Suffolk Agricultural Association Open Show
What a wonderful entry
awaited me with very few absentees. This really is one of those occasions when
I would dearly have appreciated separate classes for the sexes, some lovely
male Collies had to bow to the general higher quality of the bitches and their
consequent lower placing really didnt reflect how much I actually appreciated
them. Several exhibits were well worthy of top honours given the right
conditions. I would have preferred a larger ring to access movement and the
cold windy weather does not add glamour to the outline and ear carriage of our
breed, how ever I can honestly say that not a single Collie of the modern
fluffy stuffy variety appeared before me, so I would like to thank those who
placed faith in my judgement on the day. I felt truly honoured to have such a
grand entry of wonderful breed representatives standing before me.
PUPPY
1)
BELLARAZZA
GERALDINE. Classy young sable lady of good size and substance, lovely overall
balance, very mature in head for her age which was correct in profile, flat
skull, well filled muzzle, strong chin. Nicely placed and used ears, obliquely
set eye. I liked her lay of shoulder and arch of neck and she was very positive
on the move. BPIB
2)
MYSTICTEAM BOND
ON BOND. Very raw Tricolour puppy dog, only just 6 months and needing lots of
time to mature. However he has the makings of a very elegant and sound adult
male. Super deep tan and dense black coat, his head needs time to clean out in
stop but he is very clean through the cheek and has a good chin. Moved more
positively than his litter sister who took 3rd in this class.
3)
MYSTICTEAM WINTER
SKIES litter sister to above and very similar in every way. Would like to see
these two again when older.
JUNIOR
1)
IMAGINIST MOON
ECHO. Absolutely my type of Collie and I could very happily have taken this
blue merle bitch home. Superb type and so elegantly constructed. At 14 months
of age she is lacking in coat but what she has shimmers and sparkles with such
wonderful clarity, this is the true merle colour addicts are striving to
attain. Wonderful head, Ultra flat skull, clean Stop, strong chin, correct
lip-line, ears in constant use creating that elusive sweet yet alert outlook.
On the move she is so light she hardly touches the ground, I am sure time will
only serve to enhance her.
2)
LADNAR ESPECIALLY
FOR U AT KIAMINOGUE. Another pretty sable bitch of good size and type, lovely
expression and soundly constructed. Challenged the winner of the previous class
for Best puppy and it was a close decision, a nice puppy.
3)
MYRIEHEWE OUIJA
BOARD VIA CAPRIORA. Tricolour bitch, elegant and soundly constructed, needs
time.
NOVICE
1)
IMAGINIST MOON
ECHO
2)
CAMANNA CHERRY
PIE. Another very beautifully constructed and elegant young lady. Gorgeous
outline, I loved her long arched neck and sweep of stifle into strong short
hocks. Abundance of coat which fit the outline like a glove, dense black and
sparkling whites. Nice head type which has the cleanness through the cheeks I
am looking for. Her stop needs time to settle and when it does this will soften
her expression. Would like to see her again as an adult.
3)
KAZMITH QUEST FOR
TREASURE VIA CAPRIORA. Tricolour boy of good size, another with elegance of
construction, moved well, needs a little more time to gain substance.
GRADUATE
This
was a fantastic class containing some exhibits determined not to show off their
virtues which was a shame for all of us.
1)
EILROY BEWITCHING
MOON. Gloriously feminine bitch of lovely type. Just coming back into coat
which shone like a mirror despite the lack of sunshine. Very similar in head pattern
to my previous class winner. Scores in eye and expression, so exquisitely soft
and dreamy, in harmony with her name in fact, I certainly found her bewitching!
Another who just needs that little bit more time for maturity to add the
finishing touches. Superb mover, she floats around the ring with style and
confidence. She topped a very strong class here and deservedly, she is quite
outstanding. RBOB
2)
TUDERLYN DOLLY
MIXTURE. Wow
another gorgeous young lady, of different type and bigger all
round, she pushed the winner hard. Stunning shape, her elegant proportions are
so typical of what I am looking for. I really did wish I had two red cards
here. Super head in profile and another with a seductive expression, moved
positively. Two absolutely gorgeous bitches.
3)
ALANITA LAVENDER
HEATHER. Another bitch combining substance with elegance and a superbly
coloured clear blue jacket. Lovely head in profile although a touch stronger
than my ideal. Excellent ears carriage and alert enquiring expression.
OPEN
1)
MYRIEHEWE MA
BICHE. Here was my star of the day, she absolutely shouts Collie from every
direction. Not petite by anyones standard but manages to combine wonderful
bone and substance without losing her femininity. Her overall shape and balance
is stunning, I simply cannot fault her conformation, on the move she is a
powerhouse and yet so light and fleet of foot, as if invisible wings are aiding
her. Long wedge shaped head is very clean and totally one piece harmonising
with her over all size and elegance. Her eye is of correct size and shape and she
has that certain look of nobility in her expression we sometimes forget should
be there. In superb coat and condition and groomed to perfection, I absolutely
loved her. BOB in an entry of fabulous
quality.
2)
EILROY MOONFLOWER
AT IMAGINIST Dam to my junior winner and very similar in every way. Another
simply stunning blue merle. Pressed hard here but lacked the coat and overall
finish of Ma Biche. As her conformation would suggest, she moves effortlessly
and in true collie style, head of lovely type and carried proudly on her long
arched neck. Like my winner, another fantastic show girl, wonderful to meet so
many lovely bitches.
3) OAKAVILLE MACEDOINE Shaded sable dog who I judged and loved as a puppy, I can only say he was not disgraced with a third place in this class of outstanding bitches. He retains his elegance and charisma and his glorious shaded red coat sparkled. Lovely head planes and in possession of a wonderful laughing, intelligent, masculine expression. Moves out very well.
Here is my BOB winner below, owned by Lisa Pettitt.