National Australian Shepherd Association

It was a great honour to be invited to judge the open show as part of this three-day weekend extravaganza. What a fabulous celebration of the breed and my congratulations to the hardworking committee, the attention to detail and theming was spectacular. Thank you too to everyone for the tremendous entry and the very sporting acceptance of my decisions, there were a lot of quality dogs present and I really appreciated the opportunity to handle them, there were some difficult decisions on the day and it often came down to splitting hairs. Foremost in my mind was the breed’s original purpose, the requirement for moderation and functional balance and that the dog should display a distinct form and temperament to be instantly identifiable as its breed. My apologies that this critique is a little later than I hoped to complete it but summer holidays and some 'life events' delayed me.

PD (3,0)

1. Cowley’s Sparkaway Gets My Goat Cpw26.

Such a balanced and harmonious red merle who pleased for type. Masculine head of good proportions developing well with age, high set ears, moderate stop, liked his overall proportions and arch to neck. Well laid front and firm topline, moderate rear and low set hocks, smooth moving, light on his feet and driving forward covering the ground easily, for me he scored in overall moderation in size and bone with correct proportions & sound movement converging as desired, he should make for an impressive mature male BD, BP, BIS & BPIS.

2. Heggie Liskarn Pharoah’s Favourite 

I liked this well-made black tri, well-grown and balanced with a good head and width to skull with well set triangular ears and an alert expression, strong neck and sound front and rear, level topline, moved freely without any exaggeration, unlucky to meet 1 on such form today.

3. Lee’s Amenbury Incendio Moon

JD (2,0)

1. Bastos/Kelley’s Skyborne’s Expensive Tastes (imp USA)

R/m masculine dog, with a broad skull and alert expression, balanced in head properties with well carried ears, muscular with a good neck, front and topline with ribs well sprung, a touch long in loin for ideal proportions, well coated and sound moving, scored in length and lay of upper arm over 2. BSB

2. White’s Caronlea Celtic Charmer at Joemarlea (IKC) (White)

Another very nice dog r/m of rich colour, needs to come up on the leg a little for better balance but has time and I preferred his loin length to 1. Very nice head and expression, strong neck on muscular shoulders, with good depth of chest and width through the body, needs to firm in topline, balanced angulations, moved soundly but not as light and free as the winner as yet. 

PGD (3,0)

1. Richards Accra Incendio Fire 

Loved the alert and keen expression from this red dog’s masculine head, which was dry and proportionate to his body, typey with good body proportions, reach of neck, level and firm topline but carrying too much weight. He had good bone and feet, excellent coat and freedom of stride.

2. Robert’s Dreamtale Cinnamon Kiss

Lovely rich red tri, a very functional herding dog with a clean-cut head, good ear set, deep chest with ribs well carried back and level top line. Balanced angulation and good proportions. Moved well, just preferred the expression of 1.

3. Cumming’s Kesalko Rider of The Storm

LD (3,0)

A variety of ‘styles’ in this class

1. Heggie’s Winstead Brave New World Ir JunCh

Black tri with correct, balanced angulation, very together, firm and had symmetry and substance with a masculine proportionate head with keen expression, enough bone, strong medium neck, firm top-line, moderate croup and compact feet, sound and easy on the move, clean in rear movement.

2. Orley & Brazier Dizzy Marble Grand Prince

 Larger black tri strong and typical in head with lovely expression & well set ears, nicely arched neck, preferred the front angulation and movement of 1 today but this boy holds an excellent topline, has good bone, is well proportioned and strong in rear and hock, shown in good coat and condition, very close up.

3. Knott’s Zuni Someone U Loved Fallcat JW

OD (4,1)

1. Heggie Talard It Wasn’t Me

Black tri of pleasing type, make and shape with a balanced head and enough stop, well set ears, strong in neck with arch, well muscled with good depth, slightly longer than tall with a firm topline and well sprung ribs. Medium angulation, light on his feet and sound.

VD (5,1)

1. Douglas’ Ir Ch. Talard Lethal Weapon Ir JCh An Ch18.

Very showy and smart black tri, a real powerhouse of a dog but not overdone in any way, scores in type, movement and proportions. Clean cut head with width to skulI, roundish in eye, attentive and animated, strong, moderate neck, good front and body, low set hocks and width to thigh, moves with power and ease, gives a real impression of stamina BVD, BVIS.

2. Lee’s Villanyda Wizards Apprentice for Amenbury (imp ESP)

Black tri, liked his shape and he scored in proportions, body and angulation, this boy had a dry head of good proportions, I preferred the stop of 1, alert and well set ears, good depth of chest with moderate width and well ribbed, moved soundly holding a firm topline.

3. Roberts’ Moves Like Jagger Elvikam of Dreamtale (imp POL)

Special OD (Red Merle) (2,0)

1. Bastos/Kelley’s Skyborne’s Expensive Tastes (imp USA

2. White’s Caronlea Celtic Charmer at Joemarlea (IKC) (White)

Special OD (Blue Merle)(4,2)

1. Mackenzie’s Northbay Xsells Can’t B’leaf My I’s (imp USA)

Smaller dog but masculine in expression, moderate all through and plenty of substance. Dry head, balanced to his body with good width and well set ears. Liked his proportions and overall breed type, well angled but not overdone, has a good reach of neck leading into clean shoulders with depth of chest and a strong topline. Moved slightly loose in front today but clean and sound in rear, clear in colour, quality boy. 

2. Heggie’s Talard Welcome to the Jungle

Slightly longer cast than 1, well-built and a strong colour, correctly proportioned head of good overall proportions, arched neck, enough depth of chest with good length of rib, moderate bone and width, strong rear angulation and free side gait, moved easily in profile, well coated.

Special OD (Black)(2,0)

1. Brown’s Archie Labakan Slovakia JW (Imp Skj) 

Most attractive and typey black bi medium sized with a balanced outline and excellent proportions, very harmonious. Lovely head with correct stop and dark, almond eye, moderate bone, excellent arched neck, deep chest with well sprung ribs, very functional angulation, moves with ease, light and sound, totally functional stock dog with correct footfall, in consideration for BD, lovely coat, a dog of excellent breed type.

2. Douglas/Heggie’s Shadomoon Dude Where’s My Car (imp USA)

Black tri, another typey dog with a lovely head and dark eyes, well set ears. Balanced without exaggeration, good length of neck and well made front. Ribs carried well back, slightly longer cast than 1, firm top-line, has width to thigh and low set hocks, strong in rear and moved with animation.

Special OD (Red)(2,0)

1. Wray-Ramsden Ch/Bel/Rs/Bih Ch/Bih Gch Caronlea Celtic Fire Starter for Takhisis JW OSW Bw24 (AI) (IKC). 

Well-balanced, medium sized red tri who was animated and showed strength and stamina. Whilst a slightly heavier type he was not overdone and impressed with his easy movement, moving straight and true and converging correctly. Balanced head with muzzle slightly shorter, obliquely set eye, muscular, moderate neck, firm back, good depth to brisket with correct angulation and a strong broad loin. He could carry a bit more length of leg for total balance, well coated and handled, his freedom of stride earned him RBD in stiff competition.

2. Knott’s Shalako’s Come Hellr High Water (imp USA)

Another really well-made dog, a lighter build than 1 but his head was masculine, proportionate and with triangular well-set ears and correct eye. He is was lovely to go over, with a moderate neck and balanced angles. Good muscle tone and body, strong in loin and firm topline. Moved out well. In good coat.

3. Richards Accra Incendio Fire 

Special Open Working (1,0)

1. Fuller’s Trijem Single Digit Aw(G)

Really well muscled black tri of good proportions and balance, well proportioned head with neat, triangular ears and almond shaped eyes, moderate length of neck into well placed shoulders with moderate bone and good body and topline. Well-muscled hindquarters with low set hocks. Moved with stamina and purpose, alert and light on his feet.

Special Beginners Dog (3.0)

1. Bastos/Kelley’s Skyborne’s Expensive Tastes (imp USA

2. Stopford’s Amberslade Made in Dublin

Black tri in lovely condition, larger build but all in balance and holds himself well, liked his keen expression and masculine head, very nice type, with good bone and body, well placed shoulders, could be a touch shorter in croup, very sound mover. 

3. Harris’ Norcis Rune of Tiwaz

PB (5,1) 

Two really nice puppies, splitting hairs, surely both destined for top honours.

1. Hodges’ Jopium Relight My Fire

Lovely balance to this red tri, she has good head properties with nice width to skull for age, ears well set and a very nice neck and shoulder, good length of leg, correctly proportioned with a firm topline, has breadth throughout whilst retaining femininity, light on her feet and uses herself really well on the move, lovely rich colour. 

2. Cowley’s Sparkaway Grab A Granny Cpw26.

Petite at the moment but such a baby and so very pretty, not as forward as 1 but it’s all there to see, head coming and proportions are correct, neat ears, good in bone for size, moderate neck, she holds a firm topline and is well ribbed back and correctly coupled, lovely profile movement, drives off low set hocks, a little looser in front that 1 today, very smart.

3. McDevitt’s Caronlea Absolute Autumn

JB (4,1)

1. Zettin’s Meravigilosa Estate of Moon and Stars

Super functional red of great proportions and symmetry, good leg length and balance, held herself completely firm and together at all times, clean cut head, proportionate to her body, alert and expressive, firm, clean neck, shoulders well laid with straight legs, good chest developing, well ribbed, very agile in movement with a well-balanced, natural stride, shortlisted for BB, had stamina and no exaggerations, strong, rich colour.

2. Wray-Ramsden’s Aussie Revolution Conquerer with Grace via Takhisis (imp Ita)Rs/Bih Jch

Another very balanced and functional moving bm. Slightly longer cast than 1, lovely skull and muzzle with expressive eyes, sufficient neck for a pleasing outline, moderate and complementary angulations with a firm topline and will sprung ribs, smooth mover, tight elbows and low set hocks. 

3. Venton’s Triforce Tallulah Bankhead at Mistyisle

PG (9,2)

Not an easy class to sort out.

1. Woodhouse’s Onyxwood Ironside

A really honest, quality black tri who scored on type and balance, very attractive for shape, clean and proportionate head with an alert expression, moderate strong neck and correct bone for size, I appreciated her proportions, good ribbing and short loin, harmonious, nothing flashy and very sound, to nitpick she carried a tad extra in weight today, well presented

2. Brown’s Shepwood Gazing at Klouds Jw

Very functional and quality bm in her bikini today. A shade longer cast than 1 but with correct proportions in head, well set ears, almond eyes and a keen expression, moderate all through with balanced angulation. Good topline with strong broad loin and sound easy movement. 

3. Wilson’s Wispafete Causing a Ripple

LB (7,3)

1. Hodges’ Rosschell Maid to Sparkle with Jopium JW. 

Lovely bm with super proportions, balanced in head and body, clean outline, stylish without exaggeration, feminine, pretty head but not losing strength, neat ears. Clean slightly arched neck, good chest, well sprung ribs. Held a firm topline moving, moderate angles. Good muscle and low hocks giving her an easy stride and effortless out and back, clear colour and in lovely coat.

2. Reed’s Talard Surprise Surprise Jd

Perhaps a touch plainer in head but it was dry and proportionate, balanced to her size with correct ears and well shaped eyes. She appealed for her proportions and overall outline with a clean moderate neck, well set, a firm topline, correct in body and with a good width to thigh and well set hocks, carried a little more angulation in rear than front, light on her feet and moved soundly.

3. Basset’s Dialynne Leave Your Mark at Starlink

OB (6,2)

1. McDevitt’s Ch & Ir Ch Caronlea Tequila Sunrise

Quality r/m balanced and feminine with good proportions and strength. Feminine head with good eye and expression, clean neck with arch, liked her width and big ribs, well-proportioned body, super in profile and moves smoothly with a good gait holding a firm topline, moderate all through and very easy to watch gaiting RBB.

2. Wray-Ramsden’s Arohahills A Star Is Born for Takhisis (Imp Zaf) 

Black tri, larger make and shape but so light on her fee, not quite the proportions of 1, soundly built with a balanced head and keen expression, moderate neck and firm topline with well sprung ribs and correct croup, complementary angles, she held a solid, level topline held on the move, good width of thigh and strong low hocks, covered the ground very well.

3. Reed’s Ir Ch Devilsbloom Life’s A Party Ir Ch JD

VB (5,0)

Not much to separate 1 & 2

1. Robert’s Troya Elvikam of Dreamtale (Imp Pol)

Feminine, compact red tri bitch of moderate size, with a proportionate head, could carry a little more stop, elegant, strong arched neck with a affirm topline, liked her shape, moderate and functional angulation, moved really well, very good coat and colour. 

2. Robert’s Ch. Magical Love Elbikam JW ShCEx OSW (Imp Pol) 

Very light and easy moving red tri, a little longer than 1 but I preferred her head, white detracts slightly from her expression but eyes were an expressive brown, well angled and well sprung in rib, solid in back and loin with width to rear and very smooth in profile movement, lovely rich colour.

3.. Morley’s Trijem Return of the Magic

Special OB (Red Merle) (1,0)

1. Zettin’s Meteora of Moon and Stars (Zettin)

Just 12 months but so appealing with bags of promise, loved her personality, lovely head with an alert and keen expression, balanced and proportionate with correct eye shape and neat ears. Well made in body with excellent proportions and chest developing, moderate angulation, moves freely and with stamina, very animated and agile, BPB in tough competition and shortlisted for BB.

Special OB (Blue Merle)(5,2)

1. Gibbon’s Ch Wisafete Belongs to Music JW Aw(B)

Feminine and a smaller build but losing nothing in strength, balanced with very functional angulation, light on her feet and converging correctly at speed. Clean cut head, well shaped skull and tapering muzzle, all proportionate to her frame with a firm neck set well, width to back and loin with correct croup and solid rear with strong hocks. 

2. Zettin’s Harmonia of Moon and Stars

Very typey, moderate and feminine with a lovely shape, clean head of correct proportions and good leg to body ratio. Enough neck and depth of chest, well laid shoulder and strong rear giving balanced, ground covering movement, a touch loose in front coming toward, sound behind, young with a lot of potential and time.

Special OB (Black)(8,1)

1. Ch Jopium Dark and Demure JW (Hodges)

 Black /tri full of type and quality, in gleaming coat, without any exaggeration and very balanced all through. Pleasing conformation and proportions with substance and femininity. Liked her head proportions, moderate stop and strong, tapering muzzle, neat ears, correct neck and height to length of body, big ribs and depth of chest, broad loin and strong rear, moved so smoothly, light of her feet, plenty of drive, alert at all times, her best is yet to come BB, RBIS. 

2. Woodhouse’s Onyxwood Ironside

3. Gibbons’ Ch Wispafete Once Upon A Dream BVB

Special OB (Red) (3,2)

1. Douglas’ Ir Ch. Winstead Change of Heart for Talard Ir JCh CIB-J (imp ROM)

A taller girl, so workmanlike, alert and keen, she gave the impression of a true stock dog. Feminine head of equal head proportions, high set ears and an expression that said ‘let’s go’! Moderate in bone with straight forelegs, depth of chest and ribbed well back, very muscular condition, low set hocks, good width of thigh and light on the move, rich colour and sound in all directions. 

2. Basset’s Dialynne Leave Your Mark at Starlink

Very attractive carrying a deep rich red jacket and presenting a very typical breed outline with correct body proportions, lovely head with width to skull and balance to muzzle, excellent front with good depth of chest and big ribs, soundly made and firm, strong hindquarters and hocks, covered the ground really well, I just thought she was a little deep through today but a quality girl. 

Special Open Working B (4,0)

1. Forbe’s Norcis Witches’ Butter for Inoby Aw(G)

Very well made, fit and keen with excellent moderate angulation, bone and low set hocks. Good in head and balanced all through with a muscular neck, firm topline and well sprung ribs, fractionally longer than the desired proportions but very sound and agile.

2. Wilson’s Wispafete Dream Come True for Clynalwin Rw

A feminine r/m with typical conformation, proportionate head and alert expression. Well constructed and pleases in body, plenty of rear drive and ample side gait, touch loose through the front today, placed in the strong veteran class and presented in lovely condition.

3. Harvey’s Trijem Double Topaz 

Special Beginners B (5,3)

1. Krizova’s Giennah Taarika Mea Maralakes (imp Cze)

Moderate b/m well proportioned in head with tapering muzzle, kind expression, a shade deep in stop. Well made with good length of leg to body ratio, a strong topline and clean side profile movement, feminine, still maturing.

2. Harris’ Milwyr Jubilee Concert 

Very nice black tri with a lovely head and expression, moderate bone and construction, a little longer cast than 1, moves soundly, light on her feet and very balanced all through, lovely coat and condition.  

Junior Handling 6-11 (1,0)

1. Kendra Wilson

Very accomplished handler who made complete use of the ring, eyes on the judge at all times and corrected legs and feet patiently. She was calm and assured, pattern work was neat, good awareness of my position at all times, well done.