Australian Shepherd Club Of The United Kingdom

Australian Shepherd Club of the UK Championship Show

19th July 2025

Such an honour to be asked to judge the club Championship Show of a breed I have been around for many years, and have seen develop from those early days, over 25 years ago.

Such a shame the weather was against use with the rain persisting throughout judging but we were not deterred and the camaraderie and determination was evident. Thank you to the committee for looking after us with their lovely hospitality and a super lunch.

What was pleasing, was overall consistency of type and the depth of quality throughout the entry and across both sexes. Veterans who can still hold their own, super adults pushing each other, and some really promising youngsters waiting in the wings for top honours. Movement across the breed in general was good especially in the challenging conditions.

Minor Puppy Dog (3 entry / 0 absent)

A good way to start with 3 promising puppies

1st Davis & Walsh’s Rosschell Maid to Dazzle. 8mth Black tri of good shape. Pleasing head of good proportions. Markings accentuate his very well made forequarters with well laid shoulders, return of upper arm and good forechest with a straight, well boned front. Well spring ribs of good depth under a level topline, short loin to broad correctly angulated, moderate rear. Lovely mover, smooth easy moderate stride. Best Puppy Dog.
2nd Morley & Braizer’s Dizzy Marble Crown Prince (IMP UKR). This 9mth Black tri is another very nice youngster of good shape. Lovely head and eyes, flat skull. Good forequarters but not the forechest of 1st. well laid shoulders and a straight well boned front. Good spring and depth of rib through to a correct rear. Another good mover once he got into his stride.
3rd Cummings’ Kesalko Rider of The Storm.

Puppy Dog (2 entry / 1 absent)

1st Morley & Braizer’s Dizzy Marble Crown Prince (IMP UKR). 2nd MPD

Junior Dog (4 entries / 1 absent)

1st Knott’s Zuni Someone U Loved Fallcat JW. 16mth blue merle with tan. Very typey youngster. Masculine head of good shape and proportions with flat skull and well set ears. Very well made forequarters with good forechest, a straight, well boned front and neat feet. Good spring of rib and depth of chest, short loin to a correctly angulated, broad rear. True, easy mover with correct reach and drive. Considered for RCC
2nd Martin’s Vegas Blackjack of Baiwells Royal Aussies. 13mth black tri. Another of good shape, pleasing head of good proportions with expressive eyes. Well made forequarters with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm, good bone and neat feet. Well sprung ribs, level topline to a moderate rear. Moved true with correct reach and drive.
3rd Harris’ Acotar Suriel via Draconis at Teldrassil (IMP CZE).

Yearling Dog (2 entries / 0 absent)

1st Brown’s Archie Labakan Slovakia JW (IMP SKJ) 22mth black & white. This boy has a very good overall shape. Pleasing head on a good length of neck into very well made forequarters with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm. A straight, well boned front through to deep ribs, well sprung and back to a short loin under a level back. Broad, well muscled and correctly angulated rear. Carrying a good coat today and a super mover, correct moderate stride and true all round. Another in the frame for the RCC.
2nd Dyde’s Jidace Calandrex. Just 12mths this black tri youngster presents a mature outline on the stand. His masculine head is well developed with dark eyes and well set ears. Would benefit from a little more length of neck but he has well made forequarters, a level back and deep well sprung ribs. Broad hindquarters with good rear angulation. Showed his immaturity on the move but got into a stride and showed he can do it.

Novice Dog (2 entries / 1 absent)

1st Morley & Braizer’s Dizzy Marble Crown Prince (IMP UKR). 2nd MPD

Graduate Dog (1 entries / 0 absent)

1st Brown’s Archie Labakan Slovakia JW (IMP SKJ). 1st YD

Post Graduate Dog (2 entries / 0 absent)

1st Harvey’s Weather The Storm TAF. 2yr black tri. A striking dog on the stand, masculine head of good shape and proportions with dark expressive eyes and small well set ears. Very good forequarters with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm with a straight, well boned front. Deep well sprung ribs back to a broad moderately angled rear. Moved well once he sorted himself out, true fore and aft showing correct reach and drive.
2nd Hunt’s Shepwood Grey Knight. 4yr blue merle with tan. Another imposing dog in good coat. Masculine head of good shape and proportions with flat skull and well set ears but a little deeper in stop. Well made forequarters, good bone. Well sprung ribs under a level topline to a nicely angulated rear. Moved well with correct reach and drive and nice tail carriage

Limit Dog (9 entries / 3 absent)

Lovely class.

1st Such’s Soloyal Kiss of Deaf. 2yr Red Merle, what a super youngster, knocking on the door for top honours. So typey on the stand and on the move. Super head of correct shape, slightly rounded skull and well set ears. Good length of neck into very well made forequarters, well laid shoulders and return of upper arm giving forechest. Straight front and tight feet. Good spring of rib under a level topline to a broad, muscular rear and a good tailset. On the move he is a joy to watch, true all round and correct reach and drive. Another close up in the challenge for the RCC.
2nd Douglas & Heggie’s Shadomoon Dude Where’s My Car? (IMP USA). 2yr black tri. Another typey dog with a lovely head of good proportions, dark expressive eyes and well set ears. Good length of neck into well made forequarters. Straight front with good bone, feet could be better. Deep well sprung ribs through a strong loin to a well rounded and correctly angulated rear. Another good mover.
3rd Webster’s Louiston Hellfire
Res Simpson’s Lamintone for The Drive at Applecreek Rl2 Ex
VHC Downes’ Damani Dream Miramax (IMP RUS)

Open Dog (10 entries / 1 absent)

1st Walsh’s Birkcross You Blu Me Away. 2yr old blue merle with tan. So aptly named this youngster is the real deal. Masculine but not coarse, super head shape and proportions, slightly rounded skull, dark expressive eyes and well set ears. Good length of arched neck into super forequarters, well laid shoulders, return of upper arm, forechest, good bone, straight front and neat, well arched feet. Deep well sprung ribs and short strong loin under a super level topline. Moderate rear angles and a good coat completed the picture today. On the move he was all I wanted, true fore and aft, easy and moderate in profile. Yes, he blew me away. DCC and Best In Show.
2nd Bothwell’s Ch Norcis Slippery Jack JW ShCEx OSW. 3yr old red merle. Another super dog, presenting a slightly different outline to 1st but still oozes breed type. Good head shape and proportions, preferred the depth of muzzle of my winner. Lovely length of neck into very well made forequarters, with correct return of upper arm and forechest. Straight well boned front. Correct spring of rib under a lovely level topline. Moderate rear angles and another who is a joy to watch on the move. When called into the challenge he showed his class to win the RCC.
3rd Jarram & Whittingham’s Chalksville Strike A Deal with Kashaella JW
Res Douglas, Leonard & Allan’s Ir Ch Allmark Boom Boom EUJW22 CW23
VHC Knott’s Shalako's Come Hellr High Water (IMP USA)

Veteran Dog (7 entries / 1 absent)

1st Such’s Soloyal Valentino ShCM. Loved the shape and type of this 9yr old black tri. Good shape to head, slightly greying round his dark eyes and looking very sophisticated if a little food obsessive. Super forequarters with straight, well boned front, lovely level topline over deep well sprung ribs, short loin and a well angled rear. Best mover in the class, steady and true. His type and shape seeing him through to win Best Veteran In Show.
2nd Timperon’s Triforce The Shadow. 8yr black tri, presenting a different outline to 1st being slightly longer through the back. Full of character he has a pleasing head of good proportions, enough length of neck into well made forequarters. Lovely level topline, held on the stand and on the move. Good rear angles. Steady on the move with correct reach and drive.
3rd Douglas’ IR Ch Talard Lethal Weapon IR JCh An Ch18
Res Milligan & Marley’s Jotars Lies and Deceit with Alfsden
VHC Mckinnon’s Dialynne Enzo Farrari

Special Working Dog (1 entry / 0 absent)

1st Simpson’s Lamintone for The Drive at Applecreek Rl2 Ex. 2yr black tri who was 4th in a strong LD class. Longer cast than some he has a pleasing head with dark eyes. Well made fore and aft with deep well sprung ribs and in good coat. True and moderate on the move.

Minor Puppy Bitch (2 entries / 0 absent)

1st Hodges’ Rosschell Maid to Sparkle with Jopium. 8mth blue merle with tan & what a super youngster, full of breed type and quality. Lovely head, feminine and of good shape and proportions, nice length of neck into very well made forequarters with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm and forechest. Good bone and tidy feet. Chest is deep with good spring of rib through to a short loin under a level topline. A moderate rear and a good coat completed the picture. On the move she is a joy to watch, a free, easy, true moderate stride. Best Puppy Bitch and later Best Puppy in Show.
2nd Jarram & Whittingham Angel or Demon De L’Aussie Happy avec Kashaella (Imp Fra). Just 6mths this petite black tri is such a sweetie. A pretty feminine head with lovely eyes and a cheeky smile. Well made forequarters and straight front, level back and good rear angles. A steady true mover.

Puppy Bitch (3 entries / 1 absent)

1st Hodges’ Rosschell Maid to Sparkle with Jopium. 1st MPB
2nd Morley’s Trijem Double Topaz. 11mth black tri. Different type to 1st, longer through ribs and loin and finer in muzzle. Correct proportions to her skull & dark eyes. Good length of neck to well made forequarters, straight front with good bone and neat feet. Well sprung ribs under a level topline to a correctly angulated rear. Steady mover.

Junior Bitch (4 entries / 1 absent)

1st Jarram & Whittingham Viva La Vida For Kashaella De L’Aussie Happy (IMP FRA). 16mth blue merle with tan. Feminine bitch of lovely shape and size. Super head of correct proportions with well set ears. Well made forequarters and straight front with neat feet. Level back over deep ribs, well sprung and back to a short loin and a broad, moderate rear. Best of movers, true with correct reach and drive.
2nd Downes’ Acotar Feyre via Draconis at Milwyr (IMP CZE). 14mth blue merle with tan. Similar in build to 1st, just a little longer through the loin. Correct through head with flat skull and well set ears. Shortish neck into well made forequarters. Good bone and feet. Correct through rib under a level topline. Good rear angles. Steady mover but not a focussed today as the winner.
3rd Morley’s Trijem Double Topaz. 2nd PB

Novice Bitch (2 entries / 1 absent)

1st Woodhouse’s Bollinchep Coloradoblue. 5yr blue merle with tan. Feminine bitch, finer through head and muzzle. Well made forequarters with good forechest, straight front and neat feet. Enough spring and depth of rib under a level topline. Good rear angles. Free flowing mover with drive.

Graduate Bitch (1 entries / 0 absent)

1st Harris’ Milwyr Jubilee Concert. 3yr black tri. Well shaped head of good proportions with lovely dark eyes. Good length of neck to well made forequarters, level topline over deep well-sprung ribs. Longer through loin than some. Correct rear angles and a true steady mover. Well handled.

Post Graduate Bitch (4 entries / 0 absent)

1st Chalk & Vorrias’ Chalksville Bucks Fizz. 2yr blue merle with tan presenting a lovely typey outline. Feminine head of correct shape and proportions, slightly rounded skull and well set ears. Good length of neck into lovely forequarters with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm, good bone and tight feet. Level back to a moderate rear and in good coat. On the move she is true and steady with correct reach and drive. Considered for RCC
2nd Wray-Ramsden’s Arohahills A Star Is Born for Takhisis (IMP ZAF) JW Bel JCh. 22mth black tri. Another very nice bitch of good shape, very slightly longer in loin than 1st. Good shape and proportions to head, dark eyes and well set ears. Well made forequarters with good bone and lovely feet. Level back over deep ribs. Moved true but preferred the more moderate rear movement of my winner.
3rd Woodhouse’s Onyxwood Ironside
Res Harvey’s Whistle Down The Wind at Gemthorne TAF

Limit Bitch (8 entries / 1 absent)

Super class

1st Roberts’ Under The Polar Star Du Reve Austral Dreamtale (IMP FRA). 2yr blue merle with tan. Another of lovely shape and size on the stand. Pleasing head of good shape, slightly rounded skull and well set ears. Good neck into lovely forequarters with well laid shoulders and return of upper arm with good forechest. Straight front and neat feet. Level topline over deep well-sprung ribs to a short loin and a well angulated rear. Super moderate mover, true from all sides. Another in the mix for the RCC
2nd Timperon, Clegram & Turnbull Triforce Fin Raziel. 2yr red merle with tan. Another typey bitch presenting a good outline. Lovely head shape and proportions, good length of neck to very well made forequarters with good forechest. Level topline over well sprung ribs and longer through loin than 1st. Good rear angles and true on the move. Runner did tend to move her a little fast.
3rd Bothwell’s Norcis Dusky Disco JW
Res Turnbull, Clegram, Holligan & Douglas’ Talard She's Got The Look ShCEx
VHC Morley’s Trijem Brexit Maybe Baby

Open Bitch (9 entries / 2 absent)

1st Freixes’ IT/CH/AM Grand Ch Del Caufosca All Pieces Fit JWW23 ITA/SLO/INT/SNM JCH. 3yr black tri who has so much to like and aptly named because yes, all the pieces do fit. Lovely head with expressive dark eyes and correctly set ears. Super forequarters with well laid shoulders, return of upper arm, good forechest, straight well boned front and neat arched feet. Deep ribs, well sprung back to a short loin under a super level topline, through to a muscular, well angled rear. Smooth free mover with good reach and drive. Well turned out as one would expect and took my eye to win BCC and Reserve Best In Show
2nd Bothwell’s Norcis Summer Truffle JW. 3yr old red merle & tan, very similar in shape to 1st, just a little less attitude. Very feminine with lovely head, slightly rounded skull and well set ears, good length of neck to very well made forequarters, again with well laid shoulders and good forechest, straight front and nice feet. Correct spring of rib under a level topline to a moderate rear. Another correct mover. In the challenge she upped her game to win the RCC.
3rd Wilson’s Wispafete Dream Come True for Clynalwin Rl5 Ex
Res Turnbull & Clegram’s Ch Jenkova to The Other Side
VHC Douglas’ Ir Ch Winstead Change of Heart for Talard (IKC)

Veteran Bitch (3 entries / 0 absent)

1st Roberts’ Ch Magical Love Elvikam JW OSW VW (IMP POL). One day short of her 8th birthday this red tri can still compete with the youngsters. Lovely outline with good head shape and proportions. Well made forequarters with a straight, well boned front and well arched feet. Level topline over deep well-sprung ribs, firm loin to a moderate rear. Best mover in the class.
2nd Davis & Walsh’s Ch Thornshavn Maid of Blue for Rosschell JW (IMP POL). 7yr blue merle with tan. Another of good shape and type, lovely head and well set ears, well made forequarters, good bone and neat feet. Deep well sprung ribs to a well angled rear. Just dropping her topline a little behind the withers at times. Moved well
3rd Gibbons & Blyton’s Ch Mangry's Need for Speed with Wispafete JW ShCM VW (Imp HRV)

Judge: Ray McDonald (Roanjora)