Collie Association

Collie Association Open Show

29th June 2024

Best in Show

Thank you so much to the Officers and Committee for their kind invitation to judge Best in Show at their open show, my first such appointment, and for their hospitality on the day. A big thank you to the breed judges, Bridgette Bodle and Mandy Davies for sending through such superb examples of their respective breeds, it really was a close decision for all 3 top awards.

Best in Show was awarded to Mrs V Cronk’s Rough Collie, Skabona If I Saw You In Heaven for Chelborn (imp Swe), a 17-month-old blue bitch who catches the eye immediately as she is the loveliest clear silvery blue colour and presented to perfection. Her head handles well, being a clean wedge with a clean stop and flat skull. Her eye is of correct shape and set obliquely and she has neat ears set correctly which all combines to give a sweet, feminine expression. Her neck is of good length and flows into a well laid shoulder and good return of upper arm. Her back is of good length and chest deep and her hindquarters are in balance with her front. Initially a bit uncooperative on the move but on the final run around she showed off her balanced reach and drive perfectly. Having seen her often from the ringside, it was a pleasure to get the chance to go over her.

Reserve Best in Show was awarded to Mrs A French’s Smooth Collie, Wynele Dressed to Thrill at Breckamore, a 2 ½ year-old tri dog in great condition. This boy has a clean, balanced head with a super eye of correct size, shape and set. His skull is flat and topped by well set ears giving a sweet but masculine expression. He has a super neck with excellent front and rear angulation, super straight fore legs and neat feet. His back is strong with good depth of chest and spring of rib. Moved with ease with reach and drive. Again, a pleasure to go over.

Best Puppy in Show was awarded to Miss A Lusty’s Smooth Collie, Blamorder Dare to Dream, a 9-month-old tri bitch. I loved this young girl’s head and expression, she has the most exquisite dark eye, with a clean head of good length and a clean stop. Her neck is of good length, and she has good fore chest and super angulation front and rear. Her outline is well balanced, and she moved effortlessly. Her lovely expression tipped the balance in her favour over the promising Rough Collie, Miss D Collino’s Imaginist My Fair Lady. This sable bitch of a similar age has a lovely outline and super angulation front and rear which enabled her to move with reach and drive. Her head is clean and well balanced, and she has well set ears which she used well.

Best Veteran in Show was awarded to Ms E Cowling’s, Smooth Collie, Koczkodan Serenity, a nearly 8-years-old tri bitch. I really loved her outline. She has a lovely head with a flat skull, clean stop and muzzle of correct length. Her eye is of correct shape and set with super, well-set ears giving a lovely, feminine expression. She has a super neck with a lovely crest, flowing into well laid shoulders and good return of upper, with good bone and feet. She has substance yet is feminine throughout. Her excellent hind angulation allowed her to move with drive, covering the ground with ease. The Rough Collie Veteran is one I’ve judged before, Miss M Benton’s Ch Brooklynson El Dorado and there is a lot to like about him. He is well balanced throughout with a good length of back and super angulation. Another great mover. Today I simply preferred the neck and outline of the Smooth.

Judge Sophie Wray-Ramsden

Takhisis