Darlington & District Canine Society

Darlington & District Canine Society Open Show – Sunday 11 January 2026

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG: Thank you to the DDCS Committee for the invitation to judge and to the exhibitors for braving the weather. A lovely entry of dogs for me to go over today and very pleased to see BPIB go PPG3.

P (5;1a) Some lovely puppies to look out for as they mature. 1 Walker, Cuilshelties Touch Of Class with Grandgenes – striking blue merle dog puppy nearly 8 months old. Head handled well with almond shaped eyes and good placement of ears giving sweet expression. Good length of neck and tail. Good depth of chest, with pleasing front and rear angulation, and level topline. Moved well. Just hope he does not grow on too much more. BPIB & PPG3; 2 Jeavons, Grandgenes Panning For Gold – very smart 8 month old shaded sable and white dog puppy in super coat and condition. Well presented, with pleasing front and rear angulation, and front legs straight when viewed from the front. Responsive to handler and moved well. I am sure 1 & 2 are bound to swap places whenever they meet, but I just preferred the overall shape and length of neck of 1. 3 Robson, Shezaray Queen Of Hearts.

Y (6;2a) 1 Walker, Stormin Norm by Tooralie – very appealing 12-month-old shaded sable and white dog of lovely size and shape. Masculine head handled well with pleasing front and rear angulation. Good depth of chest and level topline. In good coat condition and well presented, with smooth action and drive on the move. 2 O’Connell, Kishdigra Atomic Goddess of Sionnachdu (IKC) – nicely constructed throughout, this 15-month-old sable and white girl has a lovely expression and used her ears well. Rangy type, with elegance on the move, just preferred overall size and shape of 1. 3 Malone, Di’Leila’s Sheltie Amore Mio (Imp Pol).

PG (4;1a) 1 Clegram, Smiddyshaw All The Glitz – feminine 2 year old tricolour girl. Head in proportion to body with well-placed ears complimenting pleasing expression. Balanced angulation front and rear, with level topline gives pleasing profile, just would have liked a bit more depth of chest. Good length of neck and tail and in lovely coat condition. Gave a good account of herself and moved well. 2 O’Connell, Sionnachdu First Of Her Name – attractive 18-month-old tricolour girl, with sweet expression. Balanced front and rear angulation with pleasing height to length ratio. Responsive to her handler and moved well, just preferred overall shape and tail of 1; 3 Arkley, Amethrickeh Perfect Spirit.

O (6;3a) 1 Malone, Pathaaron After The Storm – 6-year-old tricolour boy of quality and substance who I have admired ringside in the past and he took my eye today; masculine head handled well with rounded muzzle, flat skull and smooth moulding giving sweetness of expression. Stood over his ground with balanced angulation to front and rear. Lovely length of neck and tail, with front legs straight when viewed from front and well let-down hocks. Good depth of chest and spring of ribs, with level topline and strong hindquarters. Moved out with drive BOB. 2 Walker, Tooralie’s Mossyfox My Trinity – 3-year-old girl with lots to like. Wedge shaped head with almond shaped eyes and used neat ears well for sweetness of expression. Sufficient length of neck, nicely balanced, with level topline and gentle sweep over loin into low-set tail. Just preferred the smooth action of 1 on the move. 3 Shezaray Queen Of Hearts.

Sheila Raaff