Crufts

CRUFTS CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

9th March 2025

JUDGE’S REPORT FOR SHETLAND SHEEPDOGS (DOGS)

An absolute honour to be able to judge my beloved breed at Crufts and I extend my sincerest thanks to exhibitors for an amazing entry. Some classes were full of quality and places were at a premium so my thanks for accepting decisions with grace and dignity.

My gratitude to the very capable husband and wife team who stewarded for the day and who both kept the ring running smoothly and seamlessly. A huge, personal thank you to Clare Stafford, for lending me her very precious jewellery on the day after finding that I had left all mine at home. Such a kind gesture Clare and very much appreciated.

I was looking for a classic Sheltie of exceptional breed type and elegance, displaying that undeniable beauty that can only be brought together with the combination of a refined, smooth, one-piece head of correct length and proportions, correct stop with almond shaped and obliquely set eye with neatly placed and carried ears. Nothing else will bring about the great beauty that our breed is renowned for. All this, combined with the necessary construction and movement as laid down so clearly in our standard, which must be strived for as a working breed. I was delighted to find quality Shelties that ticked so many boxes & my CC winner was of absolute classic breed type, excelling in head and expression and so beautifully and correctly constructed. Sharing the same sire as my RCC, they are both such excellent examples of the breed.

Best of Breed was decided upon by the referee with all subsequent decisions made in full agreement with my co-judge.

The main observation of the day was the lack of correct forehand construction which is so essential for the ability to move with the correct reach in front. Easy, smooth, energy saving movement is essential for a day’s work. In addition, a number of dogs were missing multiple pre-molars and there were a couple of level bites found; something to be mindful of.

Finally, let me make myself perfectly clear. My allegiance has always and will continue to be to the breed/breed standard alone, nothing more, nothing less. Dogs, as always, were judged on the day without fear nor favour and the best dog, in my opinion, rewarded accordingly regardless of others’ expectations and/or feelings of entitlement. Integrity is everything and our breed deserves nothing less.

VD (12 1) 1 Hull’s Mohnesee Dream Date of Lizmark JW. How I admire this dog of obvious quality whom I last judged three years ago. A beautiful boy of superior breed type with smooth, one-piece head with excellent dark, well placed eye enhanced by neatly set and well-placed ears though carried a little heavily. Foreface is well rounded with sufficient underjaw. Has kept his refinement and loved his sweet, masculine expression with good reach of neck with well laid shoulder. Would prefer a tad more length to upper arm but is certainly sufficient to propel his forward reach. He is balanced proportion wise all through with correct body, topline and well angled rear and always standing so parallel when viewed from behind. Ideal substance for his size and sex and is totally unexaggerated. Movement was fluid and he strode out with such ease giving excellent drive from behind. Toeing in so very slightly coming towards but was willing to forgive this minor observation – he can still cover the ground so gracefully and with ease. He is all quality, and I have to say that I am so disappointed that he has not gained his title since we last met; it is a crime that he does not wear his crown as he is so deserving. So well handled to bring out the absolute best in him; he looked so well on the green carpet today. BVD & BVIB with my co-judge’s full agreement over a super quality veteran bitch. 2 Van Ulsen’s Multi Ch Lundecock’s Final Salute WW-24 EUVW-24. So happy to have the chance to judge this handsome boy whom I have long admired from the ringside. Attractive red sable of near ideal size who presents a picture of excellent breed type and balance in profile. Masculine, one piece head with such a sweet eye and expression; he has retained his refinement showing no coarseness and his neat ear placement and carriage only serve to accentuate his overall appeal. Elegant length of neck with well laid shoulder, loved his substance and well-rounded bone and he is so well proportioned all through with nicely angulated rear and well-set tail. Moving out well with drive from behind going away, just a little wide coming towards but could certainly show some younger dogs how to cover the ground. Unfortunate to go up against the class winner today but still looks every inch the quality boy he is. 3 Van Ulsen’s Multi Ch Lundecock’s Surprise Packet VWW-24. Another from the same kennel and one I have met before when judging. Super masculine male of ideal size with perfect substance. So similar to second placing in type and head qualities with super dark, well-placed eye with smooth, one-piece head giving such sweetness. Foreface is rounded with sufficient underjaw and correctly placed and carried ears enhance his whole look. Preferred the reach of neck of the two placed above him and upper arm could be of better length for better balance in profile and he did insist on sitting back into his shoulders on occasion, causing him to lose his shape somewhat in profile. As with his kennel mate, well bodied all through with pleasing ribs & body proportions and level topline with gentle sweep over loin. He has a well-turned rear which enable him to move with drive. Rich red toned coat so immaculately presented; he looked the part today. MPD (2 0) 1 Hill’s Moving On Up to Molson. Lovely start to the youngsters with a promising puppy of super breed type. His head is typical; balanced, of good length and in proportion, just lacking stop and straight through at present but will hopefully clear in time. Pleasing definition of underjaw and just needs to fill in foreface but is just a baby as yet so plenty of time to mature out. Pleasing reach of neck into well laid-back shoulder, upper arm is certainly sufficient, and substance is enough for his size, age, and sex. Super reach of neck and with level topline leading to gentle sweep over loin. Rear angulation is more than sufficient, maybe a touch high in hock but he looks balanced in outline when viewed in profile. Correct tail set. Movement typical of his age but with drive from behind and when settled, positive reach in front. Attractively marked with full white collar and golden, well-presented coat, he presented a sweet picture. 2 Ruhmannseder’s Savendie Seasmoke. Quality blue merle baby who is very raw all through as yet but has a very appealing, masculine expression with well-placed eye, would prefer a tad more almond in shape but has rounded foreface combined with neatly set and very well carried ears to bring it all together. Stop, as with class winner, just needs to clear but hopefully that may come in time. Straight front with correct bone for size and sex, he is so balanced all through with pleasing proportions and overall shape. Similar to class winner in forehand and rear and showed good drive on the move from behind but just needing to settle in front and preferred the forward reach of the class winner today. A tad higher at the back end at this stage of development but should even out in time once he is finished his growth. Coat mostly well broken and of pleasing ground colour and texture; does have some white creeping up from underneath which is noticeable but did not detract too much against his silvery blue colouration. Two pleasing puppies. PD (9 1) 1 Forbes’ Degallo The Prodigy. Super attractive young man who instantly attracted with his excellent breed type. Well-proportioned and refined head of correct length with flat skull and almond shaped, correctly placed, dark eye. Ear set and carriage brought everything together to create a very sweet, masculine expression. To be critical, I would prefer a better definition of underjaw, but this certainly did not detract from the whole outlook. Built on racey lines, he excels in reach of neck with super layback of shoulder and length of upper arm, straight front with enough substance for his size at this stage. His topline is level with such an elegant outline in profile. Gentle sweep over loin into very well angulated stifle, his tail set correct and overall, so well balanced throughout. Can make himself look overlong in body by pushing his front forward in eagerness to please but examines so well on the table. Movement is so graceful and easy with correct drive and pleasing ground cover in front. So much to like about him all through and a very promising prospect for the future. 2. Hateley’s Mohnesee’s Dream Master JW. Another promising youngster who is at a completely different stage of development than the class winner. Instantly appeals for his correct head pattern and super breed type with smooth, one-piece head, correctly placed stop with rounded foreface and defined underjaw. Dark, well placed and correctly shaped almond eye gives him such sweetness enhanced by dark pigmentation. Skull is refined and ear set correct although he was reluctant to use them to best advantage at times. Loved his balance in profile with elegant reach of neck into pleasing forehand angulation, he scored in substance with nicely rounded bone. Appealed for his balance all through with good ribs, well angulated rear with clean cut hock. Tail set correct. Carefully handled to get the very best out of him today, his movement was positive and with drive from behind just needing to pull it together in forward reach. Not the coat nor maturity in finish of the class winner but given time, should mature out well as has so much promise. 3 Rennison’s Zaniah’s Illusionist. Another upstanding and shapely youngster of quality. Bi blue in colour, which is not a personal preference, but he instantly stood out for his real elegance in profile. Head handles well; is smooth and one piece but on first glance, there appears to be more depth through the skull than is ideal but on examination, it isn’t so and the black marking seems to give this illusion - he really needs to be handled here to be appreciated. With the addition of a split face alongside lack of tan markings, you have to really concentrate to appreciate the virtues. I would prefer more definition of underjaw but is adequate, his stop correctly placed, and skull is flat. Correctly shaped and well-placed eye adds to his appeal coupled with neatly set and carried ears, he does have sweetness in his expression. Super reach of neck gives elegance into pleasing shoulder and upper arm, his front is straight, and he possesses enough substance for his size. Shapely all through in profile with excellent topline and very well angulated rear. His coat is of clear, silvery ground colour and mostly well broken with pleasing texture. So well-schooled and showed off his many virtues and moving positively to earn his place today. He deserves to do well as so much to like here. JD (12 0) 1 Rossiter’s Coccaro The Highlander. Super quality, upstanding youngster who appealed instantly for his breed type with masculine head, which is smooth, of good length with parallel planes and is well moulded with rounded foreface, correct stop, and well-defined underjaw. Sweetness of expression was evident with his dark, well placed, and shaped eye enhanced by excellent pigmentation and neat ear set, carried well. Well arched neck with full white collar, very pleasing forehand construction with correct substance all through. He has elegance in profile with good angulation to rear; I would prefer a touch more length to loin for overall balance in profile – he drops away over the croup more than is ideal which gives a look of shortness in the back but once he grows his adult coat then this should help to remedy the overall outlook. HIs coat is so rich in tone and of pleasing texture; in full junior phase at present but he has little to hide. He was carefully handled today and he put in a pleasing account of himself, moving out with drive and reach to take the class. Yet another quality youngster who shows much promise and has come on in leaps and bounds recently. 2 Forbes’ Degallo The Name Of The Game. Really appealing red sable boy who stood out for his no-nonsense outline and balance. Head handles so well and is clean and with sweet, masculine expression due to combination of dark, almond shaped, well-placed eye coupled with correct ear set and carriage. Refined and with rounded foreface just needing to fill in time. Loved his elegant reach of neck when he pulled everything together and has a well laid shoulder. I would prefer a touch more length to his upper arm for perfection, but he has super substance and bone with flexible pasterns. Firm body, which is pleasing for proportions, his topline is level though just has a bustle over the croup at this stage which should clear with new coat. Well angled stifle with clean-cut hock and in well fitting, richly coloured coat of good texture. Going to be standing in the shade of his precocious kennelmate I feel over the next few months, but is certainly a quality youngster in his own right. 3 Forster-Cooper’s Alnmac We Will Rock You. This understated young man has so much to offer but was feeling the effects of the atmosphere and unwilling to make the most of his attributes. Sensible and workmanlike in outlook, he really appealed for his overall make and shape with lovely head pattern; refined and in proportion with correctly placed stop, rounded foreface, and flat skull. Would have preferred a slightly better shape to his eye but it is dark and well-placed eye and was enhanced by dark pigmentation. Ears are set correctly but was reluctant to use them but when he flashed them, gave a sweet and masculine outlook. Scored in balance and shape in profile with well arched neck into correct shoulder and upper arm with good depth to chest. Pleasing substance and bone for his size and sex, I love his proportions all through with correct ribs, level topline and well-turned stifle. Not as free on the move as his construction would suggest as simply not overly willing to stride out under pressure. Did enough to earn his placing on his obvious virtues and am sure under different circumstances, he would be much happier to oblige. Y (14 0) 1 McDonald’s Fearnach Two Tone. Striking blue merle male of ideal size and substance. So masculine in outlook with balanced head of correct proportions. Foreface is rounded with just a touch more fill needed to finish and adequate underjaw. His expression is charming with well-placed brown eyes enhanced by super, dark pigmentation. The neatest ear set and carriage brings his whole expression together and he exudes sweet masculinity. Split faced in colouration, but this does not detract especially as his well broken merle is on the show side. Elegant reach of neck into well laid back shoulder placement, upper arm examines better than first impressions on the stance. Pleasing body proportions and so shapely all through with excellent bone for size. Good topline with well-turned stifle giving the drive to cover the ground so well; such an easy mover. Such a quality boy who can only improve over time. 2 Hardman & Carter’s Seavall Blue Ensign. The second young man in this class to catch my eye immediately on his entrance to the ring. Blue merle of excellent colour who just floated along with ease. A shade bigger than ideal but presenting a very shapely outline in profile with a lot in common with the class winner in terms of elegance and balance. Mature in head which is balanced and in proportion with beautifully rounded foreface and adequate underjaw. Well-shaped and placed eye, one of each colour giving a sweet expression which is all masculine, his skull is flat and ear set is correct though would prefer carriage to be a touch lighter and falling forwards more but this did not detract from the whole. Loved his gracefully arched neck into pleasing shoulder and upper arm with correct bone and substance for his size and sex. Pasterns are flexible and he is so balanced in profile when he pulls himself up on his toes. Pleasing chest and ribs, correct topline with sweep over loin into well angled rear, low tail set and with the longest tail in the whole entry today. Preferred the clarity of his colouring to the class winner but was leading his handler a merry dance when it came to keeping still and showing off his virtues but certainly not disgraced with his second placing here today. 3 Miles’ Milesend Mulberry. Super tricolour of quality whose shape and outline appealed for elegance and balance. No-nonsense make and shape with quality head and gentle, soft but masculine expression. Near ideal for size with enough bone and substance for his size and sex, loved his flowing shape in profile with super reach of neck into pleasing forehand. Correct topline and tail set with sufficient turn of stifle. Of good depth of colour with full white collar gave him instant appeal to catch the eye. Moved out so steadily with purposeful drive from the rear and pleasing reach in front. Lots to like about him and can only improve with maturity. PGD (21 1) 1 Linford’s Hillhenry In Your Honour. Upstanding tricolour with jet black coat who presents a masculine outlook and built on racier lines. Love the contrast of his white blaze against the true black of his colouration but examination is needed to look past this to uncover the virtues here. Balanced and refined head with rounded foreface and flat skull, dark, well placed and shaped eye gives much sweetness and is enhanced by super pigmentation. Ear set and carriage sets off the whole expression and I found him most pleasing. Perfect substance for his size with correct bone, he excelled in shape with well arched neck and elegant outline all through with pleasing forehand and straight front. Upper arm examines well as he can sometimes sit back into his shoulders which can give the impression of needing more length which is not the case. Good body proportions and well bodied with level topline and gentle sweep over loin with good tail set. Maybe a tad too much angulation to the rear which sometimes has him standing toeing out behind if not concentrating and can set off with too much width but today, was totally on form and was handled to complete advantage to bring the very best out in him. One of the few, technically correctly coloured tricolours with true, intensely black coat which was presented so well. Moves out as his construction suggested, with rear drive and excellent reach in front. A quality boy who should easily be able of higher honours. 2 Stock’s Shemist Summertime Blues. Beautifully colour blue merle who is built on the same, racier lines as the class winner and presenting such an elegant outline in profile. Head also needs handling to appreciate and is smooth, correctly proportioned and with flat skull. Underjaw is sufficiently defined, and he has a masculine expression with two blue, well-shaped and placed eyes. I would prefer a tighter ear placement but they are carried well enough. Appreciated his substance with well-rounded bone, his forehand examines well though he is another who likes to sit back into his shoulders and not show off his shapely neck and well-made front on occasion. Super body and topline with pleasing rear and correct tail set. His colour is so well broken all through and coat is of an excellent texture. He makes such easy work of covering the ground and is so fluid in all directions. Another quality boy with much virtue. 3 Miles’ Ribans Goldstar of Milesend (JKC). Such an attractive boy who instantly appealed for his super breed type. Near ideal size, his head is typical; smooth, with adequate underjaw and really appealing, sweet expression marred slightly today by some tear-staining. So shapely in profile and well-proportioned throughout with pleasing shoulder and well arched neck. Elegant and flowing outline with well-turned stifle and clean-cut hock. Coat was immaculately presented and is richly toned. Moved out very steadily with his handler who made the very most of his attributes. MLD (22,4) 1 Sorockyj’s Padawan Mandalorian. Fell for this handsome young man instantly with his air of quality and appealing expression. Eye-catching red sable male who scores in outline and balance. His head is just so clean and refined with parallel planes, rounded foreface, beautiful eye shape, both dark and well placed giving such sweetness when combined with his super neat ear set and carriage. Elegant reach of neck into pleasing shoulder and upper arm assembly, his front is straight with perfect substance for his size. Loved his shapeliness in profile with correct proportions and gentle sweep over loin, well angulated to the rear with clean-cut hock joint. Bit of a cheeky boy when he wants to be but then suddenly gives his all to show off his many virtues and his movement was efficient in all directions with plenty of reach and drive. Loved him. 2 Simpson & Main’s Shenachie Secretariat. Another eye-catching young male who is so similar in make and shape to the class winner with such elegance in profile shape with flowing lines. Smooth headpiece with flat skull and pleasing eye shape, placed well but could benefit from being darker and with better pigmentation to perfection. Neat ear set and carriage give balance to the whole creating a masculine, sweet expression. Super reach of neck into well angulated forehand construction. I loved his balance all through with perfect substance for size and sex. Body proportions are pleasing all through with well-turned stifle and strong, clean-cut hock joint. At present, he is lacking coat underneath, but this certainly was not enough to penalise his placing as he has so much to like. Coat is of good texture and tone. As expected, he moved fluidly around the ring with pleasing reach and drive. So much to appreciate here and he can only improve in time. 3 Glover-Guest’s Doonelodge The Explorer. One who I have met before, and the same comments apply. He is such a masculine, mature sable in excellent coat and condition who excels in breed type with well moulded head, excellent eye shape and placement giving such a sweet expression with the neatest of ears to enhance it all. Pleasing substance without being overdone in any way and is balanced and well-proportioned with well-fitting and harsh textured coat. Such pleasing angulation to forehand and rear giving a really elegant outline in profile. On the move he really covers with ease although just lacked a touch of sparkle against the younger boys but regardless, he looked every inch the quality boy that he is. Preferred the overall size, and reach in front of first and second placings but he has such quality. LD (12 2) 1 Ferngrove’s Valentino JW. Flashy pale red sable with an undeniable air of quality about him. Super elegant in profile with masculine expression and excellent breed type. His head is refined and well-proportioned with balance, still to fully mature out but time is on his side. Loved his dark, well-shaped eye combined with super ear set, carried well really blended to give such sweetness in expression. Excellent reach of neck to hold it all proudly with well laid shoulder and excellent upper arm length. He is so balanced in proportions all through with firm body and pleasing depth to chest with correct topline, gentle sweep over loin and well-set tail. Nicely angulated to rear standing parallel behind and foursquare, he was alert and showed off his many attributes to top the class. A happy boy who takes a moment to settle into moving but covers the ground with ease once settled. Such an upstanding male who exudes quality, he is surely destined to take his crown. 2 Smee’s Wansvale Amiable. Super attractive shaded sable who was determined to try his best to misbehave today. So very masculine and near ideal size, he really did appeal greatly and examines so well on the table. He has the most beautiful dark eye enhanced by super pigmentation giving such a sweet expression. Lovely moulding to head with rounded foreface and well-defined underjaw. He is so attractive in profile with his flowing and balanced outline when he decides to show it all off. Well-proportioned all through with such pleasing forehand and rear angulation. Gorgeous shaded coated which was so well presented, he just looked a picture. Pleasing reach and drive once he set his mind to the job in hand and is so graceful on the move. 3 Mitchell’s Valdosta Gracelands JW. Such a classic boy who is so masculine and with the required breed type. So appealing in head with smooth, one piece and so well moulded. Adequate underjaw with well-rounded foreface, his forte is his beautiful dark eye so visibly enhanced by deep pigmentation giving such sweetness. Arched neck into excellent layback of shoulder, to be critical, I would prefer a touch more length in upper arm to complete the balance in forehand angulation but loved his solid substance and well-rounded bone. His front is straight with flexible pasterns and neat feet. Pleasing proportions all through with good topline and well-turned stifle with strong, parallel hocks. Clearly loves his mum as he does tend to turn into the leg and look up which was throwing his forward reach out creating a high stepping gait but in-between times, settles into a more fluid action once he concentrated on the job required. So much quality here that he could not be ignored. Another who could easily go further in time. OD (22 8) 1. Fisher’s Ch Shellamoyed Gold Fever. Top draw, pale golden sable whom I have judged before and is the benchmark in breed type with his excellent dark, almond shaped, obliquely placed eye with super sweet, masculine expression when combined with neatly set ears. Super quality head pattern with excellent moulding and refinement. I would prefer a touch more definition to underjaw as stated before but with well-rounded and filled foreface, correct stop, and smooth cheeks. Excellent reach of neck giving such elegance and carrying his head proudly with excellent shoulder placement and length of upper arm. Slightly longer in proportions compared the second placing, he has a firm body with well shaped ribs, such a flowing outline and is so well angulated to the rear. Excellent substance for his size now he is fully mature, he simply screams quality and my eye was continually drawn back to him with his glorious, melting expression which is simply so important in our breed. He has reached his prime since we last met and even indoors, the quality of his expression remained true and his coat and finish in the challenge made him the easy choice for the top spot. His handler had to pull out all the stops to be able to move him as is required to show his excellent reach and drive, with all credit to her as he was just so fluid and effortless around the ring. Could not deny his excellent overall outlook and was delighted to award him the CC. 2 Pearson’s Ch Edglonian Golden Graham. This fabulous boy was my main winner last time I judged and is a beautiful quality sheltie of near ideal size presenting such an elegant outline. Smooth, one-piece head, which is beautifully well moulded with rounded foreface, well defined underjaw, smooth cheeks and maintains refinement all through. Such a masculine expression with correctly placed eye in combination with such excellent ear set and carriage enhancing his whole look and appeal. He flows in profile being well balanced and shapely all through with super proportions on examination. Excellent substance for his size and sex with strong, well-rounded bone with flexible pasterns. Presented, as always, to absolute perfection but indoors, lost out to the absolutely melting expression of the winner and is lacking the flowing length of coat and overall finish he had when we last met. I am thrilled that he has made his mark in the breed as predicted but today, he had to trade places and be content with the RCC. 3 Robinson’s Lavika Deep Blue Ocean. Quality blue merle of near ideal size and substance. I loved his quality - super, masculine expression with two blue eyes correctly placed and shaped. Head is so well moulded and one piece with super neat ear carriage which serves to enhance his sweetness. Rounded foreface with flat skull, just losing out a touch in underjaw. He really appealed for his overall balance, shape and construction with excellent bone giving perfect substance for his size. Pleasing reach of neck with well laid shoulder and good length to upper arm. Proportioned so well all through with good firm ribs, level topline and moulding to croup. Well angulated rear with low set hock joint, flexible pasterns and all combined to give effortless movement. Presented and handled to full advantage, he covered the ground so efficiently and with such easy action. Ground colour could be clearer though is evenly broken all through on one side and would like his marbling a little less obvious but I am nit-picking. That aside, he is such a top class boy and so deserving of his title and his place here today. GCD (14 6) 1 Dunn’s Jourdorill Swift By Name. A son of the ML winner and there is a lot of similarity in shape and profile. Appealed for his masculine outlook and headpiece though would just prefer a touch more refinement. Rounded foreface with just fill needed to finish the overall look with eye accentuated by super dark pigmentation giving a sweet expression. Well arched neck gives an elegance in profile with pleasing layback of shoulder and upper arm examines well on the table. Pleasing proportions all through with enough angulation to rear. Hock joint a tad higher set, but he manages to set himself up well behind most of the time. Gorgeous, rich red sable coat that was well presented, he moved steadily for his handler and pulled out all the stops to take the class. 2 Barnett’s Dippersmoor Daquiri At Sonspirit. Shaded sable boy of great appeal in expression. Super, well placed dark eye enhanced by deep pigmentation giving such a sweet and gentle expression. His head is well moulded, smooth and foreface is rounded with skull flat. Ears are lower set which can give the impression of lack of refinement through the skull and needs hands on to appreciate. Loved his substance with well-rounded bone and he is well proportioned body wise all through. I preferred the reach of neck of the winner but his topline is level with well moulded croup. To be critical, I would prefer a richer tone to his coat, but he was presented immaculately and his movement was steady and purposeful making use of the ring. 3 Saunders’ Galateus Bohemia Classic At Torriglen (IMP CZE) RL2EX. Strikingly attractive red sable boy who demands your eye with his intense colouring. He appeals for breed type with his dark, well shaped eye, correctly placed and with intense deep pigmentation giving sweetness to his expression. Ear set is correct but carriage somewhat heavier than ideal though his still holds much appeal. Adequate reach of neck which would benefit from more length to give a more flowing outline in profile. His shoulder is well laid and lacking a touch in length of upper arm, but he has super substance and is well proportioned all through and stifle is well turned. Excellent coat of vivid colour and pleasing texture and was presented to maximum advantage. Movement was steady with drive from behind.

Mrs Joanne Hardy (Judge)