Boston & District Canine Society

Boston DCS Open Show 2nd July 2025

Judging appointment critique

It was a real pleasure and privilege to judge both Bearded Collies and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs at the Boston DCS Open Show. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the society for the invitation and for their excellent hospitality throughout the day. My steward kept the ring running smoothly, allowing me to fully concentrate on the dogs, and I am grateful for their assistance.

Thank you also to the exhibitors for the opportunity to go over their dogs and for accepting my decisions in such good spirit. Both breeds were presented in good condition, and I was pleased to see a number of promising youngsters coming through, alongside some lovely mature dogs. Overall, I was encouraged by the quality, breed type, and temperaments shown, and I appreciated the chance to assess these two distinct yet equally charming breeds.

Bearded collie

P (0,0)

SY (2,0) 1 Skinners’ Valkyrie De Chester at Tamjenta (imp fra) JW

Wow. I was super impressed with this 18 month old bitch, when on the stand she showed correct proportions giving a pleasing outline. She was well presented with a well presented typical dual coat further enhancing her looks as she oozes femininity. Going over didn’t disappoint as I was presented with a lovely strong head with a melting expression, well laid back shoulders and matching rear. She was lean and well-muscled which shows goolaid-back. Though what really stood out to me when assessing this young lady was her incredible movement, effortless and long reaching covering the ground with ease. I could watch this lovely girl all day and I’m sure she has a future to look forward to, I was pleased to award her BOB.

2 Reynolds’ Beabeardies blue velvet

This blue 12-month-old boy is one that I have watched when sat ring side and I was delighted to get the chance to go over him. He has an amazing shape showing true 5 to 4 proportions which draws my eye to him on the stand. Though a little excited on the stand when given the chance to settle down he shows off his lovely features when being gone over, a broad strong head with an inquiring expression. He was well muscled and once again when settled he moved out covering the ground with ease. Well-handled and presented and another youngster to look out for in the future.

L (5,4) 1 Jones’ Clanwillow crown and glory

Although this boy stood alone in this class it didn’t detract from his lovely qualities. Masculine boy of good size and correct proportions with good quality coat, strong broad head which just further showed off his masculinity. He had a inquisitive expression and was well muscled. I felt that he reached out well covering the ground with confidence and simplicity.

O (3,2) 1 Woods’ Pepperjay Bartholomew

A mature boy of 6 years with lovely overall balance and ring presence. Immaculately presented in full coat, which was in excellent condition - clean and of correct texture -enhancing his outline rather than obscuring it. On the stand, he showed a strong, level topline which he retained with ease on the move, demonstrating strength and fluidity in equal measure. His movement was purposeful and ground-covering, with good reach and drive, holding his shape effortlessly.

Polish Lowland sheepdog

P (0,0)

SY (0,0)

L (3,3)

O (6,5) 1 INT/IR/NLD/LUX/DK/BEL/SWE CH mybeards hope BEL/NLD VCH IR CENT CH AN CH22 CW19/22/23 BW22

Even though she stood alone, it did not detract from her qualities, this 9 yr old bitch had complete balance showing positive movement which comes from the correct complimenting front and rear angulations. On the stand she presents a pleasing outline, and her thick, shaggy coat enhances her looks. When going over I was presented with a lovely head, medium size and in proportion to her body, lovely to still feel muscle on an “older” bitch. Well presented and in perfect sync with her handler. Pleased to award her BOB.

Alice Gray

(Judge)