National Working & Pastoral Breeds Society

NATIONAL WORKING AND PASTORAL BREEDS SOCIETY

13 July 2024

BEARDED COLLIES

Judge: Marina White

Thank you so much to the wonderful efficient stewards, Ellen and Gavin, who kept the ring running smoothly. The committee produced an outstanding show and were very generous hosts. I was thrilled to judge at this most prestigious pastoral and working group National show.

The weather was ideal for judging. It was warm with a slight breeze and most importantly dry for the duration of this appointment which was my first at this level in this breed. I was very impressed with the coat condition of the exhibits on show, groomed right through to the skin even in those most awkward places so many thanks to exhibitors for producing exhibits at this high level of presentation. I was greeted by many happy Beardies on approach which of course was delightful, only one who was a little on the apprehensive and shy side. Heads were mostly good, but many rather rounded in skull than flat and some rather narrow all through. Eyes were of good size, shape and colour matching coat colour, giving that wonderful bright and inquisitive expression. Tails were of excellent length, long without kinks and reaching to hock. Tail carriage was really good too, most Beardies moving at speed keeping them low and only raising in excitement or on the turn. Bites were excellent with only one that appeared level. I was surprised to find quite a few that looked the ideal 5:4 proportions but when I got hands on, found the ribs to extend only a short way down the length of the body. Movement was key for me. Plenty of exhibits were balanced in the stand but then short stepped and went nowhere on the go around. I rewarded well-proportioned and typy dogs highly that also demonstrated the required reach and extension from behind. Toplines were also very good on the whole, especially on the move, holding a strong level back whilst covering the ground. I was in a dilemma in the bitch challenge as I shortlisted the veteran, open, limit and yearling for the CC. I really liked all four but the effortless ground covering movement of the limit winner just kept catching my eye, in the end Clovabrae Villanelle also took BOB over the beautifully made DCC. I find it amusing that my first BOB winner in this breed ends up going to a b who is named after a character in my favourite TV show! Rather surprising to have just one puppy entered but good gracious, wasn’t she a beauty – I unashamedly asked the owner if I could take her home on more than one occasion!

JD (5 Entries) Abs: 0

1 HARCOURT-BROWN, Mrs B Orora's Himself. He has the most attractive streamlined profile with front legs well underneath him allowing him to show good extension and sound movement, holding a level topline. Moderate all through, with low hocks, in super jacket.

2 JONES, Mrs S. B. & JONES, Mr K.R. Clanwillow Crown And Glory. Very friendly, slightly shorter in muzzle, steady mover, good length of neck and can sometimes be a little soft in his topline. Nice length of leg, beautifully handled and presented.

3 SALTER, Mrs Rachael Whole Lotta Love From Noonie Bears By Irisaddition

YD (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1 PICKUP, Mr & Mrs I & S Kiltondale Heat Of The Night JW. Talker boy, presented in excellent coat which was of harsh outer texture and enhancing his outline, a little shorter in rib, level back, sloping croup, carrying tail higher than I’d like on the move. He had the maturity over 2.

2 SALTER, Mrs Rachael Whole Lotta Love From Noonie Bears By Irisaddition. Lots to like on this male and possibly a shade longer at this stage, eyes were set wide apart, head still needs to develop, excellent reach and drive when settled. One to watch.

ND (3 Entries) Abs: 1

1 JONES, Mrs S. B. & JONES, Mr K.R. Clanwillow Crown And Glory. 2nd in JD.

2 SALTER, Mrs Rachael Whole Lotta Love From Noonie Bears By Irisaddition. 2nd in YD.

GD (4 Entries) Abs: 2

1 PICKUP, Mr & Mrs I & S Kiltondale Heat Of The Night JW. 1st in YD.

2 BUTCHER, Miss Sara Sylvabrae Newtons Law. Perfectly presented with a nice rugged appearance, plenty of daylight underneath body, classically marked, shoulders could be more angulated, holds a level topline on the move. Head is of good size, could have more stop. Happy friendly boy and I enjoyed the kisses.

PGD (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1 MOIR, Mr Don Winaria Wellington JW. One I have judged before and maturing nicely. He has a super head, lovely proportions with flat skull, moderate stop, excellent pigmentation, deep brown eyes and well arched brow and beard. Effortless mover with excellent reach and drive, with low tail set, long tail carried low on the move. Could do with more fill inbetween chest.

LD (7 Entries). Nice class.

1 and Dog CC, BROOKS, Miss P & GRUNDY, Mr S Fraglestone Family Affair. What a super male and he was everything that I was looking for in a male Beardie. His coat is harsh and enhanced his profile. He oozes breed type, of correct proportions, head is balanced with excellent pigment and super brows that don’t obscure his well set eyes, good strong muzzle, correct bite and good length of neck, into a well placed shoulder, good length of body with correct spring of rib, strong muscled loin, excellent rear quarters that had strength, muscle and correct width, long, low set tail, he excelled on the move where he strode round easily with a long stride, lowering head and tail to give me a proper goose bump moment. When I saw him in the challenge, he just kept catching my eye, apparently his first CC, good luck and hope you gain two more soon!

2 NOLAN, Miss Victoria Talraz Badge Of Honour JW. Top quality male, with wonderful head and expression, well arched eyebrows and beard to finish, deep brown eyes that were set well apart. He has good length of body and excellent width of thigh with low hocks and super low tail carriage, superb smooth movement and accurate in all directions. Just preferred the stronger topline in the stack of 1st on the day but this boy really is smashing.

3 SKINNER, Mrs Diane Tamjenta Bendelacreme

OD (9 Entries) Abs: 1. Really loved the first 2 and it was a close decision.

1 & RCC JAY, Mr M J & JAY, Mrs E A & JAY, Miss L F Ch Farmarens Drums Of Spring At Talraz (imp Swe) JW. I see sire of 2nd in LD. Such an eye catching quality male. Certainly fit my interpretation of the stand being lean, fit and active, wasn’t too heavy and with such a bright and enquiring expression. Just felt this five year old dog had the edge in side profile movement over 2. Both really caught my eye. Super condition and moderate bone, beautifully presented, conditioned and handled.

2 GILL, Mrs A & HOSIE, Mr A Burnhock Superior Diamond For Gillaber. Slightly younger red dog but such quality and on the move, my eye kept drawing to him as he moves with such freedom, and with minimum lift of feet. He’s well muscled up all through, Excellent forequarters with large muscles on the shoulder bade which was resulting in producing his excellent far reaching stride. His head is balanced and eye colour matching in with coat colour.

3 BAKER, Miss M J & VAN DE HOEF, Miss Rianne Malandex Most Xquisit

VD (8 Entries)

1 & BVD, WALDRON, Ms Justine Ch Snowmead Shades Of Gray JW. Super condition type and mover – so sound and fluid in movement and moving true out and back, beautiful head and expression, good size make and shape. Not showing his age at all, loved his width in front and low hocks.

2 ROBERTSON, Mr & Mrs R&M Arranbrae Laird Of Quothquan JW. Was a close 2nd but really liked this well made boy, of good size, with balanced head, good mover too. Sometimes doesn’t stand himself as well as he can move which can let him down.

3 BURFITT, Mrs G R Ramsgrove Coruscation For Breaksea

SBD/B (2 Entries) Abs: 1

1 JENKINSON, Ms S Irisaddition Victorious With Ellishar JW. Pretty young lady with a lot of maturing to do, very nice expression, balanced head, good width of front, holds a level topline on the move, long tail reaching to hock and set low. Efficient mover, perhaps a little proud of her tail on some occasions.

MPB (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1 & BP SKINNER, Mrs Diane Valkyrie De Chester At Tamjenta Imp Fra NAF TAF. Remarkably the only puppy entered in the whole entry but she is absolutely smashing. Just 6 months but so confident and friendly for one so young. Perfectly schooled and in excellent jacket and well groomed all through. She has a balanced profile with an excellent head and expression, well off for neck, good shoulder placement and return of upper arm, straight forelegs, strong back and well angulated rear with strong hocks, tail set is low with long tail reaching to hock and her movement is exceptional for a baby, covering a lot of ground with such an easy long striding step. Will definitely follow her progress with interest, So pleased to see she caught the puppy group judge’s eye to win PG2! Very well done!

PB (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1 SKINNER, Mrs Diane Valkyrie De Chester At Tamjenta Imp Fra Naf Taf. 1st in MPB.

JB (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1 BIRD, Mrs S & BIRD, Miss E V Wre Write The Stars From Noonie Bears With Bridus JW. Lovely make and shape on this one and she will trouble the best I’m sure with maturity. She excelled in a smooth, free and easy long reaching stride, well muscled rear quarters with a sloping croup leading to low set tail, her head matches her body for size and finished with well arched brows, well placed eyes and good length of muzzle.

2 WALDRON, Ms Justine & GRAY, Ms Alice Une Histoire D'amour De Chester With Snowmead (imp). Super straight front, well handled and beautifully conditioned and presented in excellent coat, liked her head which was well-balanced and with pleasing expression, decent neck, well-schooled and held a low tail carriage, I’d like a little more length of leg to complete the picture.

YB (7 Entries) Abs: 1. This was another nice class.

1 BAKER, Miss M J & VAN DE HOEF, Miss Rianne Malandex Xpression Of Love. Well I loved her very much. Everything is in the right place, such a balanced profile and everything is moderate, the most delightful head with a very cheeky expression, loin is strong, elbows are tight, chest is deep and plenty of heart room, also well muscled up, her rear leg sits perfectly right underneath her buttock, stands on excellent well padded feet which are oval and with a slight spring. Ever ready but complementary under control on the move, moving around the ring in all directions with an excellent long stride, very accurate out and back. At this age just lacking that maturity for top honours but I was very taken with her so that’s why she deserved to be shortlisted in the final 4 for the CC and because I wanted to see her against my other favourites. I’m sure she will gain her title with ease.

2 JONES, Mrs S. B. & JONES, Mr K.R. Clanwillow Crystal Bay. Won her place here on superb free movement with excellent reach in front and good drive from behind. She’s more lightly built than others but has enough bone. Plenty of maturing to do. Very well handled and presented.

3 WALDRON, Ms Justine & GRAY, Ms Alice There's Something About De Chester At Snowmead (imp)

NB (1 Entries) Abs: 0

1 JONES, Mrs S. B. & JONES, Mr K.R. Clanwillow Crystal Bay. Also 2nd in YB.

GB (2 Entries) Abs: 0

1 BURGON, Mrs Lyndsay & BURGON, Mr Andrew Corimist Caissa At Lyngem JW. Preferred the length of leg and sloping croup on this girl but she wasn’t moving as free and soundly as 2. Outer coat is of harsh texture, very attentive and lively girl. Super sloping croup into low set tail with straight forelegs and decent bone.

2 O'CONNELL, Mrs Glenda & O'CONNELL, Mr Mark Potterdale Royal Sapphire Of Atherleigh. Lovely head with eyes set well apart and giving a soft and affectionate expression, excellent double coat presented very well, attractive coat markings, not quite the reach and drive as 1 and a little shorter in leg but beautifully presented and handled.

PGB (7 Entries) Abs: 2

1 PRICE, Miss Andrea & HORNE, miss Jennifer Winaria Winter Solstice For Mobuff JW. Two totally different girls, I preferred the leg length on 1 and was naturally presented with that rugged appearance, lovely proportions with good length of rib, strong neck and good length of loin, superb reach and drive in profile on the move, very pleasing low tail carriage.

2 HARCOURT-BROWN, Mrs B Farmarens Imperial Highness At Orora (imp Swe). Quality b, I particularly liked her rear quarters which were well muscled up and with feet falling underneath her buttocks, really good mover when she put her mind to it, a little shorter in leg than 1.

3 EMMINGHAM, Mrs Nicola Aoibh Djembe At Briarsfield

LB (14 Entries) Abs: 3

1 BCC & BOB STEAD, Mrs Colleen & STEAD, Mr Graham Clovabrae Villanelle. After the first go around, I was really taken with her effortless long striding gait. Her footfall is quite breathtaking and I’m really surprised that she doesn’t carry her title and afterwards I was told this was her first CC. However in a breed like this, 4 years old is still very young, how exciting to see what she will be like in veteran. She really does encompass the standard being lean and active and has that level of self assurance one would expect from this breed and I could picture her working all day and never tiring. I wanted to see her move more and more and as her head lowers doubled up with a low set tail and low tail carriage, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her. Her head shows just enough strength with correct eye placement, excellent pigment and with enough beard and brows required for this intelligent working dog. Her coat is of harsh outer texture, possessing a slight wave and enhances her profile and doesn’t distract. I absolutely loved her and hope she continues to do well. Her owner handled her in such a sympathetic way, she just allowed her to do all the talking.

2 RIVERS, Miss Julie Orora's French Silk At Merrimak JW. This quality bitch was a very worthy contender in this class and possesses a lot of breed features which will make her difficult to overlook. She has a very flashy white collar and stands four square and is balanced in profile with no interference from her handler. Her head is glorious with a magnificent beard and lovely well grown eyebrows giving the most delightful expression. Movement is economical in all directions, just couldn’t match the extension of 1.

3 JAY, Mr M J & JAY, Mrs E A & JAY, Miss L F Talraz Song Of Summer

OB (8 Entries) Abs: 1

1 COOPER, Miss A R Tybury's Song Of Ice And Fire. Topped a magnificent class of quality ladies. She’s heavier set than my eventual BCC winner but she is absolutely lovely go over under that well presented double protective coat. Lovely head proportions, superb inquiring expression, almost nosey! Excellent dark pigmentation on nose and eye rims, has enough width to her front, Excellent lay back of shoulder, strong firm topline which she holds so true on the move, well angulated rear and a sloping croup into low tail set. In the challenge, I just preferred the leaner more streamlined outline on the LB winner.

2 LEWIS, Mr Mike & LEWIS, Mrs Janet & MORELAND, Mrs Ch Potterdale Precious Rose. This lovely lady was very close up to 1, superb balanced head and expression, the best of front, forelegs were straight and with elasticity in the pasterns, classic beauty my notes say, I’m sure she will always be a contender, beautifully conditioned and presented, with plenty of muscle tone especially over the top of the shoulders, just preferred the fluidity on the movement of the winner.

3 BETTS, Mr & Mrs M & L J Ch Pipadene Xtraa Hint Of Chili JW

VB (9 Entries) Abs: 2

1, RCC and BV. SALTER, Mrs Rachael Irisaddition Effie Trinket JW. What a lovely surprise she was. Workmanlike appearance and is super balanced so she drives round the ring with an effortless stride and showing plenty of reach in front. The more I watched her, the more I smiled, she looks as if she will launch at any moment showing that endearing Beardie character but she never broke her stride and powered round the ring lowering her head and tail and holding a superb level topline. On closer inspection, she is well muscled up with ribs extending well back, great turn of stifle and strong short hocks, carrying just the right amount of weight to give that lean active appearance.

2 BOWDEN, Mrs S E & BOWDEN, Miss C E Ch Subessen Blaze Of Fire VW. What a showgirl she is, immaculately presented and handled to perfection. As a handler it’s very impressive to see this breed free-stood because it’s showing there’s nothing to hide. Her long coat is harsh on top and soft underneath, the most beautiful deep brown eye colour to give a real pleasing expression, medium bone and in super fit condition. She’s a shade longer than the ideal so on occasions her topline can go a little soft. A worthy Champion and a credit to her owner.

3 COPE, Mrs B & KEMP, Mrs Christine Ch Scalbeck Sophistication At Menander