English Shetland Sheepdog Club

ENGLISH SHETLAND SHEEPDOG CLUB Championship Show - (Dogs) 21st June 2025

I would like to thank you all for your support today, firstly by electing me as your judge, and secondly for entering your lovely Shelties for me to preside over. It was a very hot day but I felt all exhibitors, along with their charges, managed to contend with the heat fairly well, and I was pleased we were able to keep the judging outside on the grass, where it was spacious with shaded areas for the dogs to demonstrate their movement on. Keeping placings to ‘type’, is not always possible pending what ‘type’ is entered in certain classes, and I find it such a delight when something appears that one doesn’t expect to see. This happened today along with a few of my past favourites too, some of which I didn’t quite have enough placings for today. Close decisions and small compromises were reflected on some of the final outcomes, but I feel the breed is in excellent order at present, with so many Shelties coming to the fore in group placings at the major shows around the UK. Thank you all for keeping the Sheltie flag flying.

VD – (5-1) A lovey class of oldies to commence the day with.

1st: Ch. LAFITTE De MOORSTILE at SHELRIDGE (JW) (imp fra) – Taylor & Wells & Yuille. S/W of 9.5 who has recently through very sad circumstances had to adjust to a new home, but from what I have seen, is settling in well with his new family. He is a lovely dog, with a nicely balanced head, well placed stop, dark obliquely set eye, and small correctly tipped ears, all helping to produce a gentle, kind expression. His body is also nicely balanced in length to height, and his angulations are well matched too. He has the correct bone and substance for his size, and his movement was smooth and relaxed. He appeared to take everything in his stride, and showed well for his new owner. BEST VETERAN DOG.

2nd: Ch. LINDFERN LIGHT SABRE (JW) – French Another nice S/W who is also worthy of his title, and never puts a foot wrong when he is in the ring. He also sports a lovely outline and is balanced fore and aft, showing off a sufficient length of neck, level top-line, correctly set tail, with good legs and feet. He moves quite soundly, although being persuaded to go slightly quicker would assist a little in front extension. Head wise, he has a masculine expression, but compared to one, has a little more depth to his skull and deeper stop, but at 7.5 he is definitely holding his age well.

3rd: KYLEBURN EVERLASTING DREAM – Pattinson The oldest of the males in the class today at 10.5, this dark S/S is now beginning to show his age. He has certainly done his owner proud over the years, but is now slowing up a little, especially in the heat today.

Res: SHELRIDGE TOASTMASTER at CHELMERMEAD - Taylor & Yuille (see BMD class)

MPD – (9-3)

1st: SHELTYSHAM SANDY SHORE – Forster-Cooper (BPD) WOW! What a lovely surprise to find this gorgeous fella in the first puppy class of the day! At just 7 months, this pup is already showing so much promise for the future. The first thing I noticed as he entered the class, was his stature. He possesses such a stunning outline descending from a well arched neck merging into well laid shoulders, a superbly angulated front with correct upper arm, and rear angulations to match. His back is level with a graceful sweep over the loins, low set tail, and correct bone and substance for his size. His movement is comparatively steady for one so young. His head is correct in length, and clean in outline. His eye is almond shaped, with correct ear set and carriage. Okay, so his stop still needs to clear, but in a 7 month old puppy I do not expect his head to be finished in any way shape or form. One to keep campaigning for the future. Good luck with him. BEST MPD & PD.

2nd: RANNERDALE JAMMY DODGER – Stafford Another cracker of a puppy who again at 8 months shows a lot of promise for his future show career. Slightly bigger than one, he also possesses an attractive outline, with good shoulders, level back, sloping croup, and well bent stifles. His head is a little broader than one but still displays a very appealing expression. He also has a lovely coat for his age, and I see by the catalogue that he has 3 litter sisters to contend with too! What a lovely litter this is turning out to be!

3rd: SHELTYSHAM MYSTIC MILES – Hardin Litter brother to 1st in this class, and quite different in type, but still very nice overall. He has a lovely nature, which I discovered when going over him on the table. Sill a raw baby, he just needs time to mature, and fulfil his potential too, and he will no doubt change places often when competing with his brother under different judges.

Res: SANSCOTT LATE EDITION with KETIM – Morrison – G/S/W of 7 months. Vhc: EVAD HOLLOWEEN TZAR – Weller – G/S/W of 7.5 months.

PD- (5-1)

1st: S. SANDY SHORE

2nd: S. MYSTIC MILES

3rd: BALIDORN OLYMPIC STAR with SOLYRIC – Gamble 10 month old S/S, who was rather unsettled in this class today. He does have a lovely head, balanced and smooth in outline, with correct stop, dark eye, and natural ears. He still needs to fill out in body, and develop in fore-chest, which should help benefit his front movement which lacks extension at present. Hopefully he will go on to gain confidence as he matures.

Res: FOXSTONES FAIRY GLEN – Greaves – G/S/W of 10.5 months

JD – (5-0)

1st: COCARO THE HIGHLANDER – Rossiter S/S who at 16.5 months has had a lovely show career so far, and who I must admit was not that taken with when I saw him as a puppy. However, having assessed him today, my mind was changed, and I was quite captivated with him, as he appears to be developing into a lovely dog showing much potential for his future career. He has a lovely wedge, shaped head, balanced through, with correct bite, dark obliquely set eye, correct stop, flat skull, and ideal ear set and carriage. He has a well arched neck, good layback of shoulder, and return of upper arm, straight front, with clean strong well boned legs, deep chest, and good ribbing. I would prefer to see a little more length to his back, as he appears to drop a little short over the croup, but he has nicely angulated stifles, and he moved well, if a little hastily, but I’m sure he’s got what it takes to go on and do well in the future.

2nd: FERNGROVES CODE BLUE – Norris B/M of nearly 15 months, who has also had a lovely time accumulating many wins as a puppy too. He also has a nice head, which is balanced in length, with a flat skull, correct stop, dark eye, and rounded muzzle. He is nice for size, with good body ratios in length to height, ample ribbing, with distinct bend of stifle and clean cut well let down straight hocks. His front angulation is pleasing, but I would prefer just a little more layback of shoulder, as when he moves forward, he appears to lower his head which gives a stealthy looking approach. (as in a Border Collie), but having said that, he is straight, coming and going, and has ideal bone and substance. He carries a good coat, and I’m sure he will achieve his JW before this report goes to print!

3rd: GRANDGENES PLAY THE GAME – Jeavons G/S/W of 11 months. Another with a good puppy career, but just a little too much of him for me.

Res: AUBERSWELL STAR TROOPER - Clough-Diprose - S/W of 17 months Vhc: JONTYGRAY SPECIAL EDITION with KETIM – Morrison – G/S/W of 15 months

YD – 3-0)

1st: ALNMAC WE WILL ROCK YOU – Robinson At 19 months this S/W is up to size, but has a lot to like about his construction, and strongly built frame. He has plenty of bone and substance without being overdone, and typical male masculinity without showing any signs of heaviness or coarseness. His head is very clean, a well blunt wedge with no exaggeration to its features. He has a sufficient length of neck, level back, strong loins, correct tail set of good length, with distinct angles to his stifles and hocks. He moved steadily, but going a bit quicker would improve on maximum ground coverage. He is maturing well. A very handsome exhibit.

2nd: SANDWICK ACE of HEARTS – Hardy A quality B/W of 21 months who proved a strong contender to nearly taking this class today. Another who’s confirmation is lovely to assess. He is correct for size, and has a pleasing outline. Head wise, he is a little different to one, being slightly broader in skull, and not quite so full in foreface. But he is pretty sound all round as far as movement goes, and stud wise is proving very beneficial to those who like ‘bi-colours’ in their breeding lines. He is one of the nicest B/W’s I have judged for some time, and of course he was presented to perfection too.

3rd: FERNGROVES CODE BLUE

ND – (6-1)

1st: FENSTYLE FIRE WIZARD – Keighley This GSW just over ran the yearling class by a few days, having turned 2 years old during the preceding week to the show. He is a decent sized Sheltie, and has a nice body with sufficient length of neck, good depth of chest, close elbows, and is suitably angulated front and rear. His head is in proportion to his size and although I found his eye a little full, his muzzle is rounded, and he has a well, developed underjaw. His movement is steady, but he just needs to be a little more animated to show the best of his gait. He and his owner are recently new to the show scene, but are forming a good team together.

2nd: BROWN SUGAR of SILVERLIGHT (imp rom) – Hodgson I just love the attitude of this dark SS boy. I have seen him at a few shows, where he arrives for the day, bringing his owners along with him. He performs in the ring without any qualms, and goes off home quite happily with his wins, having caught up with his friends and their owners until the next show comes along. He is a fun sheltie and despite his plainness, has an acceptable head type, with a dark expressive eye, although his ears are light and were affected by the on-coming breeze today. His body is filling out nicely, and his movement is okay despite him raising his tail a little, but then why wouldn’t he as he is a happy Sheltie and has come to enjoy his day out, and for him it’s what shows are all about.

3rd: E. HALLOWEEN TZAR G/S/W of 7.5 months who was Vhc in a competitive MP class. He has lots to like about him, although he is still quite a baby at present. He is already up to height, but just needs time to coat up and mature on, as I’m sure he will go on to do well in the future.

Res: A. STAR TROOPER Vhc: LAVIKA PRINCE MISHA – Clayson

TD – (4-0)

1st: B. S. of SILVERLIGHT (imp rom)

2nd: A. STAR TROOPER Coming forward from Res in Junior & Novice, this 17 month old has a lovely one-piece head, refined, balanced, and smooth in outline. He has sufficient length of neck, a level back, and correct length of tail. He just needs time for his body to broaden and develop more in bone and substance, and to drop on the leg which should help benefit maximum reach and drive in movement. He was shown and presented very well.

3rd: B. OLYMPIC STAR with SOLYRIC Res: L. P. MISHA

GD – (4-1)

1st: EDGLONIAN PRIME TARGET with TOLAROCK – Parker Approaching 2.5 years, this S/S/W is also making his mark in the show ring. He is a lovely shape in profile, and has a very masculine outlook. His head could be a little strong for some, but it is wedged in shape, and tapers from ears to nose with an almond shaped eye, slight stop, correctly placed ears, clean muzzle, and level jawline. His muscular, well arched neck carries his head proudly. He has good front angulation, ideal depth of chest, and spring of rib. He moved out very well, showing good reach and drive, although his tail can raise a little at times. But like BS, he is quite a character and likes to keep his owner on her toes, and just enjoys taking part in the ring. His presentation was excellent too.

2nd: HILLHENRY in YOUR HONOUR – Lindford A tricolour of just 3 years old, who sports rich tan, and striking white blaze on his head. At a distance this gives the impression that his head is over long, but it is not the case. It is correct in length and fully balanced between skull and muzzle. He has a lovely dark almond shaped eye obliquely set, rounded muzzle, and flat skull, but if questioned could be a little deep through. His neck is long enhanced by his white collar, and body is balanced in ratio. I would prefer a little more strength in pastern and hock, as he tended to stand a little tucked under in rear profile today, but he moved okay, and was shown and presented very well.

3rd: MILESEND BLACK TARTAN – Varnom Another tricolour of nearly 4 years with a very abundant harsh textured dense black coat. Once again, he is up to size, but has a pleasing head, and a masculine expression. Quite a sound dog all round, but just lacks neck in profile stance.

PGD - (9-4)

1st: STANYDALE OCEAN WAVE – Hoare A blue boy of 2 years, who presents with a masculine head which is enhanced by nicely broken face markings. His skull is a little deep through, but he has a dark medium almond shaped eye, small ears carried semi-erect and correctly tipped, a rounded muzzle, strong underjaw, and tight lips, with good pigmentation. He has a muscular neck, and nice front assembly, with a deep chest, and excellent spring of rib, strong loins, and sloping croup. His coat is straight, and harsh to the touch with a soft dense undercoat and it fits him well, albeit colour wise could display better markings. In movement I would prefer a more graceful flow to his profile gait, and drive from the rear. However, he does carry a little excess weight at present, but hopefully will lose a bit soon which will help depict a more effortless flow to his action.

2nd: RIBANS GOLD STAR of MILESEND – Miles G/S/W of just 3 years – The sire of my BP winner. This little dog is certainly putting his stamp on his offspring, and in a very nice way too. Not a big boy, but what a super shape and outline he has. Very nicely balanced, with good angulations. He has a well arched neck merging into well laid back shoulders. Straight forelegs with strong bone, and oval well-padded feet. Correct length of back, and graceful sweep over the loins, with distinct angles to his stifles, and short clean cut well let down hocks. His head is shorter in type, but is still refined, with no exaggerations, and albeit a little full in eye, he still has a nice expression. He moved positively. One to watch for the future I think.

3rd: SANDWICK SIGNATURE STYLE at SHETTRIEVER – Wise Tricolour of 5.5 years. A son of both sire and dam I have admired, and done well for in the past, and full brother to the winner of the tri dog class, and so similar in many ways. They would make a lovely brace!

Res: RANNERDALE MISTER MAJIC – Stafford G/S/W of just over 2 years. A very shapely glamorous young lad with an attractive head. Well off for body and coat, but just a little pertubed and unsettled in movement today.

Vhc: SHELTYSHAM DANSEUR – Forster-Cooper S/W pale in colour. 2 years. Not quite matching the others in coat and condition today. At that in-between stage for his age, and like many, just needs time to mature.

MLD – (4-0) Quite a mixed class to assess.

1st: MILESEND BLUE JEANS – Varnom B/M who is approaching his veteran years, who has always been there or there abouts in the line for top awards over the years. He is spot on for size, and maintains a lovely shape and outline, coming from a nicely constructed frame. His front is well angulated with upper arm, and shoulder of matching length, a straight front, and elbows equal in distance from ground and withers. His rear quarters are also nicely angulated, and he has good bone and substance to his legs and body. His head is smooth with flat cheeks, a nicely positioned almond eye, and ears placed closely on top, and used to advantage. His coat is harsh in texture, of good blue colour, but like the previous class winner could be better marbled in black. He moved well from all angles, and showed perfectly for his owner.

2nd: SHELCREST WINTER SOLTICE at SUTHESLEY (JW) – Sutherland A dark S/S who again is a good size, and has an ideal amount of harsh textured double fitting coat. I have judged him before, and can see how he has matured since then. His head has balanced out nicely in length, with a well filled muzzle and good under-jaw, but he’s just a wee bit strong over the brow of his eyes. He has ample length of neck, and deep chest, with well sprung ribs, a level back, but not quite the sweep over the loin as MBJ. He is in good fit condition, and comes together well on the move.

3rd : OAKCROFT THE MANDORLORIAN (JW) – Winfield G/S/W of 2.5 who is very masculine and also has a lovely outline showing off a well arched length of neck, good lay back of shoulder, and standard angulations front and rear. His head is all in proportion, but I would prefer a bit more chin/under-jaw. Also size wise, a fraction smaller in frame for me. Otherwise he moved steadily, and I can see his virtues are particularly pleasing to many judges, as he is a quality dog.

Res: MILESEND SILVER THORN – Dimmock Another lovely coloured blue, clear and silvery, splashed and marbled with black, with a lot to like overall, but for me a little bigger than the ideal. He is also sired by SSC (winner of the tri dog class)

LD – (10-2) This time a quality class, and not enough placings for all.

1st: PADAWAN MANDALORIAN – Sorockj A plain G/S (with a popular name), who is the general type I was looking for with regards to size, shape and balance. He has a lovely length of neck, merging into well laid-back sloping shoulders, with good forehand construction where his elbows fall directly under his withers. A deep chest, well ribbed up, and a straight front with clean bone, and tightly padded feet. He has a good length of back, and sweep over the croup, with low set tail which he carried correctly on the move. His stifles are correctly angled, and his hocks are straight when viewed from behind. His head is ideal in length, with a flat skull, but once again rises a little above the eye. His ears could also be a little tighter, and a little lighter tipped too, but he has a full muzzle, strong under-jaw, and good pigmentation, and presents with a masculine expression. His movement was pleasing, quite smooth and effortless especially in profile.

2nd: KYLEBURN HIDDEN DREAM - Pattinson S/S, (also rather plain in colour) who has recently turned 7 years, who I have judged before, and can only reiterate he has so much to like about him, but doesn’t always want to show it off. Not that it matters too much, as when assessing him, you can feel what lovely conformation he has, truly balanced, with matching angulations fore and aft, strong loins, and well, muscled hind-quarters with sufficient bone and substance, which gives him good movement, driving well from the rear. His head is clean and balanced, with a dark obliquely set eye, and small correctly placed ears, and I do believe he shows them off better than he used to! He always carries an abundant double harsh textured coat, and adapts well to his handlers.

3rd: BLENMERROW MAZURKA – Goldie G/S/W of 4.5 years, who I have also judged as a yearling. He has matured on well. Not a big boy, but he has a nice outline, and good head features, although his ears could be tighter set. He stands and shows well, and moves quite steadily. He appears to be of a quiet nature, and doesn’t always stand out in the crowd, but should always be given a second look.

Res: EVAD LIGHT BREEZE – Clough Another 4.5 year old, who’s coat is the most richly coloured gold, which is enhanced by immaculate presentation. He is spot on for size, and has some appealing head features. His angulations are sufficient, but he’s a fraction long in loin compared to some. Moved efficiently.

Vhc: SHOUGIES SECRET AGENT for FERNHILL – Dimmock Tricolour with an intense black coat and rich tan. Overall nicely balanced, with good well developed body, level back and nicely muscled thighs. Just stood a bit down on his hocks today.

OD – (6-2) A super class!

1st: Ch. RANNERDALE SHOWMASTER (JW) – Stafford (RCC) Another lovely sheltie (now approaching 7 years), who has had much influence on the breed during his show career. Having judged him before, I can only reiterate my findings again, in that he is a lovely dog, and has many characteristics that the breed standard asks for. I particularly like his head, which is wedged in shape, and tapered from ear to nose, with a rounded muzzle, good under-jaw, a well placed stop, and a lovely dark almond shaped eye. His ears are correctly placed and used well all helping to produce a sweet but masculine expression. His body is balanced, correct in ratio, with well developed chest, and ribs, level back, and strong muscular hindquarters with correct stifles and well let down hocks. Standing he has such a lovely outline and he moves well, but could converge a little more in front action. Despite this, he is a quality Sheltie, who still puts others to the test when it comes to top competition. Today, I awarded him one step up from last time, and thought he was worthy of a first place here, and the RCC (in what was exceptional competition on the day).

2nd: LUNDECOCKS THEODORE (imp swe) – Miles G/S/W of 5 years who gave one a run for his placing today. He is also a lovely Sheltie who presents with good confirmation, and a masculine outlook without showing any coarseness. His head is also wedged in shape, with good strength to his muzzle and under-jaw, an obliquely set dark eye with correctly positioned small semi-erect ears, but is rather deep in stop. His neck is of sufficient length and holds his head proudly, and his front is also appropriately angled with tight elbows and straight front. He has a good length of body, with sloping croup, well angulated stifles, and clean, cut hocks. He moved well from all angles, but couldn’t quite match RS in maturity and finish of coat today, but another who I hope eventually makes it to his title.

3rd: VALDOSTA GRACELANDS (JW) – Mitchell G/S/W of 3 years, who again catches one’s eye for his glamour and style. I just found him a little heavy in build for me, and stronger in head features.

Res: F. FIRE WIZARD First in Novice, but a little out of his depth among the older, mature males in this class today. Better to keep him in the lower classes, and let him work his way up.

SWD – (3)

1st: Int/Nl/Dk/Lux/Bel Ch. DANDLEWOOD KEEP WATCHING ME – JWW23/NLW23 – Heijstek (CC) And, watch him I did, and the more I did, the more I liked him! Such a quality G/S/W of 3 years with much appeal and charm, that just draws the eye to him. A small long, haired dog ideal for size, and nicely balanced in outline, and with a lovely head and sweetness of expression. His smoothly moulded head being equal in length tapering from ear to nose, with correct medium sized dark almond shaped eye, correct ears, placed fairly close on top of his flat skull, with slight stop, rounded muzzle, and sufficient underjaw. If anything, he could be a little full in cheeks, but this did not alter the sweetness of his expression. He has a good length of neck, and his shoulders slope outwards accommodating a good spring of rib and depth of chest. His front is straight with clean bone, and strong pasterns. His body is well developed, with a graceful sweep over the loins, broad thighs, and lovely angulated hindquarters, showing a good turn of stifle, short straight hocks, and oval feet.

 To start with his handler was not quite moving him quick enough, and therefore he was not making the best of ground coverage. But in the challenge, he was moved to the correct pace, and therefore got into a more positive stride, graceful and smooth, although it was apparent that like a few others he likes to wave his tail at times. However, having noticed this I felt he went even better in the challenge for the green card, and when competing for BOB. Obviously, a new exhibit with his handler bringing him over to the UK, to show him here. He had some admirable competition today, but I felt over all he was the one that stood out for me – hence awarding him the CC. I hope he returns to follow up todays win, and try for the other two. Good luck!

2nd: Ch. L. De M. at SHELRIDGE (JW) – (imp fra)

3rd: E. LIGHT BREEZE

TRI-BW-BTD- (5-0)

1st: SANDWICK STYLE COUNCIL – Hardy Tricolour of 5.5 years who I’ve admired from the ringside for quite a while. He is now probably at his best, and was presented to perfection. A stylish dog, who is of ideal size, with correct angulations fore and aft. His neck is sufficient in length, and his shoulders are well laid back and sloping to accommodate the desired spring of rib. He has a level back, but could have a slightly lower tail set. I loved his bone and substance, which is not overdone in any way, and he moved very well. Head-wise, there is not much one can fault, as he appears to have all the basic features that are essential for the breed. A quality dog.

2nd: FELTHORN BARNABY RUDGE – Thornley Another Tri who I could not believe is just on 4 years old! One who does not make an appearance often because of his apprehension of shows, which is a shame, as I’m sure he would have picked up quite a few awards over the past few years, due to his good confirmation, and stunning looks. He is in excellent coat, and a lovely contrast of colour between his black and tan markings. He moved well, albeit cautiously, but soundly, and was handled to get the best from him too.

3rd: S. QUIZMASTER at CHELMERMEAD – Taylor & Yuille This 2 year old Tri was unplaced in limit. He has a nice head, and a rather cheeky expression, and sports a good coat albeit plain in colour. He couldn’t quite get it together on the move today, but one can see by his sprightly attitude that he is another who enjoys the fun of the dog showing game.

Res: KYLEBURN ROMULUS – Pattinson Tri of 8 years. Good standard conformation, although longer in head, and his mouth needs attention. He is up to size standard wise for me.

Vhc: L. PRINCE MISHA Tri of 3 years old. Another who’s character comes across as being good natured, and happy to be at a dog show. Must have been feeling quite hot in his huge coat today!

BMD- (2-0)

1st: LOWICK BLUEBERRY – Forster-Parish This 4 year old B/M stands out for his superb colour and markings as described by the standard. He is also a lovely shape, is well angulated and moves correctly too. His head is masculine, albeit a little deep in stop, and he has blue eyes which tone in with his coat colour. He is sired by SSC (winner of the previous class), but is a shade bigger than him, which is a shame.

2nd: S. TOASTMASTER at CHELMERMEAD Placed Res in Veteran this 7.5 year old B/M presents with a masculine outlook, with a nicely cushioned head, rounded muzzle and correctly tipped ears. He doesn’t quite have the conformation I was seeking of the others placed ahead of him today.

BD (1-0)

1st: SOLYRIC INAUGURAL GOLD (JW-OSW-VW) – Gamble Richly coloured S/W who I have also met with in the past (junior)? It’s hard to believe he is now a veteran but he still retains many of his worthy qualities and overall good looks for the lovely type of Sheltie he is. His head is smooth in outline with a lovely gentle expression. Arched neck and good length of body, with sufficient angulations. He has a lovely double coat which was groomed to perfection, and he moved well.

JUDGE: Lisa Pettitt.