Oswestry & District Kennel Association

Thank you very much to the Officers and Committee for inviting me to judge your Pastoral Group. The exhibits were of good standard, some exceptional, being placed highly in the Best in Show ring. A special thank you must go to my wonderful stewards, Val, assisted by Ann, who looked after me so well. In a difficult situation, with the terrible wet weather conditions and saturated ground. I felt it was not fair on the exhibitors or exhibits for me to judge the Group outside. It resulted in a long wait for a vacant indoor ring, although a little small for the Pastoral breeds to show their true movement, it was certainly better than the exhibitors, dogs and me slipping outside.

BORDER COLLIE

JUNIOR (1)

1. Gomm’s Rockerdar Willow. Standing alone in her class, but well worth her 1st place. Very much the type and style of Border Collie I like. Just a year old and needs to change from her lovely puppy coat. A well-proportioned bitch with a super smooth outline. Correct head shape, topped off with well-placed semi-erect ears. Unfortunately, her head markings detracted from her muzzle, although her head was correctly proportioned. Super, smooth movement with minimum lift of feet. A little apprehensive at times. BEST OF BREED.

POST GRADUATE (2) 

1. Garside & Davies’ Starside Tina Turner. Nearly three years old and quite a different type to above. She did not stand out so well, therefore appeared to have a shorter body. Correctly proportioned head. Broad skull and distinct stop. Well placed eyes giving a pleasing expression. Very well-muscled and fit for purpose. Tail just reaching hock.

OPEN (4)

1. Gomm’s Rockerdar Willow. SEE ABOVE

2. Garside & Davies’ Starside Break Every Rule. Litter sister to her kennel mate. She has similar attributes, but I felt she was a better specimen. I thought she was a little unsure of herself, which could be my raincoat, but unfortunately, I could not take it off in the rain. She has a very pleasing head of correct proportion, ultra feminine. She had enough substance and fit for purpose. She was a better mover than her sister, moving smoothly with little lift of feet. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

COLLIE (ROUGH)

JUNIOR (5) 

1. Bearsdworth’s Wicani Dulcibella Gyda Maysinder. A 17-month-old beautiful blue merle bitch. My notes start with – ‘Lovely in every way’ and end with ‘Just gorgeous’. That explains it all! Very well balanced, standing with that Collie dignity. Head very well balanced, resembling a well-blunted wedge. Flat skull, with skull and muzzle on two parallel straight planes. Correct sized almond eyes and well-placed tipped ears, giving the required sweet expression. She has a nicely arched neck, firm level back, good depth to brisket, muscular loin, correct croup and tail carried correctly. She stands nice and straight in front with well bent stifles in the rear. Very nice oval, neat feet. Excellent coat colour, blue merle of excellent silver ground colour - splashed and marbled with black. The coat is of the correct texture. Nicely presented in good body condition with moderate bone. Wonderful, sound movement with good, tight elbows. Front and hind movement straight, with parallel hocks. Excellent side gait, with good reach and plenty of drive, but little lift of feet. BEST OF BREED.

2. Hawkins & Foy’s Beldones Rich Velvet. Another very nice bitch of similar age, but sable and white. She presents a very good outline, but I would prefer her ears one third tipped, not so heavy and used more, spoiling the Collie expression for me. Otherwise, an excellent shaped head, resembling a well-blunted wedge with skull and muzzle, on two parallel straight planes. Very nice body, well sprung ribs, slight rise over loin, with well bent stifles. Enough bone for size and good feet. Very good movement, the same as above and presented in good coat.

3. Flower’s Serenlas Catching Stars.

4. Garside’s Lara Croft of the Kimewopark. BEST PUPPY.

POST GRADUATE (4)

1. Edwards’ Beldones Summer Dreams. Quite nice 20-month-old sable and white bitch. Well balanced of good proportions. Very good head resembling a well-blunted clean wedge. Flat skull, with skull and muzzle making the correct parallel planes. Correctly placed stop. Almond shaped eyes, obliquely set, giving sweet expression. Good ears nicely tipped. Firm back with a slight rise over the loin. Well-presented and groomed immaculately. Moved OK.

2. Williams’ Essanjay Heartbreaker. I felt she did not have such a good head as the above, having too much stop for me. Good, tipped ears. Presented in good bone and condition. Super coat texture. A nice merle colour but splashing and marbling not so well distributed as some. Lovely oval neat feet.

OPEN (5)

1. Vogan’s Drofgnal Dazzling Desire for Lenosann. A nice matured 4-year-old bitch. Good head with all the correct attributes, giving the correct Collie ‘sweet expression’. Super outline with everything in proportion. Well angulated shoulders with straight round boned forelegs. Well sprung ribs, deep chest, firm back and slight rise over the loin. Muscular thighs and well bent stifles. Hocks well let down and powerful. With this structure she was the best mover of the day. Plenty of reach and drive, with straight movement out and back. Not abundance of coat, but enough. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

2. Skinner’s Ladnar Makeithappen for Nikal. I have judged this 3-year-old Merle dog before. He has a good textured coat of excellent clear colour with contrasting markings and presents a good balanced outline when standing. He has a masculine well-proportioned head with flat skull, perceptible stop and well-rounded blunt muzzle. Almond shaped dark eyes and good ears. Full dentition with correct scissor bite. Good reach of neck, well laid shoulders, straight forelegs, excellent depth of chest and well sprung ribs. Correct topline and rise over the loin. Good bend of stifle, well let down parallel hocks and nice length of tail. He has good flowing movement and neat feet.

3. Garside’s Demelewis Gang Leader.

4. Jones’ Brooklynson Black Diamond with Dancol.

FINNISH LAPPHUND

OPEN (3)

1. Samuel’s Ch. Oberitz Buoremus. A very vocal 6-year-old strongly built mature dog. Good masculine balanced outline on the stand. Lovely head proportions with defined stop and length of muzzle shorter than skull. Medium length of neck. Correct lay of shoulders and well boned straight forelegs. Firm top line and muscular loin. Slight tuck up. Strong boned hindquarters. Well arched, oval feet. Moved well, when concentrating. Presented in profuse coat and condition, with correct markings. BEST OF BREED.

2. Lloyd’s Arianrhod Havukruunu (AI). 2-year-old black and tan dog of nice breed type and not so vocal. Good head with correct proportions. Medium long, strong neck. Excellent coat, plenty of bone. Moved very well, effortlessly, brisk, agile and straight. Well arched oval feet. High set tail, covered with profuse long hair. Tip of tail has a ‘J’ formed hook. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

JUNIOR (1)

1. Ferguson’s Fervaila Black Cuillin. A really super 11-month-old tricolored dog. Who must have great potential. He presents a wonderful well-balanced outline, showing off his good proportions, full of grace. Perfect refined, elegant head, all in proportion. Flat skull, with skull and muzzle of equal length divided by slight but definite stop. Eyes may be a little rounder than required. Ears carried semi-erect. Very well laid shoulders flowing down to straight strong boned forelegs. Correct length of body, deep chest and well sprung ribs. Level back with graceful sweep over loin. Muscular thighs with well bent stifles and straight hocks. Nice oval feet with well arched toes. Low set tail carried nicely. This super body, enabled smooth, graceful movement with drive from the rear. His effortless movement makes him very fit for purpose with little lift of feet. Super adult coat. BEST PUPPY AND BEST OF BREED.

POST GRADUATE (2)

Two completely different types of dogs.

1. Ferguson’s Fervaila Blue Dahlia. Litter brother to above, with some of the same virtues, but rather on the larger side. If he does not grow anymore, but matures, filling out, he should be OK. Good blue merle colour coat. Attractive head, but almost had too much stop for me, spoiling the expression. Correct ear carriage and good wedge-shaped head. Nicely balanced throughout with straight front, good neck and correct topline. Moved so well, freely with light, graceful action and little lift of feet. Coat well presented. 

2. Gamble’s Balidorn Olympic Star with Solyric JW. Although older, he was a smaller version with finer, lighter bone. Lovely typical outline and balanced throughout. A little apprehensive. A very nice refined and elegant head. Flat skull, good ear-set and eyes a little rounder. Nicely arched neck, a little loose in front, good body and topline, a little untidy in front movement, which was a shame and could have more confidence to complete the overall picture. Fabulous coat.

OPEN (2)

1. Ferguson’s Fervaila Black Cuillin. SEE ABOVE.

2. Ferguson’s Dinmore Wild Blue Yonder of Fervaila. A very nice blue merle dog with eyes to match. Strong, masculine head, flat skull, ideal almond shaped eyes, ears well set and carried, giving a nice expression. Well laid shoulders and straight muscular forelegs. Level back with graceful sweep over loin. Muscular thighs and good turn of stifle. Presented in excellent coat and condition, holding a firm topline in the stand and on the move. Neat oval feet with arched toes. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

WELSH CORGI (PEMBROKE)

JUNIOR (4)

14-month-old brother and sister. Both very nice, having very similar attributes. Low set, strong and sturdily built. Well balanced foxy heads with skulls fairly wide and flat between the ears. Well set, round brown eyes and pricked, slightly rounded ears. Forearms molded around chest. Well sprung ribs and level topline. Well angulated stifles. Oval feet. Tails set in line with the topline. Super coats. Moved well with thrust and drive, with very little lift of feet. The dog coped with the weather better.

1. Barrow’s Jailhouse Rock of Stormship. RESERVE BEST OF BREED.

2. Morris’ Do You Know Who I Am.

POST GRADUATE (4)

1. Irving’s Born to be Your Unicum with Twinan (IMP HUN). My notes begin with – ‘Absolutely gorgeous, as expected from this kennel’ and ends with – ‘Gorgeous’. A 7-month-old dog puppy, who was slightly apprehensive on the table, not surprising at his age, but a very ‘happy chappy’ when he got going. Otherwise, I could not find anything wrong with him. Low set, strong, sturdily built. Correct size and shape, with good bone, certainly giving the impression of substance and stamina in a small space. Foxy shaped head of good proportions and fairly wide skull between ears. Well set round brown eyes. Pricked medium-sized slightly rounded ears, well set. Muzzle tapers to give a correct bite. Fair length to neck, good moulding of front assembly around developing deep chest. Super forechest coming. Well sprung ribs and level topline. Well angulated stifles and straight hocks. Stands on tight oval feet. Lovely free moving action with thrust from the rear, whilst maintaining a level top line. Presented in good coat and condition, for one so young. I am sure he will really hit the top spots and soon become a champion. Not surprised he went best Puppy in Show. BEST OF BREED & BEST PUPPY.

OPEN (3)

1. Irving’s Twinan Put Some Jam on It. A lovely dog but could not come up to the standard of his kennelmate. This chap does not need Jam to make him any sweeter, he has a lovely expression. A very outgoing, friendly character, showing himself off to the full. Very good head with similar attributes for shape, proportions, eyes and ear set as his kennel mate. For me, I thought he was getting a bit too long in body for a Pembroke, length would be fine for a Cardigan. He stands himself off so, which emphasizes his length. Also, I would like a bit more fore chest in a more mature Corgi. Masculine throughout and in tip top condition, as expected from this kennel. On the move he excels further, with his correctly angulated front and rear, covering the ground with ease. Good drive from the rear. 

2. Morris’ Reach for the Stars. A nice 4-year-old dog, more of the old-fashioned type of Corgi. A lot to like about him. He had a very nice Foxy head with correct round brown eyes. Good matured fore chest and front. He moved very well.

ANY VARIETY NOT SEPARATELY CLASSIFIED PASTORAL

PUPPY (5)

1. Ayrton’s Bearded Collie, Briarsfield Little Swan at Aoibh. A 6-month-old bitch puppy at her first show, who coped very well with the weather conditions. She presents a very good outline, showing the correct lean, active look with correct length and proportions. She has a sweet head and expression. Well-proportioned head with broad, flat, square skull coming. Good eyes and ears. Body developing nicely. ribs of nice depth and length. Shoulders sloping well back, well bent stifles and low hocks. She moved out smoothly with a lovely balanced action. Good tail set. Presented in lovely coat and condition. BEST A.V.N.S.C. PASTORAL PUPPY.

JUNIOR (3)

1. Irving’s Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Twinan True Grit. Very nice Cardigan Corgi, as expected from this kennel. Foxy shaped head of good size with well-placed erect ears. Muscular neck, with fore chest coming well. Good length of ribbing, waist evident, firm level top line and well-set tail. Moved very well. Free and active, elbows close fitting. Good reach and drive, covering the ground with ease. Presented in very good condition and nicely boned. Round, tight, rather large feet. I appreciate the front feet turn slightly outwards in Cardigans, but just a bit too much for me on the day. RESERVE BEST A.V.N.S.C.

2. Smith’s Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Ancksunamun Host of Goa’uld. One I have judged before as a puppy, and since, I believe. He has developed into a very nice dog. There is white on his ears, which is acceptable in Cardigans, but it does detract the look of his head. He has a super temperament and attitude. His sire is a favourite of mine. Excellent mouth with strong teeth. Good balanced head with large, slightly tipped round ears. Strong neck, flowing down to well laid shoulders and tight elbows. Good chest and length of body, level topline with clearly defined waist. Well angulated hindquarters. Moved well. Nicely boned and presented in lovely condition. 

POST GRADUATE (1)

      1. Irving’s Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Twinan True Grit. SEE ABOVE.

OPEN (8)

1. Thomas & Lusty’s Collie (Smooth), Blamorder Side Hustle with Mournebrake JW. One of my favourites, who I have judged as a puppy, and I believe since. He is really a lovely tricolored dog, who has matured into a top-quality show dog. I will be very surprised if he does not receive his title soon. He stands with dignity, giving the appearance of true working capacity. Such flowing lines. He has a perfectly balanced head and expression. Well-proportioned head, flat skull, two parallel planes, perceptive stop, ending with well-rounded blunt muzzle. Correct shape and size of eyes giving the required expression. Well placed ears nicely tipped. Well arched neck and good lay of shoulders. Straight, well-boned forelegs. Good chest and firm back. Well bent stifles and hocks well let down. Lovely oval feet and correctly set tail. He has such beautiful free and easy movement, with good length of stride and drive from the rear. In good coat today. BEST A.V.N.S.C.

2. Smith’s Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Ceranda Gower Diamnd JW. Another I have judged before. A nicely made bitch, showing good outline and balance. Good head, dark eyes with kind expression, super large ears, well placed. Good length of neck fitting into well sloping shoulders. Correct front with forearms slightly bowed to mould round the chest. Tight elbows. Sufficient bone and well-muscled throughout. Round, large, tight feet. Nicely bodied with level topline. Hindquarters good with well angulated stifles. Moved very well, reaching in front and drive from behind.

3. Ayrton’s Bearded Colis, Aoibh Drummer Boy JW.

ANY VARIETY IMPORTED BREED REGISTER PASTORAL

OPEN (2)

1. Huntley’s Icelandic Sheepdog, Var Des Monts Lokiral Gris at Puidelup. A very nice attractive black and white Icelandic Sheepdog bitch, who I have seen as a super puppy. She has developed into a very smart, appealing bitch. Very nice structure, of correct proportions, both in head and body. Super wedge-shaped head, with dark brown almond shaped eyes. Excellent ears, which are very mobile and enhance her expression. Balanced throughout with good front and rear angulation to match. High set tail curled over and touching her back. Moved very soundly. Excellent double coat, thick and weather resistant, beautifully presented. BEST A.V. IMPORTED BREED REGISTER.

ANY VARIETY PASTORAL

PUPPY (8)

1. Ayrton’s Bearded Collie, Briarsfield Little Swan at Aoibh. SEE ABOVE.

JUNIOR (12)

 1. Barrow’s Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), Jailhouse Rock of Stormship. SEE ABOVE.

 2. Huntley’s Icelandic Sheepdog, Var Des Monts Lokiral Gris at Puidelup. SEE ABOVE.

 3. Hughes’ Lancashire Heeler, Ribblespride Kruger.

 4. Lawrence’s Lancashire Heeler, Foveaux China Girl JW.

OPEN (9)

1. Amis & Stanley’s German Shepherd Dog, Droyales Present Verdandi JW. Still one of my favourite breeds and this is the type I like. I judged him as a puppy and have seen him a number of times since. He has matured into a very smart show dog. Always well-handled and presented. A workmanship dog, well-balanced and free from exaggeration. Lovely temperament. Good masculine head of correct proportions. Medium sized almond shaped eyes and firm upright ears, set high. Very well constructed, creating the correct shape. Nice oval boned fore legs and good lay of shoulders. Correct flow of topline on firm back. Well-muscled hindquarters with lovely strong, firm hocks. Correct tail. A very sound mover, when given space.

A hard decision between 2nd and 3rd.

2. Hughes’ Lancashire Heeler, Poolheywood Barney JW. A nice 3-year-old black and tan Lancashire Heeler, with super temperament. Perhaps, just a tad longer in body than I would have liked, but he is so well put together. Nice head proportions and good neck. Well sprung ribs and firm straight topline. Excellent tail set. Smart and brisk movement, keeping his topline on the move. Correct coat texture and bone for size. Balanced all through. I appreciate feet can turn slightly outwards in front, just a little bit too much for me on the day. Otherwise, really lovely.

3. Skinner’s Collie (Rough), Ladnar Makeithappen for Nikal.

VETERAN (17)

All excellent quality Veterans, who could beat the young ones any day. A very hard decision between 1st and 2nd who were of similar age.

1. Edwards’ Bearded Collie, Ch. Nellbrook Pure Imagination JW. Eventually, I had to place this one first, mainly due to the quality of her coat. To keep a bitch to this age with the coat she had on the day is a real credit to the owner. A very worthy champion, do I need to say more? She looked so beautiful, a lovely outline on the stand. Perfect head. Super body under that lovely coat. Toned and fit. Her movement was excellent for her age. Precise, supple, smooth, perfect. She covered the ground with minimum effort. I could imagine her flowing over the hills herding her animals. Just lovely. She is so well handled to get the best out of her. I heard later she had won a very strong A.V. Veteran Stakes class, judged by the BIS judge, so I was hoping she would receive a high reward in the BIS ring. Unfortunately, she appeared to get tired at the end of the long day and did not give the performance she gave me. Which was a great shame.

2. Stephens’ German Shepherd Dog, Brightmeadow Who Dares Wins ShCEx. And to another kennel that presents excellent German Shepherd Dogs that I like. I do not understand why this dog is not a champion. Perhaps the wrong judges when he was in his prime. He is another lovely veteran, who is presented and handled to perfection. This dog shouts quality and is unlucky to meet the above. He has an excellent masculine head and super conditioned body. Correct front, good angulation and length of upper arm. Correct topline for me flowing down to sloping croup and muscled hindquarters with strong parallel hocks. He moves very soundly forward and back, with precision in front and super side movement with reach and drive. Presented in super coat for an oldie. 

3. Walsh & Davis’ Ausralian Shepherd, Ch. Thornshavn Maid of Blue for Rosschell JW (IMP POL).

4. Samuel’s Finnish Lapphund, Bridus Ukkonen ShCM.

BEST PASTORAL: Walsh & Davis’ Australian Shepherd, Rosschell Maid to Dream. RESERVE BEST IN SHOW.

RESERVE BEST PASTORAL: Thomas & Lusty’s Collie (Smooth), Blamorder Side Hustle with Mournebrake JW

GROUP THREE: Irving’s Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), Born to be Your Unicum with Twinan (IMP HUN).

GROUP FOUR: Bearsdworth’s Collie (Rough), Wicani Dulcibella Gyda Maysinder

BEST PASTORAL PUPPY: Irving’s Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), Born to be your Unicum with Twinan (IMP HUN). BEST PUPPY IN SHOW.

RESERVE BEST PASTORAL PUPPY: Ferguson’s Shetland Sheepdog, Fervaila Black Cuillin.

PUPPY GROUP THREE; Ayrton’s Bearded Collie, Briarsfield Little Swan at Aoibh.

PUPPY GROUP FOUR: Platt’s German Shepherd Dog, Charbonnel Ruma.

Felicity A. Snook

JUDGE