Durham County Canine Association

Durham County Canine Association

Sunday 12th July 2026

I would like to thank the officers and committee for a fabulous day and allowing me to judge Shetland Sheepdogs. The atmosphere the whole day was lovely and everyone was clearly having a nice day. Thank you to my steward also for keeping the ring running for me. But most importantly thank you to the exhibitors for bringing your dogs under me today.

Shetland Sheepdog 

Puppy (1,1ab)

Junior (1) 

1st Robson’s Shezaray Queen of Hearts, 14mth old tri colour who was extremely nervous which was a shame. She has some lovely rich tan markings and a striking black coat. She moved round the ring well but you could see she did not want to be near you. She has a pretty head with well set ears and nice teeth, straight forelegs and lovely dark almond shaped eyes. I am sure her confidence will grow over time and she will do well. 

Post Graduate (3, 1ab) 

1st Clegram’s Smiddyshaw All The Glitz 4 year old, Tri colour bitch, with lovely tan markings who moved out really well round the ring with a lithe action and covering the ground with ease. Very elegant and refined head with a sweet expression. Nice blunt wedge and sufficient stop. Ears set well on top of a flat skull. Dark almond shaped eyes with black rims. Shoulders well laid back and straight forelegs. Ribs well sprung. Level topline with a graceful sweep over the loin. Hocks straight when viewed from behind and tail of good length. 

2nd Saunder’s Letterikhills River Star over Torriglen 3 year old who I have judged before and do like. Shaded sable bitch with an intelligent expression and full of mischief today. Ears small and well set. Nice head with a flat skull, blunt wedge and enough stop. Jaws level with good teeth. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Hocks well let down. Moved okay but preferred the movement of 1 today. 

Limit (4)

1st and Best of Breed Clegram’s Smiddyshaw Here I Go Again 3 year old sable and white dog who I have always admired from the ringside so was pleased to finally get my hands on him. In profile he has a lovely outline and looks like a sheltie. He has an abundance of coat that fits the body and catches your eye straight away. Head of good proportions, skull flat and cheeks flat. Small ears that were used well and carried forward the entire time. Dark almond shaped eye given an intelligent expression. Good teeth and jaws strong with a well developed underjaw. Well arched neck leading into well laid back shoulders. Forelegs straight with strong bone. Ribs well sprung and a level topline with a graceful sweep over the loins. Tail well set. Good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Moved round the ring with a smooth and graceful action, covering the ground with minimum effort. 

2nd and Reserve Best of Breed Saunder’s Galateus Bohemia Classic at Torriglen 5 year old who moved really well round the ring. Nice head with a blunt wedge tapering from ear to nose. Good dark almond shaped eyes. Neck well arched. Straight forelegs with strong pasterns and oval feet. Good depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Strong thigh muscles and hocks well let down. Tail of sufficient length. 

Open (3,2ab) 

1st Clegram’s Smiddyshaw Handful of Stars 7 year sable and white bitch who had an abundance of coat and the most sweetest expression. Head of good proportions and ears well set, dark almond shaped eyes. Good amount of stop and clean level jaw. Neck of sufficient length. Well laid shoulders and good depth of chest. Forelegs strong and straight with oval feet. Level topline and nice sweep over the loins. Tail set good and hocks well let down. Moved round the ring well. 

Judge 

Melanie Reekie