Driffield Championship Dog Show

Bearded Collies Driffield CH Show 29/08/2026 

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge at its Golden Anniversary Show, held at Stafford for the first time. Although I know many Beardie exhibitors prefer outdoor judging, events in recent years have made it untenable for Driffield to remain at Wetherby Racecourse. My thanks also go to Helen and Alan, my efficient stewards, who kept the ring running smoothly. 

The continuing reduction in entry numbers is a worrying trend, and this show was no exception. Nevertheless, I was delighted with my principal winners, all of whom were, to my eye, of top quality. It was also reassuring to find considerable quality in some of the younger classes. 

It is 20 years since I first awarded Challenge Certificates in Beardies, and the honour and excitement have not diminished with the passage of time. I thank all exhibitors for their entries and for the sporting manner in which they accepted my placings. 

SBD (1,0)

1 Costello’s Calkylona Midnite Shadow 

A 15-month-old slate who belies his name by being quite pale at present. Eye-catching on the stand, he is pleasingly balanced and presents a true outline. He has a broad head without coarseness, a kind eye and a correct bite. I would prefer slightly stronger pigment, but this is a minor point. His length of back comes from a well-ribbed body, and he has well-let-down hocks. He moved out well. I was pleased to award him Best Special Beginner and to see him take Special Beginners Group 2. I am sure he will not remain in Special Beginners for much longer. 

VD (4,0) 

1 Hollis’s Adjucet Tale as Old as Time 

I last judged this boy as a youngster, and he has matured well. It is hard to believe he is now a veteran, albeit at the younger end of the class. He is not the biggest of males, but he is correctly proportioned and unmistakably masculine. He appeals for his lovely head and good length of neck flowing into well-laid-back shoulders. His length of back comes from the ribcage, while his rear angulation balances his front. He tended to fight his handler when moving away, but once settled and going around the ring he displayed lovely, free movement. I was pleased to award him Best Veteran. 

2 Jay’s Ch Farmarens Drum of Spring at Talraz (Imp Swe) 

There is little I can say about this boy that has not already been said. Even as a veteran he remains in his prime, beautifully presented and attentive to his handler on the stand. His dark eyes and correctly proportioned head create a kind expression. He has well-laid-back shoulders and correct body proportions. If I were being critical, I would prefer him a little lighter in body; this may have contributed to his being less positive on the move than I would have liked, so he had to settle for second place. 

3 Costello’s Bradiba’s Brilliant Nutmeg Muffin at Calkylona 

This brown male completed a lovely trio. Well presented in full coat, he is slightly longer cast than the first two, but remains balanced and in proportion. He has a correct bite, good strength of muzzle and a kind eye, creating a typical expression. He moved out well in the class. 

MPD (1,0) 

1 Grostate’s Balnaid Majic by my Side 

An 8-month-old brown male going through the typical paling stage. He has a pleasing head, with eye colour toning with his coat at this age. I particularly liked his front angulation, which he used to advantage on the move. It was a delight to see such a happy, exuberant puppy moving freely around the ring. There is much to like about him, and I am sure his owners will have great fun with him. 

PD (2,0) 

1. Miller, Tomlinson & Fletcher’s Coalacre Serious Moonlight 

There is very little to dislike about this brown male. He presented a most appealing shape on the stand, with the classic outline associated with this kennel, which is no stranger to top honours. He has a strong head with a kind eye, and a neck of correct length flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. He has ample length of back, well-let-down hocks and a quality coat. He lacked a little concentration on the move, but this did not disguise his lovely movement. Best Puppy Dog, and I was pleased to award him Best Puppy in Breed. 

2 Grostate’s Balnaid Majic by my Side 

JD (3,0) 

1 Delaney’s Rollo de Maeluma at Arranbrae (Imp Esp) 

Having watched this male from ringside, I was delighted to have the opportunity to assess him, and he did not disappoint. He is so well constructed for his age, presented to advantage and in lovely condition, both in body and coat. His lovely head has good breadth and depth and, together with a kind eye, creates an appealing expression. A good layback of shoulder and correct upper arm, combined with length of back and balanced rear angulation, enabled him to move positively with both reach and drive. One to watch for the future. 

2 Costello’s Calkylona Midnite Shadow 

3 Akester, Wilshire, Whelan & Young’s Corimist the Designer at Thwaitlake 

Only a month out of Puppy, he was very much the baby of this trio. He has a kind eye and lovely expression, with a good length of neck flowing into well-laid-back shoulders and correct depth of chest. His coat is profuse but well presented. He is just a shade shorter in back than I prefer, although this may change with maturity. 

YD (1,0) 

1 Delaney’s Rollo de Maeluma at Arranbrae (Imp Esp) 

ND (2,0) 

1 Costello’s Calkylona Midnite Shadow 

2 Grostate’s Balnaid Majic by my Side 

GD (3,0) 

1 Delaney’s Rollo de Maeluma at Arranbrae (Imp Esp) 

2 Osborne’s Potterdale Prime Edition 

A super head with good strength which, together with his dark eye, creates an appealing masculine expression. He has a good length of neck flowing into well-laid-back shoulders, good depth of chest and a short loin. He certainly is a 'Prime Edition', presented in super, fit condition, well muscled and carrying a correct harsh coat. Unlucky to meet the winner today. 

3 Hollowell & Hackett’s Capelaw Nathaniel 

A very honest 4-year-old male whom I am surprised to find still in Graduate. He has many appealing attributes, including a lovely, kind expression from a well-balanced head. He was nicely presented in a good-quality coat. He was carrying a little extra weight today, which affected his topline both standing and moving. 

PGD (3,0) 

1 Bowden’s Subessen the Wonder of You JW 

Not the biggest of males, but nevertheless masculine and, importantly, correctly proportioned. This blue is currently in his summer clothes, but the coat he has is of good quality and a lovely clear colour. His broad head and kind eye, which tones with his coat, create an appealing expression. He moved out well. 

2 Gibb & Dungavell’s Debbeacol Devil in Disguise at Pirateer 

Another male on the smaller side, but, like the winner, he remains masculine in profile and correctly proportioned. He has a pleasing head pattern and a good length of neck flowing into well-angulated shoulders. If I were being critical, I would prefer a little more depth and length of chest. He moved out well. 

3 Brown’s Highlade Reason to Believe 

This male is at the other end of the scale and would benefit from there being a little less of him, although he remains balanced and in proportion, with no mistaking his masculinity. He has a soft, kind eye and a balanced head proportionate to his body, with a good length of back and well-let-down hocks. He was a little sluggish on the move today. 

LD (4,0) 

1 Carter’s Memorylane Emotions in Motion for Ravenswyre (Imp Fin) JW 

This male certainly put 'Emotions in Motion' for his handler today. He presents such an appealing shape and type, with nothing overdone. He has a lovely head with a soft expression, and a good length of neck flowing into well-laid-back shoulders. His correct length of back comes from the ribcage, and he has a short loin. His coat is not yet fully mature, but it is of the correct texture and was beautifully presented. Without encouragement he can be lazy on the move, which detracts from the overall picture; at the correct pace, however, he flows around the ring with reach and drive. I was pleased to award him the Reserve CC and am sure he will not be a stranger to top honours. 

2 Miller, Tomlinson & Fletcher’s Memorylane Flirt with Every Skirt 

A lovely, rich brown male with many qualities. He has a pleasing expression, kind eye and good head pattern. His well-laid-back shoulders are complemented by an excellent forechest, a feature lacking in several exhibits today. His good-quality coat was well presented. He moved out well, but had to settle for second place; with a little more concentration on the move, he might have changed places with the winner. 

3 Collin’s Full of the Dickens Winner Takes it All 

Not the biggest of males, but correctly proportioned and unmistakably masculine. He has a kind expression and a good head in proportion to his body. His coat was less mature than those of the first two, but his movement is his secret weapon: he is so light on his feet that he appears barely to touch the ground. With maturity, I am sure he will be a winner who 'Takes It All'. 

OD (2,1) 

1 Bramley & Moore’s Coalacre Do the Hokey Cokey 

Although standing alone in Open, this male was a worthy winner. There is nothing overdone or exaggerated about him, and I have seen him overlooked in company because of this. He has a pleasing head with a kind eye and a neck of moderate length flowing into well-laid-back shoulders. He is another with a good forechest. His harsh coat was presented in excellent condition. He moved around the ring in an elegant, classic and effortless manner, as though he were not really trying. I was pleased to award him the CC and delighted to learn that this gave him his title. Congratulations! 

SBB (4,0) 

1 Duncan’s Frida de Maeluma at Duncannas (Imp Sp) 

This lovely young bitch is, I see, litter sister to the Junior Dog winner and is of similarly high quality. She is a pleasing shape and type, currently at a pale stage with a quality coat coming through. She has a pretty expression and balanced angulation front and rear. If her handler can persuade her to settle to the task, I am sure she will continue to place highly. 

2 Hume’s Beabeardies Mustang Sally 

This young bitch appealed for shape and type: very honest, with nothing overdone. She has a pleasing head pattern, correct bite and lovely eye colour. Her length of back comes from the ribcage, and she held a firm, level topline. She was presented in a good-quality coat. More mature than the winner, she nevertheless had to settle for second today because she was unsettled on the move. 

3 Knock’s Tamjenta Baby One More Time 

A pretty young blue with a lovely expression, eyes toning with her coat and a pleasing head pattern. She has a good length of back and balanced front and rear angulation. Her coat was presented in good condition, and she moved out well. She just needs to tighten through the topline. 

VB (6,0) 

1 Harkin’s Corimist Galway Girl at Claudalla 

What a pleasure to assess this lovely, feminine bitch again. At 9 years of age, she continues to improve. She has the loveliest of heads and expressions, with exceptionally dark eyes. Presented to perfection, she retains a lovely profile on the stand. She has a good layback of shoulder, pleasing depth of chest and well-let-down hocks. She moved out well to win this strong class. 

2 Glasgow’s Ch Malandex Xpats Gem at Gallus JW 

Another lovely bitch with much to admire. She has an appealing head and expression, with a good head flowing into a neck of correct length. She powered around the ring, demonstrating the soundness of her construction, and presented a lovely profile on the stand. 

3 Edwards’s Ch Nellbrook Pure Imagination JW VW 

Completing a gorgeous trio, it is easy to see why this lovely blue has her title. She is completely in tune with her handler and was beautifully presented in excellent condition. She has an appealing head and expression, with balanced front and rear angulation. It was a pleasure to watch her move around the ring. 

MPB (0) 

PB (5,0) 

1 Sale & Lewis’s Potterdale Plus One More 

An 8-month-old bitch who presented her handler with a challenge by being less than cooperative. She is strongly made, with plenty of substance, and has an appealing expression from a lovely broad head. Her front and rear angulation is balanced and, once settled, she used it to advantage on the move. I was pleased to award her Best Puppy Bitch. 

2 Wooley’s Astuce de Vauboison for Aratika (Imp Fra) 

A rangier bitch than the winner, but nevertheless correct in shape and type. She has a pretty expression and a good head. Her excellent front construction enabled her to reach well on the move. She is a little high at the rear at this age, but I expect this to level with maturity. Another lovely youngster. 

3 Tomlinson & Fletcher’s Coalacre Blue Moon 

On my first look at this class, based on the dogs standing, I thought this blue might be my winner. She has such a lovely shape and type, with good length of body, her front set well under her and a nicely angulated rear. Unfortunately, she did not cooperate with her handler on the move, which made her movement difficult to assess. 

JB (4,0) 

1 Gill & Hosie’s Calkylona Midnite Melody  

A very pretty, young bitch with many qualities. I see she is litter sister to my Best Special Beginner. She has a sweet expression and kind eye, although I would prefer a little more strength through the head. She has well-laid-back shoulders, a good upper arm, pleasing depth of chest and a well-angulated rear. She moved positively to win the class. A quality youngster with promise to fulfil. 

2 Duncan’s Frida de Maeluma at Duncannas (Imp Sp) 

3 Butler’s Clovabrae Echo at Baxilby 

A well-presented blue bitch who is up to size. She has a kind eye and expression, with a pleasing head. Her good length of neck flows into a long, well-ribbed body. She moved positively around the ring. 

YB (5,0) 

1 Lewis & Moreland’s Potterdale Prime Rose JW 

An elegant young bitch who appealed for shape and type. Her pretty head and eye colour tone with her coat. She has a pleasing head pattern, good length of neck, well-laid-back shoulders and a good upper arm. Her good length of back, level topline and nicely angulated rear complete a balanced picture. She won the class on her effortless movement and length of stride. 

2 Jay’s Talraz Midnight Lady JW 

Another elegant bitch, and I was splitting hairs between these two. Beautifully presented and attentive to her handler, she was in excellent condition. I loved her head and typical expression, with a hint of sparkle peeping through her lovely dark eyes. Today she could not quite match the winner's reach. 

3 Duncan’s Frida de Maeluma at Duncannas (Imp Sp) 

NB (3,0) 

1 Wooley’s Astuce de Vauboison for Aratika (Imp Fra) 

2 Butler’s Clovabrae Echo at Baxilby 

3 Knock’s Tamjenta Baby One More Time 

GB (5,0) 

1 Edwards’s Breaksea It’s Time at Nellbrook 

A rich brown bitch, immaculately presented, who did not put a foot wrong. She is of pleasing shape and type, with a kind eye and good head pattern. She has good length of back, depth of chest and pleasing rear angulation. She moved in a positive, fluid manner and could not be denied the class. 

2 Savage & Maclean’s Strufingill Penny Benjamin at Canaich 

A larger type than the winner, but still presenting a lovely shape on the stand. She has a kind eye and expression, a broad head and good strength of muzzle. Her good length of neck flows into sound front angulation, balanced by the rear. A good-quality harsh coat is coming through. 

3 Hume’s Beabeardies Mustang Sally 

PGB (1,0) 

1 Dobrowolski’s Highglade Moon Child at Trileada 

There is much to like about this pretty blue bitch. She appeals for shape and type, with a lovely head and expression, correct bite and good pigment. Her good length of neck flows into well-laid-back shoulders. She has pleasing depth of chest, a good length of back and a level topline, all wrapped in a well-presented, good-quality coat. She was unhappy in this environment, which unfortunately affected her movement. 

LB (9, 0) 

A lovely class full of quality bitches. 

1 Glasgow’s Viva the Diva de Chester at Gallus JW 

It is quite some time since I saw this bitch in the ring, and she has matured into a lovely young adult. She has a beautiful head and a familiar expression. If I were being critical, she is perhaps a little larger than I prefer, but importantly she has the length to remain correctly proportioned. A good-quality coat is coming through. She excels on the move, where she covers the ground with ease. One to watch for the future, and I am sure this will not be the only time she gains top honours. I was delighted to award her the Reserve CC. 

2 Skinner’s Valkyrie de Chester at Tamjenta (Imp Fra) JW 

Another lovely bitch from this well-known French kennel, and my Best Puppy Bitch the last time I judged. She is a different type from the winner, being more lightly built, but is still correctly proportioned. Her lovely eye is set in a good head and creates a kind expression. She has well-laid-back shoulders and a good length of back coming from the ribcage. Today she could not match the winner's reach and drive, so had to settle for second. Another to watch for the future. 

3 O’Connell’s Potterdale Royal Sapphire of Atherleigh 

Another lovely bitch whom I have placed highly in the past. She appeals to me for shape and type. Although smaller, she is absolutely in proportion. She has a strong head, well-laid-back shoulders and a good upper arm, with length of back coming from the ribcage and a nicely angulated rear. For me, she was carrying a little too much weight today, which affected her movement. 

OB (5,0) 

1 Rivers’s Ch Ororas French Silk at Merrimak JW Shcex Osw 

This bitch is surely in her prime. She is not overdone in any way and has a lovely head pattern, dark eye and beautiful expression. She has well-laid-back shoulders, good depth and length of rib, and a nicely angulated rear, all completed by a good-quality, well-presented coat. She won the class, CC and Best of Breed on her movement, which was faultless today. She powered effortlessly around the ring as though she owned it and could not be denied. 

2 Betts’s Ch Pipadene Xtraa Hint of Chili JW 

Another lovely bitch to whom I have previously awarded the Reserve CC. All my earlier comments still apply: she has strength while retaining femininity, with a lovely head and kind expression. She held her topline both standing and moving, and her good-quality coat was well presented. She moved out well, but today the winner had the edge on the move. 

3 O’Brien’s Another Posh Frock at Sammara JW 

Larger in type than the first two, this bitch nevertheless has much to admire. She has an appealing expression, correct head proportions and a kind eye. Her good length of neck flows into well-laid-back shoulders, and she has a good length of back with a correctly angulated rear. Today she lacked some drive around the ring, which affected her placing. 

Justine Waldron (Judge)