Northern Counties Shetland Sheepdog Club

Northern Counties Shetland Sheepdog Club Open Show – 12th October 2025

Judge: Monét Rennison (Zaniah) 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the committee of the Northern Counties Shetland Sheepdog Club for their kind invitation to judge at this well-run and friendly show, I would also like to send my apologies for this being later then I would normally submit, due to personal health issues.

 My appreciation goes to the hard-working committee for their warm hospitality, thank you also to each exhibitor for taking the time to enter and present your Shelties. I was delighted to see so many promising youngsters coming through, with temperaments that were a credit to the breed. However, I would gently remind breeders and exhibitors of the importance of maintaining correct front assembly and movement – these are working dogs, and balance, reach, and drive remain essential. Finally, I hope that everyone enjoyed their special treats and prizes, and that you were as proud of your dogs as I was to have the opportunity to judge them.

DOG CLASSES

Class 1 – Baby Puppy Dog (3,1)

1st – Jeavon – Grandgenes Panning For Gold

A delightful young sable boy who immediately caught my eye because of his confidence. Lovely for size and shape at this tender age, well-constructed outline would like a longer back. His head is developing well, already showing a good wedge with flat skull, neat ears, and a soft, engaging expression. Pleasing reach of neck and a well-laid shoulder, topline and angulation okay, just a little long in hock at present. Moved with enthusiasm, maintaining his shape on the move. Presented in gleaming puppy coat of rich colour. He showed with confidence and attitude, handled to advantage.

2nd – Jeavon- Cuilshelties Touch Of Class With Grandgenes, Beautifully marked and presented blue baby boy, lovely shape all over well off a bone hoping doesn’t grow too much. His head is developing well, eyes of lovely expression, flat skull, moulded muzzle, ears just tipped which he used most of the time, good length of top line angulation developing well, moved well around the ring. Free stands, lovely & four square, just needs the extra confidence which I’m sure will come with socialisation and age.

Class 3 – Minor Puppy Dog (2,1)

1st – Atkin – Esstremere Silver Storm

A most promising blue merle puppy of excellent overall balance and type. Beautifully moulded head with clean lines, flat skull, a lovely bright blue eye and deep dark eye of almond shape this enhanced his alert and intelligent. Correct ear placement although causing a little issue as lightly tipped but should settle as still a youngster. Lovely white blaze and big white collar which flowed into good reach of neck flowing smoothly into a level topline and well-set long tail. His outline is clean and symmetrical, standing on neat, oval feet. Forehand construction is still maturing and he has lovely bone. Quality coat for age and good texture. A well-presented youngster of excellent promise with amazing outgoing friendly temperament. Best puppy dog.

Class 4 – Puppy Dog (2,1)

1st – Stormin Norm By Tooralie

Smart, confident young dog of smaller in size. Would prefer a more masculine look. Head developing well with parallel planes, correctly placed stop, and dark almond eyes Nicely arched neck, good shoulders, soft topline. His rear construction is strong and well-muscled, giving positive drive from behind but still a little erratic and carries tail high. Nice rounded bone fits his size. Coat developing nicely with good texture and colour.

Class 5 – Junior Dog (5,2)

1st – Forbes – Degallo The Prodigy JW

A striking sable and white of excellent breed type, showing refinement and strength. displaying correct proportions and outline, well boned. Beautiful head pattern – refined yet masculine – with flat skull, well-placed stop, and a sweet, melting expression from correctly shaped and placed eyes, lacking a little under-jaw. Excellent reach of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, would like slightly tighter elbow. Good topline well ribbed. Tail correctly set and carried, well let down hocks. Well-presented coat of correct texture and good colour, gleaming with condition. Handled to perfection, he commanded attention the moment he entered the ring. A young dog of promise, and later deservedly Best Dog and Reserve Best in Show.

2nd Jeavon – Grandgenes Play The Game

Sable and white male, up to size Masculine outline with good bone and substance. Head slightly strong, though still retains a kind and alert expression aided by well-placed dark eyes and correctly carried ears which he used constantly. Good reach of neck into slightly up right shoulders, would like tighter elbows, level topline and correct tail set. Good turn of stifle and well let down hock, moved freely with an easy, ground-covering stride and good rear drive would love to see him in a bigger ring. Not in his best coat today.

3rd Bird & Caden- Moving On Up To Molson

Class 6 – Yearling Dog (3,2)

1st – Jeavon – Grandgenes Play The Game ( see second in Junior)

Class 7 – Maiden Dog (1,0)

1st – Atkin – Esstremere Silver Storm ( see 1st minor puppy )

Class 8 – novice no entries

Class 9 – Graduate Dog (5,1)

1st – Greenwood – Esstremere Easy Rider

A very appealing blue merle more compact type, shows strength without coarseness. Lovely outline when standing, His head is well proportioned, with flat skull, good stop, well rounded muzzle, and soft, kind expression. Correctly placed and used ears, enhancing the picture. Good length of neck and firm, level topline. Would prefer a little more angulation in stifle. Super Well-muscled throughout providing good drive. Coat of correct texture and clean blue colour and rich tan points, immaculately presented. He moved with purpose and balance, holding his outline.

2nd Forbes- Degallo The Name Of The Game, Beautiful rich colour good size. Young sable boy full of energy and Cheekiness really tested his owner. Height to length measurements correct. Dark eyes would prefer more obliquely set. Muzzle round of good measurements leading to good planes, flat skull, unfortunately his ears are up-and-down constantly. Super dark pigmentation. Muscled neck leading into a pleasing front just prefer a slightly tighter elbow. Bone well-rounded and perfect for his size. Well, ribbed would prefer a slightly more level topline, tail of good length. Rear angles okay, moved a little erratic.

3. Malone- Di’Leila’s Sheltie Amore Mio (IMP POL)

Class 10 – Post Graduate Dog (4,1)

1st Fenton- Shannmie’s Dark Arches. A richly coloured sable dog of pleasing size and substance, presenting a balanced and workmanlike outline. Masculine head, cleanly moulded with correct proportions. Would prefer a darker eye to sweeten that expression. Well-used ears slightly wide set, good reach of neck and firm, level topline. Strong, well-laid shoulders and good spring of rib, with well-muscled and nicely angulated hindquarters . Moved out positively with good reach and drive, in excellent coat, Confident and alert in manner, attentive to his handler.

2nd Hardman & Carter- Seavall Blue Ensign, A blue merle up to size male of pleasing overall type Nice clean pale blue colour, coat was beautifully presented, good temperament and shown to advantage. Head proportions are balanced, nicely shaped eyes, ears a little large. His neck is somewhat short, which slightly affects the desired outline. Nevertheless, he maintains a clean profile. Moved well around the ring,

3. Dillon- Lundecocks Tempest In A Pot At Runforest (IMP SWE)

Class 11 – Limit Dog (7,3)

1st – Fenton – Shannmie’s Cartier

Tri-colour male of pleasing type and overall balance. well-proportioned outline, Head shows a refined wedge when viewed from above and in profile, with a flat skull and clean cheeks. Expression soft and intelligent, aided by correctly placed, dark almond-shaped eyes and well-carried ears that tip nicely forward. Neck is of good length, leading into well-laid shoulders and a firm topline. Hindquarters well-developed and muscular, with good bend of stifle and low hocks, Tail of correct length, carried low with a gentle sweep. Moved soundly on side profile, though could perhaps show a touch more fluidity in front movement, I believe due to smaller ring. Considered for top honours. Would love to see this boy in a big outside ring and change of coat.

2nd Malone- Pathaaron After The Storm, A well-presented, up-to-size tri-colour male with a good length of back and strong bone throughout. Head is balanced, though I would prefer a slightly more moulded muzzle. Dark eyes and an excellent ear carriage give him a pleasing expression. Good length of neck with correct angulation front and rear. Moved well, maintaining a clean outline and sound action. shown in lovely condition.

3rd Glover- Guest- Doonelodge The Explore

Class 13 — Veteran Dog (4,1)

1st Johnson, Jacobs & Johnson — Willowthorn Dream Gazer JW ShCM ShCEx OSW VW

Mature, well-conditioned his head is refined and shows good breed characteristics with a gentle expression and well-set ears. Despite his seniority he retained substance and condition, with a strong neck, sound topline and well-developed hindquarters His action was clear and clean, Coat condition and presentation were excellent for his age. Unfortunately come back into the BVIS ring a little stiff and flat.

Class 14 — Special Open Dog (Sable & White) (3,1)

Fenton — Shannmie’s Dark Arches – see 1st PG

Class 15 — Special Open Dog (Tricolour, Black & Tan, Black & White) (4,1)

1st Walker — Tooralie’s Tornade JW

A very attractive black and white with a strong head, correct stopping and expressive dark obliquely set eyes giving a classic Sheltie look. Good ear placement and mobility enhanced expression. level topline and correct forechest. front assembly is straight, Hindquarters are well angulated, providing powerful drive and a balanced profile on the move. His coat was dense and course and gleamed, wonderful condition.

Needs to calm in temperament as likes to show dominance to other males and move to quick, causing him to fly his tail ruining the overall picture. Would recommend giving more space in the ring to perhaps calm him down? But still worthy quality dog and moved calmly on his own happy to give RBD.

2nd Lindfords Hillhenry in your honour, love this boy and have previously given him top honours. But today he wasn’t himself. And we must judge the dog on the day. Comments from when I judged him in Wales still the same a dog who could work a day. Beautifully made boy, wonderful expression with that big flashy blaze, neat well used ears super dark pigmentation. Muscled neck leading to level topline. Height to length measurements spot on. Wonderful rounded bone, well laid shoulder good feet. Groomed to perfection. Moved a little wide today, but I believe due to not being happy. Tail of correct length.

so attentive to his handler, the bond clearly visible. I hope if I get the honour of judging him again its in a big outside ring where other males cannot crowd him.

3rd Greenwood Omebird gives warm hugs

Class 16 — Special Open Dog (Blue Merle) (5,1)

1st Proctor - Cullshelties Lochan Torr

A Nicley marked blue merle who has matured with age, a larger boy but all in proportion. refined with clean planes, a good stop and the correct almond eye that gives a gentle, expression. Ears a little large but carriage and placement are correct. He stood with a well-arched neck into a firm topline. Good fore and aft angulation, another who needs a big ring to see his full potential.

2nd Greenwood Easy Rider see 1st Grad

BITCH CLASSES

Class 17 — Minor Puppy Bitch (1,0)

1st Atkin — Esstremere Diamond Lady

A charming young lady displaying early maturity in both construction and temperament. Her head is feminine with a neat flat skull, correct stop and a soft almond eye Ear placement is correct and she uses them well to give alertness. Forechest and front assembly are developing, creating a strong front leading to a level topline. Wonderful hind angulation with a nice sweep of the stifle, movement already shows reach and drive behind, giving a flowing picture for a minor puppy. Coat developing well and a beautiful clean blue colour. She handled confidently and has very good potential, a puppy I could bring home! Please to award her BPIS.

Class 18 Puppy (1/1)

1st Atkin — Esstremere Diamond Lady – see MPB

Class 19 junior (2/2)

Class 20 — Yearling Bitch (2,1)

Walker — Tooralie’s Viking Queen

A flashy tri bitch who combines elegance with substance. Her head is feminine and well proportioned with correct stop and eye shape that gives a soft expression, he has a beautiful blaze too. She has a good length of neck that leads smoothly into a level topline. Front assembly is correct with adequate forechest. Hindquarters are well angulated and she displayed an even strong rear action, with well ley down strong hocks. Coat in between change but this allowed me to see her shape of correct height to length ratio. Promising young bitch.

Class 21 — Maiden Bitch (1,0)

Atkin — Esstremere Diamond Lady see 1st MPB

Class 22 — Novice Bitch (1,0)

1st Jeffrey — Ultra Blue. My notes say pretty girl who needs time and training. Nice sized blue merle, clear silvery blue colour coat condition excellent with a nice blaze giving a sweet expression, muzzle a little square but good proportions in width and length, flat skull, ears a little large but well used. She possesses a good forechest and straight front legs, Lovley length to height ration and good sweep of croup. hindquarters are strong and produce a driving rear action and maintained a level topline. Wonderful temperament!

Class 23 — Graduate Bitch (6,4)

1st Johnson, Jacobs & Johnson — Willowthorn’s Roulette JW

Smaller and refined sable and white bitch who unfortunately left her coat at home, but this allowed for her structure to be easily assessed. flat skull, slight stop and well-placed almond-shaped eyes giving a gentle expression. Ear carriage is correct and she uses them very attentively. She has a good neck and firm topline, would like more angulation on the rear.

Coat condition and grooming were excellent and she handled the ring with confidence.

2nd Wade — Willowthorn Tri Dreamin

Nice sized tri girl, another with a dark coat and rich tan. Very attentive to her handler, the bond is clear to see. Unfortunately, ears were up and down that takes away from her expression. She’s a good size with good height to length ratio, level top line. Bone well rounded which suits her size, legs straight when viewed from the front. Would like a strong hock. Moved a little erratic.

Class 24 — Post Graduate Bitch (4,4)

Class 25 — Limit Bitch (5,4)

Atkin — Esstremere Lady Isobel

1st A standout in the bitches — she walked in the ring with an effortless grace!

Nothing overdone, my notes say a feminine, balanced and showing sound construction who could work a day with ease. Her head is refined and expressive with excellent proportions, a correct stop and the right eye shape that oozes sweetness. Ear set is correct and used to advantage. A well-arched neck and a firm, level topline that is retained on the move. Correct shoulder assembly gives an effortless reach of forelimb. Hindquarters are powerful and well-muscled with well let down hocks. she moved with her head held correctly showing her naturally efficient, ground-covering gait. Gleaming black Coat with a full flashy collar and rich tan was in immaculate hash texture and beautiful condition. Was pleased to award her BB and BIS. A Bitch I’ll watch with interest in her future!

Class 26 — Open Bitch (2,0)

1st Welford — Ristine Emerald - A mature tri with dark Black with rich tan point, showing sound construction and quality presentation. Coat condition and grooming were of a high standard. Head has correct planes, dark eyes of correct shape and alert ear carriage good pigmentation. strong neck and well-laid shoulders producing a flowing outline into a firm topline. forechest and ribcage are well developed.

Just slightly too strong which loses that sweet femineity. But couldn’t deny her RBB with her easy covering ground stride.

Class 27 — Veteran Bitch (3,1)

1st Welford — Tooralie Indigo Violet VW- Blue merle with a beautiful half black face, a veteran who remains in superb condition. Her head is feminine with correct planes and a soft expression, round muzzle and flat cheeks. ears well carried and alert. Strong neck that holds her head proudly. She maintains good body condition sound hindquarters. Well let down strong hocks, Correct rounded bone for her size. Well ribbed. Movement was good and free for an older lady. Coat condition reflected careful maintenance and she presented, A pleasure to award first in the veteran class and best BVIS.

2nd Wade — Doonelodge I Will Survive – beautifully coloured dark shaded sable shown in excellent coat condition, she has a huge full coat. Smaller type, neat well used ears, nice dark pigmentation. Flat cheeks and skull. Shorter in neck leading to a level but short back, A little wide In front, but legs are straight when viewed from the front. Good round bone for size. Moved okay.

Class 28 — Special Open Bitch (Sable & White) (4,3)

1st Wade — Doonelodge I Will Survive see 2nd veteran bitch

Class 29 — Special Open Bitch (Tricolour, Black & Tan, Black & White) (2,1)

1st Wade — Willowthorn Tri Dreamin see 2nd grad

Class 30 — Special Open Bitch (Blue Merle) (4,1)

1st Jeffrey — Ultra Blue See 1st in novice

2nd Atkins Esstremere Silver lady - Beautifully marked blue merle, lovely big white blaze which adds to her sweet expression. Obliquely set blue eyes of good almond shape. Neat small ears which she used constantly, round mizzle and flat cheeks with rich tan. Good arch of neck with a big white collar. She has a good forechest and straight front legs and nice feet, Lovley length to height ratio, would like firmer topline. Presented in good clean coat which was brushed immaculately. Moved well with drive.

Judge: Monét Rennison (Zaniah)