Collie Association

The Collie Association

90th Anniversary Sub-Group Open Show – Show 1

Smooth Collies

29th June 2024

I would like to thank the officers and committee for their kind opportunity to invite me to judge at this, my first Smooth Collie judging appointment, a breed very close to my heart that I have watched ringside for over 4 years. A big thank you to my stewards who kept the ring moving smoothly and efficiently.

I was so pleased with my entry and appreciate all of those that travelled to enter and support me. I had a really good day that allowed me to consolidate my learning from both the Breed Appreciation Day and the unofficial mentoring day with Frank Kane.

Veteran Dog/Bitch (5, 1abs)

4 lovely examples of the breed all with individual redeeming qualities which made my choice very difficult.

1st Cowling, Ms E, Koczkodean Serenity

Tri-coloured girl of nearly 8 years, in excellent condition throughout. Pleasing head with correct ear set and carriage. Correct front, stood straight with deep chest, perfect front shoulder angulation making her stand out today. Everything is in proportion with no exaggeration. Moved effortlessly around the ring.

2nd Lusty, Miss A, Ch Blamorder Ice Cream Dream

Stunning 8 year old Blue Merle girl, not looking her age at all. Straight front good shoulder, well-muscled rear angulation. Good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Expertly handled and pushed hard for 1st place. Preferred the movement of 1st but it was so close and I only had 1 red card to hand out.

3rd Benton, Miss MK, Oakestelle Artemis ShCEx

4th Moores,Miss DJ, Manordeifi Bow Regard

Puppy Dog (3,0)

3 lovely puppies of super quality and attributes, again only one can take that 1st place.

1st Howard, Howard, Fort, Mrs G, Mr C, & Miss MJ, Shulune Imperial Inkheart with Casatentola.

Classy 8 Month old boy who comes across as a natural showman in the ring. Pleasing head, equal planes and correct stop. Eyes are dark and almond shaped, correctly placed. Head is framed by moderately large correctly set ears giving a picture of overall balance for such a young dog. Movement needs to settle but accepting he is a youngster; he gives a promising picture and it will be interesting to see him develop into what I am sure will be a top class dog.

2nd Burton, Mr & Mrs S. Glencorrie Tyke Vincent.

Thicker set coat than the 1st. Deep chest and good straight front. Balanced in profile with nothing exaggerated. Moved ok and still maturing.

3rd Acford, Ms H. Coneypark Mattie Brown.

Junior Dog (2,1 abs)

1st Metcalf, Mr A & Mrs S. Koczkodean Well I Never

A young 1 year old male who stood alone in his class but deserved his 1st place, everything is in proportion and well balanced. He is settling in and learning the ropes of the show ring. He has a wider type head, good front and good bone. Ears are carried well and held to perfection. He moved well once settled.

Post Graduate Dog (1, 0)

1st Acford, Ms H. Coneypark Mattie Brown.

Young male, still a puppy but maturing well. Pleasing head with lovely markings, correct planes with correct stop. Framed with well set ears that are in proportion to his head. He held his topline when standing in profile and when on the move. Good front angulation, correct rear angulation with good turn of stifle and well let down hocks. Moved much more settled in this class.

Limit Dog (2,0)

1st Sewell Miss J, Wynele Strike It Rich to Lewarne JW

Super young male, scoring well with all breed points. Strong masculine head with correct equal planes, lovely sparkling eye and strong jaw. Correct ear carriage. Good deep chest, straight front with good bone. Held topline well on the move, excelled in movement and superbly handled. A real showman. Pushed hard and was rewarded with res best dog.

2nd Robertson Ms C, Wynele Strike One

Litter brother to 1st and they are like peas in a pod. Strengths are in his head, ears, front and rear hind quarters. Difficult to choose between the 2, the first I felt had the better coat today. He also showed himself off to perfection.

Open Dog (2,0)

1st French Ms A, Wynele Dressed To Thrill At Breckamore

Young 2 year old tri-coloured male, strong masculine head, lovely shoulder and front angulation giving rise to a perfect front with deep chest. Strong correct well-muscled rear quarters. Moved to perfection to be best dog overall and Best of Breed.

2nd Wensley, Mr M & Mrs R, Ch Constella Hazy Cosmic Jive JW

Tri-coloured Male of nearly 3 years. Smaller than 1st however clearly within the breed standard guidance. Stood well to present a pleasing profile in all quarters, correct shoulder, straight front, deep chest with no exaggeration. In excellent condition with well-groomed coat expertly handled and moved so well. Pushed hard for reserve best dog.

Best Dog - French Ms A, Wynele Dressed To Thrill At Breckamore

Res Best Dog - Sewell Miss J, Wynele Strike It Rich to Lewarne JW

Best Puppy Dog - Howard, Howard, Fort, Mrs G, Mr C, & Miss MJ, Shulune Imperial Inkheart with Casatentola

Best Veteran Dog - Moores, Miss Dj, Manordeifi Bow Regard

Puppy Bitch (3,1 abs)

2 lovely puppies

1st Lusty Miss A, Blamorder That’s Lush

Young sable girl of just 6 months, still learning the ropes but was well handled to get the best out of her. Correct head, ears are still settling. Neck, shoulders and front are all in correct proportions and enough bone and muscle to give an overall pleasing picture.

2nd Shorten Miss C, Glencorrie Stella Bark At Bracoisla

9 month sable girl well-handled but didn’t always do herself justice when free standing. Front and chest are still developing, plenty of time to see her mature. Preferred the head of 1st. Lovely ear carriage and well set. Overall moved out well

Junior Bitch (1,0)

1st Lusty, Miss A, Blamorder Dare To Dream

I wrote more about this young girl than any other exhibit. 9months old tri-coloured bitch, full of confidence and life. Keen on her surroundings not missing a trick. Excellent ear carriage and pleasing head, correct stop and eye placement. Good dentition. Straight pleasing front and shoulder, lovely well held top line standing and on the move. Good rear angulation with well let down hocks. Best Puppy Bitch, Best Puppy in Breed.

Post Graduate Bitch (2,1 abs)

1st Lusty, Miss A, Blamorder Dare To Dream

As Above, movement more settled in the class.

Limit Bitch (1,0)

1st Moores, Miss D J, Blamorder Ridin On A Rainbow To Manordeifi

6 year old girl, a little unsettled today and not showing her confidence, she held her ears back a little which detracted from her otherwise lovely head profile which was in correct proportions. Stronger bitch, good bone , correct outline but carrying a little extra weight at present. Strong rib, deep chest. Moved ok.

Open Bitch (3,0)

1st Benton, Miss M F, Ch Brackenhaye Queen Of Hearts Od Oakestelle

Lovely tri-coloured 4 year old female, moved and handled to perfection. Everything is in proportion, correct front, good deep chest and correct shoulder angulation. Correct ear carriage and set. Coat in excellent condition. Best Bitch and Reserve Best of Breed.

2nd Lustys, Miss A, Ch Blamorder Ice Cream Dream

As veteran class

3rd Moores, Miss D J Manordeifi Button Rose

Best Bitch - Benton, Miss M F, Ch Brackenhaye Queen Of Hearts Od Oakestelle

Res Best Bitch - Cowling, Ms E, Koczkodean Serenity

Best Puppy Bitch - Lusty, Miss A, Blamorder Dare To Dream

Best Veteran Bitch - Cowling, Ms E, Koczkodean Serenity

Best of Breed - French Ms A, Wynele Dressed To Thrill At Breckamore

Reserve Best of Breed - Benton, Miss M F, Ch Brackenhaye Queen Of Hearts Od Oakestelle

Best Puppy in Breed - Lusty, Miss A, Blamorder Dare To Dream

Best Veteran in Breed - Cowling, Ms E, Koczkodean Serenity

Judge: Mandy Davies (Wystry)