North East Border Collie Club

North East Border Collie Club Championship Show.

25/08/24

 Thank you to the Officers and Committee for this prestigious appointment. It was a great honour to be invited to judge the ’In Show’ awards for the first Championship show of the North East Border Collie Club.

An excellent layout in an idyllic venue with cars being allowed to park near the ring giving a rather ‘continental’ atmosphere to proceedings. This coupled with a large grass ring to allow the winners to really get into their stride, great ringside company and welcoming hospitality made for a super day.

BIS went to the male, Sh. Ch. Thwaitlake Buzzman. Having judged this excellent representative of the breed earlier in the year and awarding him top honours, he looked even better here today. He has lost some coat which was to his advantage, making not appear too heavy in stature. He has an excellent head, masculine with the correct amount of stop, strength to skull but not coarse in any way. Super reach of neck leading to a well laid shoulder and return of upper arm. Deep, functional chest with plenty of heart room. Firm body and muscle tone. Excellent rear and low tail set. True out and back with a long, scopey side gait displaying correct head and tail carriage on the move. In immaculate condition and totally at one with his handler. Could have watched him move all day…just fabulous!

RBIS went to the female, Sh. Ch. Arrodare Showdown. A great favourite of mine whom I awarded a Res CC when just a youngster. Ultra-feminine, mature and looking so well. Again, correct balance and carriage on the move. Feminine but had quality bone and excellent conformation. On the final run-off just wouldn.t settle into her stride but composed herself sufficiently when challenging the Res CC male to take the award. Beautiful from any angle.

BPIS was the 8 month old female, Borderpride Laced In Truth By Fayken. A very composed youngster of excellent type. Totally feminine in outlook. Correct height to length proportions. Well bodied for her tender months. Good head shape, stop and pleasing eye and expression. Medium neck. Nicely laid shoulder with rear to match. Excellent condition, gleaming in the late afternoon sunshine. Moved out freely with minimal lift of foot and completely sound. She should have a very promising future.

BVIS. The female, Bordercot Fantastic Rhythm. An excellent, fully mature Collie that belies her 8 years. Loved her femininity, very workmanlike in outlook and function. Well balanced outline with sound conformation and easy, sound movement. Uses her well set ears to best advantage and in top form for coat and condition. A worthy winner.

Darren Clarke (Judge)