Great Yarmouth Gorleston & District Canine Society

Great Yarmouth, Gorlestone and District Canine Society

Open Show, held on Thu 13th June at Forest Edge Arena

My thanks to the committee for the invitation to judge Rough Collies, Smooth Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs at their show. Always interesting to see how many enter these weekday shows, so thanks to the exhibitors who entered under me, and special thanks to my two capable stewards who kept everything running smoothly.

Shetland Sheepdog

Very pleased with this entry, especially good to see some promising youngsters coming through. A few exhibits appeared longer in body than my interpretation of the breed standard.

Puppy (2, 1)

1st Rutterford, Ms J – Myter Black Tarquin at Stormhead. Tri dog. Beautiful youngster with an elegant head, good eyes and nicely placed ears, which were always alert to goings on around the ring. Neck was well arched and led to a level topline, sweeping gracefully over the loin. Front and rear angulation was symmetrical, allowing for a smooth, ground covering movement in all directions. BP, and delighted to see him go PG3

Junior (7, 2)

1st Winfield, Mrs V Oakcroft The Mandalorian. Sable dog. Oozing masculinity, really caught my eye from the moment he came in the ring. Beautiful proportions, of good size for his age. Correct head, with lovely flat cheeks, blunt wedge shaped with ears correctly placed and sensitive in use. Good length of neck, definitely able to carry his head proudly over the abundant mane. Front and rear assembly very good, with correct amount of bone. Really excelled on the move, covering the ground with minimum effort and looked like he could go all day. RBOB

2nd Norris, Mrs V Sabema Mayfly at Ferngrove. Sable bitch. Very feminine, of slightly more compact shape overall but still correct proportions. Lovely sweet expression. Good upper topline with neck flowing into a level back and sweeping over the loin. Good angulation at the front and rear. Moved well in all directions, just preferred the overall substance of 1st today.

3rd Norris, Mrs R Ferngrove Skywalker

Post Graduate (3, 1)

1st Winfield, Mrs V Oakcroft The Mandalorian. 1st in Junior

2nd Fransham, Mrs R Shelcrest Night Sky. Tri bitch. Good expression and well used ears. Well arched neck and ribs well sprung. Stood with straight legs from front and rear, with nice angles when viewed from side. Moved ok, but was lacking drive.

Limit (3, 0)

1st Norris, Mrs V Ferngrove Valentino JW. Sable dog. Another male who caught my eye, and one that I have previously judged as a youngster. Nice head with well set eyes and well placed, tipped ears. Good neck with abundant mane. Front and rear angulation was good previously, and a year later he has matured to create a more finished article. Excelled on the move, with ample drive from the hindquarters allowing for ground covering movement with minimum effort. BOB

2nd Winfield, Mrs V Oakcroft The Mandalorian. 1st in Junior and Post Graduate. Pushed hard in this class, but just preferred the maturity of 1st.

3rd Rutterford, Ms J Kelgrove Midsummer Blue at Stormhead

Open (2, 0)

1st Winfield, Mrs V Oakcroft The Mandalorian. 1st in Junior, Post Graduate and 2nd in Limit

2nd Rutterford, Ms J Kelgrove Midsummer Blue at Stormhead. Blue merle dog with beautiful markings. Smaller in size to 1st, but overall proportions correct. Nicely shaped head, with well set eyes and ears, always attentive to his handler. Good front angulation, with well laid back shoulders, mirrored in the rear assembly with equally good angulation. In previous class, I felt he wasn’t quite “in the zone” on the move, but his movement in this class was much better. 

Veteran (2,0)

1st Fransham, Mrs R Sheltysham Bedazzle at Franmead JW. Tri bitch. Very feminine, with correctly placed and shaped eyes and well used ears giving a beautiful expression. Front and rear assembly was correct. Outline from head to tail flowed with elegance and grace. Moved ok, but lacked a bit of drive.

2nd Norris, Mrs V Clanavon Love In a Mist. Sable bitch. Another very feminine girl but of different type to 1st. Nice head, with well set eyes and ears giving a sweet expression. Good length of neck onto a level topline and well sprung ribs. Good angulation front and rear. Was a little erratic on the move today.