Three Counties Agricultural Society

Three Counties 2025

Pastoral Group

My grateful thanks go to Secretary, Helen Wayman, and the committee of Three Counties Championship Dog Show for their very kind invitation to judge the Pastoral Group at this year’s show. It’s always a pleasure to judge for this friendly society and of course, held at one of the best showgrounds on the show circuit in the very best of settings. Unfortunately the weather was rather changeable which necessitated the Group being held indoors.

I made a shortlist of eight dogs: the Australian Shepherd, Bothwell’s Ch Norcis Slippery Jack JW ShCEx OSW, the Border Collie, Green & Ratcliffe’s Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, the Finnish Lapphund, Forsey’s Ch Arianrhod Black Sun Aeon at Muzoku, the Old English Sheepdog, Jones’ Quemerford Magic Wish, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Mybeards Starshine, the Samoyed, Brandenberg & Smith’s Nikara It’s Keats by Taronakits JW, the Shetland Sheepdog, Stafford’s Ch Rannerdale Showmaster JW, and the White Swiss Shepherd Dog, Brown’s Kontrastos Hector The Noble with Tamalden.

Group 1 went to the 9 yr old Border Collie bitch, quite unbelievable for her age, fit and well-muscled and a delight hands on with each part flowing smoothly into the next. Totally feminine, she has correctly proportioned headpiece with fair breath of skull, distinct stop, expressive oval-shaped eyes and ears set on well apart. Muscular neck of correct length to balance, firm through the topline, excellent ribbing and tail pleased for both set and carriage. As sound as they come, she stands true on excellent feet and certainly didn’t disappoint when gaiting with free, smooth action and characteristic carriage of the breed and so very well handled.

In second place came the 22 mth old Polish Lowland Sheepdog bitch. I recently gave this exciting youngster top honours in the breed and today I thought she was even better! Excelling all through, she presented a super outline with muscular neck of moderate length, firm backline with deep brisket and ribbing carried well back, broad well-muscled loin and slight slope to croup. Feminine head of good proportions, moderate breadth to skull, super expressive eyes and scissor bite. Impressive front assembly and firm, muscular hindquarters. Gaiting freely with excellent carriage and could not be overlooked.

Coming into third place was the 6 yr old Shetland Sheepdog dog. This sable lad very much appealed and was beautifully presented and impressed when going over. There is no mistaking his sex, yet he has the essential ‘beauty’ of the breed and there is absolutely no suggestion of coarseness. So good in outline with well arched neck, firm topline, first class ribbing, correct croup and tail just right for set and carriage. Superb head and expression; correctly proportioned with parallel planes, clean through the cheeks and excellent eye and ear. Another so well constructed and covers the ground with ease when gaiting.

Finally, the nod for fourth place went to the 3 yr old red merle Australian Shepherd dog. Another who I have met previously and once again, he greatly appealed. Beautifully balanced with slightly arched neck of moderate length, level topline, excellent ribbing, strength to loin, moderate slope to croup and natural bob. Quality headpiece with good skull to muzzle proportions, expressive eyes of correct shape and set, well defined stop and excellent pigmentation. Carrying just the right amount of bone, he has good angles front and rear and was a pleasure to watch gaiting and as one with his most competent handler.

Four super dogs, shown in first class order and a credit to their breeders, owners and handlers.

Judge: Tim Ball