Kilmarnock & District Canine Club

KILMARNOCK & DISTRICT CANINE CLUB – OPEN SHOW

3rd January 2026

My thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge the Pastoral breeds at this well-organised, friendly show, and to my able stewards Jean and Cathy. I’d also like to thank the exhibitors for braving the cold weather to allow me the honour of judging their dogs. I was delighted with the entry, numerically as well as in depth and breadth of quality across the breeds. Our ring was of good size, allowing exhibits to make the most of their movement. Temperaments and presentation were excellent.

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

Postgraduate (1,0) 1st Nicoll’s Celtacastus Lilo 7 month old bitch who was slightly overawed by proceedings today. Sable, semi long coat, with light markings on head, chest, and breeching. Dark, kind eye. Well-proportioned head with strength to muzzle developing. Well-developed underjaw with clean, tight lips. Correct width of skull between high set, triangular ears carried erect and parallel, giving an alert outlook. Medium length neck flowing into well laid shoulder; she could have more return of upper arm. Good depth of chest to elbow, width yet to develop. Forelegs straight and parallel with strong bone. I would prefer more length of leg. Medium-length pasterns with slight slope. Feet well padded, would just prefer tighter and more arched. Topline almost level with a slight dip behind the withers, leading to a straight back with a slight rise over the loin and short, steep croup. Well angulated rear. She moved soundly with enough drive. Sympathetically handled. BPIB and Puppy Group 3.

Open (4,2) 1st Nicoll’s Kenleap Marble Swirl at Celtacastus 18 month old sable bitch of correct size, with lively, intelligent expression. Weather-resistant coat. Shown in good hard condition. Very feminine, but with strength to skull and muzzle. High set ears with good ear leather, broad at the base and tapering, carried erect and used well in the ring. Correct width of skull for her sex, with slightly domed forehead. Skull and muzzle almost equal in length, subtly punctuated by a slight stop. Strong jaws with a deep scissor bite, complemented by enough underjaw. Her muscular, slightly arched neck flows into a well laid-back shoulder, matched by an equal-length upper arm, at right angles to each other, setting her strong, straight forelegs under well-defined withers. Her forelegs from elbow to ground are about 55% of her height at shoulder, with moderate oval bone, vertical and parallel to each other, flowing into medium-length strong pasterns and terminating in a strong foot with well-arched rounded toes. If nitpicking I would like more depth and width of chest, and more layback of ribcage. Strong loin. Her topline follows a gentle slope from withers to set on of tail, with no break or weakness. Good length of croup, slightly sloping. She has excellent hind angulation with no exaggeration, upper and second thighs well matched in length, with firm hocks leading into strong, vertical rear pasterns. Her good construction translated into powerful, driving movement, neck lowered as she gathered speed, covering the ground with an easy, enduring gait and holding her topline rock steady. BOB.

2nd Gibson’s Droyales Forever Proper at Echosands Striking 2 year old dark sable male, no denying his sex. A handsome boy, proud and self-assured in outlook. Correct straight, hard weather-resistant coat with thick undercoat. Dark brown, intelligent almond eye. Triangular ears set and carried high. Masculine head with powerful wedge-shaped muzzle, equal in length to his broad skull. Strong teeth forming a deep scissor bite, with well-developed jaws and firm lipline. Well-muscled neck of medium length, carried proudly. Shoulders well laid, at 45 degrees to the horizontal, and matched by upper arm of equivalent length and angulation. True front with good width of chest and powerful, muscular straight legs with slightly sloping yet flexible pasterns, not too long. Would just prefer more arch to toes and a tighter foot. He has a good depth of chest with brisket reaching the elbow, and well-sprung ribs. His firm body is well ribbed back to a short, broad, and muscular loin, giving the impression of strength and substance throughout. His back slopes gently in a straight line, gradually and without break, over a long, sloping croup to a low-set sabre tail, tailbone to midpoint of rear pastern. Very well angulated rear with broad thighs and well-defined hocks, although not quite the strength of rear pastern of 1. On initial impression I thought he would be my class winner; however, his mind was not on the job today and unfortunately he did not settle on the move, pacing all the way round the ring. If he got his act together, he could be a force to reckon with.

BEARDED COLLIE

Postgraduate (4,1) 1st Glasgow’s Gallus Hopes and Dreams Beautiful 16 month old brown bitch, correct double coat with a slight wave to the harsh guard hairs, currently in the pale stage. Appealing head, flat skull of the same length and width, with muzzle of equal length. Teeth white and strong with correct bite. Large, soft light brown eyes—producing a sweet expression—toned with her light coat; brown nose also consistent with coat colour. Well-muscled medium-long neck flows into well set and angled shoulders. She stands on straight and strong forelegs, with firm pasterns. Height to length the desired 4 to just over 5 ratio, with long and well-sprung ribcage producing good length of back. Her loin is short and muscular, back firm and level, and she has a correct low-set tail that reaches her hock, carried low on the move. I liked her rear; she has a muscular thigh with good bend of stifle, low set firm hocks and strong, vertical rear pasterns that powered her round the ring with a long striding, efficient action, showing plenty of reach in front. She appeared well capable of a day’s work herding and droving sheep across hilly terrain and bracken, her lean yet sturdy body offering her the ability to slice through gales and rain and the flexibility to change direction on a dime. Her smooth, ground-covering gait and consistency also won her the Open class against the lovely BVIB. An exciting youngster, all the best with her. BOB

2nd Ryan’s Gallus Midas Touch into Razkal Masculine 16 month old dog with correct harsh, shaggy light brown double coat. Littermate to 1 and sharing many of the same attributes, with little to split them. Strong young male, lean and with desired length of body, with enough daylight underneath. Broad, flat skull of equal length and width, with strong muzzle of the same length and not too pronounced a stop. Well-developed jaws and correct dentition. Large brown nose, brown eye rims and lips with solid pigment. Light brown eyes toned with his coat, set wide apart, with soft, intelligent expression. Well-muscled forequarters. Good length of neck into well sloped, long shoulder. Forelegs strong and straight into flexible pasterns with slight slope, and oval slightly arched feet. Long ribcage, well sprung, without excessive width, to maintain desired lean frame. Long lower thigh and good bend of stifle flowing into a low, well-defined firm hock. Strong, short vertical rear pasterns. Strong positive mover who maintained his level topline on the move, showing plenty of reach and drive.

3rd Savage & McLean’s Strufingill Penny Benjamin at Canaich

Open (3,0) 1st Ryan’s Gallus Hopes and Dreams, also winner of Postgraduate; notes as above.

2nd Talraz Comic Relief at Canaich JW VW Handsome slate male oozing quality and type, three months shy of 9 years old but showing little sign of his age. No doubting his sex. Length of his body from chest to buttock slightly exceeds his height. Large, dark eyes producing the correct affectionate and enquiring Beardie expression. Large black nose. Strong muzzle with good depth and width, well-developed jaws with strong, still-white teeth and correct dentition. I would just prefer a tad more skull and stop to balance his muzzle. Abundant double coat with straight guard hairs, ever so slightly softer for its colour but still retaining the desired shaggy, harsh texture, with dense and close undercoat, giving good weather resistance. Despite the sturdiness of his body and abundance of his coat, he shows ample daylight underneath. Shoulders well sloping but would like slightly more return of upper arm. His chest is deep with good width, moderate spring of rib, with long ribcage carried back to a well-muscled loin that could be just slightly shorter. Hindquarters well angulated and powerful, with well-turned stifles and strong, well-let down hocks. The overall impression he gives is of leanness, strength, and flexibility—a dog that is correctly built to work sheep on treacherous terrain in all weathers. On the move he did not disappoint, his long striding, far-reaching gait covering the ground fluidly with ease and efficiency. In serious contention for BOB, he was just pipped to the post by the young bitch who did not put a foot wrong today. BVIB. Veteran Group 2.

3rd Muir’s Douglasdale Dream Island VW

BORDER COLLIE

Postgraduate (3,1):

Two raw babies, similar in age but at different stages of growth and development.

1st Kempton’s Borderbrook Special Dream 7 month old black and white bitch, well-balanced in appearance, alert in outlook. Head feminine, whilst retaining breadth of skull and desired short, strong muzzle, punctuated by a well-defined stop. Ears semi-erect, mobile and used well. Bone strong without being too heavy. Dark brown eye giving kind, soft expression. Correct scissor bite. She stood on a correct true front with decent width of chest for her age. She has good length of neck and a well placed shoulder with equal return of upper arm to place her straight, parallel forelegs well under her body. Knuckles have a fair bit of developing to do yet. Strong feet with close, well-arched toes, well padded. Body well ribbed back to a short loin. Back level with croup dropping off gently to a low-set tail, tailbone to hock. She carried her tail correctly both standing and moving. Good second thigh, ample bend of stifle, and low-set hocks. She won this class on her movement, dropping her head and showing a steady, free, efficient gait. Handled to advantage. BPIB and Puppy Group 2.

2nd Sloan’s Inverstag Tennessee Whisky Rather handsome 8 month old black and white male, with attractive blaze and full collar. Semi-erect ears, sensitive and used well in the ring. Dark brown oval eyes sparkling with alertness. Broad skull and short, tapering, strong muzzle, with enough stop. Correct scissor bite. Well-constructed and balanced all through, with strong neck of good length broadening into correctly angulated shoulders, elbows under withers. Forelegs strong— although proportionately less bone for size than 1, he shows no sign of weediness. Pasterns have the desired slight slope, leading into tight, arched oval feet with strong, thick pads. Good depth and width of chest for his age, ribcage carried well back and loin short. Topline firm and level, merging with gently sloping croup. His tail is set and carried low, and of correct length. Good rear angulation, although firmness of hock and strength of rear pastern still developing. Needs to firm up and mature on the move; this will come as he has everything in the right place. A promising baby who came close to the winning the class, but was outmoved by the bitch who is just more ‘together’ at this age.

Open (3,1) 1st Sloan’s Locheil Give Me Love from Inverstag Honest 3 and a ½ year old black and white bitch. Outline well-balanced all through with excellent proportions, free standing perfectly four square without requiring any assistance from her handler. Shown in hard working condition, with weather-resistant double coat. Lovely head, feminine, with a distinct stop, broad skull and short muzzle, of equal length to skull. Correct scissor bite. Dark brown oval eyes set wide apart, with a gentle and kind expression. Semi-erect ears set well apart on skull, mobile and used to advantage, conveying typical keen and alert outlook. She has a textbook front, with a strong, slightly arched neck of good length flowing into a very well-laid shoulder, at 90 degrees to her equal-length upper arm. She has good forechest. I would encourage her handler to drop his hand while baiting to allow her to look forward rather than straight up at him, which would make the most of her exemplary front assembly. Chest broad and deep, with lowest edge reaching to elbow, and good spring of rib. Elbows directly under withers and carried close to her body, both standing and moving. Her forelegs are strong, vertical, and parallel, flowing into strong yet flexible pasterns. Well ribbed with short and muscular loin, correct length of body for a bitch. Level topline dropping off gradually over long, lightly sloping croup to a low set white-tipped tail with a slight upward swirl—tailbone to hock—that was carried correctly, whether she was standing, moving or wagging her tail at her handler. Her excellent front angles were mirrored by those of her hindquarters. She has good length of thigh, broad and muscular, stifle well turned, into well let down, well defined hocks and strong, short rear pasterns that stand absolutely vertical when viewed from behind. When asked to move, she floated round the ring with stealth and effortlessness, dropping her head to maintain a level topline, good reach in front matched by powerful drive from rear, paws barely lifting as she covered ground, true coming and going. BOB and Group 2.

2nd Kempton’s Art Of Blossom Drowned In Emotion Into Borderbrook JW (IMP ESP) 2 year old, appealing black and white male. Ample substance to convey strength and stamina, with no hint of coarseness. Beautifully presented in quality double coat of correct texture with dense undercoat. Very handsome head. Excellent breadth and depth to skull and foreface, which were equal in length. Muzzle strong and tapering, with well-developed jaws and deep scissor bite. He has soft, intelligent, oval, medium-sized dark brown eyes set well apart. Semi-erect ears, set correctly, mobile and sensitive. Attractive moderate blaze and full white collar. Strong neck flows gracefully into well laid sloping shoulder. Legs strong and well boned, without being excessively heavy, although today he tended to toe out, which cost him. Good length of body, firm and well ribbed, with level topline flowing into a good-length, gently sloped croup. Correct low set on, length, and carriage of tail. He has a long, muscular thigh and excellent bend of stifle. He covered the ground fluidly with extended sidegait. Extremely well handled, his responsiveness to his handler conveying breed-typical keenness and biddability.

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Postgraduate (5,1) 1st Hepburn’s Dippersmoor Dare to Dream at Leterikhills Tricolour dog of immediate appeal, 12 months old today. Lovely straight, harsh deep-black coat in abundance, with rich tan markings and white frill. Elegant, long, wedge-shaped ‘one piece’ head, size in proportion to his body. Flat skull, with small, semi-erect ears set high. Black nose and eye rims. Medium sized dark brown eyes, set obliquely and almond shaped, giving soft, melting expression. He has strong jaws with tight, clean, black lips, underjaw well developed for age. Correct scissor bite with good dentition. His neck is strong and proudly arched, to well laid back shoulders matched by upper arm of equal length and layback to position his elbow under his withers at half the height of his body. His forelegs are well muscled and straight, leading into good pasterns with strength and flexibility and correct oval, well arched, tight feet. Body firm, slightly longer than tall, with a well sprung, heart-shaped ribcage carried well back. Level backline with gentle rise over the loin and sloping croup. Tail set on low, length just reaching to hock, with a slight swirl upwards at the end. His rear angles match those of the front, with broad thighs, low-set hocks, and well-boned rear pasterns. Impressed with his effortless and ground-covering movement, with correct lithe, graceful action and convergence at working trot. Did not stop showing for his handler today. A promising youngster, one to watch. BPIB and Puppy Group 1.

2nd Forbes’ Degallo The Name of The Game Another quality young male, 17 month old rich red sable presented in good harsh-textured, abundant jacket. Presents a lovely, balanced outline. Sweet, well-shaped head, carried proudly, with correct width of skull and well-placed small, semi-erect ears. Eye a dark, oblique almond, with a gentle, kind expression. Nose, eye rims, and lips black. His skull tapers from ears to nose to form a long, blunt wedge, with subtle stop. He has strong jaws and a scissor bite, with well defined underjaw and firm lipline. His well arched neck enhances his nice outline, and flows into correctly laid shoulders. Would prefer a tad more return of upper arm, if nitpicking. Good depth and width of chest; well ribbed, with ribcage correctly tapered from top to bottom. Slightly longer in the back than 1. His back is level with a graceful sweep over the loin, to a gently sloping croup. Tail set on low and carried low, tailbone easily reaching the hock, and sweeping gently upwards at the end. Well-constructed hindquarters, with muscular thighs and well angulated stifle into clean cut hock. Straight and strong rear pasterns. Foot oval and well padded, would like slightly tighter. A little unsettled today, but did enough to show me a lithe, effortless, smooth gait with plenty of drive.

3rd Ferguson’s Fervaila Black Cuillin

4th Ewing & McFarlane’s Sommerville Tamborine Man

Open (3,0) 1st Forbes’ Ch Degallo’s The Prodigy Superb 17 month old sable and white male who caught my eye instantly. Not surprised to note he is a champion. Straight, harsh weather-resistant double coat, well-presented and abundant, with a pronounced mane and frill. The sweetest of heads, masculine yet soft and melting, giving him a refined outlook. Head tapering from ears to nose in a long wedge, with good width of skull topped by small, semi-erect ears, set high and placed close together, that he used well. Expressive dark almond eye, set at an oblique and medium-sized. Strong jaws and good underjaw, with correct bite. He is well constructed, with a proudly arched, muscular neck of good length into well set back shoulders, at 90 degrees to his upper arm. Forelegs set well under. Well boned forelegs giving impression of strength, without any sign of coarseness. Pasterns strong, yet have slight spring and slope, giving flexibility. Good width of chest between forelegs, and depth to elbow, with tapering ribcage carried well back to a strong loin. Slightly long cast. Backline is level, with gentle rise over loin. His croup slopes slightly and his tail is set low, reaching to the hock, and covered with profuse coat. Carried low standing as well as on the move. Well-made rear, with muscular thighs, well turned stifles, low hocks and straight, strong rear pasterns. Hindquarters reflect the forequarters in angulation, producing a picture of balance and symmetry. Correct oval foot with well arched, close toes and strong, thick pads. He moved out positively, covering the ground with a smooth, graceful driving action, feet converging correctly under him as he gathered speed round the ring. Shown in well-muscled firm condition and handled to advantage. BOB.

2nd Shaw’s Bramblecroft Reeba at Bluequarry VW Elegant dark sable and white bitch, nearly 8 years old. She has a sweet, dignified outlook. Classic ‘one-piece head’, a long tapering blunt wedge with slight stop, topline of muzzle and top of skull in parallel planes when viewed from the side. Jaws strong, bite correct but showing minor signs of age. She has a lovely dark almond eye, not too small, and set obliquely. Black nose, lips, and eye rims. Her semi-erect ears are small and set high, although could be a little closer together on her skull. She sports an abundance of harsh, straight outercoat and soft, dense undercoat. A relatively compact frame, but very well-balanced and symmetrical. Well put together all through, with good arch of neck giving her proud head carriage, shoulders well laid back and sloping, matched by upper arm of equal length and angulation. Elbow set under withers at half her height, placing forelegs where they should be. Strong bone, without heaviness and coarseness. Legs straight, with pasterns showing good strength for her age. Good spring of rib, with correctly shaped tapering ribcage. She is well ribbed and her loin is short. Her back is level with a graceful sweep over the loins and slight slope to her croup. Excellent tail completing her graceful flowing outline, set on correctly with gentle swirl at the end and abundantly covered with hair, with tailbone easily reaching to the level of the hock. She has a strong rear with muscular thighs and well angulated stifles. Well defined hocks, well let down to firm rear pasterns. Her feet are tight and well arched, toes close together, padded well. A lovely positive mover, covering the ground effortlessly with good reach and drive, straight and true on the down-and-back, with correct convergence. A real showgirl, her performance tireless and consistent over a long, cold afternoon. BVIB, Veteran Group 1, and RBVIS.

3rd Hepburn’s Leterikhills River Lass

FINNISH LAPPHUND

Open (2,0) 1st Meikle & Henderson’s Ch Elbereth Etiainen at Lintukoto JW Most striking 2 and a ½ year old tricolour male, worthy champion. Masculine, with abundant mane—no doubting his sex. Appealed instantly for his strong typey head, moderate, balanced outline, and profuse coat that was rich black on the body, with lighter tan and pale markings on the muzzle and throat, chest, legs, and tail. Attractive black mask. Texture of outer coat coarse and straight, with plenty of soft, dense undercoat, forming the all-important correct weather-resistant double coat essential for Arctic survival. His head is broad with strong features, with gently rounded foreskull. Muzzle shorter than skull, strong, tapering only slightly to form a powerful broad wedge. Skull and muzzle punctuated by distinct stop. Strong jaws with a correct scissor bite. Good underjaw. Black lips, tight, clean, and closely fitted—also necessary for a dog from the Arctic, where saliva would otherwise pool and freeze. Black nose with only the slightest seasonal fading in pigment. His eyes are oval and dark brown, with black rims. Erect ears are set well apart on the skull, with thick ear leather and well protected with hair, mobile and used well. Overall expression and outlook most typical—soft and endearing, albeit conveying strength and substance. Neck muscular with enough length, set correctly into a well laid shoulder, with strong, well-boned, straight forelegs set well under him flowing into medium-long pasterns of slight slope. Correct width of forechest. Brisket just shy of elbow, as is correct for the breed. Oval, well-furred feet with thick strong pads. Ribs moderately sprung, carried well back to a short and toned loin. Slight tuck to underline. His back is broad, level, and muscular, and croup slopes very slightly to a high set, profusely coated tail that was carried over the back standing and moving. He has exceptionally strong hindquarters, with powerfully muscled thighs and well turned stifles. Hocks are well let down into well boned, straight rear pasterns. Moved out strongly, straight as an arrow on the down and back, covering ground economically with moderate, balanced strides going round. Could not be denied BOB today. Group 1.

2nd Clark’s Aateli Koira Vakker Yuna at Lumenico (IMP FRA) Pretty wolf sable bitch, almost 2 years old, of nice size, being smaller than medium. Gives impression of strength and robustness, without losing any femininity or softness. Very well handled and presented today. Double coat profuse and abundant, of correct coarse texture of guard hairs and plenty of soft, close undercoat. Quality headpiece, with broad skull and medium-size ears set wide apart, broad at base and slightly tipped; mobile in use. Dark brown oval eye. Well-defined stop. Muzzle a blunt wedge, shorter than skull, with strong jaws and scissor bite. Tight, clean lipline. Lips, eye rims, and nose all deep black. Her features pull together to give lovely softness of expression with gentle, friendly outlook. Medium-length strong neck, slightly arched and well covered with thick coat. Excellent layback of shoulder, prefer slightly more return of upper arm. Legs well boned. Could strengthen a little in front, she just tended to stand a tad wide and out on the foreleg today. Good feet, oval, with arched, well furred toes and thick pads. Strong deep chest, lowest edge just higher than elbow. Medium spring of rib and strong muscular loin, very slight tuck up under. Moderate angulation to stifle, with strong thighs and clean hocks. Tail of good length, covered with profuse harsh coat and carried close over her gently sloped croup. She moves soundly, with a brisk effortless trot and medium length of stride.

WELSH CORGI (PEMBROKE)

Open (5,1) 1st Manson’s Calwinii’s Aqua Bloom 2 and a ½ year old fawn and white bitch, strongly built and workmanlike, with characteristic ‘foxy’ head and lovely typical outline. She has excellent substance and is low set, with bright, intelligent outlook. Flat, wide skull and tapering muzzle with medium stop; well-developed jaws with correct scissor bite. Round, medium-brown eyes toning with coat, set well apart with alert expression. Black nose, eyerims, and lips. Her erect ears are medium sized, broad at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips, set well apart on her skull. She has a lovely elegant long neck that enhances her alert, confident manner. Very well boned, strong forelegs, lower forelegs straight and upper forelegs wrapping around her chest to give close-fitting elbows. Well laid shoulder at textbook right angles to her upper arm. Good breadth and depth of chest, with brisket set low. Well-sprung ribs, with her length of body derived from the length of her ribcage. Coat over croup and withers gives false impression of a slight dip mid-backline—hands-on examination confirms that her topline is level. Her tailset follows on from her flowing topline, with a good length tail. Her rear angles complement those of her front, and hindlegs are strong and amply boned, to oval, well-arched, well-padded feet. It was on the move that this quality bitch really excelled, catching my eye early on when she went round the ring with the rest of the class. Free brisk action, with forelegs providing ample reach and hindlegs producing strong forward propulsion, good flexibility in hock allowing her to extend her rear pasterns on the move. BOB and Group 4.

2nd McColl’s Cattal’s A Black Tie Affair (IMP USA) Glamorous 12 month old tricolour male, with white collar. Handsome and masculine. Broad flat skull with comparatively short, tapering muzzle. Stop slightly more pronounced than moderate. Strong jaws and correct scissor bite. His round, dark-brown eyes sparkle with intelligence and alertness. Medium-sized erect ears are set correctly on skull, with rounded tips. Head features come together to give characteristic ‘foxy’ expression. Presents typical outline, with good reach of neck, level topline, short legs, and well let down chest. Good length of body. Not as amply boned as 1 at this stage, but he is only just out of Puppy. He sports an excellent forehand, with well-laid shoulder and equal-length upper arm at a 90 degree angle. Ribcage well sprung and carried well back, chest broad and deep. Excellent rear, mirroring the correct angles of his front, with well-boned hindlegs and straight rear pasterns. His feet are oval, tight, and arched, with tough pads and short nails. Moved out positively, with good reach from forelegs and brisk driving action. Beautifully presented, in excellent condition, and never stopped showing for his handler today. A most promising youngster.

3rd Hyndman’s Twinan Raise The Stakes

Res Browns’ Daleabbey’s Aria at Calwinii Deserving of a critique as she won BVIB. Quality mature sable and white bitch, 7 years old, many of the same attributes as her daughter who won BOB. Unfortunately a little excitable on the move today, which made her movement difficult to assess. BVIB, Veteran Group 3

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

Open (2,1) 1st Pugh, MacKenzie & McTaggart’s Northbay Xsells Can't B'leaf My I's Attractive 3 year old dog presenting a stunning, well-balanced outline. Masculine, a real showman, with keen and animated outlook. Shown in hard condition. Blue merle, with rich tan markings on head and rear pasterns. White foreface and part-forehead, but ears and eye area feature merle and tan colouring. He has a correct weather-resistant coat with slight wave to hair and a moderate mane that underlines his masculinity. Good length of body, being slightly longer than he is tall. Cleanly chiselled head, with slightly rounded skull of equal width and length. Tapering muzzle, which was rounded off at the tip, would prefer slightly shorter relative to skull. Jaws strong with scissor bite. Would like slightly more stop. Arresting electric blue eyes, with unbroken pigment on eye rims and nose. Medium-sized ears set high, semi-tipped. He had proud reach of neck, arched and muscular, flowing gracefully into a long shoulderblade of excellent layback that is connected to an equal-length upper arm at right angles, placing his elbow directly under his withers at half their height from the ground. His forelegs are strong and straight with correct oval bone to gently sloping pasterns that show good strength and flexibility; he has tight feet that are well arched and padded. Moderate width of chest and good depth, with well set back ribcage possessing desired spring. His underline shows a subtle tuck up. Topline is level and his croup slopes gently. Natural bobtail. The angles of his muscular hindquarters mirror those of his front, producing exemplary balance. Excellent firm hocks with strength to rear pasterns, which are absolutely vertical and parallel to each other. On the move he held his topline, with balanced and moderate stride. I would just like to see him given more length of lead when moving; his taut lead restricted his movement somewhat today, limiting the reach that his construction suggests he should have in spades. BOB and Group 3.

ROUGH COLLIE

Postgraduate (1,0) 1st Clark Kerr’s Salsina Love Me Do For Whitecraigs Gorgeous 18 month old sable and white bitch. Sassy young madam, chatty and cheeky, lots to love indeed. Quality coat, straight and harsh in texture, with dense, soft undercoat. Profuse mane and frill framing her pretty head. Loveliest of heads, a cleanly chiselled long blunt wedge with toplines of skull and muzzle forming equal-length, parallel planes. Flat skull, with small ears set moderately wide apart, tops tipping forward, well-furred at the base. Jaws strong with correct deep scissor bite. Nose is black. Loved her eyes—oblique, dark-brown and almond-shaped, sparkling with intelligence (and mischief). Proudly arched neck, muscular and long, to long, sloping shoulders. Good spring of ribs, chest deep and broad. Her back is firm and strong, with graceful rise over the loin. Her legs are strong and well-muscled, with correct well-padded, arched oval feet. Correct length of body, slightly exceeding her height, well-muscled all through. Strongly made rear, with broad thighs, well-turned stifles, low-set clean cut hocks, and strong vertical rear pasterns. Tail of correct length and profusely coated, with tailbone reaching hock, carried low at rest and when moving. This young bitch certainly impressed on the move. She powered around the ring with an open extended sidegait, her movement smooth, light, and effortless, elbows held close to the body and feet converging in front as she approached at full trot. An exciting youngster who should have a good future. BOB

Open (2,0) 1st Hobkirks’ Chantique Sugar Moon Very pretty 4 and a ½ year old golden sable and white bitch, dignified and feminine in appearance. She has a refined and elegant head, with correct parallel planes of skull and muzzle, topped with small ears, set correctly with plenty of coat at the base. Excellent double coat, harsh and straight, enhancing her typical outline, with profuse mane and frill framing her sweet features. Ample dense, close undercoat. Her long, muscular neck gives her a proud outlook, and flows gracefully into long, well laid shoulderblade. Chest deep and broad, ribcage well-sprung and carried well back to a short, muscular loin. Her legs are strong with correct round bone, moderate all through. Hocks well let down, with pleasing rear angles. Tail abundantly coated, set and carried low, reaching the hock and sweeping upward slightly at the end. She moved well in the class with light, long-reaching strides and correct parallel movement on the out, holding elbows to her body and bringing front feet close together coming back. However, she seemed to lose interest in the challenge and was outmoved by the younger bitch.

2nd Clark Kerr’s Uffspring Uniquely Mayd for Whitecraigs Glamorous 6 and a ½ year old tricolour bitch, with attractive white collar and frill. Shown in good coat of correct texture, with soft, dense undercoat covering the skin. Classic one-piece head, cleanly chiselled, with a gentle and kind expression. Jaws strong with good-sized teeth forming correct bite, underjaw well defined. Her outline is graceful and balanced. Head is carried proudly on a long and well-arched neck. Her ears are small, semi-tipped, and set moderately wide apart, well furred at the base. She has excellent layback of shoulder, and strength to forelegs and pasterns despite her maturity. Correct length of body relative to her height, derived from that of rib rather than loin. Backline is level with slight rise over the loin, to a correctly set and carried tail that reaches to just below her hock. Overall, this charming mature bitch presents a lovely, balanced outline, her features all pulling together to create typical elegant, dignified outlook. Although moving true with correct foot placement, unfortunately today she could not match the smoothness and lightness of action of the younger girls.

Judge: Lini Owen (Svetllen)