would like toes a little more arched. Well proportioned height to length, good depth of chest, has spring of rib, holds a correct topline with well angulated quarters that balance his front. In correct double coat fitting his shape and in lovely condition. Well marked and coloured blue with rich tan and classic white markings. Moved out freely with easy reach and drive and perfectly sound. Lovely to see him again. 2. Walton’s Sassari Smudge. See above. 3. Collino’s Imaginist A Griffin’s Mark.

MPB (5,2) 1. Walsh & Lusty’s Afterhero Fantasma NAF TAF. What a precocious little doll this super tri pup is! Just 6 months old, making her debut in the ring and showing to the manner born. So all-of-a-piece, beautifully proportioned and balanced. Attractive head and expression from dark, almond eye, obliquely set, correct head proportions, ears well set and used, she just needs to grow into them a bit. Super neck, great front, well angulated, lovely bone, legs and feet, good depth of chest, lovely flow from neck over topline, slight rise over the loin and gentle curve over the croup to a well set and carried tail. Equally blessed with good rear angulation, perfectly balancing her front, with nice low set hocks. In good puppy coat, conditioned to perfection and handled to advantage. And then she moves...where she is simply outstanding for a baby pup. It’s rare to see a pup so balanced and she goes with a lovely cadence and super length of stride, really using that angulation, easy, effortless and no nasty surprises out and back either. She has all the promise in the world and a showgirl to boot, I can see green cards coming her way pretty soon if she carries on in this vein. I loved her and despite the quality of the dog pup an easy BP on the day and I will watch her progress with interest. 2. Mellish’s Corydon Faithful Vision for Demelewis. The second from this litter I judged today and this one is a very feminine rich g/s. Not nearly as together as 1 but everything is in the right place for her age. Good length of head, correctly proportioned, lovely eye shape and placement. Ears well set, she just needs to grow into them. Moderate length of neck, good angulation front and rear, lovely bone, legs and feet. Well proportioned length to height, good depth of body, level topline with slight rise to the loin, good turn of stifle. Not as short in rear pasterns as 1. In lovely puppy coat, fitting her shape. Moves out really well, easy and sound using that lovely angulation, just a touch bum high in outline at the moment but that will come good as she matures. Very promising baby who just needs to settle to give of her best. 3. Walker’s Aldredelie Ancient Ruins.

PB (4,1) 1. Blake’s Corydon Perfect Vision. Super g/s baby with all the essentials and the third from this lovely litter making their debut today. Real quality head and expression on the way. Good length with parallel planes, correct stop, clean wedge with almond eye obliquely set, ears held a touch wide at the moment and just needs to learn to use them to her advantage. Moderate length of neck, lovely front angulation with correct bone, legs and oval feet. A baby in body as you’d expect but a lovely topline, level with a slight rise over the loin and gentle curve over the croup to a correctly set tail. Really good rear end, good turn of stifle and nice second thigh. In good puppy coat and another bright s/w flashily marked in typical collie style. Well presented and sympathetically handled and moves so easily with excellent length of stride and easy, effortless action. Still puppyish up and down but probably the most mature outline of her siblings at this stage. Really promising pup, oozing quality, whose progress I shall watch with interest, just couldn’t topple the tri bitch on the day but her time will come as I can see her being another top winner for this longstanding kennel. 2. Flower’s Serenlas She’s On Trend. Pretty s/w of 9 months of very workmanlike make and shape. Good length of head and muzzle to skull proportions. Lovely almond eye with a sweet, winsome expression aided by her well set, correctly tipped and used ears. Good length of neck flows into a super front with the best of angulation, lovely bone legs and feet with slightly sprung pasterns. Good depth of body, certainly not too long height to length as she’s a well knit together bitch, level topline with slight rise to the loin and gentle curve over the croup to a correctly set and held tail. Lovely rear angulation, low set pasterns, adult coat coming in and it fits her shape nicely, well presented. Moves out easily, very light on her feet and covering the ground well. At the moment just a bit bum high and needs to drop into herself in the rear and the effect on her outline just made the difference in the 1st and 2nd placings here. I’m sure she will go on to do very well as she has quality. 3. Cooper’s Kelekona Pearls Of Hope.

JB (5,1) 1. Hanson’s Jards Cudmirrah Special. Super balance on this correctly proportioned 14 months tri bitch. Lovely feminine head, which is a clean wedge, alert, enquiring expression from correctly placed, almond eyes. Ears are beautifully set, tipped correctly and used constantly but she just needs to grow into them. Good length of neck and lovely lay of shoulder, correct bone, legs and feet, good depth of chest, still maturing in body, level topline with slight rise over loin, perhaps a touch steeper anger over the croup than I’d like but good length of tail, well turned stifles and well let down hocks. Still not in full adult coat but it fits her well, shows off her shape and is the correct double coat with the black being black and the tan a rich tan. Moves out with ease on a good length of stride and light on her feet. Just needs to strengthen behind. Should mature into a really nice bitch and she shows well which is always a bonus! 2. Williams’ Mejola Some Girls Do. Attractive g/s bitch of 15 months and sister to 1st in JD. Slightly more compact proportionately height to length than 1 but still has plenty of daylight under her. Good length of head with flattish skull, parallel planes and slight but perceptible stop, almond eye, ears correctly tipped, could hold them tighter to enhance her expression. Would like a touch more underjaw, preferred 1 through the cheeks and wouldn’t want her any deeper through. Moderate length of neck, lovely lay of shoulder, good return of upperarm, correct bone, legs and feet. Can still drop in chest and body still maturing as you’d expect, topline has slight rise over loin, can still drop into herself a touch at the rear to advantage but well turned stifles and well-muscled thighs. As with 1, correct double adult coat coming in well, showily marked with a big white shawl collar, lovely bright g/s and in good condition. Lovely balance on the move, going with freedom, ease and sound up and down. I’m sure she will go on to do very well. 3. Ransome’s Dream Maker.

YB (7,2) This was a strong class but with a variety of type on show and it was impossible to have an even lineup as indicated by my 1st and 2nd placings who are very different but both excel in different ways. It was a close decision between them. 1. Moore’s Omordha Sweet Tooth. Refined, quality b/m bitch of 21 months and from the smaller end of the scale side wise. Very feminine in head and expression with correct proportions muzzle to skull, parallel planes, slight but perceptible stop, clean wedge with a lovely shape and set of eye giving a really sweet expression especially when combined with her neat, correctly set and tipped ears. Super neck enhanced by a big white shawl collar, exceptional balance front to rear with superb angulation in front matched by an exceptional rear with beautiful angles and lovely low set hocks. Correct proportions height to length with good depth of chest, can still mature in ribbing, lovely flow from head down over the topline which is level with slight rise over the loin curving gently over the croup to her well set tail. Correct bone in balance with the rest of her, great legs and feet, correct harsh outer coat and dense undercoat, well marked and coloured merle with rich tan and classic white collie markings, she is an eyecatcher for good reason. On the move she has real lightness of foot, uses her angulation to cover the ground in swift, smooth strides with reach and drive. Would just like a bit more width up and down but hopefully that will come as she matures. Aside from wishing there was a bit more of her all over I rate this bitch very highly. Enviable construction, balance and movement and I’ll be interested to see her with full maturity and perhaps a litter under her belt. 2. Gatt’s Wicani Belladonna for Bearven. The total antithesis of 1. Top end for size, big, strong, roomy young tri, also 21 months and one who will take time to come to her best but also a real quality bitch. Her head has length, correct proportions muzzle to skull, she has a beautiful dark almond eye, set obliquely, and well set ears. Her nose just drops away a touch and I find her ears on the heavy side which just detracts a bit from her expression. Good length of strong neck, super lay of shoulder and good return of upperarm, plenty of bone, good legs and feet, preferred the pasterns of 1. Good width and depth of chest, still maturing in body and ribbing. Level topline with slight rise to loin and can still drop into herself behind to advantage. A little more angle to the croup than 1 but well turned stifles, really well muscled thighs and strong, parallel hocks. In really thick dense, weatherproof, double coat, in fabulous, gleaming condition, strikingly marked with really distinct demarcation between the blackest of tri and startling white with gorgeous rich tan to boot, and classically marked with a big white shawl collar. One who excels on the move and for such a powerful looking bitch she glides round the ring, smooth, rhythmic, light on her feet and sound up and down. Both these two bitches are a delight to watch moving and both by their construction and attitude, are workmanlike and fit for function. 3. Hanson’s Jards Cudmirrah Special. 1st in JB and not disgraced by this placing in the least.

PGB (8,3) 1. Boyd & McGill’s Gemheid May’d Of Gold for Stregato. Lovely 2 year old s/w beautifully put together and so balanced. Liked her size, good length of head and a lovely clean wedge, correct stop, parallel planes, almond eye, obliquely set, good ear placement, correctly tipped, all combining to give a sweet, feminine expression. Super length of neck with slight arch, great front, well angulated bringing the forelegs nicely under the body, correct bone, slight spring to pasterns, oval feet which could have a bit more arch to toes. Good depth of chest, still not fully mature in spring of rib, super flowing topline from head to tail, level back, slight rise over loin and gentle curve over the croup to a well set and carried tail. She has a grand rear with bend of stifle, muscular thighs and low set hocks, the angulation balancing the front perfectly. Richly coloured, lightly sh/s coat, correct outer coat and undercoat, classic white collie markings. She stands with poise, shows well and is superb on the move with a wonderful rhythm, reach and drive, lightly covering the ground and sound up and down. Really it was a case of what is there not to like apart from body development not being quite there but she was in my top four for the bitch green cards and very close up. She should make up easily if there’s any justice in the world. I loved her. 2. Boyle’s Timeless Destiny Star Actis Over Barrenclough JW (Imp Pol). Feminine 3 year old s/w of a different type to 1. Slightly more compact overall and head is proportionally slightly shorter but still all in balance. Good head planes, very sweet eye, beautifully set, nice fill to muzzle, ears are well placed and when used give her a lovely feminine expression. Good length of neck, well laid shoulder and good return of upper arm, correct bone, pasterns, legs and preferred her feet to 1. Good depth of chest with some width, some spring to rib, level back, slight rise to loin, gentle curve over the croup to a well set tail. Really good quarters, well angulated with good length of thigh and low set hocks. In good rich g/s double coat, very dense and with the traditional white collie markings that enhance the appeal. Moved out smoothly and easily on a good length of stride, covering the ground and sound up and down. 3. Whitaker’s Siluto Silvary Blue Moon.

LB (10,2) Another strong class with quality right down the line. 1. Walsh & Davis’ Wicani Bellisima Rosschell JW. Superbly proportioned and balanced b/m, still only 21 months but so together and watching her circuit the ring is a joy. Very feminine but still has strength. Quality head not at all overdone with good length, correct proportions, flattish skull, correctly placed stop, sweet, dark, almond eye, obliquely set, clean through the cheeks with good fill to muzzle for a youngster, well set ears, correctly tipped and used to advantage to give a very gentle, enquiring expression. Good length of neck, slightly arched, super front angulation with correct bone, legs and oval feet. Well knit together body with lovely flowing outline from head to tail, good spring of rib for age, width and depth of chest, level back, slight rise to loin, gentle curve over the croup to a well set and carried tail. Well angulated rear with strong thighs and well let down hocks. In good fitted double coat, beautifully conditioned and groomed, showing her lovely shape, with a lightly marked, silvery merle, rich tan and great white shawl collar which shows off her lovely neck and head carriage. She is a nice size and moves out with ease and lightness of foot, swift and fleet, her coat flowing with her, which combined with low reach in front and real drive from behind makes her almost mesmerising to watch, floating round the ring, holding her outline at all times making a great team with her young handler. In the challenge she had to be in my top four, she has lovely type, super construction, the bloom of youth, maturity of attitude, poise and femininity and after a final circuit of the ring, her fabulous driving movement inched her ahead of top quality opposition to take the BCC and I understand her Ch title with it – Congratulations! In the challenge for BOB it was tough to split the two, the dog so masculine and she definitely a young lady, I loved them both and just felt on the final go round, the combination of her drive and fluid ease of movement, her carriage and youthful vigour just swayed the decision her way on a hot day and she took the top spot. Although not with her usual handler she put on a good show in the group, she has all the attributes of a true herding dog but is also one classy young lady. BCC & BOB. 2. Hodges’ Jopium Follow My Heart JW. Quality s/w of 2 years who is more compact that 1 and I would like a little more length to her overall. That said, she has a feminine head and expression with a lovely almond eye, head correctly proportioned muzzle to skull, neat, correctly tipped and placed ears that enhance her sweet expression when she uses them. She is also a well put together bitch with lovely angles front and rear giving her correct balance. Lovely bone, legs and feet, good depth of body and rib development on the way. Correct topline with good flow from head to tail with level topline, rise over the loin and curve over the croup to a well set tail. Richly coloured double coat with harsh outer and dense undercoat, groomed and presented to perfection as always by this breeder/exhibitor and in lovely bloom. Moves out freely, easily and soundly with smoothness and purpose. Just preferred the overall length and scope of 1 but a nice bitch. 3. Gallagher’s Stregato My Silver Tassie with Gemheid.

OB (6,2) A good class of quality bitches. 1. Newman’s Ch Phreelancer Phormal Dress. Classy sh/s of 5 years with plenty of length to her proportionally and very well constructed. Super head proportions with parallel planes and correct stop, very clean through the cheeks, dark, almond eyes, set obliquely, wouldn’t want any more width between them, well set, neat ears, one third tipped and used to her advantage. Enough length of neck, super front with excellent layback of shoulder and return of upperarm. Good bone, legs and oval feet with pasterns well sprung. Good depth of body and spring of rib, breadth of back, slight rise over loin, easy flow over the topline to a well set and carried tail. Super rear end with well angulated stifles and well muscled thighs with low set hocks. In good double coat with straight, harsh outer and dense, soft undercoat, presented well. She’s made to move well and so she does, lengthening out with flat, smooth, easy strides, going with reach and drive, using those hocks. In my top four shortlist in the challenge and just missed out on the day. I just preferred the expression and height on the leg on the two green card winners but it was close and I was splitting hairs. 2. Howard’s Gib Ch Serenlas Angel of Casatentola. I admired this athletic, well made tri bitch as a puppy and here she is at 4 years old and maturing into a lovely adult. Full of type and instantly appeals for her super balance and correct proportions. Feminine head with parallel planes, correct stop, super eye and expression from almond eyes, correctly placed, enough underjaw, felt 1 was just a little cleaner through the cheeks but she has superb ears, perfectly set and tipped and used constantly, enhancing her appeal. Lovely length of neck and felt she had the edge on 1 here, which flows smoothly into a super front, spot on for angulation, good bone, legs and oval feet, toes could be more arched. Good depth of chest, maturing well in ribcage, correct loin and with a beautiful sweep of outline from head down over topline with a gentle curve over the croup to a well set, long tail. Really good hindquarters, balancing the front with good bend of stifle and really low set hocks. Moves out so easily on a good length of stride, smooth and effortless and there’s a touch of sassiness and poise about her which is enhanced by her classic white collie markings and jet black and rich tri colouring. I just find her very appealing all over and see no reason why, given a fair wind, she shouldn’t make up. She certainly gave 1 a run for her money and she has class. I’ve also just realised that I loved her late sire and gave him top honours as well. He’s certainly produced the goods with this one. 3. Cronk’s Ch Chelborn Tell Me Your Wish. Another quality, well put together, good moving s/w, just preferred the ears of 1 & 2.

VB (6,1) A lovely class of mature ladies with quality down the line. 1. Geddes’ Ch Ingledene Sno Wanda. I’ve admired this beautiful b/m of 7 years from the ringside and was so pleased to have the opportunity to judge her. She didn’t disappoint. She has a serene presence about her and you can see as soon as she moves that everything is in the right place. Super head, eye and expression with a clean wedge, level planes, balanced proportions muzzle to skull, correct stop, sweet almond eye, obliquely placed, clean through the cheeks, the fill to muzzle I was looking for, neat ears, correctly set and tipped, not the greatest showgirl but when she does use them the effect is all that could be desired. Super length of neck enhanced by a big white shawl collar. Super lay of shoulder, good return of upper arm, correct bone, legs and super feet with lovely arched toes. A touch slack on her pasterns standing now but it doesn’t affect her movement. Super depth and width of chest and spring of rib but her correct proportions length to height means there is plenty of daylight under her. Broad back, slight rise over loin with one smooth, flowing line from her head to her well set and carried tail. Strong hindquarters with angulation balancing her front, good breadth to thigh and good, low set hocks. In full, double coat, in lovely condition making her the complete picture, a lovely silvery blue, splashed and marbled with black with paling tan now as befits her age. She still has it on the move with an effortless, almost lazy action coming from that perfect balance, but showing length of stride, low reach in front and good drive from behind, covering the ground and totally sound up and down. She looked the complete picture, a stunning example of a mature Rough Collie bitch with dignity and class and a clear winner for me in this veteran class today. In the challenge these virtues were unmissable and although bowing the knee to youthful vigour for the CC I was pleased to reward her with the RCC over some top-notch bitches. I was delighted to find afterwards that she is half sister to my super DCC winner, both sired by the wonderful Piaf. 2. Farthing’s Aldreen Illusion in Blue for Didek. Shapely, mature b/m bitch who I’ve done well before, now 7 years old. Super head and expression from that combination of correct proportions of muzzle to skull, placement of stop, sweet almond eyes and neat, correctly tipped ears, all forming that clean wedge with lovely fill to muzzle just adding that finish to the picture. Good neck with big white shawl accentuating it which flows into a super front with good return of upper arm. Well boned legs, feet could be a bit tighter. Mature in body with good width, well-knit together with ribs well sprung and good depth of chest. Topline flows from head to tail with firm back, the correct slight rise to loin and gentle fallaway to a good length of tail. Hindquarters have good turn of stifle with low set hocks balancing the front. In full double coat, dense and of the correct texture. Beautifully marked and coloured merle with bright tan and classic white collie markings. Free and easy on the move with a good length of stride flowing round the ring and sound up and down. When I looked at these two bitches standing for their critiques, I thought how similar they looked and I now see that they are half-sisters and she is another Piaf offspring. He certainly left his mark as a stud for the benefit of the breed in the relatively short time he was here. 3. Stillwell’s Bellawave Caught In A Dream. Lovely tri bitch of 12 years and another I’ve done well before. Correct balance and proportions and still moves well but giving away a lot in age to 1 & 2.

SPBB (4,0) 1. Gatt’s Wicani Belladonna for Bearven. 2nd in YB, I was pleased to award this good moving tri bitch 1st in this class. She was in beautiful bloom and has a lovely rapport with her handler. I was chuffed that she went on to SPB G3 – well done! 2. Boyle’s Timeless Destiny Star Actis over Barrenclough. 2nd in PGB. I just preferred the overall proportions of 1.

GCB (4,1) 1. Beardsworth’s Wicani Dulcibella Gyda Maysinder. VHC in the strong YB class. Shapely 21 month b/m and another well put together bitch of the correct proportions. Good head type with the correct length of muzzle to skull, clean wedge with parallel planes and a correctly shaped eye, ears could be held tighter. Good length of neck, lovely lay of shoulder and return of upper arm, good bone, legs and feet with well arched toes. Good depth of body and width of chest. Maturing well, correct topline with slight rise over loin, well angulated quarters with good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Tail correctly set. In good double coat, well groomed, a bit more of a smokey than silvery blue, well marbled with black and good rich tan with a big white shawl collar. Moved better in this class than her first one where I felt she was hampered by her handler’s mobility, easy and smooth on a good length of stride. I would still like to see her moved out a little faster to show off her virtues and excellent construction to best advantage but I’m sure her handler is aware of that. It wasn’t until afterwards that I realised that 1 & 2 are litter sisters and Dulcibella turned the tables on her sister in this class as I preferred some head details and Belladonna wasn’t so settled as in her previous classes. Two quality young bitches who will change places often I’m sure. 2. Gatt’s Wicani Belladonna for Bearven. 

SIMON BURTON (Judge)