WEST OF ENGLAND COLLIE SOCIETY OPEN SHOW APRIL 11TH 2009
I would like
to thank the WECS committee for inviting me to judge this prestigious show, and
my two stewards who enabled me to finish the large entry in good time. Also
thank you to the exhibitors who put faith in me and accepted my decisions in
good spirit. I was looking for dogs displaying absolute soundness, fit for the
original function of shepherding. Dogs built
along elegant, active lines with that look of dignity and balance essential to
a good Collie. I felt my line up in both sexes exemplified these qualities.
Best in Show on the referee's decision went to the lovely Sable Smooth Collie with my Best of Breed Rough taking Reserve Best in Show..
above photo: BEST OF BREED and RESERVE BEST IN SHOW..CORYDON ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
with his son
BEST PUPPY IN SHOW WINNER...MEJOLA MY BLUE HARLEQUIN.
photo below is best puppy bitch ATENDUS QUICK STEP TO ANTOC
DOGS
VETERAN
(7.2a)
1) Davies, HOWRINA HARRY POTTER. An old
favourite of mine who oozes breed type, his dark shaded sable jacket gleaming
and he stands away from his handler smiling and showing his socks off. His head
is so beautifully chiselled and filled in beneath the eyes creating the most
glorious wedge, fabulous eye and expression and such a happy boy too. Grand
arch and length of neck, correct angulations, top line and tail set.
Unfortunately at nine years he was limping slightly in front and this cost him
in the run up for best veteran, even so he is still a wonderful representative
of our Breed and new exhibitors can learn so much by a study of this boy's
stunning head properties.
2) Hull's, MEQUEEBA BLUE LANCE OF LIZMARK
3) Rendall's, KATHERENA MISTER LOVER MAN
MINOR PUPPY
(1)
1) Muir's SHANDLMAIN ECLIPSE Tricolour
baby of 6 months and standing alone in the class, however I felt he had much to
commend him. Super breed type, his overall make and shape were just what I
would hope for in a youngster. Lovely long neck set into good shoulders,
correct length of leg, good round bone, strong body and joints, long tail, he
moved with elegance and coordination. I really loved his head and eye, slightly
marred by the age related problem of one ear flying. I feel he has the makings
of a very handsome adult.
PUPPY (4)
1) White's MEJOLA MY BLUE HARLEQUIN (BPD.
BPIB. BPIS) Wow, blue merle of 10 months and every inch the male! Super head
with an excellent finish to his muzzle and chin, correct stop, ultra flat skull
and so clean through the cheeks giving a true wedge. Gorgeous eye and
expression. Eye catching body shape he has the desired combination of strength
and elegance, good neck and withers, grand bone. Coat is of good colour and
texture and he moved powerfully and effortlessly around the ring. His happy
disposition is a joy to see. A very handsome and promising puppy and son of my
BOB winner, my co judge and i had no hesitation in awarding him BPIS.
2) Francis ROSSAVON SINGING THE BLUES
AT RHYSLIN
3) Bradshaw's SALGARDEN TIME ON MY SIDE
AT TYFIELD
JUNIOR
(5.1a)
1) Abbot's COTSWOLDWAY MOONSHINE Another
very elegant youngster. This boy along with my previous class winner and
several other youngsters gave me a feeling of great contentment for the Breeds
future. Beautifully balanced throughout with the correct length of leg and body
and a good neck set into well laid shoulders. Strongly boned legs and neat
feet, he moved with drive and extension retaining his lovely top line. One piece head is a true wedge, so clean and
beautifully moulded with strong under jaw and clean lip line, his correctly set
dark eyes gave him a sweet, happy and intelligent expression. I really loved
this dog and feel with maturity he will trouble the best.
2) MEJOLA MY BLUE HARLEQUIN
3) Rae's ANTOC KISS THE GIRLS
SPECIAL
YEARLING (7.1a)
1) Howards CORYDON LOOK AT ME FROM
SHANDLMAIN (RBD) What a super young man this is, Sable with an overall finish
that smacks of quality and just awaiting the final polish of maturity. Not a
big boy but so beautifully balanced, he has such strength of body and just the
right amount of round bone. On the move he is an absolute joy and in complete
control showing strength and flexibility and carrying himself proudly. I loved
his head; it has the length and elegance I am looking. Ultra clean through the
cheeks and side skull and so well filled beneath the eye, correct stop and ultra
flat back skull. Beautifully finished in profile by that perfectly formed under
jaw. Presented a wonderful picture of a true collie both standing and moving
which secured him reserve best dog in a fabulous line up, well done.
2) Blake's DEMELEWIS WINTER MOON AT
CORYDON
3) SALGARDEN TIME ON MY SIDE AT TYFIELD
NOVICE
(6.1a)
1) DEMELEWIS WINTER MOON AT CORYDON. I
was bowled over by yet another elegant young male, this time a tricolour, who
pushed my previous class winner hard, not quite his absolute refinement in side
skull but even so what a lovely collie! Completely fills the eye with his
overall presence and dignity and another beautifully balanced in body and with
the correct length of leg. Superb finish to the head in profile with that super
chin I find so essential, well chiselled beneath the eyes and a wonderful
expression, ears bang on top. He moved with drive, extension and purpose
keeping his level top line. His strength, flexibility and exceptional style on
the move won him first place over the lovely puppy.
2) MEJOLA MY BLUE HARLEQUIN
3) SALGARDEN TIME ON MY SIDE AT TYFIELD
GRADUATE
(9.1a)
1) DEMELEWIS WINTER MOON AT CORYDON
2) Wilson's VALLYHAVEN CRUSADER
3) Hale's MARKENFIELDS DREAM WIZZARD
POST
GRADUATE (5.1a)
1) Colinho's EILROY WITCHDOCTOR AT
IMAGINIST This inky black tricolour boy has a wonderful head and eye, so
beautifully moulded from every angle, clean through the cheeks and skull with
the right amount of stop and again that all important finish to the under jaw. Fabulously
dark expressive eyes give him the most glorious expression. I would prefer him
a tad slimmer to enhance his overall body shape and just wish he would use his
neck to greater advantage, but he moves very well with lovely extension and his
straight harsh coat glistened in the sunshine presenting a nice picture.
2) Baker's LADNAR DOCTOR KISS KISS AT
ALBAKIN
3) Willcock's ATENDUS I'LL STAND BY YOU
LIMIT
(13.3a)
1) Smedley's ANTOC ICE N FIRE. Beautifully
coloured blue dog of very elegant proportions, in profile he is very much my
style of collie with a superb long arched neck and well finished hind
angulations presenting an eye catching body shape. Moving around the ring he
looks very stylish with his long feathers and fitted body coat, would just
prefer a tad more substance. Lovely eye and expression, head of good length and
clean through the cheeks. Well handled.
2) Patterson and Newton's DARAHILL TOMMY
GUN
3) Harvey's LADNAR MR BOJANGLES FROM
BROOKLYNSON
OPEN (3)
1) Blake's CORYDON ONCE IN A BLUE MOON. (BOB RBIS BOSIS) Blue merle that was destined to be my star of
the day. As I watched him command the ring with his superb outline, balance and
movement I imagined him silhouetted against a backdrop of moorland, satisfied
he could be mistaken for no other breed, he just screams Rough Collie. I love
his overall balance and flowing body lines, from his long arched neck set into
excellent shoulders to his strong hocks and excellent feet. On the move he is a
powerhouse, looking every inch the working dog able to turn instantly and leap
a brook without effort; he floated around the ring with a power, flexibility
and turn of foot that gave him the extra mile. To top everything he has a clean
head of correct length and is another with that ideal profile and finish of
chin and lip line, ears placed well on top of his head and an expression full
of sweetness whilst retaining that all important air of dignity that permeated
his very being. Today he could not be beaten in the breed and his overall
balance coupled with that elusive quality of expression elevated him to top
spot over a very beautiful bitch. My BOB and on the referees decision he went
RBIS.
2) Avery's LYNVIEWS LUCAS
3) Rae's ANTOC DARK MOON RISING JW
BITCHES
VETERAN (9.3a)
1) Colinho's EILROY MOON FLOWER (BVIS)
This lovely blue bitch caught my eye immediately with her shape, colour,
overall balance and stylish movement. Belies her age, she has strength and substance without
losing out on elegance and femininity. Pretty head shows no trace of
coarseness, lovely eye and well used ears giving her a captivating expression.
Alert and on her toes throughout, her length of stride and tireless movement
took her through to BVIS in agreement with my co judge.
2) Avery's LYNSVIEWS GOLDEN TREACLE
3) Conway's NUTSLADE PARIS HAT
MINOR PUPPY (5.1a)
1) Smedley and Unstead's ATENDUS QUICK
STEP TO ANTOC (BEST PUPPY BITCH) what a stunning baby, scintillating colour and
such elegance of construction. Sporting the most wonderfully long arched neck
and the best of legs and feet. I appreciated her length of head with lovely
muzzle and well defined chin. Such a cheeky intelligent expression and so
attentive to her handler. The icing on the cake was her coordination and
togetherness on the move, I was enchanted! BPB.
2) White and Granger's SAMHAVEN LOLA
AVEC MORVANIA
3) Jame's DEANJAN DAWN MEMORIES
PUPPY (7.2a)
1) Blake's MEJOLA MY BLUE HEAVEN FOR
CORYDON litter sister to my puppy dog winner and it shows. Another blue with
bags of ring presence and charm, super outline, I liked her combination of
substance and femininity. Bright as a button and very attentive to handler, her
head handles very well and another boasting that beautiful profile. Dark expressive
eyes giving her an appealing expression. Very sound on the move. I just preferred
the absolute clarity of colour and extra neck on my minor puppy winner, but two
superb young bitches.
2) Llewellyn's SALSINA SERENADE
3) Tame's RAHLISSA RAINBOWS
JUNIOR (9)
1) Mellish's DEMELEWIS MOONCATCHER. This
young lady completely fills the eye with her presence, so beautifully balanced
and in proportion. Tricolour (my favourite colour) she creates a picture of
total harmony and elegance both standing and on the move, she is so light of
foot she dances on air! I loved her overall head type, a true clean well
blunted wedge from every angle, ears bang on top and glorious eye and expression.
It is no secret I love her dam, and I feel that given a little more time and this
lovely young lady will be even better. In my final line up she presented a
beautiful picture of femininity and shapeliness and pushed my eventual winners
very hard for that top spot.
2) MEJOLA MY BLUE HEAVEN FOR CORYDON
3) Price's BRODCOL GOSH I'M GORGEOUS
SPECIAL
YEARLING (7.2a)
1) Hull's LIZMARK STARTIME. This elegant
sable had left her wardrobe at home but has nothing to hide; I absolutely loved
her head, so true to our breed. Totally moulded, well filled beneath the eyes,
everything in harmony with nothing protruding or bumpy, just a clean harmonious
gradually tapering wedge being smooth in outline and with that all important
finish to the chin and lip line creating the perfect profile. Gorgeous eye and
expression. Not only does she possess a lovely head and eye, but she has an
elegance of construction to match and floated around the ring, I would love to
meet her again in full coat.
2) Baker's MAGENTA SUMMER CHARM
3) Smith's DANFEBEK NEENA LA DIVA AVEC
SHARLA
NOVICE (11.4a)
1) LIZMARK STARTIME
2) MEJOLA MY BLUE HEAVEN FOR CORYDON
3) Harvey's JOTARS CLASSICAL LADY
GRADUATE
(15.2a)
1) Blake's CORYDON FOLLOW ME (RBB) Wow,
what a glorious young lady she is and one I truly wish would follow me home! Brimming
with style and elegance and everything in proportion, I loved her bone and
overall look of strength and agility and yet she retains a look of absolute
femininity. The more I looked the more she charmed me, every detail is
exquisite. When I later discovered she is the sister of my RBD I was delighted,
she is very similar in every way. Ideal head in profile and a clean wedge from
every angle showing no flare or depth, beautifully placed and shaped eye giving
the most wonderfully sweet yet intelligent expression. Superb on the move,
light fluid and flexible showing a lovely stride and no trace of weakness. Not
quite in full bloom which cost her top spot today.
2) Smedley's FRANCHESKA FROM ANTOC
3) Patman's SAMHAVEN CANDLELIGHT FLIRT
POST
GRADUATE (12. 3a)
1) Abbot's COTSWOLDSWAY DIAMOND LIL (BB.
RBOB. BOSIB) when this bitch entered the ring I was instantly transported back
through time to the golden age of the Collie and the Rokeby bitches of Mrs Betty
Eglin. I couldn't take my eyes from her, standing with impassive dignity in her
burnished gold regalia. Not a petite girl she has a length of body seldom seen
today, her elegantly flowing lines creating a picture of supreme harmony and beauty.
I loved her wonderful hind angulations and strong short parallel hocks,
balanced by her lovely long arched neck. Clean well filled head of good length
and balanced proportions, dark eyes giving a soft, dignified and intelligent
expression. Moved with excellent length of stride and power. In the BOB challenge I
had two outstanding examples of our lovely breed, both fit for original purpose
being absolutely sound in limb, both oozing true breed type. My final choice
went to the Dog whose glorious eye shape and placement gave him that touch extra in quality of sweetness and dignity of expression.
2) Patterson and Newton's DARAHIL STRING
OF PEARLS
3) Gammon's YAYGANES VILLAGE MAID
LIMIT (6. 2a)
1) Llewellyn's ROANBURN COPPER BLUSH AT
SALSINA. Ultra feminine and shapely young lady who pulls out all the stops lifting
and arching her lovely neck to great advantage. Pretty head and expression,
ears on top. Balanced proportions and angulations giving a lovely outline.
Moved soundly and presented in lovely coat and condition. Would like a tad more
bone to complete the overall picture.
2) Avery's AARONWELL ANNEMARIE AT
LYNVIEWS
3) Patman and Granger's SAMHAVEN DREAM
COME TRUE
OPEN (4.2a)
1) Price's VONARKLE GOSH I'M POSH AT
BRODCOL. Two bitches of very different type and my winner had left her coat at
home, however this only served to show off her elegant construction, balance
and overall strength of limb. I liked her general head type with correct eye
and expression. Moved out very well, look forward to seeing her in full
glamour.
2) Jame's DEANJAN SILVER STAR
