Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association

Show – Royal Cornwall Show – Prem Open Show

Date – 5th June 2026

Judge – Lynda Nicholas (Nickarlyn)

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge and to my stewards John & Pauline. Thanks to all exhibitors each entry was appreciated. Devasted for the organisers and exhibitors that the last day of the show had to be cancelled due to extreme weather and public safety concerns – a nightmare for all who worked so hard to put on this very enjoyable event.

Pastoral Adult

Grp 1 Shetland Sheepdog – Robinson – CH/NOR/SE/FIN CH LAVIKA MOONLIGHT STORM JW (RE-IMP)

This tri dog just cannot be ignored – he has it all – balance, symmetry, flowing silhouette a fabulous head and expression and light effortless movement and to top it off the complete showman. 

Grp 2 OES - Wileman – CH LINDISFARM HOPE REDEEMED ShCex (breed critique)

Grp 3 Briard – Hillier, Rogers & Gardner – AT MAGIC SHADOW DES BERGERS DES MILLE ET UNE NUIT AVEC CHARSON (IMP) (breed critique). Whilst a complete baby at 8 months – he fully deserved his place in the adult grp

Grp 4 Rough Collie - Morey – BROOKYNUT HOT AND SPICY

This sable bitch has the sweetest of expressions, nicely balanced head, parallel planes, correct stop and decent underjaw. Excellent height to length ratio. Totally sound coming and going. Showed good reach and drive with a well carried tail. Beautifully presented, correctly textured coat that enhanced her lovely confirmation.

Pastoral Puppy

Grp 1 Briard – Hillier, Rogers & Gardner - AT MAGIC SHADOW DES BERGERS DES MILLE ET UNE NUIT AVEC CHARSON (IMP) (breed critique)

Grp 2 Bearded Collie - Haskell– BARSDEN ALL OF ME (breed critique)

Grp 3 Rough Collie - Morey – BROOKYNUT CLYDE BARROW Sable who I note is the son of the GRP3 adult, and many of the same comments apply. Has good proportions, a lovely wedge head, correct stop and dark almond eyes. All male in expression but not overdone. Good length to back with balanced front and rear angulations. Still has plenty of time to tighten up all round and drop a little further into his frame, would like to see him when fully mature.

Grp 4 Pembroke Corgi - Denning– A TIME TO DREAM (breed critique)

AV Pastoral Veteran (11,5)

Some lovely dogs in this class – proving that “age is just a number”.  

1 Stansbury - CH/HRV CH DOMBURG BY APPOINTMENT AT WOODBRIAR ShCEx (Tervueren)

Almost 9 yr old male - full of breed type with ring presence in abundance. Showing elegance and strength without any exaggerations with good muscle tone. Dark, keen, oblique set eye, balanced head proportions with parallel planes and moderate stop. Enough underjaw. Super arch to neck, well placed shoulders and matching return upper-arm. Firm topline that he kept on the move. Good musculature/body condition, balanced front and rear angulations, moderate bend of stifle, correct croup and tailset. Movement – brisk, light and graceful covering the ground without exaggeration, holding topline. He out moved the other quality veterans in this class Good coat texture.

2 Poulton - MEDDOBE SPICE GIRL VW

Australian Shepherd

G (6,5)

1 Scanlan - SPARKAWAY JEEPERS CREEPERS OF FRANMAR

Black tri female – medium sized, moderate and sound. OK head proportions with good eye. Sporting excellent pigment. Prefer a little less length of loin to improve her silhouette. Moderate bone and good core body strength. Neat feet and good pasterns. Showed and moved well

O (5,3)

1 Scanlan - FRANMAR BLUE MYSTIQUE BOB

Blue female took this class and BOB on overall balance, size and shape. Correct head proportions with moderate stop. Well laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Good depth of chest and length of rib with strong loin. Well-muscled hindquarters with correct turn of stifle on well let down, strong hocks. Balanced front and rear angulations ensured she covered the ground with ease showing good reach and drive and accurate footfall.  

2 Scanlan - JOTARS REACH FOR THE STARS WITH FRANMAR

Red merle female carrying a little too much weight which effected movement. Ok head though would prefer a little less width of skull. Moderate length to neck though front assembly a little upright. Good width and depth to chest, and spring of rib. Good bone, feet and pasterns. Pigment harmonised with coat colour, however I would prefer coat to be of better texture.

Bearded Collie

P (1,0)

1 Haskell - BARCSDEN ALL OF ME BP

Charming 8 month old slate male. Pleasing masculine head without being overdone with a kind expression. Good body and bone for age and has a smart, balanced unexaggerated outline displaying the correct proportions. Enough spring of rib that reached well back. Moderate angulations and good hocks ensured he covered the ground with some exuberance that simply added to his charm. Presented in good puppy coat.

G (2,0)

1 Tippett - POTTERALE JUBILEE JENSON AT SNOWTIP BOB

Appealed for balance, shape and type. Nothing exaggerated. Balanced head, broad skull and strong muzzle. Soft, gentle expression. Moderate neck into well laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Enough rib reaching well back and strong loin. Spot on height to length ratio. Smooth and supple on the move covering the ground with ease, dropped into himself showing minimal foot lift, holding a level stable topline. Muscular rear, strong parallel hocks. Excellent tailset and carriage

2 Haskell - ELTIMARIS HANG OUT THE FLAGS

Good expression with eye colour toning with coat. Not quite the shoulder placement of winner. Enough ribbing and good loin. Would prefer a little more length of body to enhance silhouette. Decent bone, feet and pasterns. Correct harsh double coat beautifully presented. Could not quite match the winner’s side profile on the move 

O (1,0)

1 Tippett - POTTERDALE SOLAR PLUS AT SNOWTIP

Good height to length ratio, agile and athletic looking. Balance in head, masculine expression coming from good eyes and well-placed ears. Well laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Decent depth of chest and length of rib with strong loin. Just a little untidy moving away. Presented himself well- just preferred the silhouette and rear drive of BOB today

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael) – no entries

Belgian Shepherd (Terveren)

G (1,0)

1 Stansbury - DOMBURG JUST BECAUSE AT WOODBRIAR BOB

13 months and very much still looking a juvenile. Balanced head with good skull/muzzle on parallel planes. Enough underjaw. Dark expressive eye. Arched neck with proud head carriage with a good height to length ratio and elegant silhouette. Standing on good legs and feet. Firm topline that she kept on the move once she had settled into her surroundings. Needing time to mature.

OD (0)

OB (0)

Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)

0 (1,1)

Briard

L (2,1)

1 Hillier, Rogers & Gardner - AT MAGIC SHADOW DES BERGERS DES MILLE ET UNE NUIT AVEC CHARSON (IMP) BOB&BP

I really fell for this 8-month-old black baby with a fabulous cheeky character. All male but nothing course about him. Lovely balance in backskull and muzzle. Large, open dark eye and large nose. Clean, strong neck leading to well laid shoulder and correct return of upper arm. Good depth to chest, ribbing reaching well back and muscular loin. Super bone for a youngster ended in the best of feet. Balanced moderate front/rear angulations, rear quarters used to full advantage on the move (and for bouncing when he changed handler). Loved his overall proportions, shape and breed type.

O (3,2)

1 Haddock - GILCORU INTUITION D’BRIE

Another lovely black female of 4 yrs. Scored for type, size, proportions and outline. Excellent head and muzzle, Dark, open eye giving intelligent yet soft expression. Moderate neck. Well-developed chest. OK lay of shoulder and return of upperarm. Excellent topline. Short, muscular loin. Strong rear quarters and low set hocks. Great coat and condition. Moved soundly, covering the ground well but not quite the rear drive of the puppy which was the deciding factor today

Border Collie

G (1,0)

1 Jupp & Davies - TARANZA WAITING FOR LOVE BOB

Classically marked B&W pretty bitch with balanced proportions presenting a pleasing silhouette. Built on racy lines and appealed for her workmanlike outlook. Decent head with good stop and well-set dark eye. Good body proportions. Enough bone, good pasterns and feet. A little wide in front when moving, but good side gait, light and effortless with minimal lift. Worked well with her handler

O (1,0)

1 Jupp & Davies - TARANZA WAITING FOR LOVE

Finnish Lapphund

G (0,0)

O (2,0)

1 Rudd - INFINDIGO LINTU HENKKA VW 

Veteran wolf sable who presents a harmonious shape. Good for size and substance and presented in good coat/condition and looking if he could do a full days work. Nice head and eye harmonising with coat to provide keen expression. Good spring of rib and short strong loin. Correct tailset carried over back. Good bone and feet. Moved true in all directions with a brisk purpose about him working well with handler who really got the best out of him.

2 Critchlow & Rudd - PAVOSKAS HIILI HELMI

Feminine bitch at the smaller end of the standard. Lovely head and expression with good eye shape and size. Ears of good size/shape and well set. Decent length of neck, however a little soft in topline. Moderate angulation both ends. Well set tail correctly carried on the move Light on her feet with accurate footfall. Preferred the overall balance, size and silhouette of the winner.

Old English Sheepdog

G (2,0)

Both very nice females

1 Noyce & Barkham - LAMMORICK SUMMER DREAM

Just rising 2 yr old bitch of sound, square construction. Feminine head of good proportions, eyes set well apart with good pigmentation throughout. Good reach of neck, with arch that flowed well into well angulated front. Short body with pleasing back line and ribbing extends well back. Excellent bone and feet. Rear angulation complemented front, with low set parallel hocks - allowing plenty of drive behind. Moving freely with good footfall. Harsh texture to coat, nicely presented.

2 Benfield - SHAGGYBO LOVE IN SLOW MOTION 

Plenty to like about this 4 yr old female and many of the same comments apply. I slightly preferred the head proportions and balance of winner. Lovely body proportions with strong bone, and deep front but would prefer a little more layback of shoulder. Moved really well round the ring at a sensible pace. Well-presented although main colour could be improved.

O (1,0)

1 Wileman - CH LINDISFARM HOPE REDEEMED ShCEx BOB

5 yr old bitch. Quality girl scored for type, size, proportions and outline. Excellent head properties and strength to muzzle with well defined stop. Dark pigment throughout. Well set eyes, one of each colour. Presented a square outline with arched neck of good length, excellent ribbing, deep through the brisket and muscular loin and lovely rounded rump. Standing of the best of legs, well boned. Excellent on the move and so typical dropping into herself as she went round covering the ground effortlessly. Good quality coat and presentation. 

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

G (1,1)

O (2,2)

Swedish Vallhund

G (0,0)

O (1,0)

1 Poulton - MEDDOBE SPICE GIRL VW BOB

9 ½ yr female with nice harness. Sturdy looking with good proportions. Wedge head with dark, oval eye, black pigment and ears that provide typical expression. Level topline, slight tuck-up, standing on well boned legs. Really came alive on the move, showing typical gait, at a steady pace on loose lead. Good for size and substance. Enough extension and drive without excessive lift. Well-muscled and another veteran with enviable body condition

German Shepherd Dog – no entries

Hungarian Puli– no entries

Pyrenean Mountain Dog– no entries

Samoyed

G (2,1)

1 Kirby & Prout - FURZELAND DEVON DAFFODIL

Pretty bitch with balanced proportions presenting a pleasing silhouette. Decent head with good stop and well-set dark eye and pigment. Good body proportions. Enough bone, good pasterns and feet. Just a little upright in shoulder and prefer elbows a tad closer to chest wall. Good side gait, holding toipline with power from behind. Good tailset and carriage.

OD (1,0)

1 Prout - JACKSON MALTAYED AT FURZELAND (IMP POL) ShCEx BOB

Good for size and substance and presented in lovely coat, Correct head proportions with moderate stop with dark oblique eye and pigment. Well laid shoulders and matching return of upper arm. Good depth of chest and length of rib with strong loin. Well-muscled hindquarters with correct turn of stifle on well let down, strong hocks. Balanced front and rear angulations ensured he covered the ground with ease showing good reach and drive and accurate footfall.  

OB (2,1)

These 2 females made for a difficult decision and sure they have and will swap places

1 Prout - OLIMPIA MALTAYED AT FURZLAND (IMP POL) JW

This young lady was particularly chatty and interactive. She also failed to watch the weather forecast for today and came in her Summer wardrobe, but there was nothing to hide and everything to appreciate. Good for height/length proportions presenting a lovely silhouette. Good head and expression. Straight front with good bone and nice feet. Very pleasing rear and well set tail carried correctly at all times. Combined femininity yet strength in outlook.

2 Prout - FROSTI FLUFF OF FURZELAND

Totally sound coming and going moved well but lacked the sparkle and presence of the winner. Showed good reach and drive with a well carried tail. Good coat and condition and looking fit for function. Just preferred the expression and front angulation of winner. 

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)

G (3,3)

O (2,2)

Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)

G (2,1)

1 Denning - A TIME TO DREAM BOB

A 9 mth youngster who came into the ring a little overawed but grew in confidence throughout the day. Strong and sturdy looking. Good head proportions with a lovely soft expression that made me smile. Well set ears of good size. Deep chest and well sprung ribs and correct length of coupling. Not exaggerated in any way and needs to mature on. Just at that in-between coat stage. 

O (2,2)

ANVSC Pastoral

P (3,3) 

O (1,0)

1 Rundle - SHULUNE IMPERIAL BONNY BLU

Blue female who appeals for her shapely outline. Ground colour was silvery blue (but not text-book). Howver , she was absolutely fit for function with lots to like. Correct stop, obliquely set eye combine to give a very feminine expression. Would like a little more fill of muzzle and actually a bit more of her all over. Well-placed ears, though struggling a little with tipping today. Good reach of neck into well laid shoulders and return of upper arm, good height to length ratio. Sound moving from every angle with accurate footfall. She isn’t flashy but displayed the correct droving movement I want to see in the breed. 

AV Import Register Pastoral – no entries

Pastoral Open Stakes (9,2)

1 Robinson - CH/NOR/SE/FIN CH LAVIKA MOONLIGHT STORM JW (RE-IMP)

2 Rundle - SHULUNE IMPERIAL BONNY BLU