Lichfield Canine Society

Lichfield Canine Society – Border Collies

Jill Spurr (Dreamwork)

My thanks to the committee of Lichfield CS for their kind invitation to judge. It is a well run show, with generous ring size which enabled me to really see the exhibits’ movement. Thank you too to my stewards, who kept the ring moving without ever rushing anyone, and to Border Collie Club of GB who supported the classes.

The dogs varied in type but all were well-muscled, with correct scissor bites and I was pleased to see excellent length to tails, something that is becoming hit and miss in our breed, sadly.

Puppy (4, 3)

1 Askey’s Piece of Happiness Tornado at Petalnote – 9 mnths black and white male. Still raw and very much a baby, but showing promise and learning his job. His outline is nicely balanced, with front angles matching the back. He has a good length of neck into strong shoulders. He was at times unsettled on the move, but when he concentrates, he is capable of decent reach, maintaining his topline and appearing smooth and effortless. BP

Junior (2,2)

Post Graduate (3,2)

1 Tunnicliff & Tunnicliff’s Littlethorn Chiqui – 20 mnths black and white bitch. Feminine headpiece with mobile ears and super length of neck. Nicely angled front and back with a level topline, graceful slope to the croup and good depth of chest. Her movement is smooth and effortless, with good reach and drive, low lift of foot and correct carriage of head and tail. She moves steadily throughout, giving the impression of being well capable of a day’s work. Still has maturing to do, but a super young bitch that should have an excellent career ahead of her. RBOB, which she won on her smooth and consistent movement.

2 Allison’s Wenmap Topkapi Gem – almost 3 yrs black and white bitch that I really like, full of personality. Different in type to 1, well off for bone but balanced in outline and very feminine. Lovely head with mobile ears sensitive in use. Neck of good length, shoulders well laid back and excels in rear angles. She was another one who was unsettled at times on the move, but when she shows you what she is made of, her movement is excellent with reach and drive.

3 Hodson & Johnson’s Littlethorn Mini Two

Limit (5,5)

Open (5,2)

1st Lee & Ratcliffe’s Sh Ch Arrodare True Legend – 5 yrs black and white male. Absolute showman who was on top form today. Masculine head of correct proportions and mild, intelligent gaze. Mobile ears sensitive in use and attentive to his handler. He has the most beautiful arch to his neck, which is of good length flowing into his excellent topline to a graceful curve of his croup. Well off for bone, with balanced angles front and back. His movement is foot perfect, head and tail carried low, low lift of foot and effortless throughout. Shown in tip top condition and handled to get the very best out of him. BOB

2 Buckley’s Amkamel Half Blood Prince JW 3yrs black and white male. Lovely outline on the stand – I like his height. Masculine throughout, and well proportioned. Well angulated front and back, good length of neck and level topline which he maintained on the move. Not as smooth in his movement as 1 or RBOB, which is a shame as he is built to flow.

3 Webb’s Borderbrook Fire and Flame ShCEx